XPS is manufactured in a continuous extrusion process that produces a closed cell form of foam insulation. EPS, on the other hand, is manufactured by expanding spherical beads in a mold and then using
heat
and pressure to fuse the beads together.
Is XPS the same as Styrofoam?
Extruded polystyrene insulation
(XPS) is manufactured using a process of extrusion. … 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.
What is XPS polystyrene?
What is XPS? Expanded Polystyrene, referred to as XPS, is
a closed cell insulation product commonly used in remodeling and new construction applications
. Due to the manufacturing process, XPS insulation is typically available only in standard dimension square or rectangular boards.
What is XPS foam used for?
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.
Is Styrofoam EPS or XPS?
When building or renovating a high-performance building envelope there are really three main kinds of rigid foam panels you are going to have to choose from – Polyisocyanurate known as Polyiso (PIR),
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
– often called Styrofoam – and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
Is XPS safe?
Most rigid polystyrene foam insulation boards, both the EPS and XPS types, contain the
toxic flame retardant HBCD
, which was banned by the European Union in 2015. … In addition to containing dangerous flame retardants, this type of insulation is made from petroleum chemicals.
Does XPS degrade?
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso), XPS, and spray closed-cell foams
substantially degrade over time
as the insulating blowing agent gases diffuse out and plain air diffuses in.
Does XPS lose R-value?
The trapped gases in the cells of Polyiso and XPS foam assist to provide an initial high R-value. During the life of these foams, air from the atmosphere diffuses in and the trapped gases dif- fuse out. The result is Polyiso and
XPS lose R-value over their lifetime
.
Is XPS waterproof?
XPS is another
waterproof, rigid insulation material
. … The final product is rigid, dense and waterproof. As a result, XPS is commonly used for roofing and below grade to insulate cement slabs and foundation walls.
Does XPS absorb water?
FOAMULAR® XPS products have an R-value of 5 per inch of thickness, and due to their closed cell structure
they resist water absorption
, maintaining a high R-value for reliable long term service.
Is XPS strong?
The closed-cell structure of extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam imparts
excellent long-term strength and durability
.
What is an example of polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a synthetic aromic polymer that is made from the monomer styrene, which is a liquid petrochemical. … Some examples that polystyrene is used for are:
disposable cutlery, plastic models, CD’s & DVD cases, and smoke detector housings
.
Is polystyrene an XPS?
Expanded Polystyrene
, referred to as XPS, is a closed cell insulation product commonly used in remodeling and new construction applications.
Which foam board insulation is best?
Polyisocyanurate
: Known as polyiso for short, polyisocyanurate foam has the highest R-value per inch (R-6.5 to R-6.8) of any rigid insulation.
Is polystyrene safe to use?
In the U.S., the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulates all food packaging materials, including polystyrene. FDA for decades has determined that
polystyrene is safe for use in contact with food
.
How can I insulate cheaply?
- Cover any air leaks with weatherproofing. Use weatherproofing strips and caulking to seal any air leaks in your doors and windows. …
- Add thick curtains to your windows. …
- Fix drafty doors with a door snake. …
- Plug your chimney when not in use. …
- Seal your attic air leaks.
