Learn about the advantages of XPS over other insulating materials

Extruded polystyrene (XPS in English) is a material widely used in construction due to its lightness and thermal insulation. It consists of a rigid foam resulting from the extrusion of polystyrene. This material is dense and waterproof, with great mechanical resistance and water tolerance.

XPS is known to be one of the best materials for building insulation. Learn about its main advantages below:

• Mechanical behavior throughout its useful life

Extruded polystyrene has excellent mechanical behavior, which makes it ideal for use in the installation of the envelope of a building. This material is capable of supporting large loads without deforming, permanently or for long periods of time. One of the data that best describes its high resistance in this aspect is the compression resistance with a standard value of 300 Kpa (about 3000 kg/cm2), although it can also reach values ​​of 500 and 700 Kpa. Likewise, XPS withstands extreme temperatures very well, being resistant to mold and corrosion.

• Dimensional stability

Extruded polystyrene products are conditioned for 48 hours. At 70 ºC, and 90% humidity, the relative changes in length, width and thickness do not exceed 5%.

• Thermal property stability

The thermal conductivity (λ) of extruded polystyrene is measured in W/m x k, in the XPS. Giving rise to values ​​around 0.029 and 0.036 W/m x k. On the other hand, Thermal Resistance (RD) is the inverse magnitude of thermal conductivity, which is the ability to oppose the flow of heat. In the XPS it is obtained with its thickness.

What does this mean with respect to other materials? That to achieve a certain degree of insulation, less thickness will be necessary, or in other words, that not as much material will be required.

• Recycling possibility

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is composed of 95% polystyrene and 5% gas that is trapped in the extrusion process. It can be recycled mechanically and chemically. However, its reuse is the most common use, carrying out washing and grinding for the production of EPS or to incorporate it into other materials such as chipboard, concrete, seat padding, among others. Pellets or recycled pellets (the result of mechanical recycling) can be used to mix with virgin polymer or to form rigid plastic products.

• It is itself a vapor barrier.

XPS is a hygrothermal insulating product, which is characterized by having almost zero water absorption (0.7%). Therefore, it offers great resistance to the passage of water and acts as a vapor barrier in itself.

Thanks to its excellent properties, extruded polystyrene is emerging as the best material for the insulation and protection of buildings. Thermochip has evolved this concept and has included this material as a core in all its systems tocovers, facadesandforged, offering in the market acomprehensive solutionfor enclosing enclosures that are unbeatable in thermal insulation.

All the mentioned benefits are unalterable, that is, they are not reduced by the passage of time, which guarantees that throughout the useful life of the building and even in a possible reuse of the panels, the Thermochip Housing system will continue to meet the requirements for the use for which it is intended.

Do you want to know more information about our light systems for enclosing facades, roofs and floors? Contact our commercial technical team for advice,here.