You may be wondering whether XPS, EPS, GPS, or Styrofoam is a better option for insulating your home. In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of these popular insulation materials. This type of polystyrene is composed of about 98% air, which reduces transport costs. In addition to its excellent thermal insulation and damping properties, it’s extremely lightweight and also useful in packaging. It isn’t resistant to organic solvents, however, and this can cause health problems when used as food packaging.
XPS
XPS extruded polysyrene insulation is an excellent choice for many types of buildings, including residential and commercial structures. The material is designed to prevent moisture and air from leaking through the insulating layers. Despite its popularity, however, XPS insulation still faces a number of drawbacks. Here’s a closer look at these issues. In addition to its long-term environmental benefits, XPS insulation also poses some potential risks.
XPS extruded polystryrene insulation is available in different thicknesses, ranging from four to ten centimeters. Its rough surface improves adhesion to adhesives and smoothing compounds. To bond Mapetherm XPS panels to a surface, it requires the use of one-component cementitious adhesive in powder form. This adhesive must be mixed with water when it is required. Adesilex FIS13 special adhesive in water dispersion is also available.
In addition to its high R-value retention, XPS is also resistant to off gassing, a problem with some XPS products. Off-gassing will gradually reduce the R-value of the material. In testing situations, XPS will lose up to 48% of its R-value. But if you choose XPS, you’ll save yourself money and your health.
EPS
EPS extruded polystyestere insulation is a versatile insulation material that is completely recyclable. It is manufactured by placing beads of foam in a mould and applying steam or heat to them. As the beads expand, the temperature and the pressure exerted on them increases, causing the beads to bond together. The result is a closed cell structure with voids between the beads.
The product is available in a range of densities, from one to three pounds. It is easily molded and has outstanding compressive strength. The values are based on ASTM short-term laboratory-load conditions; however, temperature may affect end-point values. Other important properties of EPS include exceptional moisture resistance and reduced air infiltration. The Dow Chemical Company produces this material in a variety of shapes and colors.
EPS and XPS are moisture resistant insulation materials. XPS is used for roofing systems and below-grade waterproofing. They are also used to insulate building walls. Typically, polystyrene is applied over a barrier membrane. Then a cladding or siding system is installed over the insulation. Both EPS and XPS have similar characteristics, but the specific use for which they are used will determine the best product. The right material will provide the best insulation performance.
GPS
While EPS has several benefits, GPS insulation offers an edge that sets it apart from the competition. Unlike rigid insulation, which experiences thermal loss over time, GPS retains its R-value over time. This feature allows it to be used in cold climates and tight spaces without sacrificing insulation performance. GPS’s graphite content also improves its R-value as temperature decreases. Moreover, it’s lightweight, making it easier to install than EPS and XPS. Compared to EPS, GPS insulation offers a 20-30 percent cost savings. It also speeds installation times by eliminating the need to stack individual sheets to achieve insulation. These advantages make GPS a great choice for cold-climate residential construction.
GPS insulation has a high R-value because it incorporates graphite, which enhances its reflective properties in cold temperatures. This material is a great choice for cavity walls, exterior sheathing, and other space-constrained applications. While it costs more than EPS, GPS is significantly less expensive than XPS. The cost difference between EPS and GPS is largely due to its high R-value.
styrofoam
Extruded polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, low-cost insulation material with excellent durability and thermal conductivity. EPS can range in thickness from 6 mm to 102 mm. Extruded polystyrene is also highly resistant to chemicals, so there is little risk of causing an allergic reaction or damage to your skin.
The manufacturing process of extruded polystyren-e foam is very similar to that of expanded polystyrene. The raw material is the same – polystyrene resin beads. Once the polystyrene resin beads are fed into the extruder, the material is heated to a high temperature until molten. After that, various additives are added to the mixture. Finally, the finished board is usually colored to identify its brand.
Extruded polystyrene is a petroleum-based product that has been refined and molded to form rigid, clear products. It is used to make toys, coolers, and insulated coffee cups. Polystyrene is also used in the manufacturing of car parts and appliances. Its durability makes it an excellent material for insulating buildings.
EPS vs XPS
In recent years, the debate over the superiority of EPS vs XPS exTruded polystyrene insulation has become increasingly heated. The debate centers around the fact that the former is much more efficient at insulating a building than the latter. Both types of polystyrene are manufactured in factories that adhere to stringent quality assurance programs. Unlike XPS, however, EPS is made from recycled materials.
XPS is generally more suitable for use in roofs and below-grade waterproofing systems, while EPS is more commonly used in insulating building walls. In both cases, polystyrene insulation is installed over a barrier membrane (called IRMA) and a cladding or siding system is installed on top. Both types offer excellent flexibility and compatibility, and their specific properties can be critical to the overall insulation performance of a building.
While EPS retains its R-value longer, XPS is less effective under severe exposure. Extruded polystyrene also exhibits an off-gassing characteristic, which slowly decreases its R-value over time. This degrading process is important for maintaining thermal resistance. EPS is much better in this regard, but there are several caveats.
XPS foam board
XPS foam board is a rigid insulating panel, marketed by Dow Chemical Co., Owens Corning, and other manufacturers. The material has excellent insulating properties and can be recycled. Extruded polystyrene has a low thermal conductivity and is a great choice for heavy-duty industrial and domestic insulation. The material can also be recycled and used over again, making it an environmentally-sound choice for many buildings.
When installing XPS foam insulation board, be sure to use a flat, sturdy surface. Two sawhorses are sufficient for waist-high work. Hold a utility knife against the board to make a deep impression. Once the impression is made, snap the XPS foam board over the edge of your work surface. Use a straight edge or utility knife to cut off any excess foam insulation board.
Another common concern with XPS foam board is its environmental impact. The manufacturing process used to manufacture it depletes the ozone layer and contributes to global warming. Moreover, hydrochloroflurocarbons are used as blowing agents in the extruded foam board manufacturing process. These toxins permeate into XPS cells during the manufacturing process and then diffuse out of the aging cells. However, some manufacturers are experimenting with non-toxic blowing agents.
XPS panels
Polystyrene is a synthetic material used for many purposes, including insulation and furniture. There are two types: extruded polystyrene and expanded polystyrene. The most common types are used for house insulation, but they can also be used to make sets for artistic projects. Extruded polystyrene is a higher density product than expanded polystyrene, which makes it ideal for many applications.
XPS is available in a variety of thicknesses and shapes, including sheets up to 2ft by 8ft. They have varying degrees of thermal conductivity, but typically range from 0.025W/mK. This means that your home’s insulation is tailored to the particular size and shape of your space. XPS panels can last as long as your building, which is a significant benefit.
XPS is an excellent choice for buildings that have a lot of moisture. The low water absorption properties of XPS make them ideal for damp environments. This material is also very light, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Whether you need insulation for walls, ceilings, or floors, you can be assured that XPS is an excellent choice.
XPS insulation
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation has many benefits. For example, it reduces energy consumption while promoting positive energy and cleaner air emission. Additionally, it forms a full air-and-moisture barrier, reducing convection currents and preventing energy loss due to air infiltration. If installed properly, XPS foam insulation can save up to 70% on energy bills. This makes it a sustainable choice for homeowners.
XPS insulation boards have hexagonal honeycomb structure and are resistant to compression. Moreover, their thickness is not affected by the difference in temperature. Moreover, XPS foam can be applied on walls, roofs, and foundations, but is most popular for walls. Although it is lightweight, XPS insulation can be brittle when exposed to sunlight. It is best for damp climates. Its high resistance to heat and moisture makes it a great choice for roofs and flat roofs.
Compared to EPS insulation, XPS withstands the moisture better than EPS. After being submerged in water for two to 24 hours, EPS insulation was still 15.7 percent wet, whereas XPS insulation was dry after 30 days. In addition, XPS is less vulnerable to mold than EPS. It also maintains its R-value longer than EPS. A more effective option for homeowners who are concerned about moisture and mold growth in their homes is XPS insulation.