definition
strict definition
foam insulation
Thermal wall insulation applied as foam by spraying or injection, rather than as rigid boards.
Foam insulation materials are forms of wall insulation consisting of lofty foams, which are not installed as rigid sheets or wrapping, but which are generally sprayed into their place between or behind layers of the wall.
The foam takes its place within the wall during application rather than arriving as a finished rigid sheet. Its cellular structure provides the insulating material.
A rigid foam board belongs to panel insulation. The difference concerns the installed form, even where related substances can be used in both forms.
More specific definitions
7 sub-definitions-
cellulose spray
A mass of fine particulate plant fiber sprayed into wall and roof cavities for thermal insulation. -
cementitious foam
Thermal and acoustic insulation formed from magnesium oxide cement with air pockets introduced during foaming. -
phenolic foam
Phenolic polymer foam applied in place within wall or roof cavities for thermal insulation. -
polyethylene foam
Thermal insulation made from polyethylene plastic foam containing gas-filled cavities. -
polyisocyanurate foam
Insulating foam made from polyisocyanurate, a plastic similar to polyurethane. -
polyurethane foam
Insulating foam made from polyurethane and sprayed onto a surface or into a cavity. -
urea-formaldehyde foam
Sprayed insulation consisting of urea-formaldehyde, a yellowish synthetic resin.
Related definitions
-
batt insulation
Mats, sheets, pads, or bags of soft or flexible thermal insulation materials. -
loose fill
Thermal wall insulation of discrete loose or loosely bound pieces, excluding integrated batts or wrapped units. -
panel insulation
Thermal wall insulation supplied and installed as rigid sheets, including insulating boards and panels.