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Technical Library

Airfoam products are versatile, budget-friendly, and environmentally responsible solutions for many construction applications: insulation around the entire building envelope and geofoam fill material for infrastructure, flotation and more.

Numerous products are available to meet energy efficiency and many other requirements for the long lives of buildings, infrastructure, docks etc.

Insulation around the entire Building Envelope

Product Lines

Korolite® Specifications 100 Types 1, I 130 Types 1+, VIII 160 Types 2, II 200 Types 2+, II+ 250 Types 3, IX 400 Type XIV 600 Type XV

For Tilt-Up with Grid Marks 200 Types 2+, II+ 250 Types 3, IX

Korolite® Types Overview Korolite® Installation Guide 30-Year Limited Warranty Environmental Product Declaration Shallow Foundations

Intertek

Materials:
Code Evaluation Report Thermal Insulation CAN/ULC-S701, ICC-ES AC12, ASTM C578 with Surface Burning Characteristics CAN/ULC-S102.2, ASTM E84 (UL 723), Intertek Listed & Inspected
Wall Assemblies:
¾ Hour Fire Rating for a Composite Wall Assembly with EPS c.i. CAN/ULC-S101, ASTM E119
Meets NFPA 285 with specific limitations for an Exterior Wall Assembly with EPS c.i.

Underwriters Laboratories

Materials:
BRYX.R7726 - Foamed Plastic Surface Burning Characteristics ANSI/UL 723
TGYVC.R19427 - Roof Deck Construction Materials Fire Spread Under Roof Deck Assemblies CAN/ULC-S126
CDET7.R19427 - Rigid Roof Insulation Fire Resistance Ratings CAN/ULC-S101
Roof Assemblies:
TGKXC - Roof Deck Construction No. C7, C12A, C12B, C38
BXUVC - Roof Fire-Resistance Ratings Design No. R210, R222

Material Properties of Korolite® Insulation Types
Property¹ Units Korolite® Types Test Std.
100 130 160 200 250 400 600
Third-Party Certified Type Canada 1 1+ 2 2+ 3     CAN/ULC-S701
USA I VIII II II+ IX XIV XV ASTM C578
Compressive Resistance2 Minimum
@ 10% Deformation psi 10 13 16 20 25 40 60 ASTM D1621
Proc.A
kPa 70 90 110 140 172 276 414
Thermal Resistance3,4 Minimum at mean temperatures of:
R-value/inch thickness ft²•hr•°F/ (BTU•in) 25°F: 6 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.8 4.8 4.8 ASTM C518
or C177
40°F: 6 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.6
75°F: 3.75 3.8 4.04 4.1 4.27 4.27 4.3
RSI / 25mm
thickness
m²•°C/ (W•25mm) -4°C: 6 0.73 0.76 0.80 0.81 0.83 0.83 0.83
4°C: 6 0.69 0.73 0.76 0.77 0.80 0.80 0.80
24°C: 0.65 0.66 0.70 0.71 0.74 0.74 0.75
Water Vapor Permeance4
Maximum @ 1" thick
perm 5.0 3.5 3.5 3.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 ASTM E96 desiccant
ng/(Pa•s•m²) 287 201 201 190 132 132 132
Water Absorption5
Maximum
% by
volume
USA 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 ASTM C272, 1 day
Canada 6 6 4 4 2     ASTM D2842, 4 days
Flexural Strength
Minimum
psi 25 30 35 40 50 60 75 ASTM C203
Proc.B
kPa 172 208 240 280 345 414 517
Density7 Nominal6 lbs/ft³ 1 1.65 2 3 ASTM D1622
Minimum7 kg/m³ 14.4 18.4 21.6 24 28.8 38.4 48

¹ The test methods used to determine the material properties provide a means of comparing different cellular plastic thermal insulations. They are intended for use in specifications, product evaluations and quality control, but they are not intended to predict end-use product performance.  ² The elastic limit is between 1% and 2% strain. Compressive resistances at 10% strain are provided for applications where the intended end-use can tolerate plastic (permanent) deformation under load.  ³ R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.  4 Values are for 1 inch or 25mm thick samples with natural skins intact. Better values will result for thicker materials.  5 The lab-test methods for water absorption use complete submersion under a head of water for 24 or 96 hours, so the values are applicable to specific design requirements only when the end-use conditions are similar to test method requirements.  6 not part of all the industry consensus standards (ASTM C578, CAN/ULC-S701) and provided AS-IS solely for informational purposes.  7 Minimum Density only applicable to USA-bound products per ASTM C578 (not Canada-bound products per CAN/ULC-S701).

Additional Properties of EPS

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338 and has no nutritional value for insects. To protect against termites place adequate physical barriers such as membranes around below-grade EPS.
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 75°C [167°F], Intermittent Exposure 80°C [176°F]
Thermal Expansion coefficient: 5-7•10-5/°K
Dimensional Stability¹: max. 1.5% linear change per ASTM D2126 (7 Days @ 70±2°C)
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. EPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. Capillarity: None
UV-light surface degradation: white EPS can be exposed to direct sunlight for a few weeks. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light creates a yellow dust on the surface of EPS products which has negligible impact on the products' properties but may require removal before adhering other materials such as stucco or self-adhesive membranes.
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500.   USA ASTM E84 (UL 723)ª: Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's EPS for construction applications contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: EPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specified in the appropriate building code. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS

ª Ceiling measurement only, conducted through determination of flame spread index and smoke-developed index with the removal of any contribution of molten materials ignited on the floor of the Steiner tunnel.

Library for Korolite® Insulated Metal Panels (formerly "K-Lock")

 Product Catalog  PDF Typical Details  DWG Typical Details  Handling Instructions
Air Permeance & Water Penetration ASTM E283 & E331
Room Fire Growth CAN/ULC-S138 Certificate of Compliance - UL Listing
Surface Burning Characteristics CAN/ULC-S102: without joints and with typical joints
Intertek Listed & Inspected
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Approval with and without FRP
Uniform & Concentrated Loads for Floor Panels
Foam Core Code Evaluation Report

Korolite® Insulated Metal Panel Properties

The panels are 2-11" thick [50-280mm], 48" [1219mm] or 45-¾" [1162mm] wide and custom-cut to lengths per approved designs. The panels' facings are pre-painted, AZ50 aluminum-zinc coated or G90 galvanized steel in 26 or 24 gauge. They are bonded to the closed cell, expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation core with a specially formulated adhesive.

Panel Thickness mm 50 102 152 203 254 280
inch 2 4 6 8 10 11
Thermal Resistance1,2 typical per ASTM C518 or C177
R-value
ft²•hr•°F/BTU
@ 75°F 8.08 15.4 23 31 39 42
@ 40°F 8.8 16.7 25 33 42 46
@ 25°F 9.2 17.4 26 35 44 48
RSI
m²•°C/W
@ 24°C 1.4 2.71 4.07 5.42 6.78 7.46
@ 4.4°C 1.55 2.94 4.41 5.88 7.34 8.08
@ -4°C 1.62 3.06 4.6 6.13 7.66 8.43
Air Permeance tested ASTM E283 0.002 l/(s•m²) at 300 Pa
0.0004 CFM/ft² at 6.26 psf
Water Penetration tested ASTM E331 Passed at 137 Pa
Fire Growth of Insulated Building Panels CAN/ULC-S138 Passed in Full-Scale Room Configuration
Surface Burning Characteristics for Panels with Facings
without joints CAN/ULC-S102-07 Flame-Spread Rating 5
Smoke Developed Classification 175
with typ. joints incl. exposed sealant CAN/ULC-S102-18 Flame-Spread Rating 65
Smoke Developed Classification 310
Panel Cores: Korolite® Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Canada EPS Type CAN/ULC-S701 2 1 1 1 1 1
USA EPS Type ASTM C578 II I I I I I
Panel Weights
with 26 ga. facings
lbs/sqft 2.18 2.35 2.54 2.72 2.91 3.0
kg/m² 10.6 11.5 12.4 13.3 14.2 14.65

¹ Foam Core Values are calculated by extrapolation of 1 inch thick EPS samples. Data provided AS-IS solely for informational purposes ² R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.

Additional Properties of EPS

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338 and has no nutritional value for insects. To protect against termites place adequate physical barriers such as membranes around below-grade EPS.
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 75°C [167°F], Intermittent Exposure 80°C [176°F]
Thermal Expansion coefficient: 5-7•10-5/°K
Dimensional Stability¹: max. 1.5% linear change per ASTM D2126 (7 Days @ 70±2°C)
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. EPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. Capillarity: None
UV-light surface degradation: white EPS can be exposed to direct sunlight for a few weeks. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light creates a yellow dust on the surface of EPS products which has negligible impact on the products' properties but may require removal before adhering other materials such as stucco or self-adhesive membranes.
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500.   USA ASTM E84 (UL 723)ª: Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's EPS for construction applications contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: EPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specified in the appropriate building code. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS

ª Ceiling measurement only, conducted through determination of flame spread index and smoke-developed index with the removal of any contribution of molten materials ignited on the floor of the Steiner tunnel.

Airboard® Specs
VB 100 Types 1, I VB 160 Types 2, II VB 250 Types 3, IX

Airboard® Installation Guide   Code Evaluation Report

Water Vapor Permeance, ASTM E96: VB 100 | VB 160 | VB 250
Intertek Listed & Inspected

Airboard® Properties

Airboards are 4' x 8' [1.22m x 2.44m] with thicknesses from 1" to 6" [25-152mm] packed in bundles up to 12½" high. The EPS insulation core is laminated on both sides with 1 mil [25.4μm] metallic reflective facers made of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and other polymers. EPS is closed cell foam insulation that uses air as main ingredient. Airboard® Insulation meets the requirements of CAN/ULC-S701 "Standard for Thermal Insulation, Polystyrene, Boards and Pipe Covering" and ASTM C578 "Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation".

Property Units Airboard® VB Types Test Std.
100 160 250
Third-Party Certified EPS Type Canada 1 2 3 CAN/ULC-S701
USA I II IX ASTM C578
Compressive Resistance1,4
@ 10% Deformation, minimum
psi 10 16 25 ASTM D1621
Proc.A
kPa 70 110 172
Thermal Resistance1,2,3 Minimum at mean temperatures of:
R-value/inch thickness ft²•hr•°F/ (BTU•in) 25°F: 6 4.2 4.6 4.8 ASTM C518
or C177
40°F: 6 4.0 4.4 4.6
75°F: 3.75 4.04 4.27
RSI / 25mm thickness m²•°C/ (W•25mm) -4°C: 6 0.73 0.80 0.83
4°C: 6 0.69 0.76 0.80
24°C: 0.65 0.70 0.74
Air Permeance2,6
tested at 1" thickness
CFM/ft² at 1.57 psf 0.0002 ASTM E2178
l/(s•m²) at 75 Pa 0.001
Water Vapor Permeance1,2
tested at 1" thickness
perm 0.13 0.13 0.03 ASTM E96
desiccant
ng/(Pa•s•m²) 7.5 7.4 1.5
Water Absorption1,5
tested with facers @ 1"-thick
% by
volume
USA     0.3 ASTM C272, 1 day
Canada     0.7 ASTM D2842, 4 days
EPS Water Absorption1,5
maximum without facers
% by
volume
USA 4 3 2 ASTM C272, 1 day
Canada 6 4 2 ASTM D2842, 4 days
EPS Flexural Strength1
minimum without facers
psi 25 35 50 ASTM C203
Proc.B
kPa 172 240 345
Density7 Nominal 6 lbs/ft³ 1 2 ASTM D1622
Minimum7 kg/m³ 14.4 21.6 28.8

¹ The test methods used to determine the material properties provide a means of comparing different cellular plastic thermal insulations. They are intended for use in specifications, product evaluations and quality control but they are not intended to predict end-use product performance.  ² Values are for 1 inch or 25mm thick samples with laminated skins intact and seams, fasteners & penetrations properly sealed. Better values will result for thicker materials.  ³ R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.  4 The elastic limit is between 1% and 2% strain. Compressive resistances at 10% strain are provided for applications where the intended end-use can tolerate plastic (permanent) deformation under load.  5 The lab-test methods for water absorption use complete submersion under a head of water for 24 or 96 hours, so the values are applicable to specific design requirements only when the end-use conditions are similar to test method requirements.   6 not part of all the industry consensus standards (ASTM C578, CAN/ULC-S701) and provided AS-IS solely for informational purposes  7 Minimum Density only applicable to USA-bound products per ASTM C578 (not Canada-bound products per CAN/ULC-S701).

Additional Properties of EPS

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338 and has no nutritional value for insects. To protect against termites place adequate physical barriers such as membranes around below-grade EPS.
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 75°C [167°F], Intermittent Exposure 80°C [176°F]
Thermal Expansion coefficient: 5-7•10-5/°K
Dimensional Stability¹: max. 1.5% linear change per ASTM D2126 (7 Days @ 70±2°C)
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. EPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. Capillarity: None
UV-light surface degradation: white EPS can be exposed to direct sunlight for a few weeks. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light creates a yellow dust on the surface of EPS products which has negligible impact on the products' properties but may require removal before adhering other materials such as stucco or self-adhesive membranes.
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500.   USA ASTM E84 (UL 723)ª: Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's EPS for construction applications contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: EPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specified in the appropriate building code. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS

ª Ceiling measurement only, conducted through determination of flame spread index and smoke-developed index with the removal of any contribution of molten materials ignited on the floor of the Steiner tunnel.

CSC/CSI Specifications Geofoam Tech. Summary Design Guide Shallow Foundations Multi-Function Overview Geofoam Durability Seismic Buffer Code Evaluation Report Intertek Listed & Inspected

National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP):
Geofoam for Highway Embankments
Geofoam for Slope Stability Projects
Lateral Pressure Reduction on Earth-Retaining Structures Using Geofoam, Dr. John S. Horvath P.E. March 2018


Material properties of Airfoam's various Types for Engineered Applications
 Tech. Summary

The standard EPS-blocks are 48" x 48" x 96" [1.22m x 1.22m x 2.44m], full-size maxima are 48½" x 48½" x 194" [1.23m x 1.23m x 4.92m] but can be custom ordered in any size, including custom-fabricated and factory-tapered, to meet your project specifications.

Property¹ Units
Airfoam Types
ASTM Std.
G12 G15 G19 G22 G24 G29 G39 G46
Third-Party Certified Type   EPS15 EPS19 EPS22   EPS29 EPS39 EPS46 D6817
Density
Minimum
kg/m3 11.2 14.4 18.4 21.6 24.0 28.8 38.4 45.7 D1622
lb/ft3 0.7 0.9 1.15 1.35 1.5 1.8 2.4 2.85
Compressive Resistance
@ 1% Strain

Minimum
kPa 15 25 40 50 58 75 103 128 D1621
Proc.A
psi 2.2 3.6 5.8 7.3 8.4 10.9 15 18.6
psf 317 518 835 1051 1210 1570 2160 2678
Elastic Modulus²
typical within elastic range
MPa 1.5 2.5 4.0 5.0 5.8 7.5 10.3 12.8 D1621
psi 220 360 580 730 840 1090 1500 1860
Flexural Strength
Minimum
kPa 69 172 207 240 276 345 414 517 C203
Proc.B
psi 10 25 30 35 40 50 60 75
Buoyancy Force3,4
Maximum when dry
kN/m3 9.7 9.67 9.63 9.6 9.57 9.53 9.43 9.36 D1622
lbf/ft3 61.8 61.5 61.3 61.1 61 60.7 60.1 59.6
Additional Compressive Resistance Properties²
@ 5% Strain
Minimum
kPa 35 55 90 115 138 170 241 300 D1621
Proc.A
psi 5.1 8.0 13.1 16.7 20.0 24.7 35.0 43.5
@ 10% Strain
Minimum
kPa 40 70 110 135 157 200 276 345
psi 5.8 10.2 16 19.6 22.7 29 40 50
Thermal Resistance4,5 Minimum R-value at 1" thick [ ft²•hr•°F/ (BTU•in) ] at mean temperatures of:
25°F (when heating) 3.45 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.8 4.8 4.8 C518
or
C177
40°F (when heating) 3.3 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.6
75°F (when cooling) 3.1 3.75 3.8 4.04 4.1 4.27 4.27 4.3

¹ The test methods used to determine the above material properties provide a means of comparing different rigid, cellular polystyrene geofoam products. They are intended for use in specifications, product evaluations and quality control but they are not intended to predict end-use product performance.  ² The elastic limit/yield point is between 1% and 2% strain. Compressive resistances at 5% and 10% strain are provided for applications where the intended end-use includes plastic (permanent) deformation under load; to limit it along with creep, use the 1% strain values for design.  ³ when EPS remains dry, assuming fresh water ρ=1,000 kg/m3. Where needed protect against uplift/flotation.  4 not part of the industry consensus standard ASTM D6817 and provided AS-IS solely for informational purposes.   5 based on industry standards for EPS insulation of similar densities. R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.

The ASTM Standard D6817 "Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam" provides material properties of various EPS Types:

Property*
Units
Types
ASTM Test
EPS12
EPS15
EPS19
EPS22
EPS29
EPS39
EPS46
Density
Minimum
kg/m3 11.2 14.4 18.4 21.6 28.8 38.4 45.7 C303 or D1622
lb/ft3 0.7 0.9 1.15 1.35 1.8 2.4 2.85
Compressive Resistance
@ 1% Deformation
Minimum
kPa 15 25 40 50 75 103 128 D1621
Proc.A
psi 2.2 3.6 5.8 7.3 10.9 15 18.6
Flexural Strength
Minimum
kPa 69 172 207240 345 414 517 C203
Proc.B
psi 10 25 3035 50 60 75
Limiting Oxygen Index
Minimum
% 24 24 2424 24 24 24 D2863
Additional Compressive Resistance Properties**
Compressive Resistance
@ 5% Deformation
Minimum
kPa 35 55 90 115 170 241 300 D1621
Proc.A
psi 5.1 8.0 13.1 16.7 24.7 35.0 43.5
Compressive Resistance
@ 10% Deformation
Minimum
kPa 40 70 110 135 200 276 345 D1621
Proc.A
psi 5.8 10.2 16.0 19.6 29.0 40.0 50

* The test methods used to determine the above material properties provide a means of comparing different rigid, cellular polystyrene geofoam products. They are intended for use in specifications, product evaluations and quality control, but they are not intended to predict end-use product performance.   ** Compressive resistance at 5% and 10% deformation are provided for applications where the intended end-use includes plastic (permanent) deformation under load.

Additional Properties for all Types

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) resists mold & fungi growth per ASTM C1338 and has no nutritional value for insects. To protect against insects/termites and water-vapor, place adequate physical barriers such as membranes around below-grade EPS. Where needed use adequate drainage to limit water absorption; Capillarity: None
Poisson's Ratio: ν ≈0.12 within the elastic range
Coefficient of Friction: μ ≈0.5-0.7 along clean faces
Max. Service Temperature: Long-Term Exposure 75°C [167°F], Intermittent Exposure 80°C [176°F]; Thermal expansion coefficient: 5-7•10-5/°K
Solubility: Insoluble in water and in general chemically inert. EPS dissolves in hydrocarbons (e.g. fuels, oils, tar), organic solvents (e.g. acetone/ketones, benzene, paint thinner), ethers, esters, aldehydes and amines. UV-light surface degradation: white EPS can be exposed to direct sunlight for a few weeks. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light creates a yellow dust on the surface of EPS which has negligible impact on the products' properties but may require removal before adhering other materials such as coatings or self-adhesive membranes.
Surface Burning Characteristics Canada CAN/ULC-S102.2: Flame-Spread Rating ≤295, Smoke Developed Classification over 500.   USA ASTM E84 (UL 723): Flame Spread Index ≤25, Smoke-Developed Index ≤450 up to 6" thick
Limiting Oxygen Index: min. 24% per ASTM D2863. Airfoam's EPS for construction use contains a polymeric (non-HBCD) fire retardant modifier.
CAUTION: EPS products are combustible and must not be exposed to excessive heat, sparks, open flames, or any other sources of ignition. If stored/used in closed containers, confined, or low-lying areas, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable pentane vapours. Prevent inhalation of smoke, fumes or dust from burning or fabrication activities. GHS Classification: Non-Hazardous, see SDS and Fire Safety Bulletin

Stress-Strain Curves of EPS Geofoam Types