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Insta-Panel Used as Header Insulation

AC200 | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

I used Insta Panels to insulated under my slab in the basement and have a bunch left over.  I actually found the Insta Panels by reading old articles and questions here.  They are basically exterior fiberglass door cutouts (for full window lite doors) which are recycled as insulation panels. They are certified as R11. I was really keen to use them as they are recycled products that would have gone to a landfill otherwise.

I thought of using the extra to insulate the window and door headers.  I plan on attaching the panels and then filling any gaps with spray foam.  The panels have the disclaimer that they have only been tested for under concrete use and is combustible.  I’ve seen the same combustible warning on XPS panels. 

Anyone think of any reasons as to why I shouldn’t use these as header insulation panels?

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Replies

  1. AC200 | | #1

    I guess everyone thinks this should be OK :-) Another option would be to have the insulation contractor spray foam them, but I'm not sure the result would be any better. The space is only 1.5" deep and I would get R10 at best with closed cell and have to trim off any overspray

    1. Expert Member
      MALCOLM TAYLOR | | #2

      AC200,

      I can't think of any reason not to use them.

  2. Patrick_OSullivan | | #3

    > They are basically exterior fiberglass door cutouts (for full window lite doors) which are recycled as insulation panels.

    Clever material source. Even more impressive that they made a business out of it.

    I'd consider using them anywhere you'd otherwise use other rigid foam, and certainly for headers as you've described.

    I like that they even sell the embossed cutouts as well, since that surface irregularity makes no difference under a slab.

    Website for anyone else who wants to look: https://instapanels.ca

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