Choose the Right Façade Material

Compare materials, features, and find the perfect solution for your building project

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Why Material Choice Matters

Selecting the right façade material is crucial for your building's aesthetics, durability, and energy efficiency. Each material has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different applications and climates.

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)

Most Popular

Lightweight, affordable insulation material with excellent thermal properties. Perfect for residential and commercial buildings.

Key Specifications

  • Thickness: 50mm - 200mm
  • Thermal Conductivity: 0.031 - 0.038 W/mK
  • Density: 15-30 kg/m³
  • Fire Class: E (with flame retardant: B2)

✓ Advantages

  • Excellent insulation properties
  • Cost-effective solution
  • Lightweight and easy to install
  • Moisture resistant
  • Good dimensional stability

✗ Considerations

  • Lower mechanical strength
  • Not suitable for high-impact areas
  • Requires protection from UV
  • Limited fire resistance
Price Range: €€

XPS (Extruded Polystyrene)

Premium

High-performance insulation with superior strength and moisture resistance. Ideal for demanding applications.

Key Specifications

  • Thickness: 30mm - 200mm
  • Thermal Conductivity: 0.028 - 0.036 W/mK
  • Density: 25-45 kg/m³
  • Fire Class: E (with treatment: B1)

✓ Advantages

  • Superior thermal insulation
  • High compressive strength
  • Excellent moisture resistance
  • Long-term durability
  • Better for ground contact

✗ Considerations

  • Higher cost than EPS
  • Heavier material
  • Limited availability
  • Requires specialized cutting tools
Price Range: €€€

Mineral Wool (Rockwool/Glasswool)

Fire Resistant

Non-combustible insulation material with excellent fire protection and acoustic properties. Perfect for safety-critical applications.

Key Specifications

  • Thickness: 40mm - 200mm
  • Thermal Conductivity: 0.032 - 0.040 W/mK
  • Density: 30-200 kg/m³
  • Fire Class: A1/A2 (Non-combustible)

✓ Advantages

  • Excellent fire resistance
  • Superior sound insulation
  • Non-combustible material
  • Breathable and vapor permeable
  • Environmentally friendly

✗ Considerations

  • Higher cost
  • Heavier than foam boards
  • Can absorb moisture
  • Requires protective gear during installation
Price Range: €€€€

PIR/PUR (Polyurethane)

High Performance

Premium insulation with the best thermal performance per thickness. Ideal for space-constrained applications.

Key Specifications

  • Thickness: 20mm - 150mm
  • Thermal Conductivity: 0.022 - 0.028 W/mK
  • Density: 30-40 kg/m³
  • Fire Class: B2-B1 (depending on treatment)

✓ Advantages

  • Best thermal insulation
  • Thinner profile possible
  • High compressive strength
  • Excellent adhesion properties
  • Low water absorption

✗ Considerations

  • Premium price point
  • Sensitive to UV exposure
  • Requires proper ventilation during installation
  • Limited fire resistance
Price Range: €€€€€

Quick Comparison Table

Feature EPS XPS Mineral Wool PIR/PUR
Thermal Performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fire Resistance ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Moisture Resistance ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mechanical Strength ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Acoustic Insulation ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Eco-Friendliness ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Cost-Effectiveness ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
Installation Ease ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Which Material Should You Choose?

Choose EPS if...

  • You need cost-effective insulation
  • Budget is a primary concern
  • Standard residential project
  • Easy installation is important
  • Low-impact area application

Choose XPS if...

  • High moisture exposure expected
  • Ground contact application
  • Need better mechanical strength
  • Basement or foundation walls
  • Long-term durability is crucial

Choose Mineral Wool if...

  • Fire safety is paramount
  • Sound insulation is needed
  • High-rise or commercial building
  • Building regulations require A1/A2
  • Breathability is important

Choose PIR/PUR if...

  • Space is limited
  • Maximum insulation per thickness
  • Premium performance required
  • Complex architectural details
  • Budget allows for best material

Recommended Thickness by Climate Zone

🌡️ Mild Climate (Zone 1-2)

EPS/XPS: 80-100mm | Mineral Wool: 100-120mm | PIR: 60-80mm

❄️ Moderate Climate (Zone 3-4)

EPS/XPS: 120-150mm | Mineral Wool: 140-160mm | PIR: 90-110mm

🧊 Cold Climate (Zone 5-6)

EPS/XPS: 160-200mm | Mineral Wool: 180-200mm | PIR: 120-150mm

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