Extruded polystyrene boards (XPS) are widely used in the construction and other engineering fields due to their excellent thermal insulation, compression resistance, and moisture-proof properties. Boards of different specifications and sizes are suitable for a variety of application scenarios.
1. Roof insulation
Thickness: 50–100 mm; dimensions: 1200 × 600 mm are commonly used: Roof insulation must consider both thermal insulation performance and roof load-bearing capacity. A thickness of 50–100 mm effectively reduces heat transfer between indoor and outdoor environments, maintains stable indoor temperatures, and reduces energy consumption. The 1200×600 mm dimensions are moderate, making them easy for construction workers to transport and install, and they can effectively cover the roof, minimizing joint gaps and reducing the risk of heat loss through gaps. Such specifications of extruded polystyrene boards are commonly used for roofs of ordinary residential buildings, office buildings, and other structures. If the roof is a pedestrian roof, considering the pressure caused by human activity, a slightly higher density and stronger extruded polystyrene board may be chosen, with the thickness still within this range, to balance thermal insulation and compressive strength.
2. Wall Insulation
Exterior walls: Common thicknesses are 30–50 mm, with dimensions typically 1200×600 mm or 1200×900 mm. As the direct barrier between the building and the external environment, exterior walls have higher insulation requirements. A thickness of 30–50 mm meets basic thermal insulation needs, effectively preventing heat from entering or escaping the interior. Larger dimensions such as 1200×900 mm reduce the number of board joints, improving construction efficiency while ensuring the integrity of the wall insulation and minimizing the likelihood of thermal bridges at joints. In colder regions, the thickness may be appropriately increased to 50mm or even thicker to enhance insulation performance.
Interior walls: A thickness of 20–30mm is sufficient, with dimensions such as 600×600mm being smaller specifications. Interior wall insulation is primarily used to regulate temperature differences between different areas indoors or reduce heat transfer between adjacent rooms. Thinner extruded polystyrene boards can meet these requirements while saving space. Smaller sizes facilitate flexible installation in complex indoor spatial structures, such as corners, around doors and windows, etc.
3. Floor insulation
Underfloor heating systems: Thicknesses of 20–30 mm are common, with dimensions predominantly 600×1200 mm. In underfloor heating systems, extruded polystyrene boards primarily prevent heat from transferring downward, thereby improving underfloor heating efficiency. A thickness of 20–30 mm effectively achieves thermal insulation without excessively increasing floor height, which could affect indoor space layout. The 600×1200 mm size facilitates coordination with floor heating pipe installation, simplifying construction operations.
Floor moisture-proof insulation (e.g., basement floors): Thickness ranges from 30–50 mm, with dimensions selected based on basement space size, commonly 1200×600 mm. Basement environments are humid, so in addition to insulation, extruded polystyrene boards must also have excellent moisture-proofing performance. Thicker boards can better block moisture from the soil and prevent condensation on the floor. Larger-sized boards reduce gaps during installation, lowering the risk of moisture intrusion.
4. Cold storage engineering
Thickness: 50–100 mm, dimensions: 600×1200 mm, etc.: Cold storage facilities require strict temperature control, placing extremely high demands on the insulation performance of extruded polystyrene boards. A thickness of 50–100 mm ensures a stable low-temperature environment inside the cold storage facility, reduces heat loss, and lowers energy consumption. The 600×1200mm size facilitates large-area installation on cold storage walls and floors, ensuring the continuity and integrity of insulation. Additionally, extruded polystyrene boards used in cold storage must have excellent moisture-proof and freeze-resistant properties to withstand long-term low-temperature and high-humidity environments.
5. Special Irregular Structures
Such as pipe wrapping and curved walls: Customized special-sized extruded polystyrene boards are required. Customized XPS boards can be produced according to specific dimensions such as pipe diameter or curved wall radius. For example, XPS boards can be cut into specific arcs for curved wall insulation or molded into tubular shapes for pipe insulation. Some manufacturers also offer custom services such as edge grooving or surface grooving to facilitate board installation and assembly, meeting the insulation requirements of special-shaped structures.
