Estimated Lifespan of Aerofoam® XLPE

Aerofoam^® XLPE holds many advantages that differentiates the product range from other thermal insulation materials. The key features are:

• Closed cell structure – the closed cell structure and composition of the material increases its water vapor resistance and thermal properties.
• Hygienic, antibacterial, and antifungal – Aerofoam^® XLPE  is resistant to bacteria, fungus and mildew growth which increases the safety of occupants of the buildings.
• Lightweight – polyolefin foams are among the lightest thermal insulation materials currently available in the market. While applying Aerofoam^® XLPE it does hardly add any additional load factor to construction. This means there will be no negative consequences for structural parts like roofing or fixture systems.
• High mechanical resistance – while being flexible, Aerofoam^® XLPE is very durable and will not get damaged easily.
• Chemically neutral – no risk of chemical reaction when in contact with any type of steel, copper, aluminum, or paint. However, you can always verify with Aerofoam^® Technical Support.
• Zero risk of corrosion – No risk of corrosion, if installed according to the Aerofoam^® XLPE Installation Manual.
• Good alternative for replacement of old insulation – fast and clean technology in case of replacement.
• Suitable for areas with high humidity, climate, and coastal areas – thanks to the closed cell structure and material stability along with the extremely high-water vapor resistance, it can be utilized anywhere including high humidity, indoor and outdoor coastal areas.
• Long lasting – Aerofoam^® XLPE is the longest lasting material available on the market! Its innovative cross linked and closed-cell structure helps in overall increased performance through the complete functional life span. Aerofoam^® XLPE has an expected functional life span of at least 20 years without any need for re-insulation or maintenance.

Dragon Mart, one of the largest commercial buildings in Dubai with a total floor surface of 175,000 sqm is showing in real life the benefits of Aerofoam^® XLPE versus fiberglass and versus pre-insulated ducts.

Pictures attached below show current visual condition of both insulation materials installed on the duct inside the mall. It has been over 6 years from the project completion. Unfortunately, pre-insulated ducts and the ducts insulated with fiberglass material shows first signs of damages due to water penetrating its structure which leads to the need for maintenance and re-insulation works that will have to be done in the near future. Moreover, mentioned damages do not only cause bad aesthetic look of the mall interior and significant energy losses, but also exposes the employees and customers to an unhealthy environment with mold, fungus, and loose fibers.

On the other hand, Aerofoam^® XLPE, which is installed in the same area of the building and exposed to the exact same conditions is still performing consistently and does not show any signs of damages nor any signs of decreased performance. It has been well maintained through the passage of time and contributes to the aesthetics of the interior of the mall.