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Rising energy prices and stricter building codes have shifted attention toward insulation performance and lifecycle cost. Material choice influences:
HVAC operating cost
Energy leakage
Fire safety and compliance
Material stability in heat and moisture
Installation speed for commercial projects
Between foam board vs fiberglass, each solution fits different building environments, especially industrial, cold-storage, and commercial walls. GTOFRP's engineering team summarizes the functional differences below.
Made from spun glass fibers
Non-combustible
Stable thermal performance
Cost-efficient for large coverage
Widely used in HVAC, wall cavities, equipment housings
Made from expanded or extruded polystyrene, or polyisocyanurate
High R-value per inch
Very low water absorption
Common in cold rooms, floors, roof decks, and exterior wall systems
| Material Type | Typical Cost (USD / sq.ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass Insulation Board | 0.80–1.50 | Lowest upfront cost |
| EPS Foam Board | 1.20–1.60 | Low-density option |
| XPS Foam Board | 1.60–2.20 | Better moisture resistance |
| PIR/Polyiso | 2.00–2.80 | Highest R-value per inch |
Key Insight:
Fiberglass insulation board offers the lowest initial cost, ideal for large-scale interior wall systems.
| Material | Approx. R-Value per Inch |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass Insulation Board | 3.0 – 4.3 |
| EPS Foam Board | 3.8 – 4.4 |
| XPS Foam Board | 5.0 |
| PIR/Polyiso | 6.0 – 6.5 |
Conclusion:
Foam boards deliver higher energy efficiency, especially PIR, which provides the best insulation-to-thickness ratio.
Non-combustible
Excellent flame-spread and smoke index
Suitable for code-sensitive facilities
Combustibility varies
XPS/EPS require fire protection layers
PIR performs better but still not non-combustible
Fire-Sensitive Environments → Choose Fiberglass.
Fiberglass absorbs more moisture, reducing R-value over time
Foam boards, especially XPS, have extremely low water absorption (0.3–1%)
For wet rooms, cold storage, or exterior walls, foam board often performs better.
Easy to cut and shape
Works well in framed wall cavities and mechanical rooms
Installed using adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or panel support systems
Very lightweight
Applied to substrates with adhesive or insulation anchors
Ideal for continuous insulation layers on exterior walls or cold rooms
Both materials are simple for installers, but fiberglass offers more flexibility around irregular surfaces.
| Attribute | Fiberglass | Foam Board |
|---|---|---|
| High-heat stability | Excellent | Moderate |
| Compressive strength | Medium | High |
| Aging | Very stable | Polyiso may shrink slightly |
| Pest resistance | High | High |
High-heat environments → Fiberglass performs better.
Structural loading → Foam board is superior.
Non-combustible
Recyclable glass content
Lower embodied carbon
Some types release blowing-agent emissions
Requires proper fire protection in occupied spaces
HVAC insulation systems
High-heat environments
Mechanical rooms
Fire-rated assemblies
Budget-constrained projects
Cold-storage rooms
Exterior continuous insulation
Floor and roof insulation
High-performance commercial buildings
GTOFRP frequently supplies FRP panels and FRP cladding systems built on top of both materials.
When paired with FRP wall and ceiling panels, fiberglass and foam board can be used to create:
Hygienic food-processing walls
High-durability commercial kitchen panels
Chemical-resistant cleanroom assemblies
A beverage processing facility upgraded its thermal envelope in 2024.
Foam board was installed in the cold-storage areas
Fiberglass was selected for mechanical rooms and high-temperature zones
Result:
19% lower energy consumption
Improved equipment longevity
Reduced internal condensation issues
Ignoring fire-rating requirements
Using fiberglass in high-moisture areas
Installing foam board without a proper fire barrier
Overestimating R-value impact without considering thermal bridging
Selecting materials only by price
PIR foam board offers the highest R-value per inch.
Yes. Fiberglass insulation board is non-combustible.
Foam board, particularly XPS, performs better in moisture resistance.
Only when exposed to consistent moisture; otherwise it is stable for decades.
Fiberglass insulation board has the lowest upfront cost.
Yes. GTOFRP FRP panels are compatible with both insulation types.
Both materials are strong performers, but the right choice depends on your project:
Choose fiberglass insulation board
if fire resistance, high-temperature stability, and cost-efficiency matter most.
Choose foam board
if moisture resistance or high R-value is the priority.
For facility upgrades, food-processing walls, or cleanroom build-outs, GTOFRP provides FRP panels and accessory systems that pair effectively with both insulation types.
