What is polystyrene insulation used for?
Polystyrene insulation is a kind of foam insulation that is used in both residential and commercial settings. Polystyrene insulation is very rigid, unlike its fluffier cousins. As an insulator, it can withstand extremes in temperature and is also a noise reducer. Unlike other insulation materials, it is waterproof and lasts a long time.
Can I use polystyrene to insulate under 100mm concrete?
insulation going onto 100mm concrete. I have used the Kauf polyfoam before - its 3x cost of polystyrene though Polystyrene is fine but it HAS to be flooring grade, suitable for under screed. You can't just use any old polystyrene!
Can I use old polystyrene blocks for loft insulation?
You can actually buy polystyrene blocks specifically made for use as loft insulation from at least one of the big DIY chains, as well as wall veneer, ceiling tiles and coving out of the stuff so I guess the fire-risk has been reduced to an acceptable level. But I would be cagey of using old,...
What is the best insulation material for exterior walls?
Polystyrene is the most popular insulation material for exterior walls. However, popularity does not mean that contractors cannot commit serious errors. Beneath we try to describe the most essential insulation stages.
Can you use polystyrene as wall insulation?
Polystyrene foam boards can be used in a wide range of applications including exterior walls, ceilings, cool rooms and under concrete slabs in both commercial and residential projects.
Is polystyrene a good insulator?
Polystyrene and plastic foam are both used as insulators as they have small air bubbles trapped inside them. This makes them very good insulators because heat energy can't flow through them.
What are the disadvantages of polystyrene insulation?
Polystyrene can add an energy-saving and efficient layer of insulation to a roof. ... Polystyrene insulation can erode the coating on electrical wiring and possibly cause a fire. ... The biggest drawback of polystyrene is its inability to absorb moisture.More items...•
How thick should polystyrene insulation?
The results show that the optimum thickness of extruded polystyrene (XPS) is between 0.053 and 0.069m and the optimum thickness of expanded polystyrene (EPS) is between 0.081 and 0.105m.
Can I use polystyrene for loft insulation?
You can use batts, polystyrene slabs, expanded polystyrene or spray foam to insulate your roof or loft space. Spray foam is usually a job undertaken by professionals.
Is polystyrene a better insulator than rockwool?
Advantages of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) over Mineral wool insulation: More cost-effective option. More efficient by offering a superior thermal performance. Provides high resistant to heat flow and moisture penetration.
What is polystyrene good for?
As a hard, solid plastic, it is often used in products that require clarity, such as food packaging and laboratory ware. When combined with various colorants, additives or other plastics, polystyrene is used to make appliances, electronics, automobile parts, toys, gardening pots and equipment and more.
Why do we use polystyrene?
Polystyrene is the material of choice for packaging because it's nice and light. It's easy to snap in half or crumble but, crucially, it's strong in compression and therefore protects delicate objects if dropped or crushed. Polystyrene is also a very good insulator, meaning that it quickly accrues electrical charge.
Is rigid foam insulation any good?
It's all in the name. Compared to, say, batt insulation or blown insulation, rigid foam is stronger and doesn't shift out of place after installation. In addition, it is resistant to water and pests, which is why it is commonly used in crawlspaces and basements.
How do you fix polystyrene insulation on walls?
Apply lines, called beads, of adhesive across the back of the polystyrene board, spacing the beads approximately 10 to 12 inches apart. Keep all beads at least 1 inch from the edges of the board to prevent excess adhesive from squeezing out the sides when it is pressed against the wall.
How do you install polystyrene insulation?
0:392:23Polystyrene - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace. Each sheet should be but joined hard up against the knick sheet to ensure there are no airMorePlace. Each sheet should be but joined hard up against the knick sheet to ensure there are no air gaps. If the sheet is too wide for the joists spacing.
How do you insulate a wall without a cavity?
Rigid insulation boards, which are plasterboards backed with an insulating material, such as foam, can be made to adhere to your internal wall, and provide an additional layer of insulation to the external wall. A sealant is then added to remove the gaps between the joints of the boards.
Is polystyrene a better insulator than glass?
Glass is far inferior to paper, plastic and Styrofoam in terms of insulation. Thermal conductivity in terms of BTU/(feet - hour - degrees F) is 1.82 for glass, 0.09 for paper, 0.06 for Styrofoam.
How long does polystyrene 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.
Can you use polystyrene to insulate a shed?
There are a variety of materials you can choose from when insulating your shed. For example, bubble wrap, fibreglass wool, foil backed insulation or polystyrene boards.
Is expanded polystyrene good for insulation?
Expanded Polystyrene Properties and Key Benefits Thermal Properties (insulation) - EPS has very low thermal conductivity due to its closed-cell structure consisting of 98% air. This air trapped within the cells is a very poor heat conductor and hence provides the foam with its excellent thermal insulation properties.
Do fire brigades like polystyrene?
Fire-brigades don't like polystyrene ceiling-tiles as they catch fire and drip very quickly but in the loft is a lot better protected . There are no regs about using polystyrene in domestic settings. mointainwalker, 24 Dec 2012. #6.
Is polystyrene flammable?
Normal polystyrene is quite flammable (and drips napalm like stuff), I am not aware there are rules against using it, but I wouldn't want it in my roof!
Is polystyrene a risk?
The "risk" is very very small as the polystyrene is protected by the plasterboard (?) ceiling.
Can you use polystyrene blocks as insulation?
You can actually buy polystyrene blocks specifically made for use as loft insulation from at least one of the big DIY chains, as well as wall veneer, ceiling tiles and coving out of the stuff so I guess the fire-risk has been reduced to an acceptable level.
What is polystyrene foam?
Lightweight polystyrene foam provides excellent thermal insulation in numerous applications, such as building walls and roofing, refrigerators and freezers, and industrial cold storage facilities. Polystyrene insulation is inert, durable and resistant to water damage.
What are some appliances made of polystyrene?
Refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, blenders – these and other appliances often are made with polystyrene (solid and foam) because it is inert (doesn’t react with other materials), cost-effective and long-lasting.
What is XPS foam?
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam is a rigid insulation that has also formed with polystyrene polymer, but manufactured using an extrusion process. This type of insulation can significantly reduce a building’s energy use and help control indoor temperature. Uses & Benefits. Safety Information.
What is the difference between styrene and polystyrene?
The difference is chemistry. Styrene is a liquid that can be chemically linked to create polystyrene, a solid plastic that displays different properties. Polystyrene is used to make a variety of consumer products, such as foodservice containers, cushioning for shipping delicate electronics and insulation.
Why is polystyrene used in foodservice?
Polystyrene foodservice packaging can help reduce food-borne illness in homes, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, cafeterias and restaurants. Polystyrene foodservice packaging is preferred by the foodservice industry because it works better than alternatives. Hot foods stay hot, cold foods stay cold, and fresh foods stay fresh.
Why are cups made of foam?
Commonly used cups, plates and sandwich containers made of foam polystyrene use significantly less energy and water than comparable paper-based or corn-based alternatives, primarily due to foam polystyrene’s much lower weight.
What is a styrofoam?
Many people incorrectly use the name STYROFOAM® to refer to polystyrene in food service; STYROFOAM® is a registered trademark of The Dow Chemical Company that refers to its branded building material products.
What is the most popular insulation material for exterior walls?
Polystyrene is the most popular insulation material for exterior walls. However, popularity does not mean that contractors cannot commit serious errors. Beneath we try to describe the most essential insulation stages.
What is the final finish layer of insulation?
Plaster or paint. A thin-layer plaster or facade paint is the final finish layer of the entire insulation system. Its type has not only an aesthetical value. There are various types of plasters from resistant to dirt and algae to vapour permeable.
Is mixing different plasters compatible?
Mixing various systems, e.g. to save some money is a high-risk action. Not only do we lose warranty automatically, but also it may turn out, that the products are not compatible. We need to remember that although both plasters are acrylic, but of other manufacturers, they can differ significantly. No wonder why all available strawberry yogurts in stores are of different flavour.
Does polystyrene have elasticity?
Remember that polystyrene holds limited elasticity towards walls, e.g. in the event of protruding mortar the boards will not adhere well. Rough walls in new houses, and these type of walls we are dealing here with, must be primed to level the substrate absorption and strengthen them and bond all tiny particles.
What are the elements in EPS insulation?
EPS Insulation is composed of organic elements – carbon, hydrogen and oxygen – and does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
What is EPS foam?
EPS foam is the correct term for any form of expanded polystyrene. Expanded Polystyrene insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. EPS is available in several compressive strengths to withstand load and back-fill forces.
Is expanded polystyrene CFC free?
Expanded Polystyrene has always been CFC- and HCF C-free. ICA is an environmentally conscientious manufacturing plant. Our in-house EPS trim is recycled and we accept recyclable EPS from our customers and the public, significantly reducing the amount of EPS that would potentially end up in landfills. In 1994 ICA installed a pentane collection system for air quality control. The system captures the pentane that is released during production and reroutes it through our boiler. This reduces the amount of natural gas we use, saving natural resources while being environmentally responsible. We continued our efforts to be mindful of our environment by installing solar panels and replacing our lighting with energy efficient fixtures. All of these actions help to keep the air of our planet cleaner and lessen the impact of landfills on the population.
When to use foam board insulation?
Because of its resistance to moisture, foam board insulation is a great choice whenever and wherever there is a chance it could get wet, such as: an exterior foundation, inside a basement against the foundation, and on the outside of a house beneath a house wrap. Foam board insulation is more expensive than traditional batt insulation, so use it only when moisture is a factor and it makes sense with your budget.
What is the best insulation for a batt?
Foam board insulation is a great alternative to the very common fiberglass batt insulation that is in most of our homes. It has a higher R-Value per inch of thickness, it’s resistant to moisture and is easy to work with.
What is EPS insulation?
EPS is used under roofing, over foundation walls and beneath siding. Extruded Polystyrene. This foam board insulation is the rigid pink or blue panels that can be found at home centers in many different thicknesses. It is denser than EPS and provides more R-Value with a rating of 5 per inch of thickness. This foam board insulation is available ...
What is polyiso foam board?
Polyiso (Polyisocyanurate). This is an even more dense and more expensive foam board insulation. It provides an R-value of 6 per inch of thickness and often comes foil-faced to help reflect radiant heat. Polyiso comes in several thicknesses and is used over house sheathing underneath siding or in attic spaces where its reflective properties are very effective.
What is PIR insulation?
PIR, polyiso, or ISO, is a thermoset plastic product typically produced as a foam and used as rigid thermal insulation panel - most often with aluminum foil facing. Thermal performance is rated at R6-6.5 per inch, but don't count on that if your winters are cold for the reasons we're about to explain.
What is the moisture permeability of EPS foam insulation?
Two inches of EPS foam board has a moisture permeability rate of between 60 and 75 ng (1 to1.25 perms), which is on the cusp of qualifying it as a type II vapour retarder, but on the more 'breathable' side of the scale which we would probably consider a good thing in most applications.
What is the name of the foam used in building envelopes?
When building or renovating a high-performance building envelope there are really three main kinds of rigid foam panels you are going to have to choose from - Polyisocyanurate known as Polyiso (PIR), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) - often called Styrofoam - and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
What is polyiso board?
Polyiso insulation boards are the most widely used low slope, above-deck commercial roofing insulation. As a versatile choice for commercial roofing applications, polyiso is designed to be part of any modified bitumen, built-up, or single-ply roofing system.
Does EPS foam dry out?
But there is nothing wrong with putting a little effort into keeping it dry if you can. The GWP of expanded polystyrene blowing agents is about 7 times worse than carbon, but that's a lot less than being 1430 times worse like standard XPS is. There is also the potential for a miniscule amount of off-gasing of some chemicals including potentially troublesome brominated fire-retardants from EPS foam products used in construction, but speculation as to whether or not this poses a significant risk to health doesn't seem to be based on any hard facts or testing. We'd be really interested to find any verifiable sources for EPS chemical off-gassing testing - if you find any please post them to the comments section below - as we are starting to think that EPS foam may arguably be the most Eco-Friendly insulation and this may sway our thinking against it.
Does XPS foam absorb moisture?
Above grade XPS foam acts as a vapour retarder (and becomes even less moisture permeable the thicker it is - 1 inch is about 1 perm, 2 inches about .5 perms); when taped it can act as an air barrier; the manufacturers and standardized testing state that it does not absorb moisture, nor is it affected adversely by it.
Is polyiso foam insulation good for winter?
Polyiso Foam Panel Insulation Conclusion: In real terms, using polyiso foam insulation panels is probably a poor choice if your winter temperatures dip below 50°F or 10°C. To put that statement into perspective, a wall or roof assembly in Chicago was tested for the whole of December then averaged out. The first assembly using 2" Polyisocyanurate foam panels was compared to the same assembly using 2" of EPS foam and was found to be losing 30% more heat in this study (see below)!
jcredd New Member
I have a new extension being built. We have 100mm concrete over which we are putting 138mm thickness polystyrene and then 75mm screed.
jcredd New Member
insulation going onto 100mm concrete. I have used the Kauf polyfoam before - its 3x cost of polystyrene though
newey New Member
we call it Jabbalite, use it all the time, comes in 8 x 4 sheets at various thicknesses, from an inch to about 4 inches.
jcredd New Member
Oh you are very clever. Thanks for info - will put it down next week (will have to check for chicken wire).
newey New Member
sorry, but he has point, i built a house and Zurick who gauranteed the property insisted i used chicken wire. having said that, i've laid numourous floors without and never had a problem as long as the mix was good.
