XPS, or extruded polystyrene, is an expanding foam that is intended for insulating applications. Extrusion is a process that produces XPS, or foamed polystyrene, in a variety of forms, including XPET, which stands for extruded foam PET. Other types of XPS include XPET beads and extruded expandable PS.
High compressive strength
EPS and XPS are two types of polystyrene foam. EPS is cheaper per inch than XPS, and can be used under slabs and below grade. However, XPS is more suited for applications where there is a great deal of vehicular traffic. These are a few of the advantages of XPS. You may be wondering how EPS is superior to XPS.
XPS is a closed-cell extruded foam board with a minimum compressive strength of 60 psi. It is highly compressive and is suitable for applications where moisture or mechanical stresses are a concern, such as under slabs, water pipes, and carparks. XPS can be recycled, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It is available in three compression strengths, with varying thicknesses of up to 120mm.
XPS is a closed-cell material, making it highly resistant to heat transfer and water vapour transmission. This makes it ideal for use in foundation applications, inverted roofs, terraces, green roofs, parking lots, and more. XPS insulation has excellent fire and water resistance, allowing you to choose the right level of protection for your building. It is also cost-effective, too.
EPS and XPS are made from polystyrene resin. They are manufactured through a process that involves the use of a blowing agent. Pentane expands the resin beads, which then remolds into blocks. The blocks are cut into the sizes needed for the structure. The strength of XPS is comparable to that of EPS at the same density.
Good thermal conductivity
When it comes to floor insulation, XPS foam is one of the best materials available. This material is a synthetic aromatic polymer, derived from benzene and ethylene. It is available in different forms, from solid to foam. It is commonly used in building systems based on structural insulated panels. The foam is also resistant to moisture, mold, and most alkalies. Its non-conducting properties make it an ideal choice for floors.
Thermal conductivity refers to the rate of heat transfer through a material. The higher the value, the more effective the insulation is. Thermal conductivity of insulating materials is measured in watts per meter of area. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) has a k-value of between 0.028 W/mK. The k-value is an important factor to consider when choosing insulating materials for your home.
XPS foam is known for its excellent thermal insulation properties and compressive strength. Because it resists water, it is an excellent choice for inverted roof applications and single ply membranes. Its high thermal insulation properties also make it ideal for green roofs. XPS floor insulation is also easy to install and can be found in standard thicknesses of 1250 x 600 mm. Good thermal conductivity of XPS floor insulation can make your floor a warmer, more comfortable place to live.
XPS is a light, durable insulator. It’s easy to handle and install and exhibits consistent thermal properties throughout its lifetime. It is also available in white and grey panels, with the grey version exhibiting better thermal properties. XPS floor insulation is slightly more expensive than the white version. So, before you decide to install XPS floor insulation in your home, make sure you read the manufacturers’ recommendations.
Resistant to moisture
Unlike EPS, XPS floor insulation is highly resistant to moisture. Its tight-packed cell structure means it is less likely to absorb moisture. On the other hand, EPS contains air, and air easily conducts heat, so the density of EPS would have to be higher than XPS. Alternatively, XPS could be made with a high-density polystyrene, which would reduce the voids between polystyrene beads.
As an added bonus, XPS will not off-gas or lose its insulation properties over time. However, it will lose its effectiveness when installed below grade. Above-grade XPS, on the other hand, will act as a vapour retarder. The more it is installed, the less moisture it can absorb. It may even act as an air barrier. In addition, it will not absorb moisture, which makes it a great choice for damp and dry areas.
Unlike EPS, XPS does not absorb moisture from the air. Its closed-cell structure prevents moisture from absorbing and transferring into the insulation. This makes it highly resistant to moisture, but you should still follow building codes. If you live in a humid climate, you may need to consider XPS floor insulation to provide adequate protection from moisture. If you are concerned about moisture, you can also use mineral wool board.
Cost
The main difference between EPS and XPS is the price. While EPS is cheaper than XPS, it does not have as much compression strength. However, the lower cost allows you to save on space. Moreover, EPS is not produced below a certain density, so it provides insulation at a lower cost. Therefore, if you do not care about space, you can go for EPS over XPS.
XPS provides good thermal conductivity for buildings and can result in significant cost savings. It also provides excellent sound insulation. Unlike EPS, XPS can be installed beneath wood studs. It can also be installed on below-grade floors, and is used in attics and basements. But, EPS requires a higher density board to match its thermal performance. Hence, XPS has higher costs than EPS.
XPS floor insulation has an R-value of five per inch. Extruded polystyrene is cheaper but offers better insulation. Its R-value decreases with the thickness of the material. It also off-gases and is therefore not suitable for below-grade slabs. If you are planning to install XPS floor insulation on a slab or below-grade floor, the cost is $0.47 per square foot.
XPS is cheaper by the sheet but has a lower R-value per inch. XPS manufacturers use HFCs in their manufacturing process, which are greenhouse gases that cause global warming. But the companies are working towards avoiding this by 2020. However, XPS is better for van insulation than polyiso. XPS has a higher compressive strength, which makes it better for vans. Therefore, if you’re looking for a high-quality van insulation material, XPS is the way to go.
Brands
XPS floor insulation is a durable material that is lightweight and resistant to abrasions and scratches. It is commonly supplied in 2’x4′ and 4’x8′ panels and comes in different colours. There are several brands of XPS on the market, including the leading Styrofoam, Kingspan, and Soprema. All of these brands are reliable and highly resistant to moisture ingress.
There are various brand names of XPS floor insulation available for a variety of applications. DuPont’s Deckmate(tm) Plus Extruded Polystyrene Floor Insulation is one such brand. This product is incredibly easy to install and is widely available through a distributor’s network. For more information, please visit www.styrofoam.com/xpsfloor.
XPS is a closed-cell material that is suited for a wide range of applications. Because it is closed-cell, XPS does not absorb moisture or retain heat, which makes it an excellent choice for basement insulation. It is also pressure-resistant, dimensionally stable, and offers excellent thermal insulation. Additionally, it is often loose-laid so that ballast can be added later. In addition to being lightweight, XPS floor insulation is suitable for use under floors in residential and commercial applications.
XPS is usually available in standard sizes. It is easy to distinguish among different brands by its color. It is produced by blending polystyrene crystals with a gas blowing agent. This thick liquid is then pushed through a die and expanded into a foam-like material. The finished product is then trimmed. In many cases, XPS floor insulation can be installed on the ground floor without having to be removed from the top floor.
Applications
XPS floor insulation is an excellent choice for cold storage facilities due to its high thermal resistance. Concrete and other traditional flooring options are not very effective at preventing thermal transfer, so the facility needs a high-performance floor insulation. XPS is also moisture-resistant, so it can resist freeze/thaw cycles. Regardless of its size, XPS floor insulation is a great choice for this application.
XPS floor insulation can also be used for load-bearing thermal applications beneath floor slabs. Such applications involve heavy loads on the floor, both static and dynamic. XPS is a closed-cell polystyrene foam with high moisture resistance and superior compressive strength. This product is ideal for applications involving low-temperature environments and can withstand pressure up to 30 tonnes per square metre. XPS floor insulation is also durable enough to be used in foundation slabs for many years.
XPS foam insulation can also be used for horizontal joints, sill plates, and floor/ceiling junctures. It can also be used as a covering for exterior walls, as long as it adheres tightly to the wood sheathing. This insulation can be installed in a variety of ways, such as over siding or shingles. As long as it’s installed properly, it can significantly increase the building’s energy efficiency and comfort.