Insulation Value Comparison

Compare the value of these different assemblies.

476 sq-ft. » 1,800 sq-ft. »

How does InSoFast measure up when it comes to value?  We compare typical remodeling situations and draw a comparison between the “Lumber Stores,” materials purchases vs the InSoFast delivered method. The comparison should include factors like the cost, weight, and delivery of materials. Also include the average number of parts and pieces you’ll have to deal with during your installation, material and handling cost. Finally consider the labor cost for installation. It will take at least week’s worth of labor to assemble and source lumber store materials. In-So-Fast  is a one call and delivered system that you can install it in a week-end.

Our cost comparison does not include taxes, shipping or contractors associated with the traditional wood framing assemblies.  InSoFast’s comparison INCLUDES the materials delivered curbside to your project including Do-It-Yourself simplicity.

Totals (including the InSoFast Panels) are based on material and pricing from Menards and Home Depot via Northeast regional zip codes (yes, prices and quality varies) as of 04/06/2022. 

The Answers

* We include curbside delivery 

The Small Project Breakdown: 68 ft. × 7 ft. = 476 sq-ft.

In this example, we only insulate two outside walls. The floor-to-ceiling height is 7 ft. and the total length of the walls to be covered is 68 lineal feet (23 + 22 + 23). Multiplying the total length by the total height (68 × 8), this project requires material that will cover 476 sq-ft.

Wood Framing

2x4x8′ #2 Prime Treated bottom plate	9	@	$6.58	$59.22
2x4x8′ Studs – 16″O.C. framing	56	@	$6.98	$390.88
2x4x8′ Top plate	17	@	$6.98	$118.66
1″ Rigid foam insulation board (4’x8′) 2 layers	30	@	$24.97	$749.10
Insulation board adhesive	14	@	$10.68	$149.52
Tapcon 3/16 in. x 3-1/4 in. Concrete Anchors	1	@	$25.98	$25.98
SS 16d framing nails for studs to bottom plate	3	@	$8.69	$26.07
Nails – 16d framing nails	1	@	$23.96	$23.96
Nails – 8d framing nails to toe nailing studs	1	@	$23.96	$23.96
Shims	3	@	$1.78	$5.34
Material cuts estimated:			125
Total Parts:			466
Total Weight:			1262 lbs.
Total Price:				$1,572.69
Cost Per Square Foot				$3.30

InSoFast FP-2.0RW Panels

4′ × 2′ × 2″ FP-2.0RW Panels as boxes of 40ft²	12	@	$119.00	$1,428.00
PL Premium adhesive *sold by others	10	@	$10.68	$106.80
Material cuts:			9
Total Parts:			70
Total Weight:			187 lbs.
Total Price:				$1,534.80*
Cost Per Square Foot				$3.22

* We include curbside delivery 

InSoFast FP-2.5RW Panels

4′ × 2′ × 2 1/2″ FP-2.5RW Panels as boxes of 40ft²	12	@	$129.00	$1,548.00
PL Premium adhesive *sold by others	10	@	$10.68	$106.80
Material cuts:			9
Total Parts:			70
Total Weight:			199 lbs.
Total Price:				$1,654.80*
Cost Per Square Foot				$3.47

* We include curbside delivery

The Large Project Breakdown: 200 ft × 9 ft = 1,800 sq-ft.

In this example, we are insulating all four walls. The floor-to-ceiling height is 8 ft. and the total length of the walls to be covered is 200 ft. (60 + 40 + 60 + 40). Multiplying the total length by the total height (200 × 9), this project requires material that will cover 1,800 sq-ft.

Wood Framing

*155 stud scraps 16 1/2″ long

InSoFast FP-2.0RW Panels

4′ × 2′ × 2″ FP-2.0RW Panels as boxes of 40ft²	45	@	$114.00	$5,130.00
PL Premium adhesive *sold by others	35	@	$10.68	$373.80
Material cuts:			25
Total Parts:			240
Total Weight:			767 lbs.
Total Price:				$5,503.80*
Cost Per Square Foot				$3.05

* We include curbside delivery 

InSoFast FP-2.5RW Panels

4′ × 2′ × 2 1/2″ FP-2.5RW Panels as boxes of 40ft²	45	@	$124.00	$5,580.00
PL Premium adhesive *sold by others	35	@	$10.68	$373.80
Total Parts:			240
Total Weight:			890 lbs.
Total Price:				$5,953.80*
Cost Per Square Foot				$3.30

* We include curbside delivery 

Why work so hard? We’ve been asking that since day one and everything we do and make starts there. Crafting simplicity while maintaining a feature-rich product is far from simple and there’s a wide history of complex building techniques that can attest to it. Today, simplicity is a hot trend and possibly one in danger of becoming sales jargon. So, with the threat of buzz words ever-looming in dark corners, we feel it’s important to throw a spotlight on everyone – even us! Here’s a list of manufacturers of basement finishing products who claim the “why work so hard” ethic. Go check ’em out because the right decision is your decision.

Electrical Labor savings using the panels

The diagram for InSoFast assembly demonstrate how electric can be integrated but this is not included in the material price or labor calculations. InSoFast panels include built-in chases running both vertically and horizontally across each panel and boxes can be installed anywhere necessary. The traditional method generally requires drilling a space through each stud and threading the wires through before the insulation (fiberglass) and drywall can be installed. Electrical boxes must be held in place against the available wood studs.

One more important thing: Even as competitors, we all agree that fiberglass or rockwool insulation with a plastic vapor barrier is a terrible way to remodel a basement. It is a recipe for mold, rot and poor indoor air quality that can create potentially unhealthy conditions.

SEE: What to Know About Basement Insulation 

For more information go to: University of Minnesota and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Web Page

For more information https://www.builderscalculator.com/framing-calculator/