JC Edison & Associates

Research on Expanded Polystyrene

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04/28/2014
Crofton, Maryland

For years we have been told that XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) insulation is better than EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) for below grade insulation, but how does it relate to roofing EPS? New research has revealed new information about water absorption in both  types of polystyrene insulation. According to the test results conducted by Intertek Testing Service - “ XPS exceeds the recommended water absorption threshold dictated by ASTM C578 by a factor of 2.4.” Water absorption has always been known to lower R-value which can lead to higher utility costs. In fact, third‐party research published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory in April 2012, “XPS below grade systems can experience a 10‐44% loss of energy savings performance when subjected to moisture accumulation in the range of 8% ‐ 16%.” 

On the other hand, EPS demonstrates excellent drying abilities and has a much higher tolerance for moisture exposure while still delivering the same R-value throughout the life of the building. It is very simple, "EPS exhibits superior moisture-related performance properties over XPS."

For roofing, it only makes sense that if EPS has absorb moisture, just like below grade, it may have the ability to have it migrate out better than XPS. After all,  EPS does demonstrate excellent drying abilities. The bigger question may be in the system that EPS is used, does it have the design opportunity to migrate out. Hey, maybe another study!

Direct to Deck

Plymouth Foam has the ability to provide foam insulation up to 16' lengths.

Under the IBC, Plymouth Foam EPS insulation boards may be used as components of a Class A, B, C roof covering installed on steel decks without a thermal barrier, when installed in accidence with this section (section 4.3 - ICC Evaluation Report ESR-2687) See Report
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Custom Sizes

Plymouth Foam has the ability to provide foam insulation up to 16' lengths.

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Homeowners are desiring and requiring taller height basements. Ten foot basements are getting fairly common. This change to taller basements and the need to insulate these spaces, now require exterior insulation to be taller.

Plymouth foam can help with the these changes. We now offer EPS insulation 4' wide but in any height up to 16' tall. You need 9' 6" - no problem. You need 12' 3 1/2" - no problem.
Homeowners are desiring and requiring taller height basements. Ten foot basements are getting fairly common. This change to taller basements and the need to insulate these spaces, now require exterior insulation to be taller.

Plymouth foam can help with the these changes. We now offer EPS insulation 4' wide but in any height up to 16' tall. You need 9' 6" - no problem. You need 12' 3 1/2" - no problem.

R-Value

Plymouth Foam can meet any R-Value requirement up to 208 R.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has mandated that by October 18, 2013, all states are required to certify compliance with the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 as adopted by the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This will require increased use of continuous insulation in most commercial wall assemblies in nearly all climate zones in the U.S. Learn More The new code requirements are recommending 10R or more on basement walls in certain areas of the country.

Plymouth Foam can meet any R-value requirement needed by simply changing the thickness or density of the EPS insulation. You need 10, 20 or 50 R - no problem.

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PSI - Compressive Resistance

Plymouth Foam has varied PSI densities up to 60 PSI.

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Design consideration may require different compressive strength resistance measured at 10% deformation in PSI. PSI indicates the amount of pressure imposed on an object, and can help determine the amount of pressure an object can withstand.

Plymouth Foam has the ability to vary its compressive resistance (PSI) to meet your specification. The higher the density, the higher the PSI Compressive Resistance.

Plymouth Foam's Below Grade EPS has high resiliency and strength characteristics and offers: 
  • Absorption of substrate and facing movement caused by temperature changes and structural deflections. 
  • Absorption of substrate irregularities. 
  • Thickness recovery following excessive construction load exposures. 
  • Suitable sub-grade reaction for effective load distribution.