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Insulation — Expanded Polystyrene

EPS Insulation

Thermally Insulated Graphite EPS Panels for External Walls

EPS Insulation Board — Graphite Expanded Polystyrene Panels

Expanded polystyrene boards offer an efficient, cost-effective insulation solution when integrated into an external facade system. EPS external wall insulation — also known as solid wall insulation — is a widely recognised, budget-friendly way to improve the thermal performance of external walls, and pairs with finishes including reinforced render, cladding, weatherboarding and tile hanging.

At a Glance Graphite EPS λ 0.030 W/mK 100% Recyclable For BBA Approved Systems
Material Graphite EPS
Thermal λ 0.030 W/mK
Weight Lightweight
Thicknesses Various
Recyclable 100%
Overview

Thermally insulated graphite EPS panel (grey)

Graphite EPS is a lightweight cellular plastic material suitable for a wide range of building insulation applications. It is an excellent insulating medium that delivers consistent thermal performance across the range of temperatures normally encountered in buildings.

The material is versatile, light in weight, clean and easy to handle, providing a cost-effective means of including permanent insulation in floors, walls and roofs — helping projects meet, and exceed, the standards laid down in the Building Regulations.

Graphite EPS is a specialised version of expanded polystyrene treated with graphite particles, which reflect heat and further improve the board's insulating capability. This gives graphite EPS a lower thermal conductivity than standard white EPS — meaning a thinner board achieves the same thermal performance.

The Basics

What is EPS insulation?

EPS insulation (expanded polystyrene) is a widely used, cost-effective insulation board made from expanded polystyrene beads fused together under pressure to form a dense, closed-cell board. It offers excellent thermal performance and integrates seamlessly into external wall insulation systems, making it ideal for both residential and commercial projects.

As an EPS insulation board, it is lightweight yet durable, water resistant, rot proof and highly resistant to mould — and it can be specified in various thicknesses depending on the thermal requirement of the project. Graphite EPS takes this further: the graphite content improves thermal resistance, so a graphite EPS slab insulates more effectively than a standard EPS panel of the same thickness.

Key Benefits

Why specify EPS insulation

High Thermal Performance

With a thermal conductivity of 0.030 W/mK, graphite EPS insulation boards deliver excellent energy efficiency and help reduce heat loss from buildings.

Cost-Effective

EPS insulation offers high thermal performance at a lower cost per board than many alternatives — an attractive option for balancing performance and budget.

Lightweight & Easy to Install

The lightweight nature of expanded polystyrene makes EPS panels easy to handle, cut and install — even on large-scale projects.

Durable & Water Resistant

Despite being lightweight, EPS offers excellent compressive strength and water resistance, protecting against moisture penetration over a long service life.

Rot Proof & Mould Resistant

EPS insulation is rot proof and highly resistant to mould growth, making it reliable across a wide range of construction applications.

Versatile Application

Suitable for walls, floors and roofs across new build, retrofit and refurbishment — compatible with masonry, timber and concrete substrates.

High Compressive Strength

Beads fused under pressure create a dense, closed-cell board that supports external render finishes without risk of deformation over time.

100% Recyclable

EPS can be fully recycled at the end of its service life, supporting more sustainable building practices and reducing waste to landfill.

Render & Fixing Compatible

Compatible with adhesives, mechanical fixings and reinforced render finishes — the standard insulant for EWI render systems.

Where It's Used

Applications

EPS insulation is a key component in many external wall insulation systems, adding a protective, insulating layer to external walls and reducing heat loss. Common applications include:

Solid wall insulation (EWI render systems)
Cavity wall insulation
Cladding & weatherboarding build-ups
Reinforced render systems
Floors and roofs
Within a System
Licata offers a range of BBA approved External Wall Insulation systems using EPS insulation, alongside other insulating materials. Contact our technical team to confirm the right system for your project.
Performance

What it delivers

Thermal. A thermal conductivity of 0.030 W/mK provides high thermal resistance, reducing heat loss in winter and helping keep interiors cooler in summer — lowering heating and cooling costs.

Solid wall insulation. As part of an EWI system, EPS boards form a continuous insulation layer that prevents thermal bridging and helps the building maintain a consistent internal temperature.

Durability. The dense, closed-cell structure resists moisture and impact while holding its form, maintaining thermal performance throughout a long service life.

Technical Data

Specification

Indicative technical data for Licata graphite EPS insulation. Always refer to the current data sheet for the full specification and available thicknesses.

Material Graphite Expanded Polystyrene
Thermal Conductivity 0.030 W/mK
Colour Grey (Graphite)
Structure Closed-Cell
Water Resistance Water Resistant
Biological Rot Proof / Mould Resistant
Thicknesses Various — to Thermal Requirement
Recyclability 100% Recyclable
In an EWI System

How EPS sits in the wall build-up

In a Licata external wall insulation system, the EPS insulation board is one layer in a complete, tested build-up — fixed to the wall and finished with a reinforced render system to weatherproof and protect it.

Always install as part of the specified system and in line with the current installation guidance.

1
Adhesive / basecoat. EPS board bedded to the substrate with adhesive.
2
EPS insulation. The graphite EPS board forms the continuous insulating layer.
3
Basecoat & mesh. Reinforced basecoat with embedded fibreglass mesh over the board.
4
Primer & top coat. Primer followed by the chosen render top coat finish.
Common Questions

EPS insulation — frequently asked

Is EPS insulation board suitable for every type of project?
EPS insulation board is suitable for a wide range of building types and project scopes. From new builds to retrofit, it can be installed on external walls, floors and roofs, offering consistent thermal performance. It is compatible with masonry, timber and concrete substrates and can be specified in various thicknesses depending on the thermal requirement.
What gives polystyrene insulation its high compressive strength?
The compressive strength of polystyrene insulation comes from its structure — expanded polystyrene beads fused together under pressure to form a dense, closed-cell board. This supports external render finishes without risk of deformation over time, making EPS a popular choice for insulation boards used on walls and floors.
What is the difference between graphite EPS and standard EPS?
Graphite EPS is a specialised expanded polystyrene treated with graphite particles that reflect heat, improving thermal resistance. This gives graphite EPS a lower thermal conductivity than standard white EPS — so a thinner graphite EPS board achieves the same U-value, which is useful where wall build-up depth is limited.
What is the difference between EPS and XPS insulation?
EPS (expanded polystyrene) is the go-to insulation board for external wall insulation systems, valued for its thermal performance, versatility and value for money. XPS (extruded polystyrene) offers higher compressive strength and reduced water absorption, making it more suited to below-ground or inverted roof applications. For EWI render systems, EPS is the standard choice.
Suitable For

Used across every building type

New Build

Cost-effective thermal performance for new residential and commercial developments, meeting Building Regulations.

Retrofit

Solid wall insulation for upgrading the thermal performance of existing solid wall housing stock.

Domestic

Improves energy efficiency and reduces heating costs across homes and residential projects.

Commercial

Reliable, budget-friendly insulation for offices, retail and large-scale commercial builds.

Need EPS insulation for your project?

Graphite EPS insulation boards stocked across our six UK branches in various thicknesses. Speak to our team about availability, pricing and the right EWI system for your specification.