Plasti-Fab
EPS Product Solutions
EPS or GPS for Insulated Roofing Applications – How Do You Choose?
When you embark on a roofing project, there are many layers (literally) to your project. Selecting the right insulation to meet your goals is one of them. So when you evaluate the type of insulation you require, it is important to measure what matters. Cost, R-value, thickness, on-time deliveries, and design flexibility of your insulation are just a few factors taken into consideration.
At Plasti-Fab, we have different products to choose from ranging from EPS Type 1 insulation, higher compressive resistant products like PlastiSpan 20, 25, 30, 40 and even 60, and then our EnerSpan® product line (GPS), manufactured with Neopor graphite bead. So let’s take a look at how you choose between EPS insulation and GPS insulation for your project.
When to use EPS insulation for your roofing project
EPS insulation has long been the go-to product of choice for residential and commercial roofing contractors due to its design flexibility, best cost per R-value, long-term thermal resistance, and large product offering.
According to Professional Roofing Magazine, “Roofing contractors who use EPS for their insulation layer are able to achieve higher R-values with fewer EPS layers, reducing labor time and cost. … Built-up roof (BUR) systems: To taper or increase the slope of an existing low-slope roof, using EPS can reduce insulation costs up to 30 percent compared with other rigid foam insulations.”
As EPS insulation offers the highest R-value per dollar, many building professionals choose it for their roof insulation needs. For those who specify EPS for its cost effectiveness, moisture performance and stable long-term R-values, product options are available that reduce costs even further.
While roof insulation is required by code, and as a practical necessity, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Readily available EPS insulation options can help you save money on commercial roof jobs, in both new construction and building retrofits.
SBC Magazine
When to use GPS insulation for your roofing project
Before we get into the option of using Graphite Polystyrene, first lets talk about exactly what this option is. GPS is a Expanded polystyrene product that has been manufactured using Neopor graphite bead (made by BASF). The result is a silver grey foam that provides an R-value of 4.7 per inch. While various EPS insulations range from R3.75 per inch up to 4.27 per inch, the Neopor based product enhances your R-value per inch, allowing for a thinner insulation layer in your project.
GPS is a great insulation solution for your roofing project when you require a higher R-value but are limited to your thicknesses of the insulation layer. Like EPS, the graphite enhanced EPS maintains its R-value for the life of the product, so the R-value you install will never diminish over time like other insulation options.
Because GPS is manufactured the same way as our expanded polystyrene, you have the same flexibility in your design for thickness, tapered or sloped insulation as needed. Our staff of roofing experts can assist you in the development of the designs for your project. Or if you are looking for a simple solution for flat roofing material, you can order the GPS in a variety of thicknesses to meet your project goals.
In the end, both options are a good solution for roofing insulation. The use of Neopor in the EPS simply provides you with a wider range of potential solutions to achieve the roofing insulation you require.
Click here to learn more about our EnerSpan® insulation (GPS).
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