Thermal Drift and R-Value
Last Post 22 Nov 2007 10:49 AM by walltech. 3 Replies.
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stormmountainUser is Offline
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22 Nov 2007 01:49 AM
Any research/studies on how much 'thermal drift' (i.e. loss of R-value) occurs with the foam in blocks over time? Especially after a home has been built? I would be curious if blocks adjust closer to the R-value of 2x6 construction with either fiberglass or cellouse? It is my 'understanding' that most of the 'drift' occurs within a short time after manufacturing. It is my 'guess' that drift is probably larger with EPS then other foams.

Just trying to get some factual information instead of just an ICF advocate opinion (which there is a lot of in this forum;-).

Thanks,
Storm Mountain
QuantumUser is Offline
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22 Nov 2007 08:27 AM
Absolutely no thermal drift with EPS, from the time of molding to end-of-life.

You must be thinking of isocyanurate foam, which is used in many SIPs. This has rather higher insulative value than EPS when first manufactured because inside the foam cells is 100% blowing agent, which is heavy slow molecules (usually refrigerant gasses - ozone destroyers) that do not conduct heat well. But from the moment it is blown, iso foam is offgassing its nasty chemicals and dropping in insulative value fast.

Of course customers are told the insulative value as tested at time of manufacture, and are not told of thermal drift. And there's no one to keep them honest.

Understand the reason this drift happens is because of the exchange of heavy molocules for air. As insulation, iso and EPS foam both hold pockets of isolated air which greatly impedes heat transfer, so they have much the same mechanism. EPS is blown with steam and is filled with air from the beginning, so there is no thermal drift over time unless it is exposed to ultraviolet light which degrades it. EPS can absorb water intracellularly, but only if submerged for 24 hours (<2.75%), and it contains essentially 0% when part of a wall system. As the cement hydrates it will draw any water it can.

I could look it up, but will instead risk sounding like a fanboi: EPS should last 1,000 years, it is totally inert, and it exhibits no offgassing. If you find different, we would like to hear about it here.
slenzenUser is Offline
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22 Nov 2007 10:29 AM
I thought I read about other polyurethane foams that use different agents to avoid offgassing and drift.  Can't think of what or where I read about them.
walltechUser is Offline
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22 Nov 2007 10:49 AM
Extruded polystyrene is known to have thermal drift overtime unlike Expanded which stays stable. I have a chart somewhere that was done showing the long term advantages of EPS over XPS. It's the off gassing that causes this in xps according to the study.

Dave
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