XPS Insulation

XPS boards are a type of rigid foam insulation commonly used for various building insulation applications. This insulation stands out for its strength, stability and water resistance.

What is XPS Insulation Board?

XPS insulation boards offer reliable insulation because of their dense structure. They stand out for their compressive strength, excellent thermal insulation and moisture protection. And because of these properties, they are a fitting option for use beneath flooring systems, on external walling and in spaces below ground level.

What is XPS Foam Used for?

From light domestic projects to heavy-duty commercial builds, the XPS insulation board can do it all. Aside from the quality of the foam, density also plays a role in determining where each board can be used. Overall, though, XPS foam can be used in these areas:

• Foundations.
• Basements and ground floors.
• Inverted flat roofs.
• Car parks.
• Retaining walls.
• Cold store floors.
• Commercial and industrial floors.
• External insulation systems.

Benefits of XPS Insulation

Here are some of the reasons that make XPS shine as an insulation material:

• Excellent moisture resistance – The closed-cell structure significantly reduces water absorption.
• High compressive strength –  the board can handle heavy loads without breaking down or losing its shape.
• Excellent thermal performance – XPS’s excellent insulation values help minimise heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
• Durability – Freeze-thaw cycles are no threat. The board withstands them rather well, so you won’t have to worry about degradation due to weather changes.
• Lightweight and easy to handle – You can move, resize, and fit XPS boards into spaces with minimal effort.
• Long-lasting performance – XPS insulation provides lasting performance. It doesn’t require frequent replacement, unless the building is damaged.

Why Choose our Extruded Polystyrene?

Insulation Wholesale supplies premium XPS panels for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

Our extruded polystyrene range features various thicknesses, allowing you to select precisely what your project requires.

We store all our insulation boards in dry, shaded conditions to preserve their integrity and performance.

Thanks to our fast delivery, expert support, and trusted quality, you can count on us to provide XPS foam that performs exceptionally well from the day you install it.

FAQ

Where can I buy XPS insulation boards near me?

Buy XPS insulation boards online from Insulation Wholesale. We stock and supply XPS boards suitable for floors, inverted roofs, and ground-bearing slabs in trade quantities as well as smaller orders. Our team can help you choose correctly, especially where XPS is required by design (below slab, inverted roofs, high load areas). We provide fast quotes with nationwide delivery.

Which UK retailers provide bulk discounts on XPS insulation?

Bulk discounts on XPS insulation are mainly offered by trade-focused suppliers. Most general builders’ merchants do not consistently stock XPS and rarely offer significant discounts. Some regional trade counters may offer discounts, but stock levels and brands vary. At Insulation Wholesale, we offer price breaks on higher quantities, mixed-thickness orders, and repeat trade purchases.

How does XPS insulation compare to other foam board insulations?

XPS is one of three common rigid foam boards used in the UK. Each suits different conditions.

XPS (Extruded Polystyrene)

• Very low water absorption
• High compressive strength
• Performs well below ground and in wet zones
• Slightly higher thermal conductivity than PIR (typically ~0.029–0.036 W/m·K)

PIR (Polyisocyanurate)

• Better thermal performance per millimetre
• Lighter and easier to cut
• Not suitable for constant contact with moisture
• Common in walls and warm roofs

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)

• Cheapest option
• Lower strength and higher water uptake than XPS
• Used where loads and moisture are limited

Use XPS where strength and moisture resistance matter.
Use PIR where thickness is limited.
Use EPS where cost matters most.

How to install XPS insulation?

XPS installation depends on location, but the basics are the same:

• Prepare the surface 

The substrate must be flat and debris-free. Any rocking boards will cause problems later.

• Lay the boards tightly 

Place XPS boards tight-jointed, staggering joints like brickwork. This improves load spread and reduces cold paths.

• Fix or restrain correctly 

• Floors / below slab: Boards are usually loose-laid beneath concrete.
• Inverted roofs: Boards are loose-laid over waterproofing and held down with ballast.
• Walls: Use mechanical fixings or compatible adhesive, depending on system design.

• Protect edges and joints 

Some systems require taped joints or edge upstands to limit water tracking. Follow the project details.

• Apply a load-spreading layer 

Concrete, screed, or protection boards must be installed as specified to evenly distribute loads.

Some inverted roof systems also use a filter membrane above the XPS before the ballast layer is added.

Build smarter, insulate stronger. Choose our XPS insulation boards today and enjoy lasting performance, excellent thermal protection, and peace of mind on every project. Click here to explore our full XPS range.