Jumbolon or thermopore? It’s the most common question we hear from homeowners planning roof insulation. Both are polystyrene, both insulate — but they are made differently and suit different jobs. Here is an honest, manufacturer-side comparison.
The Short Answer
Jumbolon (XPS) insulates roughly twice as well per inch, handles foot traffic and screed loads, and absorbs almost no water. Thermopore (EPS) costs less and works fine where loads are light and thickness isn’t constrained. For a typical home roof under a screed, jumbolon is the better investment; for a budget job or wall insulation, thermopore does the job.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Jumbolon (XPS) | Thermopore (EPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation per inch | R-5.88 per inch | R-3.6–4.2 per inch |
| Compressive strength | 210–700 kPa | 70–150 kPa |
| Water absorption | Near zero | Low (2–4%) |
| Thickness for roofs | 1″–2″ usually enough | 2″–4″ typical |
| Life under screed | 15–20 years | 12–18 years |
| Cost | Higher per sheet | Budget-friendly |
When to Choose Jumbolon
- Roof insulation under a cement screed or tiles (its strength takes the load)
- Cold storage and freezer rooms
- Where you want maximum insulation in minimum thickness
- Damp-prone roofs — its closed cells barely absorb water
When Thermopore Makes Sense
- Tight budgets — it still cuts roof heat substantially at 2″+ thickness
- Wall insulation behind panelling (no load)
- Packaging and box manufacturing
Can You Combine Them?
Yes — some contractors lay thermopore as a base layer with jumbolon on top for high-performance roofs. But for most homes, a single correct material at the right thickness beats a complicated sandwich. See our roof insulation systems for standard build-ups and 2026 cost guide.
FAQs
Is jumbolon waterproof? It absorbs almost no water, but it’s insulation, not a waterproofing membrane — fix leaks first.
Which is cheaper per sq ft installed? Thermopore systems typically run Rs. 120–220/sq ft vs jumbolon’s Rs. 150–280/sq ft in Lahore — but jumbolon needs less thickness for the same result.
Still unsure? Send your roof details on WhatsApp at 0333-4673836 — we’ll recommend the right material honestly, even if it’s the cheaper one.

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