EPS foam as a building product is superior to many other materials used for construction. It is superior to standard poured wall construction because of the insulation value of the EPS foam. It is both the fire retardant and the insulation value of the foam that makes it perfectly suited to help protect structures during a wildfire.
What is EPS foam made of?
EPS foam is the correct term for any form of expanded polystyrene. Expanded Polystyrene insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. EPS is available in several compressive strengths to withstand load and back-fill forces. This closed-cell structure provides minimal water absorption and low vapor permanence.
What is the difference between xps and EPS foam insulation?
EPS - Expanded Polystyrene Foam Insulation Boards: Rated at R4 per inch; EPS foam insulation boards are more permeable to air and moisture than XPS, but it doesn't retain moisture to the same extent because of it's more closed cell structure and it's breathability which lets it dry out.
Is polystyrene foam (EPS) flammable?
Like all organic building materials, polystyrene foam is combustible and does react to fire, resulting in the decomposition of styrene and the release of carbon monoxide, smoke and water. However, the burning behaviour of EPS depends largely on end-use conditions, and whether the EPS material is with or without a fire-retardant additive.
What happens when EPS is exposed to a fire?
Under certain fire conditions, EPS will ignite when exposed to an open flame. The transfer ignition temperature is typically 680°F (360°C). 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.
Is EPS insulation fire rated?
Untreated EPS foam burns at 650° to 700°F with a flame source. It won't continue burning on its own until 840° to 930°F is reached. Wood burns at 480° to 660°F.
What temperature does EPS melt?
If EPS is exposed to temperatures above 100 C (212 F), it begins to soften, contract, and finally to melt.
Can polystyrene be made fireproof?
Styrofoam (polystyrene) will easily catch fire if you expose it to a naked flame or spark around 680 degrees Fahrenheit (360 Celsius).
What insulation is fireproof?
Fiberglass insulationFiberglass insulation is made of glass combined with plastic polymers and is naturally fire-resistant.
Is EPS flame retardant?
EPS-SE grade contains a small quantity of a fire- retardant agent (max. 0.5 %). This is the fire retardant hexabromocyclododecan (HBCD). This has a beneficial effect when EPS is exposed to a fire source.
Are EPS panels flammable?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels, while a cost-effective and lightweight construction material, are also known for their highly flammable temperament.
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.
How safe is polystyrene insulation?
EPS is non-toxic, chemically inert, non-irritant and odourless making it entirely safe to use across all construction applications.
How do you make foam fire retardant?
0:002:16DIY Fire Extinguishing Foam - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's it's a little cleaner and then I have some soap so the first thing I get when you mix bakingMoreIt's it's a little cleaner and then I have some soap so the first thing I get when you mix baking soda and the vinegar it produces carbon dioxide and you could use that to put out a fire okay.
Can foam insulation catch fire?
Like many materials found in a home or building, spray foam can ignite and burn if exposed to a sufficient heat source. Foam insulation should be considered combustible and handled accordingly.
Is Rockwool insulation fire proof?
ROCKWOOL insulation is made from non-combustible fire-resistant stone wool that can withstand temperatures above 1,000°C1. This helps limit the spread of fire in a building. With minimal organic content, no significant toxic smoke is produced either.
What temp does insulation burn?
Even though it's heavily treated with fire-retardant chemicals prior to installation, it is a recognized fire hazard by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Spray foam insulation will ignite at 700°F.
How do you melt Styrofoam with heat?
0:053:29Scientific Tuesdays - Turn Styrofoam into Hard Plastic! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a fairly straightforward. One you do get some packing peanuts some 100% pure acetone nailMoreThis is a fairly straightforward. One you do get some packing peanuts some 100% pure acetone nail polish remover pour it on in watch us the packing peanuts disappear before your very.
What is the R value of EPS foam?
3.6 per inchEPS insulation features an average r-value of 3.6 per inch. In addition to providing energy efficiency, EPS without film facers has a perm rating of up to 5.0.
What is the specific heat capacity of polystyrene?
Specific heat of Polystyrene is 1100 J/g K. Specific heat, or specific heat capacity, is a property related to internal energy that is very important in thermodynamics.
What is the U value of EPS?
With EPS, U-values as low as 0.12W/m2K are achievable with the right planning, design and installation.
What is EPS insulation?
When insulation materials are used in buildings, different aspects of fire performance such as heat release, flame spread, smoke production and toxicity must be carefully considered. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has been extensively tested in terms of fire hazard assessments. The behaviour and performance of a building insulation material in relation ...
What temperature does EPS melt?
In case of initial fire ignition, EPS will only soften and start to melt if exposed to high temperatures above 100°C. Usually above a temperature of 200°C, the material will give off flammable gases, which then combust into flames.
What temperature does molten EPS burn?
Usually, molten EPS will not get reignited by fire sparks. For standard quality EPS, the transfer ignition temperature is high around 360°C and 370°C for FR grades.
What is the behaviour and performance of a building insulation material in relation to potential fire hazards?
The behaviour and performance of a building insulation material in relation to potential fire hazards depend firstly on the chemical and nature of the material, but also on its condition at installation and its specific application.
Can EPS be ignited?
Further flame sparks and ignition scenarios depend largely on the evolving fire temperature scale, duration of exposure to heat, and the oxygen availability around the product exposed to fire. Small flames are still possible with EPS already under fire unless it contains flame retardant additives that slow down spreading.
Is polystyrene a fire retardant?
However, the burning behaviour of EPS depends largely on end-use conditions, and whether the EPS material is with or without a fire-retardant additive.
Who makes isolite insulation?
Isowall Group manufactures and distributes the Isolite range of EPS products to users of thermal insulation, packaging, semi-rigid cushioning, and specialised shape-moulded products. Our Isolite EPS sheets are available in FR Grade.
What are the elements in EPS insulation?
EPS Insulation is composed of organic elements – carbon, hydrogen and oxygen – and does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
What is EPS foam?
EPS foam is the correct term for any form of expanded polystyrene. Expanded Polystyrene insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. EPS is available in several compressive strengths to withstand load and back-fill forces.
How is EPS made?
EPS is created in a two-stage process: Raw beads are expanded using steam, creating pre puff beads, which are then cured in large bags before being conveyed to the mold.
When did ICA install pentane collection?
In 1994 ICA installed a pentane collection system for air quality control. The system captures the pentane that is released during production and reroutes it through our boiler. This reduces the amount of natural gas we use, saving natural resources while being environmentally responsible.
Is expanded polystyrene CFC free?
Expanded Polystyrene has always been CFC- and HCF C-free. ICA is an environmentally conscientious manufacturing plant. Our in-house EPS trim is recycled and we accept recyclable EPS from our customers and the public, significantly reducing the amount of EPS that would potentially end up in landfills. In 1994 ICA installed a pentane collection system for air quality control. The system captures the pentane that is released during production and reroutes it through our boiler. This reduces the amount of natural gas we use, saving natural resources while being environmentally responsible. We continued our efforts to be mindful of our environment by installing solar panels and replacing our lighting with energy efficient fixtures. All of these actions help to keep the air of our planet cleaner and lessen the impact of landfills on the population.
Does EPS foam burn?
Additionally EPS foam with this fire retardant is not a fuel source. When exposed to high heat, EPS foam doesn’t burn, it melts. This is due to the fact that the EPS is expanded with steam and only contains air. The EPS foam used in packaging and shipping is not the same as the EPS foam used in construction products.
Is EPS foam fire retardant?
It is superior to standard poured wall construction because of the insulation value of the EPS foam. It is both the fire retardant and the insulation value of the foam that makes it perfectly suited to help protect structures during a wildfire. The ICF walls prevent the heat of the fire from transferring to the interior of the structure for several hours. In a wildfire situation, this is generally longer than the fire burns in a given area.
What is the best flame retardant for EPS foam?
The primary flame retardant currently used in EPS foam insulation is HBCD. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is an additive flame retardant that promotes increased fire resistance in EPS building and construction applications. This allows EPS foam insulation to meet the stringent fire safety requirements governed by the International Code Council and National Building Code of Canada, providing increased protection to buildings and building occupants. HBCD has also been used as a flame retardant in solid plastics such as high impact polystyrene and in carpets, upholstery and other textiles.
What is a flame retardant?
Flame retardants (FRs) play a crucial role in protecting homes, hospitals, schools and other buildings from the life threatening consequences of fire. In order to reduce the risk of fires and meet building and consumer protection codes, FRs are incorporated into many building and commercial products to accomplish one or more of the following functions:
Is EPS insulation a source of HBCD?
Recent studies have supported the fact that EPS insulation is not a significant source of HBCD. Specifically, the study found high correlation between detectable levels of HBCD and the number of televisions and electronic devices present in the test areas suggesting that in-place EPS insulation is not a source of HBCD in the indoor environment.
Why is EPS a good construction material?
EPS provides no nutrient attraction to insects, vermin, fungi or bacteria which is another reason why it is an ideal construction material . 6. Water resistant. EPS has a closed cell structure which means its mechanical and thermal properties are unaffected by humidity and it limits water absorption to minimal levels.
What is EPS made of?
3. Lightweight. EPS is an extremely lightweight material as it is made up of approximately 98% air and just 2% plastic. Lightweight construction materials can be a great choice as they have the advantage of being very easy to transport and are generally more environmentally friendly than heavier materials.
What is EPS in packaging?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is often associated with poor quality packaging that comes wrapped around new consumer goods such as TVs or washing machines. However, EPS is also used in the construction industry as an insulating material and can be made in different densities and even with thermal enhancing graphite to provide a cost effective insulation material. Here we have 10 facts about EPS to help specifiers learn a little bit more about the product .
What is a fire retardant additive?
A fire retardant additive (FRA) can be specified which is included during the manufacturing process, the FRA inhibits the early stages of fire development. When a FRA is included the classification for reaction to fire is Euroclass E.
Is expanded polystyrene an insulator?
The structure of expanded polystyrene (EPS) makes it a simple, effective insulator. Whilst most people are familiar with standard white EPS there is also an enhanced grey EPS available. Grey EPS contains high-purity graphite that reflects and absorbs radiant energy, increasing the materials thermal conductivity to 0.030 W/mK.
Is EPS combustible?
Reaction to fire. Like many construction materials, for example timber, EPS is combustible therefore it should be considered in conjunction with all the other materials that make up the whole building element to give an overall fire classification .
Is EPS a permanent material?
EPS is a durable, rot proof and permanent material when specified and installed correctly. It will remain effective for the life of any application with no deficiency effects to be expected over a 100-year life cycle. EPS is inert which means it will not leach into surrounding soils or groundwater when buried in the ground. EPS provides no nutrient attraction to insects, vermin, fungi or bacteria which is another reason why it is an ideal construction material .
What is the moisture permeability of EPS foam insulation?
Two inches of EPS foam board has a moisture permeability rate of between 60 and 75 ng (1 to1.25 perms), which is on the cusp of qualifying it as a type II vapour retarder, but on the more 'breathable' side of the scale which we would probably consider a good thing in most applications.
What is PIR insulation?
PIR, polyiso, or ISO, is a thermoset plastic product typically produced as a foam and used as rigid thermal insulation panel - most often with aluminum foil facing. Thermal performance is rated at R6-6.5 per inch, but don't count on that if your winters are cold for the reasons we're about to explain.
What is the name of the foam used in building envelopes?
When building or renovating a high-performance building envelope there are really three main kinds of rigid foam panels you are going to have to choose from - Polyisocyanurate known as Polyiso (PIR), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) - often called Styrofoam - and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
What is polyiso board?
Polyiso insulation boards are the most widely used low slope, above-deck commercial roofing insulation. As a versatile choice for commercial roofing applications, polyiso is designed to be part of any modified bitumen, built-up, or single-ply roofing system.
How much more vapour resistant is 6 mil?
For reference sake, the traditional 6mil polyethylene vapour barrier has a permeability rating of 3.4 ng, making it about 18 times more vapour resistant than building codes allow.
What is the most damaging blowing agent for XPS?
Also, rather regrettably for traditionally produced XPS, the hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) most commonly used as blowing agents are far more damaging to the climate than those used with other rigid foam insulation boards. Some manufacturers speak of a transition to more eco-friendly foam insulation blowing agents;
Does EPS foam dry out?
But there is nothing wrong with putting a little effort into keeping it dry if you can. The GWP of expanded polystyrene blowing agents is about 7 times worse than carbon, but that's a lot less than being 1430 times worse like standard XPS is. There is also the potential for a miniscule amount of off-gasing of some chemicals including potentially troublesome brominated fire-retardants from EPS foam products used in construction, but speculation as to whether or not this poses a significant risk to health doesn't seem to be based on any hard facts or testing. We'd be really interested to find any verifiable sources for EPS chemical off-gassing testing - if you find any please post them to the comments section below - as we are starting to think that EPS foam may arguably be the most Eco-Friendly insulation and this may sway our thinking against it.
Does Eoncoat barrier kill mold?
An added benefit is that the EonCoat barrier also eliminates mold growth.
Does wood melt or self ignite?
This same principle applies to other substrates (like wood) that do not melt but will self-ignite when the heat transfer is sufficient to raise the temperature to the temperature at which that material ignites on its own without the need for flame spread.
Can you use eoncoat on EPS?
The short answer is that you can apply EonCoat to EPS and many folks do: Doing so produces a rock-hard shell that offers zero flame spread and provides a significant heat transfer barrier as well that keeps the foam from melting on the other side of the coating for quite some time when exposed to flame.
Does eoncoat protect foam?
Coating Provides Fire Protection for Expanded Polystyrene Foam. Folks are constantly asking if we can apply EonCoat to foam (expanded polystyrene foam insulation). While EonCoat will not bond chemically to polymers as it does to cement, steel, and wood it will bond mechanically the way other coatings do to surfaces that are rough.
