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STYROSHIELD Wall and Foundation Applications

Styroshield is a closed cell, resilient lightweight, foamed plastic which has a compressive strength between 10-30 psi for most construction applications. Within that range Styroshield can be molded to meet specific application requirements.

Applied in roofing, foundations and walls, EPS has a successful history of efficient use in industrial, commercial, residential and cold storage buildings. Where enegy efficiency and cost-effectiveness have long been primary design considerations, architects have made EPS the dominant thermal insulation.

Long-term Insulation Value
The R-value of EPS insulation is permanent because the cellular structure of EPS contains only stabilized air. Its R-value will not decrease as it ages.

Moisture Resistance
Though it has low water vapor transmissions, EPS is not a vapor barrier. Rather it "breathes", and therefore needs no costly venting as do some other relatively impermeable insulation materials which could other-wise trap moisture within walls and roof assemblies. 
Styroshield Application Picture
Temperature Cycling
EPS is able to withstand the abuse of temperature cycling, assuring long-term performance. In a series of tests conducted by Dynatech Research and Development Co., Cambridge, Mass., core specimens removed from existing freezer walls, some as old as 16 years, prove that EPS withstands freeze thaw cycling without loss of structural integrity or other physical properties.

Permanence
EPS insulation is an inert, organic material. It provides no nutritive value to plants, animals or micro-organisms. It will not rot, and is highly resistant to mildew.
Styroshield Application Picture
Strength Characteristics
For foundation and wall applications in which EPS bears a minimal load, nominal 1.0lb/ft3 density material is adequate. The resilience of EPS insulation board provides reasonable absorption of building movement without transferring stress to the outer skins at the joints.

If greater rigidity and strength are needed, compressive strengths up to 30 psi are available.

Standards Compliance
EPS insulation may be manufactured to meet or exceed the requirements of major model building codes, *ASTM C578, HUD Use or materials Bulletin #71, and DOE/RCS Standards.
*This standard supercedes Federal Specifications HH-I-524B, HH-I-524C

Fabrication and Installation
EPS insulation can be installed quickly and easily. It can be cut to shape with ordinary tools to assure a tight fit and to eliminate heat loss channels. Also, its light weight allows easy handling and storage.

Cost Efficiency
EPS insulation typically costs less than other rigid board insulations when compared on the basis or R-value.

Exterior Sheathing
  - Meets or exceeds current energy conservation design standards without increasing stud width.
  - Reduces air infilteration and heat loss through framing; slows convective looping.
  - Corner bracing required for non-structural sheathing.
  - Eliminates need for extra-deep framing
  - Inside 1/2" Drywall Required

Retrofit Insulation
  - Supplements existing insulation to counter rising fuel cost.
  - Easily applied during modernization or remodeling.
  - Use a variety of siding or finishes.

Exterior Foundation Walls
  - EPS may be attached with spot adhesive
  - Cover exposed, above-grade EPS insulation with suitable protective exterior coating.
  - Provides protections to water-proofing treatment.

Interior Foundation Walls
  - For heated crawl spaces and basement areas.
  - Supplements batt insulation between floor joists.
  - Apply a suitable thermal barrier, such as 1/2" gypsum board, to wood furring, z-furring or thermal studs.

Drywall Base
  - Provides self-furring solid base for adhesive application of gypsum board.
  - Supplementary furring recommended for integrity of gypsum board thermal barrier.
  - EPS attached to masonry wall with adhesive, mechanical fasteners, z-furring or thermal studs.

Flammability
As with organic materials, products manufactured from expandable polystyrene must be considered "combustible" when directly exposed to fire.
     
TYPICAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
                           
PROPERTY     Units   ASTM test   type I   type VIII   type II   type IX
                           
DENSITY Nominal   pcf   C303 or D1622   1.00   1.25   1.50   2.00
                           
THERMAL at 25°   at 1 inch       4.35   4.54   4.76   5.00
RESISTANCE at 40°   thickness       4.17   4.25   4.55   4.76
  at 75°           3.85   3.92   4.17   4.35
                           
STRENGTH PROPERTIES                          
Compressive 10% deformation     psi   D1621   10-14   13-18   15-21   25-33
Flexural     psi    C203   25-30   30-38   40-50   50-75
Tensile     psi    D1623   16-20   17-21   18-22   23-27
Shear     psi    D732   18-22   23-25   26-32   33-37
Shear Modulus     psi        280-320   370-410   460-500   600-640
Modulus of Elasticity     psi        180-220   250-310   320-360   460-500
                           
MOISTURE RESISTANCE                          
WVT                          
Absorption     perm. in   E96   2.0-5.0   1.5-3.5   1.0-3.5   0.6-2.0
      % vol.   C272   less than   less than   less than   less than
              2.5   2.5   2.0   1.0
                           
COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL     in./(in.)(°F)   D696   0.000035   0.000035   0.000035   0.000035
EXPANSION                          
                           
DENSITY Minimum   pcf   C578   0.9   1.15   1.35   1.80
     
     
Lifoam Industries, LLC
Limited Warranty: Lifoam, LLC's sole warranty to the customer is that each product manufactured and sold by Lifoam, LLC., shall, at the time of shipment, be fit for ordinary purpose for which such product is customarily used. THIS WARRANTY IS IN FULL LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
REMEDIES: Lifoam, LLC., shall be responsible or liable for replacment of or at Lifoam's options, refund of purchase price of products which do not meet the limited warranty set forth above, but in no event shall Lifoam, Inc., be liable for any incidental or consequential damages.
 
 
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