Expanded polystyrene is the perfect material for both above and below-grade applications. Its high-performance R-value makes it the ideal material for many types of insulation projects. Extruded polystyrene is easy to work with and can be easily cut with a hot wire or utility knife. It is also cost-efficient. If you’re comparing both products, consider the benefits of each material.
Extruded polystyrene is less expensive than expanded polystyrene
There are a couple of key differences between extruded and expanded polystyrene insulation. Firstly, the former is lighter in weight and thicker, making it easier to handle and cut. Secondly, it is less expensive than extruded polystyrene, but they are not equally effective insulators.
Extruded polystyrenol is manufactured from a mold that holds small foam beads. These beads are then heated until they expand and fuse together. The result is a closed cell structure with voids between the beads. The advantage of this material is its cost. Extruded polystyrene can be shaped into many different shapes, including a hexagon, square, and even a curved surface.
XPS is made using hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), a substance with high Global Warming Potential. It also produces harmful gases when it burns. It tends to lose its R-value over time, so manufacturers are switching to other types of blowing agents. The difference in price between EPS and XPS is more significant in homes than in buildings.
When comparing the two types of insulation, EPS is better for long-term R-value retention. Extruded polystyrene is cheaper than expanded polystyrene insulation, which is more readily available for DIYers. The latter is easier to share with others and does not affect the quality of insulation. It is better suited for homes that do not need to be overly-insulated.
When comparing both types of extruded polystyrene insulation, make sure to consider the manufacturing process. Extruded polystyrene uses an extrusion process to produce closed cells. This process results in rigid and highly-effective insulation. And because it is more durable, it is more economical as well. But do you know which one is better?
Expanded polystyrene is a less expensive option than foam board. It contains up to 98% air, making it lighter in weight. This property makes it useful for insulation, as well as packaging materials. But it has a disadvantage: it’s not resistant to organic solvents, making it less effective as an insulator. It also poses a health risk if used as a food packaging material.
It is recyclable
When considering the materials we use in our homes, we should consider the recycling options available for EPS. Expanded polystyrene is a rigid cellular plastic commonly found in electrical consumer goods packaging, fish boxes, and building insulation. It is also used in coffee lids and yogurt pots. However, this type of plastic cannot be recycled through standard kerbside collection. Instead, it must be recycled through specialized programs. Because of this, it pollutes our oceans and regularly ends up in landfills.
The best solution to recycle EPS is to reduce its use. Styrofoam, or EPS, is made from 98% air and is used in a variety of applications. It is also used as a soil substitute and as insulation in buildings. When used properly, EPS can be recycled into glue and even park benches. It is important to find ways to reuse and recycle EPS.
The good news for recyclers is that expanded polystyrene can be reprocessed to create wood-like products. These products are not as expensive as hardwood, and you can even use recycled polystyrene instead of wood from the rainforest. However, the downside of recycled EPS is that it doesn’t biodegrade, which means municipalities must spend money to clean up the waste.
Most people don’t realize it, but recycled EPS can be used in building products. First, it must be shipped to a recycling facility. Next, the material is sorted to remove dirt and soiled items. Once sorted, the EPS is processed into “fluff” and washed. Then, it’s melted and pulled into pellets by heat and friction. The recycled polystyrene is then shipped to manufacturers. After being processed, the recycled EPS can be used to make sun visors, toys, and more.
Polystyrene is recyclable because of its light weight and versatility. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to collect it from curbside containers and becomes litter. It is also difficult and expensive to transport, making recycling EPS a far-fetched dream in most countries. However, it is still a viable option, and there are a few recycling facilities that accept this product. The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers also allows consumers to mail in non-food EPS to receive credit for its recycling.
It has drying potential
One of the most important characteristics of EPS is its drying potential, which helps it maintain optimal thermal resistance, which is known as R-value. In addition, it is 100% recyclable. As a result, it can be recycled by most recycling facilities. Here’s how this property works to benefit you. XPS is not as effective at drying. Its drying potential is limited, however, by its high moisture absorption capacity.
When dew points are reached, water vapor can condense in closed foam cells. Because XPS has low drying capacity, it accumulates the majority of liquid water in the long run. EPS, on the other hand, allows liquid water to evaporate under improved conditions. The ASTM C1512 test only accounts for 20 days of environmental cycling, making it unreliable in seasonal climates.
Polystyrene insulation‘s low drying capacity can be a problem in some building applications. Exterior walls insulated with this material may become moisture traps. Combined with poor air circulation, polystyrene-filled exterior walls may cause decay and mold growth. Fortunately, researchers are working to collect data on the drying potential of wood structural panels. And this research is crucial for deciding if they’re a good choice for your home.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and XPS are two types of closed-cell thermoplastics. EPS is made from molded beads, while XPS is produced from extruded sheets. EPS’s blowing agent exits quickly from the beads, leaving them with thousands of tiny cells filled with air. XPS, on the other hand, remains embedded within the material for years, which decreases the air movement through the material. As a result, XPS has a much lower moisture absorption rating than EPS.
Expanded polystyrene is also more environmentally friendly than EPS. It is made without HCFCs and dyes, which are harmful to the environment. It is also fully recyclable, and is even 100% made of recycled materials. Compared to EPS, XPS is much denser than EPS. In fact, it weighs 2.18 pounds versus 0.93lbs. Its drying potential is also greater than that of EPS.
It is cost-efficient
For homeowners, expanding polystyrene (EPS) is an excellent option for protecting sensitive materials in their homes. This foam insulation is very cost-effective and has a high R-value per square foot. The cost of material, manufacturing, and installation for EPS is generally less than for other insulation materials. The manufacturing costs for EPS are also considerably lower than for other materials, but labor costs are generally higher.
Another reason to use EPS is its lightweight, strong, and durable properties. This material can be cut into various sizes to suit various applications, including thermal insulation, stadium seating, and underground utility lines. This makes it a cost-efficient and versatile building material. In addition to its versatility, EPS is completely recyclable. The following are a few benefits of expanded polystyrene insulation:
EPS is an excellent material for basement walls and floor slabs. They are cost-efficient and can bring thermal mass into the building’s thermal boundary. If the floor slab is made of concrete, it is easier to insulate the walls. In that case, two-inch layers of high-density expanded polystyrene are placed against the concrete. The same method is effective for a 2×4 frame wall insulated with R-21 batt insulation. In addition to this, the basement floor can be declared unconditioned.
EPS products are available in rigid board, fanfold, and molded shapes. EPS products have strengths of 10 to 60 psi. Its applications include roof and wall insulation, below-grade insulation, and OEM components. XPS insulation is produced by the extrusion process. During the extrusion process, HFC blowing agents are mixed with colorants. After this, the melted liquid is extruded through a die, forming a rigid insulation panel.
EPS is an excellent, cost-effective, and highly performing alternative to extruded foam. EPS is a lightweight material with excellent mechanical and physical properties. Its dimensional stability and low carbon footprint make it a preferred choice for building envelope insulation. It also repels water, reduces energy losses, and maintains its R-value over time. This quality makes EPS ideal for building envelope insulation.