5 Problems With Rigid Foam Board Insulation

1. Rigid Board Insulation does not prevent radiant heat transfer (The primary source of heat-flow in and out of your building).

2. The R-value diminishes slightly over time especially if the foil face is removed.

3. It will absorb moisture if wet and degrade in sunlight.

4. In cold weather, warm inside air containing water vapor can get past the wall finish and insulation, condensing inside the colder wall cavity. In hot, humid climates the same thing can happen in the reverse direction. Humid outdoor air in the summer can condense inside cool, air conditioned wall cavities. If enough of this happens and the water cannot escape, wood rot and mold can occur.

5. Reflective insulation board is an improvement, but since it only has one reflective surface, it fails to reflect back the heat inside the building.

Aliases of Rigid Board Insulation

foam board, rigid foam insulation, board insulation, foam board insulation, polyisocyanurate, polyiso board, polystyrene, rigid foam insulation.

Alternative To Rigid Foam Board Insulation

Prodex Total Insulation = reflective insulation + radiant barrier + vapor barrier all in one product.

What Makes Prodex Total Insulation Superior to Rigid Foam Board Insulation?

R-value 16 unaffected by humidity
Prevents 97% of radiant heat transfer
Vapor barrier
Prevents condensation
19dba contact noise reduction
90 degree celsius (194 fahrenheit) contact temperature rating
UV resistance
Does not promote mold or mildew
Does not provide for nesting of rodents, bugs or birds
Seals around nails (no leak)
Energy Star Qualified : ICC-ES Recognized
Member of US Green Building Council - Made with 100% recyclable virgin raw materials

Basement Walls Need Prodex Total To Serve As Vapor Barrier

Excess moisture can cause mold, mildew, odors, decay, fungus growth and wood rot. Due to the underground environment, moisture is the primary consideration in developing a basement wall insulation strategy.

The underground environment of walls below grade presents unique challenges. The moisture content in soil below three feet deep is almost always higher than the moisture content of the air inside. This difference in vapor pressure causes moisture to be driven from the soil into the basement or crawlspace interior by diffusion through the wall. A significant amount of moisture from the soil below the slab will wick upward into the basement through the slab.

Recommended Insulation Product for basements: Prodex Total 48 Inch Insulation

Installing Basement Wall Insulation