January 22, 2012. Rigid Board Insulation vs. Prodex Total Insulation

It does not prevent radiant heat transfer (The primary source of heat-flow in and out of your structure). More expensive than Prodex, the R-value diminishes slightly over time especially if the foil face is removed. It will absorb moisture if wet and degrade in sunlight. 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. Reflective insulation board is an improvement, but it only has one reflective surface and it lacks the  R-16 value, radiant barrier and the vapor barrier protection of Prodex Total Insulation.

Rigid Board Insulation is also referred to as: foam board , rigid foam insulation, board insulation, foam board insulation, polyisocyanurate, polyiso board, polystyrene, rigid foam insulation.

Comparison of other insulations