Rigid insulation beats fiberglass inch for inch.
Rigid insulation is made from either extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate or polyurethane. Commonly known as blueboard, beadboard, Styrofoam, foam board or a variety of names, rigid insulation is a popular insulation choice. Not only is it moisture-resistant, but rigid insulation outperforms fiberglass insulation inch for inch. Rigid insulation is usually a simple installation for the beginning do-it-yourselfer, as an entire room can often be insulated in just a few hours.
Instructions
1. Inspect your wall frames before installing rigid insulation. Use a water sealer or silicone sealant if moisture is present. This will prevent mold and mildew from growing in a damp environment.
2. Measure each wall you wish to insulate, noting the inches between studs. This is usually 16 inches but can be as much as 24 inches. Estimate the amount of rigid insulation required by dividing the wall length by the width of the rigid insulation, typically 4 feet. Thus, a 20-foot wall typically requires five sheets of rigid insulation. Note that if your wall is higher than the standard 8 feet, you will need more insulation to account for the extra height.
3. Use a utility knife to cut your rigid insulation to fit between the studs or furring strips already present. Lay the rigid insulation flat and measure at either end of the sheet, mark it with a pencil and then score it with your knife. Snap it in a clean break to get the strip size you need.
4. Apply construction adhesive to the back of the rigid insulation and press it into place between the wall studs or furring strips. You can also nail it into place using a roofing nail with an oversize head to avoid sinking below the insulation. Remember that any holes penetrating the rigid insulation will undermine its insulating ability. Continue until the wall or room is complete, adding extra pieces as necessary for walls taller than 8 feet. Seal any seams with duct mastic or foil tape to maintain insulation effectiveness.
5. Cover your completed rigid insulation with plastic sheeting on exterior walls, if desired. This provides an excellent vapor and moisture barrier.
6. Continue with drywall installation over the top of the rigid insulation. Nail it into the studs or furring strips between the rigid insulation you installed.
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