Foamex has debuted its Expol Black underfloor insulation for the Expol range. With a higher thermal resistance, the insulation contains graphite that is added to the expanded polystyrene (EPS).

“We’ve been selling Expol White EPS panels for many years and Expol Black provides us with a product that is 30% more efficient, making it great for colder climates. It takes the R-value (thermal resistance rating) from 1.4 for Expol White to R1.8 for Expol Black,” Foamex VIC and SA general manager Justin Kelsey says.

“It is timely to launch Expol Black into the Australian market as energy ratings of new homes will soon increase from six to seven-star. Insulation helps with energy ratings by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool a home, because it slows the transfer of heat between the inside and outside. As a result, homes with more insulation tend to have higher energy ratings.”

He says that New Zealanders have been selling Expol Black in their market for years, so it made sense that it was added to the Expol range and manufactured.

Initial selling began in Victoria where it is expected the underfloor installation would be sought after in regional areas.

A seven-star energy efficiency rating and minimum accessibility standards will be required in all new homes built from October 2023. This is an increase from six to seven-star and forms part of the National Construction Code of Australia (NCC) and will contain energy efficiency provisions that apply to all new buildings.

Expol Black underfloor insulation is expanded polystyrene panelling that has been infused with graphite designed to fit between the joists under a timber floor. It is flame retardant and moisture resistant and the boards are rigid so will not sag over time.

Expol underfloor insulation is easy to install with concertina cuts which allow for compression of up to 20mm. It can be fitted to new floors during construction or retrofitted to existing dwellings. Unlike some underfloor insulation products, Expol is designed to be used by DIYers or professionals.

Foamex’s Expol underfloor insulation comes with a 50-year limited product warranty and is available to buy online through the official Expol website. Additionally, leading hardware stores offer the option of buying Expol Black by special order.