Three Foam Core Materials for Insulated Panels

Insulated panels are important materials in the construction industry. These products are designed and fabricated for installation in diverse areas in the building including walls, roof structure, foundation systems and the flooring. These panels are advantageous because they enhance the thermal and acoustic insulation properties in the building. Moreover, the products are easier to set up compared to traditional insulation. Generally, the structural insulated panel consists of a core that is sandwiched between rigid boards. The rigid boards can be constructed from diverse materials including plywood, cement and even sheet metal. The internal core is made from foam materials, and the choice will dictate the performance of the panels. Here are the main types of foams to consider choosing for your structural insulated panels.

Expanded Polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene is probably the most popular core foam used in the construction of insulated panels because it is a considerably cheap choice. It is a rigid material and relatively tough, so it is not prone to unexpected distortion. The polymer has a closed cell form, which makes the panels fairly impermeable to moisture. In addition, the formed foam is light weight, making it easy to handle and install during construction. On the other hand, you should note that expanded polystyrene has a low melting point, which means that exposure to heated tools when building can cause damage to the product.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane panels are relatively more expensive than expanded polystyrene. This foam material is non-flexible and highly resilient, which means that you will get prolonged service if you incorporate the product into your house. The structure of the polyurethane has a tight cell formation, which renders the foam highly impenetrable to vapour. This material has a high melting point, which makes it more resistant in case of a fire. Unfortunately, this property can also make installation fairly difficult, and consequently, you might be charged more for labour. For instance, the polyurethane foam will have to be drilled mechanically for wiring because heated tools would demand high energy levels. 

Extruded Polystyrene

Extruded polystyrene has higher thermal insulation properties compared to the expanded alternatives. However, you should note that the exact levels of conductivity can vary depending on the density of the specific product. Inquire about the specifics of your chosen insulated panel brand before making your purchase. In addition, the moisture resistance properties are better, so you can install the material in wet areas. 

For more information, contact local contractors that specialise in insulated panels installation.