Is XPS foam expensive?

XPS is slightly more costly, but gives a superior value of R-5 per inch. Extruded polystyrene may be faced or unfaced, depending on the application. XPS is a vapor retarder, but not a vapor barrier. Polyisocyanurate (ISO) is the best rigid foam insulation in some ways.

Which is better EPS or XPS?

XPS, at about R-5 per 25 mm, has only a slightly better thermal performance than EPS. The thermal insulation performance of EPS and XPS in identical densities is quite close. However, EPS with the same level of density is less expensive.

Is XPS foam the same as Styrofoam?

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 the R-value of 2 inch Blueboard insulation?

DOW BLUE BOARD 2″ 2’X8′ 250 PSI R-VALUE=10.8.

How much does XPS insulation cost?

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) The average cost of extruded polystyrene insulation is $0.42/sq ft. for a 1-inch thick panel. The average R-Value is R-5.

Is EPS the same as XPS?

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.

Does XPS foam absorb water?

FOAMULAR® XPS products have an R-value of 5 per inch of thickness, and due to their closed cell structure they resist water absorption, maintaining a high R-value for reliable long term service.

Does XPS lose R-value?

The trapped gases in the cells of polyiso and XPS foam assist to provide an initial high R-value. During the life of these foams, air from the atmosphere diffuses in and the trapped gases diffuse out. The result is polyiso and XPS lose R-value over their lifetime.

Does XPS insulation need a vapor barrier?

XPS is manufactured in both an unfaced form or with different plastic facings. However, XPS is considered a vapor retarder, not a vapor barrier. Innovative applications of EPS and XPS have improved a building’s envelope thermal performance.

Is EPS and XPS the same?

Extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) is manufactured using a process of extrusion. Expanded Polystyrene insulation (EPS) is manufactured using beads of foam within a mould, heat or steam is then applied directly to the beads which causes them to expand and fuse together.

Is styrofoam a good insulation?

Styrofoam has millions of small air bubbles trapped inside the foam. Since air is a bad conductor of heat Styrofoam efficiently prevents heat transfer. Styrofoam reduces conduction and convection. In this way, it is one of the best existing insulators.

Does rigid foam insulation need to be covered?

A: Yes, but to comply with building codes, all foam plastics must be covered with a 15 minute thermal barrier. Gypsum board, ½” thick is a common covering.