Comments on: InSoFast Makes Basement Insulation Easy

By: Don Resters

Don Resters — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:37:43 +0000

Can you still use these panels if the CMU walls are painted?

By: Jason Brown

Jason Brown — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:25:08 +0000

One of those products that’s going to solve a lot of problems for people.

By: John S Armour

John S Armour — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:25:23 +0000

This is like ICF’s without the “C”!
Very nice presentation. I think i like this product and final installed design.
I’d like to see more about the flooring portion of this remodel – the “damp” concrete slab covered by the foam boards (insofast) – where does the vapor go – does it achieve a balance in those small channel spaces?
Are there end of wall and corner studs available to install, for when the foam is trimmed between the poly studs, to provide added strength and stability?

By: Jack Powell

Jack Powell — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:11:59 +0000

Interesting product. I just completed a lower level walk out finishing project on our 2019 constructed home. Over 50% of exterior walls were reinforced concrete (exterior finished with a drainage system but without insulation). Foundation walls on the walkout side are 2×6” flash & bat insulated. When I started the finishing project, all concrete walls were faced with 2” EPS board with seams sealed. The floor was covered with Platon moisture barrier topped with OSB and then engineered wood flooring. All in, the end product is very good. My question with your ‘engineering test’ of InSoFast is about permit inspection sequencing. How can you run wiring in channels on the back side and get rough in inspection before other electric components can be installed? I did not get to electric rough in until all exterior walls & subfloor phases were completed.

By: Lew B

Lew B — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:08:18 +0000

Insofast sounds like a great solution.

I am building a steel barn clad in steel sheets. I will be using rolls of vinyl reinforced-faced fiberglass to insulate walks and roof. Vinyl facing is on the conditioned side of the structure. The rolls are laid over steel gurts and purlins taped together and steel sheets over that, screwed down. If I added a wrb/arb between the steel sheets and the fiberglass am I creating a moisture problem between the insulation and wrb? I would like to add some measure of air control, thus an air-water barrier.

This structure is a workshop whose interior will be heated and cooled (dehumidified) but moderately, so as to be comfortable enough to work in, not live. Location is SW Tennessee.

By: Rick Duncan

Rick Duncan — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:21:04 +0000

Hi Allison –

Great article!

You report that the carbon footprint of EPS is about 1/3 that of closed-cell SPF. Is this based on comparing the CO2 contribution of a ‘functional unit’ of both products or the CO2 generated per weight, thickness or R-value of the product? A functional unit of insulation is the amount of insulation to provide RSI=1 over an area of 1 m2 per the US Insulation Product Category Rule.

Additionally, did you reference closed-cell SPF containing HFC or HFO blowing agents? The carbon footprint (global warming potential) of the new HFO foams is about 12-15% of that for HFC-based closed-cell foams. I should note the EPA will no longer allow manufacturing of HFC-based ispray foam insulation in the US beginning January 1, 2025.