5 Key Benefits of XPS Insulation

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Insulation board is a versatile product, most commonly used in roofing, walls, and foundations. It can be made of various types of materials, like expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, phenolic and polyiso.

Choosing the right type of insulation is key to providing your building with the protection it needs, so that it performs like you expect.

Because of its benefits, selecting extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation board can help achieve a higher performing structure. It’s less expensive than other insulation options and comes in a number of different configurations, which makes XPS an ideal solution for just about any project you have in mind.

1. It Offers an Efficient R-Value

XPS insulation board has an R-value of 5.0 per inch. XPS board thickness can range anywhere from as thin as a half inch to upwards of 4 inches. The product normally is offered in 4’x8’ and 2’x8’ size options, making it easy to find the perfect thickness and board size for the application of the project.
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2. It Offers Moisture Resistance

Designing your building with water managed walls are key to a higher performing and more energy efficient structure. And there are insulation products that can help you achieve this.

Architects should look for XPS products with superior moisture resistance that won’t absorb water and don’t act as a food source for mold. This means they’ll retain their insulating properties over time, guaranteeing high performance for years to come.

3. Suitable for Many Applications

XPS insulation board is often favored for its versatility: it’s an insulation material that can be used in a range of applications.

These types of applications include below slab or below grade along foundation, inside basement walls, or as an added insulation between wood sheathing and exterior siding. As long as you keep any minimum PSI requirements in mind and match it to the right product, XPS insulation board can be used in place of many insulation alternatives.

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Kingspan doesn't just provide a singular type of XPS insulation board, but has a range of products to choose from.

For general purpose insulation projects, you have the choice of GreenGuard Type IV 25 PSI board or Type VI 40 PSI board. High-load bearing applications will require Type VII 60 PSI board. For green roof designs, the XPS Drainage Channel Insulation Board offers 40 to 60 PSI compressive strength as well as drainage channels.

There’s an XPS insulation board for just about any kind of project you’re working on.

4. Can be Used for Continuous Insulation

XPS can be used for continuous insulation (Ci) on the exterior or interior of a building. Continuous insulation helps improve the performance of a building by reducing thermal bridging throughout the structure, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency. By improving the building envelope, it decreases the energy consumption of the building.

5. It Helps Achieve LEED Accreditation

The growing sustainability movement in construction has made it easier for professionals to find more eco-friendly materials.

There are XPS boards that can be specified to help a project with LEED accreditation. Kingspan’s GreenGuard XPS insulation boards achieve LEED credits in several categories, including Energy Performance and Recycled Content.

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More Insulation Solutions with XPS

Using XPS insulation in a project offers architects solutions that might not have been initially realized. The versatility and cost-efficiency of XPS give professionals options for insulating their buildings more effectively, resulting in better buildings overall.  

Looking for more information on designing a higher-performing structure? Download our guide here.

Kingspan Insulation North America

Head Office & Sales Office – North America

Kingspan Insulation LLC

2100 Riveredge Parkway, Suite 175

Atlanta, Georgia

USA

30328

Call: +1(800) 241 4402