When planning a building project in Omaha—whether it’s a commercial retrofit, an agricultural facility, or a new home—insulation choice affects the durability and long-term energy performance of your building. Expanding polystyrene board (EPS) and spray foam insulation (SPF) are two top insulation choices for modern builds, with key differences in performance and installation.
What is Expanding Polystyrene?
Expanding polystyrene (EPS) board is a rigid foam panel made from expanded beads fused together. It’s lightweight yet provides consistent thermal resistance per inch, making it a popular option for walls and roofing assemblies where thickness is limited. For Omaha’s climate—marked by frigid winters and humid summers—EPS board helps reduce thermal bridging by adding a continuous exterior layer over framing.
However, EPS alone doesn’t fully seal air leaks or gaps between panels. As local insulation contractors, we know that uncontrolled airflow can undermine even the best R-values. According to industry comparisons, spray foam insulation typically offers a higher R-value per inch and forms a continuous air barrier that rigid boards can’t match. That makes it a stronger performer for retrofits and irregular building cavities common in older Omaha structures.
We Choose Spray Foam Over EPD
Spray foam insulation expands on contact to fill gaps, seal joints and adhere tightly to almost any surface. It serves as both insulation and an air barrier, reducing drafts and moisture intrusion. In agricultural buildings or commercial retrofits around Omaha, spray foam’s flexibility and adhesion help control condensation on metal framing, stabilize interior temperatures and improve indoor air quality.
EPS board still has its place. When budgets are tight, or when wall and roof cavities are uniform and accessible, rigid boards can deliver acceptable thermal performance at a lower initial cost. That said, EPS often requires taped seams, multiple layers and additional air-sealing work to achieve the same results as a single spray foam application.
If you’re evaluating between the two, consider:
- Desired R-value and insulation thickness limits
- Air and vapor sealing requirements
- Project type (residential, agricultural, or commercial)
- Long-term maintenance expectations
- Omaha’s freeze-thaw cycles and humidity levels
Make the Right Call with Local Insulation Experts
Every project’s needs differ, so working with our experienced Omaha insulation contractors ensures that you balance performance and cost effectively. Our team at Omaha Spray Foam provides guidance, testing and installation for both Commercial Retrofit Insulation and Agricultural Insulation. We’ll assess your site, budget and energy goals to help determine whether spray foam insulation will deliver the best long-term results.
For further reading on regional insulation standards, consult the Nebraska Residential Code Training Guide (PDF). It outlines the state’s energy code requirements and best practices for R-values and installation methods in Omaha’s climate zone.
Ready to start insulating your commercial, agricultural or residential space? Contact us today for a custom evaluation. We’ll help you choose the right insulation system and financing option to match your project goals.