The Dow Building Solutions Product Range
Which extruded polystyrene products does Dow manufacture?
How is STYROFOAM™ manufactured?
Is the quality of STYROFOAM monitored?
Which blowing agents are used in the manufacture of STYROFOAM?
What is the fire classification for STYROFOAM insulation boards?
How does STYROFOAM react to other commonly used building products?
Which adhesives are compatible with STYROFOAM?
What tools are suitable for cutting or shaping STYROFOAM?
What is the recommended maximum service temperature for STYROFOAM?
How do I dispose of any STYROFOAM waste?
Are Dow XPS products recyclable?
Can STYFOROAM be reused?
Which extruded polystyrene products does Dow manufacture?
Dow manufactures and supplies STYROFOAM blue extruded polystyrene insulation.
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How is STYROFOAM manufactured?
STYROFOAM is manufactured in an extrusion process: polystyrene is expanded with a blowing agent and extruded to form lightweight boards with a closed cell structure; they have a high compressive strength and are impervious to water. For further information see About STYROFOAM.
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Is the quality of STYROFOAM monitored?
STYROFOAM is manufactured to BS EN 13164: 2001: Thermal insulation products for buildings - factory made products of extruded polystyrene (XPS) - specification. The process is accredited to ISO 9001 and STYROFOAM boards are CE marked to BS EN 13164: 2001. For further information see CE Marking.
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Which blowing agents are used in the manufacture of STYROFOAM?
STYROFOAM 'A' boards (those with product names ending in '-A') are blown with CO2. STYROFOAM 'X' boards are blown with fluorohydrocarbon134a. None of the products contain fluorochlorohydrocarbons or chlorofluorocarbons.
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What is the fire classification for STYROFOAM insulation boards?
STYROFOAM boards are classed as B1 materials. If the boards are bonded to, or coated with another building material, such as a fleece, they may be classified B2. For further information see Performance.
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How does STYROFOAM react to other commonly used building products?
STYROFOAM is resistant to humic acids and to a vast number of weak acids, salts and substances which erode concrete. It is not resistant to solvents. For further information see Performance.
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Which adhesives are compatible with STYROFOAM?
STYROFOAM boards may be bonded with any solvent-free adhesive which is suitable for polystyrene such as cold bitumen adhesives, polyurethane adhesive systems and cement adhesives. When bonding STYROFOAM always follow the adhesive manufacturer's guidelines.
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What tools are suitable for cutting or shaping STYROFOAM?
STYROFOAM insulation boards may be cut with hand saws, electric saws, circular saws and hot wire cutters.
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What is the recommended maximum service temperature for STYROFOAM?
The recommended maximum temperature for continual use is 75°C; higher temperatures may result in permanent deformation of boards. Do not cover STYROFOAM boards with dark sheets on hot days as the build up of heat may damage the boards.
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How do I dispose of any STYROFOAM waste?
STYROFOAM is not hazardous waste and can be disposed of in appropriate domestic waste incineration plants.
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Are Dow XPS products recyclable?
Source-sorted waste can basically be recycled.
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Can STYFOROAM be reused?
If STYROFOAM is laid loosely, as is the case with an inverted roof, it can be dismantled after many years and reused. There are many practical examples of this.
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