XPS- Design Factors for Extruded Polystyrene Roofing

Insulation
Extruded polystyrene insulation offers exceptional properties that differentiate it from other styles of
foam plastic insulation and therefore make it ideal for a number of roof designs.
Extruded polystyrene insulation features specific properties that differentiate it from other types of
foam plastic insulation and therefore make it perfect for several roof designs.
Sometimes considered "the other roof insulation, " XPS is specified when higher compressive
durability generally, higher water resistance and higher thermal resistance found in the current
presence of water are actually needed. Those qualities make XPS the most well-liked choice in
green-planted roofing systems, inverted or shielded membrane plaza deck systems, white or
"fascinating" single-ply roofing and metal roofing systems.
When contemplating sustainable, sturdy roofing designs it's important to start with how water
resistant an insulation material is. Extruded polystyrene is manufactured to adhere to ASTM C578,
"Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation." ASTM C578 can be the
principal reference standard used for specifying polystyrene insulations, signifying it defines
physical homes for both extruded polystyrene and expanded polystyrene.
You can find fundamental differences between your properties of XPS and EPS, which are critical to
understanding why XPS is fantastic for applications that require high resistance to moisture
intrusion. Normal water absorption by total immersion for XPS can be stated at 0.3 percent maximal
by volume, compared to 2.0 to 4.0 percent for EPS, based on its density. The volume of water
absorption is normally a function of the composition of each material.
The hydrophobic and homogeneous closed-cell structure of XPS helps it be resistant to water
intrusion. This is a major contrast in comparison with the makeup of an EPS plank. Although EPS
beads are closed-cell and hydrophobic, the beads are surrounded by voids also. These voids are
responsible for the bigger water absorption volume found in the finished EPS plank. The blowing
agent found in EPS is without question quickly replaced by atmosphere and paired together with
these voids the effect can be an EPS insulation product with lower thermal level of resistance
characteristics in comparison with XPS. As EPS density increases, these voids lower, yielding less
prospect of water absorption and an increase in thermal resistance.
Polyisocyanurate rigid insulation is manufactured to comply with ASTM C1289, "Standard
Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board." Polyiso chemistry
calls for monomers which are hydrophilic. The cell structure tends to be irregular in shape and size
and less defined in comparison to XPS. Because of these variances, polyiso has higher normal water
absorption than XPS - 1 to 2 2 percent by volume, based on the type and classification, which comes
even close to XPS at 0.3 percent. Likewise, it is important to note that the polyiso standard requires
a test approach that measures normal water absorption after a two-hour immersion in drinking
water and 10-minute drain period, versus the XPS test method that runs on the 24 hour immersion
and requires no drain period.
mixer extruder
Truly "green" roofs are becoming more common, in dense urban areas particularly. There are two

basic types of green roofs - extensive and intensive. Extensive and intensive roofs differ in cost,
depth of growing mass media and the choice of plants.
Intensive roof cover media varies in depth between 2 inches and 6 inches with a weight increase of
between 16 pounds per square foot to 35 pounds per square foot when saturated. Intensive green
roofing cover media varies comprehensive between 8 inches and 24 ins with a weight increase of
between 60 pounds per square foot to 200 pounds per square feet when saturated. Green roofs give
a thermal mass effect, which in turn saves energy and provides reduced heating and cooling costs.
Other rewards include reduced drinking water runoff, expanded useful life of the roof, and added
beauty and useable space.
Foremost at sustainability objectives of a green roof are to retain water and reduce storm water
discharge, and to conserve energy through the cooling and shading properties of soil and plantings
that can substantially reduce heat flow into a building, lowering the load placed on air conditioning
equipment thus.
The highly water resistant characteristic of XPS roof insulation actually "enables" green roof
construction. Green roofs are constructed within an inverted configuration typically, and therefore
the insulation is along with the waterproofing membrane rather than under it as in classic roof
systems. An eternity of contact with retained water makes it imperative that the insulation employed
retains R-benefit, possesses compressive strength and other critical real estate while exposed to
water. For that reason, XPS is almost exclusively used to insulate back garden roofs. When
specifying, you can choose from XPS ASTM C578 Type VI, V or vii to very best fit the look
requirements of that roof.
XPS is also durable, rendering it reusable when removal and reinstallation are needed for repairs.
For many of these qualities, XPS is the only insulation recommended for garden roof systems in the
NRCA Green Roof Systems Manual, 2007 Edition.
LEED defines "amazing roofs" as roofing surfaces or perhaps systems that reduce temperature
islands. A heat island is a produced area that has a significant temperatures difference in
comparison to adjacent undeveloped areas. The LEED-NC 2.2 cool roof definition includes roofs
which are either green/vegetated, as already discussed, or roof surfaces with a Solar Reflectance
Index equal to or greater than 78.
Common cool roofing single-ply membranes include thermoplastic olefin (TPO) and polyvinyl
chloride. Both elements are plentiful in white, which makes them a very cost effective option for
employ with XPS roofing insulation in both different and reroof applications.
XPS is generally used under all types and colors of single-ply roofing membranes but it must be
protected from solar warmth by a cover table when used under nonwhite membranes in new
building and reroofing with total tear-off. In those applications, a cover board must be placed on the
XPS to separate it from the membrane. Dark-membrane-to-XPS interface temperature ranges can
approach 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which exceeds the recommended service temp of 165
degrees Fahrenheit for XPS. So a cover board is needed to independent the dark membrane from
XPS. Common cover boards used less than dark membranes include high-density wood water or
fiber resistant gypsum table.
Mechanically attached PVC and TPO membranes require just an inexpensive slip-sheet separation
from XPS. The slip-sheet is required to achieve a Category A (ASTM E108) fire score with TPO, or
even to chemically individual PVC from the XPS (see Figure 5).

These systems can also be installed "direct to deck" lacking any underlying gypsum table thermal
barrier layer. Because the mid-1990s, XPS roof insulation systems have already been stated at
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for direct-to-steel roofing deck application (observe UL Roof Deck
Engineering numbers 440 and 457). The listed roof deck systems were tested for flame spread under
the steel roofing deck (not hourly rated) relative to UL Regular 1256 as referenced in Section
2603.4.1.5 of the 2006 International Construction Code.
XPS roofing insulation types X, IV and V are generally used in combination with attached cool light
roofing membranes and a straightforward slip-sheet mechanically. XPS and the white membrane,
mounted to the steel roof deck immediately, combine to make a sustainable roofing system highly.
Large SRI is achieved, while material use and assembly labor is minimized as covers boards and
underlying thermal barrier layers happen to be eliminated.
Beyond those immediate benefits, life-routine expense is minimized with XPS that has the drinking
water resistance to endure the inevitable roof leaks that happen as roofs age. XPS will maintain
steadily its properties in the current presence of water in the event that leaks develop over the
lifestyle of the building, as well making it reusable after leakages are repaired. Water-resistant
insulation means the roofing system will retain its R-value and energy conservation power even
when exposed to moisture from leaks. Water resistance also means retention of compressive power
and retention of tensile load on roof structure system fasteners, holding the roof secure until fixes
are accomplished. Reusable insulation means lowered tear-off materials taken up to landfills.
Metal roofing systems depend on XPS insulation to provide high compressive strength for a stable
substrate to properly seat the base of clips used to attach the roof, and for water resistance to
provide a second water barrier under the roofing panels.
ASTM C578 Type IV XPS insulation has excellent compressive durability for mounting standing-seam
metallic roof panels. Compressive resistance establishes first fastener load and minimizes long-term
creep to keep fastener load retention as time passes. The XPS surface is versatile enough to permit
the clips to seat properly in the surface of the insulation, and with no adhered facing material you
don't have to trim around the clip for right seating, saving labor and cost. A recent examination of an
XPS insulated metallic roof, after 10 years in service under metallic roofing clips unveiled clip
stability and continued fastener load retention.
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends a layer of asphalt-saturated felt between
your insulation layer and standing seam metal roof to provide a drainage plane in buildings with
high potential for condensation. The NRCA Waterproofing and Roofing Manual recommends utilizing
a vapor retarder with a permeation rating of 0.5 perms or less using climate zones. When installed
with sealed joints, highly water-resilient XPS insulation eliminates the need for these more layers.
The water resistance of XPS enables more flexible job staging also. It is not uncommon for various
elements of the roof assembly to have delayed delivery. XPS insulation can be installed continuously
and sealed accompanied by the metal roofing as the schedule permits. Manufacturers of XPS usually
do not require that the insulation panel be covered or safeguarded since it is installed due to its
resistance to task site water absorption. It is common practice for XPS insulation, with sealed joints,
to serve as a temporary roof when delivery of the standing-seam roof is delayed. After 30 to 60 days,
depending on the strength of UV exposure, XPS insulation board might begin to fade in color. And
while exposed XPS makes a good temporary water-resistant covering, it is not intended to remain
exposed for long periods of time.
Standing seam steel roofing systems which are installed directly above XPS insulation can perform a

Class A score. Consult UL listings for comprehensive details and specific product listings. XPS
insulation can be UL Fire Categorized with metal roof covering systems for installation direct to
structural steel roof deck without an underlying thermal barrier. XPS insulation isn't recommended
for use straight under black metallic or copper roofs because of potential warmth absorption
generating temperatures in excess of the utmost XPS service temperature. When specifying dark
copper or metal roof panels, a minimum thickness of 1/4-inch moisture resistant gypsum board is
preferred between the XPS insulation and metal roof.
ASTM E119 is the test approach that determines the timed structural fire resistance of a roof
assembly. Steel roof deck assemblies insulated with any kind of foam plastic insulation generally
require some type of fire resistant layer to achieve an hourly rating. When XPS insulation is used in
an hourly rated assembly, a level of 5/8-in . type X gypsum board must be installed on top of the
steel deck relative to the particular UL assembly specification. Alternate safeguard layers in lieu of,
or in addition to, gypsum board may include sprayed cementitious or fibrous coatings put on
underneath side of the steel deck. Concrete roofing decks are inherently more fire resistant than
steel and have a different group of criteria for score. Find specific assembly listings for the total
amount and form of protection required.