Can
Are foam boards waterproof or water resistant? While the surface of the foam board has a protective coating, we don't recommend exposing the foam boards to moisture. Foam boards are not waterproof and can absorb water, which may lead to damage over time.
PU foam does not get ``waterlogged''. That's a myth. You could take a block of PU foam and submerge it in a bucket of water for a year. When the year was up you would find bone dry foam less than a 1/4 inch from the surface.
Yes, mold and mildew can grow on spray foam insulation if it remains wet and is not allowed to properly dry out. This is more likely with open-cell foam, which is more absorbent than closed-cell foam.
Tests have shown that these laminated boards can withstand UV ray damage for a reasonably long time. That said, it's still advisable to cover any foam board insulation exposed to the Sun within 30-60 days at the most. On most projects, that's more than enough time to finish the exterior walls.
In cases of severe water intrusion, such as a burst pipe or a flood, water will exert pressure on the foam. This pressure can cause the foam to break apart, allowing the water to flow through it. However, the foam itself does not absorb water – instead, it may be damaged or displaced by the force of the water.
The surface of polystyrene foam is usually smooth, but not absolutely smooth and gapless. Its surface energy is relatively low, which means that it has a weak adsorption capacity for moisture and other substances. However, this does not mean that mold cannot attach and grow at all.
While insulation is not automatically ruined if it gets wet, leaving it damp for too long can significantly degrade its performance, reduce its R-value, and promote mold growth.
Homes with open cell spray foam don't have to replace the foam when it gets wet, or even after it has been submerged. This might come as a surprise because there is a common misconception that all open cell spray foams absorb water like a sponge and retain it, but that's not the case.
The lifespan of PVC foam board can vary depending on the quality of the material and the environment it is exposed to. High-quality PVC foam board that is properly installed or maintained can last up to 20 years or more in construction applications and up to 5 years or more in outdoor signage applications.
Cons of a Foamboard
Foamboards can get discolored, disintegrated or warped if left under the sun or rain. It can be used for a short outdoor event and not as a permanent outdoor display. Also keep it away from your bathroom or kitchen as steam can create moisture, affecting the foamboard.
While the foam board insulation can slow the movement of moisture through it, it is not completely impermeable, and moisture can still potentially penetrate the material over time. Additionally, any joints or seams in the insulation can create areas of vulnerability where moisture may be able to infiltrate.
It is also used to make crafts and sculptures. Styrofoam is an excellent material because it is lightweight and easy to cut and shape. However, it is not waterproof and can be damaged by water. This is why it is crucial to waterproof Styrofoam if you want to protect it from water damage.
Cushion Wrap Silk Film. Cushion Wrap Silk Film is a noiseless plastic silk film that you can wrap around your foam to protect it from moisture.
Insulation boards tend to have good moisture resistant and water repellent qualities. Products such as Celotex and EcoTherm boards for instance have aluminium foil facings on both sides, and a PIR foam that is resistant to water.
How Long Does It Take Wet Insulation To Dry? The type of insulation, ventilation, temperature, and the humidity all play a role in determining the drying time. Typically, if the insulation does not dry within 2 or 3 days, it is advisable to remove it to prevent mold growth and wood decay.
As commonly known, even the best insulation can be destroyed by water. The same applies to PIR boards. Leaving PIR foam insulation exposed to water for prolonged periods can cause permanent damage. In general, leaving PIR boards under the influence of water for more than 30 days can affect their thermal properties.
The Bottom Line About Covering Up Spray Foam Insulation
Regardless of whether or not spray foam is visible, it must be covered. In many applications, spray foam is covered through the thermal barrier of drywall. In other applications, spray foam receives a coating to protect it from UV rays or water damage.
Mold spores from your surroundings may find favorable conditions on a wet palette or a damp foam pad, but the palette itself does not generate it. To limit mold growth on your palette, ensure you clean it thoroughly and remove any existing sources of mold.
ECOCELL Blankets can be left exposed or even painted. Unlike other insulation materials, ECOCELL does not have to be covered with gypsum board. Leaving ECOCELL exposed is another reason ECOCELL is the cost effective solution for insulating basements and crawlspaces.
PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer Board is waterproof.
It passes ANSI A118.
Neither open cell nor closed cell foam insulation absorbs water, making it the number one insulation solution to protect your home from wet weather conditions and all whilst keeping you safe from any heat loss.
In conclusion, PVC foam board is an excellent material for outdoor applications.