When used as a construction component, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has a proven track record as one of the strongest and most energy-efficient materials on the market.
EPS has a compression strength between 10 to 60 psi for most applications and can be molded to meet specific requirements.
Foundations, walls and roofs can all be fashioned from EPS in the construction of industrial, commercial, residential and cold storage structures.
Its versatility, cost-effectiveness and lasting value have made EPS a widely accepted construction material. With its high R-value and resistance to moisture absorption, EPS is dependable for use in interior and exterior construction.
The engineers and technicians at Tri State Foam can help you in deciding which EPS product is best for your construction needs. Our experience with EPS and custom engineering services will assure you a cost-effective application of this smart innovation and give you a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Characteristics of EPS in Construction
With millions of air pockets in a block of EPS, heat flow is effectively impeded, making it a great alternative to more conventional insulation methods. This gives EPS a high R-value, or resistance to heat flow. The R-value of EPS remains constant over a long period of time, meaning that no adjustments need to be made for aging. The result is that EPS keeps a building or home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
In well-constructed roofs, the presence of EPS insulation will largely retard the absorption of moisture, no matter how cold and wet the weather may get. EPS will not trap moisture; rather, being a material that "breathes," this type of insulation, unlike other materials, needs no expensive venting. As a result of its resistance to moisture, tapered EPS is very effective at channeling water to drains and scuppers.
Just as heat flow and moisture have a hard time penetrating EPS walls and floors, so, too, does sound. The structural properties of EPS are better at deadening sound than most other construction materials. That makes EPS an ideal material for use in apartments, condos and office buildings.
The strength and flexibility of EPS insulation board allows for the reasonable absorption of building movement without transferring that stress to the outer walls at the joints. For use in roofs, EPS is strong enough to withstand normal foot traffic and moderately heavy equipment.
Also, because EPS provides no nutrition to plants, animals or microorganisms, it will never rot and is highly resistant to mold and mildew.
EPS is also 100% recyclable and is an inert, organic material made from petroleum and natural-gas byproducts. Like other building materials, EPS is combustible, but all EPS products are treated with a flame retardant. To further ensure against fire damage, EPS insulation should be covered with a thermal barrier and kept away from flame or other ignition sources.
EPS vs. Other Foam Products
The superior strength and water resistance of EPS makes it a preferred choice of many building contractors over other foam insulation materials such as polyisocyanurate (polyiso). In addition, independent, third-party tests have shown that EPS retains its R-value much longer than extruded polystyrene (XPS), or styrofoam™, which actually loses its R-value over time.
Put Tri State Foam's Experience to Work for You
Tri State Foam has parlayed its three decades of experience working with EPS products into being one of the EPS industry's top manufacturers and distributors.
By providing outstanding service and fostering partnerships with our customers, Tri State Foam is now the preferred EPS maker for many contractors and building material distributors.
Our Martinsville, VA, manufacturing facility is designed to produce EPS insulation for use in exterior insulating and finish systems (EIFS), structural insulation panels (SIP) and insulating concrete forms (ICF). In addition, Tri State Foam makes EPS for use in cold storage facilities, flooring, below grade foundations, buoyancy systems, custom products and is a top producer of geofoam, as well.
Call us today at 1-800-277-0967 and see why Tri State Foam should be your go-to company for all your EPS insulation needs.
