What are the types of external wall insulation materials? How to make scientific choices?

With the improvement of building energy-saving standards, external wall insulation materials have become a key factor determining the energy-saving effect of buildings. Faced with a wide variety of products in the market, how to choose the most suitable insulation material has become a core concern for construction practitioners and owners.

1、 Common types of insulation materials

Polystyrene board (EPS/XPS)

Using polystyrene resin as the core material, XPS has higher density and strength, excellent compressive performance, and is suitable for high-rise building facades. EPS is widely used in civil buildings due to its lower cost.

rock wool board

Made by high-temperature melting of basalt, with a fire rating of Class A and a high temperature resistance of over 1000 ℃, suitable for public buildings with strict fire protection requirements, but with a high water absorption rate and the need for a waterproof layer.

Polyurethane foam

The closed cell rate reaches 95%, and the thermal conductivity is as low as 0.02W/(m · K). The on-site spraying process can achieve seamless insulation. But construction requires specialized equipment, which is more expensive than other materials.

Composite silicate board

Using natural ore as raw material, it has the triple advantages of A-level fire prevention, sound absorption and noise reduction, and anti condensation, and is suitable for old house renovation projects in humid environments.

2、 The core logic of scientific selection

Fire rating matching

Public buildings require A-grade fire-resistant materials, while residential buildings can choose B1 grade. For example, schools and hospitals suggest using rock wool or silicate board, while residential buildings can prioritize EPS.

Environmental adaptability

Materials with a hydrophobicity rate of over 98% (such as modified rock wool) should be selected for humid and hot regions in the south, while thermal conductivity and antifreeze properties should be taken into account for cold regions in the north.

Comprehensive cost assessment

Calculate the "initial cost+20-year maintenance fee", XPS has a longer lifespan despite its high unit price; EPS has a small initial investment but needs to be replaced after 10 years.

Construction process matching

High rise buildings are more suitable for integrated construction with rock wool board or polyurethane, while low rise villas can choose easy to operate EPS board.