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Is Polystyrene A Good Insulator For Walls, Roofs, And Floors?

Is Polystyrene A Good Insulator For Walls, Roofs, And Floors

Did you know that up to 40% of a home’s energy can be lost through poor insulation?

This stat highlights the crucial role of effective insulation in our homes.

As energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns grow, many homeowners are turning to polystyrene insulation as a potential solution.

But is it truly effective for walls, roofs, and floors?

Let’s dive into the world of polystyrene foam and explore its insulating properties.

What Makes Polystyrene Insulation Effective?

Polystyrene, especially in its expanded (EPS) and extruded (XPS) forms, is a type of plastic foam with a closed-cell structure. This structure is crucial to its insulating properties because it traps millions of tiny air pockets that resist heat transfer.

This means that polystyrene insulation works by blocking heat from entering or escaping your home, maintaining comfortable temperatures indoors year-round.

The polystyrene insulation R-value, which measures its ability to resist heat flow, is another key aspect. Generally, XPS foam has a higher R-value than EPS, making it more effective at maintaining temperature stability.

Polystyrene insulation panels typically offer excellent thermal performance due to this combination of air pockets and thermal resistance.

Insulating Properties Of Polystyrene

The insulating effectiveness of a material is typically measured by its R-value, which indicates its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

Let’s look at the typical R-values for polystyrene insulation:

TypeR-value per inch
EPS3.6 – 4.4
XPS4.5 – 5.0

These values demonstrate that polystyrene insulation is indeed an effective insulator. 

But how does it perform in different areas of the home?

How Does Polystyrene Insulation Perform In Different Areas Of The Home?

Polystyrene insulation can be applied to various parts of the home, including walls, roofs, and floors. 

Below is a detailed analysis of its effectiveness in these key areas:

Polystyrene Insulation In Walls

Polystyrene insulation panels are highly effective for insulating walls. They can be easily fitted between wall studs or applied as an external layer. The rigid nature of polystyrene boards makes them ideal for creating a continuous insulation barrier, minimising thermal bridging.

Benefits of wall insulation:

  • Excellent thermal performance
  • Moisture resistant
  • Easy to install
  • Doesn’t settle over time like some fibre insulations

Installation tip: Ensure a tight fit between panels to maximise insulation effectiveness.

Polystyrene For Roof Insulation

Roofs are a major source of heat loss in many homes, making proper insulation crucial. XPS foam is particularly well-suited for roof insulation due to its high compressive strength and moisture resistance.

Benefits of roof insulation:

  • High R-value per inch
  • Resistant to water absorption
  • Maintains performance over time
  • It can be used in both pitched and flat roof applications

Installation tip: For pitched roofs, install polystyrene boards between rafters. Consider using it as part of a warm roof system for flat roofs.

Underfloor Polystyrene Insulation

Underfloor polystyrene insulation is an excellent choice for improving the thermal efficiency of ground floors. It’s particularly effective in homes with suspended timber floors or when installing underfloor heating systems.

Benefits of floor insulation:

  • Reduces heat loss through the floor
  • Improves comfort by reducing cold floor surfaces
  • Resistant to ground moisture
  • High compressive strength suitable for load-bearing applications

Installation tip: Ensure a snug fit between joists and seal any gaps to prevent air infiltration.

 Comparing Polystyrene To Other Insulation Materials

When compared to other common insulation materials like glass wool, polyester, and mineral wool, polystyrene insulation offers a number of distinct advantages. 

Below is a comparison of polystyrene structure against other materials:

Insulation Material Thermal Performance Durability Moisture Resistance Cost
Polystyrene (XPS) High R-value, effective for all areas Very durable, with high compressive strength Excellent, resists mould growth Moderately priced
Glasswool Moderate R-value, good for walls and ceilings Can compact over time Poor, susceptible to moisture and mould Affordable
Polyester Moderate R-value, good for soundproofing Long-lasting but less durable than XPS foam Moderate, not suitable for wet areas Moderately priced
Mineral Wool High R-value, fire-resistant Durable but can settle over time Good moisture resistance Higher cost

Legal And Safety Considerations

Many people wonder, “Is polystyrene insulation legal?” The fact is that polystyrene is legal and is used expansively through many construction applications. However, certain building codes may be applied towards the use of these in terms of fire safety.

While modern polystyrene insulation panels are also drenched in fire retardants to enhance their safety character, it is worthy of note as to local building codes and to contract professional installation for the best results and compliance.

Environmental Considerations

Polystyrene is a good insulator. However, it is factually noted that the insulation of polystyrene foam is derived from petroleum products and never decomposes. Nevertheless, it can be recycled, and recycling percentages are now being escalated.

Some manufacturers offer recycled polystyrene insulation to reduce the negative impacts on the environment. While choosing an insulation, consider performance along with the environmental conditions.

Get Expert Insulation Advice Today

Would a polystyrene insulation application for your walls, roofs, or floors be suitable for your house? Let the team at AA Insulation guide you through this process and select the best materials to achieve maximum energy efficiency. Contact us today for a consultation so we can help you enhance the comfort level in your home without the increased costs of energy use.

Contact us now for a quotation or more information!

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