EPS insulation boards are widely used in insulation and building projects where reliable thermal insulation is needed. They are particularly common in external wall insulation (EWI) and ETICS applications, where insulation boards form an important part of the overall wall insulation system.
But what exactly are EPS insulation boards used for, and where can they be installed?
In this guide, we look at the main applications of EPS insulation boards, the different types available and how they fit into wider insulation systems.
What Are EPS Insulation Boards?
EPS stands for Expanded Polystyrene. EPS insulation boards are lightweight insulation products made by expanding polystyrene into a rigid board.
They are available in different thicknesses and can be used for a range of insulation applications. Infinity Property Management currently supplies EPS boards in several thickness options, including 20mm, 30mm, 50mm and 100mm, with both white and graphite ATLAS FASADA options available.
The exact board required will depend on the construction detail, insulation system and specification of the project.
What Are EPS Insulation Boards Used For?
1. External Wall Insulation
One of the main applications for EPS insulation boards is external wall insulation.
The boards can be installed to the outside of a building as part of an EWI system, helping create an insulated layer over the existing wall.
EPS boards are specifically listed for external thermal insulation of walls and façades, including applications using the ETICS method.
A typical EWI build-up may include several components, such as:
- EPS insulation boards
- Adhesive
- Mechanical insulation fixings
- Reinforcing mesh
- Basecoat
- Primer
- Decorative render
This means the EPS board is one part of a complete insulation system rather than a standalone finish.
2. ETICS Insulation Systems
EPS boards are also used in External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS).
In an ETICS installation, the insulation board is fixed to the building and then covered with reinforcement and finishing layers.
Infinity PM's ATLAS product range includes adhesives specifically designed for fixing white and graphite EPS boards within ETICS systems. Some products can also be used to create the reinforced layer over the insulation boards.
This makes EPS suitable for projects where insulation, reinforcement and a finished render system need to work together.
3. Thermal Insulation for Walls
EPS boards can be used to improve the thermal insulation of walls.
The ATLAS FASADA boards available through Infinity PM are described as being intended for the thermal insulation of walls, including façades. They can also be used on different wall constructions depending on the specified application and system requirements.
The thickness of the insulation board is an important consideration when specifying an insulation system. Different projects may require different board thicknesses depending on the building construction and required insulation performance.
4. Stud Wall Insulation
EPS boards can also be used on the surface of stud walls.
This provides another application beyond traditional masonry façade insulation. The suitability of a particular board and installation method will depend on the construction and the requirements of the project.
For professional projects, the insulation specification should always be checked against the relevant system requirements before installation.
5. Cavity Wall Applications
EPS boards can also have applications within cavity wall construction.
Infinity PM's EPS board information identifies uses including the thermal insulation of an enclosed cavity and a ventilated cavity, subject to the appropriate system and construction requirements.
This highlights why choosing the correct EPS board for the intended application is important. A product suitable for one insulation system should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for every type of wall construction.
6. Balconies and Loggias
Certain EPS boards can also be used for thermal insulation around balconies and loggias.
These areas can present particular detailing challenges because they connect the building envelope with external spaces. The insulation system needs to be selected and installed according to the construction detail.
ATLAS FASADA boards listed by Infinity PM include balconies and loggias among their stated applications.
7. Jambs and Lintels
EPS insulation boards can also be used around jambs and lintels.
These areas require careful detailing because openings in a building can create junctions within the insulation layer. Using appropriately specified insulation components can help maintain continuity around these areas.
The ATLAS FASADA product information specifically lists jambs and lintels among its applications.
White EPS vs Graphite EPS Boards
Not all EPS insulation boards are the same.
Infinity PM's range includes white EPS boards as well as graphite EPS boards. The graphite version contains graphite added during production, which improves its insulation properties and can allow a thinner board to achieve comparable thermal resistance in suitable applications.
The choice between white and graphite EPS should therefore be based on the requirements of the insulation system rather than simply choosing the thickest or most familiar board.
What Other Materials Are Used With EPS Boards?
EPS insulation boards are normally part of a wider insulation system.
For example, an EWI installation may require an adhesive for fixing the boards, reinforcement mesh, fixings, basecoat and a suitable render finish.
Infinity PM stocks products specifically designed to work with EPS insulation systems. Its ATLAS Grawis P adhesive is listed for fixing white and graphite EPS boards, while ATLAS Grawis U is described for fixing EPS boards and applying a reinforcement layer.
Other products, such as reinforcing mesh, insulation fixings and render systems, can then form part of the complete EWI build-up.
Are EPS Boards Suitable for Every Insulation Project?
No. The correct insulation material depends on the building, construction type, system specification and intended application.
EPS boards can be suitable for many applications, including EWI and ETICS, but the product specification needs to match the requirements of the project.
Factors to consider can include:
- Wall construction
- Required insulation thickness
- Type of insulation system
- Board specification
- Moisture exposure
- Location within the building
- Fixing method
- Render or finishing system
For example, Infinity PM's range also includes ATLAS FUNDAMENT boards intended for areas exposed to prolonged damp conditions, including certain foundation and below-ground applications.
This is why selecting insulation based solely on board thickness is not enough.
Choosing the Right EPS Insulation Boards
If you're sourcing EPS insulation boards for an EWI or building project, start by identifying the exact application.
For external wall insulation, consider the complete system rather than the board in isolation. The adhesive, fixings, reinforcement and render should all be compatible with the intended insulation system.
It is also important to select the correct board thickness and specification for the project rather than assuming one size will work for every application.
FAQs About EPS Insulation Boards
What does EPS stand for?
EPS stands for Expanded Polystyrene, a rigid insulation material commonly supplied in board form.
Can EPS insulation boards be used for EWI?
Yes. EPS boards are widely used in external wall insulation and ETICS applications. Infinity PM's ATLAS FASADA boards are specifically listed for external thermal insulation of walls and façades.
What thickness do EPS insulation boards come in?
Available thicknesses depend on the specific product. Infinity PM currently lists ATLAS FASADA EPS boards in 20mm, 30mm, 50mm and 100mm thicknesses.
Are graphite EPS boards different from white EPS boards?
Yes. Graphite is added during the production of some EPS boards to improve their insulation properties, allowing suitable applications to achieve better thermal resistance with a thinner board.
Can EPS boards be rendered?
EPS boards can form part of an EWI or ETICS system finished with a suitable basecoat, reinforcement and render system. Infinity PM supplies compatible ATLAS products for EPS insulation applications.
Final Thoughts
EPS insulation boards have a wide range of applications, but they are particularly relevant to external wall insulation and ETICS systems. They can also be used in suitable wall, cavity, balcony, loggia, jamb and lintel applications, depending on the specific product and construction.
The key is to choose the right board for the intended application and consider it as part of the wider insulation system.
For UK trade projects requiring EPS insulation boards, EWI materials, insulation fixings, mesh, adhesives and render products, Infinity Property Management offers a range of products through its online catalogue.