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XPS Boardstock Insulation
Products
XPS foam has an innate combination of properties
that make it one of the most efficient insulating materials available.
The closed-cell structure, responsible for the foam’s excellent
moisture resistance, also contributes to its high compressive strength
and superior thermal performance. Table 1 of ASTM C-578-85 is the
most universally used standard for specifying rigid cellular polystyrene
(RCPS) insulation materials. This table includes both molded expanded
polystyrene foam (EPS) and extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) products.
To make it easier for you to find the properties of XPS products
only, we have excerpted the XPS portions of Table 1 on the standards
page of this website. XPS is available in Types IV, V, VI, VII
and X. Contact sponsoring manufacturers for availability of specific
materials.
Air infiltration reduction
XPS boardstock products are available with ship-lap or tongue-and-groove
edge treatments to minimize air leakage through the joints.
Installation ease
The combination of light weight, durability and edge treatments
allow XPS boardstock to be installed at low cost.
Boardstock Insulation Applications
Roofs – new or retrofit
High R-value, high compressive strength, light weight and moisture
resistance make XPS foam a cost-efficient, effective choice for
commercial roofing insulation – whether new or retrofit—sometimes
referred to as "reroofing". The weather resistance properties
allow XPS to be installed under the membrane (the conventional system)
or over the membrane (the PMR system) to protect it from damage
and weather.
Walls
Used with either wood or metal stud framing, XPS foam insulation
provides a highly moisture resistant thermal break envelope outside
the studs to sheath and insulate all framing. XPS offers significant
insulating performance while also reducing air infiltration. New
or retrofit siding, brick and stucco finishes can then be applied.
Applied to masonry or concrete interior walls, XPS insulation can
be used with furring systems or other attachment methods to provide
energy efficiency.
Placed within the cavity, XPS insulation retards
heat transmission and reduces the passage of water vapor. XPS will
not settle.
Used in a “hard coat” cementitious,
mechanically attached exterior insulation system, XPS can substantially
reduce thermal bridging. The system provides a sturdy, thermally-efficient
and attractive exterior.
Foundations
The long term R-value, high compressive strength, exceptional moisture
resistance and excellent resistance to chemicals typically found
in soil make XPS ideal for use as foundation insulation.
Other XPS applications include:
- Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS)
- Insulating Concrete Form Systems (ICFs)
- Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
- Earth shelters
- Swimming pools
- Recreational vehicles
- Agricultural buildings
- Low temperature spaces
- Ice rinks
- Precast concrete systems
- Plaza decks
- Highway insulation
- Airport runway insulation
Fanfold Sheet Products
Air infiltration reduction
XPS in fanfold sheet form is used, in part, as an air infiltration
barrier. The leakage of air through all the normal seams and tiny
cracks of the exterior walls can account for as much as 30 percent
of the heat loss in a typical home. Wrapping the home with continuous
fanfold sheets of XPS foam can significantly reduce energy loss.
Water vapor permeability control
Fanfold sheets are a barrier to liquid water. However, the product
design (thickness of the sheet; facer characteristics) allows the
transfer of water vapor when critical for the application. This
property is known as permeance and is expressed in “perms.”
Low cost installation
The fanfold design offers significant labor savings during installation.
Fanfold Sheet Applications
Walls
XPS fanfold sheets offer the opportunity to significantly reduce
air infiltration, making them the preferred choice in manufactured
housing, RV and residing applications. Their compressive strength
and rigidity provide a level firm base on which to apply new siding.
Additionally, XPS fanfold sheets offer dependable moisture resistance
and good sound insulation properties.
Foundations
XPS offers durability, ease of installation and moisture resistance
when used as a protection board over foundation wall waterproofing.
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