ᐅ Walls made of extruded polystyrene (XPS) or expanded polystyrene (EPS)?
Created on: 19 Nov 2013 14:23
J
Jokus
I want to build a small lightweight house. It should be normally livable but must weigh very, very little for certain reasons. The house will be single-story, with a maximum of one upper floor. However, the upper floor will only have one room. I do NOT need building permits/planning permission or structural engineering. Initially, I planned a wooden timber frame construction. Simple wooden stud framing, with insulation (Isover) placed between the studs, a vapor barrier on the inside, and drywall, and on the outside, a breathable roofing membrane and wooden cladding (or similar). Finished.
Now I saw that someone built a house using laminate panels. However, it looks like the walls consist of glued Styrofoam (or another brand) panels that are then covered with laminate. Would it not be possible to do this without laminate? For example, by simply gluing together 20 cm (8 inches) Styrofoam blocks? Would windows hold properly in that? What are your opinions or solutions for my problem? I don’t think I can upload photos yet?????
Now I saw that someone built a house using laminate panels. However, it looks like the walls consist of glued Styrofoam (or another brand) panels that are then covered with laminate. Would it not be possible to do this without laminate? For example, by simply gluing together 20 cm (8 inches) Styrofoam blocks? Would windows hold properly in that? What are your opinions or solutions for my problem? I don’t think I can upload photos yet?????
The reason lies in the construction and the later relocation. Let me put it this way: It is easier to carry a Styrodur panel up the stairs than a 12m (39 ft) beam measuring 20 by 10 cm (8 by 4 inches). Additionally, the "house" cannot be assembled at its final location and therefore has to be lifted by crane.
B
Bauexperte19 Nov 2013 17:09Good evening,
here is a comment from the Federal Environment Agency regarding the question of whether insulation materials are hazardous waste:
Federal Environment Agency (Press Office): “Thermal insulation materials based on Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene, EPS insulation) contain the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Since HBCD is environmentally toxic, persistent, and highly bioaccumulative, it is classified as a substance of very high concern under the European Chemicals Regulation (REACH) and can only be used with a special authorization starting in 2015. Therefore, from 2015 onwards, more environmentally friendly EPS insulation materials with ecologically compatible flame retardants are expected to be available on the market.
Overall, Styrofoam accounts for about 35 percent of the insulation material market in building construction. However, EPS insulation materials have a particularly high market share of over 80 percent in external thermal insulation composite systems.
It is already possible to avoid widespread use of HBCD-containing EPS insulation materials and thus significantly reduce environmental impact: the Blue Angel environmental label provides an easy way to find alternatives for insulation materials and external thermal insulation composite systems that contain hazardous substances and to avoid problematic waste.”
Best regards, Bauexperte
here is a comment from the Federal Environment Agency regarding the question of whether insulation materials are hazardous waste:
Federal Environment Agency (Press Office): “Thermal insulation materials based on Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene, EPS insulation) contain the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Since HBCD is environmentally toxic, persistent, and highly bioaccumulative, it is classified as a substance of very high concern under the European Chemicals Regulation (REACH) and can only be used with a special authorization starting in 2015. Therefore, from 2015 onwards, more environmentally friendly EPS insulation materials with ecologically compatible flame retardants are expected to be available on the market.
Overall, Styrofoam accounts for about 35 percent of the insulation material market in building construction. However, EPS insulation materials have a particularly high market share of over 80 percent in external thermal insulation composite systems.
It is already possible to avoid widespread use of HBCD-containing EPS insulation materials and thus significantly reduce environmental impact: the Blue Angel environmental label provides an easy way to find alternatives for insulation materials and external thermal insulation composite systems that contain hazardous substances and to avoid problematic waste.”
Best regards, Bauexperte
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