Airpop® (EPS) Outperforms XPS (extruded polystyrene)
Today, the proper use of insulation is becoming more important due to goals of sustainability and energy efficiency. That’s why choosing the proper insulation, like Airpop® (EPS), for building materials is essential.
“Studies show that as much as 25% of energy loss from a structure can be attributed to a lack of insulation on below-grade foundations, crawl spaces and under slabs.” EPS Industry Alliance.
As we know, insulation reduces the amount of energy a building consumes. For example, in summer insulation reduces the heat flow from the hot exterior to the cool interior environment. In winter, insulation reduces the heat lost from the warm interior to the cold exterior. The resistance against heat flow through an insulation is called “thermal resistance” or R-value.
It’s crucial to understand that the higher the R-value the greater the insulating power.
Here is where Airpop® (EPS) outperforms XPS for long-term R-Value (keeping your home or building climate controlled).
When exposed to the extreme conditions of the ASTM C1512 test (Standard Test Method for Characterizing the Effect of Exposure to Environmental Cycling on Thermal Performance of Insulation Products), Airpop® (EPS) insulation exhibited drying potential for under severe exposure conditions while extruded polystyrene did not exhibit drying potential when exposed to the same conditions. The drying potential for thermal insulation is critical to maintaining thermal resistance (R-value) under severe long-term exposure conditions.
Airpop EPS® versus XPS side by side image. Courtesy of the EPS-Industry Alliance.
Need additional information for your insulation building materials? Contact our sales team at sales@plymouthfoam.com