PermaTherm - Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

PermaTherm expanded polystyrene pipe insulation products and systems are designed, manufactured and fabricated exclusively by PermaTherm, Inc. EPS insulation systems are designed specifically for use in cold and chilled service pipe insulation systems and compare very favorably against other insulation systems, and in particular offers the highest ratio of thermal resistance (R-value) per unit cost. For instance, Dow Styrofoam (blue) XPS has essentially the same R-value (4.86) as EPS but costs on average at least 20% more. Note Foamular XPS advertises a higher R-value, yet uses chemical blowing agents to boost R-value and these blowing agents eventually diffuse out of the cells. Note also that EPS and XPS are available in comparable compressive strengths.

Bottom-line, both forms of rigid insulation will provide the same support in like psi rated products.