Extruded Polystyrene Insulation FAQ

Got a Question? View our FAQ section below or simply contact your local Austech office.

 

What Is Foamular?

Foamular is a closed cell extruded polystyrene insulation board. View the Foamular Page for more information.

 

What Sort Of Projects Can Foamular Be Utilised On?

Foamular has a range of applications, from insulating commercial roofs, to insulating under house slabs. Visit the applications page for more information.

 

 

What Is The Difference Between Extruded And Expanded Polystyrene?

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is beads of polystyrene expanded by steam into blocks that are then cut into boards. This process leaves air gaps between the beads that absorb moisture which lessens thermal and physical performance.

Extruded polystyrene is a closed cell material with higher compressive strengths, R-values and moisture resistance than any grade of EPS. View the Extruded V's Expanded Press release for more information.

What Is R-value?

R-value is a measure of thermal resistance used frequently in the construction industry and is the standard for measuring insulations effectiveness.

 

 

What Are Foamular's Advantages?

Foamulars closed cell construction gives it many advantages over expanded polystyrene such as:

• Higher R-value per thickness

• No physical or thermal loss through moisture absorption

• Higher impact resistance

• A twenty year warranty

What Are The "R-values" Of Foamular?

• 50mm = R1.78

• 75mm = R2.67

• 100mm = R3.56

 

Why Do Some Other Products Have Much Higher R-values?

Generally, they don't. Many products falsely use the American system, not the Australian system, which has R-value ratings around 6 times greater than the Australian standard. So an R-value of R6.0 in America is around R1.0 in Australia.

Austech also uses the Australian standard temperature of 24°C, but if you use a smaller temperature, you get a greater R-value. For instance 50mm of Foamular has an R-value of R1.78 at 24°C but at minus 30°C this jumps to R2.22. If you are having difficulty understanding R-values, contact our technical assistants here.

 

Is Foamular Affected By Termites?

No. Foamular is not a food source for ants or termites but they may use it as a path to a food source. Standard termite protection processes should be used as with any other building materials.

 

Is Foamular Fire Rated?

Foamular has the following fire rated indices: Fire rated indices as1530.3

• Ignitability 9 (0-20)

• spread of flames 6 (0-10)

• Heat evolved 6 (0-10)

• smoke developed 8 (0-10)
  

Foamular Foil Faced Insulation is ideal for areas with high fire hazard, with a BCA Group Classification 1 (Specs C 1.10 & A2.4)

What Sizes And Thicknesses Are Available?

Foamular comes in various thicknesses, from 25mm up to 100mm. layers can be combines to reach desired R-value.

The standard board size is 2450 x 600 with a shiplap edge on the long sides plus Foamular 50mm is also available in 2450 x 1200.

 

Can I Go And Visit Some Projects That Use Foamular?

Yes, try our case studies for projects that have used our products, or contact us and we can recommend one in your area. Generally Extruded polystyrene is placed below a layer of finishing products, like ballast or render, so you rarely get to see it.

 

How Do I Fix Extruded Polystyrene To My Substrate?

This depends greatly on your application. When used as concrete roof insulation Extruded Polystyrene can be held in place with simple ballast, while we can provide specially designed washers for lightweight construction and high strength pins for precast insulation. Contact our technical advisors for fixing recommendations.

 

What Is Zero ODP?

Zero ODP means the product did not release any chemicals with Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) during construction. Foamular releases next to no ODP chemicals during construction, but if you need Zero ODP insulation, Polyboard Enviro 300 can assist you.

 

Still have a question? Contact your local Austech office or contact one of our technical advisors.