Abstract: The insulation barrier is formed of a body of expanded polystyrene which is impregnated with sodium silicate. In addition, a coating formed of a metallic-based inorganic material is applied over at least one surface of the body. The sodium silicate is applied in solution form and maintained within the body by a wetting agent in the solution. The coating is be applied by a coating roller either before or after drying of the impregnated polystyrene body.