How EPS Insulation Is Made And Installed
Expanded polystyrene foam insulation is a common type of insulation that's used in homes and commercial buildings. It's made into foam boards that are easy to work with and that have a high R-value, which is a measure of how well the insulation stops heat transfer. Here are some details about EPS insulation.
The Insulation Starts Out As Beads
The beads are expanded with steam and allowed to age. Then they're transferred into molds where the beads are expanded again to form big blocks. The blocks are allowed to age before they are cut into different sizes of blocks and boards.
The block can be cut into rectangles or squares to be used for roof insulation, insulation for subflooring, and wall insulation. The boards can even be sloped so they provide drainage for flat roofs. EPS insulation can be cut into blocks too. You could place small blocks inside the holes in concrete blocks to insulate them.
You can buy EPS insulation already cut to the size you want, or you can buy a big block after it has aged and cut the insulation to any size you need.
EPS Insulation Has Several Good Points
EPS boards can be made with a vapor barrier attached to them to eliminate the need to put down a vapor barrier before they're installed. The boards come in different densities, so you can choose the exact type of EPS insulation for your project.
EPS foam insulation doesn't soak up water like other types of foam insulation do, so it can be used belowground as well as on roofs. The foam also resists bacterial growth and decay, so the insulation lasts a long time. The boards and blocks can even contact the ground without worry over insect damage or rot.
EPS Foam Insulation Is Easy To Install
There are different ways to install this type of insulation. You might use fasteners, cleats, or adhesive depending on where the boards or blocks are being installed. Fasteners or cleats might be used for boards that are placed between floor joists. The boards can rest on the cleats, and since they're made of foam, the boards can be trimmed if odd shapes are encountered.
Bonding mortar might be used to attach the boards to a concrete block wall. The mortar is spread over the back of the board and then the board is pressed against the wall.
Another way to consider installing EPS foam insulation on walls is to use adhesive and spray the adhesive on the wall rather than on the boards. When the wall is ready, the foam boards can be pressed against the adhesive to make them secure.
Contact a contractor to learn more about EPS insulation.