1.1 This Standard specifies the requirements for factory made rigid polystyrene insulation in the form of
boards with or without facings or coatings made by moulding of pre-expanded beads (EPS) or extrusion of
polystyrene (XPS). This Standard does not apply to laminated products manufactured with any type of
rigid board facer including fibreboard, perlite board, gypsum board, or oriented strand board.
1.2 This Standard describes product characteristics and includes procedures for testing, evaluation of
conformity, marking and labelling. This Standard covers four types of rigid expanded polystyrene
distinguished on the basis of their material properties.
1.3 Products manufactured to meet the requirements of this Standard are intended for use as thermal
insulation in building construction and other applications, whether applied on a building site or in a
prefabrication (manufacturing) facility, for service temperatures ranging from –54 °C to +75 °C. The
properties contained in this Standard are considered suitable for most insulation applications. If the
intended application requires other properties – e.g., cryogenic, flotation, pipe covering, etc. – consult
manufacturers for specific recommendations and properties.
1.4 The performance of systems incorporating rigid polystyrene insulation manufactured in compliance
with this Standard is not addressed in this Standard.
1.5 Requirements for flat, uncoated EPS thermal insulation boards for use in exterior insulation and
finish systems (EIFS) are addressed in Annex B. Recommended practices for verification of quality
consistency by the manufacturer and by a third party are included in Annex C for EPS insulation
1.6 This Standard does not purport to address all possible end-use concerns. It is the responsibility of
the user of this Standard to contact the manufacturer regarding design considerations for specific end-use
applications. The test methods listed in this document are used to determine the values for the material
properties. These values are intended for use in specifications, product evaluations and quality control.
They are not intended to predict in situ end-use product performance.
1.7 The testing and evaluation of a product against this Standard may require the use of materials and/or
equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the health and safety
aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this standard has the responsibility to consult the
appropriate authorities and to establish health and safety practices, in conjunction with any existing
applicable regulatory requirements, prior to its use.