Is extruded polystyrene insulation safe?

All polystyrene foam insulation used in building insulation is treated with hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic fire retardant. Polystyrene contains the toxic substances Styrene and Benzene, suspected carcinogens and neurotoxins that are hazardous to humans.

Can you glue polystyrene insulation?

Cut the tip off a tube of foamboard adhesive or polystyrene construction adhesive with a utility knife. If you can’t find it, the polystyrene adhesive is designed for a broader use, including particleboard and wood. It successfully adheres to the foam insulation in most cases.

What is the difference between extruded and expanded polystyrene?

Extruded polystyrene insulation or XPS Insulation is manufactured through an extrusion process. This produces a closed cell rigid insulation. Expanded polystyrene insulation or EPS insulation is manufactured using a mould to contain small foam beads.

What glue can be used on polystyrene?

Cyanoacrylates – All Permabond cyanoacrylates bond well to polystyrene. Use only enough adhesive to cover the joint, then assemble as soon as practical. For best appearance use a low odor grade such as Permabond 940. Two component epoxies bond well to polystyrene.

Does Gorilla Glue stick to polystyrene?

Recycling Symbol 6: Polystyrene (PS) Epoxies and spray adhesives will all work well with polystyrene.

Is Expanded polystyrene waterproof?

Extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) is manufactured using a process of extrusion. The closed cell structure of extruded polystyrene (XPS) prevents water penetration to the structure of the insulation board and provides long term strength and durability.

Why is polystyrene good for insulation?

Polystyrene and plastic foam are both used as insulators as they have small air bubbles trapped inside them. This makes them very good insulators because heat energy can’t flow through them. This stops the movement of air in the space between the two layers of glass and reduces heat loss from the window.

How long does polystyrene insulation last?

It is available either as EPS (Expanded Polystyrene, produced from polystyrene beads) or as XPS (directly Extruded Polystyrene). The durable panels achieve optimum levels of energy efficiency and provide constant insulation over their 50 year lifespan.

What is the thermal conductivity of polystyrene?

The thermal conductivity (k-value) is the ability of a material to conduct heat; hence, the lower the k-value, the better the material is for insulation. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has a k-value of around 0.033 W/ (m⋅K).

How to calculate heat loss from expanded polystyrene?

Now assume thermal insulation on the outer side of this wall. Use expanded polystyrene insulation 10 cm thick (L 2) with the thermal conductivity of k 2 = 0.03 W/m.K and calculate the heat flux ( heat loss) through this composite wall.

What do you call thermal resistance per unit area?

The R-value is the building industry term for thermal resistance “per unit area.”. It is sometimes denoted RSI-value if the SI (metric) units are used. An R-value can be given for a material (e.g. for polyethylene foam), or for an assembly of materials (e.g. a wall or a window).

What is the k value of polystyrene insulation?

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has a k-value of around 0.033 W/ (m⋅K). For comparison, phenolic foam insulation has a k-value of around 0.018 W/ (m⋅K), while wood varies anywhere from 0.15 to 0.75 W/ (m⋅K), and steel has a k-value of approximately 50.0 W/ (m⋅K).