The intent of this technical bulletin is to illustrate, without bias, the technical performance characteristics of EPDM and NBR/PVC [Nitrile Butadiene Rubber/PVC] closed-cell elastomeric insulation for building mechanical systems: piping, ducts, and equipment. Data was obtained from publicly available technical data sheets of 2 leading U.S. manufacturers as of the date of this publication.
Note: NBR/PVC manufacturer formulations: NBR/PVC through 1″ thick; EPDM @ 1-1/2″ and 2″ thick.
| Physical/Performance | EPDM | NBR/PVC | Note |
| Closed cell w/ built-in vapor retarder | Yes | Yes | ASTM C534, Type I and II, Grade 1 |
| Service temperature range [continuous, low] | -297F/-183C | -297F/-183C | ASTM C411 |
| Service temperature range [continuous, high] | 257F/125C | 220F/105C 300F/149C | NBR/PVC through 1″ thick EPDM @ 1-1/2″ & 2″ thick |
| Thermal conductivity [through 1″ thick @ 75ºF] | 0.245 | 0.245 | ASTM C177, C518 |
| Thermal conductivity [through 2″ thick @ 75ºF] | 0.245 | 0.280 | NBR/PVC > EPDM @ 1-1/2″ and 2″ thick |
| R-value @ 1/4″ thick [sheet] | 1.3 | 1.0 | |
| R-value @ 1/2″ thick [sheet] | 2.4 | 2.1 | |
| R-value @ 3/4″ thick [sheet] | 3.5 | 3.1 | |
| R-value @ 1″ thick [sheet] | 4.5 | 4.2 | |
| R-value @ 1-1/2″ thick [sheet] | 6.9 | 6.0 | |
| R-value @ 2″ thick [sheet] | 9.0 | 8.0 | |
| Surface burning characteristics [through 1″] | Pass | Pass | ASTM E84, UL723, CAN/ULC-S102 |
| Surface burning characteristics [through 2″] | Pass | Pass [EPDM] | ASTM E84, UL723 |
| Permeability [perm-inch, through 1″ thick] | 0.02 | 0.05 | ASTM E96, Procedure A |
| Permeability [perm-inch, through 2″ thick] | 0.02 | 0.08 | NBR/PVC > EPDM @ 1-1/2″ and 2″ thick |
| Mold & fungal resistance | No growth | Pass | ASTM G21, C1338, UL181 |
| Water absorption [% by volume] | 0.2 | 0.2 | ASTM C209, C1763 |
| UV resistance [cracking, color change] | Minimal | No data | ASTM G7 |
| Ozone resistance | No cracking | No data | ASTM D1171 |
| Density | 3-6 lbs./ft3 | 3-6 lbs./ft3 | ASTM D1667 |
| Meets ASHRAE 90.1 | Yes | Yes | |
| Meets IECC® | Yes | Yes | |
| Environmental Product Declaration [EPD] | Yes | Yes | |
| Health Product Declaration [HPD] | Yes | No data | |
| GREENGUARD Gold certified | Yes | Yes | |
| Manufactured without CFC’s & HCFC’s; free of PBDE’s, PFAS, REACH, and RoHS chemicals | Yes | Yes | |
| Free of asbestos, formaldehyde, lead, mercury | Yes | Yes | |
| Buy America complaint | Yes | Yes | |
| Build America, Buy American [BABA] complaint | Yes | Yes |
