You’re probably asking yourself how to choose between extruded and expanded polystyrene insulation for your home. These two materials are similar in composition, but the former is less insulating, less expensive, and easier to handle for non-specialized cutting machines. Listed below are the benefits of each material and how they compare. Read on to find out more! Whether you choose extruded or expanded polystyrene, here’s a quick comparison.
Closed-cell polystyrene foam board
Expanded polystyrene foam, also known as Styrofoam, is an extremely lightweight closed-cell polymer board. It can be found in both single sheets and economical 4-packs, and it can be custom-cut to any size or shape you desire. This material is extremely practical for a number of applications and is ideal for many applications, from insulation to packaging.
The process of creating closed-cell polystyrene foam boards begins with solid granules of polystyrene resin that are fed into an extruder. As the material melts and becomes viscous, a blowing agent is injected, enabling the plastic product to expand and harden. The rigid foam plastic is then trimmed to fit its final size. The process results in a closed-cell structure that looks like a mass of uniform bubbles.
This material is available in many forms and is easy to install. The Styrofoam(tm) Brand is one of the least expensive types and is highly effective for insulation. EPS is available through distributor networks, and is also surprisingly durable and long-lasting. If durability is a top priority, you may want to consider extruded polystyrene foam or closed-cell polyurethane spray foam.
The process of manufacturing closed-cell polystyrene foam is similar to that of making Styrofoam, but has advantages of its own. Styrofoam is a trademarked word for closed-cell extruded polystyrene. Its properties make it suitable for a variety of applications and are widely used in the construction industry.
Thermal conductivity
Extruded polystyrene is one of the best choices for thermal insulation. Its thermal conductivity is about 0.12W/mK. Its thermal conductivity can be affected by various factors. Here are some tips on choosing the right insulation for your home. Keeping in mind that temperature is always a factor when deciding on the right material. However, the insulating properties of Extruded Polystyrene are the most important considerations.
EPS is manufactured using a mould which is filled with small foam beads. This allows the air to expand inside the foam beads. These foam beads do not touch one another, so their surfaces do not contact each other. The voids in the EPS insulation will conduct heat. Moreover, the higher the density of EPS, the less heat it conducts. As such, this material should be used in colder climates.
The thermoelectric effect of Polystyrene is a measure of its thermal conductivity. It is based on ASHRAE 1981 and Melgarejo 1995. These studies show that Extruded Polystyrene insulation can reduce heat loss by as much as 30% when compared to other insulations. They also show good thermal insulation performance, and are ideal for high-efficiency buildings.
Thermoelectric properties of Extruded Polystyrene insulation include their density, stiffness, and thermal resistance. Its density increase the insulation value. In addition, Extruded Polystyrene foam is better at resisting heat than other insulating materials. The higher the density, the more thermally resistant it is. The density of Extruded Polystyrene Insulation can be improved with the use of 1,3,5-benzene-trisamide.
Thermal bridging reduction
The best way to minimize thermal bridging is to apply continuous insulation to the entire building envelope. Continuous insulation can be added to a wall structure during the home building process, breaking the thermal bridge. When a home is being remodeled, it is possible to add insulation from the inside or the outside. This is a complex process that is costly. For this reason, continuous exterior insulation is often used.
The amount of effective R-value that is lost to thermal bridging is highly dependent on a house’s construction and materials. For example, a 2×6 wall with R-19 fiberglass batts has an overall R-value of 19. But a home with a metal frame probably has a lower R-value than a wood-framed one. Thermal bridging is a problem that can result in drafts and moisture problems.
To minimize the risk of thermal bridging, the parapet is insulated. This prevents the occurrence of condensation on the roof slab and minimizes heating and cooling loads. Unfortunately, thermal bridging is typically caused by faulty installation and material selection. If the insulation has gaps, air can leak and cause thermal bridging. To prevent thermal bridging, insulation materials should not have gaps and be installed in a way that they remain in place over time.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is an excellent option for exterior wall insulation. Compared to traditional fiberglass insulation, extruded polystyrene‘s rigid foam offers a significantly higher R-value and resists moisture. These benefits make it an excellent choice for homes with metal stud wall systems. So what’s the best way to reduce thermal bridging and increase energy efficiency?
Compatibility
Extruded polystyrene is a rigid type of foam insulation. This product is made using the extrusion process and is commonly colored. Depending on the product, it can be used for walls, ceilings, and cooling and refrigeration. Extruded polystyrene can also be used in hobby models and architectural modeling. Its benefits are many.
The physical properties of extruded polystyrenes are described in the ASTM C578 standard. The material is rated by its R-value and density. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Extruded polystyrene is more durable than expanded polystyrene, but it is not completely fire-resistant. Extruded polystyrene is better suited for interior applications where it is more effective and resistant to extreme temperatures. The extrusion process reduces warping and doesn’t lose its thickness.
XPS is an eco-friendly alternative to EPS. The process involves melting plastic beads and expanding them using blowing agents. Compared to EPS, XPS is more dense and heavier. On average, XPS weighs 2.18 lbs, compared to 0.93 lbs for EPS. In addition, XPS insulation uses more polystyrene crystals than EPS.
Different manufacturers manufacture different types of polystyrene, which affects their long-term performance. These differences can cause buildings to perform poorly compared to their intended use. Extruded polystyrene insulation is made by melting plastic resin and other ingredients. The resulting material is then continuously extruded through a die, creating a rigid, closed-cell insulation.
The benefits of extruded polystyrrene insulation are many. Its closed cell structure provides excellent long-term strength and durability. It can be used in walls and roofs and does not require the addition of facers, but can add strength to any structure that requires it. Extruded polystyrene plastic can be found in a wide variety of thicknesses and sizes, and its strength is unmatched by any other type of insulation material on the market today.
Cost
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) and EPS are both closed-cell rigid insulation materials. Both are made with a blowing agent, pentane, that has a low Global Warming Potential and does not contain dyes. EPS is also recyclable, and can be made with up to 15% recycled content. EPS is typically cheaper than XPS, which is slightly more expensive than EPS.
The performance of polystyrene insulation depends on a variety of factors, including the type of application, temperature and moisture content, and the quality of the installation. In order to compare polystyrene and XPS insulation, the research teams conducted tests in three different locations, including Alaska. The Connor study measured the R-value per inch in three different below-grade applications. The three studies measured the R-value of the insulation in three different applications and varied in time from one to 31 years. The researchers used the combined data to compare EPS and XPS insulation in below-grade applications. XPS, on the other hand, had a higher R-value per inch than EPS.
The research in this market has revealed the main players in the market and their strategies and collaborations. The report also presents a two-dimensional picture of the market, with global revenue and prices, production volume, and demand by region and country. Further, the report examines the impact of COVID-19 on the overall industry. The research provides a detailed analysis of the Extruded Polystyrene Insulation Professional Market.
XPS foam insulation is a good choice for a variety of applications, from wall to ceiling insulation. The cost of extruded polystyrene insulation is often less than XPS-based insulating materials. They also require less frequent replacement than more traditional materials. You can cut them with a measuring tape or cut the pieces into smaller pieces. These pieces can be reused after their use has expired.