What is extruded polystyrene used for?

Extruded polystyrene is a type of plastic used to make products ranging from building materials to storage containers. This product may also be referred to as XPS, and is also referred to as Styrofoam® after a popular brand name version of this material.

Where is extruded polystyrene insulation used?

XPS foam board is often used for above-grade insulation applications such as walls, ceilings, attics and roofs as well as for below-grade applications such as foundations and basements. When used above-grade, it can reduce thermal bridging and improve energy efficiency.

What is the R value of extruded polystyrene?

about R-5
Extruded polystyrene: Extruded polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam is usually blue or pink in color, with a smooth plastic surface. XPS panels typically aren’t faced with other material. The R-value is about R-5.

Can I use polystyrene for wall insulation?

Polystyrene is the most popular insulation material for exterior walls.

Is polystyrene safe for insulation?

Polystyrene insulation (EPS) has very poor fire resistance but is better if, like most modern insulation, it has a fire retardant added to it. PIR and PUR (polyurethane foam) have reasonable fire resistance and phenolic foam has a high fire resistance.

How long does extruded polystyrene insulation last?

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is essentially inert. There have been multiple studies of EPS in the soil for 15 to 30 years demonstrating only minor degradation of the EPS foam. EPS foam is expanded using steam. It is the entrained air that provide the insulation value in the material.

How good is EPS insulation?

EPS is an extremely durable material Expanded polystyrene will last the lifetime of any building where it’s installed. The thermal performance of EPS does not degrade over time, meaning the U-value you first achieve with EPS will not change.

Is extruded polystyrene open or closed cell?

EPS (expanded) and XPS (extruded) are both closed-cell rigid insulation made from the same base polystyrene resins and manufactured differently, EPS is beads that are molded or cut into various sizes and shapes while XPS is extruded sheets.

What is the difference between extruded polystyrene and expanded?

Extruded polystyrene insulation or XPS Insulation is manufactured through an extrusion process. This manufacturing process involves melting together the plastic resin and other ingredients. Expanded polystyrene insulation or EPS insulation is manufactured using a mould to contain small foam beads.

What is the R-value of 2 inch extruded polystyrene?

A wall utilizing STYROFOAM T-MASS Technology with a 2-inch exterior layer and a 4-inch interior layer of concrete along with a 2-inch layer of STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene insulation would result in a material R-value of approximately 11.33.

What is expexpanded polystyrene insulation?

Expanded Polystyrene insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. EPS is available in several compressive strengths to withstand load and back-fill forces. This closed-cell structure provides minimal water absorption and low vapor permanence. Commonly used as insulation for walls,…

What is extruded polystyrene foam board?

Extruded polystyrene foam insulation board with shiplap edges. Styrofoam™ Brand Highload™ Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation is a closed-cell foam insulation designed for use in runways and other heavy-weight infrastructure.

What is square edge insulation used for?

Styrofoam™ Brand Square Edge Insulation* is an extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) insulation board that meets the needs of the commercial foundation and building floor slab market and can also be used for attics, foundations/slabs and crawl spaces in residential applications.

What color is dudupont styrofoam XPS insulation?

DuPont™ Styrofoam™ Brand XPS Insulation is transitioning to a reduced GWP grey color in Canada and select U.S. states. Reducing global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, while offering the same thermal performance, moisture resistance, durability and ease of use you’ve come to expect.