Table of Contents
Dow Styrofoam and Owens Corning Foamular insulations no longer contain the flame retardant HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane)—a persistent, bioaccumulative toxic chemical (PBT). With these changes, HBCD is no longer being used in either extruded (XPS) or expanded (EPS) polystyrene insulation.
Is Foamular fire proof?
Is Foamular fire proof? For roofing applications, use FOAMULAR® THERMAPINK® Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Insulation. This product is combustible. A protective barrier or thermal barrier is required as specified in the appropriate building code.
Is rigid foam insulation fire resistant?
Does foam board burn? “Rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams will, when ignited, burn rapidly and produce intense heat, dense smoke and gases which are irritating, flammable and/or toxic. Therefore, foam can be particularly hazardous during construction or renovation, as it is often exposed.
Can you use ceiling insulation under floor?
Wall insulation is not suited for use in a ceiling cavity space and wall insulation R-values would not be adequate for your ceiling area. The highest R-value that wall insulation reaches is an R2. 5HD, can be installed in both wall and underfloor areas.
What foam board is fire resistant?
THERMAX™ Sheathing is specially designed to have a Class A fire rating and can be used in a range of concealed and exposed applications, above and below grade, and can be used in exterior walls. Because of its improved fire performance, THERMAX™ Sheathing is especially appropriate for hourly rated assemblies.
Is polystyrene fire resistant?
Polystyrene is highly flammable and ignites at relatively low temperatures. It has been linked with huge fires, often in commercial buildings and warehouses, where its use is more common.
Should crawl spaces be vented?
Building codes generally require working vents in the crawlspace to allow outside air to circulate under the floor in the summer to prevent moisture buildup that, among mildew and mold, encourages wood rot.
At what temperature does polystyrene ignite?
During the phase of rapid fire development, the flash over, wood will self-ignite at a temperature of about 340°C and EPS at a temperature of about 450°C.
What kind of insulation should I use in my crawl space?
The best insulation material for crawl spaces is rigid foam insulation board. Instead of installing the foam insulation between floor joists in the crawl space, the foam board is installed against the crawl space foundation walls.
Is foam board insulation flammable?
“Rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams will, when ignited, burn rapidly and produce intense heat, dense smoke and gases which are irritating, flammable and/or toxic. Therefore, foam can be particularly hazardous during construction or renovation, as it is often exposed.
Why should polystyrene be banned?
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Styrofoam, is a petroleum-based non-biodegradable foam, which the EPA and International Agency for Research on Cancer consider styrene a “possible human carcinogen” and “that such materials can have serious impacts upon human health, wildlife, and aquatic environment, and the economy.”May 6, 2019
Is pink insulation board flammable?
Excerpt taken directly from the Owens Corning Foamular 250 Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Foam Insulation data sheet: “This product is combustible.
At what temperature does Styrofoam catch on fire?
Styrofoam (polystyrene) will easily catch fire if you expose it to a naked flame or spark around 680 degrees Fahrenheit (360 Celsius).
Will Styrofoam melt at 170 degrees?
3. Will Styrofoam Melts at 170 Degrees? Styrofoam will start softening at 212 degrees F and melting at 464 degrees F, but that doesn’t mean you should use it in the oven, regardless of the temperature. Styrofoam is made from expanded polystyrene, meaning that it cannot accommodate extreme temperatures.
Can I use Styrofoam as insulation?
Styrofoam insulation is a less expensive and economic way to provide insulation to a home. It is extremely flexible and easy to use. Unlike fiberglass insulation, Styrofoam does not require special tools for cutting.
Does foam board need a vapor barrier?
The goal is to keep the inside face of the foam sheathing above the dew point of the interior air. 2) Don’t use a vapor barrier, such as poly, on the interior. If the wall cavity get wet for any reason, then the wall will need to dry primarily to the interior.
What can I use to cover foam board insulation?
There is no perfect material for covering and protecting exterior foam on foundations. Use metal or plastic reinforcing to strengthen the cement parging on foundation foam boards. The most common approach is to apply a stucco-like “parged” finish with a surface-bonding cement.
Does rigid foam insulation need to be covered?
Rigid foam insulation, whether it is expanded or extruded polystyrene, does have to be covered if it is installed in the interior of a building. This wall covering must have a minimum fire rating to protect the insulation from quick combustion during a fire.
Is ISO board fireproof?
Fire: IsoBoard contains self-extinguishing fire retardants, non-flammable blowing gasses and will not propagate fire in exposed roof applications.
Does rigid foam insulation need to be covered in crawl space?
Q. I plan to install rigid foam insulation in a crawlspace. As far as I know, most types of rigid foam insulation can’t be left exposed but need to be covered with a layer of drywall for fire resistance.
What temperature can Styrofoam withstand?
Styrofoam, made from expanded polystyrene doesn’t withstand high heat. It will start softening at 212°F and melting at 464°. You can use styrofoam containers to preserve food in the fridge but never reheat or cook with them in the oven.
Can Styrofoam catch on fire from a light bulb?
Styrofoam and Fire Safety It seems counterintuitive that a highly flammable substance like Styrofoam can go in the microwave. But while it can withstand some heat, it can also easily catch fire when exposed to an open flame. Having Styrofoam in the home in a place where it could meet with an open flame is very risky.
What is the R-value of 2 inch foam board?
A wall utilizing STYROFOAM T-MASS Technology with a 2-inch exterior layer and a 4-inch interior layer of concrete along with a 2-inch layer of STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene insulation would result in a material R-value of approximately 11.33.
Is foil faced insulation flammable?
Foil-Faced Polyisocyanurate Not flammable, but it must be protected with wallboard.
Can I use polystyrene for wall insulation?
Polystyrene is the most popular insulation material for exterior walls.
