What is the difference between XPS and EPS foam?

XPS is manufactured in a continuous extrusion process that produces a closed cell form of foam insulation. EPS, on the other hand, is manufactured by expanding spherical beads in a mold and then using heat and pressure to fuse the beads together. Each product has proponents claiming one out performs the other.

Which is better EPS or XPS?

In general, when comparing EPS and XPS board densities, the compressive strength of XPS is greater than that of EPS. For EPS to achieve the same compressive strength as XPS, the density of the foam would need to be increased, often resulting in a greater thickness of board being required.

Is Styrofoam EPS or XPS?

As we said, Styrofoam™ is a Dow trade, blue in color, and is an extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam made for thermal insulation, construction and craft applications. EPS is an expanded polystyrene available in various densities for insulation, construction and craft applications and so much more.

What is EPS and XPS insulation?

EPS (expanded) and XPS (extruded) are both closed-cell rigid insulation made from the same base polystyrene resins and manufactured differently, EPS is beads that are molded or cut into various sizes and shapes while XPS is extruded sheets.

What does XPS foam stand for?

Extruded polystyrene insulation or XPS Insulation is manufactured through an extrusion process.

XPS vs EPS: Science Doesn't Lie

Is XPS more expensive than EPS?

EPS is more cost-efficient than XPS, running between 10% – 30% less per R-value equivalent as well as compressive strength.

What is EPS in foam?

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of small hollow spherical balls that are expanded through a molding process in our factories to create a cost effective, highly efficient material used in hundreds of different applications.

Which foam insulation is best?

Closed cell foam is the best choice for robust insulating where space is an issue, as it can achieve 2x the R-Value of open cell inside a standard wall. Its rigid nature also adds to the structural integrity of the building and E84 fire rated versions are available.

Is XPS foam waterproof?

Technically, EPS and XPS rigid foam board insulation are considered to be water-resistant. A product branded as waterproof means that it offers complete impermeability, even if permanently immersed in water.

Is EPS good 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.

What is the strongest foam board?

Gator Board is an extruded polystyrene foam encased between layers of a melamine and wood fiber veneer. Gatorfoam / Gator Board has a much harder outer surface than other foam core boards and resists warping.

Is Styrofoam and EPS the same?

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.

How strong is XPS foam?

Products are available in a range of compressive strengths to meet different applications. XPS foam board can be manufactured up to 100 psi or more.

Does EPS foam absorb water?

A: EPS is non-hygroscopic and does not readily absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Its closed-cell structure reduces the absorption and/or migration of moisture into the insulation material.

Is EPS foam safe?

Although EPS has been declared safe for food use by the FDA, it is also known to contain remnants of the chemicals used to make it, such as styrene and benzene.

Is XPS good for soundproofing?

Polystyrene can be used for the purposes of dulling noise or providing a barrier for sound to travel outside of its immediate space. However, Polystyrene is not ideal for soundproofing professional environments like a music studio, but it is effective in the simplest form of soundproofing.

Is EPS water proof?

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. Insulation boards made of expanded polystyrene can make a home healthier because they will not contribute to mildew formation.

Is EPS foam breathable?

EPS - Expanded Polystyrene Foam Insulation Boards:

Rated at R4 per inch; EPS foam insulation boards are more permeable to air and moisture than XPS, but it doesn't retain moisture to the same extent because of it's more closed cell structure and it's breathability which lets it dry out.

Is XPS foam breathable?

Simply put, XPS is not breathable. It retains water over time. This is due to the way it's produced with the beads being so tightly joined together, resulting in a much lower perm rating than GPS. So, a double vapor barrier is created when a layer of XPS foam board is placed on the exterior of a wall assembly.

What are the 3 types of insulation?

What insulation has the highest R-value?

Vacuum insulated panels have the highest R-value, approximately R-45 (in U.S. units) per inch; aerogel has the next highest R-value (about R-10 to R-30 per inch), followed by polyurethane (PUR) and phenolic foam insulations with R-7 per inch.

Is 2 inches of closed cell foam enough?

Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5- inches on the ceiling and 2- to 3-inches in the walls. This might come as a surprise to you, but honestly, this is all the spray foam it takes to get the biggest bang for your buck with the air seal and thermal resistance needed for certain areas of the home.

What is XPS foam made of?

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.

Is XPS insulation safe?

Most rigid polystyrene foam insulation boards, both the EPS and XPS types, contain the toxic flame retardant HBCD, which was banned by the European Union in 2015.

Is EPS foam flexible?

As EPS foam, the end-product can be used as insulation, protective packaging and even structural support for bridges and docks. It's that flexibility that has given EPS a place in your home, under the roads and protecting your packaged goods.