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Polystyrene Thermal Insulation R-Values,
Specification & Technical Guide
What you should learn from this guide is that there are many products that can achieve the same thing.
In this guide we will show you how to compare different insulation products and options from a thermal insulation and costing perspective.
Our technical experts are always ready to assist you in any way we can. So speak to us if you need advice.
Polystyrene Thermal Insulation (R-Values)
Thermal insulation values and calculations are critical when designing, specifying and buying insulation products.
Extruded Polystyrene Insulation (SANBOARD) & Expanded Polystyrene insulation (PolyBoard) products have different insulation values and costs so here we will try to give you the tools and tables to compare the different products.
Thermal Insulation
K-Values
Thermal K-values, not to be confused with Thermal R-Values are simply shorthand for the thermal conductivity of specific materials.
Extruded Polystyrene
Insulation
Extruded Polystyrene insulation products like SANBOARD have a K-Value of 0.024.
Expanded Polystyrene
Insulation
Expanded Polystyrene insulation like PolyFloor, PolyWall & PolyRoof have a K-Value of 0.035
Polystyrene R-Value Calculations
Thermal R-Values are calculated the dividing the thickness of the material (in meters) by the K-Value of the material. So effectively, by changing the thickness of different insulation products you can achieve the same Thermal R-Value required.
SANBOARD
(Extruded Polystyrene Ceilings & Boards)
30mm - 1.000
40mm - 1.333
50mm - 1.667
60mm - 2.000
70mm - 2.333
80mm - 2.667
90mm - 3.000
100mm - 3.333
110mm - 3.666
120mm - 4.000
150mm - 5.000
Costing Extruded & Expanded Polystyrene Insulation Options
If you know the insulation values required you can now compare the costs of the Expanded Polystyrene & Extruded Polystyrene Thicknesses to achieve that thermal value.