Expanded Polystyrene is Valuable as Insulation

Polystyrene foam is one of the most commonly used materials in the world. We interact with it daily, whether or not we’re aware of it. Polystyrene is used everywhere, from coffee cups and food trays, to coolers, packaging materials, and even floatation ballast for docks. But its most useful application may be much more passive; foam plank insulation product, offering versatility, practicality, and affordability.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is created in massive, bulk block forms that can be formulated to many foam densities. For insulation purposes, blocks are cut into sheets of varying thickness for use in projects, and given a rating called an R-Value, which is a measure of thermal resistance. These sheets of insulation help prevent the temperature-treated air within the home from escaping, while resisting the transmission of outside temperatures into the home. The thicker the polystyrene sheet, the better it insulates. Density has an effect on insulation as well, as denser varieties perform better than less dense materials.  A different version of polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, uses gas in its structure that dissipates over time, reducing its insulation ability. Expanded polystyrene only uses normal air in its structure, and doesn’t lose performance over its life.

Besides its practical and efficient capabilities as insulation, EPS is utilized in many other jobs. It can be sculpted into detailed forms with computer-controlled machinery, making it a valuable home décor material for columns, balustrades and molding. EPS is very buoyant and water resistant as well, able to be used for cores in a self-built boat interior to boost buoyancy. It’s even cut into foam safety steps to assist older or smaller pets getting into vehicles or on couches.