EPS (expanded polystyrene) and XPS (extruded polystyrene) are both closed-cell rigid insulation products made from the same base polystyrene resins but manufactured in a different way. EPS is beads that are molded or cut into various sizes and shapes, whereas XPS is extruded sheets of various sizes and shapes.

What is ESP insulation, and how does it work?

Expanded Polystyrene Insulation (EPS), also known as rigid polystyrene insulation, is a closed cell insulation that has been in use since the 1950s. Due to the fact that it is composed of 98 percent trapped air and only 2 percent plastic, expanded polystyrene (EPS) is an efficient insulator that requires only a small amount of raw material.

What does the abbreviation XPS stand for in terms of insulation?

Polystyrene foam (also known as extruded polystyrene foam) is a rigid insulation that is also formed from polystyrene polymer but is manufactured using an extrusion process. It is often manufactured with a distinctive color to distinguish the product brand.

Is XPS a flammable material?

XPS insulation has a melting point that is typically between 200 and 210 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the manufacturer.

What is the temperature at which EPS melts?

The softening, contraction, and eventual melting of EPS occurs when it is exposed to temperatures greater than 212° F (100° C). The ability of these materials to be ignited by a flame or spark is largely dependent on the temperature, length of time they have been exposed to heat, and air flow around the material (the oxygen availability).

What percentage of R-value does XPS lose?

XPS is a rigid insulation material that has an initial R-value of R-5 per inch and is widely used. Having said that, the long-term R-values of this foam board decrease as time goes on. For example, after only 5 years, the R-value of an XPS board will have decreased by 10%, and it will continue to decrease even further in the future.