InSoFast Outperforms Conventional Wall Systems
A Wall System built with InSoFast Panels will outperform
a Frame Wall with R-13 Fiberglass Insulation in 17 categories!
Framed Walls |
InSoFast Wall System |
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| Wall System Description | A concrete wall along with a 2x4 wall framed at 16" o.c. installed with R-13 fiberglass insulation as well as a vapor barrier that is often used to keep moisture from reaching the drywall. | InSoFast panels installed against a concrete wall with a drywall finish. |
Actual Thermal Performance of Wall System |
R-Value of 10.22 |
R-Value of 11.08
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| Thermal Breaks | Each stud location represents a thermal short circuit in the insulating barrier, allowing moisture-filled air to pass. When wood 2x4 framing is used, 15 - 25% of the wall surface is comprised of 2x4 framing that is R-4. | InSoFast Panels are manufactured with fully insulated studs which eliminate thermal breaks. Inter-locking flanges create a tight seal at each panel connection. |
| Moisture Effect on R-Value | Fiberglass can lose as much as 80% of its R-value when exposed to even low moisture levels, which are common below grade. Moisture leads to wood decay. | When exposed to moisture, the R-value of InSoFast Panels remains constant and will shed liquid water. |
| Permeability | Frame walls built with vapor barriers are impermeable, trapping moisture inside the wall cavity where moisture can lead to mold and decay. | InSoFast Panels are vapor semi-permeable and do no inhibit the walls ability to dry. |
| Temperature Effect | Fiberglass insulation loses as much as 40% of its insulating capacity when temperatures fall below 20˚F and over half its R-value below 0˚F. | The thermal performance of InSoFast Panels is not degraded by changes in temperature. In fact, studies have shown R-values to improve as temperatures decrease. |
| Compression Effect | Fiberglass must be fully expanded to work properly. If it is stuffed into openings or compressed by plumbing or electrical wires, it loses most of its R-value. | Wires are easily installed into pre-formed channels in the InSoFast panel. |
Mold and Mildew |
Organic wood studs absorb moisture and support mold growth. Fiberglass insulation also absorbs moisture and promotes mold growth. | InSoFast panels do not promote mold growth. Semi-permeable panels allow moisture to dry inward as recommended by the Building Science Consortium. |
Off-gassing Indoor Air Quality |
Wood building materials and fiberglass insulation are often treated with preservatives and formaldyhyde. Mold and airborne toxins contaminate the indoor air quality. |
InSoFast panels manufactured with no ozone depleting CFCs or HCFCs. No toxins or formaldehyde is produced. The InSoFast panels are inert and experience no physical or chemical breakdown over time. |
| Strength & Stability | Wood frame construction exceeds strength requirements but degrades over time. Wood framing members warp and twist as moisture levels vary. Nail “pops” are common. | InSoFast panels are stable and unaffected by moisture variances. Panels exceed a 2,000# pull test. Polyproplene studs provide a stable surface with superior holding power and elimiante nail pops. |
| Water Absorbtion of Insulation | Fiberglass insulation can hold many times its weight in water. Water damaged fiberglass insulation must be removed and replaced. | The maximum adsorbtion by total immersion is less than 3% moisture content for the InSoFast panel. ASTM:D6817 |
| Water Absorbtion of Framing Members | The standard moisture content for above grade wood framed wall is 10 - 15%. By adding just 5% more moisture, such as in a basement installation, mold will grow. |
The InSoFast stud is a plastic product and will not absorb water or rot away. |
| Vapor Control | Basement walls must be able to dry. For walls built below grade, drying typically means towards the interior. Adding vapor barriers to control the moisture actually keeps the moisture from being able to dry properly. If placed directly against the masonry wall, an impermeable barrier keeps moisture from being able to dry towards the interior. If installed over the wood frame moisture is trapped inside the wall cavity causing wood to rot and mold to grow. | InSoFast Panels are a Type III Vapor Retarder and are inherently mold resistant. This type of semi-permeable foam is the perfect insulating material for basements. Moisture is able to dry inward as recommended by the Building Science Consortium. |
| Installing Insulation | The performance of the thermal barrier is dependent in part upon the quality of workmanship. For fiberglass insulation to work effectively, it must be in continuous contact with its surrounding surfaces on all six sides. It is virtually impossible for installers to achieve this on a job site. Even the smallest gap allows air circulation which kills the insulation value. | InSoFast Panels are installed in a consistent manner with no gaps. Tongue & groove connections and alignment notches make installations foolproof. Thermal performance is consistent. |
| Space Savings | The current standard of frame construction with ½” drywall and a 1” air gap requires 5”. The air gap is an attempt to keep the fiberglass from coming in direct contact with the concrete surface. | With InSoFast, every room will be larger.The panel is 2” thick including the built-in drainage channels. |
| Environmental Impact | Wood framing members are produced from trees and treated with preservatives. Fiberglass insulation is often produced with formaldahyde. | No trees are harvested leaving them to absorb CO2. InSoFast panels require 25% less energy to produce than fiberglass insulation. The InSoFast studs are made from 100% recycled material. |
| Durability - Service Life | Wood frame walls attract moisture, mold, and insects which eventually leads to wood rot and deterioration. | InSoFast Panels are not susceptible to moisture, insects, or mold and provide an unlimited service life. |