The difference between FOAMULAR® 150 vs 250
FOAMULAR® 150 has a compressive minimum PSI of 15
FOAMULAR® 250 has a compressive minimum PSI of 25
FOAMULAR® 400 has a compressive minimum PSI of 40
FOAMULAR® 600 has a compressive minimum PSI of 60
FOAMULAR® 1000 has a compressive minimum PSI of 100
Primary Uses of FOAMULAR® XPS Insulation
Establishing the Right Foundation
On foundations, moisture-resistant FOAMULAR® insulation insulates while at the same time its durability protects waterproofing membranes from back lling damage, putting one more obstacle in water’s path (soil to foundation).
Going Under Slab
For use under slabs, in a variety of compressive strengths suitable for the lightest residential to the heaviest industrial floor loads, FOAMULAR® insulation is durable enough to be walked on while placing slab reinforcing and concrete.
Insulating Below Grade
In below-grade applications, FOAMULAR® insulation’s high resistance to water absorption makes it the only choice to protect against constant and relentless moisture threats present throughout a building’s lifecycle.
Sheathing and Masonry Wall
FOAMULAR® sheathing and masonry wall insulation products are highly water resistant for cavity applications. They maintain their R-value over the life of the building and provide a “continuous insulation” layer prescribed by ASHRAE 90.1
Benefits of FOAMULAR® XPS Insulation
The R-Value of FOAMULAR®
Insulation’s R-value is based on real-time aging and the product is warranted to maintain 90 percent of its insulating value for 20 years. FOAMULAR® insulation has a combination of characteristics that yield very low water absorption and is available in a range of compressive strengths that accept loads up to their design limit with little deformation.
Moisture Protection of FOAMULAR®
Water — an ever present element in building construction — gets in by design in applications like rain screen
systems, or as a result of natural aging, design or construction aws. Almost all construction applications, at some time, must resist water in the form of a liquid, a vapor or solid ice.
Not all insulations, however, provide adequate water resistance necessary to meet real world construction
applications. Insulation that absorbs water loses R-value and other important physical properties resulting in costly customer complaints, call-backs and damaged reputations.
Other Applications of FOAMULAR® XPS Insulation
Protecting Shallow Foundations
When used as frost protection FOAMULAR® XPS insulates the ground, slowing the rate of heat loss and delaying the onset of freezing. Properly designed and installed, FOAMULAR® insulation can prevent sub-grade freezing altogether around protected foundations making it a suitable system for building shallow foundations
Insulating Paved Surfaces
Used below pavement surfaces, FOAMULAR® insulation increases the time needed for the sub-grade to freeze. It also delays thawing, thus reducing freeze-thaw cycles and reducing stress on paved surfaces. FOAMULAR® insulation properties comply with industry standards including AASHTO M2308 for below pavement applications.
Protecting Shallow Utilities & Tunnels
When sub-grade conditions prevent deep burial of utility lines that are subject to freezing, FOAMULAR® XPS can be used to thermally protect utilities in shallow cover situations. FOAMULAR® insulation’s durability and R-value retention in the presence of ground moisture make it ideal for below grade insulation projects.
Protecting Waterproofing
FOAMULAR® insulation is used to protect below grade waterproofing, even when insulating qualities are not needed. It is durable and light compared to asphalt board or other types of protective board often used. One person can place 4’ x 8’ sheets, saving time and labor.
Preserving Void Spaces
Some construction forming systems need void space inside the form. Durable and reusable FOAMULAR® insulation can be used to preserve such void spaces. FOAMULAR® insulation can be used during the concrete forming process to preserve a void space under grade beam foundations installed over expansive soils. FOAMULAR® insulation can also be used inside traditional concrete forms to create the voids needed to form brick ledges.
In grade beams, the foam can be left in place. In brick ledge forming — after the concrete is placed and the forms removed — reusable FOAMULAR® insulation can be removed, leaving the formed ledge needed to support placement of brick veneer.
Geotechnical Applications
Durable, water resistant FOAMULAR® insulation is often used as lightweight fill for building and road construction, or as a lightweight replacement for soil. FOAMULAR® XPS can be stacked to create contours and landscape features on vegetated plaza decks. It can also be used to replace the overburden on soft and unstable soil, for ground stabilization, pavement or sub-slab insulation.