For well over 50 years, expanded polystyrene (EPS) has been the crowd favourite of the construction industry. Thanks to its chemical composition, it has created a more practical, cost-effective and sustainable building material. Polystyrene enters this world as a solid, dense thermoplastic resin polymerized from Styrene. This process, whereby smaller Styrene molecules are combined to form larger networks, coverts this resin into hard Polystyrene beads. For construction purposes, these beads are inflated using Pentane, which evaporates at 90°C. This leaves the expanded beads for moulding.
Getting a little too technical for you? We get it. The only thing you need to worry about is what makes EPS the best choice for your project, and why! Let’s start with the ‘what’. EPS gained its reputation because it is:
- Strong, durable
- Energy-efficient, sustainable, recyclable
- Moisture, shock, pest resistant
- Thermally efficient
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Versatile
Now, for the ‘why’!
Why Expanded Polystyrene’s Properties Make It Perfect For You
Environmentally Friendly
The manufacturing process protects our ozone layer by producing zero damaging gases, like aerosol CFCs. In fact, for every kilogram of oil used, more than 150kg is saved over a home’s functional lifetime in reduced heating needs and energy consumption!
As a non-organic material, it may surprise you that it doesn’t become harmful or contaminate groundwaters when degraded. This is because it is also non-toxic. In addition to this, its chemically inert tendencies prevent any chemical reactions from occurring.
The best part? It’s 100% recyclable!
Durability You Can Depend On
EPS cannot deteriorate over time thanks to its cellular composition making it dimensionally stable – even over a century! This is enhanced by its natural resistance to damaging external factors. Being non-organic, EPS is impervious to pests and bacterial invasions. It is also highly impact-resistant, thanks to the shock-absorbing qualities of its dense, but inflated, composition. The cellular make-up of EPS even ensures EPS is water-tight and weather-resistant over the years.
Major Moisture Resistance
From a little moisture to prolonged water saturation, EPS maintains its integrity and durability. All thanks to the closed-cell composition of this thermoplastic foam, little to no water absorption is allowed. This prevents moulding and rotting, as well as weather-related damage. No matter how much moisture, EPS will retain its thermal properties, shape, size and structure.
For more information on how EPS architectural mouldings can revolutionise your project, contact us at High Profile Architectural Mouldings (HPAM) today, 07 5568 0036 or contact us at info@highprofilemouldings.com.au
