Rigid Foam (R-3.8 to R-8.7 per in.

)
Rigid foam is available in panels of different sizes and thicknesses. There are
three basic types of foam (extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene and
polyurethane). Polyurethane foam has the highest R-value of insulation. Some foam
panels are available with a reflective foil face that can act as a radiant barrier.
Environmental Benefits

The environmental benefits of rigid polyurethane foam are significant, and

include increasing energy efficiency and reductions in energy-efficient construction
costs, reducing project weight and savings of all the construction components that
the material replaces. Given the widespread adoption of rigid polyurethane foam in
todays construction, these savings can continue to grow around the world.

Better insulation typically results in lower energy use. In some cases,

mechanical heating and cooling equipment can be downsized, further increasing
space utilization.

Buildings can be constructed with thinner walls, while roofs require shorter
fasteners.

Less complicated and lighter-weight products are usually produced using

fewer manufacturing steps, less energy in manufacturing, and less energy in
transportation.
Rigid polyurethane foam contributes to society and culture by conserving resources.
Its ideal properties exceed those of any comparable material in strength-to-weight
ratio, R-value and durability, while its versatility enables builders to use them for
dozens of different applications, each can yield high performance and exceptional
energy efficiency.
Although rigid foam insulation board is more suitable for new construction, it
can be used in retrofit applications, but accurate cutting and fitting are required.
Gaps around the edges of rigid foam are often filled with spray foam.

COMMONLY AND WIDELY USED MATERIALS:

The types of woods commonly used:
1. Plywood a manufactured wood panel made from thin sheets of wood veneer. It is one of the
most widely used wood products. It is flexible, inexpensive, workable, re-usable, and can usually
be locally manufactured. Plywood is used instead of plain wood because of its resistance to
cracking, shrinkage, splitting, and twisting/warping, and its general high degree of strength .

2. Engineered Wood is also called composite wood, man-made wood, or

manufactured board. This includes a range of derivative wood products which
are manufactured by binding the strands, particles, fibers, or veneers of
wood, together with adhesives to form composite materials. Engineered wood
can be used for joists and beams that replace steel in many building projects.

3. Fiberboard is made up of a mixture of glue and wood fibers. It is much

cheaper than natural wood because it is made from wood chips. It has many
benefits and can be used / applied on sound proofing/deadening, structural
sheathing, low-slope roofing, and sound deadening flooring underlayment.

REFERENCES:
http://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com/Introduction-toPolyurethanes/Applications/Rigid-Polyurethane-Foam
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=1
1620
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plywood
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineered_wood
http://www.petervaldivia.com/eso/materials-and-wood/index.php