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Five Continuous Insulation Core Options

Most concrete-faced continuous insulation panels offer only one insulation type. ThermoShield offers five — match the insulation to your project's thermal, moisture, fire, and sustainability requirements.

EPS
Expanded Polystyrene
R-3.8 to R-4.2 per inch
Best For
Cost-effective perimeter and roofing applications; retrofit projects

Most economical option. Slightly lower R-value per inch than XPS but performs well in most applications. Good long-term thermal stability.

Moisture
Low absorption; some vapour permeance
Fire
Combustible (protected by SynStone face)
Sustainability
Recyclable; CFC-free
XPS
Extruded Polystyrene
R-5.0 per inch
Best For
Below-grade applications; high moisture environments; PMR roofing

Highest R-value per inch of foam insulations. Excellent moisture resistance — the choice for below-grade and PMR applications. The most widely specified continuous insulation core for below-grade and PMR roofing applications.

Moisture
Very low absorption (<0.1% by volume)
Fire
Combustible (protected by SynStone face)
Sustainability
Recyclable; some products CFC-free
MW
Mineral Wool (Rock Wool)
R-3.7 to R-4.3 per inch
Best For
Fire-rated assemblies; high-temperature applications; acoustically sensitive areas

The only non-combustible insulation core option. Pairs with the SynStone non-combustible face for a fully non-combustible panel assembly. Ideal for fire-code-critical applications.

Moisture
Hydrophobic; drains freely
Fire
Non-combustible — Class A
Sustainability
Made from recycled slag/rock; highly durable
HF
Hemp Fibre
R-3.5 to R-3.8 per inch
Best For
Green building projects; LEED / BREEAM applications; embodied carbon reduction

The sustainable choice. Hemp fibre insulation sequesters carbon during growth and has one of the lowest embodied carbon footprints of any insulation material. Unique to ThermoShield — no competitor offers this.

Moisture
Moderate; vapour-open
Fire
Combustible (protected by SynStone face)
Sustainability
Renewable; carbon-sequestering; biodegradable
ISO
Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)
R-6.0 to R-6.5 per inch
Best For
Maximum thermal performance; thin-profile assemblies; commercial roofing

Highest R-value per inch of any insulation core option. Ideal when maximum thermal performance is required in a thin profile. Note: R-value decreases slightly at very low temperatures.

Moisture
Low absorption; foil-faced options available
Fire
Combustible (protected by SynStone face)
Sustainability
CFC-free; recyclable

Continuous Insulation Core Comparison

PropertyEPSXPSMineral WoolHemp FibreISO
R-Value per InchR-3.8–4.2R-5.0R-3.7–4.3R-3.5–3.8R-6.0–6.5
Moisture ResistanceGoodExcellentExcellentModerateGood
Fire PerformanceCombustibleCombustibleNon-combustibleCombustibleCombustible
Below GradeSuitablePreferredSuitableNot recommendedSuitable
PMR RoofingSuitablePreferredSuitableNot recommendedSuitable
SustainabilityGoodGoodExcellentBestGood
CostLowestModerateModerate-HighModerateModerate-High

Note: All insulation types are protected by the SynStone GFRC/UHPC non-combustible face. Combustible insulation cores are fully encapsulated and protected.

Need Help Choosing the Right Insulation?

Our technical team can help you select the optimal insulation core for your specific application, climate zone, and performance requirements.

Speak with a Technical Rep