One of the main applications for extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation is flat roofing. In particular, XPS’s performance characteristics mean it is one of the few insulation types specifically stated as being suitable for inverted flat roof build-ups. With that in mind, we have compiled this long blog post looking in-depth at the following five aspects … Read more
Specifiers and installers who regularly research construction products will be familiar with certain commonly-used words and phrases. Sometimes, these words and phrases are applied generically across a large range of products. Other times, they may be specific to a certain type of product – like thermal insulation – or used in a specific way depending … Read more
There is no reason that extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation cannot play a role in the construction industry’s transition from the linear economy to the circular economy. XPS’s combination of performance characteristics – including its robustness, compressive strength, moisture resistance, and long-term thermal performance – mean it has the potential to be retained or reused across … Read more
Two sites, including a large shopping centre in the south-east of England, have been able to recycle extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation removed from existing roofs. Thanks to advice from Polyfoam XPS, the sites were put in contact with a leading polystyrene recycling company, who can recycle XPS even when it is contaminated with other materials. … Read more
In construction projects, sustainability should be defined through clear project outcomes. At a basic level, this means achieving compliance with national building regulations, including energy efficiency requirements. However, there are a host of other factors relating to broader sustainability that go beyond energy use and carbon emissions. A project may go further in reducing energy … Read more
Polyfoam XPS’s factory in Hartlepool has been the site of extruded polystyrene (XPS) manufacturing for more than forty years. Over that time, the business has built up a wealth of knowledge about insulation production (much of which informed the commissioning of our new production line) and building construction. Among Polyfoam’s workforce are people who have … Read more
The RIBA Plan of Work is arguably the most common approach to describing the various stages of construction projects in the UK. The Plan of Work is a framework for architects, primarily; as it has evolved, however, it has become an industry-wide tool. As a framework for projects, the Plan of Work is designed to … Read more
Five years ago, the Covid pandemic made home working a necessity for many. In the frequent debate over what hybrid working arrangements should look like, some people consistently bang the drum for employees working only from the office. In this very personal post, Rob Firman (Technical and Specification Manager) reflects on a moment of family … Read more
Four years and two months ago, Polyfoam XPS hit publish on the first issue of an email newsletter called The Build-Up. Our aim with the newsletter has never changed: support designers, specifiers and installers to deliver a better built environment. We do that by providing interesting and actionable information, useful resources, and sharing news articles … Read more
Polyfoam XPS is proud to have supported the achievement of an important milestone at the £35 million Highlight leisure development. Currently under construction and sited within Hartlepool’s marina, Highlight now has a completed roof – just months after a ceremony marked the erection of the building’s structural steel frame. Working closely with trusted roof waterproofing … Read more
