Polystyrene Insulation

It remains solid at room temperature...

Polystyrene is a thermoplastic made from styrene, a hydrocarbon manufactured from petroleum. It remains solid at room temperature. In its pure form it is an inflexible hard plastic, commonly seen in items such as plastic cutlery. However, there is another form - expanded polystyrene - which is created by blowing a gas such as carbon dioxide into polystyrene. This expands it into a kind of foam, known by the brand name Styrofoam. Its low thermal conductivity makes it ideal for construction applications, where it is used as insulation.

Benefits of Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a good choice for energy efficiency...

Polystyrene is an excellent insulator. Since a great deal of the cost of running a home is bound up with the costs of heating and cooling, polystyrene is a good choice for energy efficiency – and this also applies to building a conservatory. The material is moisture resistant, so it’s unlikely that any water or water vapour will penetrate it. There are two places where you might use polystyrene when building a conservatory. The first is within the dwarf wall at the base of the conservatory; the second is within the floor. Using polystyrene will keep moisture out and heat in – and you can’t ask for much more than that.

Disadvantages of Polystyrene

Can degrade when exposed to sunlight or ultra high temperatures...

Some forms of polystyrene can be expensive compared with other methods of insulation. They may also degrade when exposed to sunlight or ultra high temperatures, though this should be of little concern within a conservatory structure. However, the main disadvantage of using polystyrene for insulation is that it is flammable. In order to use it safely it must be treated with some sort of flame retardant, which sends the cost up again.

• Energy Efficient.
• Cost Effective.
• Flammable

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