Above Grade Walls

Remodeling is a big job with a lot of demolition. To reduce the amount of demolition and waste InSoFast panels can be installed directly over drywall or plaster.  

This application using the Flat Panel 2″ or 2 1/2″  used in this configuration with 1/2″ drywall, very little interior space is lost.

Preparing the walls for installing the InSoFast Panels.

The wood frame stud layout is important to determine before the first panel is installed. There are several methods to locating your studs behind drywall from expensive electronic studs finders to simple magnets. Link to simple magnets.Similar to typical wood framing, InSoFast panel’s studs are 16″ on center to this is common to wood framing layouts.  The panels can be trimmed and adjusted to align with the framing so then can be screwed to the walls.

*If the framing does not align the adhesive method can be used.

First Things First Prepare the wall.

Remove the window trim and sills, heating registers, and electrical covers from the wall and disconnect the power to the outlets.

Add an extension jamb to extend the window frame so that it will be flush with the top surface of the insulation panel. 

To fasten the interior half of the jamb we used standard wood deck fasteners from ITW Buildex.

The window jambs are installed move onto the next step add a wall duct stack fitting to extend the forced air duct beyond the InSoFast. 

Wall Stack Register Stack Head.  For installing a wall register use with wall stack duct and fittings into a 2″x4″. Link

Wall Stack Vertical 90 Elbow.  Used for connecting to wall stack duct and fittings. Link

Install an electrical box extension ring, commonly called an “add-a-depth-ring”. Not to be confused with the Star Wars death star. Link

Cutting the panels to meet the wood stud layout;

After the layout is determined and the panels are cut to fit the wood stud layout it is helpful to pre-set screws into the panel. 

Place your first panel in the corner.

Attach the panel to hold it in place.

Stacking the inter-locking panels

The panels are designed to self-align and inter-lock so once the first row is in the panels are ready to stack.

Cutting around openings like windows leave a 1/4″- 1/2″ gap this will later be air sealed with spray foam. InSoFast is rough carpentry not finished work. Dings dents and big cuts are okay.

When installing around a tight opening like this panel that is undercut set the panel on the tongue of the interlock and roll it up into place. 

Install 2 screws per stud into each panel for a total of 6 screws per panel. A 3″- 3 1/2″ wood screw works best.

Once the panels completely cover the wall you are ready for the next step.