Do you know how to choose a good quality underfloor heating panel?

Underfloor heating panels are a key part of underfloor heating accessories. Also known as extruded polystyrene insulation boards, they are one of the types of underfloor heating insulation boards (usually divided into XPS and EPS). These boards can prevent the heat from the underfloor heating system from escaping downward, greatly boosting energy efficiency. So, choosing high-quality underfloor heating XPS boards is super important for the energy saving and environmental friendliness of your underfloor heating. 

1. Raw Materials

Underfloor heating XPS boards are made from polystyrene resin. However, many boards on the market are produced from recycled old materials. When it comes to raw materials, here's the quality ranking: White Crystal Boards > Blue Boards > Black Boards. Besides, there are also red and yellow XPS boards on the market, which are generally similar in material to blue ones. The top performer is definitely the White Crystal Board made from brand-new crystal-grade materials.

2. Microstructure

The secret to the insulation of XPS boards lies in their continuous and uniform surface layer and closed-cell honeycomb structure. The more uniform the bubbles, and the finer the particles in the cross-section of the board, the better the insulation effect. White Crystal Boards have uniform, delicate, and fully closed bubbles. Blue Boards also have well-closed bubbles. But black XPS boards made from recycled old materials? Their bubbles are basically not closed at all.

3. Press Test

If the insulation board gets dented easily when you press it in your hand, it means its compressive strength fails the test – don't use it! The density of the insulation board determines its compressive strength. Only with good compressive strength can it prevent the ground from sinking and cracking.

4. Service Life

A house usually lasts for more than 50 years. Underfloor heating is a hidden project in the house. If it can't last as long as the house, it means you'll have to reinstall it during use. White Crystal Boards can last for over 50 years, matching the lifespan of the house. But XPS boards made from recycled old materials usually only last a few to a dozen years.

5. Environmental Friendliness

White Crystal Boards are made from 100% new materials. Top brands like Z&C White Crystal Boards use 100% crystal-grade virgin polystyrene resin. Polystyrene resin is a chemical substance with the molecular formula C8H8. It's a colorless, odorless, shiny, and transparent solid – non-toxic and eco-friendly, used in a wide range of fields. On the other hand, some commercially available XPS boards made from recycled old materials may contain toxic substances, which can volatilize when heated and affect human health.

6. Check Density

Density is a crucial indicator for underfloor heating XPS boards, directly linked to compressive performance. For example, Z&C White Crystal Boards have a density of 35KG/m³. Good-quality blue boards also have this density. But commercially available black boards usually only have a density of around 25KG/m³ – you can imagine how poor their compressive performance is!