When it comes to insulating building envelopes, there are multiple insulation materials to consider, each with distinct attributes that can contribute to achieving project goals.
To view an enlarged table, see below.
Environmental product declarations (EPDs)
Fiberglass
The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) is in the process of developing and publishing an industry-wide EPD for fiberglass. Product-specific EPDs are available from some manufacturers.
Mineral Wool
NAIMA published industry-wide EPDs for mineral wool. Product-specific EPDs are available from some manufacturers.
Cellulose
Sustainable Minds, with the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association (CIMA) and Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association of Canada (CIMAC), is in the process of developing an EPD and collateral documents.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
The EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA) published an industry-wide EPD for EPS. Some manufacturers offer product-specific EPDs for EPS.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
There is not an industry-wide EPD for XPS from the Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association (XPSA). Product-specific EPDs are available from some manufacturers.
Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)
The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) published industry-wide EPDs. Product-specific EPDs are available from some manufacturers.
Polyurethane
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) published industry-wide EPDs.
Reflective Insulation
No industry-wide EPDs are available from the Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International (RIMA-I). No product-specific EPDs are available from manufacturers.
Installation and technical information resources
Fiberglass
NAIMA publishes a variety of technical information including publications in its Resource Library, and on its Insulation Institute Blog. Manufacturers supply installation instructions for their products.
Mineral Wool
NAIMA publishes a variety of technical information including publications in its Resource Library, and on its Insulation Institute Blog. Manufacturers supply installation instructions for their products.
Cellulose
CIMA publishes a variety of technical information including technical bulletins. Manufacturers supply installation instructions for their products, and some provide installation training.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
EPS-IA publishes a variety of technical information including installation guidelines. Manufacturers supply installation instructions for their products.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
XPSA publishes a variety of technical information including installation guidelines. Manufacturers supply installation instructions for their products.
Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)
PIMA publishes a variety of technical information including technical bulletins. Installation guidelines and training are available from manufacturers.
Polyurethane
SPFA publishes a variety of technical information including installation guidelines. For installation training, SPFA offers its Professional Certification Program (PCP).
Reflective Insulation
RIMA-I publishes a variety of technical information including the handbook, “Understanding and Using Reflective Insulation, Radiant Barriers and Radiation Control Coatings.” Manufacturers provide installation instructions and demonstrate installation methods to installers.
