XPS Insulation

XPS Insulation: A Reliable and Versatile Rigid Foam Insulation for Your Home

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) is a leading choice for rigid foam insulation, offering a balance of durability, moisture resistance, and thermal efficiency. This type of polystyrene insulation is widely used in both residential construction and commercial building projects due to its versatile applications and consistent performance. At Insulation Pros of Colorado, we provide expert installation of XPS insulation boards, ensuring your home or business meets modern building codes and maintains optimal energy efficiency.

XPS Insulation
XPS Insulation

What is XPS Insulation?

XPS insulation is a type of closed-cell foam insulation manufactured through a precise manufacturing process that involves extruding polystyrene into foam board insulation. The resulting boards have a uniform, closed-cell structure that provides excellent thermal insulation and water resistance. This makes XPS ideal for various building materials and applications, including insulating walls, foundations, and concrete slabs.

Owens Corning is one of the prominent manufacturers of XPS insulation products, offering a wide range of options suitable for different construction needs. Whether you’re insulating a cavity wall in a commercial building or adding continuous insulation to your home’s exterior, XPS delivers reliable performance across the board.

Superior Water Resistance

Flame Resistance

XPS insulation boards are known for their high resistance to water absorption, making them ideal for below-grade and vertical wall applications. This water resistance helps protect the insulation board and underlying structures from moisture damage, ensuring long-term durability.

Consistent R-Value

XPS insulation offers a reliable R-value of about 5 per inch of thickness, providing consistent thermal insulation across various applications. The R-value of XPS can be increased by adding multiple layers of insulation, which is particularly useful in cavity wall and vertical wall applications. This layering technique also helps minimize thermal bridges and heat loss, especially in areas like wood wall framing and insulation over steel structures.

High Compressive Strength

XPS insulation boards are available in various densities, providing the necessary compressive strength for load-bearing applications such as under concrete slabs. This high strength makes XPS suitable for use in both residential construction and commercial building projects where structural integrity is crucial.

Versatility Across Applications

XPS is compatible with a variety of construction methods and materials, making it a versatile choice for both new builds and renovations. It is commonly used in cavity walls, foundations, and vertical wall applications, as well as in exterior continuous insulation systems that improve overall building envelope performance.

Manufacturing Process and Quality

The manufacturing process of XPS insulation ensures a consistent product with a uniform cell structure and excellent dimensional stability. Companies like Owens Corning produce XPS insulation to high standards, offering builders and homeowners confidence in the quality and performance of their insulation.

Applications of XPS Insulation

Foundation and Under-Slab Insulation

XPS is ideal for insulating foundations and under concrete slabs due to its excellent moisture resistance and compressive strength. This application prevents heat loss from the ground and protects the structure from moisture-related issues.

Cavity Wall and Vertical Wall Applications

XPS insulation is perfect for cavity wall insulation and other vertical wall applications where maintaining a continuous thermal barrier is essential. Its consistent R-value and water resistance make it a reliable choice for both exterior and interior wall insulation.

Continuous Insulation Systems

In exterior applications, XPS can be used as part of a continuous insulation system, where it creates a seamless insulating layer over the building’s exterior. This helps improve energy efficiency, reduces thermal bridging, and protects the building from environmental factors.

XPS Insulation vs. Other Rigid Foam Insulations

While XPS insulation offers a solid R-value and excellent moisture resistance, it’s often compared to other rigid insulation types like Polyiso and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Here’s how XPS stands out:

Compared to Polyiso

XPS has a slightly lower R-value per inch than Polyiso, but it excels in water resistance and is often more affordable. Polyiso offers superior thermal performance at higher R-values and is better suited for thinner insulation applications.

Compared to EPS:

XPS provides a higher R-value per inch than EPS and offers better water resistance and compressive strength. EPS is often chosen for applications where cost is a primary concern, and moisture resistance is less critical.

Choosing XPS Insulation for Your Project

When selecting insulation for your home or commercial project, it’s essential to consider factors such as thermal performance, moisture resistance, and compressive strength. XPS insulation provides a well-rounded solution that meets the needs of most construction projects, ensuring compliance with building codes and delivering long-term energy savings.
XPS Insulation

Start Your Insulation Project with XPS Today

At Insulation Pros of Colorado, we are committed to helping you choose the best insulation products for your project. Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling, or improving energy efficiency, our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring you get the most out of your XPS insulation board installation. Contact us today at (970) 980-6455 or through our online contact form to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more energy-efficient, comfortable home.