Polystyrene sheets NZ are an easy and versatile solution for insulation and packaging needs. Their water resistance, compressive strength and thermal protection make them a popular choice across New Zealand.
EPS insulation is ideal for under concrete slab floors, in timber stud walls and blocks or for cladding and roof insulation. It is available in a variety of densities for residential applications and will achieve R-values above building regulations.
Koolfoam XPS
XPS insulation offers high thermal performance to reduce energy costs and enhance building comfort. Its closed-cell structure minimises air movement and heat conduction to achieve superior insulating properties. It also prevents moisture damage and supports sustainable construction practices.
Unlike EPS, XPS has higher water vapour diffusion resistance. This makes it ideal for wet environments like below grade and inverted commercial foundation applications. Moreover, its closed-cell structure resists water pickup from the ground surface.
XPS is manufactured from one single material, making it easier to recycle than PIR and PUR. In addition, its long lifespan provides significant savings across the raw materials, manufacturing, and disposal cycle. It is also a BREEAM A-rated product, showing that plastics can be used to build for the future. It is a durable, low-maintenance insulation that can withstand over 1000 freeze/thaw cycles. Besides being an effective insulator, XPS can block noise and support a healthy indoor climate. It is easy to install using glue or cement mortar.
Styroboard EPS
Styroboard EPS is an innovative insulation material that can be used for a variety of applications. It is made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), a byproduct of oil refining. It is lightweight and has excellent heat retention. It is also highly resilient and has a high resistance to earthquakes and tremors.
The raw material for EPS is solid beads of styrene polymerised with pentane as a foaming agent. These beads are then heated with steam and expanded to 40 times their original size, forming closed cells of EPS. The EPS is then moulded into blocks or customised shapes, such as a rafter for a roof.
This insulation has the added benefit of being fire retardant. It does not produce ozone depleting gases and does not contain CFCs. It is also non-toxic, and it does not contaminate ground water or cause any adverse effects to health. Styroboard EPS also reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It can also be a cost-effective alternative to traditional materials.
EXPOL ThermaSlab
EXPOL ThermaSlab is a high-performance under concrete floor insulation product that provides thermal protection and a warm, healthy, dry indoor environment for building occupants while reducing heating and cooling costs. It is an environmentally sound EPS – Expanded Polystyrene insulation that doesn’t degrade over time and can last for the life of the building. This product is easy to cut, resistant to water and won’t support the growth of mould or bacteria.
This underfloor insulation is available in densities that are suitable for residential floors. It can achieve R values above the minimum requirements of New Zealand’s residential tenancies act, so is ideal for personal houses or rental properties.
It can also be used in cladding, wall, and skillion roof insulation projects. It is kiln dried, easy to cut and has good compressive strength and moisture resistance. It is also lightweight and a great choice for bushfire areas. EXPOL ThermaSlab meets the manufacturing standard AS 1366 Part 3 1992.
EPS Foam
EPS foam is an excellent construction material that can be used for a variety of applications. It is lightweight, strong and durable, and provides good thermal resistance. It is also affordable and easy to work with. However, this type of insulation can be flammable and should not be used in structures that will be exposed to flames or fire.
The term “styrofoam” is often used interchangeably with EPS foam, although styrofoam is a trademarked product of Dow Chemical Company. In a general sense, it can be used to refer to any foamed polystyrene, but technically it should only be used for extruded closed-cell EPS made specifically for crafts and insulation. It can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes, and is available in many different thicknesses. It is also extremely water resistant and possesses low vapor permanence. EPS can be injected with flame retardant for additional fire safety. This can be particularly helpful when working with EPS in areas where sparks or dross are likely to occur.