Among the many options available for rigid roof insulation, EPS insulation stands out as the best one. The roof assembly is one of the most important and significant expenditures that every building owner experiences. The roof assembly expenditure includes the roof deck, waterproofing membrane, installation, insulation, maintenance, and repair. Roof system designers find that the system with EPS as insulating material can meet the increasing demand for insulation in buildings. Contractors have concluded that expanded polystyrene in UAE is the best option for roof and ceiling insulation.
EPS is a lightweight, foamed plastic that is perfect for insulation. When EPS is appropriately installed, it can offer effective water resistance, long-term R-value, dimensional stability, and energy savings. Reduce the exposure of EPS to moisture; then it can show excellent durability. EPS insulation is suitable for every commercial roof system. EPS can be a cost-effective solution and exhibits consistent thermal performance. For traditional built-up systems and single-ply roofing systems, flat or tapered foam insulation is used.
Benefits of EPS
Energy efficiency
Energy and resource conservation is a pressing issues when deciding the materials to be used in construction. Technological developments always help the construction industry to increase the thermal performance of buildings. Beyond R-value, there are many factors that can affect thermal performance. Those are air infiltration, thermal shorts, poor quality, and poor construction details. In addition, EPS insulation efficiency and durability vary based on geographical regions.
EPS insulation shows no loss in efficiency and no deterioration in R-value for the long term. However, thermal drift can also affect the performance of the insulation products. Depending on the insulation material used, the R-value will be reduced with the decreasing quality of the material used. So when considering the performance of the insulation material, one should consider these factors.
At the time of manufacturing, some blowing agents are used in the insulation material. These gases increase the R-value, but after certain days, the performance of the material decreases as the gases diffuse out of the foam used while installing the roof system. But in the case of EPS, no such gases are blown into the material. So for a more extended period, the EPS insulation can retain its R-value. That is the reason the usage of EPS can enhance the resource and energy conservation process.
Growth of Molds
Moisture plays a significant role in protecting the insulation of the roof system. Molds can grow almost anywhere where moisture is present. So the manufacturers of the construction materials claim that their material is “mold-proof.” So controlling the presence of water on the roof and moisture is crucial. Interestingly the EPS has exhibited no growth of the mold even in the presence of moisture.
EPS is a nonhygrospoic material. It doesn’t absorb the water or humidity from the atmosphere. The closed-cell arrangement of the EPS inhibits water from seeping into it. As a result, water can not migrate into the EPS insulation material. Surprisingly, EPS insulation can retain its thermal efficiency and compressive strength.
Protecting Environment
In recent days entire world started practicing green or environmentally friendly construction processes. It has become difficult for contractors to choose the best eco-friendly options for construction with the many available options. While choosing the insulation material, the builders have to consider durability. They have to ensure that the material retains thermal properties, flexural strength, and dimensional stability.
EPS is a green insulation option for builders. They are manufactured from recycled products. It doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion. EPS doesn’t contain CFCs or HCFCs. Other insulation materials contain these gases.
Applications
The main application in roof and ceiling insulations are as follows:
Under-roof tile insulation
EPS insulating panels are fitted against the roof under the tiles. The installation of the EPS panels can give the room thermal and acoustic insulation. Due to the lightweight of the material, those can be fitted easily. EPS is light because it is 98% of air. Therefore, compared to the other insulating material the, load on the beams is minimal in the case of EPS.
Flat Roof Insulation
The EPS panels can be installed above the waterproofing membrane for additional thermal insulation in the flat roof buildings.
Ceiling Insulation
The ceiling trusses can be filled with EPS. The EPS has the flexibility to be cut in the desired size and shape. The trusses can be filled perfectly without any leaks in the ceiling. The insulated ceiling can be washable as EPS is a water-resistant material. Painting is not required after the installation of EPS panels.
Conclusion
EPS has become an excellent eco-friendly insulating material with increasing demand all over the world. It has a low surface emission, which makes it an excellent thermal-resistant material. Its low heat capacity and conductivity can help conserve energy in commercial and residential buildings. Enormous benefits are going to be unearthed in the coming years with the extensive research going on about EPS.
