After the discovery of expanded polystyrene in the 1950s, the product range of materials based on this polymer began to gradually and continuously expand and establish itself. Initially, it was used primarily as a safety packaging material, but later the qualities of this material ensured its application in other areas of industry.
The use of expanded polystyrene in construction began in the 1970s, with modern construction practice widely advocating the design and implementation of expanded polystyrene-based thermal insulation systems for residential, public and industrial buildings.
The different manufacturing technology determines the two main varieties of expanded polystyrene, namely - expanded /EPS/ and extruded /XPS/. It also accounts for the differences in their construction qualities.
EPS has gained popularity among the mass audience as styrofoam, and XPS as fiberboard, but in fact these are trademarks. However, we will allow ourselves to use them as synonyms for insulation boards.
HOW IS XPS MADE?
XPS is based on the same starting product as EPS - polystyrene, but the different technology of foam formation determines the difference in some qualities. Extrusion is the production of a foam structure from polystyrene grains mixed with foaming agents and other additives by pressing and applying mechanical pressure and high temperatures to obtain a viscous liquid, from which the final products are drawn and formed upon cooling. The result is XPS plates with a microgranular microporous structure of closed spherical cells with significant density and strength of the material - 25-40 kg/m3 and 200-500 kPa, respectively. The coefficient ranges from 0.029-0.040 W/m.°C.
WHY IS FIBRAN MORE EXPENSIVE THAN FOAM?
The closed micropore grid and the smooth hydrophobic surface guarantee the practical water and vapor impermeability of XPS plates. The sound insulation properties are very close to those of EPS. The operating temperature range is extended, and the material can be operated at temperatures below -40°C and above 60°C. The impossibility of water entering the cells and pores of the material ensures excellent frost resistance and preservation of the internal connections in its structure. It is obvious that extruded polystyrene foam offers better mechanical and thermal properties compared to expanded polystyrene, but this also determines the significant difference in the cost of the two materials.
Thanks to the included inhibitor additives, XPS is flame retardant and self-extinguishing, but still due to its organic nature it cannot be exposed to open fire and for this purpose it is necessary to provide minimum fire protection (covering of plasterboard or other material). Extruded polystyrene foam, like expanded polystyrene, has significant chemical resistance and does not react with solutions of most inorganic acids, bases and salts, including construction mineral solutions, but contact with petroleum products, aromatic alcohols and polyester resins must be avoided. In addition, it does not favor the development of microorganisms and is resistant to aggressive organic and inorganic substances contained in the soil, which makes it ideal for performing underground external thermal insulation. With prolonged exposure to sunlight, damage to the surface is possible due to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, therefore, sun protection of the material must be provided during prolonged outdoor storage.
XPS APPLICATION
Extruded polystyrene foam is also available in the form of plates of various sizes and standard thicknesses from 20 to 120 mm. Its scope of application includes the implementation of heavy-duty thermal insulation of foundations, floating floors and heavy roofs. This is due to its high mechanical strength and water resistance. Its resistance to degrading soil agents allows direct contact with soil layers without the need for a protective waterproofing coating.
The watertightness of XPS is a major advantage when implementing thermal insulation below ground level - on foundations and basement walls, wet rooms and industrial floors. The significant compressive strength of XPS makes it easy to implement floating floors and railway lines, where the concrete or embankment respectively lies directly on the thermal insulation layer.
The load from usable roofs is also easily and reliably transferred from the thermal insulation boards to the supporting structure. XPS is one of the few materials that can be used in the implementation of an inverted roof. In such a solution, it provides very good protection of the waterproofing from solar radiation and effective thermal insulation.
FIBRAN IS MOST SUITABLE FOR INSULATING FOUNDATIONS AND CELLARS
Proper insulation of the walls around the base of the building is very important, and in new construction, it is mandatory to insulate the foundations of the building and the basements located at this level. The most suitable material for this is extruded polystyrene (XPS) boards. In addition to being an excellent thermal insulator, thanks to their high mechanical strength they protect the waterproofing in the base area, preventing it from being damaged when filling the trench with soil, which, unfortunately, often contains pieces of bricks and other construction waste.
EPS + XPS = RELIABLE THERMAL INSULATION
Although similar in origin, the two types of expanded polystyrene used in construction find different applications for effective thermal insulation of individual parts of the building. The rational combination of the two materials, combined with their undeniable thermal insulation qualities, is a prerequisite for the reliable insulation of the building in terms of heat exchange with the environment.
According to research, obtaining energy used for household needs is associated with the release of a significant percentage of the total mass of harmful emissions of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur oxides.
No harmful substances are released during the production of EPS and XPS, so building a thermal insulation system from expanded polystyrene not only saves energy costs, quickly returning the initial investment, but also plays an important role in protecting the natural environment.
Building thermal insulation based on expanded polystyrene reduces energy costs by 2/3, which, combined with the possibility of full recycling, the lack of harmful emissions even during combustion, and the speed of installation, makes it a preferred and safe material.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
With us you can find XPS thermal insulation boards of various thicknesses and sizes 600x1250mm and 800 x 1250mm.
The prices are affordable.
