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Insulation Technology, Inc. manufactures EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Insulation in many shapes and sizes for a broad range of insulating applications.

EPS is a closed cell, light-weight, resilient, foamed plastic composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. EPS has a compressive strength between 10-60 psi for most construction applications. Within that range EPS can be molded to meet specific application requirements.

Applied in foundations, walls and roofs, EPS has a successful history of efficient use in industrial, commercial, cold storage and residential buildings. Where energy efficiency and cost effectiveness have long been primary design considerations, architects have made EPS the dominant thermal insulation.

Wall & Foundation Application

Long-term Insulation Value
EPS insulation (1.0 pcf) provides a typical R-value of 3.85 per inch (k-factor =0.26) at a mean temperature of 75°F, and a typical R-value of 4.17 per inch (k-factor = 0.24) at a mean tem-perature of 40°F. R-value means the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat flow. When properly installed and protected from moisture, the R-value of EPS insulation remains constant. This is because the cellular structure of EPS contains only stabilized air. The R-value of EPS will not decrease with age. As a result, the thermal resistance, or R-value, of EPS may be used without any adjustment for aging.

Moisture Resistance
A study by the Energy Materials Testing Lab (EMTL) has shown that EPS insulation installed in well constructed roofs does not absorb appreciable moisture, even under conditions characteristic of prolonged, cold, damp winters. The small amount of moisture absorbed (an average of 0.2% by weight) has little or no effect on the compressive or flexural strength, and the EPS insulation retains between 95% and 97% of its thermal efficiency.

Though it has a low water vapor transmission, EPS is not a vapor barrier. Rather, it "breathes" and, therefore, needs no costly venting as do some other relatively impermeable insulation materials which could otherwise trap moisture within walls and roof assemblies.

Roofing Application

Temperature Cycling
EPS is able to withstand the abuse of temperature cycling, assuring long-term performance. In a series of tests conducted by Dynatech Research and Development Co., Cambridge, Mass., core specimens removed from existing freezer walls, some as old as 16 years, demonstrate EPS withstands freeze-thaw cycling without loss of structural integrity or other physical properties.

Environmental Impact
EPS insulation is an inert, organic material produced from petroleum and natural gas by-products. EPS insulation does not contain chlorofluo-rocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluo-rocarbons (HCFCs). It is manufac-tured with hydrocarbon blowing agents. It provides no nutritive value to plants, animals or micro-organisms. It will not rot, and is highly resistant to mildew.

EPS is recyclable. After its original life as insulation, EPS could be recycled into a variety of consumer and indus-trial products. Many EPS molders have been reprocessing their own in-plant scrap for many years. An infrastructure for the collection of EPS is being developed, making it possible to produce products containing post consumer recycled EPS materials. EPS molders can now provide you with a place to return scrap EPS construction insulation as well as offer recycled content products when specified or desired.

Strength Characteristics
For foundation and wall applications in which EPS bears a minimal load, ASTM C 578-92 Type I EPS material is adequate. The resilience of EPS insulation board provides reasonable absorption of building movement without transferring stress to the outer skins at the joints. In roofing, Type I EPS material provides the dimensional stability and compressive strength necessary to withstand light roof traffic and equipment weight at reasonably high surface temperatures. If greater rigidity and strength are needed, compressive strengths up to 60 psi are available. Please contact us for recommendations regarding your particular application.

Standards Compliance
EPS insulation may be manufactured to meet or exceed the requirements of major building codes, ASTM C 578-92, HUD Use of Materials Bulletin #71, and DOE/RCS Standards.

Types and Sizes
In addition to standard EPS board insulation, various types of laminated products are available. These laminates, such as film or foil facings, improve board strength and weather-ability and can provide additional R-value when used in conjunction with an air space. Prefabricated EPS core panels, laminated with metal and/or wood skins, are also available for wall and roof applications. EPS insulation is generally available in thicknesses ranging from 1/2" to 20", widths from 6" to 48" and lengths ranging from 48" to 192".

For more information about Insulation Technology Inc.'s products, please contact us online or give us a call at 508 697-6926.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and welcome the opportunity to quote your next project.