To accurately compare two foam boards, we need to discuss some general defining characteristics in detail. Following are the characteristics which separate any two insulating foam boards from each other
- Thermal Resistance: Thermal insulation or R-value of the Board.
- Density: How dense each foam is.
- Compressive strength: The strength required to break down the material.
- Water Vapor Permeance: How permissive is the material to water.
- Flame Spread: How fast a material catches and spreads fire
Let’s look at the first two options
1) Thermocol Sheet vs Thermopore Sheet
While both these foam boards are named differently, they are both the same structurally i.e. they are both Expanded Polystyrenes (EPSs). The confusion starts when companies trademark the same material foam boards under different names.
Thermocol is a brand name from a german company called Badische Anilin & Soda-Fabrik (BASF) while Thermopore is a brand name from Industrial Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd (IE). Since both Thermocol/Thermopore are the same, they have the same characteristics which separate most foam boards.
Some common uses of both Thermocol Sheets and Thermopore Sheets are
- Insulation material to protect housing and residential structures from natural elements
- Packaging items for protection during transport of fragile items due to its shock-absorbing characteristics and excellent cushioning.
- Construction of Light Weight Concrete (LWC) blocks and light fill material which is easier to transport and provides insulation and soundproofing.
- Crafting and art projects to cut, shape, and paint the foam in any desirable way.
- Marine industry usage where foam is used for buoyancy in life rafts and jackets.
EPS Sheet vs XPS Foam Board
EPS is known as Expanded Polystyrene while XPS is known as Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) or XPS foam Board. Both these foam boards are often confused as the same, but they are separate from each other. They have different manufacturing processes, end products, and applications. Let’s discuss what separates the two
Thermal Resistance
The R-value must be discussed before talking about thermal resistance since it is essential to understand which foam board is superior at insulating. A Products R-value, where R stands for Resistance, are used to determine how thermally resistant they are. Hence, the insulation is more effective with a higher R-value. Generally speaking, XPS foam has a greater R-value than EPS foam.
Since EPS is created through the expansion of Polystyrene beads inside a mould, not every air pocket or space is covered inside that mould. Leading to some small air pockets inside the EPS sheet. Since temperature can propagate through air, EPS sheets become not as effective at insulation as XPS sheets which are extruded in the manufacturing process and as a result, have fewer air pockets in their structure
Density
XPS foam is denser on average than EPS foam. The difference in densities between the two can affect the properties and application of each. Density for XPS ranges from 1 to 3 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) while EPS ranges from 1 to 2 pcf.
Where does this difference in densities help? EPS foam having lower density can help it be more lightweight and flexible. That’s why it’s mostly used in the packaging industry, and developing cost-effective insulation in building and residential structures.
XPS on the other hand is more rigid and has more resistance to water vapor. That’s why it is mostly used for insulation in roofs, walls, false ceilings, and more. In terms of which is better? That will depend on the application. If you need insulation for buildings, XPS may be the better choice, but if you require an inexpensive alternative or need flexible foam boards for packaging, EPS is the better choice.
Compressive strength
Recognized as the strength to break down material under compression, XPS has a higher compressive strength than EPS. This is because XPS has a higher density, which leads to more rigidity and durability in its structure. Although both are suited for high impact resistance and shock absorption, XPS has a slight edge in rigidity over EPS sheets. Though they are not widely used in packaging or disposables due to being more expensive.
Water Vapor Diffusion
Known as the ability to let moisture pass through its structure, XPS has a lower permeance to moisture than EPS. This low permeance is due to the extrusion of the raw material needed for XPS sheets i.e. Polystyrene beads. This results in a sheet that has a smoother outer layer, is dense and has fewer air pockets in its structure.
Since there is less space, water vapor diffusion becomes less of a problem as compared to EPS, which has an increased number of air pockets. While this is dependent on density, on average, the permeance for EPS sheets ranges from 2.5 to 5 perms for 1 inch of thickness. While XPS sheets have a permeance of around 1 perm for a 1-inch thick sheet.
Flame Spread
To find out how fire resistant both these materials are, a standard test for finding out how fast and far a fire spreads or the ASTM E84 standard test method to be exact is carried out. The result of this test rating ranges from an index of 0 – 200. With 0 – 25 being Class A and considered the best rating index, 26 – 75 being Class B, and 76 – 200 being Class C.
Both XPS and EPS have a flame spread rating of <25 making them Class A building materials. This is an excellent rating and both these materials can be used for construction, but XPS has an edge on EPS and is considered to be the better choice for places where fire hazard is a major concern.
After looking at the individual attributes of each of the materials, it is clear that XPS comes out on top. EPS sheets are considered to be a cost-effective alternative to XPS and while only being slightly lower in terms of the desired characteristics, it is still used widely around the world due to their cost-effective benefits.
STYROFOAM Board Insulation vs Thermocol Sheet
Styrofoam is a brand name for Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) sheet while Thermocol is a brand name for Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Both these foam boards have the same benefits as XPS and EPS sheets. Meaning Styrofoam (XPS) is better at insulation, lowering water vapor permeance and flame spread, and has higher compressive strength and density. If price is not the deciding factor, Styrofoam is a clear choice. If price is a factor, Thermocol can do all of the above at a slightly lower level but at a better price.
Jumbolon Board vs Thermopore Sheet
In a direct comparison between a Jumbolon board (XPS) and a Thermopane sheet (EPS), a Jumbolon board is the ideal choice for superior performance. It has a higher R-value which is the resistance to water vapor diffusion and air than Thermopore sheets. It is also dense, has very high compressive strength, low water absorbance, self-fire extinguishing, durability for multiple climates, and compatibility with most construction materials.
The only edge Thermopore sheet has on Jumbolon boards is its price. If budget is not an issue, Jumbolon boards are the right choice. But if you want all the features of a Jumbolon board at a slightly less price and can manage the difference in performance, then Thermopore sheets are the one for you.
Some Common Terms Related to Thermo Insulation and Home Insulation
We have added some links related to blog posts just visit if you want to know about Thermo Insulation
- Thermocol Sheet In Pakistan
- Thermopore Sheet in Pakistan
- EPS Sheet in Pakistan
- Polystyrene Sheet in Pakistan
- Thermocol Boxes
- EPS Boxes
- GeoFoam Insulation
- Roof Insulation Near Me
- Insulation Services
- Insulation Contractor in Pakistan
- Thermopore Sheet
- Thermocol Sheet
- Jumbolan Board
- Insulation Installer
- Insulation
- Spray Foam Insulation Services
- Spray Foam Services
- 2 Inch Thermocol Sheet Near Me
- Eps Construction
- Foam Insulation Near Me
- Home Insulation Company
- Home Insulation Experts Near Me
- Home Insulation Services
- House Insulations
- Insulation Company
- Insulation Contractor
- Insulation Contractor Near Me
- Insulation Installation Company
- Polystyrene Sheet Insulation
- Polyurethane Sheeting
- Refrigeration Insulation Foam
- Roof Insulation Pakistan
- Roof Insulation Services in Pakistan
- Rubber Foam Insulation
- Spray Foam Insulation Contractors Near Me
- Thermocol Manufacturers
- Water Pipe Insulation Wrap
- Water Tank Heat Insulation In Lahore
- Eps Services
- Insulation Systems
- Pu Spray Foam Insulation
- Thermoinsulations
- Spray Foam Installer
- Corrugated Sheet Roll
- Polyethylene Foam Sheet
- Pu Foam Sheet
- Thermopole Sheet
- Home Insulation Systems
- Foam Insulation
- Thermocol Sheet
- Corrugated Sheet
- Eps Sheet
- Elastomeric Foam Insulation
- Insulation Remover
- Insulation Spray
- Styrofoam Sheets
- Closed Cell Foam Insulation
- Corragated Sheet
- Epe Foam Sheet
- Eps Panels
- Foam Injection Insulation
- Foam Spray Insulation
- Insulated Roof
- Insulating Kit
- Insulation Plant
- Insutation
- Nsulation
- Polystyrene Ceiling
- Polystyrene Sheet
- Spary Insulation
- System Product
- Thermofoam
- Insalation
- Pakistan Insulation Pvt Ltd
- Polyfoam Sheet
- Roof Heat Insulation Pakistan
- Soundproof Sheets For Walls
- Spray Insulation
- Sprayfoam insulation
- Eps Panels Pakistan
- Polystyrene Foam
- Roof Insulation
- Thermo Foam
- Polystyrene
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Polyurethane Foam Insulation
- Ceiling Insulation
- House Insulation
- External Wall Insulation
- Phenolic Foam Insulation
- Styrene Foam
- Thermal Insulation.
- Thermalinsulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Eps Foam
- Eps Packaging
- Thermal Insulation
- Eva Foam
- Polyurethane Sheet
- Epe Foam
- Plastics Are Insulators
- Rigid Foam Insulation
- Thermocol Sheet For Water Tank
- Home Insulation Pakistan
- Thermopore Sheet Near Me
- Polyethylene Foam
- Armaflex Insulation
- Eps Pannels
- Solid Wall Insulation
- Eps Polystyrene
- Expanded Polystyrene
- Home Roof
- Acoustic Foam Sheets
- Corrugated Sheets
- Eps System
- Polyurethan Sheet
- Polyurethane Foam Spray
- Sound Proofing Pannels
- Spray Foam Insulation Cost
- Standard Sheet
- Wall Insulation
- Thermoinsulation
- House Insolation
- Underfloor Insulation
- Spray Foam
- Cold Insulation
- Heat Insulation Sheet
- Foam Sheet For Roof
- Insulated Shed
- Polyethylene Spray Foam
- Spry Foam
- Thermocol Roof Insulation
- Eps Insulation
- Blown In Insulation
- Construction Foam Spray
- Temperature Control
- Pu Spray Foam
- Best Attic Stair Insulation
- Blown Insulation
- Closed Cell Spray Foam
- Insulation For Walls
- Insulation Gasket
- Insulation Roof
- Ptfe Insulation
- Pu Insulation Foam
- Thermopore Factory In Karachi
- Thermopore Sheet Manufacturer In Lahore
- Product System
- Eps Vs Xps
- Foam Roof Insulation
- Insulation Sheet For Water Tank
- Perlite Insulation
- Roof Sheets
- Spray Foam Insulation Pakistan
- Under Floor Insulation
- ThermoPore
- Polystyrene Suppliers Near Me
- Insulation Foam
- Armaflex Insulation Pipe
- Blown-In Insulation
- Board Up Service
- Epp Foam Sheets
- Foam Glass
- Insulation Pp
- Loft Insulation
- Polyethylene Foam Insulation
- Polystyrene Foam Near Me
- Roof Right
- Temp Controller
- Expanded Polyethylene Foam
- Garage Door Insulation
- Pu Insulation
- Thermopore Sheet In Lahore
- Aluminium Foil Insulation
- Eps Sheets
- Expanded Polystyrene Foam (Eps)
- Flat Roof Insulation
- Insulation Spacers
- Pineslight School Of Makati
- Polyurethane Sponge Sheet
- Roof Heat Insulation Material
- Spray Foam Insulation Systems
- Thermopore Sheet For Roof Price In Pakistan
- What Does Home Insulation Do
- Xps Foam Board Near Me
- Home Isolation
- O & m Contractor
- Thermopore Sheet Uses
- Thermopole
- Polystyrene Sandwich Panels
- Thermopore Sheet For Roof
- Thermopore Sheet Size And Price In Pakistan
- Thermopore Sheet Price In Karachi
- Thermopore Insulation
- Thermocol Vs Thermopore
- Thermopore Sheet Price In Lahore
- Thermopore Sheet Price
- Insulation Sheet Pakistan
- Difference Between Thermocol And Thermopore
- Industrial Enterprises
- Home Insualtion
- Thermophore Sheet
- Thermocol Sheet Price Lahore
- Thermophore Sheet Karachi
- Insulation Board Price In Pakistan
- Thermophore Sheet
- Sprayfoam
- Thermocol Sheet Price In Karachi
- Pakistan Insulation
- Thermocol Water Tank
- Insulated Pir Panels
- Thermopore Packing
- Thermopore
- Thermopore Sheet Price In Pakistan
- Thermocol Sheet In Pakistan
- 1 Inch Thick Thermocol Sheet Price In Pakistan
- Thermal Insulation Sheet Price In Pakistan
- Thermapore
- Thermocol Sheet 2 Inch Price In Pakistan
- Eps Sheet Price In Pakistan
- Thermopore Sheets
- Thermocol Sheet For Roof Price In Pakistan
- 2 Inch Thermocol Sheet Price In Pakistan
- Pipe Insulation Pakistan
- Thermopol Sheet Price In Pakistan
- Wall Insulation In Pakistan
- Thermopore Box
- Themropore Sheets
- Thermocol Sheet Price In Pakistan
- Style Styrofoam Industries
- Wall Insulation Pakistan
- Thermocol Sheets Price In Pakistan
- Polystyrene Sheet Price In Pakistan
- Roof Insulation Price In Pakistan
- Eps Thermo Box
- Polyiso Insulation Home Depot
- Eps Technology In Karachi
- Home Depot Polyiso
- Geofoam Cost Per Cubic Yard
- Eps Solutions Pakistan
- Roof Insulation Material In Karachi
- Interesting Facts About Polystyrene
- Thermo Tank
- Milboard Decking
- High Density Polystyrene Blocks
- Polystyrene Sandwich Panel
- Polyiso Vs Xps
- Lightweight Polystyrene Blocks
- Xps Vs Polyiso
- Polyisocyanurate Vs Xps
- Polyiso Home Depot
- Eps Environmental Protection Services
- Xps Vs Eps Vs Polyiso
- Polystyrene Blocks Large
- Colorado Geofoam
- Large Polystyrene Block