The decision to insulate a house is an investment that translates into occupant comfort and significant energy savings for many years to come. Among the solutions available on the market, swissporXPS (extruded polystyrene) boards are growing in popularity, especially in applications requiring increased resistance to moisture and mechanical pressures. swisspor is a Swiss brand that sets quality standards in this product category.
What is swissporXPS and why should you choose it?
SwissporXPS boards are extruded polystyrene characterized by a closed cell structure, which provides excellent insulating properties and minimal water absorption. Unlike traditional EPS polystyrene, XPS boards are much more resistant to moisture, making them ideal for insulating elements exposed to ground water and precipitation.
A wide range of types of swissporXPS boards
© swisspor
Main advantages of swissporXPS:
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Low thermal conductivity coefficient (lambda about 0.033-0.035 W/m-K).
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Virtually zero water absorption due to closed cells.
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High compressive strength, which prevents deformation under load.
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Resistance to mold, fungi and biological processes.
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Long-term stability of insulation parameters.
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Ease of processing and installation.
Smooth vs. waffled surface - key differences
swissporXPS is available in two surface variants, each designed for different applications. Both feature boards with straight or milled edges. Understanding the differences between swissporXPS boards with smooth and waffled surfaces is key to proper insulation.
swissporXPS boards with a smooth surface (swissporXPS 300) - are characterized by an even, unmilled structure on both sides. Their compressive strength for thicknesses of more than 5 cm is 300 kPa and water absorption when submerged for a long time is ≤ 0.7%. This variant works especially well for foundation applications.
Thermal insulation of the floor on the ground with swissporXPS boards in the smooth version
© swisspor
Smooth surface applications:
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Insulating foundations and basement walls from the outside.
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Perimeter insulation (around the building below ground level).
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Insulation under the foundation slab.
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Insulation of ceilings above basements.
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Thermal insulation of balconies and terraces.
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Insulation of inverted roofs (green, utility).
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Thermal insulation of the ceiling in vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Thermal insulation of walls with swissporXPS boards in the plinth zone.
© swisspor
SwissporXPS boards with a waffled surface (swissporXPS 300 GE) - the waffled surface is a characteristic, evenly spaced indentation that forms a special grid. This structure is designed to increase the adhesion of adhesives and mortars. Their compressive strength is 200 kPa and water absorption at long-term diffusion is ≤ 3.0%.
Applications of the waffled surface:
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Insulation of external above-ground walls in the plinth zone (light-wet method - ETICS).
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Insulation of basement walls from the inside.
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Wherever plaster layers are required.
SwissporXPS boards are a top-quality solution that, when properly selected and installed, will provide excellent thermal insulation for years to come. The key to success is to understand the differences between smooth and waffled surfaces.
Following installation technology and matching the right product variant to the application will ensure that your investment in swissporXPS insulation will pay off through lower heating bills and thermal comfort for decades.
For more information, visit the company's Swisspor Polska page on the A&B portal.
