Saving energy at home is one of the main current concerns due to the economic and environmental impact of its consumption. One of the most effective solutions is the use of Thermal insulation, and among them, the extruded polystyrene (XPS) It has become one of the most recommended options for its excellent properties.
XPS brings a efficient insulation and long-lasting, making it an ideal material for improving comfort inside the home and reduce spending in heating and cooling. Below, we analyze in detail its characteristics, advantages and applications in the construction and rehabilitation of buildings.
What is extruded polystyrene (XPS)?
El extruded polystyrene (XPS) It is an insulating material made from expanded polystyrene through an extrusion process that gives it a closed cell structure. This provides you with high mechanical resistance y low water absorption, which differentiates it from other thermal insulators.
Its use is common in construction for optimize insulation of walls, ceilings, floors and foundations, guaranteeing a constant thermal performance over time.
Benefits of XPS insulation
The use of extruded polystyrene in housing provides multiple advantages in terms of Energy Efficiency and building conservation. Its main benefits include:
- Reduction of energy consumption: By minimizing heat loss in winter and preventing overheating in summer, XPS significantly reduces the need for air conditioning, which contributes to greater Energy Efficiency In the home.
- Durability and resistance: Its closed cellular structure gives it exceptional mechanical resistance, allowing its use in areas subject to high loads.
- Impermeability: Unlike other insulators, XPS does not absorb water, allowing it to maintain its thermal properties throughout the life of the building.
- Versatility: It can be installed on multiple surfaces, from facades and roofs to buried floors and walls.
- Contribution to sustainability: By reducing energy consumption, it reduces emissions of CO2, contributing to a more ecological and efficient construction model.
XPS applications in housing
Extruded polystyrene is a very versatile material and is used in various areas of the home to improve the Energy Efficiency :
Facade insulation
One of the most effective systems for thermally insulating facades is the Exterior Thermal Insulation System (SATE). This method prevents the formation of thermal bridges and improves interior comfort without reducing living space. In addition, its installation contributes to achieving the energy efficiency requirements required in the real estate sector.
Insulation in roofs and ceilings
Placing XPS on roofs and decks prevents excessive heat entry in the warm months and reduces the thermal loss in winter. It can be installed on both flat and pitched roofs and can withstand high mechanical loads. To further enhance its efficiency, it can be combined with solar roofs, improving the capture of renewable energy.
Insulation in floors and foundations
The foundations are in direct contact with the ground and may undergo variations. thermals and humidity problems. XPS, thanks to its high mechanical strength and its impermeability makes it an excellent option to avoid energy losses through the floor and ensure greater thermal stability in the home.
Insulation in windows and doors
Windows and doors are critical points in a building's thermal envelope. While not used directly in framing, XPS can be used as an adjunct in structural joints to minimize heat losses. For greater efficiency, the use of solar blinds It can also help improve the insulation and climate of your home.
The role of XPS in energy rehabilitation
Currently, the housing stock in Spain is highly energy inefficient. According to recent studies, more than 100,000 homes are inefficient. 80% of the buildings They lack the necessary insulation to be efficient. Energy rehabilitation through the installation of XPS in the building envelope can mean savings of up to 80% in air conditioning consumption.
The use of XPS in rehabilitation allows buildings to be adapted to the current regulations in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability, reducing emissions of polluting gases and the annual cost of heating and cooling.
El extruded polystyrene (XPS) It has established itself as an excellent option for improving energy efficiency in the home thanks to its insulating capacity, mechanical resistance and impermeability. Its application in walls, roofs and floors helps to optimise the climate control of interior spaces, reducing energy consumption and associated costs. In addition, its use in the rehabilitation of buildings allows compliance with current sustainability standards, contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint and the thermal comfort of homes.