What is the difference between expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene?

What is the Difference Between Expanded and Extruded Polystyrene? Expanded polystyrene or EPS is a thermoplastic foam material that we produce from solid beads of polystyrene whereas the extruded polystyrene or XPS is a foam material that we produce from solid polystyrene crystals.

Is extruded polystyrene insulation safe?

All polystyrene foam insulation used in building insulation is treated with hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic fire retardant. Polystyrene contains the toxic substances Styrene and Benzene, suspected carcinogens and neurotoxins that are hazardous to humans.

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.

Is extruded polystyrene rigid insulation?

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam is a rigid insulation that’s also formed with polystyrene polymer, but manufactured using an extrusion process, and is often manufactured with a distinctive color to identify product brand.

Which is better expanded or extruded polystyrene?

The main difference between these two materials lies in their density. Extruded polystyrene is much denser than expanded polystyrene (2.18 lbs. on average for XPS vs. 0.93 lbs.

Is XPS better than EPS?

XPS, at about R-5 per 25 mm, has only a slightly better thermal performance than EPS. The thermal insulation performance of EPS and XPS in identical densities is quite close. However, EPS with the same level of density is less expensive.

Is polystyrene insulation legal?

Put simply, no. This may of course change and the building regulations are updated regularly and so should be consulted. However at the time of writing this blog, polystyrene ceiling tiles and polystyrene construction products generally are not illegal.

Is polystyrene insulation any good?

Polystyrene is a great thermal insulator, and can achieve excellent R value ratings at a given thickness for EPS, and even higher ratings for XPS. XPS polystyrene foam is more effective due to its dense structure and excellent moisture resistance.

Is Expanded polystyrene a vapor barrier?

A: No, although EPS has a low water vapor transmission rate, EPS is not a vapor barrier. Rather it “breathes”, and therefore does not require costly venting as do other insulation materials, which would otherwise trap moisture within walls and roof assemblies.

Is polystyrene safe for insulation?

Expanded Polystyrene Insulation is a lightweight insulation, made of polystyrene foam beads. This means that it is rigid foam, so is ideal for securing to external walls. Because it’s so lightweight, EPS is perfectly safe to fix to the walls using our dual-fixing method of adhesive and mechanical fixings.

Which is better EPS or XPS?

What are the disadvantages of polystyrene?

Disadvantages of Polystyrene include:

• Brittle, poor chemical resistance especially to organics.
• Susceptible to UV degradation.
• Flammable.

What do you need to know about extruded polystyrene insulation?

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Foam Insulation • Provides a weather resistant barrier (when joints are sealed) to enhance the building resistance to air and moisture penetration. Technical Information This product is combustible. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specifi ed in the appropriate building code.

How is extruded polystyrene ( XPS ) resistant to degradation?

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is resistant to degradation from the components of common soils and will retain its insulating performance characteristics even after prolonged exposure to moisture. Product Data Sheet FOAMULAR®150 Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Foam Insulation

What kind of insulation is cladmate XPS insulation?

Cladmate XPS Insulation is a Styrofoam™ Brand extruded polystyrene foam rigid board insulation with shiplap edges. It is designed for use in walls and attics of new and retrofit applications. A durable Styrofoam™ Brand extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam insulation designed for low-slope commercial roofs.

What kind of insulation is Styrofoam used for?

Styrofoam™ Brand Highload™ Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation is a closed-cell foam insulation designed for use in runways and other heavy-weight infrastructure. The R-value (RSI) of Styrofoam™ Brand Panelmate™ extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation products helps create concrete wall systems that are durable, strong and energy efficient.