Insulation Board: Best Types for Walls, Roofs and Floor Insulation

21 Jul.,2025

 

Insulation Board: Best Types for Walls, Roofs and Floor Insulation

Insulation Board: Best Types for Walls, Roofs and Floor Insulation

There are many types of insulation boards available in the market. It can be difficult to decide which one is the best for your specific needs. In this article, we will discuss the different types of insulation boards, their pros and cons, and how to install them. We will also provide information on how to choose the right insulation board for your home.

For more information, please visit our website.

Types of insulation boards

Insulation boards are a construction material used to insulate buildings. There are many different types of insulation board available on the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick overview of some:

PIR insulation boards

These are a type of foam plastic, they are typically more expensive but offer better thermal insulation and soundproofing properties when used in rigid panel insulation. If your plan is to insulate cavity walls, external walls or generally looking for something with the best insulation properties we would recommend using PIR insulation board.

EPS insulation boards

These are made of polystyrene, are one of the most frequently used types of insulation sheet. We often utilise this material as a form protective covering for household appliances.

Tapered edge insulation board

This is another type where the edges are thinner than the sides. These are typically used in commercial applications, such as in the insulation of flat roofs.

Tongue and groove insulation board

These are a series of cut slots that allows for boards to fit tightly together without any gaps. You will normally need these for underfloor insulation, as the grooves provide good airtightness.

Shiplap insulation board

These are similar to tongue and groove edging, but with a small difference. Named after the process used to build ships long ago, today’s shiplap edged insulation boards have matching grooves that fit each board snugly against adjoining boards.

Insulation foam board

This is a popular choice for internal wall insulation, as it is easy to install and provides good thermal insulation. However, it is not as effective at noise insulation.

Rigid foam board

This is another option for internal wall insulation as well as flooring insulation. A rigid insulation board is more difficult to install than a foam board but offers better thermal insulation.

Roof insulation boards

These are designed specifically for roofs and are available in a variety of materials, including fiberglass and polystyrene. They are easy to install and provide good thermal insulation.

Thermal insulation board

This is a less common type of insulation board but can be used for a variety of applications, including underfloor insulation. It is available in a variety of materials, including fibreboard and cellulose, and can be installed either horizontally or vertically.

Advantages of using insulation boards

Cavity walls and roof insulation are both essential if you want to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but what’s the difference? And which one should you choose for your home?

Insulation boards are a great option for cavity walls and roofs. It’s made of rigid foam, which has a very low thermal conductivity. This means it’s great at preventing heat from escaping your home, making it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Insulation board is also very lightweight, so it’s easy to install. And because it doesn’t absorb water, it won’t rot or mould like some other insulation materials can. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly option as it’s made from recycled materials.

So if you’re looking for an insulation material that’s effective, easy to install and eco-friendly, insulation board is a great choice.

Disadvantages of using insulation boards

There are a few things to keep in mind before opting for this type of insulation. First, insulation board is not as effective as other types of insulation, such as blown-in cellulose or spray foam.

Second, some can be difficult to install, and if not installed properly, it can actually create gaps in your insulation that will reduce its effectiveness.

Finally, insulation boards are also more expensive than other types of insulation. While it may have some benefits, such as being easy to handle and cut, these disadvantages should be considered before using insulation board in your home.

How should you choose which insulation boards to buy?

When shopping for insulation boards, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the right type and the right amount of coverage. Make sure you consider factors like R-value, thickness, size, and fire rating when making your selection

It’s also wise to shop around and compare prices so that you get the best deal possible. Be sure to check reviews from previous customers as well, as these can give you a better idea of what kind of product quality and customer service you can expect

Overall, selecting the right insulation boards is an important decision when looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home with extra insulation. With so many options out there, it’s important to do your research in order to find the best option for your needs.

How to install insulation board

Installing insulation boards is a great way to improve the thermal efficiency of your home and reduce your energy bills. There are a variety of different types of insulation board available on the market, so it’s important to choose the right product for your needs.

Cavity wall insulation is popular choice for many homeowners, as it can help to reduce heat loss through walls by up to 45%.

Conservatory roof insulation is another popular option, as it can help to keep your conservatory cool in summer and warm in winter.

Loft insulation is also an effective way to improve the thermal efficiency of your home, as it helps to prevent heat from escaping through the roof. It has been shown that adding a loft board and insulation panels can reduce heat loss by as much as 60%.

Underfloor insulation is a great way to keep your home warm and reduce energy bills. It can help both in the main flooring of your home as well to keep a conservatory or extension warm.

Installing insulation boards is a relatively straightforward process, and can be done in the following steps:

  1. Prepare the area where you will be installing the boards. This includes removing any obstructions, such as furniture or other objects, and ensuring that the surface is even and clean.
  2. Measure and cut the insulation boards to fit the space that you are covering. Make sure that it fits snugly and securely.
  3. Secure your insulation boards in place with adhesive or screws. Make sure that all connections are secure before moving on to the next step .
  4. Install a vapour barrier if necessary. This is particularly important for internal cavity wall insulation, as it helps to prevent moisture from entering your home through gaps in the insulation board.
  5. Cover up any exposed edges with tape or sealant in order to ensure.

FAQs about insulation board

If you’re considering using insulation boards in your home, you might have some questions about it. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about insulation board, and their answers:

Shengquan Product Page

What are insulation boards?

Insulation boards are a type of insulation that comes in large panels. It’s typically made from fiberglass or foam, and it’s used to insulate walls, floors, and ceilings.

How does insulation board work?

Insulation board works by creating a barrier between the inside of your home and the outside world. This barrier helps to keep heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. It also helps to reduce noise pollution and prevent pests from entering your home.

Is insulation board safe?

Yes, insulation boards are safe to use in your home. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing it. Additionally, if you have young children or pets, you’ll want to make sure that they can’t access the insulation board, as it can be a choking hazard.

How much does insulation board cost?

The cost of insulation board varies depending on the type and size of the panels. However, it’s generally more affordable than other types of insulation, such as spray foam.

Where can I buy insulation boards?

You can purchase insulation boards from most hardware stores or home improvement stores. You can also order it online from many different retailers.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to increase the thermal efficiency of your home and reduce your energy bills, then insulation boards might be the answer. There are a variety of different types of insulation board available on the market, so it’s important to choose the right product for your needs. We’ve provided some information about insulation boards in this article, but if you have any more questions, we recommend checking out our recommended suppliers for insulation boards. They can provide you with the perfect product for your home or business.

Insulation Product Guidance - Informed - Healthy Building Network

Common Product Records Sourced

  • ASJ-Faced Fiberglass Board Insulation
  • Blown-in Cellulose Insulation
  • Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
  • EPS Insulation (expanded polystyrene)
  • Expanded Cork Board Insulation
  • FSK-faced Fiberglass Duct Wrap
  • Historical: EPS Insulation (expanded polystyrene) -
  • Historical: XPS Insulation (extruded polystyrene) -
  • Kraft-faced Fiberglass Batt Insulation
  • Mineral Fiber Batt Insulation
  • Mineral Wool Board Insulation
  • Polyisocyanurate Wall Insulation Board
  • Post-Consumer Newsprint
  • Post-Consumer Paperboard
  • Spray-applied Fiberglass Insulation
  • Unbonded Blown-in Fiberglass Insulation
  • Unfaced Cellulose/Cotton Batt Insulation
  • Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation
  • Wet-Blown Cellulose Insulation
  • Wood Fiber Insulation Boards
  • XPS Insulation (extruded polystyrene)

Endnotes

[1] “Environmental Impacts of Natural Gas,” Union of Concerned Scientists, June 19, , https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/environmental-impacts-natural-gas.; Tim Donaghy and Charlie Jiang, “Fossil Fuel Racism: How Phasing Out Oil, Gas, and Coal Can Protect Communities,” April 13, , https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/reports/fossil-fuel-racism/.

[2] “Making Affordable Multifamily Housing More Energy Efficient: A Guide to Healthier Upgrade Materials.” Energy Efficiency for All, September . https://informed.habitablefuture.org/resources/research/11-making-affordable-multifamily-housing-more-energy-efficient-a-guide-to-healthier-upgrade-materials.

[3] Vallette, James. “Residential Fiberglass Insulation Transformed: Formaldehyde Is No More.” Healthy Building Network, October 30, . https://informed.habitablefuture.org/resources/news/131-residential-fiberglass-insulation-transformed-formaldehyde-is-no-more.

[4] Bozsaky, Dávid. “The Historical Development of Thermal Materials.” Periodica Polytechnica Architecture 41, no. 2 (n.d.): 49–56. https://doi.org/10./pp.ar.-2.02.

[5] Schneider. “Technical Datasheet: Best Wood Fibre,” September . https://www.schneider-holz.com/en/service/downloads/download/technical-data-sheet-fibre/.; TimberHP. “Product Data Sheet: TimberFill,” August . https://timberhpassets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads//08//22__TimberHP_Cut_Sheets_TimberFill.pdf.; Gutex. “Thermofibre Data Sheet,” December . https://gutex.de/fileadmin/uploads/Downloads/Technische_Merkblaetter/GUTEX_EN_TD_Thermofibre_-12.pdf.; Steico. “STEICOzell.” Accessed October 27, . https://www.steico.com/en/products/insulation/insulation-between-studs/air-injected-insulation/steicozell.

[6] Havelock Wool. “Health Product Declaration: Havelock Wool Insulation,” January 2, . https://hpdrepository.hpd-collaborative.org/repository/HPDs/publish_672_Havelock_Wool_Insulation.pdf.; Havelock Wool. “Our Products.” Accessed December 20, . https://havelockwool.com/residential-insulation/.; Wool Life. “Natural Wool Insulation.” Accessed December 20, . https://naturalwool-insulation.com/natural-wool-insulation-in-the-usa/.; Lehner Wool. “ISOLENA Insulation.” Accessed December 20, . https://www.lehner-wool.com/en/brands/isolena.html.; Havelock Wool. “Havelock Wool Batt and Loose-Fill Insulation LCA Results & Interpretation,” June 5, . https://transparencycatalog.com/company/havelock-wool-insulation/showroom/havelock-wool-insulation/lca-results.;Eden Renewable Innovations Limited. “Environmental Product Declaration: Thermafleece Cosywool, Ultrawool,” November 1, . https://www.thermafleece.com/uploads/pro_.pdf.

[7] Nature Fibres, Inc. “Health Product Declaration: Natur-Chanv/Hemp Hemp Fiber Batt Insulation,” June 30, . https://hpdrepository.hpd-collaborative.org/repository/HPDs/_Natur_Chanv_Hemp_Hemp_Fiber_Batt_Insulation.pdf.; Hempitecture. “Technical Data: HempWool,” . https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1////files/HempWool_TDS_.1.pdf?v=.; Hempitecture. “HempWool Frequently Asked Questions.” Accessed December 20, . https://www.hempitecture.com/faq.; Ekolution AB. “Environmental Product Declaration: Ekolution Hemp Fibre Insulation,” October 9, . https://api.environdec.com/api/v1/EPDLibrary/Files/b-bd7d-46f0-9bce-b4ceb672/Data.; Hemspan. “Bio Wall Hemp Insulation Technical Specifications,” July . https://hemspan.com/wp-content/uploads//07/Bio-Wall-Tech-Specs--.pdf.; Atteberry, Wade. Hemp insulation fire retardant applicator and method. United States USA1, filed February 24, , and issued August 25, . https://patents.google.com/patent/USA1/en.; Gleich, Anmelder. Flame, fire and glow-protected natural fiber insulation materials and their production and use, in particular for natural fiber insulation products. Germany DEA1, filed March 28, , and issued October 1, . https://patents.google.com/patent/DEA1/en.; Piechatzek, Guenter Alois. Insulation mat based on hemp fibers and process and equipment for their production. Germany DEB4, filed September 29, , and issued June 22, . https://patents.google.com/patent/DEB4/en.; Eden Renewable Innovations Limited. “Material Safety Data Sheet: Thermafleece Hemp,” January 3, . https://www.celticsustainables.co.uk/content/Hemp/Thermafleece%20Hemp%20MSDS.pdf.; Nature Fibres, Inc. “Health Product Declaration: Natur-Bois/Wood Hemp-Wood Fiber Batt Insulation,” June 30, . https://hpdrepository.hpd-collaborative.org/repository/HPDs/_Natur_Bois_Wood_Hemp_Wood_Fiber_Batt_Insulation.pdf.

[8] Respirable dusts and fibers can pose an inhalation hazard for workers. The level of hazard depends on the shape,  size, and durability of the dusts and fibers. While some specialty glass fibers are carcinogens, the glass and mineral fibers used in fiberglass and mineral wool insulation are not currently classified as carcinogens because they are biosoluble (readily dissolved and cleared from the lungs). In , the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released a monograph on man-made mineral fibers. This study concluded that mineral wool fibers (including glass and rock or slag wool) were “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” In , new data from additional studies were reviewed and incorporated into a new monograph that concluded that the type of mineral wool fibers used in insulation are, “not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans.” In , both the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) made a distinction in their listings between biosoluble glass and mineral fibers, which are cleared from the body, and certain other glass or mineral fibers that are inhalable and persist in the body (are biopersistent). This change meant that the cancer hazard association and a cancer warning, which was previously required on packaging, were no longer warranted for products using biosoluble fibers. The prior labeling of fiberglass insulation products with cancer warnings has led to some confusion in the industry, but the scientific consensus is that the biosoluble glass fibers that are used in insulation are not classified as carcinogens. Glass fibers from insulation can cause temporary eye, skin, and lung irritation. As with all products, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used for installation or removal of products. 

See: “IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans: Volume 81 Man-Made Vitreous Fibers.” World Health Organization: International Agency for Research on Cancer, . http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol81/mono81.pdf.; “IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans: Volume 43 Man-Made Mineral Fibers and Radon.” World Health Organization: International Agency for Research on Cancer, . http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol43/mono43.pdf.; “Modification of the Listing of Glasswool Fibers (Airborne Particles of Respirable Size) to Glass Wool Fibers (Inhalable and Biopersistent).” OEHHA, November 18, . https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/crnr/modification-listing-glasswool-fibers-airborne-particles-respirable-size-glass.; “New Substances Added to HHS Report on Carcinogens.” NIEHS, June 10, . https://web.archive.org/web//http://www.niehs.nih.gov:80/news/releases//roc/.; “ToxFAQsTM for Synthetic Vitreous Fibers.” Toxic Substances Portal - Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. Accessed June 14, . https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=907&tid=185. 

[9] Rockwool Nordics. “Environmental Product Declaration: Rockwool Granulate Thermal Insulation for the Nordics Market,” March 24, . https://www.epd-norge.no/getfile.php/-/EPDer/Byggevarer/Isolasjon/NEPD--_ROCKWOOL----Granulate-thermal-insulation-for-the-Nordics-market-.pdf.

[10] “Formaldehyde-Free Thermafiber® Mineral Wool Insulation.” Owens Corning. Accessed December 20, . https://www.owenscorning.com/formaldehyde-free.; “AFB Evo Technical Data Sheet.” Rockwool, January 1, . https://cdn01.rockwool.com/siteassets/o2-rockwool/documentation/technical-data-sheets/commercial/AFB-evo-Formaldehyde-Free-Techdata.pdf?f=.

[11] “EnergyGuard NH Polyiso Insulation Health Product Declaration.” GAF, March 15, . https://hpdrepository.hpd-collaborative.org/repository/HPDs/publish_112_EnergyGuard_NH_Polyiso_Insulation_.pdf; Nandi, Malay, Lance Wang, and Jawed Asrar. Roofing systems and roofing boards with non-halogenated fire retardant. World Intellectual Property Organization WOA1, filed June 5, , and issued December 17, . https://patents.google.com/patent/WOA1/en.

[12] US EPA, OCSPP. “Potential Chemical Exposures From Spray Polyurethane Foam.” Overviews and Factsheets. Accessed March 30, . https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/potential-chemical-exposures-spray-polyurethane-foam; Vallette, Jim. “Chlorine and Building Materials: A Global Inventory of Production Technologies, Markets, and Pollution - Phase 1: Africa, The Americas, and Europe.” Healthy Building Network, July .https://habitablefuture.org/resources/chlorine-building-materials-project-phase-1-africa-the-americas-and-europe/.

[13] US EPA. “Final Risk Evaluation for Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster (HBCD).” Accessed December 20, . https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/final-risk-evaluation-cyclic-aliphatic-bromide-cluster.

[14] Bienkowski, Brian. “‘Environmentally Friendly’ Flame Retardants Break down into Potentially Toxic Chemicals.” Environmental Health News, January 9, . https://www.ehn.org/environmentally-friendly-flame-retardants-break-down-into-potentially-toxic-chemicals-.html.; Minet, Laura, Arlene Blum, Seth R. Fernández, Kathryn M. Rodgers, Veena Singla, Anna Soehl, and Miriam L. Diamond. “High Production, Low Information: We Need To Know More About Polymeric Flame Retardants.” Environmental Science & Technology, February 22, . https://doi.org/10./acs.est.0c.

[15] Imidacloprid is listed in the All Contents of the Common Product profile.  Hazards to bees are documented in, for example: Dively, G. P., et. al. (). "Assessment of chronic sublethal effects of imidacloprid on honey bee colony health." PloS one, 10(3), e-e. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10./journal.pone.; EPA. "Pesticide News Story: EPA Issues Registration Review Final Work Plan for Imidacloprid." Press release, July 13, . http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates//imidacloprid.html; Darriet, F., & Chandre, F. (). "Efficacy of six neonicotinoid insecticides alone and in combination with deltamethrin and piperonyl butoxide against pyrethroid‐resistant Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae)." Pest management science, 69(8), 905-910. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/; Dai, P. L., et. al. (). "Effects of sublethal concentrations of bifenthrin and deltamethrin on fecundity, growth, and development of the honeybee Apis mellifera ligustica." Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 29(3), 644-649. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/; Cohnstaedt, L. W., & Allan, S. A. (). "Effects of sublethal pyrethroid exposure on the host‐seeking behavior of female mosquitoes." Journal of Vector Ecology, 36(2), 395-403. http://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download//PDF. Imidacloprid is also listed as a potential endocrine disruptor by TEDX: https://endocrinedisruption.org/interactive-tools/tedx-list-of-potential-endocrine-disruptors/search-the-tedx-list.

[16] US EPA, “Global Warming Potentials and Ozone Depletion Potentials of Some Ozone-Depleting Substances and Alternatives Listed by the SNAP Program,” last updated November 6, , http://www3.epa.gov/ozone/snap/subsgwps.html

[17] Bettenhausen, Craig. “Rigid Foam Insulation Gets a Climate Chemistry Upgrade.” Chemical & Engineering News, May 25, . https://cen.acs.org/environment/greenhouse-gases/Rigid-foam-insulation-climate-chemistry/99/i20. 

[18] A microchamber emission study published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) concluded that, “emissions from SPF can be highly variable.” TCPP, the common chlorinated flame retardant used, was detected in emissions from all four samples tested, including one that was tested 18 months after application. Other chemicals were found to be emitted as well. One sample, taken from a residential application of closed-cell SPF (applied during the summer of and tested March ), emitted more than 80 different chemicals. As the study’s authors note, these chemicals may not all have negative health impacts, but some most likely do, including the carcinogens 1,4-dioxane and 1,2-dichloropropane. See: Poppendieck, Dustin G., Mengyan Gong, and Lauren E. Lawson. “Lessons Learned from Spray Polyurethane Foam Emission Testing Using Micro-Chambers.” In The 59th Annual Polyurethanes Technical Conference. Baltimore, MD, . http://ws680.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=.

See also: US Environmental Protection Agency. “Vacate and Safe Re-Entry Time for Spray Polyurethane Foam Application.” Overviews and Factsheets. Accessed March 7, . https://web.archive.org/web//https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/vacate-and-safe-re-entry-time-spray-polyurethane-foam-application.

[19] US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “OSHA Fact Sheet: Do You Have Work-Related Asthma? A Guide for You and Your Doctor,” March , https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA.pdf; Kenneth D. Rosenman, Mary Jo Reilly, and Barton G. Pickelman, “ Annual Report Tracking Work-Related Asthma in Michigan” (Michigan State University, July 20, ), https://oem.msu.edu/images/annual_reports/-WRA-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf; Daniel Lefkowitz et al., “Isocyanates and Work-Related Asthma: Findings from California, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey, -,” American Journal of Industrial Medicine 58, no. 11 (November ): –49, https://doi.org/10./ajim.; While reported incidences have declined in recent years, limited data are available to gauge the scope of the issue.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of insulation board manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.