EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or as many know by The Dow Chemical Company’s trademarked name, STYROFOAM, has a lot of advantages:
Low thermal conductivity value of EPS provides high thermal insulation.
The lower EPS thermal insulation boards thermal conductivity value is, the more thermal insulation they provide. Thermal conductivity value of EPS boards reduces as the density and thickness increase.
As the pentane gas within EPS thermal insulation boards is replaced by dry and motionless air, its thickness does not change significantly when used under load for a long time. It preserves its low thermal conductivity value and continues to provide excellent thermal conductivity.
EPS is an economic solution.
The cost of EPS products for construction sector is lower by approximately 1/3 compared to other alternative products. It provides a minimum cost advantage of 20% compared to mineral wools (rock wool and glass wool).
It also comes to the forefront as the most appropriate material in terms of maintenance expenses of existing buildings. The strength of EPS is high although it is a light material. It has low labour cost as it is easy to carry and can be installed quickly. Moreover, it contributes to the reduction of gas emission with low transportation costs and low fuel consumption.
It has high dimensional stability.
Thermal insulation materials should have high dimensional stability. Dimensional change in buildings may occur due to thermal expansion in consequence of the effect of different temperatures, as well as independently of external factors within a certain period after production.
Dimensional stability should be considered separately according to temperature and time. The dimensions of EPS thermal insulation materials at the time of application are not deformed due to thermal and mechanical effects within time. Having a high dimensional stability, EPS is an ideal material thanks to its resistance against seasonal changes. This provides an important advantage for civil engineering applications.
With its high compressive strength, EPS offers features that do not change according to load and time for floors, traffic areas, classroom and lecture hall floors and road embankments.
EPS repels water, prevents humidity and bacterial growth.
Granules of EPS thermal insulation boards sticking firmly to one another and having close pore structure ensures that the board has an exceptionally low water absorption rate when it contacts with water. Thanks to its water-repellent structure, none of its features change even though it contacts with water.
Close porous structure is resistant against condensation in the air, and does not allow transmission of humid air. It prevents humidity and moisture, as well as the corrosion of load-bearing system accessories.
Moreover, it prevents humidity, microorganism growth and mould in interior environments. Therefore, it protects human health.
EPS has high mechanical compressive strength.
When preferred with the correct thickness and density according to its usage area, EPS thermal insulation board show a superior mechanical strength against long-term loading and impacts and does not lose its thermal insulation value.
Its lightness is an advantage.
EPS offers a considerably advantageous weight/volume performance compared to other building materials in construction sector. As its closed porous structure consists of 98% air, it is light, and does not place additional load on buildings. It is easy to load and stack.
It is heat and cold resistant.
Thermal insulation materials are expected to show a long-lasting and non-decreasing performance against heat and cold. Maximum resistance of EPS against high temperatures depends on the degree and duration.
EPS can be used until 75-85 oC at maximum and -180 oC at minimum according to density and environmental conditions over the long term. This resistance feature increases the number of areas EPS is used.
It is fireproof.
As per SANS 428, EPS boards are classified as materials having a minimum fire performance of “E” and consisting of raw materials defined as B1 flame proof. When EPS thermal insulation boards are used as components of exterior thermal insulation systems outside of buildings, they have a fire performance of B.
When used coated with materials such as plaster, alum or plasterboard, it is included in the fire performance class of the coating material used on it, because it is not in direct contact with the source of flames.
It is easily shaped and processed.
EPS thermal insulation boards inflate in the form of granules with the process applied at the final stage of production. The inflated granules take the shape of the mould they are in. EPS board produced as blocks can be easily cut in required shapes after production.
It provides excellent thermal insulation.
Thanks to the dry and motionless air in its closed pores, EPS provides excellent thermal insulation. It is applied in zones where thermal bridges may occur and surround the building in all sides. It plays an important role in reducing the building’s energy consumption by cutting down heating expenses in winter and cooling expenses in summer. Therefore, it does not increase environmental pollution as it uses less fuel.
It is installed quickly and easily.
EPS application is quick and easy thanks to its flexible and lightweight structure. Therefore, it saves time and keeps labour costs low.
It has a flexible structure.
Air pockets in EPS’ pores provide cushioning by serving as a buffer. It absorbs the force of impacts or pressure, prevents contracting or stretching in temperature changes, and is not fragile.