Behind the booth: InSoFast 

High-performance buildings rely on systems that are easier to install, more forgiving on site, and built to last. InSoFast has spent years rethinking how insulation, framing, and moisture management come together, particularly in retrofit and high-performance residential projects. Ahead of New York Build, we spoke with Matt Scherrer about faster installs, smarter wall assemblies, and why insulation details matter more than ever. 

 

 

Q: To start, can you tell us a bit about InSoFast and the problems your products are designed to solve? 

InSoFast develops insulation and framing systems designed to simplify construction while improving performance. Our products are used in both retrofit and new-build applications, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, moisture control, and installation speed. 

The core idea is simple: eliminate unnecessary steps, reduce material waste, and give contractors systems that perform better without adding complexity on site. 

Q: Your exterior insulation panels are a key part of your offering. What makes them different? 
Our exterior panels function as insulation and a rain screen at the same time – on both the front and back of the panel. That double rain screen design allows for exceptional drainage and vapor permeability, which significantly reduces the risk of trapped moisture. 

Traditional foam boards often create moisture problems, especially in retrofit projects where existing vapor barriers are already in place. Our system avoids that by allowing assemblies to dry quickly and naturally. 

 

 

Q: Cost and labor are major concerns for contractors. How do your systems help on that front? 
One of the biggest advantages is hardware. Our panels are installed using standard construction screws that cost a few cents each, rather than structural fasteners that can run $1 to $3 per screw. That alone can reduce fastening costs by up to 90%. 

From a labor standpoint, everything is designed to go up faster. Electrical raceways are built into the panels, so wiring doesn’t require cutting channels or working around insulation. Siding or interior finishes can also be installed directly to the panels, eliminating the need for furring strips. The result is fewer trades stepping on each other and shorter install times. 

 

Q: You’re also known for your basement framing and insulation system. How does that work? 
Our basement panels combine insulation and framing in a single system. Built-in studs are bonded using a proprietary mechanical-adhesive connection rated at nearly 1,000 pounds per stud. That means the wall can carry real loads – including fully loaded cabinets – without additional framing. 

In practical terms, two workers can frame and insulate a 1,000-square-foot basement in a single day. Traditional methods typically take three days or more. It’s faster, cleaner, and more consistent. 

 

 

Q: Who are you hoping to connect with at New York Build? 
We’re especially focused on high-performance contractors working in custom homes and retrofit projects. These are professionals who understand building science and appreciate systems that improve outcomes without complicating installs. 

While homeowners are an important customer group for us, New York Build is really about engaging contractors who influence specifications and drive adoption on projects.