The foam that you formerly knew as styrofoam is actually expanded polystyrene foam or EPS. This material is made from polystyrene, a plastic that’s often used to make clear products like food packaging or lab equipment.

Which is better XPS or 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 EPS waterproof?

Expanded polystyrene is commonly called beadboard. … While polyiso, XPS and EPS have some of the strongest waterproofing properties of all insulations, EPS is the weakest of the three and absorbs more water. EPS is also susceptible to crumbling on the edges.

How long does EPS insulation last?

EPS is a durable, rot proof and permanent material when specified and installed correctly. It will remain effective for the life of any application with no deficiency effects to be expected over a 100-year life cycle.

Is EPS flammable?

EPS is flammable, as is the case with so many other building materials. However, this is only relevant if you assess EPS as an exposed insulating material.

How much does EPS cost?

EPS Data Summary: Cost: $9 -$13(prices vary based on product specifications)

Is EPS insulation fireproof?

Government refuses to run fire test on polystyrene insulation despite councils’ request. … Polystyrene is highly flammable and ignites at relatively low temperatures. It has been linked with huge fires, often in commercial buildings and warehouses, where its use is more common.

Does EPS foam degrade?

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.

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.

Why is PIR insulation so expensive?

PIR insulation materials’ peak in demand resulted in its shortage in the market due to the insufficient supply of MDI chemicals. Consequently, PIR boards’ prices started to rise and continue to witness new heights with no signs of stopping.

Article first time published on

Is EPS toxic?

Hygienic and Safe: EPS is non-toxic and chemically inert. Fungi and bacteria cannot grow on it. Waterproof: EPS is insoluble and non-hygroscopic. Low Carbon Impacts: Clean manufacturing technologies mean minimal energy and water inputs with no production waste.

What is Type 3 insulation?

Type 3 and Type 4 polystyrene insulation are generally extruded polystyrene. The closed-cell structure provides long-term water resistance properties and excellent mechanical properties to this foam. The cells retain a gas that provides a high thermal resistance value of R5.

What happens if EPS gets wet?

What Happens with Expanded Polystyrene Insulation in Contact with Water? … In case of water damage or flooding, don’t worry! EPS is resistant to water and moisture. This means that it does not absorb them and that its insulating performance is not compromised when in contact with these elements.

Does EPS need 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.

Does EPS board absorb water?

EPS is a closed cell and cannot absorb water. … If the material is immersed in water these tiny channels can be filled with water. After immersion for more than 360 days, there may be up to 6% water content by volume which has entered the channels.

At what temperature does EPS melt?

If EPS is exposed to temperatures above 212° F (100° C), it begins to soften, to contract and finally to melt. Whether or not these can be ignited by a flame or spark depends largely on the temperature, duration of exposure to heat and air flow around the material (the oxygen availability).

What is EPS building material?

Expanded Polystyrene ( EPS ) is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of small hollow spherical balls. It is this closed cellular construction that gives EPS its remarkable characteristics. EPS is produced in a wide range of densities providing a varying range of physical properties.

What insulation is fireproof?

Fiberglass: Made of glass that is spun into fibers, then combined with plastic polymers, fiberglass insulation is naturally fire resistant.

Is polystyrene harmful to human health?

Polystyrene foam contains likely cancer-causing chemicals that can leach into the food and drinks they hold, making them dangerous to consumers. … Heating up polystyrene foam containers can cause the styrene to leach into the food or drinks. This toxin has no place in our bodies, schools, restaurants or homes.

Is EPS expensive?

Low Cost: When comparing other rigid insulations, EPS is hands down the lowest cost per-dollar.

Who makes EPS insulation?

Insulfoam EPS Rigid Foam Insulation.

What does EPS stand for?

Earnings per share (EPS) is calculated as a company’s profit divided by the outstanding shares of its common stock. The resulting number serves as an indicator of a company’s profitability. It is common for a company to report EPS that is adjusted for extraordinary items and potential share dilution.

What is the R value of EPS insulation?

EPS insulation (1.0 pcf) provides a typical R-value of 3.85 per inch (k-factor =0.26) at a mean temperature of 75°F, and a typical R-value of 4.17 per inch (k-factor = 0.24) at a mean tem-perature of 40°F. R-value means the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat flow.

Is EPS and XPS the same?

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.

Is EPS foam safe?

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Styrofoam, is a petroleum-based non-biodegradable foam, which the EPA and International Agency for Research on Cancer consider styrene a “possible human carcinogen” and “that such materials can have serious impacts upon human health, wildlife, and aquatic environment, and the economy.”

What is the problem with polystyrene?

Polystyrene is a kind of plastic. Like other plastic, when polystyrene is littered or leaks out of supply chains it can harm wildlife and last for years and years. Made from chemicals that come from oil and gas, styrene is one of the main ingredients and is a suspected health hazard.

Is Styrofoam banned in Canada?

Bans on plastic food containers will hit expanded polystyrene. The Canadian government has asked for feedback by Dec. 9. The ban will not come into effect until the end of 2021.

What is EPS 70 insulation?

Stylite EPS 70 is an Expanded Polystyrene Board. Stylite EPS 70 can be used in a variety of floor applications both domestic and industrial. The most common are below a concrete slab, a screed or a chipboard.

Is Celotex going up in price?

Celotex is due to increase prices by 8% for orders delivered after the 12th of April 2021. Recticel is due to increase prices by 12% for deliveries made after the 15th of April 2021. … Generally, our stocks will be a mix of Celotex, Recticel, Xtratherm, Ecotherm and Kingspan.

Has the cost of insulation gone up?

If you’re thinking of adding insulation to your home, doing it now as opposed to later may save you significantly. Insulation prices have risen 30% in the last six months and are expected to rise 20% in the next six months.

Does EPS insulation off gas?

Ted, There is no off-gassing from EPS. It’s inert, contains no formaldehyde and is non-biodegradable. If it lasts forever in a land fill, it will also last forever in your wall. You may be thinking about the flame retardant, HBCD.