Understanding the different types of rigid foam insulation is critical. In fact, choosing one option over the other means selecting an option with better or worse efficiency and, therefore, more or less costs each month.
Want to know how to tell the differences between the three types?
Here’s what you need to know:
What is Rigid Foam Board Insulation?
Rigid foam board insulation is just like it sounds. Some insulation is loose or does not provide structure such as fiberglass batting, mineral wool, and cellulose insulation.
Unlike these types, rigid foam board insulation comes in a slab format and is self-supporting. These boards or slabs of insulation will not sag over time and can typically be cut and shaped as needed. When the edges and butt joints of rigid foam board insulation are sealed properly, the insulation layer can often act as a weather barrier too. Rigid foam insulation is typically more resistant to pests and moisture than loose forms of insulation.
The 3 Types of Rigid Foam Board Insulation
Within the category of rigid foam board insulation, a few types are the most popular:
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Insulation
Expanded Polystyrene, commonly known as EPS, is a type of lightweight, cost-effective foam board insulation. Made from expanded beads of polystyrene, EPS is widely appreciated for its simplicity and efficiency in installation due to its lightness and easy-to-cut nature.
Despite its popularity, EPS is not without drawbacks. Its primary disadvantage is a lower R-value per inch, meaning it doesn’t insulate as well per unit of thickness as other types of insulation. With a lower R-value, thicker sheets of insulation material are needed to achieve the same level of insulation. Additionally, EPS tends to absorb moisture if not properly protected, which can lead to a reduction in its insulative properties and a risk of material degradation over time. This absorption issue also brings into question its durability, as EPS can be easily damaged or degraded by environmental factors, which makes it less ideal for applications that require long-term robustness.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Insulation
Extruded Polystyrene, or XPS, offers a step up in performance from EPS, particularly in terms of moisture resistance and insulative value. XPS is manufactured through a process that melts and expands polystyrene into a foam board, which is then extruded to form a dense, durable structure
This process creates a product that boasts a higher R-value per inch than EPS, to provide more effective insulation with less material. The closed-cell structure of XPS also makes it highly resistant to moisture penetration, which is a significant advantage in environments where moisture is prevalent.
However, XPS is not without its drawbacks either. It is generally more expensive than EPS, which can be a barrier for budget-conscious projects. Furthermore, the gases used in the XPS manufacturing process have a higher global warming potential, which contributes to environmental concerns. These factors make XPS less attractive from a sustainability perspective, despite its superior performance attributes.
Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) Insulation
Polyisocyanurate, better known as Polyiso, represents the pinnacle of rigid foam board insulation in terms of thermal performance. Polyiso is renowned for having the highest R-value per inch of all the rigid foam board options, which translates to excellent thermal efficiency that can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. This high R-value means less material is needed to achieve the same level of insulation compared to EPS and XPS.
Beyond its superior insulative properties, Polyiso is also moisture resistant and offers improved fire resistance compared to EPS and XPS. Instead of melting and releasing toxic gases when exposed to fire like EPS and XPS do, Polyiso chars and hardens which slows the spread of the fire. Despite these advantages, Polyiso can sometimes be more expensive than the other options, which might deter some buyers who do not understand all of the benefits of Polyiso.
Rmax Polyiso Solution
The advantages of Polyiso, particularly those offered by Rmax, are compelling.
Rmax Polyiso products enhance the already substantial benefits of standard Polyiso by addressing and mitigating common concerns, such as the performance in cold weather.
Not to mention, Rmax’s products are designed to deliver maximum thermal efficiency, enhanced durability, and overall cost-effectiveness. Therefore, Rmax’s Polyiso is the superior choice for insulation in a wide range of building applications.
When it Comes to Rigid Foam, Choose Polyiso
Choosing the right type of rigid foam insulation involves weighing various factors including cost, environmental impact, and insulation needs.
While EPS and XPS offer certain benefits, Polyiso—particularly Rmax Polyiso— has emerged as the best option for most applications due to its high R-value, moisture resistance, and eco-friendly attributes.
By selecting Rmax Polyiso, builders and homeowners can ensure optimal insulation performance and sustainability for their project.
To learn more about Rmax Polyiso, reach out to their team of experts today!