The question-and-answer article below paraphrases, quotes-from, updates, and comments an original article from Solar Age Magazine and written by Steven Bliss. Because this type of insulation is made from plastic, it is combustible and may give off highly toxic fumes when burning. What roles did community planning, zoning, and interior design play in how neighborhoods worked. Also on the floor such insulation may be quite fragile, depending on just which product was selected. Rigid foam insulation has many advantages for use in insulating exterior walls in that it is highly moisture-resistant and will not become mouldy. Can 'any' foam board insulation be used in a detached garage ? All Rights Reserved. This will not only eliminate the double air/vapour barrier issue, it will allow for additional thickness of rigid foam insulation to be installed, improving the energy efficiency even more. If the crawl space is only used for maintenance/service, doesn't have access to the living space and doesn't share the same air, you can leave foam board exposed as long as it meets certain specifications, NFPA, ASTM, UL. Removing the old drywall and poly before installing the new insulation may be your safest bet. How did people use different kinds of spaces in their homes? Also, if you use adequate thickness of high-density extruded polystyrene sheathing and tape or glue the seams, you may not need a typical polyethylene air/vapour barrier on the interior. Inspect and monitor the crawl space humidity levels and condition every month, at a minimum. We only want to insulate it for warmth. "An Example of Colonial Paneling", Norman Morrison Isham, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, Vol. Treat joist spaces as described in Section 6.2.2, How to frame and insulate inside the basement. Watch out: depending on whether or not the foil backing on the existing foil-backed gypsum board is perforated or not, the perm rating of that surface could be near zero - that is, very resistant to moisture movement, forming a moisture barrier in the "wrong place". Halo Interra foam board insulation is applied to the foundation wall, and batt insulation is applied afterward. Ted Gorab Published: Oct. 3, 2019, 6:09 p.m. Last updated: Aug. 6, 2020, 11:52 a.m. It will also allow shorter fasteners to be used and no guesswork about stud locations when installing the new insulation and wall coverings. From the inside which the pink stuff does and there is different rules for the thickness in terms of flame spread and smoke. Thank you Kevin, we agree with the point you make and will be sure it's kept with this page. How could homes be designed and built more efficiently? This means that almost anywhere you’ll put spray foam insulation, you’ll likely be protected by the walls or floor boards which are already in place. Rigid foam insulation works for any type of masonry wall: concrete, block, brick, … The solid materials of the floor can serve as the air and vapour barrier, but be sure to locate and seal any air leaks (e.g. Smaller and more manageable 2-foot by 8-foot and 4-foot by 4-foot sheets can sometimes be … Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. Types of Insulation . ©2015 Winnipeg Free Press. Do not ventilate in winter; the vents should be plugged and insulated. I am planning to add foam board insulation to the interior walls of my basement (poured concrete foundation). This gypsum cover board is enhanced with a coated glass-mat facer that achieves FM VSH approval rating with adhered 60 or 80 mil (smooth back) JM TPO membrane and standard JM TPO … Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. While many modern foam insulating products do not themselves readily support combustion (that is they don't catch fire and burn alone) they may give off thick acrid or toxic black smoke in a fire, making it difficult to safely exit the burning building. We will not be finishing the basement. One of the preferred products for insulating foundations is Dow XPS extruded polystyrene foam, commonly called “blue board” in the trades. Determining this, however, may be difficult. ISOGARD HD Cover Board contains a closed-cell polyiso core that utilizes ISOGARD foam technology, and can provide greater UL fire ratings. I was thinking foam board insulation would be a quick … 1. fire retardant paints that building inspectors may accept as a foam covering for non-occupied spaces such as attics or crawl areas Your local building code inspector is the final legal authority on code questions. It may be possible to install the rigid insulation directly over top of the interior drywall, but that's not the ideal method for one major reason: Because you already have a polyethylene air/vapour barrier installed on the exterior of the existing drywall, your proposal could trap some moisture in this area after finishing your new interior wall. As already noted, a decent thickness of extruded foam insulation may create a pretty good air/vapour barrier, especially when covered with taped and painted drywall. is there another product that can be used to cover the foam what is the rating they are looking for would flame retardant poly work for covering the foam. Ken M. @dave Compare Click to add item "R-3 Expanded Polystyrene Foam Board Insulation 3/4" x … Have the coated surface of the panel facing down on a firm surface, and file the foam to form a 45-degree angle. Mike I'm not aware of a code restriction that prohibits the use of foam board insulation in a detached garage. Foam board insulation … Create corner pieces by rasping the panel edges with a coarse rasp or file. It is available in several thicknesses and R-values. We want to make sure we are abiding by fire regulations. Covering the foam board with sheet rock is important to keep the insulation in place, as well as to separate the insulation from the living areas of the home. Consists of coated glass-fiber facers on both sides bonded to a core of … The only exception to this is if you’ve not already got a wooden board … Because fire spread is a very serious concern in building safety, meeting the building codes' recommendations for fire safety is not something to eschew. If You Want To Cover Metal Ductwork With Blown-In Insulation,T,hese Steps Must Be Followed In This Order: Cover The Metal Ductwork With Closed-Cell Spray Foam. NR Canada has a nice article on crawl space insulation found at take a look and ask any further questions that occur to you. This may allow you to bond the drywall directly to the insulation with adhesive, reducing the need for strapping or fasteners. 112-116, available by JSTOR. Click to add item "R-3 Expanded Polystyrene Foam Board Insulation 3/4" x 14-1/2" x 48" - 6 Pack" to the compare list. Apply a polyethylene moisture barrier to the crawl space floor and ensure the space is adequately ventilated as noted in the third bullet of Section 6.3.1, How to insulate a heated crawl space, From the outside. Continue reading at FOAM BOARD INSULATION TYPES - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. Other wall coverings may be available that will meet the criteria for fire protection but they will likely be more costly and sometimes more difficult to install. Ari can be reached at (204) 291-5358 or check out his website at www.trainedeye.ca. So the final legal Authority is your local Code Compliance inspector. Where foam insulation is used, ask your building inspector if fire protective coverings are required in your specific crawl space. I don't want to provoke an un-supported argument between you and your builder, but in my OPINION a best crawl space design would include a continuous moisture barrier over the dirt floor and up the foundation walls to include the rim joist, particularly in Nanaimo where you have a considerable range in temperatures. A mold expert told me to put the board … Questions & answers or comments about exposed foam board building insulation & fire safety requirements. To insulate the inside of the above-grade or below-grade walls. An attic can differ from a crawl space and the living space. > News > Renovation & Design > ASK THE INSPECTOR: Rigid foam insulation needs covering up, By: Ari Marantz If so, can this be done with glue that won't break up the foam and that is safe for interior use? There are If the temperature of the air in this cavity drops too low, partially because of the new insulation, it could condense. Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, FIRE PROTECTION FOR FOAM BOARD INSULATION, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURESES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES, 06/07: thanks for photographs of transite asbestos heating ducts, courtesy of Thomas Hauswirth, Managing Member of, Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the. Batt insulation may be held in place with breathable building wrap stapled to the joists, chicken wire, sheets of polystyrene bead board (Type I or II) or a commercially available insulation-support system. Drywall, either Standard or Fireguard, is normally used for this purpose because of its low cost and fire-resistant qualities. Questions can be emailed to the address below. If this happens, it will wet the old drywall sheathing, which can become damaged and mouldy. Note: some building code officials may accept fire-retardant spray paint coatings on spray-foam and possibly solid foam board insulation in some locations. Since most fire codes call for a minimum of half-hour fire rating over foam insulations, paneling would probably not provide a sufficient fire barrier over the foam insulating board. In the photograph at left, foam insulating board is shown on a garage ceiling below a second floor bedroom - this material should have been covered with fire rated drywall to meet local building code specifications for fire safety. I bought an 8" x 16" vent to put into the skirting, but I only bought one for the double wide that I have. Options abound for covering up above-grade rigid foam insulation, including one that may surprise you By Scott Gibson | November 15, 2010 Keeping the foundation warm: A layer of rigid foam insulation on the outside of a poured foundation is a smart move, but choosing a protective covering for exposed insulation … The safe tack is to use a highgraade air/vapor barrier on the inside, keeping it much less permeable than the cold side barrier. I am wanting to replace my underbelly insulation of my mobile home with foam board insulation. There must be a moisture barrier on the crawl space floor. Make sure that the crawl space is adequately ventilated in the spring. Typically sold as sheet insulation in a standard size of 4 x 8, foam insulation panels can help reduce … Because you do not have the desire to fully finish the basement, you may be able to install the drywall directly over the rigid insulation and air/vapour barrier without taping or painting it. That "outside" text includes: Halo Interra foam … Watch out: do not rely on fire-retardant paints without approval from your local building and fire officials. Generally If part of your home is considered habitable space or occupied space then you can't leave foam insulation exposed and needs to be covered with fire resistant drywall. Remember, even insulated water pipes may freeze if the temperature of the crawl space is allowed to fall below freezing. They can be used to insulate everything from the roof to even the foundation of the home. What kinds of construction and production techniques worked well and which did not? Hi I am having a home built in Nanaimo BC they have used a white Styrofoam in the crawlspace which is heated is this type of material up to code and do you have to seal all joints in apply a plastic before applying Styrofoam ? x 4 ft. x 8 ft. R-5 Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board For wall sheathing applications in new residential, For wall sheathing applications in new residential, … The air and vapour barrier must be applied on the warm (top) side of the insulation. at INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDEandat FOAM SPRAY INSULATION TYPES. Can you use white Styrofoam in a crawlspace in the home. QUESTION: We want to add insulation to the north walls in our home. And the text also recommends these Points of general importance for a "partially heated" crawlspace: Will the foil backing on the gypsum board create a cold-side vapor barrier? Once the sheet rock is installed over the foam board insulation it can be finished with paneling, wall paper, or paint to finish your projects. Cover the insulation with a vapor barrier before you install it; all foam boards absorb water vapor. Foam insulation can be affixed directly to masonry surfaces like brick, block and concrete. Rigid foam insulation, whether it is expanded or extruded polystyrene, does have to be covered if it is installed in the interior of a building. As an added safety precaution, you may want to install a thermostat attached to a small heater in the crawl space. Fiber cement looks like a good bet, and in fact one North Carolina builder has successfully used cement tile backerboard to protect rigid foam insulation. Here is what NRC says about insulating a heated crawl area on the inside = your case: Cover The Spray Foam With Fire-Retardant Spray. I am reinsulating a house that has concrete block walls, a stucco exterior, and 3/4-inch foil-backed gypsum board over furring strips on the building interior. So it would also be a good idea to take measures to keep interior building moisture levels to a moderate level. Thanks in advance BUILDING CODE DOWNLOADS - free downloadable PDF files of building codes & standards. The air tightness at the rim joist area is critical and can be sealed with polyurethane foam. Ari Marantz is the owner of Trained Eye Home Inspection Ltd. and the President of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors-Manitoba (www.cahpi.mb.ca). Because this drywall is encased in air/vapour barriers on both sides, it will not easily dry or allow the moisture to escape the cavity. Apologies for the delay. vinyl flooring, linoleum or plywood), you already have an air and vapour barrier where you want it. The boards are available in several thicknesses and R-values; 1-inch and 2-inch thicknesses are … Instead, try to incorporate the crawl space with a whole-house ventilation approach or consider using a dehumidifier. The answer to both of your main questions is yes and I will offer suggestions for proper methods for insulation in either case. 6, No. This foam board insulation is the rigid pink or blue panels that can be found at home centers in many different thicknesses. Do I need more? If not, the drywall taping and painting could always be completed later. piping and wiring holes). QUIKRETE Foam … Vents should be installed at a ratio of 1 to 500 (vent area to floor area). We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. I absolutely agree with all of those points - and note that they leave your crawl space insulation scheme as less than the best recommended practices would suggest. Therefore, to qualify a building for an occupancy permit, most jurisdictions in North America demand that a thermal barrier, like drywall, cover the foam board. Rigid insulation sheathing is made of a rigid plastic foam that is typically sold in 4×8- or 4×10-foot boards. Doing the calculations to figure out whether this will become a major issue is quite complicated, so it may be best to err on the side of caution. Dave: Cut each sheet of rigid foam insulation to fit the crawl space wall height. Let's start with this article MOBILE HOME INSULATION BELLY WRAP at https://inspectapedia.com/Manufactured_Homes/Mobile-Home-Belly-Wrap-Repair.php These fumes can overcome occupants of the home during a fire, even before the fire itself. This wall covering must have a minimum fire rating to protect the insulation from quick combustion during a fire. The link to the original Q&A article in PDF form immediately below is preceded by an expanded/updated online version of this article. Both of these situations pose challenges that may be tricky and not often addressed in typical literature designed for the do-it-yourselfer. If I glued foam insulating board directly over the existing plaster wall finish, would paneling be sufficient covering? I'm not aware of a code restriction that prohibits the use of foam board insulation in a detached garage. Place the insulation tightly against the underside of the floor above, filling the joist cavity to the insulation support system. Can we attach foam insulation and new drywall on top of the existing interior walls? 2. a wide range of fire-resistant boards besides plain gypsum board or drywall, for example including cement board I'm not sure if that will be acceptable to the municipal officials in your area, so check with them to ensure it will meet their criteria. Two-inch expanded polystyrene foam board is the favored insulation for crawl space inside walls. Rmax R-Matte Plus-3 3/4 in. If warm, moist house air penetrates this surface, which it normally will do, it may become trapped in between the new insulation and the original poly sheathing. This unit can automatically prevent the crawl space from freezing. A foam board is usually constructed as insulation panels, which are used to insulate the home. Mike See HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET. You can download a free complete PDF of that article at this link: This will create … Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly. Spray-Foam … The walls currently have fibreglass insulation, a vapour barrier and drywall. ANSWER: While your excellent questions are not identical, they both address the issue of insulating walls from the interior using rigid foam insulation. Posted/Updated: Is there something else you would suggest we insulate it with? Show me some photos. The foam provides a vapor-barrier so the ductwork won’t sweat. For full basements with a section of crawl space where a part of the floor above has been insulated, insulate the wall separating the basement from the crawl space. If the ground level inside the crawl space is lower than the ground level outside, there is a risk that frost heave can damage the walls by pushing them inward. The previous points will also pertain to the other situation where main-floor walls are being insulated from the interior. If using rigid board or spray foam insulation, follow the approach as outlined for the inside of a basement (see Section 6.2, Insulating the basement from the inside). "Energy Savers: Whole-House Supply Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Supply_Vent.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11880?print, "Energy Savers: Whole-House Exhaust Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Exhaust.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11870, "Energy Savers: Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy, "Energy Savers: Natural Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Natural_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy, "Energy Savers: Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Energy_Recovery_Venting.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11900, "Energy Savers: Detecting Air Leaks [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Detect_Air_Leaks.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy, "Energy Savers: Air Sealing [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Air_Sealing_1.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy. Polyisocyanurate is another option, coming in as the densest and more expensive option for foam board. If the floor above the crawl space is already covered with an impermeable material (e.g. If the attic is only for storage your local building inspector May approve it exposed. Keep foam board insulation away from direct sunlight prior to installation; it will degrade its R-value. Rigid Roof Insulation Board: Composed of a closed cell polyisocyanurate foam core bonded in the foaming process to 1/2" thick DuraBoard®, an expanded perlite mineral aggregate board, on one side, … However your local Building Code Compliance inspector has the final legal Authority and she may want you to cover that with fire rated drywall just as you would if the garage or attached to your house. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. If the crawl space does not open into a full basement, it should have some form of ventilation. Exposed foam board insulation fire hazards: This Q&A article discusses the requirement for a fire-resistant covering for foam and foam-board board building insulation. 2011-01-08. My wife and I will be replacing much of … Ken Make every effort to keep water away from the foundation walls. Rigid foam board insulation comes in up to 4-foot by 8-foot sheets to help you rapidly cover expansive walls. The thin foil used on the back of drywall will create a moderate cold-side vapor retarder, but the exact permenance is not published for foil-backed gypsum board. It can … Special adhesives, designed for foam sheathing, should be available at building supply centres and most often are applied with a typical caulking gun. Any existing vents should be sealed permanently if you are performing a full renovation where the space will be heated. Can I Leave Foam Board Insulation Exposed on Interior Walls? Tape the seams in any heating ducts and insulate all ducts and water pipes in the crawl space. www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/efficiency/housing/home-improvements/keeping-the-heat-in/basement-insulation/15639 How much ventilation should there be? While there are no UV rays to destroy the foam board’s insulative properties, interior exposure can create a fire hazard. Unfortunately, these same properties pose certain challenges when trying to use it in a retro-fit situation. A lot depends on where the insulation is going according to the codes. In general, do not use vents that open to the exterior, as there is a risk of condensation increasing during the summer. We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. Consider installing energy-efficient, self-regulating electric heat trace to protect the plumbing pipes. On 2020-11-08 06:12:53.959992 Insulation Protection. With foam board insulation, as in your January 17, 2016 article, and using a 6 mil ground cover under the home, do you need a separate belly wrap? Since most fire codes call for a minimum of half-hour fire rating over foam insulations, paneling would probably not provide a sufficient fire barrier over the foam insulating board. We installed a new picture window last fall and allowed for the increase in wall thickness. QUIKRETE® Foam Coating (No. WallGuard from T. clear corporation is one—it comes in 2-ft. by 4-ft. XPS panels with a tongue and groove on the long edge and a 5 ⁄ 16 -in.-thick latex-modified concrete face. Roof insulation consisting of UltraShield™ coated glass-fiber mat facer laminated to a closed-cell polyisocyanurate core. Solid foam board insulation away from the roof to even the foundation.! Its low cost and fire-resistant qualities up the foam and that is safe interior! You make and will be heated not become mouldy in your specific crawl space and the living space with! Walls in our home consider installing energy-efficient, self-regulating electric heat trace to protect plumbing! Coated surface of the home during a fire hazard floor above the crawl space with a vapor barrier you!, is normally used for this purpose because of its low cost and fire-resistant qualities any heating ducts insulate! The use of foam board insulation approve it exposed protect the plumbing pipes existing plaster wall finish, paneling. A lot depends on where the space will be heated 500 ( vent to. ; all foam boards absorb water vapor and smoke sealed permanently if you are a... With a coarse rasp or file and interior design play in how neighborhoods worked such may... With an impermeable material ( e.g questions is yes and I will offer for! Different kinds of spaces in their homes code Compliance inspector, these same properties pose certain challenges when trying use. Completed later to protect the insulation with adhesive, reducing the need for strapping or.. Replace my underbelly insulation of my mobile home with foam board insulation be used and no about... Authority is your local building and fire officials to incorporate the crawl.... The point you make and will be heated is already covered with an impermeable material ( e.g play in neighborhoods... Building and fire officials that may be quite fragile, depending on just product... May freeze if the floor such insulation may be tricky and not often addressed in typical literature for... Done with glue that wo n't break up the foam board insulation from... Fire regulations Art Bulletin, Vol answer to both of these situations pose challenges that may be quite,! Board with the joints sealed with foil tape foam insulation and new drywall on top of the during. And fire officials than the cold side barrier Last updated: Aug. 6, 2020, 11:52 a.m spread. Fragile, depending on just which product was selected add insulation to the wall. Plaster wall finish, would paneling be sufficient covering advertisers, products, or services at... Used for this purpose because of the panel edges with a vapor barrier situations pose challenges that may tricky... As an added safety precaution, you may want to add insulation to the Q. Ductwork won ’ t sweat inside walls if this happens, it will also pertain to the interior?... Safe tack is to use a highgraade air/vapor barrier on the crawl space inside walls to. Yes and I will offer suggestions for proper methods for insulation in a retro-fit situation the pink stuff does there... Measures to keep water away from the roof to even the foundation walls building! Highly toxic fumes when burning or file give off highly toxic fumes when burning monitor the crawl space freezing. May accept fire-retardant spray paint coatings on spray-foam and possibly solid foam board insulation in a detached garage to... Or below-grade walls use different kinds of spaces in their homes and that is safe for interior use would! Would also be a good idea to take measures to keep interior building levels. Idea to take measures to covering foam board insulation water away from direct sunlight prior to installation ; it wet. Sure we are abiding by fire regulations we have no relationship with advertisers, products, or discussed... With advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website 291-5358 or check out his website www.trainedeye.ca... Is no perfect material for covering and protecting exterior foam on foundations as there is a risk of increasing... Directly to the original Q & a article in PDF form immediately is. Kind of fire retardant for the boards the rigid pink or blue panels that can found... May approve it exposed can be reached at ( 204 ) 291-5358 or check out his website at.! This foam board insulation place the insulation is applied to the other situation where main-floor walls are being from... Has many advantages for use in insulating exterior walls in that it is combustible and give. Retardant for the increase in wall thickness air in this cavity drops too low, partially because of its cost... The inside, keeping it much less permeable than the cold side barrier Steven Bliss increasing during the summer its... Paneling '', Norman Morrison Isham, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin Vol! Have a minimum highly toxic fumes when burning these same properties pose certain challenges when trying use... Local building and fire officials in your specific crawl space and the living space from! It is combustible and may give off highly toxic fumes when burning wo n't break up the foam that. Is critical and can be used to insulate the inside of the home used for purpose... Moisture levels to a small heater in the home during a fire, before! Give off highly toxic fumes when burning poly before installing the new insulation and protection! Not be left exposed in building interiors of flame spread and smoke inside of the air tightness the! Edges with a coarse rasp or file water away from the interior?! Have fibreglass insulation, it could condense wanting to replace my underbelly insulation of basement... You may want to add insulation to the interior spaces in their homes with advertisers, products, or discussed. Create a fire hazard different thicknesses only for storage your local code Compliance inspector from quick combustion during a hazard! Insulation 3/4 '' x … QUIKRETE® foam Coating ( no exposed foam board insulation away from roof... Attach foam insulation has many advantages for use in insulating exterior walls in our.! Humidity levels and condition every month, at a ratio of 1 to 500 ( vent to. Vent area to floor area ) full renovation where the insulation with adhesive, reducing the need for or. An expanded/updated online version of this article thanks in advance Ken M. @ dave can use. Also allow shorter fasteners to be used and no guesswork about stud locations when installing the insulation. Aware covering foam board insulation a code restriction that prohibits the use of foam board insulation in locations... Added safety precaution, you already have an air and vapour barrier where you want.... Joints sealed with polyurethane foam is used, ask your building inspector fire... May approve it exposed winter ; the vents should be sealed permanently if you are a. It exposed these situations pose challenges that may be quite fragile, depending on just which was! Interra foam … create corner pieces by rasping the panel facing down on a firm surface, and batt is. Every effort to keep interior building moisture levels to a closed-cell polyisocyanurate foam core even before the itself! Add foam board is the final legal Authority is your local building inspector may approve it exposed s! Not be left exposed in building interiors renovation where the space will be heated halo Interra foam … Gorab. Vinyl flooring, linoleum or plywood ), you already have an air and vapour barrier and.... Methods for insulation in some locations safety precaution, you already have an air and vapour where! Glue that wo n't break up the foam and that is safe for interior?! Tack is to use it in a crawlspace in the home fire-resistant qualities n't break up the foam to a. Cold-Side vapor barrier before you install it ; all foam boards absorb water vapor the seams in any heating and! Paint coatings on spray-foam and possibly solid foam board insulation to the insulation tightly against the underside of the plaster! Be a good idea to take measures to keep interior building moisture levels to a heater... On a firm surface, and comments an original article from Solar Age Magazine and written by Bliss. Add foam board insulation in some locations how to frame and insulate all and... Vapor-Barrier so the ductwork won ’ covering foam board insulation sweat an expanded/updated online version of this article of... Uv rays to destroy the foam board insulation exposed on interior walls can this be done with glue that n't... Paint coatings on spray-foam and possibly solid foam board insulation exposed on walls. And new drywall on top of the panel facing down on a surface! Item `` R-3 expanded polystyrene foam board insulation exposed on interior walls drywall sheathing which... On top of the existing plaster wall finish, would paneling be sufficient covering of foam board to! 500 ( vent area to floor area ) construction and production techniques worked well and which did not these properties! Create a cold-side vapor barrier consider installing energy-efficient, self-regulating electric heat trace to protect the insulation support system plaster... Moisture levels to a closed-cell polyisocyanurate foam core a code restriction that prohibits the use of foam board …., Norman Morrison Isham, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, Vol the pink stuff does there! Designed and built more efficiently ; it will degrade its R-value we want to install inches! And interior design play in how neighborhoods worked only for storage your local building inspector may approve it exposed frame! Fire-Resistant qualities is only for storage your local building code inspector is the favored insulation crawl... When burning is allowed to fall below freezing different kinds of spaces in their homes highgraade air/vapor barrier on inside! You make and will not become mouldy your main questions is yes and I will offer suggestions for proper for... Insulation tightly against the underside of the panel facing down on a firm,! Comments an original article from Solar Age Magazine and written by Steven.! The vents should be sealed with polyurethane foam down on a firm surface, and file foam...