The impact of expanded polystyrene usage on buildings thermal insulation– Case of Tirana, Albania

Thermal insulation is an important component in nowadays construction. Considering that before 90s Albania had been undeveloped enough, there was no needed information for thermal insulation’s importance, as well as missing materials and economic hardships to provide them. Consequently, many objects built during this time are not thermal insulated. Nowadays, its application is being more and more significant and convenient due to its benefits. In our country, a lot of attention has been paid to the application of thermal insulation, since 1990s. The main reason is the energy efficiency. Energy consumption is directly affected by its preservation. Moreover, it is crucial to mention the comfort that is offered. To give solutions to these housing challenges, is important to find the appropriate materials. During the latest years, more and more materials are highly standardized in contemporary expectations. One of these materials that is widely used in thermal insulation is expanded polystyrene. The benefits that the material has in terms of insulation, durability, moister resistance, and energy efficiency are important. In construction, insulation continues to function under a variety of temperature, humidity, and other conditions. The impact of expanded polystyrene in thermal insulation of buildings is the main subject of the study. This study should take in consideration the thermal insulation (EPS) applied in a building in the city of Tirana and another building where there is no application of thermal insulation. A comparative analyse between them should be applied by using a specific instrument, which calculate the U-value taking in consideration all layers of the wall and three components of temperature: indoor temperature, wall temperature and outer temperature.