Why R-Shield? | Advantages of R-Shield Rigid Insulation & Geofoam

Branson MO Freeway Geofoam Infill Stabilization Project

CONTROL WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Unsurpassed Value, Flexibility & Control

Ideal for below grade, geotechnical applications through the entire building envelope and roof, there is simply no other rigid insulation product that offers the versatility and flexibility needed in one product offering. R-Shield delivers what you need at an affordable price, with environmental advantages you can be proud of.

R-Shield expanded polystyrene also includes an ingredient you won’t find in other expanded insulation products: Control. With its massive range of flexibility, you're in control to determine the shape and specs you need, then R-Shield delivers them on time and within budget.

Top 10 Benefits of R-Shield EPS & GPS:

Versatility - One product endless applications
Engineered Strength
Stable Long-Term R-Value - Does not degrade over time
50-Year Warranty
Extreme Moisture Resistance
Proven Vapor Permeable
Termite & Insect Resistant
Manufactured to be sustainable from the start
Extreme thermal protection, eligible for significant tax credits and incentives
Best price over competing rigid insulation products

THE UNSURPASSED BENEFITS OF EPS & GPS

Why R-Shield Over Other Insulations?

The advantages of R-Shield expanded polystyrene (EPS) and graphite expanded polystyrene (GPS) rigid insulation is obvious when you understand the product from inception to application.

How is R-Shield manufactured?

R-Shield is manufactured in an expansion process that uses steam rather than excessive chemicals. This is known as the blowing agent, and R-Shield's has a 10 times lower global warming potential and 10,000 times lower ozone depletion than those used in the manufacturing process of other rigid insulations (such as Polyiso and XPS)

Largely because of the steam reaction that expands the EPS or GPS bead into an amazingly strong and versatile material the finished product consists of over 90% air. This is a contributor to the sustainable features, and part of what enables R-shield to be 100% recyclable.

After the foam is expanded into large blocks, based on various strength criteria, R-Shield manufacturing facilities precision cut, fabricate or laminate the end product into a huge variety of geofoam, below grade, wall, roof, packaging and many other applications.

Why is R-Shield able to maintain R-values better than other rigid insulations?

Because of the manufacturing process using steam expansion/blowing agents, R-Shield products do not have the same levels of off-gassing harmful chemicals into the ozone.

Without the existence and release of these chemicals, the physical properties of R-Shield EPS & GPS MAX (Graphite) products and their thermal R-values remain consistently stable over time.

Additionally, R-Shield is manufactured to resist moisture absorption in wetting conditions and release absorbed moisture quickly during drying periods, which also means R-Shield maintains R-value, where other insulations (XPS specifically) degrades its R-value significantly over time.

Screenshot 2022-12-26 at 4.59.03 PM

Learn more with this overview & comparison:

How reliable is the 50-Year Warranty?

Family owned and operated since the 1950's, R-Shield is a part of Premier Building Systems and offers a sound, stable and reliable warranty you can be sure will back up your products as long as you need.

Learn more about our company's longevity and history here.

How is R-Shield's moisture resistance proven?

Extensive third party studies have been conducted for decades proving the in-situ moisture resistance over extended periods. You can view all moisture studies and their outcomes, and comparisons with other types of insulation (such as XPS or Extruded Polystyrene).

The impact of moisture absorption on the performance of polystyrene foam insulations is an important design consideration. It has been scientifically proven that water absorption into polystyrene foam insulations will diminish R-values, defeating the purpose of the insulation.

In the case of comparing R-Shield with XPS, in a 15 year study, the results of the independent testing are dramatic. The EPS (expanded polystyrene) insulation maintained 94% of its stated R-value of 3.6 after the 15 year time period and had a moisture content of 4.8%. However, the XPS retained only 52% of its stated R-value of 5.0.

Screenshot 2022-12-26 at 4.32.37 PM

View detailed moisture studies and their proven outcome for R-Shield here.

Why does vapor permeance matter in rigid insulation selection?

R-Shield has resistance to moisture, and it also has a high vapor permeance which leads to superior drying potential. Enabling moisture to move through a structure rather than to be trapped and cause further damage down the road.

This drying potential is especially important when designing for wet climates, geotechnical conditions and Geofoam applications. The high vapor permeability of R-shield products make it an excellent option for many below grade applications, enabling a site or structure to gain extreme stability with various applications of R-Shield products.

What makes R-Shield termite resistant?

One of the most destructive forces anywhere is termites. R-Shield can be manufactured with a proven and safe additive, that effectively resists termites.

R-Shield is treated to meet ICC ES AC239, “Acceptance Criteria for Termite-Resistant Foam Plastics”.

Where can I find information on credits and incentives for using energy efficient products like R-Shield?

View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

Where can I find more regional information on credits and incentives?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

2). Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended several times. Visit TIAP website for more information and links that are available for you.