expanded polystyrene, what is it? : by Fibre-Crown

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What is EPS?

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid, closed cell, plastic foam material. EPS can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes. EPS is typically available in large blocks that can be cut into sheeting, architectural detail work for use on houses and buildings, signage, floatation etc. It's lightweight properties make it very easy to work with. Architectural EPS is modified with a fire retardant and is usually encapsulated with an acrylic-based finish.

EPS is totally recyclable. EPS does not contain ozone depleting CFC's or HCFC's.

What is Styrofoam?

A common mis-understanding about Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is that it is referred to by many people as Styrofoam. Styrofoam is actually a trademark for a product that is manufactured by DOW Chemical Company. Styrofoam board and EPS board have two completely different manufacturing processes.

The most notable difference is that EPS does not and has never used CFC's or HCFC's, which are harmful to our ozone layer, for the processing of making rigid insulation.

In producing the product, Styrofoam is an extruded foam board, whereas Expanded Polystyrene is a molded cellular board.

What is its use?

Architectural (EPS) details are used on building exteriors to add architectural designs, charm and luxury.

What are the advantages of using Fibre-Crown's Architectural Details?

Affordable, less costly than traditional methods
Structurally stable
Maintenance Free
Durable
Will not Crack, Peel or Fade
Easy Fast Assembly
Wide Variety of Shapes and Sizes including Trims, Sills, Cornices, Columns and Panels

How do Fibre-Crown's Architectural Details differ from traditional wood mouldings?

Wood

Fibre-Crown

Shrinkage & Swelling	Readily shrinks and swells with changes in humidity	Minimal
Flame Spread (lower numbers are safer)	Flame Spread rating greater or equal to 100	Flame Spread rating is 60 or less
Forming	Multiple pieces of wood and multiple millwork are required to achieve desired profile	State-of-the-art CAD driven technology generates profile in one piece
Water Damage	Readily affected by water and subject to damage	Does not rot
Rot & Insect Damage	Readily affected	Not susceptible to rot or insect attack if installed as per our installation guidelines
Strength and Flexibility	Relatively easy to crack	Excellent overall strength
Waste	Not all pieces are usable	All pieces are usable

How is it installed?

Mouldings may be applied directly to concrete, stucco, wood and other similar surfaces. Adhesives are used to hold the moulding in place. When the moulding is too heavy, fasteners are used to temporarily hold the moulding in place until the adhesive has time to dry. See our Installation Guidelines page for more details or call for technical support: 1-877-433-6955.