EPS is an extremely durable type of insulation that is made by expanding spherical beads in a mold. Its insulating performance depends on the composition of the material in the cell. Its thermal performance is approximately 95 percent. However, this does not mean that EPS is a better choice than XPS. This article will compare the advantages of EPS insulation to XPS. It may be worth your time to take a look.
EPS insulation is made by expanding spherical beads in a mold
EPS is a popular material for insulation and packaging purposes. This material is created by injecting pentane into tiny polystyrene granules. The beads are then expanded to approximately forty times their original volume. These beads are heated using steam, which boils the pentane. This causes the beads to fuse together, creating a honeycomb-like cell structure. Once the beads are expanded to their final size, they are moulded into three-dimensional shapes by a process known as steam chest molding.
EPS insulation is a versatile material that is extremely durable. The material does not lose its strength under damp conditions, making it a perfect packaging material for cool-chain food products. Furthermore, it is moisture resistant and meets strict hygiene standards. Furthermore, because it contains up to 98% air, EPS reduces total product weight. This not only saves on shipping costs, but also lowers vehicle emissions and fuel consumption, contributing to a lower global warming.
EPS insulation is a thermoplastic material made by expanding spherical beads into a solid. The material is composed of two main components – Styrene and Pentene. Pentane is a colorless liquid hydrocarbon with a distinctive smell. Pentane is also a key ingredient in refrigerants, aerosol propellants, pesticides, and other chemical products.
EPS is a highly versatile material that is commonly used for packaging. Its spherical beads are made using a process called extrusion. To make EPS insulation, spherical beads are melted and cooled in a mold using a blowing agent. This melted polystyrene is then extruded under high pressure into a desired shape.
EPS is an excellent exterior wall insulator. The differences between these two materials make it important to carefully evaluate the material for your project. It can last for decades. Replacing the insulation can be an expensive endeavor, so the choice of exterior wall insulation must be carefully considered. Fortunately, the professionals at Colonial Materials are here to help you choose the right product. If you’re in the market for a new insulation product, don’t hesitate to talk to Jason Burgess, a seasoned salesman with a wealth of experience in the industry.
It does not absorb moisture
The question is, does EPS insulation absorb moisture? EPS insulation is commonly used in buildings because of its high breathability and moisture resistance. However, there are many factors that determine how water can enter the insulation, including how the material is manufactured and installed. It is important to follow recommended design practices for both types of insulation. This article will discuss some of those factors. We will also discuss what we should look for when deciding whether to install EPS in our home.
While the answer to this question is a resounding “no”, XPS and EPS insulation have different levels of moisture absorption. XPS is manufactured through an extrusion process, in which the molten material is forced through a die, where it expands into a uniform closed cell rigid foam insulation board with no voids. EPS insulation is manufactured by pressing tiny foam beads into a mold and steam-expanding the entire form until it reaches its final shape. Then, the foam board is cut out of the mold, which may contain interconnected foam beads, which provide pathways for water to penetrate.
EPS insulation has undergone extensive testing over the past thirty years. These products are widely used in the construction industry and have real-world test results that lend confidence to specifiers. Third-party testing labs like Oakridge National Laboratories, Florida Solar Energy Center, and the National Research Council of Canada have validated these claims. Furthermore, research from Oakridge National Laboratories has shown that EPS insulation does not absorb moisture. It has an R-value of five per inch of thickness and resists water absorption. It also maintains its high thermal efficiency, despite the constant changes in temperature and humidity.
In addition to its superior thermal resistance, EPS is a great option for buildings below-grade applications. Compared to other rigid foams, EPS has more flexibility and longevity. In addition to its lightweight nature, it can be custom cut to fit the dimensions of a specific job site. The R-value of EPS insulation will not decrease over time, meaning that your building will save money on energy costs in the long run.
It retains 95 percent to 97 percent of its thermal efficiency
EPS insulation is considered “green” even before it was recognized for its environmental benefits. Unlike other insulation materials, EPS contains recycled content, meets minimum performance standards, and is delivered close to the job site. It also never contains CFCs or ozone-depleting gases. Other materials have a short performance history and have either phased out production or reformulated the entire manufacturing process.
The closed cell structure of EPS prevents moisture migration and absorption. This makes it ideal for use below grade. EPS insulation retains 95 to 97 percent of its thermal efficiency after seven years. This means that it will continue to serve the same purpose for a decade or more. Its long-term performance will remain unaffected by mold or mildew growth. In addition, EPS can withstand temperature changes for 16 years or more.
The manufacturer of a Seattle landmark used EPS insulation in the waterproofing membrane and roofing systems of the historic building. The old roofing system started to fail from age and weathering. The manufacturer replaced the damaged roofing assembly with one specially made for the climate of the Pacific Northwest. The new system is designed to last for the next 50 years and retain 95 percent to 97 percent of its thermal efficiency.
The benefits of expanded polystyrene roofing insulation have been studied for more than a decade. A study conducted in the 1980s by R.P. Type and C.F. Baker, as well as members of the Energy Materials Testing Laboratory, concluded that EPS insulation retains 95 percent to 97 percent of its thermal efficiency after five years. Although it loses its R-value as the years go by, it retains 95 percent to 97 percent of its thermal efficiency for a lifetime.
Another study done about EPS insulation concluded that moisture absorption is negligible. In the study conducted by Energy Materials Testing Laboratories in the 1980s, EPS insulation absorbed only 0.2% of moisture. This minimal amount of moisture in EPS insulation has little to no effect on its insulative properties. Another study by the Minnesota Department of Public Service tested seven-year-old EPS foundation insulation and found that it retained 95 percent to 97 percent of its thermal efficiency.
It is cheaper than XPS
If the price difference is significant, the benefits of EPIS insulation should outweigh the drawbacks. For starters, EPIS is more efficient at retaining heat. In addition to that, EPIS is also more durable, costing less than half the price of XPS. However, you should know that there are some downsides to using EPIS insulation. Here are some of these. Hopefully, these facts will convince you to switch to EPIS over XPS.
The R-values of EPIS insulation are higher, but they are not the same as those of XPS. Extruded polystyrene suffers from off-gassing, a process which gradually depletes the R-value of the insulation. If this happens, it’s impossible to make a decision based on the price alone. In the end, it’s still a better investment.
While XPS is often the better choice for commercial and residential buildings, many green builders are concerned about the impact of their building materials on global warming. XPS uses a blowing agent called Pentane, which has a low Global Warming Potential. However, XPS uses hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which are high in Global Warming Potential. Besides, XPS has a tendency to lose R-value with age. Manufacturers are now moving to a Zero Ozone Depleting formula.
The price of EPIS is significantly lower per square inch than XPS. EPS is cheaper to purchase per square inch because it comes in multiple compressive strengths. It also comes in different densities, making it easier to determine the best fit for your home. The lower density means EPIS insulation will be more effective in insulating your home. There is no need to invest in high-end XPS insulation if the difference isn’t a deal breaker for you.
XPS is known for its blue, green, or pink hue. It is a mid-range rigid-foam material that comes with a variety of plastic facings. Unfaced 1-inch-thick XPS has a perm rating around one. Faced XPS is thicker, but has a lower perm rating than a face-less one. Despite the lower perm rating, both types of XPS are considered vapor-retarders.