There are various types of external wall insulation materials, which can be systematically divided into the following four categories based on their chemical composition, fire resistance, and structural form:

1、 Organic insulation material: efficient insulation, requiring fire protection

Using polymer as the matrix, it has low thermal conductivity, is lightweight and easy to construct, but is a combustible or flame-retardant material that requires fire-resistant construction.

Molded polystyrene foam board (EPS): It is formed by foaming expandable polystyrene beads, with thermal conductivity of about 0.035 – 0.041 W/(m · K), low cost, wide application, and combustion performance of B1 (flame retardant).

Extruded polystyrene foam board (XPS): the closed cell structure is made by extrusion process, with higher density, excellent compressive strength, thermal conductivity of about 0.028 – 0.035 W/(m · K), suitable for floor heating and exterior wall, and combustion performance of B1.

Hard foam polyurethane (PUR/PIR): sprayed on site or in sheet form, with a closed cell rate of over 90% and a thermal conductivity coefficient as low as 0.020-0.024 W/(m · K). It has the best insulation performance, but the pyrolysis temperature is low and flame retardants need to be added to reach B1 level.

Phenolic foam board (PF): thermosetting material, good self extinguishing property, no molten drop in case of fire, thermal conductivity of about 0.022 – 0.030 W/(m · K), but it is brittle, easy to pulverize, and limited in application.

2、 Inorganic insulation material: Class A fireproof, durable and stable

Using natural minerals or industrial waste as raw materials, it is non combustible, heat-resistant, and has a long service life, making it the preferred choice for high-rise buildings and public facilities.

Rock wool board/rock wool strip: made of molten fibers such as basalt, with a thermal conductivity coefficient of ≤ 0.040 W/(m · K), Class A non combustible combustion performance, and both insulation, sound absorption, and high temperature resistance characteristics. It is widely used in fire isolation belts and high-rise exterior walls.

Glass wool: made of glass as raw material, with a loose fiber structure and a thermal conductivity of about 0.035-0.045 W/(m · K). It is rated as Class A fire-resistant, but requires protection during construction to avoid fiber irritation.

Foamed cement board: made of cement and foaming agent, with a closed cell structure, thermal conductivity of 0.050-0.060 W/(m · K), Class A fire resistance, high compressive strength, suitable for roof and wall insulation.

Inorganic insulation mortar: using hollow glass microspheres and expanded perlite as aggregates, combined with cement-based cementitious materials, on-site plastering construction, A-level fireproof, suitable for complex structures and internal insulation.

3、 Composite insulation material: integrated and efficient construction

Integrating insulation and finishing functions to achieve the integration of "insulation+decoration+construction".

Integrated insulation and decoration board: composed of insulation layer (rock wool, XPS, EPS), decorative layer (fluorocarbon paint, real stone paint, ceramic board) and reinforcement layer composite, prefabricated in the factory, glued and anchored on site, with a construction period shortened by more than 50%, suitable for new and old renovation projects.

Vacuum Insulation Panel (STP): Made of ultra-fine glass fiber as the core material, vacuum sealed in a barrier film, with a thermal conductivity as low as 0.008 W/(m · K), a thickness of 15mm can replace 100mm rock wool, and is rated as Class A fire-resistant. It is suitable for thickness sensitive buildings (such as energy-saving renovations of existing buildings).

Aerogel composite material: taking nano silica aerogel as the matrix, the thermal conductivity can be as low as 0.015 – 0.018 W/(m · K), the density is extremely light (< 30kg/m ³), and the temperature resistance range is wide. It is mainly used for high-end buildings, curtain wall interlayer or composite use with rock wool, which is a cutting-edge energy-saving material.

4、 Local Application Orientation: Recommended Strategies for Linyi, Shandong

In Linyi area, according to the "Shandong Province Catalogue of Application Certification for Building Energy saving Technology Products" and the "Code for Fire Protection Design of Buildings":

High rise residential and public buildings: Mandatory use of A-grade materials, with priority given to rock wool board, foam cement board, and STP vacuum insulation board;

Low rise residential buildings and non densely populated areas: B1 level EPS/XPS can be used, but A-level fire isolation belts with a height of ≥ 300mm must be set up;

New project trend: Integrated insulation and decoration panels are rapidly replacing traditional "thin plastering systems" and becoming the mainstream choice in the market due to their convenient construction and uniform appearance.

Core trend: evolving from "single insulation" to "system integration", upgrading from "B1 level compromise" to "A-level mandatory", rock wool and STP vacuum board are the optimal solutions under the dual drive of current policies and technologies.

Shandong Huaneng Insulation Materials is a pipeline insulation manufacturer in Linyi. As an integrated insulation and decoration manufacturer in Shandong, our main products include integrated insulation and decoration, pipeline insulation, exterior wall insulation materials, extruded polystyrene board, thermosetting polystyrene board, and rubber insulation. If you need it, you can contact us by phone.