The high compressive strength of extruded polystyreny insulation materials make them an excellent choice for highway and railway construction. As such, the global market for these materials is set to grow in the coming years. What’s more, they are cheaper than XPS. So what makes them so desirable? Continue reading to learn more. After the jump, you’ll have a better understanding of their uses and advantages.
ENERGY STAR qualified product
One way to increase energy efficiency is by installing ENERGY STAR qualified extrusion polystyrene insulation in your home. The ENERGY STAR label indicates that these products are made with zero ozone-depleting blowing agents. This is in line with the Montreal Protocol, which calls for the phaseout of hydrochlorofluorocarbon 142b by 2010 for all building products.
A major benefit of extruded polystyrenyrene insulation is that it resists moisture. This product forms a skin-like layer that repels moisture. It also resists condensation and shifts dewpoints, preventing degradation caused by condensation. This makes extrusion-polystyrene insulation ideal for coolers.
EPS insulation has been used for more than 60 years. It offers a high R-value, excellent moisture resistance, and is an ENERGY STAR qualified product. In addition to energy efficiency, it also reduces material use. It is also a code-approved product. To learn more, check out the FPSF Design Guide. It has numerous benefits and is recommended for residential buildings.
Extruded polystyrene is also a do-it-yourself material. This insulation can be blown-in or applied as a do-it-yourself project. But there are downsides to both. Fiberglass splinters and heavy materials make it difficult to cut and blown-in insulation is not always appropriate. ENERGY STAR qualified extruded polystyrene insulation provides adequate coverage while minimizing the risk of injury.
Non-combustible
In order to build a safe building, you must choose the most appropriate non-combustible insulation. The Building Code of Australia defines non-combustible material as those that do not burn or liquefy. It should also pass a standard combustibility test such as AS1530.1. This can be done in a variety of ways, including through the use of a thermal barrier.
When exposed to an open flame, EPS may ignite. The transfer ignition temperature is around 212 degrees Fahrenheit (360°C). However, despite this low ignition temperature, it is still relatively difficult to ignite foam insulation. Once the material burns, it will spread evenly on its exposed surface and continue until it is completely consumed. The ease of combustion is due to the low density of EPS, which results in a high air-to-polystyrene ratio. The material also contains a low mass, which means that very little heat is released. The result is dense smoke and several potentially dangerous chemicals, including carbon monoxide, monostyrene, and hydrogen bromide.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is another type of insulation. This type is less dense than extruded polystyrene, but has a higher thermal conductivity rating than EPS. It also has better mechanical resistance than EPS, allowing it to resist heat and cold. Its high thermal conductivity also makes it a superior choice for interior insulation, especially in regions like Quebec where temperature and moisture is high.
BLUEDGE, a new sustainable flame retardant developed by Dow, is now being used in all STYROFOAM Brand extruded polystyrena. BLUEDGE replaces hexabromocyclododecane, which has a less environmentally friendly profile. It is available to extruded polystyrene manufacturers through a supplier.
Inflammability-proof is the primary concern in building materials. However, EPS is a safer choice than fiberglass or cellulose. It has a Class 1 Fire Rating and can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Most home inspectors require a Class 1 Fire Rating. Spray foam insulation, on the other hand, ignites at 700 degrees, which is considered combustible.
Resistant to moisture
If you’re in the market for new home insulation, you may be wondering if extruded polystyrenyl foam is better than traditional fiberglass or other types. These types of insulation use an extruder and blowing agent to expand the material. Its cellular structure is similar to that of XPS, but EPS has smaller interstitial spaces and is therefore less resistant to moisture. However, if you’re considering the insulation for a building above grade, moisture resistance isn’t a huge concern.
EPS and XPS are commonly used in insulation applications. Both types of insulation use polystyrene as the base material. These products can be used in various applications and are resistant to moisture. If you’re in the market for new insulation, you should consider both types. Both are effective materials, but the moisture performance of each is essential in determining whether they’re right for your project.
Although this insulation material doesn’t have waterproof properties, it is resistant to moisture and is a popular choice for homes and buildings that receive high levels of exposure to the elements. If you live in a damp climate, the material should be used with caution, and you should follow recommended design practices. For extreme exposures, it’s best to consider a different type of insulation, such as polyisocyanurate.
Resistant to moisture in extrudes polystyrene insulation has exceptional long-term durability and resistance to moisture. In fact, it can be installed directly on the ground or above a waterproofing layer in an inverted warm roof construction. Both types of insulation can perform predictably in both dry and wet conditions, which is particularly important in damp climates. A European Standard (EN 13164) referenced the performance of extruded polystyrene insulation by referring to two types of water absorption tests: long-term immersion and diffusion.
Cheaper than XPS
Many people wonder whether or not XPS extruded polysyrene insulation is cheaper than the alternative, polyiso. While XPS is a popular choice for many applications, a closer look reveals its limitations. Polyiso is significantly more efficient than XPS at protecting buildings, and is also considerably less expensive. However, it is important to note that XPS insulation is not as green as its competitors. It is essentially a waste of money compared to polyiso.
The main difference between XPS and EPS extrusions is the process of manufacture. XPS insulation is created by melting a resin through an extruder and expanding it with blowing agents. This method does not produce any greenhouse gasses, but does result in an improved vapor retarder. Extruded polystyrene, however, loses its insulation performance over time and may off-gas, affecting its effectiveness.
Using XPS foam can improve the energy efficiency of a building by decreasing the amount of air that flows through the wall. This can rob energy from the building. Additionally, XPS and EPS are not identical when it comes to thermal conductivity performance. XPS provides better insulation value because it is made from high-density polystyrene, while EPS is more dense.
Extruded polystyrene also contains a higher GWP than EPS. This is due to the high concentration of HCFC gases in XPS. The HFC gases used to manufacture XPS have hundreds of times more GWP than CO2, making them unsuitable for more moist environments. However, it is important to note that EPS is cheaper than XPS extruded polystyrene insulation.
Another difference between XPS and EPS is in their R-value. XPS has higher R-value retention than EPS. XPS has higher R-value retention, but the downside of EPS is that it gradually loses its R-value. The resulting loss in R-value corresponds to the reduction in the amount of carbon in the air.