DIFFERENT USES OF EXTRUDED POLYSTYRENE INSULATION (XPS)
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation is most known for, and used in, floor and roof applications. Compared to other commonly used rigid insulation boards, its higher compressive strength, lower water absorption and overall robustness makes it the ideal choice for ground floors and inverted flat roofs in particular.
Alongside these two main applications, there are a host of other ways in which XPS insulation can be specified and used. Some are more common than others, but they all demonstrate the material’s versatility and desirable performance characteristics.
Extruded Polystyrene In Other Building Elements
As we have established, XPS lends itself to being installed over the large areas of a floor or flat roof in a commercial or industrial building. At the same time, though, its performance characteristics also mean it is well-suited to areas of finer detail.
As part of a complete inverted roof solution, XPS-backed upstand boards like Polyfoam Upstand Board have long been used to help reduce thermal bridging at roof abutments and parapets.
Although fire regulation changes have restricted where upstand boards featuring combustible insulation can be used, the moisture resistance of XPS remains the best way to ensure linear thermal bridges deliver their intended thermal performance, even if they get exposed to moisture.
Another area where moisture protection is particularly important is at the base of external walls, below damp proof course (DPC) level. Continuity of insulation in this area is a requirement of Part L, so it’s important to consider how best to insulate either within the cavity or to the external face of the wall.
For more about insulating within a cavity below DPC level, read our below DPC insulation guide. The moisture resistant properties of XPS also make it ideal for specifying in basements and swimming pool basins.
‘Unusual’ Applications for Extruded Polystyrene Insulation
Away from typical residential, commercial and industrial buildings, there are many examples of XPS being used in other building types. This includes agricultural buildings, which can be subjected to high levels of moisture and loadings imposed from farm machinery.
A perhaps surprising use of XPS is in park homes, where it can be used to meet the requirements of BS 3632:2015.
Other uses of XPS in buildings include as an infill for composite doors, and as a backing for cladding panels. Underfloor heating boards made from XPS feature routed channels for hot water pipes, and allow the installation of a floating floor finish directly over.
Finally, there are the many non-building uses that we have seen XPS put to. Some are technical enquiries we have received directly, while others are ones we have read about.
They include temperature-controlled vans, cold stores, pontoons – and even underneath a runway at an airfield in Alaska. There are not many more demanding environments than that!
About Polyfoam XPS
We hope you’ve found this blog post interesting. To discuss how XPS could be used in your project, contact us. If you’d like to know more about the insulation produced by Polyfoam XPS, learn how XPS is made or read about the steps Polyfoam XPS is taking to reduce waste from the factory.