What are the key features of XPS? Just like with EPS, energy efficiency is the primary feature of XPS insulation. Due to its physical properties, XPS has a higher r-value than EPS at 4.7 per inch. In the past, XPS manufacturers were able to claim r-values closer to 5.0 per inch.

How effective is polystyrene insulation?

How effective is polystyrene insulation? Polystyrene is a great thermal insulator, and can achieve excellent R value ratings at a given thickness for EPS, and even higher ratings for XPS. XPS polystyrene foam is more effective due to its dense structure and excellent moisture resistance.

Can you use polystyrene as roof 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.

What is the R-value of 2 inch thick extruded polystyrene foam?

5 per inch

With an R-value of 13.1 for a 2″ thick sheet only two 2″ sheets are required to achieve R-25. 2. Extruded polystyrene or XPS (foam is usually pink or blue) XPS has an R-value of 5 per inch of thickness requiring 5″ of insulation to achieve R-25.

What is the R-value of polystyrene foam?

Foam Board Insulation R-Value by Type + Chart

Type of Insulation R-Value
Polyisocyanurate 7.0 to 8.0 for each inch of thickness
Extruded polystyrene foam 4.5 to 5.0 for each inch of thickness
Expanded polystyrene foam 3.6 to 4.0 for each inch of thickness

What are the disadvantages of polystyrene?





Disadvantages of Polystyrene include:

  • Brittle, poor chemical resistance especially to organics.
  • Susceptible to UV degradation.
  • Flammable.


Can you use polystyrene between rafters?

As well as placing insulation in the gaps between the rafters, you can also attach insulation directly to the roof rafters. The easiest and cheapest way to insulate your roof is to insert sheets of polystyrene between the rafters.

Is polystyrene better than fiberglass?

Made from polymers like polyurethane and polystyrene, rigid foam boards are denser, more expensive, and offer better resistance to heat flow than fiberglass. Conversely, fiberglass insulation is cheaper and more flexible, as it is made from raw materials like limestone, silica sand, and recycled glass.

Is polystyrene foam 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. The same idea is used to keep the inside of buildings warm.

Where is extruded polystyrene used?

Extruded Polystyrene Board is ideal for a range of uses – from wall and ceiling insulation, cool rooms & refrigeration, under concrete slab (i.e. car park), and even for architectural modelling or hobby model making. Extruded Polystyrene is the ideal insulation material for houses and commercial applications.

Does polystyrene absorb water?

As polystyrene sheets absorb and store water, the expansion and contraction of water molecules as it turns to ice can compromise the pellets’ integrity and make the styrofoam piece break off with time.

What is the cost of high impact polystyrene?



High Impact Polystyrene Sheet

Item# Price
Compare W01-05336 $41.19/ea
Compare W01-05345
Compare W01-01713 $33.64/ea
Compare W01-01714 $54.42/ea

What is the common name for high impact polystyrene?

High Impact Polystyrene, commonly known as HIPS, is a rubber modified version of General Purpose Polystyrene. The addition of rubber makes the thermoplastic incredibly durable, with a much higher impact resistance than its former compound.

How much does polystyrene cost per pound?

U.S. domestic prices for high impact polystyrene (HIPS) rose over 16 cents per pound from 89 cents per pound in mid-December 2016 to $1.055 per pound in mid-March 2017. Similarly, domestic general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) in that same period increased 16.5 cents per pound to 97.5 cents per pound.

How do you cut high impact polystyrene?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And just drag that really sharp tip right there along the edge. There you go as you can see it actually moves quite a lot of material. On this thicker.

How flexible is high impact polystyrene?



High Impact Polystyrene, otherwise known as HIPS, is a flexible material that can be molded, cut, bent, vacuumed, easily printed on, and fabricated. HIPS has a very low heat deflection temperature, a very low chemical resistance, it does not absorb moisture, and it is relatively stable dimensionally.

What is general purpose polystyrene?

General purpose polystyrene (GPPS) is one of the most widely used kinds of plastic that has excellent transparency, high stiffness and excellent moldability (injection, extrusion, foam molding, etc.).