Wall Insulation Value Comparison

How does InSoFast measure up when it comes to cost and labor? This page shows three typical remodeling situations and draws a comparison between the “Big Box Lumber Stores,” like Lowe’s and Home Depot and the InSoFast method for handling those situations. We check out factors like the cost, weight, and delivery of materials as well as the average number of parts and pieces you’ll have to deal with during your installation. At the bottom, we’ve included a list of competitor manufacturers who’ve also decided to start making “easy” basement systems.

Compare the value of these different assemblies.

476 sq-ft. » 1,800 sq-ft. »

When we say Big Box, we are generally talking about methods that are available at large home improvement super stores such as wood-framing and foam-board insulation. Such methods are complicated and very time consuming. The average homeowner will likely hire a contractor to perform that work which adds an additional cost to the project.

Our comparison does not reflect any cost associated with taxes, shipping or hiring contractors, but keep in mind that we offer shipping and our panels are designed with 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 08/15/2021. 

Available at Menards

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.

68 ft. × 7 ft. = 476 sq-ft.

In this example, we are only insulating 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.

Below you can see the cost breakdown of all materials involved:

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

Traditional Wood Framing

2x4x8′ #2 Prime Treated bottom plate	9	@	$3.38	$30.42
2x4x8′ Studs – 16″O.C. framing	56	@	$3.98	$222.88
2x4x8′ Top plate	17	@	$3.98	$67.66
1″ Rigid foam insulation board (4’x8′) 2 layers	30	@	$19.55	$598.50
Insulation board adhesive	14	@	$9.78	$146.70
Tapcon 3/16 in. x 3-1/4 in. Concrete Anchors (8-Pack)	4	@	$14.48	$25.20
SS 16d framing nails for studs to bottom plate	3	@	$8.69	$26.07
Nails – 16d framing nails	1	@	$15.48	$15.48
Nails – 8d framing nails to toe nailing studs	1	@	$15.48	$15.48
Shims	3	@	$1.78	$8.36
Material cuts estimated:			125
Total Parts:			466
Total Weight:			1262 lbs.
Total Price:				$1,153.73
Cost Per Square Foot				$2.40

InSoFast UX 2.0 Panels

4′ × 2′ × 2″ UX 2.0 Panels as boxes of 40ft²	12	@	$107.00	$1,284.00
PL Premium adhesive *sold by others	10	@	$9.78	$97.80
Material cuts:			9
Total Parts:			70
Total Weight:			187 lbs.
Total Price:				$1,381.80
Cost Per Square Foot				$2.88

InSoFast EX 2.5 Panels

4′ × 2′ × 2 1/2″ EX 2.5 Panels as boxes of 40ft²	12	@	$117.00	$1,404.00
PL Premium adhesive *sold by others	10	@	$9.78	$97.80
Material cuts:			9
Total Parts:			70
Total Weight:			199 lbs.
Total Price:				$1,501.80
Cost Per Square Foot				$3.13

Large Project: 

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.

Traditional Wood Framing

*155 stud scraps 16 1/2″ long

InSoFast UX 2.0 Panels

4′ × 2′ × 2″ UX 2.0 Panels as boxes of 40ft²	41	@	$104.00	$4,264.00
PL Premium adhesive *sold by others	35	@	$9.78	$342.30
Material cuts:			25
Total Parts:			240
Total Weight:			767 lbs.
Total Price:				$4,606.30
Cost Per Square Foot				$2.56

InSoFast EX 2.5 Panels

4′ × 2′ × 2 1/2″ EX 2.5 Panels as boxes of 40ft²	41	@	$105.00	$4,305.00
PL Premium adhesive *sold by others	35	@	$8.98	$314.30
Total Parts:			240
Total Weight:			890 lbs.
Total Price:				$5057.30
Cost Per Square Foot				$2.81

A Note about Competitors

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.

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

• DRIcore
• Owens Corning
• Basement Systems

There is more to value than just the cost of the material.

Most foam insulation panels will work in a basement. The damp cold of a below-ground space requires insulation that will fight the development of mold and mildew while effectively protecting from heat loss. Basement building science agrees that it is important to choose an insulation panel that can dry to the inside.
Expanded polystyrene like the foam that InSoFast uses has a perm rating that allows drying to the inside.  For more information go to: University of Minnesota and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Web Page