Browse ▸ ▸ ▸

Styrofoam as insulation?

Asked by ZoeMarie On Jul 08, 2009

Can styrofoam be used as insulation? A coworker is building a house and asked if I would find out for him. I guess this styrofoam was originally used in packaging around exercise equipment. He wants to break it up and put it in the walls or ceiling.

Thanks guys!

Add your answer

3 Answers

Rating Newest Oldest

Page 1 of 1

Yes

Is this helpful?

Perito

747 Reputation

Styrofoam® brand insulation (closed-cell polystyrene foam) is commonly used in construction as insulation. If you break up some pieces and put it into a wall, it won't be as effective as the solid board because you've eliminated the "closed cells". Air will be able to move through the pieces.

The other reason not to use it is that it may be too flammable for use inside walls. I'm not sure if building codes allow it. I do understand the flammability of polystyrene foam, and it's a real concern.

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:19 am Comment

Yes

Is this helpful?

ZoeMarie

2230 Reputation
Illinois

That's kinda what we thought. Just thought we'd get a second opinion.

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:24 am Comment

Yes

Is this helpful?

21boat

1079 Reputation
Pa

Urethane insulation basically replaced Styrofoam insul and has better (R) value the fiberglass inch per inch,.

This may help you..

What is insulation R value? | Insulation | Insulation Info

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:45 pm Comment

My answer:

Answer

Check out some similar questions!

insulation [ 4 Answers ]

I was wondering what the pros and cons are to putting insulation on the ceiling of a basement. The reason for my asking is someone has told me that it isn't wise because cold air doesn't rise...

Asked By jduke44 On Tue, 29 Nov 2005 in Interior Home Improvement

insulation [ 1 Answer ]

I live in the state of massachusetts,so it very cold here.when i take the old window out and the weight of the window what type of insulation should i put in the gap inside. thanks

Asked By cubalink On Tue, 21 Feb 2006 in Interior Home Improvement

Styrofoam product to remove varnish [ 4 Answers ]

I had 2 black styrofoam bricks that work terrific for removing varnish from furniture the trouble is that in the process of removing the varnish the bricks wear down quickly. They were given to me to...

Asked By cdg33776 On Sun, 08 Jul 2007 in Furniture

New insulation over old atic insulation [ 1 Answer ]

Presently there are three layers of aluminum with air spaces. Can I put bats directly over this insulation and what do I have to be concerned about.

Asked By choward2 On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 in Interior Home Improvement

insulation pkg [ 1 Answer ]

where can i find insulation pkg for a coleman furnace?It goes on the three sides of the wall and on the front panel

Asked By bkcastub On Sat, 18 Apr 2009 in Heating & Air Conditioning

| More...

insulation styrofoam products the dow chemical company universal foam foam products foam dow expanded polystyrene styrofoam insulation