Key Takeaways
- Effective insulation: XPS boards provide excellent thermal insulation and moisture resistance.
- Easy to install: Use Soudabond Easy for a quick, clean application.
- Long-lasting results: XPS is durable and resistant to moisture, ensuring a long lifespan.
- Protect your home: Insulating your plinth and basement reduces energy costs and prevents structural damage.
Why Insulate the Plinth and Basement?
Good insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve home comfort and energy efficiency. In particular, plinths and basements are key areas that often lose heat and absorb moisture due to their contact with the ground.
Without proper insulation, you may face:
- Higher energy bills caused by heat loss through the foundation
- Thermal bridges, which reduce insulation performance
- Condensation and mould formation on cold, damp walls
- Structural damage from long-term moisture exposure
Insulating these areas properly not only improves comfort but also protects the building and reduces running costs over time.
EPS vs XPS – What’s the Difference?
When choosing between EPS and XPS insulation, it’s important to consider their key differences. Below is a comparison of these two materials, highlighting their performance, durability, and suitability for various applications.
| Feature | EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) | XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) |
| Material Composition | Made of fused polystyrene beads (commonly known as Styrofoam) | Closed-cell structure |
| Water Resistance | Not waterproof, unsuitable for damp environments like basements | Water-resistant, ideal for areas in contact with the ground |
| Durability | Lightweight, easy to cut, and provides good thermal insulation | Highly durable, resistant to compression and mechanical damage |
| Lifespan | Provides good thermal insulation but is less durable than XPS | Long-lasting, often matching the building’s lifespan |
| Suitability for Basements | Unsuitable for damp environments, prone to moisture absorption | Preferred choice for basements, plinths, and areas exposed to ground contact |
| Thermal Insulation | Good thermal insulation, but less effective than XPS | Excellent thermal insulation, maintains performance even in extreme weather |
Benefits of Using XPS Boards
- Excellent thermal insulation and moisture resistance
- Retains shape and performance even in extreme weather
- Suitable for both external and internal applications
- Lightweight and easy to cut, making it DIY-friendly
While its soundproofing performance is lower than EPS, this is rarely a concern in plinth or basement applications.
Step-by-Step: How to Glue XPS Boards
1. Gather Tools and Materials
Before starting, prepare the following:
- XPS insulation boards
- Soudabond Easy polyurethane adhesive foam
- Measuring tape and spirit level
- Utility knife or carpenter’s saw
- Protective gloves and goggles
Soudabond Easy is ideal for both EPS and XPS insulation. It provides:
- Strong adhesion and gap-filling capacity
- Excellent bonding on materials such as brick, concrete, plaster, stone, and aerated concrete
- Fast curing and high yield
- Long-lasting moisture and temperature resistance
2. Prepare the Surface and Material
If the boards aren’t pre-cut, measure and mark the required dimensions, then cut them with a fine-toothed saw or knife.
Next, make sure the wall surface is clean, dry, and dust-free. If gluing onto bitumen or a similar coating, apply a primer for better adhesion.
3. Apply the Adhesive
- Shake the Soudabond Easy can vigorously for around 20 seconds.
- Attach it to a PU foam gun.
- Apply adhesive in a continuous bead around the edges of the XPS board, about 3 cm from the border, and then in a zigzag pattern through the centre.
- Press the board firmly onto the wall and adjust its position within a few minutes if needed.
Ensure maximum contact between the adhesive and the insulation, any air gaps can create thermal bridges that reduce efficiency.
If you find small gaps between panels, fill them with adhesive foam for a tight, continuous seal.
4. Finishing and Protection
Once all boards are fixed, allow the adhesive to cure. The surface can then be meshed, rendered, or plastered as part of the final wall finish, concealing the insulation while providing added strength and durability.
Don’t Cut Corners on Insulation
Thermal insulation is one of the most valuable long-term investments for your home. Choosing high-quality XPS boards and a professional-grade adhesive like Soudabond Easy ensures your insulation performs for decades.
XPS insulation not only improves energy efficiency but also helps prevent mould, condensation, and structural damage, keeping your home safe, dry, and comfortable all year round.
Upgrade your home insulation confidently, durable, efficient, and easy to apply with Soudal.
FAQs
What is the difference between EPS and XPS insulation?
EPS is lightweight and provides good thermal insulation but is not waterproof. XPS, on the other hand, is water-resistant, durable, and ideal for areas like basements and plinths.
Can I use Soudabond Easy for both EPS and XPS?
Yes, Soudabond Easy is designed for both EPS and XPS insulation, providing strong bonding and moisture resistance.
How long does Soudabond Easy take to cure?
The adhesive cures quickly, and most installations will set in a few hours, but it’s recommended to allow full curing for 24 hours before adding any finishes.
What tools do I need to apply XPS insulation boards?
You will need a PU foam gun, measuring tape, spirit level, utility knife or carpenter’s saw, and protective gear such as gloves and goggles.