Characteristics of the Extruded Polystyrene XPS
Extruded polystyrene (XPS), or its common name “fibran”, is an insulation board made by extruding pre-foamed polystyrene so that it contains multiple air bubbles. The production technology gives a closed lattice structure with smaller particles (chambers smaller than 1 mm), hence the better mechanical properties of insulation boards compared to EPS.
This achieves absolute impermeability to water and vapour as well as higher strength at the same density. Together with increased ageing resistance, these are the advantages of extruded polystyrene over expanded polystyrene, but at a relatively higher material cost.
Although much higher in strength than mineral wool, XPS does not offer similar security against sound and temperature loads. The material qualifies as B1 in the combustibility class and is self-extinguishing.
Where one can use the extruded polystirene (XPS)
The material is suitable for floor, roof and wall insulation of basements and ground floors. Due to its extreme density, XPS is impermeable to vapour and is one hundred percent waterproof. It is therefore not suitable for external thermal insulation except when insulating parts of building foundations. It has a very high linear expansion often leading to cracks in the plaster and pieces of insulation or parts of the plaster peeling off together with the mesh.
Its high strength makes it best suited for insulating foundations and footings, under heavily loaded basement slabs, under railways, for heavy or usable inverted roofs, for roof beams on pitched roofs.
The water permeability of XPS is a major advantage when performing thermal insulation below ground zero – on foundations and basement walls, wet rooms and industrial floors.
It is permissible to use it for insulation of the so-called thermal bridges of buildings – concrete girders, columns, etc. It is also used for interior insulation, where its low vapour permeability and high mechanical strength make it extremely suitable.
The lobes are characterized by high and long-lasting topo-insulating properties, minimal water absorption, high compressive strength and dimensional stability. They are hardly flammable, compatible with building materials such as: cement, gypsum, lime and sand. They have excellent adhesion with plasters, adhesives, putty mixes and concretes.
Extruded polystyrene is used for insulation of: flat and pitched roofs, facades, internal thermal insulation, floors on ground floors, insulation of foundations, low-energy buildings, etc.
Other features of the XPS
XPS is Available in thicknesses from 20 to 200 mm. Typically, extruded polystyrene manufacturers label each product according to its thickness on the packaging.
The elements of the XPS thermal insulation system are as follows:
– Adhesive
– XPS insulation board
– Nail dowel
– Base plaster layer
– Reinforcing mesh (glass fibre)
– Second layer of putty, primer and plaster depending on the system /or paint/
Additional accessories such as: window sill profiles with fibreglass mesh, edge and joint profiles, expansion joint profiles, plinth profiles are also used. But these are not worries of yours as a home owner. All you need to know is that the material features:
– very low water absorption and moisture absorption
– high mechanical resistance and dimensional stability
– high compressive strength
– hardly flammable
Conslusion about extruded polystyrene XPS
If you want to make your home energy efficient, reduce electricity and water costs, and improve the overall comfort of your home, then it makes sense to look into extruded polystyrene (XPS) offerings. You, as the customer, have no way of knowing the ins and outs of insulation, but the experts can advise you.
XPS is a popular choice among homeowners and building professionals alike. Insulation offers a number of benefits that make it an excellent option for both new construction and renovation projects. From its outstanding thermal performance to its moisture resistance and durability, fibran insulation boards have proven their effectiveness in creating energy efficient and sustainable buildings.