for Cold Climate Housing and much more

Last Updated: , Created: Thursday, October 14th, 1999

RIGID BOARD: LOW DENSITY EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE

Common Name: Low Density Bead Board

Colour: White and light blue with visible beads

Thermal Resistance: RSI - .025/mm R - 3.6 /in. Good

Cost: Medium

Fire Resistance: Poor. Gives off toxic gas

Fungus / Vermin Resistance: Fair

Limitations:
-- Must be covered. It is a fire hazard if exposed on the inside of the house and will deteriorate if exposed to the sun on the outside of the house.
-- Lowest strength of the rigid insulation: is easily damaged.
-- Will deteriorate if exposed to water for long periods of time.
-- Flies can live in it under the right conditions.

Advantages:
-- Best dollar value in resistance/$ for foam boards
-- Light, easy to handle and cut.
-- Available in a good variety of sizes.
-- Not a vapour barrier, so poses no condensation problems when applied to the outside of the house.
-- Can be glued directly to concrete or wood with proper adhesive.

Applications:
-- Inside foundation walls, outside upper wall framing under siding, roofs.
-- I do not recommend using it underground, because it absorbs moisture and can deteriorate.

 


Keywords: R-Value, Types, Insulation

Article 806