China’s construction sector is moving toward stricter energy-efficiency targets, making Thermal Insulation Boards increasingly important for walls, roofs, floors, and cold-storage systems. The International Energy Agency reported in Buildings 2023 that building operations represented about 30% of global final energy consumption and 26% of energy-related emissions. These figures explain why insulation performance cannot be treated as a minor specification.
China’s market includes expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), rock wool, polyurethane, PIR, phenolic foam, and newer aerogel-based products. Each material behaves differently. EPS is lightweight and cost-efficient. XPS offers stronger moisture resistance. Rock wool provides non-combustible mineral performance. PIR can deliver high thermal resistance in thinner panels. The China Building Energy Conservation Association’s annual building-energy research reports also show the growing pressure to improve building efficiency and reduce operational energy demand. Chinese standards, including GB 55015-2021, have further raised attention toward thermal performance, fire safety, durability, and installation quality.
No single board wins everywhere. That is the practical truth. A coastal warehouse needs different protection from a northern residential tower. Engineers must examine thermal conductivity, water absorption, compressive strength, fire behavior, vapor resistance, and service life. Laboratory values can also look better than real construction results. Poor joints, damaged edges, and uneven fixing often weaken the finished system.
This guide compares China’s leading Thermal Insulation Boards through technical evidence, application experience, certification, and supplier reliability. The ranking is useful, but not absolute. Product data can vary between factories, batches, and test methods. That limitation deserves attention.
Thermal insulation boards are rigid panels designed to slow heat movement through walls, roofs, floors, and refrigerated spaces. They work by trapping still air or using materials with very low thermal conductivity. This creates resistance against heat flow. In winter, indoor warmth escapes more slowly. In summer, external heat enters less easily. The board itself does not produce heat. It only controls its movement.
Common choices in China include expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, mineral wool, and polyisocyanurate boards. Their performance depends on density, thickness, moisture resistance, fire behavior, and installation quality. Mineral wool offers strong fire resistance and sound absorption. XPS handles ground contact and moisture well. EPS is lightweight and economical. Polyisocyanurate provides high insulation value in thinner sections. However, laboratory figures can disappoint on a real building. Gaps, compressed edges, and weak fixings often reduce performance. This detail is easy to underestimate.
Tips: Match the board to the building’s climate zone and location. Check tested thermal conductivity, water absorption, fire classification, and dimensional stability. Seal joints carefully, especially around windows and corners. Avoid choosing only by price. A cheaper panel may require thicker layers or more repairs later. Ask for current test reports and installation guidance from qualified professionals. Even experienced teams should review condensation risks before construction.
Thermal insulation boards are rigid or semi-rigid panels designed to reduce heat transfer through walls, roofs, floors, and building services. Their performance mainly depends on thermal conductivity, thickness, moisture resistance, fire behavior, compressive strength, and installation quality.
| Board Type | Main Material | Typical Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Typical Density (kg/m³) | Moisture Resistance | Fire Behavior | Common Applications in China | Key Advantages | Main Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) | Expanded polystyrene beads | 0.034–0.041 | 15–30 | Moderate | Combustible; fire-rated systems are required | Exterior wall systems, cavity walls, roofs, packaging-related construction applications | Lightweight, economical, easy to cut and install | Lower fire resistance and higher water absorption than closed-cell alternatives |
| Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) | Extruded polystyrene with a closed-cell structure | 0.028–0.036 | 28–45 | High | Combustible; protective layers and compliant fire design are required | Basements, foundation walls, inverted roofs, floors, cold-storage areas | Low water absorption, good compressive strength, stable performance in damp locations | Combustible, relatively low vapor permeability, and sensitive to some solvents |
| Polyurethane (PU/PIR) | Rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam | 0.020–0.028 | 30–45 | High | Combustible; PIR generally offers improved fire performance over standard PU | Insulated metal panels, cold rooms, industrial roofs, walls, and refrigerated transport | Very low thermal conductivity, high insulation value with limited thickness | Higher cost, aging-related conductivity changes, and careful fire detailing required |
| Phenolic Foam | Phenolic resin foam | 0.020–0.025 | 35–60 | High | Typically better flame and smoke performance than many plastic foams | High-performance wall systems, HVAC duct insulation, roofs, and space-limited retrofits | Excellent insulation efficiency and comparatively low smoke generation | Can be brittle, may require protective facings, and often costs more than EPS or XPS |
| Mineral Wool Board | Rock wool or slag wool fibers | 0.034–0.045 | 60–180 | Low to moderate; water-repellent grades are available | Non-combustible; suitable grades can withstand very high temperatures | Exterior wall insulation, fire-rated façades, industrial buildings, roofs, and acoustic partitions | Strong fire resistance, sound absorption, dimensional stability, and vapor permeability | Heavier than plastic foams, can absorb water if poorly protected, and requires careful handling |
| Glass Wool Board | Fine glass fibers bonded with resin | 0.032–0.044 | 16–96 | Low to moderate with facing protection | Generally non-combustible; binder behavior depends on the product | HVAC ducts, suspended ceilings, partitions, roofs, and lightweight wall assemblies | Lightweight, effective acoustic absorption, flexible installation, and good thermal performance | Can lose performance when wet and needs protective clothing during installation |
| Foamed Glass Board | Cellular glass made from glass powder | 0.038–0.060 | 100–180 | Very high | Non-combustible | Below-grade structures, cryogenic facilities, flat roofs, chemical facilities, and moisture-sensitive areas | Waterproof, vapor-tight, non-combustible, pest-resistant, and dimensionally stable | Heavy, rigid, brittle, and usually more expensive than mainstream foam boards |
| Calcium Silicate Board | Hydrated calcium silicate with reinforcing fibers | 0.050–0.090 | 200–350 | Moderate; must be protected from prolonged water exposure | Non-combustible and suitable for elevated temperatures | Industrial furnaces, boilers, kilns, high-temperature pipework, and fire-protection assemblies | High-temperature capability, rigidity, and good fire protection | Lower insulation efficiency than foam boards, heavier weight, and possible breakage during handling |
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