Log in Contact InsulfoamFind Insulfoam Rep Expert Advice: How EPS Performs as Below-Grade Insulation | Insulfoam Blog From top to bottom: DIY insulation shores up homes’ energy drains EPS Wall Insulation Helps New Summit House Reach “Peak” Performance Posted by Insulfoam Reports on June 29, 2021 in EPS In the News, EPS Insulation, Wall Insulation Expert Advice: How EPS Performs as Below-Grade Insulation OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA In the continual push to forge more energy-efficient buildings, design and building professionals are leaving no part of the building envelope unexamined—including below-grade areas like foundation walls and under slab. Employing expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation across these below-grade applications is a proven way to help reduce a structure’s total energy loss. EPS’ closed-cell structure also guarantees water resistance and incredible thermal insulation properties. Given the effectiveness of this material, we’re answering a few commonly asked questions about how EPS performs as below-grade insulation. Q: Why should design and building professionals insulate below-grade? Since uninsulated concrete provides a thermal bridge between a building’s heated interior and the relatively cooler earth surrounding the building or through exposed slab edges to the outside air, blocking that heat flow with EPS insulation is critical for creating a comfortable, energy-prudent structure. In fact, the EPS Industry Alliance reports that lack of insulation on below-grade foundations, crawl spaces and under slabs accounts for up to 25 percent of a structure’s total energy loss. Below-grade insulation also helps manage moisture to reduce interior condensation on foundation walls. When installed on the exterior, insulation helps prevent damage inflicted by freeze-thaw cycling. Q: Does below-grade insulation offer moisture resistance? As we know, moisture is inevitable in below-grade areas. Moisture also degrades a material’s ability to insulate. Thankfully, EPS provides a high level of moisture resistance and breathability thanks to its closed-cell structure. A study by the Energy Materials Testing Laboratories (EMTL) has shown that EPS installed across a well-constructed building envelope does not absorb appreciable moisture, even under conditions characteristic of prolonged, cold, damp winters. Q: What kind of thermal performance does below-grade insulation deliver? Just as a wet t-shirt is much less effective at keeping someone warm than a dry shirt is, damp insulation is much less effective at blocking the flow of heat. Fortunately, because EPS offers premium moisture resistance, it can also provide long-term, stable R-values. Third-party testing conducted in 2008 assessed EPS’ performance following a continuous 15-year below-grade perimeter insulation. This testing confirmed that its R-value will remain stable over its entire service life. A simple way to check the long-term thermal performance of any insulation is to review the manufacturer’s warranty. Insulfoam proudly warrants 100 percent R-value for 20 years. Installing EPS across below-grade applications is going to be a professionals’ best bet when it comes to delivering premium performance. Find more information on below-grade insulation at www.insulfoam.com/insulation-brochures-literature/. Tags:EPS insulation, thermal insulation Share this article: 6 About Insulfoam Reports Related Articles Your Top 4 Questions About EPS Wall Insulation, Answered EPS: the practical roof insulation solution for residential projects Which type of insulation is right for your home? From top to bottom: DIY insulation shores up homes’ energy drains ABOUT INSULFOAM – LEADER IN EPS INSULATION Insulfoam is a division of Carlisle Construction Materials, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carlisle Companies (NYSE: CSL), and is the nation's largest manufacturer of block-molded expanded polystyrene (EPS). For over 50 years, Insulfoam has been enabling building professionals to construct high-quality building insulation systems at a minimal cost. With the widest range of faced, laminated and standard high-performance EPS insulation products Insulfoam has the right products for your needs while still providing the highest R-Value per dollar over any other rigid insulation. RECENT POSTS Your Top 4 Questions About EPS Wall Insulation, Answered EPS: the practical roof insulation solution for residential projects Which type of insulation is right for your home? From top to bottom: DIY insulation shores up homes’ energy drains How EPS Performs as Below-Grade Insulation GET IN TOUCH Insulfoam Corporate Headquarters 19727 57th Avenue East Puyallup, WA 98387 Contact Us: Click here to contact the Insulfoam location near you. To receive insulation and Insulfoam updates, join our email list INDUSTRY AFFILIATION Search products, applications, and blogs: Log in Copyright 2021 Insulfoam Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Site Map | Insulnet