Installing Rigid Foam Insulation on an Interior Wall

Rigid foam insulation works like a blanket on your home. It adds additional thermal resistance to your home helping lower your heating bills. It can be installed practically anywhere in your home. It also strengthens the structure of your walls, making them a strong, energy efficient part of your home.

Step 1–Inspect Interior Walls for Any Problem

In installing the rigid foam insulation on an interior wall, inspect the walls beforehand. Check for any moisture problem on the interior walls and apply a waterproof paint on the affected area to resolve this. If you think the problem you encountered as you inspect the interior walls is major then seek help from a professional. Remember the old adage, “When in doubt, always ask.”

Step 2–Attach the Strips

Once you are done inspecting and correcting any moisture problem on your interior wall, start attaching the furring strips. The furring strips may be made of wood or metal specifically designed to support surfaces once installed. Use adhesive or a ramset in attaching the furring strips against the walls 16-inches apart from each other. This kind of strip gives you a level surface to attach the insulation and any covering drywall or paneling you may want to use.

Step 3–Level the Surface

It is inevitable that walls have irregularities, thus you will need to use a shim material is to level and correct the irregular walls. Shims are usually thin wood wedges sold cheaply or recycled scraps of wood but they can be metal as well. Level the furring strips by shimming them into position.

Step 4–Install the Panels

Get you measuring tape, measure the rigid foam insulation panels and mark the size needed. Cut the foam with the mark as guide you may use either a knife or saw to accomplish this process. Check if the panels comfortably fit with the installed furring strips. After, press the panel in between the strips. Make sure that there is no space or any gap left in between the insulation boards as protection for your boards. Apply an adhesive tape or caulks on wall areas have spaces or gaps.

Step 5–Secure the Foam Insulation Boards

The plastic insulation serves as added protection to your rigid foam insulation panels. This prevents the water vapor from penetrating the panels to avoid further damage. In stapling the plastic insulation do this carefully and avoid tacking it on the furring strips thereby perforating it unnecessarily. You can now cover the insulation with drywall or paneling by attaching them to the furring strips.