XPS insulation is an alternative to EPS, which is commonly used in buildings for thermal purposes. It has a rigid, closed-cell structure and a high r-value. This insulation is durable and easy to install. Here are some benefits of XPS insulation. You’ll be amazed at how versatile it is and how easy it is to use. But what is it really? And how do you know it’s right for your building?
XPS insulation is a rigid, closed cell structure
XPS insulation is a water-proof, rigid material made from polystyrene pellets that are heated and liquefied into beads. The beads are then injected into flat molds and cut into panels. XPS is a dense, rigid material that has good insulating properties. Compared to EPS, XPS is more durable and offers higher energy-efficiency ratings.
XPS and EPS insulation are available in various density levels. Both types of insulation are considered water-resistant. Unlike waterproof products, which are completely impermeable to water, EPS and XPS rigid foam board insulation offer enough water resistance to deal with typical basement and foundation moisture levels. Homes located in flood plains should prioritize high-density EPS boards for below-grade applications.
Both EPS and XPS insulation are completely recyclable. EPS has a higher moisture-retention capacity than XPS, while XPS is better at maintaining its R-value over time. It is completely recyclable and many recycling centers will accept it for disposal. In addition, XPS is more environmentally-friendly. The company that manufactures your XPS insulation should be willing to recycle it.
XPS foam board is manufactured by continuous extrusion. Because of its closed cell structure, XPS foam board can maintain its R-5 thermal rating even when submerged. However, it is important to keep in mind that the foam board may be more likely to absorb moisture when submerged below grade. As a result, the XPS board will lose insulation efficiency over time. Although XPS foam is resistant to moisture, it is not completely impermeable, and may be more susceptible to water penetration than EPS.
Unlike EPS, XPS is a more expensive material than EPS. But, its cost-effectiveness makes it an excellent option for insulating buildings. Unlike EPS, XPS foam board offers consistent R-5 per inch. If you’re building a new home, XPS insulation can provide the perfect solution. It’s also compatible with the building code.
It has a high r-value
One of the main differences between EPS and XPS insulation is that XPS has a higher R-value. While the R-values of EPS and XPS are similar, the effect of moisture absorption is more pronounced with EPS. The Connor study offers updated comparative assessments. A study on the effects of moisture absorption on R-values of EPS and XPS has been published.
The Connor study showed that the two types of insulation had a significantly different R-value. While XPS is generally higher in R-value per inch, EPS insulation shows rapid decreases in R-value per inch over time. During the first five years, XPS has a R-value of 3.70, while EPS insulation has a R-value of 4.51 to 5.15. The Connor study also showed that the R-value of EPS was underestimated after 21 years.
However, XPS has a higher initial R-value than EPS, as the trapped blowing agent is replaced with air. This makes XPS less heat resistant as a result. An initial 5.0 R-value of XPS will eventually drop to a low 4.3 R-value. Conversely, EPS will remain the same, but its initial R-value will reduce over time.
The Connor study, a collaboration between the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the National Academy of Sciences, measured R-values of insulation removed from below-grade applications. It supplemented the data from two previous studies. These three studies measured R-values per inch of insulation installed under roads and airport runways. These tests were performed in three different climate regions and ranged from one to 31 years. The new research confirmed that XPS has higher R-value per inch than EPS.
It is easy to install
XPS insulation is a versatile, easy-to-install insulating material. This type of foam is mould and mildew-resistant, easy to install, and completely recyclable. XPS insulation boards are easily separated from the other layers of a building’s shell during the disassembly process. They can be reprocessed without leaving a messy residue behind.
The application process for XPS insulation is easy and requires no special skills. To install the product, simply adhere the boards together with a fastener. Use a foam-safe adhesive. You will need fasteners compatible with polystyrene-based insulation or Styrofoam(tm) Brand XPS Insulation. You can find these fasteners at construction suppliers across North America.
XPS insulation is easy to install and can be customized to suit your requirements. The materials can be cut into various shapes, such as rectangular and octagonal. Some manufacturers produce both EPS and GPS insulation, while others produce both. The key difference between XPS and GPS insulation is in the insulation’s r-value. The former is lower, but GPS has a higher r-value.
When installing XPS insulation, you need to pay special attention to the installation of each component. Start from the perimeter foundation wall, and fit the insulation board over the entire wall surface. Make sure to stagger and firmly butt adjacent insulation boards. Once the board has been secured in place, you can install the exterior veneer. The cladding must be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to follow all instructions for installing XPS insulation.
EPS is an easy to install, affordable alternative to rigid foam board. While it offers a low R-value, it is prone to damage. It doesn’t block water vapor and is also susceptible to pest infestation if it is not pre-treated. XPS insulation has a slightly higher R-value than EPS and is more durable. It is also slightly more expensive than EPS but is a better mid-range option.
It is durable
XPS insulation is a durable product that is made from expanded polystyrene (XPS) foam. Its closed-cell construction prevents heat transfer and reduces water vapour transmission. Its low thermal conductivity even when exposed to moisture makes it ideal for underground walls, inverted roofs and terraces. Because it is resistant to extreme temperature changes and is a low-maintenance material, XPS foam is also ideal for cold-storage facilities, parking lots, and green roofs.
One problem with XPS insulation is that it tends to lose its R-value over time. This is due to the fact that it is manufactured with hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which have a high Global Warming Potential. They also are very inflammable, releasing dangerous gasses when burned. Moreover, XPS insulation tends to lose its R-value over time, so manufacturers have begun moving away from using HCFCs. Furthermore, XPS uses dyes to make it stand out from its competition.
In addition to being durable, XPS insulation is recyclable. Unlike other types of foam insulation, XPS is fully recyclable. Recyclers are willing to accept XPS for recycling, despite its low moisture content. Aside from this, EPS can be used in a wide variety of construction projects. EPS is particularly durable in residential and commercial construction, where it is typically used for attics and exterior walls.
XPS insulation is environmentally friendly. It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures. In addition to being environmentally friendly, XPS insulation is also environmentally friendly. Environmental factors play a huge role in determining energy efficiency. With so many benefits, XPS is an excellent choice for energy-efficient projects. In fact, the benefits of using this insulation are well worth it, according to Susan Herrenbruck, executive director of the Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association.
It is energy efficient
EPS and XPS insulation are energy efficient when installed correctly, but there is some controversy surrounding the matter. There are many types of insulation and we will compare these three options for energy efficiency in a few paragraphs. Rigid foam is often used for outside walls of new construction or below grade. Fiberglass batt is a common type of insulation that is rolled between studs in walls. Blown-in cellulose is an extremely popular option for attics and remodeling projects.
XPS is not manufactured in a mold, but rather as a dye that is heated in an extruder. After the dye is applied, the polymer is mixed with a blowing agent and extruded. The result is a rigid foam with a polystyrene matrix. The downside of this type of insulation is that it does not allow for extrusion options as many EPS products are. But overall, the process results in a highly efficient insulation material that is highly resistant to heat transfer.
XPS has several advantages. It can be used for above and below-grade insulation, and is resistant to moisture and heat. XPS is also compatible with inverted roof systems. However, its higher moisture resistance makes it the more efficient choice for such applications. The company that supplies XPS must ensure that it does not produce water-logged EPS. It must also maintain high-quality standards and undergo third-party inspections.
XPS insulation is also much better than traditional building materials. Installed correctly, XPS foam prevents the movement of air through the wall, which robs it of energy. Moreover, insulation between studs does not offer full insulation value because wood studs and framing members are not insulated. Therefore, XPS foam insulation does not only improve the thermal performance of buildings, but also contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions.