08-02-2009, 11:15 AM
I find it really strange that places with hot climates seem to not use extruded foam insulation: insulation will cut-down on cooling costs just as effectively as it cuts-down on heating costs.
While it's true that it can be used as an exterior foundation insulation, many houses in Canada use it as an exterior sheathing. I'm not sure that the latter is a wise application, though, as it is classified as an acceptable vapour barrier - generally applied on the inside of walls and ceilings, with the outside walls left "breathable". I used it on the underside of my second-floor sloped ceilings, as there's a limit to the amount of insulation that can be placed within the confines of 2"X8" rafters, and, if I were to build another house, would sheath the inside face of all exterior walls with 2" foam.
Wayne
While it's true that it can be used as an exterior foundation insulation, many houses in Canada use it as an exterior sheathing. I'm not sure that the latter is a wise application, though, as it is classified as an acceptable vapour barrier - generally applied on the inside of walls and ceilings, with the outside walls left "breathable". I used it on the underside of my second-floor sloped ceilings, as there's a limit to the amount of insulation that can be placed within the confines of 2"X8" rafters, and, if I were to build another house, would sheath the inside face of all exterior walls with 2" foam.
Wayne