XPS Ceilings
XPS foam has become a popular choice for ceiling boards in modern construction and renovation projects. This versatile material offers excellent thermal insulation properties, making it an attractive option for those looking to improve energy efficiency in buildings. As homeowners and contractors seek the best solutions for their ceiling insulation needs, two prominent options have emerged in the market: Summit Thermal Ceilings and Isoboard Ceilings.
This article aims to compare Summit Thermal Ceilings and Isoboard Ceilings, both made from XPS foam. It will examine their material composition, thermal insulation performance, installation process, and long-term value. By exploring these aspects, readers will gain valuable insights to help them make informed decisions when choosing ceiling boards for their projects. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of these two XPS foam options, highlighting their strengths and potential drawbacks.
Material Composition and Properties
Summit XPS Composition
Summit XPS insulation boards are made from extruded polystyrene foam. This rigid material has a closed-cell structure, which gives it excellent long-term strength and durability. The production process involves melting polystyrene resin granules and mixing them with additives, including flame retardants. Gas blowing agents are then injected into the liquid mixture, allowing it to expand. Under controlled heat and pressure conditions, this mixture is forced through a die to create the boards.
Isoboard Composition
Isoboard ceilings are also composed of high-density expanded polystyrene (XPS). Like Summit XPS, Isoboard has a 100% closed-cell structure. This composition results in a rigid thermal board that is suitable for ceiling applications and wall cavity insulation. The extruded Isoboard ceilings offer a high-quality, smooth sheen finish, which eliminates the need for painting.
Comparison of Material Properties
Both Summit XPS and Isoboard share similar material properties due to their XPS composition. They have a density of 35-37 kg/m³, which contributes to their durability and strength. The compressive strength of these materials ranges from 310-360 kPa, allowing them to withstand various loads and pressures.
In terms of thermal performance, both products have a low thermal conductivity of approximately 0.03 W/m.K. This property ensures excellent insulation performance, helping to keep buildings cool in summer and warm in winter. Both materials also have low water absorption rates, with Isoboard absorbing less than 0.5% water by volume. This characteristic makes them suitable for use in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
The closed-cell structure of these XPS foam products gives them high resistance to water vapor diffusion. This feature, combined with their thermal properties, makes them effective in creating a single layer of thermal and moisture protection for buildings, boosting overall energy efficiency.
Thermal Insulation Performance
Summit XPS R-Value
Summit XPS insulation boards have an impressive R-value of R5 per inch. This means that a 2-½” Summit XPS board has an R-value of R12.5 at 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which increases to R13.5 at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The thickness of the board directly impacts its insulation performance, with thicker boards providing greater thermal resistance.
Isoboard R-Value
Isoboard ceiling insulation, made from high-density expanded polystyrene (XPS), offers excellent thermal insulation properties. The R-value of Isoboard varies depending on the thickness of the board. For instance, a 30mm thick Isoboard ceiling has an R-value of 1.00 m2.K/W, while a 40mm thick ceiling provides an R-value of 1.33 m2.K/W. Thicker options, such as 50mm or 80mm Isoboard ceilings, offer even higher R-values of 1.67 m2.K/W and 2.67 m2.K/W, respectively.
Thermal Performance Comparison
Both Summit XPS and Isoboard ceiling boards demonstrate exceptional thermal insulation capabilities. They have a low thermal conductivity of approximately 0.03 W/m.K, which ensures excellent resistance to heat flow. This property helps to keep buildings cool in summer and warm in winter, contributing to energy efficiency and reduced heating and cooling costs.
The closed-cell structure of these XPS foam ceiling boards gives them high resistance to water vapor diffusion. This feature, combined with their thermal properties, makes them effective in creating a single layer of thermal and moisture protection for buildings. As a result, both products help to maintain stable indoor temperatures and reduce the impact of external temperature fluctuations.
Installation Process and Ease
Summit XPS Installation
Summit XPS insulation board installation involves several steps to ensure proper thermal insulation. The process begins with choosing either a smooth board with bevelled edge or pine-groove finish. Installers run the XPS foam board from wall to wall, avoiding butt joints. Brandering is fitted at maximum 700mm center to center, with perimeter brandering around the room. It’s crucial to use Summit XPS adhesive, recommended screws, and concealed clips for secure installation.
The boards are fixed to the brandering using adhesive and concealed fixing clips. Drywall screws with washers are used on the perimeter where cornices will be installed. Adhesive coverage is approximately 30m2 per liter, with three clips used per square meter. Installers must ensure that planned lighting is compatible with the XPS foam board and use only water-based cleaners, adhesives, and paint to prevent damage.
Isoboard Installation
Isoboard ceiling installation is known for its simplicity and cleanliness. The process involves fitting branding to the entire perimeter of the room, approximately 50mm from the wall. Internal branding is then fitted to trusses at maximum 700mm spacing. Isoboard panels, which are 600mm wide and available in various lengths, are cut to fit wall to wall, leaving a 5mm gap on each end.
Adhesive is applied in 5mm blobs every 200mm along the perimeter and internal branding. The first board is positioned and pushed firmly onto the branding, ensuring contact with the adhesive. Concealed fastening clips are fitted into the side of the Isoboard where it crosses each piece of branding, secured with short wood screws.
Installation Comparison
Both Summit XPS and Isoboard installations share similarities in their use of adhesives and clips for securing the ceiling boards. However, Summit XPS installation requires more attention to detail, particularly regarding lighting compatibility and the use of specific adhesives and paints. Isoboard installation appears to be more straightforward, with its tongue and groove finish allowing for easy interlocking of boards.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Summit XPS Pricing
Summit XPS insulation boards are priced competitively in the market. The cost of XPS foam typically ranges from ZAR 12.80 to ZAR 27.43 per square foot. Thicker boards with higher R-values tend to be more expensive. Installation costs for Summit XPS can vary, averaging between ZAR 27.43 to ZAR 63.99 per square foot. These prices may fluctuate based on factors such as project size and location.
Isoboard Pricing
Isoboard ceilings are available in various thicknesses, with prices reflecting the insulation value. For example, 30mm Isoboard ceilings are priced at R130.60, while 40mm and 50mm options cost R174.18 and R209.30, respectively. The price range for Isoboard products generally falls between R169.35 and R1,605.00, including VAT.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
When comparing Summit XPS and Isoboard ceilings, it’s essential to consider long-term value. Both products offer excellent thermal insulation, contributing to energy efficiency and reduced utility bills. Isoboard ceilings have shown to decrease annual energy consumption by up to 29.77% when applied to both roof and walls. The payback period for optimal insulation thickness can range from 3.73 to 12.14 years, depending on the application.
XPS foam ceiling boards increase a home’s resale value and require less additional insulation due to their inherent R-value. While the initial investment might be higher than traditional options, the long-term benefits in energy savings and comfort make both Summit XPS and Isoboard ceilings cost-effective choices for homeowners and builders alike.
Showing all 4 results
- ↓ 20%
Product successfully added to the Quote List
- ↓ 39%
Product successfully added to the Quote List
- ↓ 30%
Product successfully added to the Quote List
-
XPS CeilingsSummit XPS Ceiling Boards
R135.63 – R966.00 This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
