Foam board is a versatile insulation product used in wall panels, roofing and in basements. You need not have any special tools to install foam boards, and installation is fast. The proper adhesive ensures a strong bond to concrete walls, but, as with all insulation materials, the concrete must be free of moisture.
Moisture
Concrete has a tendency to wick moisture from the ground. Mold and mildew often result from moisture that seeps between concrete walls and foam insulation boards. To avoid that problem, apply a sealant that stops water from penetrating into the living space through the concrete. Sealants are typically painted onto the walls in one or two coats and, once dry, create a skin that acts as a vapor barrier.
Adhesive
Some adhesives melt holes into the material used to make foam insulation. Purchase specially formulated adhesives that are made to work with styrene or that specifically indicate a compatibility with foam board insulation. Home centers sell a number of products that work well with foam boards. The adhesive typically comes in tubes for use in caulk guns.
Types of Foam Boards
Manufacturers offer a variety of foam boards to fit different applications. Any of them may be attached to concrete walls with foam board adhesive. Molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS) has R-values between 3.8 and 4.4 per inch of thickness. (An R-value is a measure of insulation's ability to impede heat flow.) Extruded expanded polystyrene (XEPS) is more dense than MEPS, resulting in R-values of about 5 per inch of thickness. With R-values between 5.6 and 8 per inch of thickness, polyisocyanurate and polyurethane boards offer the highest insulative capacity among foam boards. These boards also have the widest safe temperature range, from -100 degrees Fahrenheit to +250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flammability
Styrene related products are highly flammable if introduced to ignition sources. The United States Department of Energy recommends that foam board insulation be sandwiched between the concrete wall and a layer of gypsum drywall. The gypsum must be at least 1/2-inch thick to help retard the flammability of foam boards.
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