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Polystyrene insulation is a waterproof, long-lasting material commonly used in residential and commercial settings. Two types are used for insulation: expanded and extruded polystyrene. Extruded polystyrene is a superior choice due to its smooth surface and ability to be shaped into stackable panels or blocks. It can be expensive but can save money on heating and cooling costs. Drawbacks include flammability and degradation when exposed to high temperatures.
Polystyrene insulation is a type of rigid foam insulation commonly used in residential and commercial settings. It has an exceptional ability to insulate against noise and extreme temperatures. It is also waterproof and long lasting. These qualities combine to make polystyrene insulation an exceptionally useful product.
For insulation, two types of polystyrene are used: expanded and extruded polystyrene. Expanded polystyrene, also called bead board, has a lower density than the extruded type, and is less expensive, but it also has a slightly lower insulating power. This is due to its coarse cells and the fact that they contain only air. Extruded polystyrene insulation has finer cells or beads and contains a mixture of air and refrigerant gas, making it a better insulator.
Extruded polystyrene, due to the way it’s made, has other qualities that make it a superior choice for insulation. It begins as solid polystyrene crystals, which are combined with special additives and melted. In an extruder, temperature and pressure are tightly controlled to convert the crystals into a thick plastic fluid. This liquid is then forced into a mold or dies. Upon exiting the mold, it cools and expands into a foam, which can be cut or shaped to any specification.
This process gives extruded polystyrene insulation a smooth, even surface that is impossible to duplicate in other types of insulation. Its qualities also make it suitable for forming into stackable panels or blocks for the insulation of house walls. Foam can be easily cut to run electrical wires through or near it. These interlocking foam formations are often made with hollow regions that can be filled with concrete that creates a grid of columns and beams when dry.
Polystyrene insulation materials are often quite expensive and can add about five to ten percent to the cost of building a home. However, savings on heating and cooling can allow the homeowner to recoup the additional costs over the life of the structure. The concrete grid in the insulation offers its advantages in addition to polystyrene. These include being impervious to many pests such as termites which can cause structural damage to an ordinary wood frame home if left unchecked.
As with any alternative building material, polystyrene insulation has some drawbacks. In addition to the increased cost, it is also flammable and requires a flame retardant coating. It may also degrade slightly when exposed to sunlight or temperatures above 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees C). However, considering most home insulators are never exposed to that kind of temperature, it presents little practical risk.
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