10 Questions You Should to Know about xps foam board machine

Author: Susanna

Jun. 16, 2025

Machinery

Everything You Need to Know About XPS Insulation - Sto Corp.

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) closed-cell, rigid XPS insulation significantly improves the energy efficiency of unfinished exterior and interior walls for remodeling and new construction. In addition, the XPS boards provide thermal resistance with an R-value of 4.6 to 5.0, depending on their density, to create a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce utility bills. Moisture-resistant XPS panel insulation, with an absorption rate of 0.3 percent, resists moisture intrusion during and after application to help protect against damaging and unhealthy mold and rot.

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Lightweight, versatile, and simple to install, extruded polystyrene sheets typically come in 8-foot and 5-foot lengths, ranging from 16 inches to 4 feet wide and ¾-inch to 4-inches wide. The sheets come unfaced, and are covered with a foil facing, or laminated with plastic. The facing adds water resistance, and the lamination offers strength, but neither affects the sheets’ R-value. XPS sheets come in an array of colors (typically blue, green, and pink), based on the manufacturer, not insulating quality.

What is an XPS Insulation Board Used For?

Flexible XPS boards come in various compressive strengths, making them ideal for numerous applications in all areas of the building envelope:

  • Above-grade insulation applications (walls, attics, ceilings, floors, and roofs)
  • Below-grade walls (basements and foundation)
  • Cool/refrigerated rooms
  • In addition, you can use high compressive strength XPS panels to insulate rooftop parking garages and decks.

How is XPS Insulation Made?

Manufacturing XPS insulation involves combining polystyrene crystals with special additives and a gas blowing agent. Manufacturers feed the mixture into an extruding machine that blends and melts it into a thick liquid. The liquid then gets processed through a die, which expands it into foam, shapes, cools, and trims it into standard-sized rectangular or square boards, with surfaces according to the intended use.

XPS Surfaces

Specially designed machines produce XPS boards in smooth, rough, and grooved surfaces.

XPS Smooth Edge Panels

Demanding applications, like below-grade installation, utilize smooth XPS panels. Smooth, closed-cell XPS panels protect against absorption and diffusion due to long-term water exposure.

XPS Rough Surface Panels

Rough surfaces increase the adhesion of the facade plaster.

XPS Panels with Grooves

Grooves in the XPS panel enhance wall drainage and thermal insulation for foundations.

The Benefits of XPS Insulation

XPS insulation offers many benefits contributing to an eco-friendly, healthy, durable, and safe building envelope.

Energy-Efficient

XPS closed cell insulation, with an R-value of 4.6 and 5.0, gives it a high thermal resistance value, making it extremely energy efficient, by saving energy in buildings and reducing CO2 emissions.

Recyclable

100-percent recyclable XPS allows manufacturers to melt and reform the thermoplastic polystyrene resin into new XPS foam insulation.

XPS High Compressive Resistance

XPS insulation’s high compressive strength allows it to withstand a high pressure of >300 kPa, so it can withstand more than lbs ft2 (30,000 kilos m2) with a maximum deformation of 10 percent, making it ideal for challenging applications:

  • Below-grade walls – foundations, basements, crawl spaces
  • Perimeter insulation – protecting foundation walls from the side of the ground
  • Inverted roofs – applying the waterproofing layer beneath instead of above the insulation
  • Cavity walls – a wall with a hollow center
  • Pitched roofs – roofs that slope downwards, often in two parts at an angle from a central ridge
  • Walkable plates – the strength of XPS insulation makes it ideal for horizontal applications like floors, flat roofs, and heavily trafficked areas

Moisture-Resistant XPS Insulation

XPS insulation provides water and freeze-thaw resistance, to protect the insulation’s thermal performance from damaging rot and unhealthy mold. In addition, the high permeability of XPS insulation makes it ideal for bathrooms and other high-moisture rooms.

Simple to Install XPS Insulation

Lightweight XPS insulation allows for easy application without irritating the worker’s skin.

Problems with XPS Insulation

  • The combustibility of polystyrene foam makes XPS’s proper installation vital to avoiding a fire hazard and the emission of toxic fumes.
  • The blowing agents in the manufacturing process may deplete over time, lessening the insulation value.
  • XPS’s low-permeability can lead to condensation and mold problems.
  • Over time, the gas bubbles within the XPS leak out, leaving air that lessens the panels’ insulation value.
  • Most building professionals do not recommend XPS insulation on flat roofs because it will deform above 80 degrees.

How to Install XPS Boards

Applying XPS insulation boards involves gluing the lightweight sheets to the substrate, which is much simpler than batts, blown-in fibers, or spray foam insulation. It is important to only use the manufacturer’s recommended foam-safe adhesive. The wrong glue can melt the foam. In addition, butt the sheets snugly together and seal joints with a manufacturer-recommended adhesive seam tape.

Tips for Filling Wall and Ceiling Cavities

To insulate the stud, joist, and rafter cavities, cut the sheets to fit snug in the cavities, inserting them flush with the framing. To prevent airflow that can diminish the R-value, fill gaps along the edges with expandable insulation foam, safe for use with XPS. You can increase the R-value in two-by-six and larger dimension framing by inserting an additional layer of rigid foam insulation.

Tips for Cutting the XPS Boards

You can simply cut thin XPS sheets (less than 2-inches) by holding the straight edge of a utility knife along the cut line, scoring it about 3/4-inch deep. After scoring, lay the sheet on a table scored side up with the cut about 1-inch off the table. Firmly hold the sheet down and snap along the line. Trim the rough edges with the utility knife

For thicker sheets (greater than 2-inch), you will need a handheld drywall saw, or a table saw.

Tips for Installing XPS on Exterior Sheathing

Installing 2-inch EPS boards on exterior sheathing requires additional furring strips or other structural supports. In addition, 2-inch XPS does not supply the strength needed to support the weight of the siding. Therefore, Sto strongly recommends that you check with your local building authority to determine the required type of additional support before installing 2-inch XPS as exterior sheathing.

Sto XPS Continuous Insulation Wall Systems

Sto offers superior, simple-to-apply cladding solutions for applying XPS to an exterior wall system compared to XPS insulation boards: StoTherm ci XPS and StoPanel XPS ci. In addition, Sto XPS CI wall systems meet the requirements of fire, energy, and green building codes.

Sto XPS Wall Systems meets the requirements of NFPA 285 and NFPA 268 for use on non-combustible construction (Types I-IV).

Sto XPS Wall Systems International Building Codes (IBC)

  • Ch. 26: Types I-IV (non-combustible) Construction, Ignition Resistance, Surface Burning Characteristics
  • Ch. 17: Special Inspections, Types I-IV (non-combustible) Construction
  • Ch. 16: Structural – Transverse Wind Load Resistance
  • Ch. 14: Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, Weather Resistance
  • Ch. 7: Fire Resistance Rated Construction

Sto XPS Wall Systems International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

  • Ch. 4: Continuous Insulation (ci) over Metal Frame Walls – All Climate Zones (with sufficient ci thickness)
  • Ch. 4: Continuous Air Barrier

Sto XPS Wall Systems International Green Construction Code (IGCC)

Ch. 6: Energy Conservation, Efficiency and Atmospheric Quality (Section 606: Building Thermal Envelope insulation and Air Sealing) Alternative Compliance Path: ASHRAE 189.1-

Sto XPS Wall Systems ASHRAE 90.1

  • Section 5: Building Envelope Continuous Insulation (ci) over Metal Frame Walls – All Climate Zones (with sufficient ci thickness)
  • Section 5: Continuous Air Barrier

Sto XPS Wall Systems ASHRAE 189.1 Green Building Standards Compliance

  • Normative Appendix A: Building Envelope
  • Continuous Insulation (ci) over Metal Frame Walls – All Climate Zones (with sufficient ci thickness) Normative Appendix B: Continuous Air Barrier

StoTherm® ci XPS 

Durable StoTherm® ci XPS, one of StoTherm® ci wall systems, is a drainable exterior insulation finishing system that incorporates high R-value XPS insulation into the wall system, and StoGuard® fluid-applied air and moisture barrier, with Owens Corning Foamular CI-C or Dow STYROFOAM™ Panel Core 20 insulation. StoTherm® ci XPS produces water and airtight air walls to ensure superior durability and thermal efficiency.

The unique, durable system sustains maximum curb appeal and lowers energy bills to save money. In addition, StoTherm® ci XPS can be finished with a variety of Sto textured finishes or specialty aesthetic finishes to accommodate your building’s design needs.

StoPanel XPS ci Wall System

Lightweight StoPanel XPS ci prefabricated panels incorporate extruded insulation within the panel assembly, and create exterior wall cladding with excellent air and weather tightness, superior thermal performance, and long-lasting durability. In addition, architects and designers can choose from Sto’s numerous decorative and protective color and finish options.

StoPowerwall® ci with Crack Defense option

StoPowerwall® ci energy-efficient stucco wall systems include StoGuard® air and water-resistive barrier, Owens Corning or Dow Type IV XPS insulation board, Sto DrainScreen, and Sto textured finishes.
StoPowerwall ci integrates continuous XPS insulation, air/moisture barrier, drainage, and Sto’s extensive collection of aesthetic surfaces in a hard coat stucco system.

Sto Colors

Designers can use Sto’s unique Color System as a planning tool for choosing the colors for their architectural designs. The Sto Color System provides several benefits:

  • Clear, logical system makes it quick and easy to understand
  • Ensures reliable application of Sto’s endless and harmonic colors for use on exterior and interior
  • Efficient, perception-oriented presentation media for all phases of color design

The Sto Color Collections include:

  • Sto Color 800 Collection
  • Sto Color Architectural Collection
  • Sto Color Classic Collection
  • Sto Color Southwest Collection

Sto Traditional Finishes

Sto’s extensive selection of finishes features pure white marble aggregate, acrylic polymers in various textures, and a wide range of color options to boost your design and harmonize with the surrounding environment. In addition, durable, high-performing Sto finishes resist dirt and water, protect the building’s facade, and enhance its curb appeal. Sto high-quality finishes include:

StoCast Finishes

Specialty Aesthetic Finishes

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If you want to learn more, please visit our website xps foam board machine.

StoSignature

Sto Traditional Finishes

iQ Technology

Sto Has the Best XPS Wall Insulation Solutions

Sto offers superior, sustainable, simple-to-apply, multiple code-compliant cladding solutions for applying XPS to an exterior wall system compared to XPS insulation boards. Drainable StoTherm® ci XPS and StoPanel XPS ci create high-performing, sustainable, and attractive cladding systems, improve indoor comfort and air quality, save both money and energy, and ensure long-term durability:

  • StoTherm® ci XPS integrates continuous XPS insulation, air/moisture barrier, drainage, and Sto’s extensive collection of aesthetic surfaces.
  • StoPanel XPS ci incorporates XPS insulation within the panel assembly, to create a prefabricated finished exterior wall solution with a wide range of high-end aesthetic options.
  • StoPowerwall ci integrates continuous XPS insulation, air/moisture barrier, drainage, and Sto’s extensive collection of aesthetic surfaces in a hardcoat stucco system.

17 Questions about 2 Inch XPS Foam Board - Feininger

What are the remarkable characteristics of Feininger 2 Inch XPS Foam Board?

High compression strength (100-KPA).

Excellent thermal insulation and long-lasting (thermal conductivity up to 0.028W/ M. K).

Hydrophobic and moistureproof (water absorption < 1%).

Good dimensional stability and weather resistance (life span 30-50 years)

What are the factors related to the thermal conductivity of 2 Inch XPS Foam Board?

There are four factors related to the thermal conductivity of the bubble wall, the thermal conductivity of the gas in the bubble, the radiation delivery rate of the bubble wall and the bubble, and the convective thermal conductivity of the gas in the bubble.

The second factor accounts for the largest proportion, about 60%.

What is the closed-cell rate of a good 2 Inch XPS Foam Board?

More than 99%, 80% closed cell rate of foamed polyurethane (thermal insulation material).

What is the apparent density of 2 Inch XPS Foam Board (usually referred to as density)?

Floor heating varies according to the scene of use, so the density requirements are different. The density of the extruded board for floor heating is generally about 35KG/m ³, the density of the extruded board for wall insulation is about 25KG/m ³, and the density of the extruded board for filling is about 45KG/m ³.

How good is the heat preservation effect?

2cm extruded foam board can be equivalent to 100cm concrete and 120cm cement perlite.

What is the compressive strength of 2 Inch XPS Foam Board?

The compressive strength of the extruded board is proportional to the density, and the greater the density, the greater the compressive strength.

It can be controlled at 100-KPA according to the density and other parameters. High-quality raw materials of the extruded board 35KG/m ³, compression can achieve 250-300KPA. Due to the process, the compression strength of the extruded board is very low when it is just off the line.  With the increase of time, aging will increase the compressive strength, and then tend to stabilize, generally checked after 45 days of storage.

What is the water absorption of the extruded board?

The water absorption is less than 1.5% and the moisture permeability is less than 3.5Ng/ (m.sPa), which makes the extruded board difficult to decompose and mildew.

What's the relationship between the density and the compressive strength of 2 Inch XPS Foam Board?

When other conditions are the same, the density is proportional to the compression in a certain range.

The flammability of the 2 Inch XPS Foam Board?

Different standards have different classification methods, the common combustion properties of extruded boards are B1, B2, B3, B1 is non-flammable (oxygen index is more than 30%), B2 is flammable (oxygen index is more than 26%), B3 is flammable.

How is the environmental protection of the 2 Inch XPS Foam Board?

The environmental protection of extruded board depends on raw materials and flame retardants. Recycled raw materials are easy to contain free benzene, styrene, TVOC and other harmful substances, flame retardant HBCD is not environmentally friendly.

What is the "ripening" of extruded panels?

The long-term thermal resistance of extruded panels, like other polymer foaming materials, will also change over time, a phenomenon known as "ripening".

What are the specifications of the extruded board?

Specifications for floor heating: *600*20mm, *600*30mm, etc.

Specifications for building thermal insulation: *600*200mm, *600*30mm, etc.

Why is the width of the extruded board basically 600mm?

Because the extruding board is continuously extruded, the length can be customized, and the width can only be 600mm before, but now the technological progress can do mm. As for the thinnest 10mm, the thickness can be as thick as 100mm.

What is the dimensional stability of the extruded board?

The dimensional stability of the extruded plate is very good at high temperature (70 ℃) and low temperature (- 20 ℃), which can be controlled within 1%.

Experimental requirements for freeze-thaw cycle of extruded panels?

The indicators are: after 300 freeze-thaw cycles, the compressive strength of the extruded board is reduced by no more than 10% of the initial value, the long-term water absorption rate for building insulation is not more than 2%, and the long-term water absorption rate for civil engineering is not more than 5%.

What are the physical, mechanical, thermal and flammable properties of the extruded board?

  •  Physical properties: apparent density, true density, dimensional stability, water absorption, water vapor permeability, freeze-thaw cycle.

  • Mechanical properties: compression, bending, shear strength, compressive creep, tensile strength.

  • Thermal properties: thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, long-term thermal resistance.

What are the factors related to the thermal conductivity of the extruded board?

Raw material properties and production process: uniform cell, small gap and good performance of foaming agent are beneficial to reduce thermal conductivity.

apparent density: the thermal conductivity of density is inversely proportional to a certain range, and is proportional to a certain range after reaching the optimum density.

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