When it comes to choosing energy efficient insulation for your home, there are several types to consider. You can cut your heating and cooling bills by as much as 30 percent with InSoFast prefabricated insulated panels.
InSoFast, LLC, established in 2006, develops energy efficient building systems that exceed present and future energy codes, outperform the competition, and simplify the construction process.
Insulation Types
Whether you're building a new home or remodeling an old one, the insulation you choose will be important to the long-term efficiency of your home. Here are the pros and cons of several of the most common insulation options.
Fiberglass insulation: This is the most common type of insulation used in homes. It is made from silica sand, which is heated to high temperatures to produce glass and then spun into micro-thin fibers that resemble the texture of wool. It doesn't shrink, won't burn, and is unappealing to insects. It is notoriously tricky to install, however, and is not a DIY kind of job. Air circulation through even the smallest gap will kill the insulation value. A vapor barrier is required to protect the insulation from moisture. Fiberglass also settles, resulting in a decline in R-value over time.
Cellulose insulation: Made from post-consumer recycled newsprint, cardboard and paper, cellulose insulation, often called "green insulation," is treated with fire retardant chemicals and has a Class 1 fire rating. It is often treated with boric acid, an effective pest deterrent. On the negative side, some chemically sensitive people are bothered from off-gassing from the newsprint ink. After cellulose insulation absorbs water, the chemical fire treatment is destroyed.
Spray foam: Spray foam insulation is made from two chemical-based products that combine to create a foam that expands up to 100 times its original size to fill every nook and cranny in a wall or attic cavity. It doesn’t retain water, which means it doesn’t promote mold and mildew growth if the roof leaks into the attic. On the negative side, it is not generally a do-it-yourself project, is time-consuming to install, is a very messy affair, presents a known off-gassing hazard, and is more expensive than other types of insulation.
EPS foam panels: EPS insulation, such as InSoFast, has the highest average R-value per dollar of the rigid foam insulation materials (about R-4.45 per inch) and the R-value does not degrade over time. EPS is also the most versatile because you can use it anywhere in the building envelope, from roofs to walls to floors, and even below grade. It is lightweight, cost-effective, does not absorb moisture, and presents no off-gassing hazards. Most installations can be completed by do-it-yourselfers with a utility knife, glue and a caulk gun.
Our InSoFast UX 2.0 Panel is 2-inches thick with a flat surface that exposes the face of the embedded studs. The EPS body is manufactured with a fire-retardant additive and serves as a Class III vapor barrier. With R-8.5 continuous insulation, rot-resistant framing, drainage channels, electrical raceways, and a simple, stackable interlocking design, this panel is a very cost-effective insulation solution for interior walls, floors and ceilings and is suitable for DIY projects.
For a higher R-value, the EXi 2.5 Panel, at 2 ½-inches thick, is a great choice. This InSoFast panel’s continuous R-value of 10 outperforms traditionally framed R-15 batt walls and provides 20% more insulation than our UX panels. The InSoFast EXe 2.5 Panel is optimized for exterior usage and maximizes energy efficiency and moisture management.
As you evaluate different types of insulation, call InSoFast today at (888) 501-7899 to learn more about our energy efficient EPS insulation panels.
