Description

Robust XPS Sheets (Extruded Polystyrene Sheets)

Definition:
XPS sheets are high-performance insulation boards made from extruded polystyrene foam. They are lightweight, rigid, and provide excellent thermal insulation.

Key Features:

• High thermal resistance (R-value): Keeps buildings warm in winter and cool in summer.

• Water resistance: Low water absorption prevents moisture damage.

• High compressive strength: Can bear heavy loads, suitable for flooring and roofing.

• Durability: Resistant to mold, rot, and chemical damage.

• Lightweight and easy to install: Reduces construction time and labor costs.

Applications:

• Roof insulation (flat and sloped roofs)

• Wall insulation (external and internal)

• Basement and foundation insulation

• Flooring under concrete slabs

• Cold storage and refrigeration units

Advantages:

• Energy-efficient: Reduces heating and cooling costs

• Long-lasting: Can last for decades without performance loss

• Environmentally friendly: Often recyclable and reduces energy consumption

• Versatile: Can be cut, shaped, and installed in multiple construction areas

Comparison with Other Insulation Materials:

obust XPS Sheets (Jambolne) are premium-grade extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation boards engineered for superior thermal insulation and moisture resistance. Designed with precision and innovation, these sheets provide an unmatched balance of strength, lightweight construction, and thermal efficiency.

Key Features:

Thermal Efficiency: Exceptional thermal resistance (R-value), ensuring energy efficiency in both residential and commercial applications.
Moisture Resistance: Non-porous surface prevents water absorption, making it ideal for areas prone to moisture exposure.
Durability: High compressive strength supports heavy loads without deformation, ensuring longevity.
Versatility: Suitable for walls, roofs, floors, and foundations in diverse climates.
Eco-Friendly: Manufactured with sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
These sheets are perfect for builders, architects, and engineers looking to enhance energy efficiency and structural integrity. Whether for insulation in modern buildings or retrofitting older structures, Robust XPS Sheets (Jambolne) deliver reliable and consistent performance.

1. What are XPS Sheets?

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Sheets are a type of rigid foam insulation material produced by extruding polystyrene resin mixed with blowing agents. This process creates a closed-cell structure, giving XPS its strength, low water absorption, and excellent thermal insulation properties.

• Material Composition: Polystyrene polymer + additives for UV resistance and fire retardancy.

• Form Factor: Sheets of varying thicknesses (commonly 20mm to 100mm) and standard sizes like 600mm x 1200mm.

• Density: Typically ranges between 25–45 kg/m³ depending on application.

2. Technical Properties

Key Point: The closed-cell structure ensures that water, vapor, and moisture cannot penetrate, making XPS ideal for damp areas like basements and roofing.

3. Applications of XPS Sheets

XPS sheets are extremely versatile in construction and industrial applications:

1. Roof Insulation

   • Flat and sloped roofs

   • Protects against heat gain and prevents water seepage

   • Often used under bitumen waterproofing layers

2. Wall Insulation

   • External walls: Provides energy efficiency and reduces heating/cooling costs

   • Internal walls: Thermal comfort and sound insulation

3. Basements & Foundations

   • High compressive strength prevents deformation under soil pressure

   • Protects against water ingress in underground structures

4. Floor Insulation

   • Under concrete slabs, especially in heated floors

   • Reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency

5. Cold Storage & Refrigeration

   • Extremely effective in maintaining low temperatures

   • Used in warehouses, cold rooms, and transport refrigeration

6. Roads & Landscaping

   • Lightweight load-bearing panels for pavements and landscaping

   • Reduces settlement in soft soil areas

4. Advantages of XPS Sheets

1. Thermal Efficiency

   • Reduces energy consumption by maintaining stable indoor temperatures

   • Excellent for climates with extreme heat or cold

2. Moisture Resistance

   • Closed-cell structure prevents water absorption

   • Protects concrete and building structures from dampness

3. High Compressive Strength

   • Supports heavy loads, making it ideal for flooring and roof insulation

   • Maintains shape under long-term load

4. Durability

   • Resistant to mold, fungi, and decay

   • Long lifespan of 25–50 years with minimal maintenance

5. Lightweight and Easy to Install

   • Can be cut, shaped, and adhered easily with adhesives or mechanical fixings

   • Reduces labor costs and construction time

6. Eco-Friendly Options

   • Some XPS boards are made from recyclable materials

   • Helps reduce the carbon footprint of buildings

5. Installation Tips

• Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and level before placing XPS sheets

• Use adhesive or mechanical fasteners to fix sheets in place

• Overlap joints and seal gaps with foam or tape to maintain insulation efficiency

• In roofing, place XPS above the waterproofing membrane or within the insulation layer depending on design

• For basements, ensure proper drainage and apply waterproofing before installing XPS

6. Comparison with Other Insulation Materials

Why XPS is preferred: The combination of water resistance, compressive strength, and thermal insulation makes it ideal for demanding construction environments.

7. Precautions and Considerations

• Avoid prolonged UV exposure; use protective layers when exposed outdoors

• Not suitable for temperatures above 75°C continuously

• Ensure fire safety compliance in buildings; use fire-resistant coatings if needed

• Avoid using in areas with chemical exposure that can degrade polystyrene

XPS Sheets – Detailed Overview

1. Definition and Composition:
XPS sheets (Extruded Polystyrene Sheets) are rigid foam boards produced through an extrusion process that creates a closed-cell structure. This structure gives XPS sheets their key properties: low water absorption, high compressive strength, thermal insulation, and durability. The material is composed primarily of polystyrene with additives for fire retardancy, UV resistance, and improved mechanical performance.

2. Key Properties:

• Closed-Cell Structure: Prevents water infiltration and maintains insulation performance over time.

• Lightweight and Rigid: Easy to transport and handle while offering high load-bearing capacity.

• Thermal Efficiency: Offers excellent thermal resistance (R-value), reducing energy costs in buildings.

• Moisture Resistance: Ideal for areas prone to dampness, like basements and rooftops.

• Durability: Resistant to mold, rot, and chemical damage.

3. Dimensions and Grades:

• Thickness: 20mm – 100mm (depending on application)

• Standard Sheet Size: 600mm × 1200mm (other sizes available on request)

• Density: 25–45 kg/m³

• Compressive Strength: 200–700 kPa

4. Applications:

• Roof Insulation: Reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter; suitable for flat, sloped, and green roofs.

• Wall Insulation: For exterior and interior walls; improves thermal comfort and prevents moisture penetration.

• Basements & Foundations: Protects against water seepage, dampness, and structural damage.

• Floor Insulation: Under concrete slabs for heated floors or heavy-load areas.

• Cold Storage & Refrigeration: Maintains low temperatures efficiently in warehouses and transport containers.

• Road & Landscaping Projects: Reduces settlement pressure on soft soils and provides thermal insulation where needed.

5. Advantages of XPS Sheets:

• High thermal insulation efficiency

• Water-resistant and mold-resistant

• Long-lasting performance (25–50 years)

• High compressive strength for load-bearing applications

• Easy to cut, shape, and install

• Environmentally friendly and energy-efficient

• Versatile for multiple construction uses

6. Installation Guidelines:

• Surface must be clean, dry, and level

• Use adhesives or mechanical fasteners for secure installation

• Seal joints with foam or tape to prevent thermal bridging

• In roofs, can be placed above or below waterproofing membranes

• Ensure proper drainage for basement and foundation applications

7. Comparison with Other Insulation Materials:

8. Why Choose Robust Construction Chemicals’ XPS Sheets:

• Superior quality and tested to meet international standards

• Provides long-term thermal and moisture protection

• Easy and versatile installation across multiple applications

• Cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for buildings

XPS Sheet Installation Guide

Proper installation of XPS sheets is crucial to maximize their thermal efficiency, moisture resistance, and structural performance. The following steps provide a comprehensive method for installing XPS sheets in various applications:

1. Surface Preparation

• Ensure the surface (roof, wall, floor, or basement) is clean, dry, and level.

• Remove debris, dust, loose particles, or moisture to guarantee proper adhesion.

• For uneven surfaces, use a self-leveling compound or screed before laying XPS sheets.

2. Layout Planning

• Measure the area accurately to determine the number and size of XPS sheets required.

• Plan the staggered layout to avoid aligning joints in consecutive rows, which prevents thermal bridging and improves insulation efficiency.

3. Fixing Methods

• Adhesive Fixing: Apply a suitable construction adhesive or thin-bed mortar on the back of the sheet. Press firmly to secure the sheet to the substrate.

• Mechanical Fixing: For walls, roofs, or vertical applications, use special fasteners or anchors to ensure the sheets stay firmly in place.

• Ensure full contact between the sheet and the substrate to prevent air gaps, which reduce insulation effectiveness.

4. Joint Sealing

• Align the sheets edge-to-edge and seal gaps using polyurethane foam, tape, or compatible sealant.

• Sealing prevents heat loss, moisture penetration, and air leakage.

5. Multi-Layer Installation (if required)

• For high-performance insulation, multiple layers of XPS sheets can be applied.

• Stagger joints between layers to eliminate continuous thermal bridges.

6. Roofing Applications

• XPS sheets can be installed above or below waterproofing membranes depending on roof design.

• For exposed applications, consider a protective screed, ballast, or membrane to shield XPS from UV exposure.

7. Basement and Foundation Applications

• Ensure proper drainage systems are in place to avoid water accumulation.

• Apply waterproofing membranes before installing XPS sheets against foundation walls.

• Place sheets vertically or horizontally based on wall structure and layout.

8. Floor Applications

• Install XPS sheets under concrete slabs to improve energy efficiency in heated floors or cold storage areas.

• Ensure sheets are properly supported to handle construction loads.

9. Cold Storage & Refrigeration

• XPS sheets must be tight-fitted with sealed joints to maintain temperature stability.

• Protect the sheets from mechanical damage during installation using temporary covers or boards.

10. Finishing

• Once sheets are installed, protect them with suitable surface finishes, like cement screed, tiles, or protective membranes, depending on the application.

• Check for gaps, misalignment, or compression and correct immediately to maintain optimal insulation performance.

Tips for Best Results:

• Always use manufacturer-recommended adhesives and fasteners.

• Avoid cutting XPS sheets with tools that generate heat, as this may melt edges.

• Store sheets flat in a dry, shaded area before installation to prevent warping or moisture absorption.

• Regularly inspect joints and edges during installation to ensure continuous insulation coverage.