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How to Install Exterior Rigid Foam, Part 1

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Insulation & Air Sealing

How to Install Exterior Rigid Foam, Part 1

Careful flashing and a tight fit are keys to success when retrofitting the first of two layers of foam


By By Dan Morrison August 5, 2016
Workers leveling and fastening a rigid foam panel
This article first appeared in the August 2016 issue of Pro Remodeler.

Remodeler David Joyce, owner of Synergy Construction, in Lancaster, Mass., and his crew performed a deep energy retrofit and gut rehab last fall on a home in Concord. To boost the R-value of the envelope, they added 4 inches of polyisocyanurate foam in two 2-inch layers to the walls and roof. This article focuses on the first layer on the walls.

The existing T1-11 siding was structurally sound so it was left in place and covered with housewrap and foam. The windows are new and were installed and flashed to the openings before the housewrap was applied, then the housewrap was sealed to the windows with flashing tape.

Sealing the window flange to the housewrap

Peeling back split-release paper under the window

Adding an extra strip of split-release flashing tape under the window

The two layers of foam should have offset seams, so the crew started with a ripped strip of foam that fit under the windows and ran the full length of the house. This first course was kept level to ensure consistent measurements.

Installing the first course of rigid foam panels

Filling in with tight-fitting scraps of rigid foam

At windows, the foam overlaps the window frame, forming a tight seal. The crew measures and cuts carefully to create a 2 1/4-inch reveal around the window. They also pull the pan flashing out past the foam so that any leaks can drain all the way out.

Make sure the rigid foam overlaps the window frame

Cutting the foam sheets is pretty simple. The crew uses utility knives with extendable segmented blades to cut full depth on short cuts and when cutting sheets in place. For long cuts, they sometimes use a knife and a chalk line or T-square, but a table saw works best for long cuts, especially beveled cuts where wall and roof foam edges meet.

Cutting rigid foam using a utility knife with segmented blade

The first layer of foam is held in place with long screws and washers. For large pieces and full sheets, one screw is adequate to hold the foam in place; add a second if needed to keep it from rotating. Small pieces can be friction fit because the entire first layer will be held in place by the furring strips that will be applied on top of the second layer of foam.

Fastening first layer of rigid foam with 4-inch screws

There’s no need to tape the seams on the first layer either because when the furring strips are installed later, the foam will compress and pull the tape away from the seams. The second layer will be taped, and any loose tape caused by compression from the furring strips can be re-adhered or replaced.

As one guy installs, he can also measure for the next piece. Working together, two installers ought to be able to keep ahead of one cut man.

 

This article was adapted from a video produced by Dan Morrison for ProTradeCraft.com. Thanks to Synergy Construction's David Joyce, Patrick Burke, Calvin Cutts, and Damien Higgins for sharing their jobsite with us. For Part 2 in this series, watch the video “How to Install Polyiso Panels” at ProTradeCraft.com.

 


written by

Dan Morrison

Dan Morrison is senior technical editor of ProTradeCraft.com, a sister site to Professional Remodeler.


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