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!

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.

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

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