Energy Considerations in Foam Insulation

Because the R value of an insulation increases with decreasing temperatures, an insulation with an R value measured at 24 °C will perform better than 

In industrial and commercial construction, numerous building assemblies have been used successfully for many years. As in residential insulation, roof insulation is the most effective. The roof deck is usually flat and requires new waterproofing. In conventional overdeck assembly, the insulation is located above the roof deck structure and is covered by the built-up roof. Other techniques for roof insulation include membrane assemblies (IRMA) [102], underdeck assemblies, and structural panel assemblies. 

In foundation insulation, rigid plastic foams are widely used. A covering over the foam provides protection against ultraviolet light and physical damage. The properties of extruded polystyrene foam make it a desirable insulation for foundation applications. 

Historically, most of the State and Federal specifications and building codes were developed to protect occupants from fire. Today, however, many building codes and specifications require energy conservation, and specify permissible heat loss or gain, as well as the use and manner of installation of insulation products. 

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