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Insulation boards are a game-changer for energy-efficient buildings, offering high thermal performance in a compact, easy-to-install format. But with so many options—XPS, EPS, PIR, and more—how do you choose the right one? At Beijing Soho Group, our high-compressive-strength XPS insulation boards stand out for their durability, moisture resistance, and versatility across walls, roofs, and floors. This guide dives into the different types of insulation boards, compares their strengths, and answers key questions like “What are the different types of board insulation?” and “Which is better, EPS or XPS?” to help you make an informed decision.
Insulation boards are rigid panels designed to reduce heat loss, enhance energy efficiency, and improve comfort in buildings. Made from materials like extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyisocyanurate (PIR), or polyurethane (PU), they’re used in roofs, walls, floors, and underfloor heating systems. Their closed-cell or fibrous structures provide excellent thermal resistance, with some offering additional benefits like moisture resistance or fire protection.
Beijing Soho’s XPS insulation boards, with a thermal conductivity of ≤0.03 W/mK and compressive strength up to 1000 KPa, are ideal for demanding applications, from residential homes to commercial buildings.
Understanding the four common types of insulation boards—XPS, EPS, PIR, and PU—helps you select the best fit for your project. Here’s a detailed look at each.
XPS boards, like Beijing Soho’s, are dense, closed-cell foam panels known for their high compressive strength (200–1000 KPa) and low thermal conductivity (≤0.03 W/mK). They offer excellent moisture resistance (≤1% absorption), making them ideal for below-grade applications, floors, and wet environments. With an R-value of ~5.0 per inch, XPS is durable, lightweight, and easy to cut, perfect for walls, roofs, and underfloor heating.
EPS boards are cost-effective, with a lower density and R-value (~4.6 per inch). They‘’re versatile for roofs, walls, and insulated concrete forms but absorb more moisture (2–4%) and have lower compressive strength (100–300 KPa), limiting their use in high-load or humid conditions. EPS is often chosen for budget-conscious projects.
PIR boards offer the highest R-value (5.8 per inch) and strong fire resistance (B1 rating), making them popular for roofing. However, their higher cost ($0.70/sq.ft. for 1-inch) and moderate moisture resistance (1–2%) make them less versatile than XPS for floors or basements. PIR is always faced, often with foil for vapor resistance.
PU boards provide excellent insulation (~0.022 W/mK) and are durable, with good moisture resistance. They’re commonly used in cold storage or roofing but are more expensive than XPS and less compressive (100–300 KPa), restricting their use in heavy-load applications.
Table 1: Comparison of Insulation Boards
| Type | R-Value (per inch) | Thermal Conductivity (W/mK) | Compressive Strength (KPa) | Moisture Resistance | Cost (USD/sq.ft., 1-inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPS (Beijing Soho) | ~5.0 | ≤0.03 | 200–1000 | Excellent (≤1%) | $0.42 |
| EPS | ~4.6 | ~0.035–0.040 | 100–300 | Moderate (2–4%) | $0.30 |
| PIR | ~5.8 | ~0.018–0.022 | 150–400 | Good (1–2%) | $0.70 |
| PU | ~5.5 | ~0.022 | 100–300 | Good (1–2%) | $0.50 |
Strength is critical for applications like floors or below-grade insulation, where boards face heavy loads or pressure. XPS is the strongest insulation board, with Beijing Soho’s boards offering compressive strengths up to 1000 KPa, far surpassing EPS (100–300 KPa), PIR (150–400 KPa), and PU (100–300 KPa). This makes XPS ideal for high-traffic floors, car park decks, or basements, where it withstands up to 30 tonnes/m² without deformation.
The debate between XPS and EPS often comes down to performance, durability, and cost. Here’s a breakdown:
Thermal Efficiency: XPS (5.0 R/inch) slightly outperforms EPS (4.6 R/inch), with a lower thermal conductivity (≤0.03 vs. 0.035–0.040 W/mK).
Moisture Resistance: XPS’s closed-cell structure absorbs ≤1% water, compared to EPS’s 2–4%, making XPS better for wet environments like basements or bathrooms.
Compressive Strength: XPS (200–1000 KPa) is stronger than EPS (100–300 KPa), ideal for load-bearing applications.
Cost: EPS is cheaper (~$0.30/sq.ft. vs. $0.42/sq.ft. for 1-inch), but XPS’s longevity and performance justify the cost.
Sustainability: Beijing Soho’s XPS is fluorine-free, bromine-free, and SGS-certified non-toxic, while EPS may attract insects if untreated.
Verdict: XPS is better for demanding applications requiring strength, moisture resistance, and durability, while EPS suits budget-friendly projects with less exposure to moisture or loads.
Table 2: XPS vs. EPS at a Glance
| Feature | XPS (Beijing Soho) | EPS |
|---|---|---|
| R-Value (per inch) | ~5.0 | ~4.6 |
| Moisture Absorption | ≤1% | 2–4% |
| Compressive Strength | 200–1000 KPa | 100–300 KPa |
| Cost (USD/sq.ft.) | ~$0.42 | ~$0.30 |
| Best Use | Floors, basements, wet areas | Walls, roofs, low-load areas |
Beijing Soho’s XPS boards offer unique advantages, making them a top choice for diverse projects:
High Thermal Efficiency: Reduces energy costs by 30–50% with ≤0.03 W/mK conductivity.
Unmatched Strength: Supports heavy loads, perfect for floors and below-grade use.
Moisture Resistance: ≤1% absorption prevents mold, ideal for bathrooms or basements.
Easy Installation: Lightweight (1200x600mm or 2400x600mm) and pre-cut for quick setup.
Eco-Friendly: Non-toxic, fluorine-free materials support green building standards.
Applications:
Roofs: Insulates flat or pitched roofs, reducing heat loss.
Walls: Enhances thermal efficiency in cavity or external walls.
Floors: Supports underfloor heating or high-traffic areas.
Basements: Resists moisture and pressure in below-grade insulation.
At Beijing Soho Group, our high-compressive-strength XPS insulation boards are designed to deliver superior thermal efficiency, durability, and sustainability for your building projects. With low thermal conductivity (≤0.03 W/mK), compressive strength up to 1000 KPa, and customizable thicknesses (30–50mm), they’re perfect for roofs, walls, floors, and more. Whether you’re insulating a home or a commercial space, our eco-friendly, SGS-certified boards ensure long-term performance.
