The growing need for proper thermal regulation of buildings is driving the global market for extruded polystyrens (XPS). Buildings with heavy roofs and foundations need proper thermal regulation. This material also helps maintain the structural integrity of buildings. XPS is a flexible insulation material that is widely used in the construction of facades, plinth beams, floors, and more.
EPS
If you’re planning to install EPS extruded polystrene insulation in your home, you need to know a little bit about this material before you get started. This type of insulation can be purchased in sheets that are two or four feet wide. It comes in different densities and is suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
Expanded polystyrene is an extremely efficient and lightweight cellular plastic material. It contains up to 98% air and can be manufactured in any size you need. Its lightweight rigid construction makes it a good choice for insulating your home.
EPS is also recyclable. There are more than 200 collection centers for this material in the United States. Its blowing agent, pentanes, is removed during the manufacturing process and replaced with air. The result is an insulating material that does not release off-gasses. In addition, EPS does not contain CFCs, HCFCs, or formaldehyde.
EPS starts off as tiny polystyrene beads, which are similar to grains of salt. These are then put into a mold. A steam or pentane mixture is added to expand the beads. Once the beads reach their equilibrium point, they are conveyed to a mold where they are molded into custom shapes. EPS can be modified with additives that will improve its fire behavior.
Kingspan has announced plans to acquire a company that produces expanded polystyrene and polyisocyanurate foam billets. The deal signals a shift in the company’s portfolio to lightweight construction materials. The deal will also expand the Rockford EPS foam plastic recycling plant. The two companies have pledged to recycle 99% of their production waste. Austrotherm has also launched a nationwide XPS insulation cut-off service, which will collect discarded XPS insulation from building sites and recycle it at its Purbach XPS insulation plant.
In terms of insulating performance, EPS and XPS both meet the standards of ASTM C578. However, you should always verify any advertised properties against third-party tests. Nevertheless, if you want to purchase EPS extruded polystyrene insulation, you should choose the EPS extruded polystyrene insulation with a minimum R-value of 4.2.
XPS
When choosing an insulation material, it is important to understand the thermal conductivity of the material. This number measures how much heat can pass through a material in watts per square metre. The lower the value, the more effective the material is at resisting heat transfer. For extruded polystyrene, typical values are between 0.025 and 0.040W/mK.
Polystyrene is a thermoplastic material, and polystyrene foam insulation is manufactured from this material. Almost all of the polystyrene resin that is used in the manufacturing process is recovered and reused. Often, polystyrene plastic resin is ground and pelletized before being recycled. Some companies even go to the trouble of searching for sources of scrap polystyrene plastic resin.
Fiberglass is a great moisture battery. Try to rip a piece of fiberglass insulation off your walls on a cold day and you will find ice on the exterior side. This is the result of indoor moisture that has gotten past the vapor barrier and into the fiberglass. Once the weather gets warmer, the ice will turn into water and settle on the exterior side of the fiberglass.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation has many benefits over traditional insulation materials. Its smooth skin and minimal voids between cells make it a better option for insulating buildings and homes. The material can be applied for a variety of applications in commercial and residential construction.
XPS extruded polysstyrene is a high-quality, rigid, and lightweight insulation material. It has low thermal conductivity, a high resistance to moisture, and a high compressive strength. It is often used in commercial applications and is also an excellent choice for walls and ceilings. Despite the higher cost, XPS is a great choice for insulating a variety of building types and applications.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is an extruded polystyreno insulation material that is commonly used in exterior wall applications. It is made of high-density polystyrene plastic and is available in several colors. Typically, this type of insulation is used for both new construction and retrofit applications. It has been around for over 50 years and has been a reliable choice for energy efficiency in homes and buildings.
Styrofoam is an environmentally friendly insulation material that is resistant to moisture and is a sustainable choice for a variety of projects. It provides long-term insulating performance and minimizes mold growth in your home or building. In addition, styrofoam insulation is easy to install and maintain.
The process for producing extruded polystyrenene board insulation is quite straightforward and starts with solid polystyrene resin granules. The granules are fed into an extruder where they are melted and mixed with critical additives. Next, a blowing agent is introduced to enable the plastic product to expand and form into its final shape. It is then trimmed to its final dimensions and recognized as boards.
Styrofoam extrudes polystyrene insulation is the most common type of rigid polystyrene insulation used in new construction and remodeling projects. The insulation comes in standard sizes and is lightweight. It is also highly resistant to moisture and air ingress, making it ideal for applications such as walls, ceilings, and more.
There are many different types of insulation. The differences between EPS and XPS insulation are discussed in this article. EPS is generally used outdoors and below grade, rigid foam is used for interior wall cavities before drywall, fiberglass batt is often used between studs, and blown-in cellulose is widely used for remodeling.
Styrofoam extrudes polystyrene insulation is one of the least expensive types of insulation material available. The cost is usually comparable to a standard R-value of 3.6 to 4.2 per inch. In addition, it can also be used to cover exposed structural elements, such as a roof.