What are the advantages of graphite Styrofoam compared to standard white Styrofoam? How much better is the thermal insulation of graphite Styrofoam? How does the installation of these two types of insulation differ? What is the price difference between graphite Styrofoam and traditional Styrofoam?
In addition to standard expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam, the market also offers graphite Styrofoam. This material is characterized by its dark gray color, a stark contrast to the traditional white Styrofoam. However, the difference in color is more significant t
han the difference in their basic properties. The price of graphite Styrofoam also differs from that of standard EPS insulation boards.
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Graphite Styrofoam is produced similarly to traditional expanded polystyrene. Also known as “Neopor” (a brand name protected by BASF), graphite Styrofoam is made by expanding polystyrene, just like regular Styrofoam, but with the addition of graphite during the process.
The graphite gives it its distinctive gray color, which runs throughout the material. Graphite also helps to reflect heat, improving the insulation properties of graphite Styrofoam compared to standard Styrofoam. According to manufacturers, the thermal insulation performance of graphite Styrofoam is about 20% better than that of white Styrofoam.
In terms of mechanical properties, graphite Styrofoam is similar to standard Styrofoam. It is precisely manufactured, allowing for smooth surfaces, which is especially beneficial when creating facades.
Since Styrofoam is a plastic-based material, neither standard white nor graphite Styrofoam reacts with other building materials like cement or lime, making it very popular in construction. The vapor permeability of graphite Styrofoam is the same as that of white Styrofoam, making both suitable for insulating exterior walls.
One practical difference between standard and graphite Styrofoam relates to the construction process. Neither material is designed to be permanently exposed to the elements, but extra care should be taken with graphite Styrofoam due to its darker color.
Because of its dark hue, graphite Styrofoam absorbs more heat from the sun. In contrast, white Styrofoam reflects sunlight, making it less prone to overheating. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause graphite Styrofoam to deform, so it’s recommended to plan for the timely application of a protective facade layer.
In essence, graphite Styrofoam shares many characteristics with standard white Styrofoam, with the exception of slightly better insulation performance. However, standard white Styrofoam already has excellent insulation properties, contributing to its widespread use.
Graphite Styrofoam offers only a slight improvement in insulation, but at a higher cost, which is why it is less popular compared to standard white Styrofoam. At the time of writing, the cost of one square foot of standard Styrofoam is almost half that of graphite Styrofoam, while the improvement in quality is marginal.
Price and Availability
To adapt this for U.S. readers, it’s essential to note that graphite Styrofoam (Neopor) is often priced at about $2.50 to $3.00 per square foot, whereas standard white EPS typically costs around $1.25 to $1.50 per square foot. Depending on the region and specific suppliers, these prices can fluctuate.
Info: Autrotherm, Insulfoam