Why to use Styrofoam Blocks for your Next Project

Whatever your next project, if you haven’t considered using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) geofoam blocks or Styrofoam blocks, you just could be missing out on a lot of benefits. And in this highly competitive industry and economy, you need every advantage you can find to bring your construction projects to completion on time and on budget, and to meet the ever-growing demand for green building. Here are some of the benefits of using Styrofoam over more traditional construction materials.

Are you using styrofoam blocks for your next project? If not then you’re missing the benefits that could Power up your project.

Benefits of Styrofoam blocks

• Easy to Install: Styrofoam blocks are easy to install as they are factory cut and lightweight. This does not require any special machine to install.
• Construction efficiency: Styrofoam blocks are lightweight and each cubic weighs up to one or two pounds. To install these less labor is needed and enables to completion of the project on time.
• Comparatively low and consistent cost: Installing styrofoam blocks cut off the cost as it is lightweight, does not require much labor, no special machinery is required.
• Versatile: Styrofoam blocks can be used in many ways – building foundations, seating platforms, and many more.
• Energy-saving: Styrofoam blocks are suitable for thermal insulation as it forms air pockets during the manufacturing process. This also saves energy consumption and keeps the building warm during winter and cool during summer. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, one of the benefits of using Styrofoam blocks in building construction is that they help with energy savings. Styrofoam is 98% to 99% air by volume. The air pockets that form during the manufacturing process make Styrofoam blocks great for thermal insulation. Buildings constructed with Styrofoam blocks keep the building cooler in the hot summer months and warmer in the cold winter months. This reduces the building’s energy consumption and makes the building more economical to maintain. And since aging doesn’t affect long-term thermal resistance, your customers will benefit from Styrofoam’s energy efficiency for years to come.
• Eco-friendly: Since the styrofoam blocks are made up of recycled raw materials, it is considered an eco-friendly product.
• Water-resistant: Styrofoam due to its closed structure, does not absorb moisture and hence avoids the growth of organisms leading to severe health issues.Unlike 2 x 4s, Styrofoam’s closed-cell structure (98% air) doesn’t readily absorb moisture. Instead, it inhibits moisture intrusion. Moisture promotes the growth of many organisms such as mold, mildew or dust mites which cause allergies, asthma and other health issues. Thanks to Styrofoam’s water-repellant structure, it reduces the development and growth of these biological air contaminants.
• A stable material: Usage of Styrofoam blocks makes your project less prone to natural calamities and allows it to be more stable. Styrofoam won’t rot and it isn’t subject to erosion like soil or rock. It won’t decompose over time, so it will be around adding foam insulation and support to your projects for a long time. And, it isn’t suitable snack food for termites and other vermin, unlike wood.
• Consistent properties. Factory-engineered Styrofoam building blocks are produced under stringent quality-controlled conditions. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure their uniformity and that they meet or exceed the required specifications. And that’s what you, as a general contractor, want. You won’t get that consistency of product with natural materials such as soil, lumber or rock.
• Low density. The density of this foam ranges from 15 to 22 kg/m3 — only about 1 to 2% the density of soil, rock and other traditional earth materials. That gives EPS geofoam blocks an advantage when it comes to reducing stress on underlying subgrades. Using soil for the same construction project would require more labor, time and effort because soil needs to be packed down. Since EPS geofoam blocks are a lightweight material, they also reduce settlement and increase stability against bearing and slope failures. And they don’t place additional load on buildings. But if you need a higher density to help you achieve the R-value requirement to meet local building energy codes, density can be controlled through the manufacturing process.
• Strong and durable. High compressive strengths of up to 60 psi make these foam blocks durable and long-lasting and able to stand up to harsh conditions without deterioration. Styrofoam’s comprehensive resistance at 1% deformation ranges from 2.2 psi to 18.6 psi.
• A stable material. EPS geofoam blocks resist vibrations which helps structures absorb the impact of earthquakes and tremors making them more resistant to these natural forces. That’s why EPS geofoam blocks are a favored lightweight fill material for road construction. EPS geofoam blocks enable roads to be built faster and with greater stability than is possible with other lightweight fill materials.
• Soundproofing capabilities. We’re well aware of how excess noise negatively impacts our personal health and comfort as well as how efficiently we work. EPS geofoam blocks are a great help in diminishing noise transmission in structures. According to the EPS Industry Alliance, EPS geofoam, when used in combination with other materials such as Gypsum board, can reduce the amount of airborne sounds that are transmitted through walls, ceilings and floors.
• Widely accepted in the industry. EPS geofoam is a mature technology which was commercially developed first in Germany as early as the 1930s. Since then it has been used in thousands of construction projects all around the globe. Due to its many beneficial properties, it has gained wide acceptance and has become the product of choice for many applications such as bridge embankments, stadium seating platform construction and slope stabilization.

If you’re looking for the best quality styrofoam blocks at an affordable price, contact Buildsmartr today.