Polystyrene extruded insulation (XPS), more commonly referred to as blue board or rigid insulation in the building industry, is an energy-efficient and moisture resistant rigid insulation material with excellent thermal bridging resistance and energy-efficiency benefits.
Insulation materials made of durable polystyrene resin beads or granules, processed through an extruder and combined with critical additives, provide long-term above and below grade protection. They’re manufactured by feeding them through an extruder where they’re melted together with various other components for production.
High R-Value
Polystyrene extruded insulation has a much higher R-value per inch when compared with other insulation materials, while fiberglass has an R-value ranging from 3.1-4.3 per inch.
R-value of XPS and EPS insulation depends on many variables such as moisture, temperature, aging, soil composition, drainage systems and installation quality – so small-scale laboratory test results such as aging cannot accurately reflect its design R-value or in-service performance.
Recent results of a study comparing below grade EPS and XPS insulation installed in harsh climates (the Connor study) demonstrate that XPS has superior in-service R-value per inch than EPS for long-term applications due to superior compression strength, durability and water absorption resistance. This difference could be explained by applying laminated poly facer sheet onto board material for added compressive strength while resisting water absorption better.
Low Emitting
Polystyrene extruded insulation (XPS) is an energy-saving and toxic-free material produced from polystyrene beads that have been melted and formed into foam board insulation.
XPS insulation can be found in numerous construction applications, including wall furring, perimeter/foundation walls, cavity walls, precast concrete under slabs and crawlspaces as well as crawl space sheathing. Furthermore, it has received the GREENGUARD certification with at least 20% recycled content content.
Another important environmental consideration of XPS is that it does not contain CFC gases banned in the 1970s to 1990s; rather it employs HFC gases with lower Ozone Depletion Potential but still hundreds-thousand times higher Global Warming Potential than CO2. Unfortunately, this prevents many of XPS’ intended reductions of global warming potential from taking effect.
Researchers suggest a plausible theory behind the high water contents found in colder, wetter climate applications of XPS: diffusing water vapor can condense within closed foam cells when dew points are reached within insulation; then its low drying capacity keeps accumulating liquid water over time during repeated dew point periods, thus locking most of it inside over time and gradually building up over time.
Recyclable
Polystyrene extruded insulation is unlike most insulation materials in that it can be recycled after it no longer serves its intended function, making it more sustainable. Once no longer required in a building or other structure, used XPS can be melted down and recycled back into new foam board insulation products.
Recycling EPS and XPS reduces oil usage for production while simultaneously decreasing waste sent to landfills or incineration facilities.
PolyStyreneLoop, an initiative from Germany, is currently seeking support to build a facility for recycling EPS and extruded polystyrene foam building insulation that contains the brominated flame retardant Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD). Their dissolution technology helps dissolve plastic so it can be separated from flame retardants; once separated, this product can then be reformed before bromine can be recovered for reuse in new flame retardants.
Low Cost
Polystyrene extruded insulation is one of the more cost-effective forms of insulation available today, thanks to its low density and compressive strength allowing it to be utilized for multiple uses such as flooring and roof insulation.
Polystyrene insulation also offers several other advantages, including being resistant to moisture, which helps avoid mould issues, as well as its being odorless, making it easier and less irritating than traditional glasswool products.
EPS and XPS foam insulations are excellent options for commercial buildings. Both materials can help lower energy costs, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy efficiency in the building.
XPS insulation is one of the most widely-used forms of polystyrene insulation and can be found in both homes and commercial properties worldwide. It provides long-term comfort by being both durable and dependable insulation solutions.