Polystyrene Insulation Board Fire Risk

Polystyrene foam eps when used as insulation material.

Polystyrene insulation board fire risk.

However in practice its burning behavior depends on the conditions under which it is used as well as the inherent properties of the material. Like practically all organic building materials polystyrene foam is combustible. When installed correctly expanded polystyrene products do not present an undue fire hazard. It provides an overview of the facts on fire safe constructions using eps building products.

The external fire exposure of a warm roof is tested to the standards described above but the onus is usually on the waterproofing manufacturer to comment on fire performance. The behaviour and performance of a building insulation material in relation to potential fire hazards depend firstly on the chemical and nature of the material but also on its condition at installation and its specific application. Expanded polystyrene eps has been extensively tested in terms of fire hazard assessments. Polystyrene insulation is manufactured in a variety of board sizes usually a minimum of 1 inch thick.

Tapered units are also manufactured for use in roofing assemblies where the insulation is used to create slope for positive drainage. The insulation board is glued or fastened to the underlying substrate such as plywood sheet metal brick or stone and the base and finish coats applied.