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What is expanded polystyrene EPS?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of small hollow spherical balls that are expanded through a molding process in our factories to create a cost effective, highly efficient material used in hundreds of different applications.
What is the difference between EPS and polystyrene?
Expanded Polystyrene. The major difference between Styrofoam and EPS foam blocks is that Styrofoam is made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) while EPS foam blocks are made of expanded polystyrene.
Which is better EPS or XPS?
In general, when comparing EPS and XPS board densities, the compressive strength of XPS is greater than that of EPS. For EPS to achieve the same compressive strength as XPS, the density of the foam would need to be increased, often resulting in a greater thickness of board being required.
Is EPS insulation safe?
EPS is non-toxic, chemically inert, non-irritant and odourless making it entirely safe to use across all construction applications.
Is EPS foam safe?
Although EPS has been declared safe for food use by the FDA, it is also known to contain remnants of the chemicals used to make it, such as styrene and benzene.
Is expanding foam the same as polystyrene?
EPS foam is the correct term for any form of expanded polystyrene. Expanded Polystyrene insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation.
How do you cut expanded polystyrene?
Use a blade for straight cuts. Bladed implements like knives, box cutters, precision blades (like X-acto knives) or hacksaws are great for cutting through styrofoam, especially if you don’t need to make any curved cuts. For a smoother cut, run the blade along an old candle before cutting your styrofoam.
Is EPS fire resistant?
EPS is flammable, as is the case with so many other building materials. However, this is only relevant if you assess EPS as an exposed insulating material.
Is EPS a fire hazard?
The EPS hazard is twofold. Its core easily combusts and it allows fire to spread quickly and invisibly within the sandwich panel through walls and ceilings. Once a fire takes hold, the panels are at risk of delamination, spilling molten plastic which further transfers and propagates the fire.
Is EPS highly flammable?
Although foam insulation is relatively difficult to ignite, in the case of ignition, burning will readily spread over the exposed surface of the EPS and it will continue to burn until all EPS is consumed.
How long does EPS take to break down?
500 years
Styrofoam (more appropriately called Polystyrene or EPS) languishes in landfills indefinitely, taking at least 500 years – and possibly much longer – to decompose.
Can I use polystyrene for wall insulation?
Is polystyrene good for wall insulation? Polystyrene foam boards can be used in a wide range of applications including exterior walls, ceilings, cool rooms and under concrete slabs in both commercial and residential projects.
Does EPS need vapor barrier?
A: No, although EPS has a low water vapor transmission rate, EPS is not a vapor barrier. Rather it “breathes”, and therefore does not require costly venting as do other insulation materials, which would otherwise trap moisture within walls and roof assemblies.