Standard for Thermal Insulation, Polystyrene Boards

1.1 This Standard specifies the requirements for factory made rigid polystyrene insulation in the form of boards with or without facings or coatings made by moulding of pre-expanded beads (EPS) or extrusion of polystyrene (XPS). This Standard does not apply to laminated products manufactured with any type of rigid board facer including fibreboard, perlite board, gypsum board, or oriented strand board.

1.2 The Standard describes product characteristics and includes procedures for testing, evaluation of conformity, marking and labelling. The Standard covers four types of rigid expanded polystyrene distinguished on the basis of their material properties. Products manufactured to meet the requirements of this Standard are intended for use as thermal insulation in building construction and other applications for temperatures ranging from -54 °C to +75 °C.

NOTE: Recommended practices for verification of quality consistency by the manufacturer and by a third party are included in Annex C for EPS insulation.

1.3 The performance of systems incorporating rigid polystyrene insulation manufactured in compliance with this Standard is not addressed in this Standard.

NOTE 1: For more detailed information on product properties, see Subsection 8.1.

NOTE 2: For applications other than the above - e.g., cryogenic, flotation, pipe covering, etc. - consult manufacturers for specific recommendations and properties.

NOTE 3: This Standard does not purport to address all possible end-use concerns. It is the responsibility of the user of this Standard to contact the manufacturer regarding design considerations including specific end-use applications.

1.4 Requirements for flat, uncoated EPS thermal insulation boards for use in exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) are addressed in Annex B.

1.5 The testing and evaluation of a product against this Standard may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the health and safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this standard has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish health and safety practices, in conjunction with any existing applicable regulatory requirements, prior to its use.