Mineral Wool Insulation vs. Fiberglass and a Better Alternative

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In a world where there are endless choices in every market, construction is no different. It can make picking the right building materials for your next project feel like a spiral of endless decisions. One choice that you’ll need to make when designing your building envelope is which insulation to use.

If you’re asking, “What is the difference between mineral wool and fiberglass insulation?,” we’ve got the answer.

What is the Difference Between Mineral Wool and Fiberglass Insulation?

Before comparing mineral wool insulation to fiberglass, let’s define the basic properties of each insulating material by itself.

Fiberglass Insulation

Made from tiny glass threads that are spun into fibers resembling cotton candy, fiberglass insulation is a popular insulating material used in home construction projects.

You’ll see it loosely stuffed into stud wall cavities to fill the gaps and give a little thermal insulating value. It is flexible and can fit around irregular shapes, but it loses some thermal value if it’s compressed. It needs to stay fluffy in order to work, and it’s not self-supporting.

When packaged, fiberglass insulation typically comes in rolls or batts, with widths based on common stud spacing increments. Fiberglass insulation is a staple in home improvement stores and it is easy to find locally.

Mineral Wool Insulation

Mineral wool insulation is made in a similar way to fiberglass, but with different raw materials. Rather than glass, mineral wool uses molten rock or other minerals that are spun into a cotton candy-like blanket with additives. Like fiberglass, the fibers are then compressed and heated.

Mineral wool is a less common insulating material in homes, but is used more often in commercial applications, including wall cavities. Mineral wool insulation is heavier and more dense than fiberglass insulation, which makes it a little more difficult to work with. It can be purchased in large batts or boards.

Comparing Fiberglass vs. Mineral Wool Insulation

Fiberglass insulation and mineral wool insulation have a similar manufacturing process and both come out looking a lot like cotton candy. Let’s compare some performance specs:

Thermal R-Value

When comparing mineral wool to fiberglass insulation in thermal performance, mineral wool takes the cake. With an R-value of up to R15 for 3.5” mineral wool, it beats fiberglass by a couple of points at this depth. Fiberglass insulation has an R-value of about R13 at 3.5” thick.

Installation

Fiberglass and mineral wool insulation are both installed by loose-laying batts into stud wall cavities, and can be cut by hand with ease. Mineral wool requires an insulation knife and fiberglass insulation requires a utility knife with a straight edge.

Moisture Resistance

When comparing the moisture resistance of fiberglass insulation to mineral wool, there is a clear winner. Mineral wool is naturally moisture-resistant since it’s made of rock or slag fibers. Fiberglass insulation is more prone to water absorption—and if it gets wet, it creates an environment where mold growth is uninhibited.

Fire Resistance

In a fire, it’s critical that your insulation works to extinguish the flame rather than fuel the fire. When comparing mineral wool batt insulation to fiberglass, fiberglass is less fire resistant than mineral wool. Mineral wool has zero flame spread and no smoke when exposed to fire. Fiberglass, especially when using a kraft paper facer can both create smoke and spread the flame.

Cost and Availability

When it comes down to purchasing your building materials, cost and availability are important considerations. When looking at mineral wool insulation vs. fiberglass cost, fiberglass is less expensive and more readily available.

A quick search from a local big box store gave the following results:

Availability and Cost of Mineral Wool vs. Fiberglass Insulation

A Superior Alternative to Fiberglass and Mineral Wool

Fiberglass and mineral wool insulations are both good building materials, but there are superior options on the market today that outperform both of these choices.

Polyisocyanurate (aka polyiso) is a rigid foam board insulation that can be used as an alternative to fiberglass or mineral wool.

Here’s how polyiso stacks up against mineral wool vs. fiberglass insulation:

R-Value

At 3.5”, Rmax Thermasheath Polyiso® carries a thermal value of R23.9, that blows both fiberglass and mineral wool out of the water. It takes just 2” of polyiso to match the thermal properties of 3.5” thick mineral wool or fiberglass.

Installation

Polyiso is as simple to install as fiberglass and mineral wool, but has with the added versatility of being able to use it as a continuous insulation under cladding on exterior walls.

Moisture and Fire Resistance

Foil faced polyiso acts as an air and water vapor barrier when installed continuously—an option that is unavailable for batt insulations.

Cost and Availability

Polyiso is priced at around $1.00 per square foot for R13.1 (2” thick) from local home improvement stores and can be found more readily available from contractor suppliers.

Choose Rmax Polyiso For Your Next Project

Rmax has been in the insulation business for decades. We know our insulation and we can share our knowledge with you on your next project.

Let our experts help you find the right wall insulation for your next project. Reach out to your local Rmax representative today!

Shielding Your Project: Discover the Best Air, Water, and Weather-Resistant Insulation

The purpose of buildings is to provide shelter from the elements, such as wind, water, and protection from extreme temperatures.

Simple buildings with empty stud walls without any guts won’t necessarily provide much thermal comfort for the occupants though. Consider a storage shed that provides protection from overhead precipitation—but is usually quite uncomfortable, thermally speaking.

In order to get thermal comfort, you’ll need a good seal around the building envelope. That’s where air and water barriers come in.

Air and Vapor Barriers in Walls

Air barriers are a building component that helps limit the unintended flow of air into your building. Think of a drafty window in the winter. The cold air blowing in reduces thermal comfort. It’s the air barrier’s job to eliminate air movement through your walls.

A secondary function of many air barriers is that they can also act as a vapor barrier, by limiting the transmission of moisture through your walls. In this case, these building components are called air and vapor barriers. Air barrier insulation systems are an essential component in construction since excess moisture inside your structure can cause serious problems like condensation, high humidity, and mold growth.

How is an Air and Vapor Barrier Installed?

Air and vapor barriers come in many forms, including rolls, liquids, boards, and more. Here are a handful of the common air and vapor barriers you’ll see on jobsites:

• Plastic Sheeting Film

• Peel & Stick Membranes

• Liquid Paint (Roll-on)

• Liquid Coating (Spray-applied)

• Spray-foam Insulation

• Foil-faced Insulation Boards

Many air and vapor barrier options require a specialized trade contractor to install the air barrier onto an insulated wall system. For example, the peel and stick will require the insulation contractor to finish installing first, so that he can then apply the air and vapor barrier to the insulation.

Make It Part of Your Wall

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Not all air barriers are also vapor barriers. Some air barriers allow moisture to permeate through. Likewise, some vapor barriers allow air to pass through. As you select your air and vapor barrier, make sure you’re picking a material for your design that will limit both air and water movement, and will also provide weather protection for your project.

Don’t let air and vapor barriers be an afterthought in your project. Instead, build your wall system to incorporate thermal performance (high R-values) while also optimizing air and vapor barrier technology. Luckily, there is a product for this application that works as a three-in-one: air barrier insulation systems.

Air Barrier Insulation Systems vs. Air Barriers

Many air barriers require the coordination of multiple trades to install a complete wall system. However, that’s where air barrier insulation systems are different. Insulation air barriers take two wall components and combine them so that they can be installed in a single pass by a single contractor. This saves on labor and shortens your construction timeline.

Rmax’s Water Vapor Barrier Insulation Solution

You’re already installing insulation, so why not turn your insulation’s facer into an air and vapor barrier? The ECOMAXci® Wall Solution combines Rmax’s premium insulation with an air barrier facer that combines high thermal performance with air and vapor performance to craft superior walls that maximize thermal efficiency.

The ECOMAXci® Wall Solution works like this:

1. Install ECOMAXci® FR Air Barrier foil-faced thermal insulation boards on your wall surface.

2. Treat joints and penetrations with either liquid flashing or tape flashing.

Benefits of ECOMAX® FR Air Barrier Wall Solution

The specs of the ECOMAXci® FR Air Barrier speak for themselves when it comes to performance. With an R 6.5 per inch, it maxes out the thermal performance capabilities of building insulation.

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Check out the specs on the ECOMAXci® FR Air Barrier:

ECOMAXci® FR Air Barrier Specifications

Beyond the high R-value per inch, insulation air barrier systems have many advantages over traditional air and vapor barriers.

Take a look at more ways that ECOMAXci® FR Air Barrier can benefit your next project:

• Eliminates the need for exterior gypsum

• Eliminates the need for building wraps

• Reduces coordination requirements between contractors

• Reduces labor by installing air barrier and insulation at once

• Lighter and easy-to-manage materials

• Less-specialized installation

• Provides continuous insulation

Rmax Brings You Solutions That Perform

Build your next project with innovative solutions that save on construction time and labor costs while also contributing to a higher-performing envelope. Rmax can help you pick the right weather resistant insulation and accessories that work with your budget and design priorities. Reach out to your local Rmax representative today for guidance on your next job!

Common Problems with Polystyrene Insulation Board and a Better Alternative

As you browse building materials for your construction project, you may become overwhelmed with decision paralysis, especially when choosing between different types of insulation. The key to making the right choice is to broadly narrow down your options as far as possible, and then do a thorough comparison on the remaining few.

If that’s where you’re at—you’ve narrowed down your selection to a few options, and you’re faced with choosing between polystyrene and polyiso board insulation—we can help.

Let’s cover the basics, first.

What is Polystyrene Insulation Board?

Polystyrene is a plastic-based polymer that is used to create polystyrene foam board insulation. In its raw form, polystyrene looks like small plastic beads. The polymer beads can be manipulated with heat and blowing agents to encapsulate air and other gasses to manufacture two major types of foam insulation commonly used in construction today: extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Extruded Polystyrene

Extruded polystyrene is commonly called XPS, blue board, or pink board. XPS is made with polystyrene beds that are melted, compressed, and extruded into board shapes of varying sizes. Extruded polystyrene rigid insulation board is used in everyday construction; it’s often found in below-grade applications.

Expanded Polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene is called EPS, or beadboard, in construction lingo. EPS is made by using steam to expand and inflate the polystyrene pellets. The expanded pellets are then placed in molds and steam-fused together. After that, they cool and are cut to custom sizes. Expanded polystyrene board insulation is used in construction throughout the entire building envelope.

Disadvantages of Polystyrene

When comparing polystyrene to other building materials, such as polyisocyanurate board insulation, it’s important to consider weaknesses. Here’s where rigid polystyrene insulation boards fall short:

Limited Service Temperature

Polystyrene is a thermoplastic material, meaning it can become malleable and will melt above a certain temperature. Both extruded and expanded polystyrene have a maximum service temperature of about 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Since building envelope surface temperatures commonly exceed this temperature in the summer months, that could mean disaster for polystyrene foam board insulation.

Low Melting Point

The type of building materials you choose can have a big impact on how well your structure can survive a devastating event like a fire. With its low melting point, polystyrene insulation can pose a higher risk than other building materials during a fire. 

Rather than being fire-resistant or fire-retardant, polystyrene melts when exposed to flame. The liquified material can drip and spread fire to other parts of the building.

R Value

Thermal resistance, or R-value, is a key consideration when choosing your insulation. 

Higher R-values mean that your insulation works better to keep temperatures stable inside your building. A higher R-value per inch means that you can achieve the same code performance level with less material. Polystyrene insulations carry an average R-value of around R4 or R5 per inch, varying slightly depending on the type and density used. This is a middle-of-the-road value and there are better insulators than polystyrene board insulation if you need a higher R-value per inch for your project.

Water Permeance and Absorption

Insulation that absorbs water can compromise the insulating value and can lead to mold and other problems over time. Expanded polystyrene insulations have water absorption of between 2-4%. Surprisingly, this is higher than other types of insulation, which can achieve less than 1% water absorption. Similarly, water vapor permeance measures whether vapor can pass through the insulation. 

Expanded rigid polystyrene board insulations carry a water vapor permeance of between 2.5 to 5 perms, which allows vapor to pass through at a higher rate than extruded polystyrene or polyiso.

Polyiso Instead of Polystyrene

Now that we’ve covered some of the shortcomings that come with polystyrene board insulation, let’s introduce a better solution—polyiso.

Here’s why polyisocyanurate, or polyiso, is superior to polystyrene. The service temperature of polyiso is nearly double that of polystyrene. Polyiso can be installed in applications up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, polyiso does not melt at high temperatures or when exposed to flame. Instead, it chars.

Thermal performance is another area where polyiso is the clear winner when compared to polystyrene rigid insulation board. Polyiso has an R-value of R6 per inch, which is a significant metric when you need to insulate narrow spaces like wall cavities.

Finally, when it comes to water resistance, polyiso again outperforms expanded polystyrene. Water absorption of polyiso sits at less than 1% volume and water vapor permeance at less than 1.5 perms.

Find the Best Polyiso Insulation Solutions with Rmax

Choosing between rigid polystyrene insulation board and polyiso becomes easier when you have all the facts. Are you ready to make the call and specify your building’s insulation? Rmax can help you choose the best polyiso for your next project. Reach out to your local representative to get started!

The Best in Insulation: Understanding Sustainable Rigid Insulation

If you’re going green on your next construction project, you’ll need to know what your options are when it comes to sustainable rigid insulation. In this article, we cover common types of rigid foam insulation, which ones are most sustainable in building construction, and why.

Types of Rigid Foam Insulation

You have choices when it comes to selecting a suitable rigid foam insulation board for your building’s walls, foundations, and the rest of the envelope. Here are the three common foam board insulation types used in construction:

1. Extruded Polystyrene (EPS)

2. Expanded Polystyrene (XPS)

3. Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)

Of these, polyiso is the most environmentally friendly. Let’s find out why.

Sustainability Factors

To determine whether a building material is sustainable, we need to get more specific about what makes something sustainable. We’ll use LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to help us define sustainability. LEED is a certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that rates buildings based on their impact on the environment.

There are multiple routes to achieve LEED certification for your building, but here are the primary goals to focus on when it comes to choosing sustainable building insulation.

• Increase Energy Efficiency

• Reduce Impact on Environment

• Promote Sustainable Material Cycles

How to Source Sustainable Rigid Insulation

How do you put those goals into action and find the most sustainable rigid insulation? Here’s what to look for:

Raw Materials

When choosing your building insulation, take a look at the raw materials used to manufacture the product. Polyiso, EPS, and XPS are all made from non-renewable petrochemicals. Currently, none of the foam insulation boards we use today are made from 100% renewable resources. 

Renewable materials are the raw materials that replenish their own reserves quickly, such as those materials derived from quick-growing crops. They do not deplete the Earth’s natural resources, thus promoting more sustainable material cycles. 

They may not always come in board form. Some examples of insulation types that are made from renewable raw materials include wool, cotton, and cork.

Recyclable

Foam board insulation isn’t made from renewable resources, but it is highly recyclable. All three types of foam insulation board can be recycled and reused at the end of their life cycle. 

For example, when a building is remodeled, the existing insulation can be removed and reused on other projects. The facers on polyiso can also be recycled up to 100%.

Manufacturing Process

When selecting a sustainable rigid insulation for your project, take a look at how the insulation is made and what the impact of that process is on the environment. New technologies are allowing for more sustainable manufacturing processes and better blowing agents for foam insulation boards. 

Look for a product that uses environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Rmax polyiso uses third-generation blowing agents that produce zero ozone depletion. All Rmax polyiso insulation boards are HCFC-free and CFC-free.

Performance

Insulation is unique when it comes to promoting sustainability because it creates a lasting effect. The more effective your insulation is at insulating your building, the more energy is conserved by the HVAC systems running inside. 

The most sustainable rigid insulation is one with a high R-value that can be installed continuously without thermal breaks. Polyiso carries the highest R-value per inch when comparing the three board insulation types.

Durability

A building material that works great but ends up in a landfill five years later is not very sustainable. Rather, sustainable rigid insulation needs to last at least as long as the life of the building—if not longer, so that the energy expended in creating, transporting, and installing the material achieves maximum efficiency. 

While all three foam board insulation types are reusable, polyiso is the most durable with its protective facers.

Local Impact

Consider the local impact on the environment when choosing sustainable rigid insulation. For example, if the manufacturing plant is closer to the jobsite, it requires less fuel and resources to transport the material to the construction site. 

On the other hand, if your product is manufactured across the country or even across the ocean, it’s going to have a larger negative impact.

Clean Air

Our building materials can have a positive impact on the indoor environment, including the air we breathe and creating healthy spaces for occupants. Rmax is proud to have received Clean Air Gold Certification from Intertek Sustainability. This certification means that Rmax insulation products do not have VOC emissions that negatively impact indoor air quality.

Rmax Polyiso: Your Sustainable Rigid Insulation Solutions

Going green in construction is a noble cause, and simply by evaluating the environmental-friendliness of your envelope’s insulating materials, you can make a notable impact. For a complete review of how Rmax polyiso is a qualified sustainable rigid insulation, read more in our Rmax LEED Credits Worksheet. 

Not sure which Rmax polyiso product is right for your project? Reach out to your local Rmax representative for help!

Improving Efficiency: Why You Should Insulate The Exterior Side Of The Foundation Wall

Starting with the basics—your foundation is literally the most important part of your building. Without a sturdy and functional foundation, a building will shift, crumble, and become exposed to the unforgiving elements that can wreak a lifetime of havoc once inside. 

It’s critical to protect your building’s foundation from the start, but did you know that insulating foundation walls on the exterior side is one way that you can proactively protect your structure? Since building codes require insulation on basement walls for climate zones three through eight anyway, why not maximize your investment by placing it on the exterior face of the wall?

There are many advantages to insulating the exterior side of the foundation walls:

Protection

Your foundation needs protection from the elements. Using waterproofing along with foundation wall insulation can substantially preserve your building’s foundation. Start by designing a comprehensive wall section. 

This means that you’ll incorporate waterproofing and protection board in addition to the structural components like concrete or masonry that you find in standard foundation walls. The added layers help keep water out. 

Additionally, the foundation foam insulation on the exterior side provides a buffer zone of protection for your newly installed waterproofing from backfilled soil. This protection layer typically consists of one or two inches of foam board like extruded polystyrene or polyiso.

Cost Savings

When you design your foundation walls, keep in mind that you can save on building materials by moving the foundation wall insulation to the exterior side. That’s because insulating foundation walls from the outside doesn’t require an expensive finish on top. Instead, the exterior-facing insulation is backfilled and covered by soil. 

Increase Useable Area 

Insulating your foundation on the exterior side of the wall cavity increases the building’s usable square footage because the insulation doesn’t encroach upon the interior space. This results in a lower price per square foot and a higher value to the occupants. It may seem insignificant, but consider a 10’x10’ room with 2” insulation on each wall. When insulated on the exterior, you get 100 SF, but if you insulated on the interior, usable square footage goes down to 93 SF. 

In a building with fifteen rooms this size, you’ll lose an entire room’s worth of space just by insulating on the interior side of the foundation wall.

Energy Efficiency

When you insulate foundation walls, it’s important to consider whether the installation will be continuous. Traditionally, interruptions in insulation by studs or other components have been acceptable. However, continuous insulation is more widely specified in the latest building codes. 

This installation style minimizes heat loss and provides increased energy efficiency for your HVAC systems. When you choose board insulation on the exterior side of the foundation wall, there are naturally fewer obstacles—which allows you to achieve continuous insulation effortlessly.

Freeze Thaw Protection

The freeze-thaw cycle that most regions in the U.S. experience throughout the seasons can inherently cause damage, including cracking and shifting, to your foundation. 

Luckily, you can minimize the impact of the freeze-thaw cycle by insulating foundation walls on the exterior side, to provide a cushion that allows expansion and contraction as the Earth’s temperatures fluctuate. The insulation on your foundation also provides a thermal break so that extreme temperature gradients are not making direct surface contact.

Minimizes Condensation

Condensation happens when warm air, which holds moisture, cools quickly and can no longer hold the moisture—so it condenses into water droplets on a cooler surface. This often happens on foundation walls because the cool concrete or masonry holds its temperature while the air temperature rises. 

This provides an environment where condensation is prone to forming. However, you can minimize or eliminate condensation in this area by installing foundation foam insulation boards on the exterior side to keep your foundation walls warm and reduce the drastic temperature variation that causes condensation. 

Easy Install

Installing insulation can be time consuming and labor intensive, but it doesn’t have to be. When you move your insulation to the exterior side of the foundation wall, installation is a breeze. Simply tack modular boards to the outside of the foundation wall in a temporary manner until the soil is backfilled for permanent securement. 

Exterior vs. Interior

Sometimes insulating the outside of the foundation wall is not practical. This is the case in many retrofit projects where the soil would need to be excavated around the building in order to install the insulation. Interior insulation is a more practical solution when you cannot easily access the outside vertical surface of the foundation.

Rmax Can Help You Pick the Right Insulation

Picking the right type of building materials can become a headache in a hurry, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

Ask for help from the experts at Rmax, who know all about building insulation types, where to use them, and how to fit the right one into your budget. Our representatives can review your project’s design and help you pick the right insulation for the job. Get answers today by reaching out to your local Rmax representative!

A Comprehensive Overview of Polyiso Wall Insulation

What is Polyiso Wall Insulation?

Polyiso wall insulation is a building material commonly used in both residential and commercial structures. Whether you’re looking for wall insulation for your home remodel or your new construction project, polyiso wall insulation will provide a tailored solution for your next project. 

Of all the building materials available for insulating the building envelope, rigid foam board—in the form of polyiso—is a superior option.

Benefits

Just claiming that something is superior doesn’t make it so. Let’s back up our statement with the facts. Here are just a few of the benefits of using polyiso wall insulation on your next project:

Easy to Install

The nature of polyiso is that it’s a rigid foam insulation board. That means it’s lightweight, it can be cut by hand into custom shapes and sizes, and it holds its own when attached to your studs. 

Polyiso boards come from the factory in modular sizes, typically 48” x 96” (4’ x 8’) or 48” x 48” (4’ x 4’). The thickness can be customized from ½” up to 4-1/2” thick per layer. 

Polyiso wall insulation can also be installed in multiple layers, if desired. Materials that are easier to install mean decreased labor costs for your project.

Continuous Insulation

As building codes evolve, “continuous insulation” is a term that appears more and more. 

Continuous insulation calls for a constant thermal resistance (R-value) across the entire surface area. Today, many building codes require continuous insulation throughout the building envelope. Polyiso wall insulation is an ideal material to use for continuous insulation because it naturally provides a continuous R-value. That’s because polyiso wall insulation boards are butted up against each other to create a continuous, smooth surface on the wall.

Performance

The purpose of building insulation is to provide thermal resistance—so that heat loss is minimized and energy is conserved. Insulation performance is measured in R-value. 

The higher the R-value, the better insulated your building is. Polyiso wall insulation carries an R-value of R6 per inch, which outperforms other insulating materials like fiberglass batts when comparing similar material thicknesses. A higher R-value per inch means you’ll be able to get more insulating power out of a thinner material that fits inside your wall cavity.

Versatility

Polyiso wall insulation can be customized to fit your project’s needs and budget. Not only does it come in a wide range of thicknesses and sizes, but it also comes with different types of laminated facers to achieve additional material properties. For a more economical option in concealed applications, you can choose a standard facer, and for projects where you want to turn your insulation into a structural nailboard, you can fasten your exterior finishes to a plywood laminated polyiso product such as ECOMAXci® FR Ply.

FAQs

Where is Polyiso Wall Insulation Used?

Polyiso wall insulation is used on the vertical surfaces of the building envelope—on the walls that separate the inside of your building from the outside. You’ll find polyiso wall insulation used on exterior foundation walls, on the interior side of basement walls, on the exterior side of stud walls, and even inside masonry wall cavities.

What is the R-Value of Polyiso Wall Insulation?

The R-value of polyiso wall insulation varies by manufacturer, but is typically around R5-R6 per inch. Rmax polyiso wall insulation products, including Durasheath® and Thermasheath®, carry an R-value of R6 per inch. That means one inch gives an R-value of 6. For your next project using one of these Rmax polyiso wall insulation products, you can achieve R20 with a single layer of 4” thick boards or two layers of 2” thick boards. Consult the specific product data sheets for exact R values.

Is Polyiso Wall Insulation Waterproof?

The foam core of polyiso wall insulation is naturally water-resistant because of its chemical makeup (thermoset plastic) and closed-cell structure. It’s actually the facer of polyiso that determines whether the boards are fully waterproof. A cellulose (paper) facer is not waterproof, while a foil facer (aluminum) provides enhanced water resistance.

How Do I Attach Polyiso Wall Insulation?

You have three choices of installation methods for polyiso wall insulation, depending on your installation. Most often, polyiso wall insulation is mechanically attached to studs, plywood, or furring with screws that have large, specialized washers to secure the insulation. Another installation method is adhering polyiso wall insulation to a substrate (such as a concrete wall) with specialized construction adhesive. Lastly, in some cases—you can simply install polyiso wall insulation without any fasteners by using a loose-laid application. This method is used alongside metal furring channels that hold the boards in place or when backfilling a foundation wall with soil.

What Are Other Types of Wall Insulation?

Other common wall insulation materials include fiberglass batts or rolls, spray-foam insulation, loose-fill cellulose insulation, and other types of polystyrene foam boards like extruded (EPS) and expanded (XPS).

Maximizing Energy Efficiency with Rigid Foam Insulation

There is an enormous selection of building materials available on the market today, and choosing the right materials can quickly become overwhelming. When it comes to insulation, you can choose from blankets to beads, boards and even blocks. From there, you have even more choices to make, such as the chemical makeup which can include various types of foam, fiberglass, and more.

Rmax simplifies the selection process in this article by breaking down a tried-and-true building component that they've been manufacturing for decades: rigid foam insulation. 

What is Rigid Insulation?

Let’s start by answering the simple question: What is rigid insulation? Rigid insulation, like all insulation, is a building material used in construction that creates a thermal barrier to separate the inside of your building from the outside. Rigid insulation is often produced as rectangular-shaped boards that are installed in a modular fashion. 

One way to define rigid insulation is by answering the question: What is rigid insulation not? Rigid insulation can be differentiated from other types of insulation by the following characteristics:

• Dimensional Stability: Unlike beads, spray foam, or batts, rigid insulation holds its manufactured shape rather than conforming to its surroundings. This means it can be used outside the wall cavity since it doesn’t require a container to support it.

• Compressive Strength: Other types of insulation like cellulose or fiberglass blanket carry virtually no compressive resistance, while polyiso rigid insulation boards typically boast a compressive strength of 20 psi or higher. This means you can walk on rigid insulation without damaging it.

• Installation Method: Rigid insulation can be installed by fastening, adhering, or loose-laying modular boards to structural sheathing, studs, walls, or decking. 

What is Rigid Insulation Made of?

Now that we’ve established a basic understanding of what rigid insulation is, let’s answer the question: What is rigid foam insulation made of? There are three main types of rigid foam insulation that you’ll see in the construction industry:

1. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

2. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) 

3. Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)

Each of these rigid insulation types is made of different raw materials (resins and additives), and each one has its own manufacturing process. The final product comes out looking very similar for all three varieties of rigid insulation: rectangular 4’x8’ boards in various thicknesses ranging from ½” up to 6”. 

Polyiso insulation contains an additional component that is not included in EPS or XPS. That’s because the manufacturing process requires a facer on either side of the foam. Polyiso consists of a foam core that is sandwiched between two facers. The facers are made of a material like foil or fiberglass-reinforced cellulose. EPS and XPS, on the other hand, do not require a laminated facer and have a homogenous makeup.

What is Rigid Board Insulation Used for in Construction?

Rigid insulation is versatile and can be used throughout the building envelope, including inside and outside of the wall cavity, roofs, attics, and foundations. Rigid insulation, like Rmax Durasheath®, is used on exterior walls under siding and wall finishes, on the interior of basement walls, and as protection to newly installed waterproofing on the outside of foundation walls for backfilling.

Rigid insulation is the go-to material in commercial roofing systems. It’s used to insulate the building from above and create a drainage slope on flat roofs. In fact, to meet current energy codes, many commercial roofs require more than five inches of rigid insulation above the roof deck and below the roof membrane! 

Benefits: Why and What Rigid Foam Insulation is Best?

A clear advantage that rigid insulation has over other types is its ability to be applied in a continuous manner. Continuous insulation is when your insulating material goes uninterrupted across the surface of your building. Rigid insulation is inherently a continuous insulator. 

Additionally, the boards are often applied in two layers. When installed this way, joints are staggered and there is less opportunity for leaks to occur through the insulation joints. If you’re looking for insulation that enhances your building’s energy efficiency, rigid foam insulation gets the job done, by achieving a thermal resistance of R6 per inch for polyiso rigid foam insulations like Rmax Thermasheath®.

For an even bigger boost in energy efficiency, polyiso rigid foam insulation has another major advantage. It can be laminated to air and vapor barrier materials so that it can be installed in a single application. The Rmax ECOMAXci ® Wall Solution combines a fire-rated polyiso foam core with a 12 mil foil facer. When properly installed with joints sealed, it can function as an all-in-one air and vapor barrier, plus insulator.

What is the Best Rigid Foam Insulation? Rmax Can Help You Decide 

Save time and money now, and later on down the road, by choosing the right insulating material for your construction project. If you’re still not sure what the best rigid insulation for your building is, Rmax can help you choose the right fit for the job. 

Reach out today to learn more!

Rigid Wall Insulation Installation: Techniques for Enhanced Thermal Performance

How well is your building sealed? If you can feel drafts through your walls and around windows or other openings, then your building envelope may be lacking in this area. The culprit? Your building’s outside wall insulation installation method used during initial construction may be to blame. Building insulation performs best when it is continuously sealed.

In this resource, you will learn several tips and tricks to optimize your wall insulation installation techniques to achieve enhanced thermal and moisture performance inside your building envelope.

Why Choose Rigid Insulation Installation for Exterior Walls?

Rigid insulation is a popular choice for exterior walls. There are many advantages to choosing rigid foam insulation, such as polyiso, for your walls—including:

• High R-Value per inch

• Not limited by 2x4 framing thickness

• Provides a flat, smooth surface for exterior finishes

• Efficient installation with modular board sizes

• No mess during or after installation

How to Install Rigid Wall Insulation on External Walls

Let’s cover a quick how-to guide on installing polyiso insulation on exterior walls. For this example, we’ll show you how to install Rmax Durasheath® building envelope insulation. This is a closed-cell polyiso foam core with non-metallic, coated glass fiber mat facers.

In a residential application, wall insulation installation usually occurs with fiberglass batts between wood stud walls. However, the thickness of this cavity space can limit the insulating power. That’s why some homeowners choose to add continuous insulation to the outside surface of the studs. Adding just one inch of polyiso can add R6 to the thermal resistance.

To install rigid insulation on the external walls of a home:

1. Place the modular 4’x8’ boards either horizontally or vertically butted against each other. 

2. Align vertical joints with structural backing and fasten with at least eight screws and washers per board into studs or structural sheathing (such as plywood). 

3. Continue with an air barrier and/or exterior finish

This particular product does not require joint taping, but it can be installed if desired.

Pro Tips for Sealing Insulation on Wall Installations

Although not all rigid wall insulation requires sealing, doing so can fortify your structure and significantly decrease heat loss, air leaks, and moisture intrusion. If you’re already installing continuous insulation, why not go the extra mile and seal it up? 

If you decide to seal your joints, we’ll cover the tools you’ll need for installations like the ECOMAXci® Wall Solution, which performs as both the air barrier and continuous insulation. With this application, you’ll seal all the joints between boards (vertical and horizontal) with either tape or liquid flashing, and you’ll detail any penetrations like windows or pipes with 35 mil polyethylene butyl tape.

Tools Required for Wall Insulation Installation

ECOMAXci® can be installed in two ways, either by taping joints or using liquid flashing. 

Here are the tools needed for each method:

For Pressure-Sensitive Tapes

• Utility Knife

• Measuring Tape

• Insulation Knife

• Rubber Hand Roller

• Cordless Impact Driver

Additional Tools For Liquid Flashing Details

• Plastic Putty Knife

• Wet film Thickness Gauge

• Caulk Gun

• Spatula 

Once you’ve got your tools, you’ll also need to have the right building materials. Besides your insulation, you’ll need plenty of fasteners, washers, tapes, and sealant on the jobsite.

Materials Used by Pros in Outside Wall Insulation Installation

• Insulation Boards

• CI Prong Washers for wood or metal studs/backing

• Grip Deck Self-Drilling Screws or other appropriate anchors

• R-seal 3000 (joint tape) or R-seal 2000LF (liquid flashing)

• R-seal 6000 (for windows/penetrations)

Choosing the right materials for the job is one way you can optimize your installation. Since there are various types of fasteners, tapes, and accessories available, check with your Rmax representative to recommend which product is best for your project’s application.

Tips for Reducing Wall Insulation Installation Costs

Here are a few pointers to get you started on the right track:

Watch Installation Videos

Watching the manufacturer’s installation videos is a great way to understand the process before you begin your external wall insulation installation. Find several installation videos from Rmax for their current products in their “Installation Guides and Videos” section online, including:

• Installation for Rmax Liquid Flashing R-Seal 2000 LF

• Installation for ECOMAXci® Wall Solution

Plan Your Layout Before You Begin

You can save a lot of time by investing a little up-front time planning before you begin the installation process. Some factors to consider before you start rigid insulation installation on exterior walls include:

• Decide which fastener type to use with your wall. 

• Purchase a little more than you’ll need to account for waste (typically between 3-10%).

• Study the manufacturer’s recommended fastening pattern to familiarize the layout.

• Buy the correct length fasteners (1” penetration into your substrate).

• Make a jig that helps you locate the studs more easily for fastening.

• Decide whether you’ll lay your boards vertically or horizontally. 

More Installation Tips

Finally, you’re ready to install, here are a few more pointers to help things move smoothly.

• Keep cut boards so you can use them later in the installation when possible.

• Do not countersink screw heads (keep flush).

Rmax Can Help Your Installation Run Smoothly

Rmax has worked with countless contractors during the installation process and is standing by in case you have any questions or need guidance during the process. 

Contact your local Rmax representative today to start planning!

Building Safe and Efficient: Insulation Requirements in North Carolina Explained

The Tar Heel State faces a wide range of temperature variations throughout the year with the change of seasons, often ranging from below zero to above 90℉. Depending on which part of the state you’re in, the climate can be dramatically different from the coast to the Western inland.

To keep buildings safe and running efficiently with its highly variable climate, representatives of the North Carolina Building Code Council (BCC) adopt and amend construction guidelines to oversee progress. In turn, this supports the construction of structures that are compatible with the climate and landscape. 

If you’re building or remodeling in NC, it’s important to become familiar with these codes. While there are codes for everything from accessibility to plumbing and electrical—in this article, we’ll be focusing on the North Carolina building code insulation requirements. 

Current NC State Building Code

Building codes are changing all the time. That’s why there is a council to review the codes and implement changes when necessary for the sake of safety or systems improvement. Find the current list of adopted codes on the NC Office of State Fire Marshal website. 

A significant portion of the current version of NC building codes is based on the ICC 2015 International Codes and went into effect in 2019. This version is referred to as the 2018 NC Codes and it includes ten books. 

Of those ten sets of guidelines, the two that we will focus on for NC building code insulation requirements are the following: 

• 2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Energy Conservation Code 

• 2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Residential Code

What Are the North Carolina Building Code Insulation Requirements?

Taking a look at the two code books listed above, we can decipher what the requirements are for NC building code insulation. Let’s take a look at both residential and commercial construction insulation code requirements.

First, we’ll break down the state by climate zone. North Carolina consists of three distinctive climate zones, including:

• Climate Zone 3A: South and East NC (Warm Humid)

• Climate Zone 4A: North and West NC (Mixed Humid) 

• Climate Zone 5A: Northwest corner of NC (Cool Humid)

Residential NC Building Code Insulation Requirements

North Carolina’s 2018 residential code for single and multi-family residential structures under three stories is based on the International Residential Code (IRC). The required values are shown in the table below for various wall types and other components of the building envelope.

Residential R-Value Code Requirements in NC:

*R-value requirements may be less for air-permeable/impermeable attics.

When evaluating North Carolina building code wall insulation requirements for homes, you’ll notice that in climate zones 4 and 5, you have the option to combine cavity wall insulation with continuous insulation. For example, if you’re constructing a building with wood studs, you can use R13 cavity insulation between the studs, plus R5 continuous insulation. The additional insulation, if polyiso is used, requires less than an inch of continuous insulation installed on the exterior side of the studs. ½” thick Rmax Durasheath® carries a thermal insulating resistance value of R3, which exceeds the code requirement for this construction application.

Commercial NC Building Code Insulation Requirements

The North Carolina Energy Conservation Code applies to non-residential, commercial structures including businesses, hospitals, and government buildings for both new construction and remodeling projects. This code follows the requirements of the ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 standard. You’ll find the R-value requirements for North Carolina commercial construction projects in the table below.

Commercial R-Value Code Requirements in NC*:

*These values may differ from the requirements of commercial buildings that contain residential dwellings, or from metal buildings. 

As you can see in the chart above, the North Carolina building code wall insulation requirements show increased R-values for several applications in commercial buildings when compared to residential construction projects. One notable difference is the increased requirement of continuous insulation throughout the envelope, from the floor, up the walls to the rooftop. 

Polyiso board insulation is one of the best products on the market to achieve continuous insulation assemblies and meet code requirements. For example, Rmax Thermasheath® carries an R-value of R6 per inch, so you can achieve R7.5 with a single layer of 1-¼” boards.

Meet North Carolina Building Code Insulation Requirements with Rmax

As a trusted manufacturer in the insulation industry for over 45 years, Rmax has been here throughout the years of evolving building codes and increased energy efficiency requirements. We have developed insulation solutions to meet and often exceed code standards and our North Carolina representatives can help make sure your next project is insulated with the right materials. 

Reach out to your local Rmax representative today!

The R-Value of EPS Insulation: Understanding Its Thermal Performance and a Superior Alternative

When insulating your construction project, whether it’s your home, business, or a work-related endeavor, it’s important to consider all of your options so that you can make informed decisions about which materials will best suit your design’s expected thermal performance. Here, we break down one of those material options: EPS. 

What is EPS Insulation?

Expanded polystyrene, or EPS, is a type of closed-cell insulation commonly used in walls, roofs, and foundations. The manufacturing process uses steam, blowing agents, and resin beads to create the final product. ASTM C578 is the standard specification for this type of thermal insulation.

One unique property that is inherently beneficial to EPS is its ability to be worked into shapes or molds during production. This makes it useful for very specific applications. Consider, for instance, the packaging material that comes around a new flat-screen TV or computer. It’s perfectly molded to support the shape of the product it’s meant to protect.

R-Value of EPS Rigid Insulation

When it comes to choosing the best insulation to cover a building envelope, it’s less about the shape of the material and more about its properties and performance. One measure to compare is the thermal resistance value, or R-value. A typical EPS insulation R-value stands firm at about R4 per inch of thickness. That means a one-inch thick board will have at least an R4 and a two-inch thick EPS board will have a minimum R8. 

EPS is available in various densities, ranging from around 1-3 pounds per cubic foot (pcf), which in turn creates varying levels of compressive strength (from 10-60 psi). These factors impact thermal performance. Take a look at the EPS Insulation R-value chart below to check how the densities affect the R-value of EPS: 

Typical EPS Insulation R-Value Chart

*Values based on Insulfoam unfaced EPS insulation at 40℉

As you can see, the R-value of EPS rigid insulation requires increasing thicknesses and/or densities in order to achieve a good thermal barrier. For example, if you want to meet the minimum R13 for walls, you’ll need at least 3” thick EPS. For an R20 wall, you’ll need 4” or more, depending on the density you select.

A Superior Alternative to EPS for Higher R-Values: Polyiso

Oftentimes, you just don’t have four inches to spare inside a wall cavity. So, if you’re looking for an alternative that packs more R-value per inch, one option is polyisocyanurate (polyiso). 

R-Value of Polyiso Insulation

Polyiso insulation ranks well in terms of insulating power. With an R6 per inch, polyiso beats EPS insulation R-values by nearly two full points on the scale. That seemingly small difference can add up quickly when you’ve got limited space for your insulation to fit into. Below, you can find the typical R-values for polyiso when compared to EPS insulation.

Polyiso vs. EPS Insulation R-Value Chart

*Values based on Insulfoam unfaced EPS insulation at 40℉

**Values based on Rmax Thermasheath® Polyiso insulation

Comparison of Polyiso vs. EPS Insulation R-Values

Across the board, polyiso outperforms EPS in thermal R-values. As you can see above in the polyiso vs. EPS insulation r-value chart, you can achieve an R20 with just three inches of polyiso—that shaves off an entire inch of insulation thickness when compared to EPS. Find the entire range of polyiso R-values for Rmax products, including ECOMAXci® FR and Durasheath®, in our product R-value charts.

Get Help Selecting a Superior Insulation Board for Your Project

If you’re looking for ways to minimize insulation thickness without compromising on thermal resistance values, Rmax can help. Our representatives can help you pick the right product for your design. Whether you’re insulating a wall, roof, basement, or attic space, polyiso is a versatile and well-rounded building material used by professionals who build to last. 

Contact one of our sales representatives today for more information!

Wall Board Insulation: Enhancing Comfort and Energy Efficiency

All buildings, both commercial and residential, have character, and a major factor that plays a role in creating that character—is how the occupants feel while inside the building. Is your building putting visitors at ease with a cozy and comfortable ambiance, or keeping them at a distance with a cold and clammy atmosphere? The difference is in the materials.

You can change your building’s attributes simply by altering your insulating strategy. When it comes to creating comfort in your home or commercial building, thermal insulation can make or break your environment. 

Since walls make up the majority of a building’s surface area, it’s an ideal place to focus on when designing an enhanced comfort and energy-efficient structure. Let’s learn more about wall board insulation.

What is Wall Board Insulation?

Wall board insulation goes by many names. It’s commonly referred to as rigid insulation, foam board, rigid foam, bead board, foam insulation, board insulation, polyiso, and more. The term “wall board insulation” does not necessarily refer to a single type of insulation material, but rather the general shape of the material and the way the insulation is installed.

Foam board wall insulation is made up of thin, rectangular panels of insulating material in various sizes—think of it as the foam-core poster boards you used to use in school to present your science fair project, but thicker. Thicknesses vary from around ½” to over 6” in some materials. Typical dimensions of foam insulation boards are similar to what you’d find in the plywood selection at your local hardware store, including 4’x8’ and 4’x4’ boards. 

Typical materials used for wall board insulation include the following:

• Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso or iso)

• Extruded Polystyrene (XPS, blue board, or pink board)

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS or bead board)

• Mineral Wool Boards

Each of these materials has its pros and cons and they all are used in construction, from the below-grade foundation level up to the rooftop.

Why Choose Wall Insulation Foam Board for Your Project?

To contrast wall board insulation to other types of insulation, we’ll need to identify other common ways to insulate walls, which include:

• Fiberglass batt insulation

• Spray foam insulation

• Loose-fill and blown-in

Insulation wall boards are different from these other types and come with some unique advantages, including easier installation, increased R-values, better fire resistance, and the ability to customize the installation.

For example, let’s compare the R-values, in descending order, of various materials per a one-inch-thick application.

As you can see, board insulation does the job when it comes to achieving a high thermal R-value with less thickness. Closed-cell polyurethane slightly outperforms polyiso, but it’s important to take into consideration that spray insulation may require multiple layers to achieve the same thickness that can be installed in one effort with board insulation. That means you can achieve comfort and energy efficiency with less material, quicker labor, and often—less expense.

Another clear advantage of board insulation is the simplicity of installation and lack of a mess that comes with loose-fill, spray foam, and blanket insulation. Rigid board insulation material can generally be easily cut-to-size by scoring with a razor knife and snapping to size by hand. Plus, there’s no mess or clean-up after installation. What you get is a professional and clean final product finish for your wall.

Polyiso board insulation can be customized to fit your project’s needs by adding additional properties in the facers. For example, Thermasheath® is a polyiso foam core bonded to reinforced aluminum foil facers on both sides, while other boards can feature fiberglass facers or even laminated plywood.

Where to Use Thermal Insulation Wall Board

Thermal insulation wall board is a versatile material due to its modular nature. Common applications of these rigid insulating materials include:

• Exterior wall insulation board

• Interior basement wall board insulation

• Exterior concrete walls 

• Foundation waterproofing protection board

• Thin wall insulation board applications

Exterior wall insulation boards are advantageous because they do not need to fit within the wall cavity space. With continuous insulation, such as polyiso boards, building owners benefit from the energy savings, and contractors can achieve the desired R-value thickness outside of the building’s occupied space.

Get the Best Price on Wall Insulation Board

Rmax carries a wide range of Polyiso wall insulation board products for your next construction project. Whether you’re looking for an exterior continuous insulation solution for a masonry or steel stud wall such as Durasheath® or a fire-resistant plywood backing system like ECOMAXci® FR Ply for cladding attachment, Rmax representatives have you covered.

Reach out today to find out what your best insulating options are and we’ll get you in touch with the right professionals to get you a comprehensive thermal insulation wall board price list!

Insulation for the Long Haul: The Advantages of Continuous Insulation Over Cavity

If you’ve ever lived in an old or historic home, you may have noticed that it’s quite leaky and doesn’t hold the heat in too well in the dead of winter. That’s because homes that were constructed more than 50 years ago were often missing a component that we consider crucial today: insulation. 

Insulation serves many purposes in the home, including:

• Increased thermal comfort

• Reduced heat loss from heating and cooling

• Acoustic properties

• Reduction of condensation

The History of Insulation Types in Old Homes

Construction methods have evolved throughout history by capitalizing on different materials and methods available at the time. Consider a rustic log cabin—often, the thickness of the load-bearing exterior wooden walls was all you got in terms of insulating value. Likewise, many historic homes were constructed of thick masonry walls that provided some thermal gain advantages, but lacked a separate type of home insulation for walls.

We didn’t start to see the insulation that we have in a typical residential home today until after 1965, when building codes began requiring it. From that point forward, builders began using fiberglass batts in the wall cavity for standard home construction, among other methods. 

What Are the Different Types of Home Insulation?

In residential construction, there are many types of insulation for homes. Depending on each wall type, you have various options to choose from. 

Masonry Cavity Walls

For example, modern masonry walls are constructed as veneers rather than solid brick. With this construction method, there is an air space cavity between a column of concrete block and the exterior-facing brick veneer. A cavity wall system includes several components, including insulation. A masonry cavity wall can accept many home insulation types in the following forms:

• Mineral Wool Boards

• Polyisocyanurate Boards

• Polystyrene Beads

• Spray Foam

• Fiberglass Batts

Wood Stud Wall Cavities

On the other hand, wood stud walls commonly used in residential construction are often insulated with fiberglass batts between the studs. Still, there are even more different types of insulation used in homes, including cellulose loose-fill, polystyrene foam panels, and even structural insulated panels or insulating concrete forms.

The Best Type of Insulation for New Home Construction

When choosing the best type of insulation for home applications, it’s important to look at all of your options. With the increased focus on sustainability and enhanced energy efficiency, you might be looking for the best type of home insulation and it might not be what you think. 

Traditional fiberglass batts in wood stud walls, for example, are limited in R-value to the width of the studs being used since the wall can only be 3-½” thick for a 2x4 stud wall. This material also fails to address thermal bridging and does not carry a continuous R-value across the wall surface.

The best home insulation types are those that provide an adequate thermal barrier for your climate. In some applications, it might be easier and less expensive to achieve the desired thermal values by using continuous insulation in the form of rigid foam boards.

Continuous Insulation vs. Cavity Insulation

Continuous insulation is a rigid board often used on the exterior of walls or roofs. It is installed uninterrupted and provides a consistent R-value across the entire surface area of the envelope. Polyiso and other continuous insulation products can be installed on either side of stud walls, foundation walls, basement walls, roofs, attics, and more. 

When comparing home insulation types pros and cons, continuous insulation comes out on top because it provides:

• Continuous and consistent thermal values

• Virtually unlimited space to install the insulation to achieve desired R-Values

• High R-Value in a minimal thickness 

• Fast and easy installation in both new construction and retrofit applications

If a cavity wall is a must-have in your home project, you can still use polyiso or other rigid foam boards. These versatile insulating materials can be installed inside the cavity, as well as used in a continuous application on one side of the cavity wall. 

Best Types of Insulation for Your Home

If you’re looking for specific types of home insulation products, below are some offerings that are great options for residential applications for continuous insulation:

Residential Wall Insulation

Rmax carries a wide range of home wall insulation types that can be applied in a manner that achieves continuous insulation. This includes below-grade applications such as Thermasheath® that doubles to protect your waterproofing and also provides thermal comfort in your basement.

Thermasheath®-SI can be used as structural wall insulation, or Therma Base-CI™ can be used to provide a nailbase backing for exterior finishes. Durasheath® is another energy performance option for insulating narrow spaces in homes such as cavity walls.

Residential Roof Insulation 

Your vertical surfaces aren’t the only ones that you’ll want to insulate. Heat often escapes through attics, ceilings, and roofs. Here are some types of home insulation materials used in roofing applications:

• Sarnatherm® Iso

• Sarnatherm® CG

• Sarnatherm® Roof Board

Let Rmax Find the Best Type of Insulation for Your Home Design

So, what is the best type of insulation for a home? If you’re making that decision, Rmax can help you choose the best type of home insulation for your project. Rmax offers a wide variety of polyiso solutions to get your home insulated better than you could ever imagine and we have innovative solutions that will work with your design to achieve the thermal values you desire. 

Reach out to your local representative today for help with your project!