Insulation

Description

IPS Foam can sell you all sizes and shapes of insulation. Our insulation boards can be precut to the size you need to make installation easier.

EPS Foam Board is one of the most economical and effective insulation methods. For the price, EPS has one of the highest R-factors.

EPS is closed cell foam which is critical in maintaining its R-value over time.

EPS can be used for insulating residential houses, commercial buildings, industrial buildings and sheds. EPS Foam insulation is used in walls, roofs, floors, foundations, walk-in coolers, packaging and more.

EPS is an excellent moisture barrier. EPS is insect resistant.

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Foam vs XPS Extruded Polystyrene Foam

Rigid foam insulation packs a lot of R-value into a thin package, but not all rigid foam performs the same. Choose rigid insulation wisely, and consider the effect its characteristics will have on the performance of your project, overall product cost, and the best way to get the bang for your buck. EPS foam is white and most people commonly refer to as Styrofoam. XPS foam is usually blue, green or pink in color.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

With the highest average R-value per dollar of all types of rigid-foam insulation, EPS foam costs the least, while meeting or exceeding all required building and energy codes. At about R-3.8 per inch, XPS costs around 28¢ per sq. ft. for a 1-in.-thick 4×8 panel. EPS is approved for ground contact, below grade applications and can be treated to resist insects, and it does not retain water over the long term. EPS foam R-value does not degrade over time. EPS is recyclable.

Using a non-toxic, environmentally-sound additive, EPS has been proven to not support the growth of three types of common building molds. The additive is inert, non-nutritive, highly stable, and therefore will not decompose, decay or produce undesirable gases. Mold Resistant EPS is recyclable and safe for waste-to-energy systems and landfills. In addition, the additive lasts as long as the insulation. Eliminate one potential source of mold in buildings by choosing Mold Resistant EPS while at the same time receiving long term thermal protection.

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

Easily recognized by its blue, green, or pink color, XPS has a lower R-value per dollar than EPS. Used most in walls or below grade applications Unfaced 1-in.-thick XPS has a perm rating around 1, making it semipermeable. Thicker and faced XPS is stronger and can have a lower perm rating, but either way, it is considered a vapor retarder, not a vapor barrier. XPS absorbs more moisture than other insulations over the long term, and as a result its warranty doesn’t honor R-value retention over the long haul.

If you’re using rigid foam insulation, the closed- versus open-cell question is moot since all available rigid foams are closed-cell. A factor to consider instead is the blowing agent used to produce the foam since that impacts the R-value and the insulation’s long-term thermal stability.
For XPS, polyiso, and closed-cell spray foams, the blowing agent is a gas the manufacturer introduces into a liquid plastic to create a foam via numerous bubbles. As the plastic hardens, the gas is trapped in the bubbles. Blowing agents include various chemical compounds, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), pentanes, and various HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), among others.

In addition to creating the foam, the blowing agent can enhance the insulation’s thermal resistance (R-value) when trapped in the cells (but, for some products, the only gas in the cells is air). Despite having completely formed cells in some rigid foams, the blowing agent is replaced with air over time through diffusion. Such is the case with extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyiso insulations, while expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulations have air trapped in the cells, the R-value does not degrade with time. This matters because if the blowing agent provides a boost to the insulation’s R-value, as it dissipates, the R-value decreases (in other words, the insulation becomes less effective over time at doing its job). This is known as thermal drift.

ATTIC AND ROOFING INSULATION

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam is commonly used for roofing insulation due to its lightweight, durable, and thermal insulating properties.

Here’s how EPS foam is used for roofing insulation:

Flat Roof Insulation: EPS foam boards are installed on flat or low-slope roofs to provide insulation and thermal resistance. These rigid foam boards are placed on top of the roof deck and beneath the roofing membrane to prevent heat loss and reduce energy consumption.

Sloped Roof Insulation: EPS foam can be used as insulation for sloped roofs as well. In this application, EPS foam boards are installed between the roof rafters or trusses to create a thermal barrier that helps regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs.

Composite Insulation Systems: EPS foam is often used as part of composite insulation systems for roofing applications. These systems typically consist of multiple layers of insulation materials, such as EPS foam, polyisocyanurate (polyiso) foam, or extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam, combined with other components such as vapor barriers and cover boards, to achieve the desired thermal performance and moisture resistance.

Tapered Insulation Systems: EPS foam can be custom-cut or molded into tapered panels to create slope on flat roofs for proper drainage. These tapered insulation systems help prevent ponding water on the roof surface, which can lead to leaks, structural damage, and premature roof failure.

Green Roof Insulation: EPS foam is used as insulation for green roofs, which are vegetated roofing systems installed on top of buildings. The foam provides thermal insulation to protect the roof membrane and underlying structure from temperature fluctuations and moisture infiltration.

Ballasted Roof Insulation: EPS foam boards are often used as insulation for ballasted roof systems, where the roofing membrane is held in place by a layer of gravel, pavers, or other ballast materials. The foam provides thermal insulation and protects the roof membrane from damage caused by the ballast materials.

Roof Deck Insulation: EPS foam can be installed directly on top of the roof deck, beneath the roofing membrane, to provide insulation and thermal resistance. This helps reduce heat transfer through the roof assembly and improve energy efficiency in the building.

Overall, EPS foam offers a lightweight, cost-effective, and efficient solution for roofing insulation, helping to improve thermal performance, reduce energy costs, and extend the lifespan of roofing systems. Its versatility and ease of installation make it a popular choice for a wide range of roofing applications.

WALL, FLOOR, & CEILING INSULATION

Insulation plays a crucial role in buildings, homes and sheds, offering benefits such as energy efficiency, thermal comfort, moisture control, and sound attenuation. Here are some key uses for insulation in buildings:

1.-Thermal Insulation:

2.-Moisture Control:

3.-Energy Efficiency:

4.-Air Sealing:

5.-Sound Attenuation:

6.-HVAC System Efficiency:

7.-Sustainable Design:

WHAT IS EIFS?

EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish System. It is a type of exterior wall cladding system that provides insulation, weatherproofing, and decorative finishes for buildings. EIFS consists of several layers, typically including EPS Foam insulation boards, a base coat reinforced with fiberglass mesh, and a decorative finish coat.

GARAGE DOOR INSULATION

Your garage door can be one of your biggest wastes of energy in your garage. We sell direct to the public.

We can make custom size pieces to perfectly fit your garage door. Call us for pricing.
Common terms used in insulation: