Originally posted in The Construction Specifier Magazine (pg 34), December 2013
The Construction Specifier, December 2013
Read full article (pdf)
In the push to forge more energy-prudent builders, design professionals are leaving no part of the envelope unexamined. Walls and roofs have always presented a clear target for better thermal performance. Somewhat less obvious are surfaces that are out of sight – below-grade foundation walls and floor slabs. Well-engineered insulation in these locations can provide significant energy savings.
What separates below-grade insulation types from one another? Moisture retention, R-value stability, and compressive strength are the key performance attributes to consider when evaluating and comparing different below-grade insulations.
Installing thermal insulation on below-grade foundation or perimeter walls and under slabs is important because un-insulated concrete provides a thermal and moisture bridge between the heated building interior and the relatively cooler earth surrounding the building, or through exposed slab edges to the outside air.
“While insulation strength is important consideration, erroneous design assumptions can lead to over-engineering for compressive resistance, adding unnecessary material costs.” – Ram Mayilvahanan, Insulfoam Product-Marketing Manager
Continue reading the full article, Out of Sight, NOT Out of Mind (pdf), in The Construction Specifier Magazine and learn about:
- How installing thermal insulation on foundations help much more than just saving energy
- How XPS and EPS compare with regard to moisture retention
- What are the degrading effects of moisture on R-value
- What specialty insulations for enhanced moisture protection are available
Read full article (pdf)
EPS Questions?
Ram Mayilvahanan
Contact Ram Mayilvahanan, Insulfoam’s Product-Marketing Manager
