Use Foam and Foam Board Insulation to Increase the Efficiency of Your Radiant Heat System!

If you are installing a radiant heat system within concrete, to maximize your heat efficiency, foam and foam board insulation are an important component to include.

There are many insulation products available, like cellulose, fiberglass, etc. but my advice is to invest in a better quality product – foam or foam boards. Foam insulation has greater R-values.

Insulation foam is made of molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS), extruded expanded polystyrene (XEPS) or polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, or related chemical mixtures.

This foam material is all around us. You’ve probably seen it in many everyday items, such as coffee cups and packaging materials.

Foam insulation’s R-value is generally two to three times more than insulating materials with equivalent thickness. The typical R-value of foam installation ranges from R-4 to R-8 per inch (2.54 cm).

The R-value of foam insulation is affected by many variables after it has been installed, which include: the blowing gases used, original density of the foam, whether the foam has any indentations or chips, and the kind of facing that is used.

Foam can also come in a liquid urethane form. You’ll often find this type of foam insulation in empty wall cavities, such as window and door jams. This foam insulation can be applied from pressure spray containers then it expands and hardens as it cures, leaving a snug and air tight fit. You can also find liquid foams that cure slowly, which will flow over obstacles before it swells and become firm.

You’ll also find organic, phenolic, and latex based foams but please keep in mind that their R-value is not as high as a urethane-based product.

Foam boards are commonly used in buildings where the space is limited or when a very high R-value installation is desired.

Foam boards are designed to work under concrete and will stop moisture and insects from penetrating, as well as helping to eliminate rot.

Both MEPS an XEPS are commonly used as an insulator for concrete forms (ICFs.)

With a radiant heat system, foam boards keep moisture and debris out and the heat in.

When installing foam boards with a radiant heat system, place your foam board insulation between the concrete and the outer wall or floor. Make sure your foam boards fit tightly together - then seal the seams with tape or caulk. You may want to consider treating your foam product with an insecticide, prior to installation. Although foam isn’t a food source, many insects enjoy burrowing into all types of foam products.

By using foam or foam boards your radiant heat tubes will heat up the concrete much more quickly and keep it warmer for longer periods of time.

Foam boards are certainly more expensive than other types of insulating materials, but they are well worth it. Once properly installed, foam insulation should manage your heat and air infiltration much more effectively than alternate types of insulation.

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