Choosing exterior wall insulation comes down to deciding on the best solution for the project at hand. For many projects, tongue and groove (T&G) rigid insulation offers benefits that contribute to the protection and long life of the building, whether it’s a home, retail space, hotel, or commercial building.
But the benefits extend beyond great insulation: Using tongue and groove boards can save on time and material costs on your project.
How Tongue & Groove Is Different From Other Insulation
Tongue and groove insulation panels fit together snugly by interlocking the tongue and groove components of the rigid board. This creates a seamless and consistent layer of insulation, also known as continuous insulation.
Architects and builders can feel confident specifying T&G rigid insulation since it provides a code-compliant and dependable layer of insulation that stands up to severe weather conditions. Additionally, T&G insulation can even save on time and material costs, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious builders.
High-Quality Tongue and Groove: A Cost-Effective Choice
When specifying tongue and groove rigid foam insulation, look for the following high-performing attributes:
Cost-Savings
If you’re building in the Western United States, you’re probably using stucco on your exterior. Traditionally, three-coat stucco systems were used for home construction in the Western region. But by using tongue and groove EPS insulation, residential architects and builders can transition to a one-coat stucco system for their projects.
“The thinner profile of one-coat stucco means less material to apply, leading to about a 30% reduction in application time for the one-coat material versus the application time for the three-coat material,” according to reports from the U.S. Department of Energy.
A one-coat stucco application isn’t just a quicker way to build — it translates to cost savings on a project, too. Builders use fewer materials and can finish the project quickly, saving on labor costs and improving efficiency on the project.
Adds Long-Term R-value
Your specified insulation products should provide long-term thermal protection for the building, in addition to meeting local and state requirements for R-values energy codes.
By using a high-performance insulation product in your application, you’ll prevent the transfer of heat and save on energy which translates to additional cost savings.
High Vapor Permeability
The DOE recommends a vapor-permeable insulation product for effective moisture control. You’ll want to look for tongue and groove insulation that’s tested for sufficient vapor permeability, so that your structure stays dry and ventilated, even in wet weather.
“Once air has reached its dew point, the moisture that the air can no longer hold condenses on the first cold surface it encounters,” according to the Department of Energy. “If this surface is within an exterior wall cavity, the result is wet insulation and framing.”
Controlling moisture and improving ventilation in a building keeps it dry over the long-term. That doesn’t just result in a healthier indoor space — it saves money by making the building easier to heat and cool and prevents moisture damage (and insulation replacement).
Limited Lifetime Warranty
For additional peace of mind, some insulation products come with a warranty to guarantee the thermal and physical performance of that product. This gives building owners and homeowners assurance that the materials will perform as expected, for the life of the building.
Adds Durability to the Built Assembly
Continuous insulation, such as tongue and groove, helps guarantee the strength of that building’s design. Insulation doesn’t just keep indoor occupants comfortable — it can also protect the strength and integrity of your exterior by preventing the buildup of moisture and water damage over time. That means fewer repair costs and lower energy bills for the building owner down the line.
Tips for Choosing the Right T&G Product
There are several tongue and groove product manufacturers to choose from, but the choice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Consider the following before you choose an insulation product:
#1: Think through your project requirements.
Determine what your local building code requires for insulation, along with your client’s specific insulation requirements and how they’ll be using the building. Make a list and compare your needs to the product’s properties and benefits.
#2: Know your budgets.
Don’t just consider upfront installation costs, but also consider repair, replacement and energy costs over the long-term. Which product will save you money over time? If you’re using stucco on your exterior, can tongue and groove rigid insulation improve your construction project?
#3: Think about true building protection and greener solutions.
Many forms of insulation can give off VOCs and contribute to the growing issue of global warming. As more locations increase their green building expectations, think of which product meets the requirements now — and will continue to meet more rigorous requirements down the road.
Solutions for Your Next Project
Insulation is a vital component of a building’s envelope and is a key player in the overall energy efficiency of your design. Atlas Molded Products offers ThermalStar T&G rigid insulation that provides:
Long-term moisture retention and vapor permeability for a safe, dry building.
Tested against the most stringent standards for building protection, including updated CA Title 24 energy efficiency regulations.
No HCFCs or HFCs or formaldehyde, for low global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential.
Want to get started on your project? Learn more about ThermalStar T&G here.