Originally posted in Concrete Construction
As a specifier, architect and contractor….you must make well-informed decisions when it comes to below-grade, under slab, and cavity wall insulations in your projects. Below are two informative articles listing the similarities and differences between both EPS (expanded polystyrene) and XPS (extruded polystyrene) insulations.
Insulation Choices: Whether to use EPS or XPS can be a matter of cost.
Originally posted in Concrete Construction, November 2013, written by Mayilvahanan, Insulfoam’s Product-Marketing Manager
EPS insulation helps reduce heat loss through concrete foundations and floor slabs.
What’s the difference between XPS insulation and EPS insulation, other than a single letter? For installation on concrete foundations and under floor slabs, the rigid foam insulation you choose can make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars on a project. A careful evaluation of these materials’ performance attributes against the project’s needs can dramatically shrink labor and material costs. The savings could mean the difference between a profitable job and one you just have to chalk up to experience.
When it comes to concrete and insulation, contractors tend to be most familiar with extruded polystyrene (XPS). Yet, expanded polystyrene (EPS) performs as well or better than XPS, and at a substantially lower cost. Below are three important factors to consider when comparing these two insulations for any belowgrade or under-slab applications, read FULL article to see more side by side comparisons of EPS and EXP for these insulation factors: 1.) Compressive strength 2.) Moisture retention 3.) Insulating capability.
Full Article: Insulation Choices
EPS vs XPS: Insulation industry advances with EPS developments
Originally posted on Concrete Construction, February 2014, written by Frank Keisecker, ACH Foam’s VP of Sales and Marketing
There is much competition among polystyrene insulation manufacturers for the below-grade, under slab, and cavity wall insulation market. Claims made by the XPS (extruded polystyrene) industry are conflicting with that of EPS (expanded polystyrene) manufacturers. The validity of some claims is debatable. Specifiers, architects, and contractors must make well-informed decisions.
Read FULL article to thoroughly understand the similarities and differences between EPS and XPS insulations. Key differences include: 1.) Moisture resistance 2.) Environmental impact 3.) Long-term R-value 4.) Compressive strength 5.) Panel sizes 6.) Cost per R-value.
EPS QUESTIONS
Ram Mayilvahanan
Contact Ram Mayilvahanan, Insulfoam’s Product-Marketing Manager
