Laboratory Testing Shows Molded Polystyrene Insulation Resists Moisture Absorption

ACH Foam Technologies has announced that the Foam-Control PLUS+ water absorption max volume results of 0.3 percent in laboratory testing proves that molded polystyrene insulation resists moisture absorption. Even more important is its ability to dry in a short amount of time after wetting conditions which results in R-value retention over the life of the building. Foam-Control PLUS+ is backed by the ACH Foam Technologies 50-year R-value warranty and is available in a range of thicknesses. Foam-Control PLUS+ can be used in several applications, perimeter; under slab; plaza decks; green roofs; commercial roofs; cavity wall; and EIFS. Exposure to moisture could occur in any of these applications.

“All rigid foam insulations absorb water in wet conditions,” says Frank Kiesecker, vice president of sales & marketing at ACH Foam Technologies. “Science, however, proves in everyday use, and now in laboratory testing that molded polystyrene dries in a short amount of time and retains R-values.”

“Previous testing methodologies didn’t account for a wetting period followed by a drying period, which is the reality,” shares Todd Bergstrom, Ph.D., of ATZ Laboratories. Bergstrom’s C272 testing methodologies include air drying wet samples at 72 F and 50 percent relative humidity for 24 hours before measuring water by volume. Foam-Control PLUS+ had water absorption max volume results of 0.3 percent on the drying-period test. This testing method is indicative of what happens when buildings and infrastructure are subject to normal wet and dry weather conditions.

Foam-Control PLUS+ molded polystyrene is face labeled, is scored and has R value performance when exposed to moisture. In 15, 25, 40 and 60 psi grades Foam-Control PLUS+ can be manufactured in many thicknesses and comes with a 50 year R value warranty.

After 15 years of service as below-grade vertical wall insulation, molded polystyrene was removed from the exterior foundation of a building in St. Paul, Minn., and independently tested. Molded polystyrene weighed in at 4.8 percent water by volume. The result is indicative of its ability to release water after rain events. In these real-world conditions, the molded polystyrene retained 94 percent of the original published R-value.

The ability of molded polystyrene to release moisture and maintain R-values translates to long term performance.