2 Benefits Rigid Foam Insulation Has Over Its Fiberglass Counterpart For Use In Exterior Walls
Whether you are adding a room to your home or remodeling the existing structures, one of the decisions you will need to make has to do with the insulation inside the exterior walls. Without proper insulation, your heating and air conditioning system will work hard to maintain the interior temperature, leading to costly energy bills.
When it comes time to make a choice, you may have narrowed it down to using fiberglass or rigid foam. While making your decision, consider the benefits that foam has over its fiberglass counterpart when used for exterior walls
1. Pockets Found in Fiberglass Batting Trap Moisture
One benefit that foam insulation has over fiberglass is that it is resistant to moisture. When fiberglass is installed inside exterior walls that are exposed to moisture, the pockets will trap water droplets within them.
This trapped moisture, when combined with a dark stagnant space, can lead to mold and mildew growth. The water can also attract rodents and insects, leading to an infestation within the walls.
However, when you install rigid foam inside the exterior walls, the moisture-resistant material does not create these issues. It creates a sheath that repels water that could leak in through spaces in the walls or roof.
2. Rigid Foam Does Not Lose Its Shape over Time
Another advantage of rigid foam is that it keeps its shape. When fiberglass batting is installed, it is kept in place by adhesive and anchors. However, over time, the weight of the material combined with gravity will cause it to droop. If exposed to moisture, areas of the batting will clump up, creating gaps that allow air to pass through.
However, when the rigid foam is used to insulate your walls, its strong, nonflexible material will not droop or clump up over the years. It will keep its shape, and therefore, will not create gaps in the insulation.
If you need to install insulation on your home's exterior walls, rigid foam would be a better choice than using fiberglass batting. The foam is resistant to moisture, so it will not create an environment that encourages fungal growth or pest infestation. It also does not lose its shape over time, which would prevent gaps in the insulation. To learn more about the differences as well as the process used during rigid foam insulation installation, speak with a general contractor that provides this service in your area.