What Is Blue Board Siding?

Blue board siding might come in handy for this remodeling project.

There are three main types of foam board insulation, including polyisocyanurate, extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) and expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). XPS is also known as blue board, and it is a popular choice for use in basement walls as a defense mechanism against mildew and moisture.

R-Value

When it comes to thermal resistance, or R-value, blue board falls right in the middle of the road. The higher the R-value, the more effectively your insulation resists changes in temperature from outside of the structure. Generally, the R-value of XPS is between 4.5 and 5.0 per inch.

Uses

Not only is blue board used to insulate interior basement walls, it can also be used to insulate the exterior of basement walls and the ground under foundation slabs.

Expert Insight

How much blue board is enough for your insulation needs? The R-value that your home needs will vary greatly, depending on where you live and the type of furnace you have. There are calculators available online that will help you make the right insulation decision for your home.

References

• Department of Energy: Which Kind of Insulation is Best?
• Home Construction & Improvement: Foam Insulation Types

Resources

• Department of Energy: R-Value Recommendations