What Is Stryofoam SM Insulation?
Styrofoam SM insulation has been used for many years in commercial buildings due to its high R value (RSI). This insulation is able to resist water absorption, which is an important property in commercial grade foundation applications. When installed, the insulation material will prevent foundation damp proofing and act as a reliable waterproofing agent. The insulation is often used during backfilling because of these properties.
The insulation material can be installed to act as a secondary barrier preventing groundwater leakage. It can significantly help to prevent cracking of foundation by adding the thermal mass of a building and also reducing condensation. This insulation material is used in below grade and above grade commercial applications. It’s available in different sizes depending on the demands of the application.
Fire Safety
When looking for an insulation material that is suitable for a home or commercial building, one of the top concerns is fire safety. Materials like cellulose, made of recycled newspapers, can become a huge fire hazard when used for insulation. Styrofoam SM insulation is also combustible. Once installed, the insulation material needs to be protected from high heat sources.
In some areas, local building codes dictate that a protective or thermal barrier must be installed together with Styrofoam insulation to enhance fire safety. Talk to your local contractor regarding fire protection if you choose this insulation material.
How It Is Installed
One of the main advantages of Styrofoam is its ease of installation. The material is usually available in form of boards which can be cut and installed where it is required with ease. Some of the boards contain shiplap edges which is done to minimize wastage and make on-site cutting quick and simple. The boards are also designed to enhance energy efficiency.
During installation, a polystyrene compatible adhesive is recommended. The purpose of the adhesive is to hold the boards in place when backfilling. Another best practice that should be followed when installing Styrofoam is applying caulk on the top of the boards. This is because water infiltration can occur behind the boards but caulk or mastic can help prevent this.
Before installation of this insulation material, it is recommended that any masonry errors on the foundation wall are removed. Below grade walls that are prone to moisture damage need to be adequately protected before the insulation material is installed. The installation method should be done with caution in order to ensure the material doesn’t lose its insulating power or fail to last long.
Get An Expert For Help With Installation
Installation projects must be handled by technical personnel who have the tools and equipment to get the job done right. Remember that there are local building codes that must be followed to the letter when handling Styrofoam. The boards are available in different sheet sizes so you need to choose the ones that best suit your application. Get a qualified contractor to install Styrofoam and ensure the resulting project is up to code.