Styrofoam is a trademarked expanded polystyrene foam used for insulation, crafting, and packaging. Its closed cell structure provides high R-value, making it ideal for insulation. It is waterproof, durable, and can be covered with different materials. However, its impact on the environment should be considered.
Styrofoam is a trademark of the Dow Company and is used to make insulation, floral and craft materials. Even though the word is trademarked, it is often used to refer to any expanded polystyrene foam used to make cups, packaging materials, and other products. Styrofoam is commonly used as insulation in construction due to its unique properties. When used as insulation, it is cut into sheets or slabs and is commonly referred to as “blue board” in construction.
Styrofoam is lightweight and waterproof, making it ideal for building insulation. Its closed cell structure means that Styrofoam insulation has a high R-value. R-value refers to a material’s ability to conduct heat. The higher the value of a substance, the more resistant it is to heat conduction.
Proper insulation prevents heat transfer into or out of a building, which reduces drafts and lowers heating and cooling costs. This means that a building will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The structure of Styrofoam insulation means that there is virtually no empty space between its cells. This means that the product is durable and waterproof. Because it is so water resistant, mold and mildew are unable to grow on its surface.
Styrofoam insulation is cut into sheets which are then installed into exterior foundation walls or bolted to the building frame. The foam can then be covered with different materials to create a certain look, such as stucco, stone or marble. Light can degrade Styrofoam insulation. To counteract this, the foam should be installed with a lightweight blocking material to protect it.
Styrofoam insulation is also used as floor and roof insulation. On roofs, Styrofoam can be cut and used to provide proper drainage. It can also be installed in a log cabin. After it is laid on the ceiling material, plywood or other materials can be placed on top. Shingles can then be installed on it.
An important factor that should be considered about Styrofoam is its effect on the environment. Styrofoam does not break down easily and can be ingested by animals and block their digestive tract. However, Styrofoam is durable, which means it can be reused. Reusing Styrofoam insulation can reduce the cost of future renovations and repairs.
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