Foamex has been manufacturing and selling the popular Expol White polystyrene underfloor insulation for over 15 years. It suits the cool temperatures of most Australian climate zones, but some areas need a little more. That’s where Expol Black thermal floor insulation comes into play.
Expol Black is 30 percent more efficient and has a higher thermal resistance, making it better for climates with extreme temperatures. Its R-value (thermal resistance rating) increases from R1.4 for Expol White to R1.8 for Expol Black.
It earned its name because it contains graphite, which is added to the expanded polystyrene (EPS), giving it a charcoal colour. Expol Black has been sold in New Zealand for many years, so adding it to the range and manufacturing it in Australia makes sense.
How does graphite help in Expol Black?
The graphite particles in Expol Black underfloor insulation reflect and absorb radiant energy, increasing the insulation capacity or R-value while retaining all the performance benefits of standard polystyrene insulation.
Graphite is the most stable form of carbon, naturally occurring and chemically inert. When embedded in polystyrene sheets, it acts as a radiant energy reflector, giving the material its distinct charcoal grey colour and increased thermal performance.
The graphite particles are embedded in the insulation board and serve as a coating on the walls of each cell. This means that while Expol Black graphite EPS insulation has greater thermal resistance and is 30 per cent more efficient, it is the same depth as Expol White, making it just as easy to install.
The benefits of underfloor insulation?
Installing insulation underfloor makes homes with suspended timber floors more comfortable and lowers energy bills, saving money and benefiting the environment. Insulation, including underfloor types, reduces heat transfer between the building and outdoors.
Adding foam underfloor insulation to a new or existing home can improve energy ratings, which are mandatory for new or renovated properties in Australia. Recently, the energy efficiency requirement increased from six to seven stars.
As well as being energy efficient, Expol Black contains up to 25 per cent recycled polystyrene. As with all Foamex expanded polystyrene products, all the offcuts can be recycled. Foamex offers a pick-up service for polystyrene offcuts from building sites, and members of the public can drop off their foam offcuts at various locations through the StyroCycle scheme.
Draught proof your home with DIY underfloor insulation
One of the main reasons homeowners install thermal insulation under timber floors is to eliminate draughts. Up to 25 per cent of winter heat loss in existing homes is caused by draughts, according to Sustainability Victoria, and 90 per cent of homes in Victoria have unwanted draughts. In the extremes of summer and winter, the effects are worse, so it is more difficult to lock in comfortable temperatures.
Installing expanded polystyrene underfloor insulation like Expol Black is a key step towards draught proofing as it minimises the warm air that escapes during winter and the hot air that enters in summer.
Expol Black underfloor insulation can be installed by a DIY homeowner
Expol underfloor insulation can be fitted to new floors during construction or retrofitted to existing dwellings. All that’s required is to measure up, cut to fit, install the Expol panels, fix with fittings, and place wire guards around cables.
It is designed for DIY homeowners or professionals and can be installed underneath the average home by a competent DIY enthusiast over a weekend.
Where to buy Expol Black R1.8 underfloor insulation
Expol Black R1.8 underfloor insulation to fit 410 mm joists is available to buy online here. Additionally, leading hardware stores in Victoria offer the option of buying Expol Black by special order.
