Foam or extruded polystyrene foam – which is better to use to warm the facade

The choice you make for insulating the facade of your home—between foam and extruded polystyrene foam—will have a big impact on comfort and energy efficiency. Although they have different qualities and uses, both materials have the advantage of insulation.

Expanded polystyrene, or foam insulation, is an affordable and lightweight material. Its strong resistance to heat and moisture makes it a popular choice for residential construction. EPS foam boards are a common option for do-it-yourself projects because they are adaptable, simple to handle, and require little effort to install.

Conversely, compared to EPS, extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) has a higher compressive strength and better moisture resistance. Because they are denser and more resilient than other insulating boards, XPS is ideal for spaces like basements and below-grade applications where controlling moisture is a major concern.

Take into account aspects like your local climate, your budget, and the particular requirements of your project when choosing between EPS and XPS for your facade insulation. For above-grade applications where cost-effectiveness is a top priority and moisture infiltration is less of an issue, EPS might be adequate. On the other hand, locations that are subject to moisture exposure or require a higher compressive strength might benefit more from the use of XPS.

In the end, the decision between foam and extruded polystyrene foam comes down to striking a balance between insulation effectiveness, longevity, and affordability to suit your unique requirements for improving the comfort and energy efficiency of the exterior of your house.

House insulation – which material to choose?

It is precisely during the warm season that global construction issues need to be resolved. The facade’s insulation is the most crucial component. Both owners of private homes and apartment buildings ask this question. Newly built homes and homes that are roughly 50 years old are both insulated. The dilemma of which of these two materials to use first emerges when you have already made the decision to insulate the house.

Foam is also a polystyrene foam like a heater

If extruded polystyrene or polystyrene foam is used as a heater for the facade, then you do not need to equip any additional ventilation. It is problematic to provide ventilation for these materials, since they have a fairly dense structure. In addition, they have vapor permeability, which can be safely equated to the steamed stones. This means that polystyrene foam, like extruded polystyrene foam, does not affect the natural breathing of the walls of the building and do not need ventilation. The above may seem like a paradox – as a material that is not blown, can breathe? And the matter is what, the vapor permeability is responsible for the breathing of the material, and not the breathability. Studies in the field of construction physics showed that the walls must be built so that the resistance of the steam process of the wall becomes large from the outer layers to the internal. With heat transfer resistance, the matter is different – it should decrease from the outer layers to the internal.

Using foam

Polistyle foam for insulating walls

• has a small weight;
• mold or fungus is not formed on its surface;
• indifferent to moisture, does not absorb it;
• easily cut;
• time limited by time;
• has good thermal insulation properties;
• This material is easily mounted;
• has an affordable cost;
• has excellent soundproofing indicators;
• withstands heat, frosts and temperature changes.

• Mice starts in the foam;
• In order not to write the manufacturer on the package, it melts and burns;
• highlights hazardous substances;
• He pulls moisture in himself.

Using extruded polystyrene foam

The application of extruded polystyrene foam as a heater is rather broad. When installing foundations, it serves as thermal insulation quite well.

In the construction industry, extruded polystyrene foam is already the most widely used material.

• low thermal conductivity;
• water resistance;
• Polistyle foam lasts more than 100 years;
• stable deformations;
• withstands any temperature changes;
• resistant to inorganic solvents;
• good, durable, unpretentious;
• It has a small weight.

• has high fire hazard;
• creates the effect of thermos;
• Perhaps the formation of mold and moss in the corners and at the joints;
• In addition to fastening on glue, it is necessary to fix each panel with fungi.

Foam VS extruded polystyrene foam

Regarding the debate over which type of foam is superior, information from various online sources may be highly contradictory. Since polystyrene is the same ingredient in both of these materials, there are some similarities between them. Nevertheless, there are still a lot of similarities and differences between extruded polystyrene and polystyrene.

• Foam does not differ in strength.
• Manufacturing technology.

The material that makes up polystyrene foam is polystyrene, which melts at high temperatures and has a granular structure. This leads to the formation of a single structure that serves as both sound and insulation. To make foam, the material is treated with dry steam. As such, the granules do not form a cohesive mass; instead, they just adhere to each other.

• Extruded polystyrene foam is made by extrusion, due to which it has a lower value of moisture collection compared to polystyrene. As for the foam, through its cells, the water, although slowly, can seep. Water access is possible only in cells that are on the side surfaces. That is, the whole plate of material does not absorb steam and moisture from outside.
• With noise insulation, the situation is similar.
• Extruded polystyrene foam has a density, which is 4 times higher. Polistyle foam is slightly heavier than the foam, which means it is able to withstand a large load.

It’s already becoming commonplace worldwide to gradually replace old foam with new extruded polystyrene foam. For instance, extrusion foam polystyrene is currently heavily restricted in the USA.

There are a few things to consider when choosing between foam and extruded polystyrene insulation for the exterior of your house. Homeowners often choose foam insulation because of its low cost and simplicity of installation. It can effectively insulate your home against heat loss and has a respectable degree of thermal resistance.

Conversely, extruded polystyrene foam provides better moisture resistance and compressive strength than ordinary foam. Because of this, it is especially appropriate for spaces that are exposed to moisture, like basements or the lower portions of facades. Other benefits include its longevity and capacity to retain insulation effectiveness over time.

Although foam insulation might be adequate for typical insulation requirements, extruded polystyrene foam is frequently chosen due to its improved performance under adverse circumstances. Because of its closed-cell structure, there is less chance of moisture absorption, which over time may cause mold growth or structural damage.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of insulation when it comes to the environment. Foam insulation lowers carbon emissions during shipping because it is typically lighter and easier to transport. Extruded polystyrene foam, on the other hand, is more resilient to deterioration and might last longer, which could lessen the overall environmental effect by requiring less replacements over time.

The decision between foam and extruded polystyrene foam insulation ultimately comes down to your personal requirements, financial constraints, and environmental factors. Extruded polystyrene foam is a dependable option for long-term facade insulation solutions due to its durability and resistance to moisture, although both options provide effective thermal insulation benefits.

Knowing the differences between foam and extruded polystyrene (XPS) is essential when choosing an insulating material for your home’s facade. Foam boards are an excellent option for projects on a tight budget because they are less expensive and simpler to install. However, XPS is much more durable and moisture resistant, which makes it perfect for places that get a lot of moisture or bad weather. Both materials offer good insulation, but to guarantee the best long-term performance and energy efficiency for your facade, you should take your budget, the climate in your area, and the particular requirements of your house into account.

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