The Basics
Because a perfectly insulated wall should be easily achievable.
As much as we love our products we believe insulation is an invisible technology. It sits between the layers of a wall that people actually care about and should do its job so well they’ll never have to think about it. There is a time and place for masterful craftsmanship, for professional experience and hard labor. It’s not here.
InSoFast panels are designed to simplify, expedite and reduce errors among a vast array of complex construction processes that have become essential to tomorrow’s standards. When faced with an ever-increasing list of requirements we ask: why work so hard?
One more thing…it’s often cheaper than the alternatives!
See more:
- thermally-stable EPS insulation,
- seamless interlocking edges that don’t require taping,
- a thermally continuous barrier that includes non-conductive stud framing every 16” O.C.,
- an all-inclusive space-saving profile,
- code-depth electrical channels that run horizontally and vertically along the edge of every panel,
- capillary channels designed to redirect the flow of moisture and act as a certified rainscreen in exterior applications,
- an easy to handle 2’x4’ dimension that stacks like the world’s favourite toy.
The list goes on. InSoFast panels are designed for and used by professionals in the construction industry for commercial-scale, energy efficiency projects, but due to their unmatched simplicity they have also emerged as a leading solution for homeowners, enabling a whole new level of DIY renovation.
See more:For the most part, both panels offer the same key benefits and can be used interchangeably in interior applications. There are a few keys distinctions:
The UX 2.0 panel is 2” thick with a flat surface exposing the face of the embedded studs. It has a continuous R-value of 8.5 which outperforms traditionally framed R-13 batt walls. Per square foot, it is about $0.50 cheaper than the EX 2.5 panel.
The EX 2.5 panel is 2-½” thick. The surface of the embedded studs is completely covered by the extra ½” of insulation. Both sides of the EX 2.5 panel feature moisture drainage channels allowing this panel to double as an approved rainscreen as per ORSC, Section R703.1.1 in exterior applications. It has a continuous R-value of 10 which outperforms traditionally framed R-15 batt walls.
In most cases, the UX 2.0 is sufficient for interior applications, but we’ve compiled a few reasons why spending a little more for the EX 2.5 can make a major difference.
See more:
InSoFast UX 2.0 is R-8.5 continuous. InSoFast EX 2.5 is R-10 continuous.
See more:Create an InSoFast PLUS System.
InSoFast PLUS is any system that uses another layer of insulation in addition to the InSoFast panels. The additional layer of insulation can be anything that meets your requirements. It can even be an additional layer of InSoFast panels.
An InSoFast PLUS system offers your walls all the inherent benefits of InSoFast panels such as continuous insulation, embedded framing, moisture control, and electrical channels while allowing you to achieve any desired R-value. This method is often used to simplify high-efficiency Net-zero and Passive House designs.
Learn more here:
Before Installation
- You can purchase an InSoFast sample so that you can perform an adhesive test to see if it will work. Most surface types are compatible with the recommended PL Premium construction adhesive, but the best surfaces are slightly porous like brick, concrete, and stone.
- Screwing through or puncturing a vapor barrier is a bad idea. Don’t do it.
Unfortunately, every situation is different and you will need to be the one to determine what is best for your basement. Hopefully, we can point you in the right direction.
The InSoFast moisture control channels are designed to redirect the flow of potential moisture so that it does not become trapped in your walls and cause problems. However, InSoFast panels should not be considered a waterproofing option. If your basement requires waterproofing, it must be done before InSoFast is installed. It is always better to solve problems sooner than later.
We recommend Drylock’s Extreme Waterproofing or Emecole’s Pene-Seal-Crete.
See more:Not necessarily.
InSoFast panels work very well in conjunction with perimeter drainage systems because the moisture control channels drain directly into them, but it’s not always a benefit to have an intention hole in the bottom of your foundation. Check out our complete guide below for more information.
See more:Installation
Yes.
We send out a complete package of brochures with every sample purchase. However, we also publish everything online in the Technical section of our website and include a discussion forum at the bottom of each page so that you can ask and view relevant questions from the comfort of your device.
Additionally, we run a fairly popular YouTube channel and constantly publish How-To videos. You can even request a live-streamed demo to answer any specific questions you or your firm may have about using InSoFast panels
A quick, perhaps-not-so-obvious side note: Both the UX 2.0 and EX 2.5 panels are designed with the same principles and, as far as installation is concerned, the only difference is their depth. You may notice more Interior install guides on our website, this is largely because the Exterior guides on the same topic would be nearly identical.
See more:To attach panels to your wall simply glue or screw the embedded studs.
Each panel is co-molded to include three high-strength polypropylene studs that align every 16-in on center. We call them the “embedded studs” and they serve the same exact purpose regular stud-framing serves in regular walls with some additional benefits like resistance to mold, rot, rust, warp and decay and an adherable dovetailing for ease of installation.
Be sure to develop a staggered interlock pattern when installing the panels. It follows the same concept as brick-laying and ensures an evenly finished wall. The guide referenced below discusses how to set up this pattern for interior walls, but the same exact method can be applied to exterior walls.
See more:With a 5:1 safety factor, our Intertek test results essentially state that the studs are stronger than you’ll ever need them to be. Below is a quick look at the results. We’ve also written an entire page devoted to breaking down the meaning of these numbers.
| Property | ASTM | Result |
|---|---|---|
| #6 1¼in Standard Drywall Screws Pull Out (Fastener Withdrawal) | D1761-06 | 325.4 lb/ft |
| #6 1¼in Standard Drywall Screws Shear (Lateral Screw Resistance) | D1761-06 | 470.6 lb/ft |
| Adhesion of PL Premium Adhesive and Stud (Peak Stress) | D4541-02 | 108psi (972ps/lf) |
We recommend gluing for interior applications against surfaces like stone, concrete, brick or metal. It’s easier.
We recommend screwing for interior applications over existing wood framing or exterior rainscreen applications over sheathing. It’s faster.
See more:We recommend using 28-fl. oz. tubes of Loctite’s PL Premium 3x Stronger Construction Adhesive. It’s sold at most home improvement stores across the country. You’ll need about 1 tube per 6 panels.
We recommend this adhesive for a myriad of reasons and have a whole page dedicated to information about using it. One of its key benefits is the ability to stretch like taffy by about ⅜” to help level your finished wall. It can also be applied directly to the EPS foam body without incident.
When working with highly uneven surfaces like a stone wall, some customers have found it appropriate to use a spray foam adhesive along the studs in order to span the various gaps larger than ⅜”.
See more:Yes.
There are millions of square feet of proof that the glue will hold. In fact, adhesive attachment is technically stronger than mechanical attachment by the plain fact that there is more lineal feet of contact between the materials.
Just be sure you are using our recommended adhesive. Please read the descriptiont for “What kind of adhesive do I need to use?”
See more:No!
The framing is built into the InSoFast panels. If you have a wall, InSoFast panels can be attached to it. Please read the description for “How do I attach the InSoFast panels to my wall?”
No!
First of all, InSoFast is not a “foam board” in the traditional sense. It is an engineered panel with embedded stud framing. Second of all, it is designed to simplify construction and reduce the need for specialty tools. Any standard framing screws should do the trick. For mechanical attachment against concrete, brick, or stone surfaces we’d suggest Tapcon screws or Perma-grip nails, but recommend an adhesive application above all.
It’s really more about the surface to which you are attaching the panels. Be sure to check out the previous questions: “How do I attach the InSoFast panels to my wall” and “Should I glue them or screw them to my walls?”
See more:Yep, with all the same benefits.
See more:Cut them, but don’t throw out the scrap. With the interlock still intact of the top edge, the scraps can be used to start the bottom row of another wall.
See more:After Installation
Yes.
Again, the studs act just like normal studs except they don’t rot, rust, warp or decay.
See more:Of course.
Seriously, what kind of insulation product can’t hang something as simple as drywall? Oh wait, most of them. You can use standard #6 1-¼” drywall screws to screw through the embedded studs to attach drywall to UX 2.0 panels and standard #6 1-5/8″ drywall screws for the thicker EX 2.5 panels.
See more:Yes, but just know that drywall is a standard way of meeting the IBC 2603.4 code requirement.
IBC 2603.4 states that any and all foam-based materials must be covered with a 15-minute thermal barrier. So if you want to use something other than drywall, just check with your local code official to make sure it meets this requirement.
See more:Anything you can dream up.
Be it cultured stone, brick veneer, stucco, fiberboard siding, etc. The InSoFast panels are designed to do it all in the same exact ways you would do it without the InSoFast panels.
Ordering
We keep things pretty simple with our ordering processes, but be sure to check out our policy page.
- Right here on our secure online store or over the phone at (888) 501-7899.
- We are also available though better lumber retailer like Menards, or ask your local building supply retailer to carry InSoFast.
See more:
That depends purely on the square-footage of the area you’d like to cover with InSoFast panels.
It’s a very simple 1:1 ratio because our panels can be cut and most scraps can be re-used. Don’t worry about deducting doors or windows unless a full panel (2’x4′ = 8sq-ft) can fit inside one.
For example:
You have 4 walls making up a rectangular room. The height of each wall is 8ft. Two walls measure 10ft in length and the other two are 20ft in length. Square-footage is the Height times Length of each wall. Therefore…
(8 x 10 = 80sq-ft) + (8 x 10 = 80sq-ft) + (8 x 20 = 160sq-ft) + (8 x 20 = 160sq-ft)
With the square-footage of each wall figured out, simply add the walls together to get the total project square-footage:
80 + 80 + 160 + 160 = 480sq-ft
For this example, you would take (480 sq-ft ÷ 40 sq-ft per box = 12 boxes) of 5 panels where each panel covers 8sq-ft.
We highly discourage ordering more than you need, but if it turns out you ordered less we can expedite some extra panels to your project.
Sure.
We offer quotes via email, over the phone call us at 888-501-7899, or fill out our contact page with your details. For general pricing visit our product page.
Yes!
We are also available though better lumber retailer like Menards, Helena Container, Montana, or ask your local building supply retailer to carry InSoFast.
We have three manufacturing locations across the country in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Idaho. We ship everything directly to project sites via FedEx/UPS or common carrier and work to make our online store order process as simple as our products.
If you’d like to see a panel in-person and don't want to travel we recommend ordering a sample which can be used as credit toward your full project order over a $1000.00.
- View Products under the Products category in the navigation
- Shipping and Purchasing
Some people are just like that. Have fun doing it your way.
or see more: