| Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) | 0.031–0.038 | 1.32–1.61 | 20–300 mm; thicker assemblies can be produced by using multiple layers. | Closed-cell structure with relatively low water absorption, but exposed edges and prolonged immersion can increase moisture uptake. | Combustible polymer; fire classification varies by density, additives, facer, and system design. Must be protected where required by local codes. | External wall insulation systems, cavity walls, floors, roofs, insulated panels, and foundation applications with suitable grades. | Usually cost-effective and lightweight. Buyers should verify dimensional stability, density, water absorption, and compliance with local fire requirements. |
| Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) | 0.029–0.036 | 1.39–1.72 | 20–200 mm; commonly supplied with smooth or textured surfaces. | High resistance to liquid water and low water absorption compared with many fibrous insulations; joints still require correct detailing. | Combustible polymer; fire behaviour depends on formulation, surface treatment, and construction assembly. | Below-grade walls, inverted roofs, floors, perimeter insulation, and areas exposed to intermittent moisture. | Good compressive strength and moisture resistance. Confirm long-term compressive creep, frost exposure, and compatibility with membranes and adhesives. |
| Polyurethane (PUR) | 0.022–0.028 | 1.79–2.27 | 30–160 mm; often supplied with foil, mineral, or other facings. | Low water absorption when the facers and joints remain intact. Damage to facers can reduce moisture resistance. | Combustible polymer; fire performance is highly dependent on formulation, facer, thickness, and installation system. | Roof and wall sandwich panels, cold rooms, floors, roofs, pipes, and industrial insulation systems. | High insulation value per unit thickness. Buyers should check ageing performance, facer adhesion, joint design, and fire-test documentation. |
| Polyisocyanurate (PIR) | 0.022–0.028 | 1.79–2.27 | 30–200 mm; frequently manufactured with foil or composite facings. | Generally low water absorption when properly faced and installed; penetrations and joints require careful sealing. | Improved fire resistance compared with many conventional polymer foams, but classification remains product- and system-specific. | Flat and pitched roofs, insulated metal panels, wall systems, floors, and high-performance building envelopes. | Suitable where low thickness and high thermal resistance are important. Request tested reaction-to-fire, fire-resistance, and declared thermal-aging data. |
| Phenolic Foam | 0.018–0.023 | 2.17–2.78 | 20–120 mm; typically supplied with protective facers. | Low water absorption in sound faced products, but the core and edges must be protected from prolonged moisture exposure. | Often offers strong fire performance and low smoke compared with many polymer foams; exact classification must be verified for each product. | Space-constrained walls, roofs, floors, HVAC duct insulation, and high-performance retrofit projects. | Very low conductivity can reduce required thickness. Buyers should assess brittleness, facer integrity, compatibility, and long-term dimensional stability. |
| Mineral Wool Board | 0.034–0.040 | 1.25–1.47 | 40–240 mm; available in low-, medium-, and high-density grades. | Fibres are generally water-repellent in façade and roof grades, but prolonged saturation can reduce thermal performance and must be avoided. | Many stone wool and glass wool products can achieve high reaction-to-fire ratings; classification depends on binders, facers, density, and test method. | External façades, cavity walls, roofs, partitions, acoustic systems, fire-rated assemblies, and industrial applications. | Strong fire and acoustic characteristics. Compare density, facing, mechanical fixing requirements, fibre handling, and moisture protection. |
| Cellular Glass | 0.038–0.050 | 1.00–1.32 | 40–180 mm; available as rigid boards, blocks, and pipe sections. | Non-porous, vapour-tight, and effectively impermeable to liquid water; suitable for demanding moisture environments. | Non-combustible inorganic material with high dimensional stability; verify the tested assembly and applicable fire standard. | Foundations, flat roofs, cold storage, process plants, chemical facilities, and areas requiring vapour resistance. | Durable and resistant to pests, chemicals, and moisture, but usually heavier and more expensive. Check compressive strength and transport requirements. |
| Calcium Silicate Board | 0.050–0.090 | 0.56–1.00 | 25–100 mm; commonly used in high-temperature and specialty systems. | Porous and moisture-sensitive during storage and installation; performance can change if the board becomes wet. | Inorganic and generally non-combustible; high-temperature performance depends on composition and service conditions. | Industrial furnaces, high-temperature equipment, fire protection, chimney systems, and thermal bridges in specialty construction. | Chosen mainly for temperature resistance and fire protection rather than maximum building-envelope R-value. Verify service temperature and mechanical strength. |
| Wood Fibre Board | 0.038–0.050 | 1.00–1.32 | 40–240 mm; flexible and rigid grades are available. | Hygroscopic and capable of buffering moisture, but must be protected from persistent wetting and installed with correct vapour-control detailing. | Combustible bio-based material; fire classification depends on density, additives, facers, and the complete wall or roof assembly. | Timber-frame walls, roofs, floors, internal lining, and retrofit projects requiring improved acoustic and summer heat performance. | Renewable-content option with good thermal mass and acoustic benefits. Buyers should verify moisture design, density, preservatives, and environmental declarations. |
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