If you’re wondering what XPS insulation is and how it works, read on for some information about this unique type of material. In this article, we’ll discuss how it helps to reduce air leakage, energy loss, water absorption, and ozone depletion. XPS foam has an R-value of 5 per inch and is a very good choice for energy-conscious homeowners. However, it’s important to understand its limitations.
XPS insulation reduces air leakage
XPS insulating sheathing can help homeowners make their houses more energy efficient while reducing their operating costs. As a thermoplastic material, XPS can be recycled into new foam insulation. Extruded polystyrene manufacturing plants can recover nearly 100 percent of the material they use. They grind and re-pelletize the material before it is reused in the production system. Some companies even go as far as seeking scrap polystyrene plastics to reuse in their production process.
XPS insulation reduces air leakage in homes by increasing the wall area that is insulated. This will reduce the amount of air that leaks through the walls, which can rob energy and money from a building. While insulating between the wood studs is the standard for a home, it doesn’t provide the complete insulation value. Thermal bridging is also a concern and will decrease a building’s thermal performance.
XPS foam insulation should be fastened using screws and nails with a diameter of 25.4 mm (1 in.). It can also be fastened to wood structural sheathing. Butt tightly to minimize air leakage. Lastly, XPS insulation reduces moisture. To achieve maximum insulation, XPS foam insulation should be installed over a layer of wood sheathing. Installing shingles on top of XPS foam will also increase the insulation’s air-tightness.
Polystyrene is a type of thermoplastic that is available in both extruded and expanded forms. XPS has higher R-value per inch than EPS, while polyiso releases toxic substances upon burning. Extruded polystyrene is less expensive but does not absorb as much moisture. Despite its low cost and lower R-value per inch, both varieties are effective insulators.
It reduces energy loss
XPS and EPS insulation have been independently tested for performance in the field. Testing was conducted at six feet below grade using EPS Type I and XPS Type X, immediately after excavation. Samples were weighed and oven dried to determine their moisture content. The tests demonstrated that both EPS and XPS reduced energy loss by at least 20%. Nevertheless, the independent test results do not reflect the actual performance of the insulation.
Extruded polystyrene is a rigid set foam or packing pellet. It is most commonly used for architectural models. Its airspace helps regulate the flow of heat. Heat is carried through a material using three methods: conduction through materials, convection through liquids, and radiation, which travels in straight lines. The airspace in between the insulating layers of EPS helps reduce energy loss by up to 30%.
XPS insulation is usually found in the form of foam board. It has a high resistance to moisture and heat, and is used in flat roofs and floors. It is also lightweight and suitable for bathrooms. However, there are limitations to its use in building construction. XPS insulation is not ideal for all types of homes, but it does reduce energy loss when installed properly. And because of its superior performance, XPS insulation reduces energy loss.
XPS foam is an excellent choice for buildings that need better insulation. Its R-value is three or higher, depending on its thickness. In addition, XPS insulating sheathing boards cover wood studs and uninsulated parts of a wall. XPS foam is a complete air barrier that prevents air from getting in and out of the wall, which is one of the primary causes of energy loss.
XPS insulation reduces energy loss by reducing heat and moisture penetration. These two factors are crucial in reducing energy loss in buildings. While they may seem to have similar benefits, they are different and require different strategies. The purpose of insulation is to save energy and money. In addition to saving energy, it also protects your health. By reducing heat loss, XPS insulation improves air quality and reduces worker health risks.
It reduces water absorption
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a type of closed-cell polystyrene foam insulation. It is manufactured using a mould where small foam beads are pressed together under pressure and heat to produce a closed cell material. The higher density of XPS reduces the amount of air that can penetrate the insulation and cause condensation. XPS reduces water absorption by more than 90%.
EPS insulation is water-tight. When the dew point is reached, diffusing water vapor condenses inside the closed foam cell. XPS’s low drying capacity locks in liquid water and can accumulate over time. In contrast, EPS has high drying capacity, which allows the water to evaporate from the insulation under better conditions. While the ASTM C1512 test only measures the water content of EPS when applied below grade, other methods should be used to determine seasonal and regional effects.
XPS’s water-repelling properties make it superior to EPS in many applications. In fact, it is more water resistant than EPS and can be used for both residential and commercial buildings. The lower water absorption of XPS is also more efficient than that of EPS. It can be used in many different types of buildings, including buildings made of metal. The difference between the two insulations is striking and makes it worth a closer look.
While XPS is superior to EPS in many ways, it has a lower moisture-resistance rating. In fact, XPS sheets are more effective at reducing water absorption because their blowing agent remains embedded in the material for several years. While the lack of insulation can contribute to up to 25% of the energy loss of a structure, the moisture-resistance and thermal performance of XPS is more important for buildings below grade.
In a series of tests conducted by the EPS Industry Alliance, researchers have determined that XPS demonstrates a lower water-absorption rate than EPS. The researchers found that the R-values of XPS materials begin to degrade at 0.3 percent moisture content. Moreover, they also demonstrated a higher stability in conditions of high moisture exposure than that of EPS. This is a significant benefit and should be considered as a primary consideration when choosing an insulation material.
It reduces ozone depletion
There are many benefits to using XPS insulation. The material is less likely to emit gases that deplete the ozone layer. Using XPS insulation in a building can reduce the amount of energy a building needs to run and reduce embodied carbon. Additionally, XPS insulation is better for the environment than many other insulation materials. These benefits include reduced energy bills and decreased ozone depletion.
The Montreal Protocol, first implemented in 1987, banned and limited the use of certain compounds that deplete the ozone layer. These substances include CFCs and HCFCs. While CFCs can destroy local materials, they are still potent greenhouse gases that have global impacts. In particular, HCFCs can damage the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful UV rays.
The production of SOPRA-XPS, an insulating material manufactured in Sherbrooke, Quebec, contains the lowest carbon impact of any XPS-type insulating material. The main culprit of the carbon impact is the substitution of a blowing agent. Because SOPRA-XPS is made from up to 63% recycled polystyrene, it has one of the lowest GHG emissions of all insulating materials combined.
XPS insulation does not produce any waste. The polymer is heated inside the extruder. The blowing agent then turns the polymer into a foam. Because of its high thermal resistance, XPS reduces energy consumption in buildings. And because it is recyclable, XPS insulation reduces ozone depletion. The Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association claims that XPS manufacturing facilities produce no waste. All XPS foam board waste is recovered.
The EPA’s 2020 NPRM states that the substitutes for XPS must meet the technical requirements of XPS. XPS products must meet criteria for thermal efficiency, compressive strength, and flame and smoke generation. As a result, XPS blends were submitted for review to the SNAP program. The EPA noted that it is difficult to meet R-value standards with acceptable blowing agents.