Can I Use Foam Board & Carpeting for Insulation?

Identification

• Rigid foam board insulation is often used to insulate residential homes. These panels of insulation are typically placed in areas of the home such as the ceiling, roof and walls. Rigid foam board insulation is highly resistant to heat transfer through wood or steel studs. Carpet can also be used inside the home to increase the R-value of rigid foam board insulation. The effectiveness of carpet and rigid foam board insulation is measured by the R-value. In carpet, the R-value depends on the type of material from which the carpet is made and the thickness of that material. The higher the R-value, the more effective the material will be in resisting heat loss in your home.

Effects

• When combined, rigid foam board insulation and carpet can increase the energy efficiency of your home, keeping the temperatures consistent. Carpeting can add to its effectiveness and will help eliminate drafts along and underneath baseboards. Additionally, with proper insulation, heating and cooling units do not have to work as hard, which also helps keep costs down.

Types

• One of the most common types of rigid foam board insulation is beadboard, which is also known as molded expanded polystyrene foam board insulation. Beadboard consists of many small beads that are expanded and shaped into a mold. Beadboard is available with facings that act as vapor barriers. Most beadboard foam insulation has an R-value of 3.8 to 4.4 per inch of thickness. Carpeting comes in a variety of materials that have varying R-values. Nylon carpet with .125 inches of pile height has an R-value of 0.68, while a nylon shag carpet with 1.25 inches of pile height has an R-value of 2.46.

Installation

• Rigid foam board insulation can be installed in ceilings, walls and attics. How well your insulation works to resist heat transfer depends largely on proper installation, so it may be necessary to hire a contractor to install it. Carpeting the rooms where rigid foam board insulation is installed will increase the R-value of your insulation. Combining these two materials will help save money on energy bills each month. Your insulation and carpeting will be more energy efficient when all air leaks are properly sealed with caulk and moisture control methods are in place.