Expanded Polystyrene Foam Board Insulation Fire Resistant

When installed correctly expanded polystyrene products do not present an undue fire hazard.

Expanded polystyrene foam board insulation fire resistant.

Like practically all organic building materials polystyrene foam is combustible. However the burning behaviour of eps depends largely on end use conditions and whether the eps material is with or without a fire retardant additive. Astm c578 standard specification for rigid cellular polystyrene thermal insulation addresses the physical properties and performance characteristics of eps foam as it relates to thermal insulation in construction applications. The thermal conductivity of expanded polystyrene foam of density 20 kg m 3 is 0 035 0 037 w m k at 10 c.

Like all organic building materials polystyrene foam is combustible and does react to fire resulting in the decomposition of styrene and the release of carbon monoxide smoke and water. 1 in x 4 ft x 8 ft. This foam board insulation is the rigid pink or blue panels that can be found at home centers in many different thicknesses. However in practice its burning behavior depends on the conditions under which it is used as well as the inherent properties of the material.

Because of its resistance to moisture foam board insulation is a great choice. Since most fire codes call for a minimum of half hour fire rating over foam insulations paneling would probably not provide a sufficient fire barrier over the foam insulating board.