Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the expanded version of polystyrene beads (polymerised styrene) – using steam as a blowing agent on these beads to create a “prefoam”. This prefoam can then be moulded into blocks of varying sizes and densities, or any form using a pre-made mould to suit your needs.
Isolite EPS can be used in walls, floors and roofs. The loose beads are used in concreate, plasters and renderings.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) manufactured by the Isowall Group is fast becoming recognized as the insulation material of choice by specifiers of “Bills of Quantities”. This comes largely as a result of our technical knowledge backed up by years of experience in the building and construction industry.
Advantages of building with EPS
- It is environmentally friendly
Contrary to popular belief about polystyrene being harmful to the environment, EPS is in fact a ‘green’ material option. The reason for this is two fold; firstly, because of the superior insulation there is no need for additional temperature control agents (such as airconditioner, underfloor heating, etc.), in fact, EPS saves up to 400 times the energy used in the manufacturing of the product. Secondly, EPS is HCFC, CFC-free, and 100% recyclable. Additionally, at Isowall, we pride ourselves on our zero-waste to landfill intiative – any leftover material is either ground-up or melted and reused.
- Simple and time-efficient construction
Due to its lightweight and safety properties expanded polystyrene fits most construction applications. EPS installation can be done manually on-site without specialised equipment. EPS board or sheets are easy to cut onsite with a hand saw or a hot wire cutter according to specific dimensions.
If EPS is used for cavity installations and structural fills, the material does not require compaction before installation as it is the case with soil or other aggregate substances.
EPS is not only easy to handle, but also non-toxic, chemically inert, non-irritant and odourless, reducing the health and safety concerns on-site.
- Cost-effective
EPS is undoubtedly the most cost-effective insulation option when considering the excellent cost-to-performance ratio in achieving the desired thermal insulation in construction projects. The cost of EPS insulation is up to 20% lower compared to polyurethane, polyisocyanurate or mineral wool options.
EPS sheets and boards are ideal to use for thermal and sound insulation in walls, roofs and on floors. Other uses include underfloor heating systems, drainage boards, permanent formwork, foundation and prefabricated wall systems.
- Fire Safety Properties
EPS is a combustible material like many other insulation materials. However, for fire safety applications, flame retardant grade polystyrene (FR Grade) can be employed in all densities. A fire retardant additive is added to inhibit the early stages of fire development and ignition.
The ‘FR’ grades are treated with a fire retardant to cause the material to shrink away from a source of ignition without burning if exposed for a short period. It will only burn if kept in contact with the flame for a longer period. EPS can withstand a limited exposure maximum temperature of 110 degrees Celsius.
- Durability
EPS provides superior strength, rigidity and durability in construction and civil engineering. Specifiers can access a wide range of sizes, density or grades for different applications and projects from structural fills to flooring or roofing insulation.
EPS also has a long lifecycle when properly specified and installed. It remains an effective thermal insulation material for the duration of the building also due to its anti-fungal, fire-resistant, waterproof, rotproof and inert properties.
EPS limits moisture, humidity and water absorptions to a minimum, maintaining its thermal properties.
The Isowall Group has been manufacturing and distributing Isolite Block Moulded EPS since 1985, and Isolite Shape Moulded EPS since 1992. Isolite EPS products are used primarily for insulation, lightweight fillers and semi-rigid cushioning.
Isowall is the supplier of choice within Africa for Insulated Sandwich Panel, EPS and EPP products. Contact us for more information.
