Home insulation materials vary according to the insulation requirements of the house. The entire house may be insulated using a single insulating material or a combination of insulation products may be used. Insulated panels are one such home insulation material. Insulated panels are used against exposed foundation walls, against exterior walls between foundation and roof, under or on top of the roof of a building, inside unfinished walls, either in the form of batts or as panels that are cut to fit inside walls and are then secured in place.

Rigid panel insulation

Rigid panel insulation is made from fibrous materials such as fiberglass, rock and slag wool. It is sometimes sold in sections in order to fit tightly into standard wall cavities. This form of rigid panel insulation is popularly known as batt. The thickness of the batts varies according to the depth of the wall cavity. Rigid panel insulation finds its uses in many areas of conditioned as well as non-conditioned spaces of the house.

Advantages of rigid panel insulation

Insulated panels have high R-value. They are highly useful when there is less space. They protect foundations and are useful in damp-proofing during backfilling. Insulated panels are light-weight but add immensely to the strength of the walls. They provide acoustical as well as thermal insulation. They are water resistant and can be recycled. They are also known to resist air infiltration.

Disadvantages of rigid panel insulation

Ultraviolet rays and solvents may damage the rigid panel insulation. Insulated panels are flammable and extreme caution is required in this case. They are expensive than most other forms of insulation materials available. Termites may cause harm to the insulated panels. Toxic pollution may be caused and the R-value of the insulated panels is known to decrease over a period of time.

Commonly used rigid panels

The most commonly used rigid panels include those made from fiberglass and rock wool. Phenolic is also used as rigid panel insulation. Polyurethane, Polystyrene, structural insulating panels and vacuum insulating panels are among other forms of insulated panels used in most homes and offices.

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