Styrofoam Wall Panels Philippines? Trust The Answer

Laminate wood paneling used to be a popular wall paneling in homes. If you don’t like how it looks but don’t have the time and resources to replace it, consider simply painting it over. Laminate is a thin layer of plastic that covers chipboard or other materials. A laminate surface is very smooth; Therefore, paint is unlikely to stick to it. But with the right preparation, you can successfully transform laminate wall panels by painting over them.

The core element of M2 Panel Advanced Building System is a modular system, not a prefabricated panel. The panel consists of two galvanized, welded steel wire meshes connected by connectors that enclose a custom-formed expanded polystyrene (EPS) sheet. The M2 panel is then assembled and sprayed with shotcrete on site.

The M2 panels are available as a full range of structural elements including load-bearing walls, floors, partitions, curtain walls, roofs and even stairs. In this way it is possible to construct an entire building with the same construction system, optimizing the supply chain and reducing time and labor.

With an emphasis on modular construction methods, SIP construction has become one of the most popular building systems. While nothing new (SIPs have been around since the 1950s), this method has remained relatively reticent until recent years. With the sudden surge in popularity, many are wondering if SIPs are the next big thing in construction or just another short-lived trend.

Like any other construction method, SIPs have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages are energy efficiency, structural superiority, ease of construction and environmental friendliness. The main disadvantages include pests, moisture damage and ventilation problems, and low fire resistance.

In the rest of this post, we’ll examine the above (and many more) pros and cons of SIP construction in detail to help you decide if this construction method is right for your next project.

But first, let’s define SIPs.

What are SIPs?

SIPs stands for Structural Insulated Panel. It is a commercial and residential building system consisting of an insulating foam core pressed between two OSB (Oriented Strand Board) skins.

Building with structurally insulated panels can be beneficial in the following ways.

1. Energy efficiency

Buildings with SIP construction have high energy efficiency, since this material is an excellent thermal insulator.

2. Insulation foam core

The fact that it is an excellent thermal insulator is mainly due to the insulating foam core it contains, an airtight construction and an energy-saving ventilation system.

Because the foam core does not conduct heat, it allows homes to retain warm air when it’s cold outside and keeps interiors from heating up during a scorcher. This reduces reliance on HVAC systems for temperature control, helping to keep electricity bills low.

3. Airtight construction

The airtight construction helps maintain internal temperature by minimizing air leakage in/out of interior spaces. With minimal thermal influence from the outside air, the inside air in SIPs buildings stays at the desired temperature for longer, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Additionally, the airtight construction can help minimize the ingress of outside moisture into your interior spaces to further reduce the stress on your home’s HVAC system.

4. Unique ventilation system

The unique ventilation system of the SIPs buildings also plays an important role in energy saving. Since SIPs are typically airtight, special attention must be paid to ventilation in buildings constructed using this design, as proper air circulation is critical to healthy living.

However, because installing traditional ventilation systems would compromise energy efficiency through the airtightness of SIPs, a specialized system known as Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is often used. Operating 24/7, MVHR systems circulate fresh air throughout the building while removing pollutants and unwanted moisture.

But unlike traditional ventilation, MVHR systems circulate air in and out of a building without losing heat that has already been used for heating. Humid stale air from indoor spaces is passed through a heat exchanger that recovers the heat it contains before releasing it again. The recovered heat is then transferred to the incoming fresh air to preheat it before being circulated throughout the building.

With a highly efficient heat exchanger, an MVHR system can recover up to 90% of the heat from the used exhaust air. This contributes significantly to energy saving, which translates into lower electricity bills. And since the energy saving mechanism of MVHR systems works both ways (meaning it can help keep your indoors cool when it’s hot outside), it helps save on heating bills all year round.

5. Design Versatility

Thanks to a combination of ease of connection and strength, SIPs give architects the flexibility to create unusual designs (e.g. sloping roof panels) that would otherwise be impossible with traditional building materials such as concrete, steel or wood.

This flexibility allows architects to express their design creativity without the limitations of traditional building materials, which comes in handy when intricate building designs are desired.

6. Structural superiority

SIPs structures can withstand harsh weather conditions and extreme climates because, when completed, they form a monolithic shell that is seven times stronger than traditional timber frame structures. The monolithic shell not only provides great structural strength, but also gives buildings a solid and robust feel and makes them less prone to shifting.

7. Minimal waste

Typically, SIPs are manufactured externally (AKA at the factory). Because factory conditions are usually controlled to maximize operational efficiency, there is little waste compared to on-site construction.

To further reduce waste and minimize environmental impact, some manufacturers are taking it a step further and using leftover board to create wedge joints, while others recycle materials wherever possible.

Minimal waste is not only good for the environment; it also means lower costs for disposal of construction waste.

8. Roof option

One of the unique advantages of SIPs structures comes from the fact that they do not require trusses. This gives you the opportunity to convert the space under the roof into livable living space. For example, if you have a three bedroom house, you can easily turn it into a five bedroom house without having to build another room.

9. Faster project completion

It is faster to build with SIPs than traditional methods for several reasons. This includes a high strength-to-weight ratio that allows builders to assemble large sections of their home/office at once, significantly reducing project completion time.

Second is the fact that structural insulated panels are prefabricated, precut and designed to fit the various walls and roof of your structure. Unlike other conventional construction methods, contractors do not have to spend time preparing building materials (e.g. mixing concrete, taking measurements, etc.). With less to do, your project will take less time to complete.

To put things in perspective, building a two-story 200m2 house using SIPs typically takes around 3 days for off-site prefabrication and 10 days for on-site construction, bringing the total project completion time to less than half a year month brings. On the other hand, for a brick house of the same size, depending on the contractor, it can take three months or longer.

Also noteworthy is the fact that you can build with SIPs in any weather. This means that, unlike some traditional construction methods such as brick, you don’t have to interrupt your project in inclement weather. With minimal weather impact, your project will run smoothly and take less time afterwards.

Faster project completion is beneficial for homeowners as workers spend less time on site, which helps reduce labor costs.

10. Minimal design flaws

SIPs are precision engineered to meet the exact dimensions and design requirements of your project. This minimizes the likelihood of design errors, and if present, they can easily be corrected prior to on-site assembly.

11. Fewer work requirements

Because the SIP structures are fabricated off-site, most of the construction is done at the factory. Therefore, typical construction site tasks such as framing and insulating are not part of your job requirements.

SIPs panels are also shipped to site with door openings and windows pre-cut, eliminating the need for you to frame the openings on site. Additionally, SIPs structures do not require masons to build the inner shell of a structure – a common process in traditional building systems.

Ultimately, the construction of SIPs is less labor intensive than many, if not all, traditional construction methods.

12. Simple construction in hard-to-reach locations

For homeowners with properties in areas with restricted access (e.g. near high traffic areas or properties bordering protected areas), building homes or offices using traditional methods can be quite a headache because construction equipment such as the concrete mixer may not fit into your plot.

With SIP construction, you don’t need as much heavy equipment to build as you would when building with stone and wood. This means your project has minimal disruption to your surroundings, which is not the case with traditional building systems.

Additionally, building with SIPs reduces the delivery of building materials to your property as everything comes from a single source, so you don’t have to worry about traffic congestion. The form of delivery is also specially tailored to the size and driveway of your property.

13. Environmental friendliness

SIP structures have excellent green credentials for a number of reasons. First of all, the foam insulation core in these panels has a low global warming potential and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). Also, the excellent insulation it provides helps keep buildings’ energy consumption low, which is good for the environment.

Second, the outside of structurally insulated panels is made of Oriented Strand Board (OSB3), a material made from fast-growing trees. Fast-growing trees have several environmental benefits, including a fast rate of regeneration, which helps reduce the environmental impact of using products derived from forests. Finally, structurally insulated panels use much less wood compared to traditional timber frame systems. This further increases the environmental friendliness of SIPs by helping to reduce the environmental impact of deforestation.

14. Compatibility with other materials

Thanks to their design flexibility, SIPs can be used alongside other conventional building materials. This means you can combine the panels with things like wood if you’re building from scratch, or simply add them as an extension to an existing building.

Such compatibility comes in handy when building on a large scale, where circumstances can sometimes prevent the property from being built entirely with SIPs.

15. Simple cost estimation

Because SIPs structures come pre-engineered, it is easier to estimate the total cost of a particular project. Everything is customized to each project’s specific dimensions and design needs, making it easier to know in advance how much material you’ll need so you can budget ahead of time.

16. Decent soundproofing properties

SIPs have a unique layered structure with plates of different densities. This structural composition allows them to block and absorb a wide spectrum of noise, making SIPs panels a decent material for soundproofing.

Keep in mind that the soundproofing of SIP walls will vary depending on the type of siding applied, the thickness of the foam core, and the thickness of the drywall applied (if any). While SIPs are excellent at blocking high-frequency noise, they are not as effective at low-frequency noise.

Now that we’ve covered the main advantages of using SIPs in construction, let’s take a look at the disadvantages.

17. SIPs structures are susceptible to moisture damage

One of the main disadvantages of SIP buildings is that they are susceptible to moisture damage. This is mainly because the composition of SIPs board includes wood which is susceptible to rot, mold or mildew.

However, you can get around this problem by adding a waterproof finish to your walls. Using heat fans to expel humid air in high humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms can also help.

18. SIPs panels can harbor pests

Most wood-based building systems are prone to pest problems in one way or another, and SIPs are no different. In most cases, termites pose the greatest threat to SIP buildings. While these insects do not feed on the material, they can scoop out the cores of the slabs and use them as nesting sites.

To prevent this, opt for SIPs with borate-treated OSB and/or foam. Many manufacturers offer treated panels to counteract pest problems, so they’re not hard to find. And even with treated panels, you should keep humidity levels well below 50% to keep pests and rodents at bay.

19. Ventilation can be an issue

While the airtightness of SIPs is great for insulation, it can compromise ventilation, especially in buildings made entirely of this material.

Poor ventilation can lead to poor indoor air quality, increased humidity, build-up of pollutants and condensation on walls and windows. It can also create fire hazards in the event of gas leaks and make building occupants susceptible to a variety of ailments associated with poor indoor air quality.

Fortunately, you can solve ventilation problems in SIPs buildings by investing in an efficient mechanical fan. And since most traditional fans can affect the energy efficiency of SIPs buildings, you should consider a Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR) system. This way you ventilate your interior spaces without sacrificing one of the greatest advantages of building with SIPs: insulation.

20. SIPs leave little room for post-build improvements

While external prefabrication of SIP structures speeds construction, eliminates errors, and minimizes waste, it also limits how much you can modify your building after erection.

That’s because SIPs are precisely cut and matched to your building’s CAD drawings, and tampering with their design can compromise structural strength and efficiency. They also come with pre-drilled plumbing and wiring holes, making it difficult to run new electrical or plumbing lines after the building is erected.

Such limitations mean that you must get the design and functions of your building right during the planning phase. This is rarely the case as the needs of property owners often change over time and require structural adjustments.

Even if you don’t need to change the design and/or features of your building, you will likely need to renovate several years down the road as it is caused by normal wear and tear such as moisture or pest infestation. Unfortunately, the ability to do this in SIPs buildings is often limited, and the few structural changes you can make are likely to be costly.

22. Not many contractors are familiar with SIPs

SIP’s construction is still relatively new, meaning only a handful of craftsmen have experience with it. Therefore, finding a qualified contractor can take a while, which can stall your project. The lack of skilled contractors when building SIPs also means you can easily end up hiring a quack if you’re not careful in your selection process. which can result in a poorly designed building. This can be costly, especially given that there’s not much you can do about a SIPs building once it’s finished.

23. SIPs have limited fire resistance

Another critical disadvantage of SIPs is that the OSB (Oriental Strand Board) panel and the composite material used to manufacture the panels have a low fire rating.

While SIPs structures are often touted as being fire resistant, the panels only do well with flame resisting when surrounded by another material with a good fire rating, such as drywall. That means if the drywall fails during a fire, your home’s occupants are at risk of smoke inhalation and burns.

24. SIPs cost more than wooden frames

Building a small townhouse with SIPs panels costs about 10% more than building a similar sized timber frame house. Although buildings made of this material are more energy efficient, greener, and quicker to build, they likely require a bigger budget than wood.

The final result

As we have seen in this post, SIP construction has several advantages over some of the traditional construction methods. And like any other building material, it has its fair share of downsides.

But while the positives outweigh the negatives, the decision to build with SIPs ultimately comes down to your structural requirements, budget, and other individual considerations.

Sources

August 14, 2019 (KUAJOK) — A 300-watt solar panel system funded by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) through its Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) has been handed over to Gogrial state authorities.

M2 PRESSWIRE – August 14, 2019 -: UNMISS Dedicates 300 Watt Solar Panel System to People of Gogrial (by Stanley Mcgill)

Chief Executive Officer said their three-day exhibition, which opened on Saturday, has attracted interest from local buyers interested in using Trinahome, a solar panel system.

The first will use a silicon solar panel system that will be mounted on the roof of a vehicle.

Punjab government will offer farmers 80% subsidy for providing solar panel system, he stressed.

Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of a pilot project “Technical Assistance and Knowledge Sharing for the Development of a Floating Solar Panel System”.

After reading “What to Ask When Buying a Home With Solar Panels” (April/May 2018), I would like to share my own insights and reflections on the process and benefits of buying a home with solar panels. While net metering is not an option for every solar panel homeowner, it is beneficial and should be considered whenever possible.

The inauguration of the Japanese-financed solar plant in al-Rawaein near Bethlehem.

Note that the outside of the insulated metal panel system functions as a water control layer, air control layer and vapor control layer.

In the field of foam block construction, whether for insulation, roads, landscaping or commercial buildings, the term “Styrofoam” is often used and misused when referring to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. Styrofoam is actually a Dow Chemical Company trademarked word that technically refers to closed-cell, extruded polystyrene foam (think foamed coffee mugs, take-out containers, and packaging). However, this extruded polystyrene is often misused when it comes to expanded polystyrene foam, which is similar in many ways yet different. When you refer to Styrofoam, if you are actually looking for the building material known as expanded polystyrene foam blocks, you most certainly will not get what you pay for.

As experts in building EPS foam blocks, we are here to clarify the difference between extruded and expanded polystyrene so that you, the consumer, are more informed about the type of materials you are investing in for your next project. Here are 5 differences between Styrofoam blocks and EPS foam blocks.

Extruded vs. expanded polystyrene

The main difference between Styrofoam and EPS foam blocks is that Styrofoam is made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) while EPS foam blocks are made from expanded polystyrene. So what is the actual difference between extruded and expanded? Both are polystyrene foam products made from polystyrene resins, but they are processed very differently into panels and blocks. With EPS foam blocks, the blowing agent used to form the end product quickly leaves the polystyrene beads, creating thousands of tiny, air-filled cells. The blowing agent used to manufacture XPS or Styrofoam products remains embedded in the beads for a long time, preventing and reducing air flow through the material. This gives XPS foam lower moisture absorption compared to EPS. Additionally, XPS is made using a continuous extrusion process that creates a closed-cell shape, while EPS is made through an expansion process that forms spherical beads and uses heat and pressure to fuse the foam product together.

physical attributes

There are many differences in the physical properties of Styrofoam and EPS foam blocks. For one, the color is different. You will often see original Styrofoam sheets blue in color while EPS foam blocks are initially white unless custom colored. EPS foam is lightweight but has a high density that makes it stronger and more durable than Styrofoam. Many will consider EPS the fill material of choice due to its compressive strength and ability to withstand heavy loads over long periods of time. Its permeability rating is higher than Styrofoam, making it more optimal for water and mildew resistance.

Ecological damage

Recyclability is another key differentiator between EPS foam and Styrofoam. While Styrofoam is not recyclable, expanded polystyrene is highly recyclable. It is considered very green, which bodes well for the ever-growing green building trend. The expanded polystyrene consists of organic elements, which means that it does not contain any toxic chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Last but not least, the blowing agents used to make EPS are exponentially less polluting than those used to make Styrofoam.

Used

When it comes to using Styrofoam or EPS foam blocks and panels, EPS is the more ideal option for construction projects that require durability and resistance to harsh external conditions. Its applications include soil stabilization, road embankments, sheathing, underground applications, insulation, conical roof insulation, swimming pools and landscaping.

perfomance

EPS foam blocks tend to outperform XPS foam blocks. The materials also differ slightly in R-value, which is the measure of resistance to heat flow, also known as – thermal insulation effectiveness. EPS tends to outperform XPS in terms of long-term R-value – meaning it’s a better insulation product. The drying potential of EPS geofoam under difficult conditions allows it to continue its heat resistance over time. Additionally, EPS geofoam is generally priced lower, bringing greater value when weighing its durability and effectiveness as a fill material.

The next time you hear Styrofoam used to refer to EPS geofoam, you’ll understand the specific differences between the two. The differences ultimately result from the manufacturing process, in which Styrofoam is created by extrusion and EPS by expansion. The unique formation gives Styrofoam and EPS different properties. While both Styrofoam and EPS sheets and blocks are often used interchangeably as construction fill and insulation material, there are some major advantages to using EPS in certain situations. For those looking for a lower cost insulation material that is more resistant to moisture damage and more resilient to harsher external factors such as weather and pressure, EPS geofoam blocks are a better option.

Geofoam International is here to help you with all your EPS foam block design needs. From educating on the exact differences and benefits of EPS Geofoam over other types of building materials to providing custom foam blocks and services to meet your needs, contact Geofoam International.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is all around us. It is used in all environments and has various functions. It can also be used as insulation or sloped roof in construction industry, packaging for various industries, floating dock, subfloor and more. In any case, EPS can come into contact with the enemy of some materials: water. It is therefore important to understand how it reacts when it comes into contact with this element.

What happens to expanded polystyrene insulation when it comes into contact with water?

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is commonly used as insulation in many types of construction. In fact, it can be found in commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings. Don’t worry about water damage or flooding! EPS is water and moisture resistant. This means that it does not absorb them and that its insulating performance is not affected when it comes into contact with these elements. Expanded polystyrene insulation boards can make a home healthier because they don’t contribute to mold growth.

The water resistance of EPS is also useful in industry

In fact, this property is essential for many expanded polystyrene products. The packaging is a good example. It can be beneficial to opt for EPS packaging as, unlike cardboard, it retains its shape and usability when wet. It continues to adequately protect and preserve. Again, polystyrene retains its physical properties even when in contact with water or moisture. This also applies to EPS insulating boxes. They are resistant to water and humidity from the external environment, but also to what can be generated by the product inside. EPS containers can protect, insulate and even preserve the product inside from water damage, which is not always possible with cardboard containers.

Moreover, this statement is best demonstrated by thinking of floating docks. Expanded polystyrene parts are immersed directly in water for a very long time. This also applies to lightweight infill blocks, sloping roofs and sub-floors for sports fields, where this water-resistant material plays an important role. It stabilizes the soil, protects your roof from water ingress and will help you perform in the field for many years to come.

Are you interested in learning more about expanded polystyrene and its properties, or would you like to discuss your project with one of our representatives? Contact us so we can answer your questions or offer you a solution.

Prefab construction is now the preferred choice over traditional construction. EPS panels are used in prefabricated constructions for walls, roofs and foundations. EPS insulation panels offer an innovative option in terms of construction and maintenance compared to traditional construction. These insulated panels are strong, very durable, easy to maintain, easy to move and fully recyclable. The biggest benefit is the cost savings, including construction, material, labor and most importantly time savings.

EPS panels have the following advantages over traditional construction and they are as follows:

Prefabricated EPS panels do not require skilled workers to erect the structure. The building can be erected with local support with minimal training, thereby also saving labor costs. But traditional building also requires adequate labor and tools, which are costly.

Once the insulated panels are ready for transport, they can be easily installed on site without any prior preparation. In tradition, construction needs proper preparation to make the building.

When the traditional structure is dismantled, hardly any material is reusable, otherwise all materials are waste. But in prefabricated structures, insulated panels are easily uninstalled, and all the material can be used elsewhere.

EPS panels required little maintenance in prefabricated structures. EPS panels are very easy to clean and can be wiped occasionally to remove dust. thus required minimum effort for maintenance in EPS panel. But in traditional constructions required regular maintenance and improvement.

. EPS panels are very easy to clean and can be wiped occasionally to remove dust. thus required minimum effort for maintenance in EPS panel. But in traditional constructions required regular maintenance and improvement. Insulated panels are used for soundproofing purposes such as in the generator room and for heat reduction in prefabricated construction. But in the traditional construction, you cannot get any features. EPS panels save up to 40-50% of energy annually through thermal insulation.

Design flexibility is an attractive advantage in prefabricated construction and panels are available in a variety of thicknesses. If there is a need to expand the design, this is easily possible, but traditional construction allows for this.

So, in conclusion, we can say that using EPS board in prefab construction is better than in traditional construction

Wall protection from moisture and impact

Protect your walls in high humidity areas such as utility rooms, service areas and washrooms with NRP wall panels. NRP & POLYWALL can also be used as general wall protection in high traffic areas and are tough enough to withstand the harshest of environments. The fiberglass-free polymer construction is waterproof, preventing the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. This low-maintenance product has a Class C fire rating per ASTM E-84 and is USDA compliant, CFIA approved. For an economical way to protect and waterproof your walls, use NRP and POLYWALL wall panels!

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS: Restaurant kitchens, laundromats, gyms, locker rooms, showers.

Buy POLYWALL now

Accesories:

Matching PVC Moldings (Call Parkland Plastics for product details)

Recommended adhesives*:

Adhesive for Parkland slabs

*Note – Contact Parkland Plastics if you are unable to determine if your sheet is a direct to stud application or a solid substrate application.