What is EPS?

Expanded Polystyrene Insulation also known as EPS is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation.  EPS is available in several compressive strengths to withstand load and back-fill forces. This closed-cell structure provides minimal water absorption and low vapor permanence.

EPS is commonly used as a building material for walls, foundations and roofing. There are many benefits to selecting EPS products:

• No growth of bacteria,nor will it decay over time
• Constant thermal resistance
• Dimensional stability
• Chemical inertness
• Sustainability
• Measurable energy savings
• Long-term R-value (“R” is the resistance to heat flow)
  
• Strength
• Energy efficiency
• All at a low cost

Manufacturing Process

Raw beads are expanded using steam, creating pre puff beads, which are then cured in large bags before being conveyed to the mold.  Once in the mold, the pre puff beads are again steamed to form a block 37 by 49 by lengths ranging from 10 feet to 18 feet.  The blocks are then placed on the storage floor to age for the appropriate length of time before being cut into various shapes and sizes.  Blocks are produced in several densities to meet specific project needs.

Standard EPS Sizes & Density

ICA’s “out-of-the-mold” block size is 37 inches by 49 inches with  lengths variable from 120 inches to 216 inches. Although ICA does not stock any cut foam, regularly cut sizes are: 48 inches by 96 inches and 24 inches by 96 inches. Almost any size is available as a custom order.

Thickness: 1/4″ to 37″
Lengths: Up to 216″ (18′)
Widths: Up to 48″
Densities: 1lb to 2lbs

Density is a measure of mass per volume. EPS is measured in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/pcf). ICA manufactures expanded polystyrene in the following nominal densities:

0.70 lbs/pcf
1.00 lbs/pcf
1.25 lbs/pcf
1.50 lbs/pcf
2.00 lbs/pcf

Additional densities available by custom order.

Environmental Concerns

 EPS is extremely “GREEN”.  NEVER any CFC’s, NEVER any HCFC’s.

Expanded Polystyrene has always been CFC- and HCFC-free.  Environmentally conscious, ICA installed a pentane recycling plant several years ago to reduce the amount of potential pollutants released into the atmosphere.  We recapture the excess pentane from our manufacturing process and reroute it through our boiler to reduce the amount of natural gas we use.  Our in-house EPS trim is also reused, and we will accept clean, recyclable EPS from our customers for reprocessing rather than see it go to a landfill.  All of these actions help to keep the air of our planet cleaner and lessen the impact of landfills on the population.

EPS Insulation is an organic material produced from crude oil by-products which does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). For more information on EPS visit EPS Molders Association.