XPS Foam

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) is a rigid thermoplastic material manufactured from polystyrene. XPS is a high performance, water resistant and lightweight board of thermal insulation.

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.

Methods of installation

Direct bonding: involves adhering the foam directly to the roof deck using an adhesive.
Mechanically fastened: involves using fasteners to attach the foam to the roof deck.
Loose-laid: involves placing the foam on top of the roof deck without any attachment method.

The color of XPS foam is typically blue or pink, but it can also be found in other colors. The color is used to identify the manufacturer and type of foam, as well as to help distinguish it from other types of insulation materials.

Applications

Insulation in walls, roof, and flooring
Pouring concrete slabs and foundations
Packaging and cushioning material
Thermal insulation in refrigeration and cold storage systems
Heat insulation in hot pipes and ducts
Moisture barrier in walls and roofing systems
Insulation for pool and spa covers.

XPS Foam Applications

Construction and Architecture

Insulation specialists use the term, “thermal envelope” or “building envelope” to describe the conditioned space inside a building suitable for humans. The lack of natural airflow in a building creates the need for mechanical ventilation and high humidity, which results in condensation, rotting materials, and microbial growth like mold.

Waterproofing

Bituminous waterproofing systems are designed to protect residential and commercial buildings. Bitumen (asphalt or coal-tar pitch) is a mixed substance made up of organic liquids that are highly sticky, viscous, and waterproof. These systems are sometimes used to construct roofs, in the form of rolls.

Thermal Insulation

Thermal insulation is the process of insulating material from transferring heat between the materials that are in thermal contact. Thermal Insulation is measured by its thermal conductivity. Low Thermal-conductivity materials are used for thermal insulation.

Acoustic Insulation

Acoustic Insulation is a type of soundproofing that attempts to prevent sound from entering or exiting an enclosed space by creating some a barrier between the interior and the exterior area.