Insulation Boards

What Are Insulation Boards?

Insulation boards are rigid or semi-rigid insulation products supplied as sheets or panels rather than flexible rolls or batts. Depending on the product, they may be manufactured from materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), PIR insulation, phenolic insulation or reflective rigid panels. Rigid board insulation is commonly selected where a defined board thickness, continuous insulation layer or specific building system makes board insulation appropriate. Different insulation products provide different levels of thermal resistance, moisture performance, compressive strength and other characteristics, so the product should always be matched to its intended application.

Types of Insulation Boards

Different insulation materials are available for different residential, commercial and industrial applications.

XPS Insulation Boards

XPS insulation boards use extruded polystyrene and are available in different thicknesses and compressive strengths for suitable floor, wall, underslab and other applications. XPS products have a closed-cell structure, but their thermal, moisture and compressive properties should always be checked against the individual product's technical data.

EPS Insulation Boards

EPS insulation boards use expanded polystyrene and are lightweight rigid panels available in different densities, dimensions and thicknesses. Polystyrene sheets can be used across a range of suitable building applications depending on the particular product and construction system.

PIR Insulation Boards

PIR insulation boards can provide strong thermal performance within relatively slim profiles and are used in selected wall, roof, floor and commercial applications. Compare the R-value, board thickness, dimensions and technical data of the individual PIR insulation product before specifying it for a project.

Phenolic Insulation Boards

Phenolic insulation boards, including products within the Kingspan Kooltherm range, provide high thermal resistance within slim board profiles. Different Kooltherm products are designed for particular wall, floor, soffit and other building applications, so check the relevant product specifications and data sheets before ordering.

Foilboard and Reflective Rigid Panels

Foilboard GREEN combines a lightweight expanded polystyrene core with reflective aluminium foil surfaces. Depending on the particular construction system, reflective rigid panels can be used in selected walls, roofs and ceilings, underfloors, sheds, garages and other suitable applications. Reflective insulation performance depends on the complete building assembly, including installation configuration and adjacent air spaces. Consider the published system R-values and installation requirements rather than evaluating a reflective insulation panel solely by its thickness.

Where Can Insulation Boards Be Used?

Insulation boards can be used across different parts of a building depending on the individual product and construction system.

Wall Insulation

Rigid boards can be incorporated into selected internal, external, cavity and continuous wall insulation systems. The appropriate insulation board depends on the wall construction, available installation depth, required thermal performance and individual product specifications.

Roof and Ceiling Insulation

Suitable rigid panels can be used for selected roof and ceiling insulation applications where board insulation is specified. Rigid board insulation can be particularly useful where available installation space is limited or the construction system is designed around a continuous insulation layer.

Underfloor and Underslab Insulation

Certain rigid insulation boards are designed for suspended timber floors, concrete slab, slab-edge and underslab applications. Products used in these areas may require particular compressive, thermal or moisture-related properties, so the individual insulation board should be selected for the specific floor construction.

Sheds, Garages and Commercial Applications

Rigid panels are also available for sheds, garages and specialised commercial or industrial applications. Depending on the project, this may involve standalone rigid board insulation or a complete insulated panel system.

Understanding R-Values and Board Thickness

R-value measures resistance to heat flow. Generally, a higher R-value indicates greater thermal resistance, but the required R-value depends on the building application and complete construction system. One advantage of some rigid insulation products is their ability to provide relatively high thermal resistance within a slim profile. This can make insulation boards useful where installation depth is limited. However, board thickness alone should not determine which product you purchase. Compare the insulation material, R-value, application, dimensions, thermal performance and relevant technical data for the particular product and complete building system.

Insulation Boards vs Insulation Batts

Insulation boards and insulation batts can both provide thermal insulation, but they suit different construction systems. Insulation batts are commonly installed between standard wall, ceiling and floor framing, while rigid board insulation can be useful where a continuous insulation layer, defined board thickness or particular rigid insulation material is required. Neither format is automatically better for every project. Compare the available space, construction system, required R-value and product specifications before choosing between rigid insulation boards and bulk insulation.

Key Benefits of Rigid Board Insulation

Thermal Performance

Rigid insulation can provide useful thermal resistance across suitable walls, roofs, ceilings and floors. Some board materials provide relatively high R-values within slim profiles.

Defined Thickness and Dimensions

Rigid panels maintain their manufactured shape and dimensions, making them suitable for building systems designed around a defined insulation thickness.

Continuous Insulation

Certain rigid board systems can provide a continuous insulation layer across parts of the building envelope, depending on the particular construction.

Lightweight Handling

Many foam and reflective insulation boards are lightweight, which can make handling, measuring and positioning straightforward in suitable applications.

Wide Application Range

Different insulation boards are available for walls, roofs, ceilings, timber floors, concrete slab systems, underslab applications, sheds and specialised commercial projects. Properties such as moisture resistance, fire performance, acoustic performance and compressive strength vary by product. Check the manufacturer's current technical documentation rather than assuming these properties apply to every insulation board.

Insulation Board Brands

No Gap Insulation supplies rigid board insulation and panel products from leading insulation brands and manufacturers.

Foilboard

Foilboard GREEN is a lightweight reflective rigid insulation panel designed for selected walls, roofs and ceilings, underfloors, sheds, garages and other suitable applications.

Kingspan Kooltherm

Kingspan Kooltherm includes rigid phenolic insulation boards designed for different building applications. Products within the range include boards for selected wall, floor, soffit and other insulation systems.

MetecnoTherm

MetecnoTherm PIR insulation boards are available in different thicknesses and R-values for suitable residential, commercial and industrial applications. Always check the specifications of the individual product against the requirements of the project.

XPS, EPS and Other Rigid Insulation

Our insulation board range also includes XPS, EPS, semi-rigid and specialised board products for different construction requirements. Compare materials, thicknesses, dimensions, R-values and applications before selecting a product.

How to Choose the Right Insulation Board

Before ordering insulation boards, consider the intended application, insulation material, required R-value, board thickness, sheet dimensions, pack coverage, thermal performance and installation requirements. Where moisture exposure, fire performance, compressive strength or acoustic performance is important, check the individual manufacturer's data sheets and technical documentation for the product or complete building system. Don't choose rigid insulation based solely on the highest R-value or lowest price. The insulation board also needs to be suitable for the particular wall, roof, ceiling, floor, concrete slab or commercial construction.

Shop Insulation Boards Online

Shop our range of insulation boards for residential, commercial and industrial projects. Compare rigid insulation by material, R-value, thickness, dimensions, application and price to find the right product for your project. Need more information before choosing? Read our insulation boards guide for a detailed explanation of rigid insulation materials, R-values and common applications, or contact No Gap Insulation for help comparing products.