The compressive strength of insulation is the measure of how well it stands up to pressure before it begins to break. The major difference between Styrofoam and EPS foam blocks is that Styrofoam is made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) while EPS foam blocks are made of expanded polystyrene. using EPS or XPS with a higher compressive strength than the soil is not going to allow you to achieve the higher compressive strength required by the application. Meaning, any moisture that gets retained is present longer in XPS insulation. When it comes to concrete and insulation, contractors tend to be most familiar with extruded polystyrene (XPS). Extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) is manufactured using a process of extrusion. An overly conservative design approach often results in specification of a high compressive resistance XPS product, when a more cost-effective EPS would offer sufficient strength. EPS is a closed cell, lightweight and resilient, foamed plastic composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. On top of that, XPS tends to lose its R-value over time, as the gas trapped inside begins to slowly escape, a process known as off-gassing. It is also imperative that, regardless of which option a contractor chooses to go with to complete the job, that the insulation meets the manufacturing requirements set forth by the ASTM C578, Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation, which provides an essential quality check on rigid insulation before it reaches the market. EPS vs. XPS - High Density Amvic is a leading producer of high compressive strength, commercial grade Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insula on. The EPS industry, on the other hand, offers a 100% R-value warrantee. These two forms of insulation have many things in common: they are both made of polystyrene resin, they both use trapped air as their insulating medium, both have a closed-cell structure, and both fall under the same manufacturing standard of the ASTM C578, Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation. Expanded Polystyrene insulation (EPS) is manufactured using beads of foam within a mould, heat or steam is then applied directly to the beads which causes them to expand and fuse together. Selecting the appropriate insulation type is crucial in delivering the required insulation performance for your project. Your email address will not be published. Insulated plasterboard thermal laminates can incorporate either EPS or XPS Polystyrene. While all rigid-foam insulation offers excellent R-values, not all types provide the same level of thermal performance. Earlier this year, EPS-IA issued two new documents regarding moisture absorption. Compressive strength 2.) Additionally, since EPS insulation has a lower cost per square inch and comes in multiple compressive strengths, it is a much more cost-effective option. If you need something with higher compressive strength, XPS with a … But, the methods companies use to test the moisture resistance of these products vary considerably, making it somewhat difficult to get a proper comparison between the two. An evaluation of Foam-Control® Plus+® expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation and extruded polystyrene (XPS) will help you choose the right rigid foam insulation for your project. Although higher densities of EPS have a greater compressive strength than lower densities, EPS is never as strong as XPS and is more susceptible to crumbling at the edges and to other jobsite damage, which is why EPS is rarely used for wall sheathing. In general, when comparing EPS and XPS board densities, the compressive strength of XPS is greater than that of EPS. Extruded polystyrene (XPS): An impressive rating of R-5 per inch combined with high compressive strength and water resistance makes XPS the perfect insulation for below-grade slabs and foundation walls. However, again, if a project requires 100 psi insulation, then XPS is the only viable option. This continuous process results in a closed cell structure with a smooth skin on the top and bottom of the board. On January 8, 2016 0 likes XPS has a higher initial insulating R-value than does a similar thickness and density of EPS, but the R-value of XPS degrades over time. Compressive strength and panel sizes Although both XPS and EPS are available in compressive strengths of 15, 25, 40, and 60 psi, XPS also comes in 100 psi. Both EPS and XPS have the ability, through densities, to provide a range of compressive resistant properties. So, what’s the actual difference between extruded and expanded? Both EPS and XPS come in compressive strength levels ranging between 10 and 60 psi. To find out more please contact a waterproofing and insulation expert at SOPREMA UK. EPS Vs. XPS - When it comes to concrete and insulation, contractors tend to be most familiar with extruded poly… | Compressive strength, Polystyrene, Things to come. • Find out more information about the XPS-range here. Originally posted on Concrete Construction, February 2014, written by Frank Keisecker, ACH Foam’s VP of Sales and Marketing EPS warranties 100% of its R-value.These of course are under the conditions of the warranties. False - EPS has more advantages over XPS. EPS and XPS are both manufactured using Polystyrene resin, EPS resin is expanded using steam then molded to form a closed cell material that uses trapped air as its insula on medium, the foam is cut using a hot wire into specifi ed dimensions. performance for the life of the building. A: Yes. The energy efficiency of a building often depends on the materials that create its envelope. Expanded Polystyrene insulation is made from small beads of polystyrene mixed with a pentane as the blowing agent. Manufacturers of XPS rigid-foam insulation test their products by performing controlled, underwater tests. However, the air trapped in the voids in the EPS will conduct heat. The mechanical strength of EPS varies with its density. NEVER use Type-I EPS under slabs- it's compression rating is LESS than 10 psi! o25 psi @ 10% strain o1569 psf / 150 pcf = 10.45 feet. EPS, for example, is made using a blowing agent known as Pentane. between high compressive strength Type XIV & XV EPS (EN40 and EN60 respec vely) and Type VI & Type VII XPS (high load 40 and 60 respec vely). XPS and EPS, manufacturing-wise but also performance-wise represent two different groups of rigid thermal insulation materials. Myth: XPS is Superior to EPS. XPS stands out through: very low moisture absorbtion, high compressive strength, low thermal conductivity, etc. A Guide to Estimate Painting Costs & Materials for a Room, 5 Fantastic Exterior Design Trends for 2021 That Will Boost Your Curb Appeal. After 30 days of being left to dry, the XPS still had moisture levels of around 15.7 percent, whereas the EPS insulation had almost entirely dried, retaining just 0.7 percent of its original moisture content. Unfortunately compressive strength of expanded polystyrene EPS 200 at 10% compression is much lower in comparison to XPS which typically exceeds 300kPa. ft. for a single, 1-inch 4×8 sheet. Understanding the diff erences between the types of rigid foam insula on, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded Compressive Resistance testing is a method that provides information regarding the behavior of cellular materials under compressive loads. Insulating capability. As we said earlier, there are challenges in any field. Additionally, by retaining moisture, an environment where mold and bacteria can grow is formed, which can cause a multitude of different health issues. XPS also comes in 100 psi options. TILT RESISTANCE: Mineral yünleri’nin eğme dayanımı EN 13162’de 25 - 700 kPa; EPS’in eğme dayanımı EN 13163’de >50 >750 kPa; However, XPS is considered a vapor retarder, not a vapor barrier. Compressive strength is demanded in the most challenging environments such as under slabs on a flat roof, concrete floors, foundations, plaza and podium decks and cold storage. XPS insulation also uses dyes to help distinguish it from their competition, which is not environmentally friendly. This article discusses EPS vs. XPS vs. GPS. Sign up to get updates on all of the latest innovative building products. Water vapour diffusion resistance (μ) of EPS ranges from approximately 30 – 70  compared to the water vapour diffusion resistance (μ) of XPS that ranges from approximately 80 – 250. 25 PSI material is the most commonly specified property and both EPS and XPS meet that specification. A real-life study which compared the two types of insulation was made by installing them in the foundation of a commercial building in St. Paul, MN. Material Cost: Finally, if the cost of the material will have a significant impact on your decision, you can count on the same compressive strength or R-Value EPS will cost 10% to 40% less per unit measure than the XPS. But in all the ways i've used EPS for now, i fail to see how it was inferior to XPS. While they are both made of the same polystyrene resin material, the way these two types of insulation get made differs significantly. Although higher densities of EPS have a greater compressive strength than lower densities, EPS is never as strong as XPS and is more susceptible to crumbling at the edges and to other jobsite damage, which is why EPS is rarely used for wall sheathing. If the job requires 100 psi compressive strength, it needs XPS. The other consideration for sub-slab use is the foam’s compressive strength. After being in place for 15 years, researchers extracted the insulation and began testing them for their moisture content. EPS insulation is the preferred insulation option by builders for insulated concrete forms, structural insulated panels, and exterior insulation and finishing systems. Both are made from polystyrene resins but they are manufactured into sheets and blocks very differently. © Innovative Building Material | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy. XPS is often selected over EPS for wetter environments that require a higher water vapour diffusion resistance value. A much higher density EPS board will be required to match the thermal performance of XPS insulation. What’s the Difference Between Homeowners Insurance and Personal Liability Insurance. The advantages of polystyrene over Phenolic or PIR laminates is that polystyrene is inherently moisture resistant, has a higher compresive strength and is less costly. Yet, expanded polystyrene (EPS) performs as well or better than XPS, and at a substantially lower cost. Although both are closed cell insulations, they perform very differently over the long term. Your email address will not be published. New research has revealed new information about water absorption in both types of polystyrene insulation. Yet, expanded polystyrene (EPS) performs as well or better than XPS, and at a substantially lower cost. Insulation materials come in many forms, and there is a seemingly endless array of options available for ICF homes and buildings, one of the most popular and effective options is rigid-foam insulation. But, at the same time, while it takes in moisture at a slower rate, it also releases it more slowly. Not only that, but HCFC is fire retardant and burns very quickly, releasing dangerous gasses such as CO2. This process produces a  closed cell structure, not a closed cell insulation board, due to voids that can occur between the beads. For years we have been told that XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) rigid insulation is better than EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) in many applications. Owens Corning® FOAMULAR® XPS insulation is proven to hold its R-Value better than EPS – and even more so when water is present*, such as in below-grade applications. Polyurethane Spray Foam Insulation. Material Cost: Finally, if the cost of the material will have a significant impact on your decision, you can count on the same compressive strength or R-Value EPS will cost 10% to 40% less per unit measure than the XPS. Both EPS and XPS insulation have eco-friendly benefits, but the blowing agent used in the creation process. STYROBOARD™ XPS. When comparing the moisture resistance of EPS and XPS, EPS has been shown to retain less moisture than XPS rigid-foam insulations. Moisture retention. For situations where the insulation can face exposure to substantial amounts of water, there are types of rigid-form insulations that come with special facers that offer water resistance or pre-cut drainage grooves to help keep moisture from penetrating the insulation itself. However, XPS is considered a vapor retarder, not a vapor barrier. Sometimes considered “the other roof insulation,” XPS is generally specified when higher compressive strength, higher water resistance and higher thermal resistance in the presence of water are needed. The same amount of moisture absorbed (an average of 0.2% by weight) has little or no effect on its compressive or flexural strength, and the EPS insulation retains between 95% and 97% of its thermal efficiency. The higher the R-value of the material, then the better it is at insulating. The information contained within this article is generic and not based upon one single manufacturer’s  production process. XPS has many favorable attributes and properties that separate it from other types of foam insulation. Not only that, but they have also claimed that extruded polystyrene (XPS) is the better option. Your source for the latest products and trends within the architecture, construction, interior design, and building materials industry. EPS uses steam and a blowing agent—a substance used to produce cellular structures via a foaming process—called Pentane to expand the resin beads and then remold them into blocks, to later cut into the necessary sizes. Same thickness of XPS will achieve thermal conductivity of 0.030W/mK - not much difference in thermal insulation properties and at the same time EPS boards are almost half the price of XPS. In many cases, products with lower compressive strength are sufficient in insulating the building and will, therefore, save more money. But what is the difference between EPS and XPS insulation? XPS can be installed below slabs, below grade foundations and walls and is often specified when higher compressive strength, greater moisture resistance and elevated thermal resistance in the presence of water are required. EPS and XPS both have a lot to offer builders and contractors in regard to dependable insulation. EPS does not experience such “thermal drift,” and the reported … For EPS to achieve the same compressive strength as XPS, the density of the foam would need to be increased, often resulting in a greater thickness of board being required. Insulation is one of the most practical and cost effective ways to improve a building’s energy efficiency, by improving the insulation in new and existing buildings, significant cost savings and reductions in energy usage can be achieved. With its high compressive strength and superior thermal properties, Styroboard™ XPS is a strong and durable material that is ideal for all your building needs. Then the higher the R-value of the material ’ s compressive strength it!, contractors tend to be clear about what you need how well resists. Any field, to provide a range of compressive resistant properties dependable insulation building material all... 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Out more please contact a waterproofing and insulation, companies use the ASTM C518 test! Meaning, any moisture that gets retained is present longer in XPS insulation also uses dyes help... Ground, • Find out more information about water absorption more than EPS a cell. In many cases, products with lower compressive strength of EPS insulation differently! Manufactured into sheets and blocks very differently over the long term so, what ’ s the between!
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