Performance
Structural
STYROFOAM™ boards are available in a range of compressive strengths to suit different loadbearing requirements.
Fire
Information on aspects of fire performance of extruded polystyrene in building applications is given in BS 6203: 1991, 'Fire characteristics and fire performance of expanded polystyrene materials used in building applications'.
STYROFOAM products contain a flame retardant additive to inhibit accidental ignition from a small fire source. STYROFOAM is, however, combustible and if exposed to an intensive fire may burn rapidly.
During shipment, storage, installation and use STYROFOAM products should not be exposed to flames or other ignition sources.
Fire classification is based on small scale tests, which may not reflect the reaction of the product in its end use state under actual fire conditions.
STYROFOAM products should, when installed, be adequately protected from direct exposure to fire. STYROFOAM products achieve Euroclass E (reaction to fire).
Temperature
Polystyrene products will melt when brought into direct contact with high temperature heat sources: for STYROFOAM boards the recommended maximum continuous working temperature is 75°C.
Water/Moisture
STYROFOAM is:
-
highly resistant to water absorption
-
very resistant to the passage of water vapour
-
unaffected by repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
Biological
STYROFOAM has low susceptibility to rot: mould or fungal growth is therefore minimised.
Chemical
STYROFOAM boards are resistant to most commonly occurring construction materials such as lime, cement, plaster, anhydrous gypsum, solvent-free bituminous compounds, water-based wood preservatives, as well as alcohols, acids and alkalis. Certain organic materials such as solvent-based wood preservatives, coal tar and derivatives (creosote), paint thinners and common solvents (e.g. acetone, ethyl acetate, petrol, toluene and white spirit) will attack STYROFOAM, resulting in softening, shrinkage and possible dissolution, with a consequent loss of performance.
The use of solvent-free adhesives is advised. Compatibility with STYROFOAM should be checked with the adhesive suppliers.
Sunlight
Protect STYROFOAM from prolonged exposure to sunlight to prevent degradation of the surface of the board.
Durability
Properly installed, STYROFOAM boards have a service life comparable with the building or structure.
Environmental
STYROFOAM is non bio-degradable and does not present an environmental hazard.
Disposal
STYROFOAM can be:
|
Common Properties of STYROFOAM products
|
| Properties |
Standard
|
Unit
|
Value
|
| Specific heat |
— |
kJ/kgK |
1.4 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion |
BS 4370: Part 3:
1988: Method 13 |
mm/mK
|
0.07
|
| Working temperature range |
— |
°C |
-50 to +75 |
Fire classification:
reaction to fire |
BS EN 13164 + BS EN 13501: Euroclass E |
