First, the core material is EPS. This is the highest price/performance insulation available on the market. The R-rating is static, which means you don't pay more for an R-value which decreases throughout its life.

Consider many other rigid insulation products which rely on low density gasses for a high R-rating.  Since these gasses are less dense than air they are less able to conduct heat, hence a higher R-rating.  But, just like a helium party balloon that bounces off the ceiling at night only to be bouncing off the floor in the morning, these gasses leak through microscopic holes in the insulation and are replaced by air.  When that happens, the R-rating falls. So though you paid for a high rating you don't actually get the return for the investment.

Another important point about these gasses is that they commonly are HCFC's or CFC's. These materials have been identified as causing deterioration of the protective atmospheric ozone layer.

Just as importantly EPS does not form a vapor barrier. This is crucial to the protection of your home, particularly in cooler weather. Homes are constructed with a vapor barrier on the interior walls. This is to prevent moisture from normal living conditions from entering the wall cavity.  But these barriers cannot prevent all moisture from driving into the wall.  When that happens, particularly around kitchens and bathrooms, the water vapor must be able to pass completely to the out side.  If it can't then the stage is set for damage in the call cavity.  If the interior wall gets cool enough to reach dew point, water droplets will form in the wall. This is damaging to fiberglass insulation, and can lead to structural damage from dry rot.

EPS allows the moisture that inevitable gets into the wall cavity to escape into the outdoors. Preventing a potentially expensive problem from occurring.   Be sure to protect your home by asking about the vapor permeance of other rigid insulating products.  Just because a product sports a household brand name doesn't mean it is the best.

[Exterior Layer] | [R-Value] | [Rigidity]
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Polar Industries, Inc.
32 Grammar Avenue  Prospect  CT   06712
(800) 237-3763
E-Mail: sales@polarcentral.com

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