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For most of our projects, Carson's uses Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam. The material can be applied in strips or bands to
form trim, dentils, quoins and mantels. When applied in thickness
of 2" or more, the board can be routed or cut to create reveals,
panels or simulated stonework. Larger or more detailed elements, such
as window or door arches, columns and sculpted forms, can be custom fabricated or
stock purchased.
Depending on the application, foam shapes can be glued and bolted to the substrate, or laminated onto the EPS board component
prior to completion of an exterior insulation finish. The details
are best reinforced with mesh embedded on the base coat prior to exterior finishing and painting.
In most cases, Carson's can color match to your existing exterior paint.
Foam FAQ:
Question: What are the physical properties of Expanded Polystyrene?
Answer: EPS is an inert material. It provides no nutritive value to plants, animals or micro-organisms. It will nor rot and is highly resistant to mildew.
Question: Is EPS safe for the environment? Is it recyclable?
Answer: Yes. EPS neither contains nor uses chlorofluorocarbons (CFC'S) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC'S) in its manufacturing process, and it never has. EPS uses only hydrocarbon blowing agents during manufacture. And yes, EPS can be and is recycled into a variety of consumer and industrial products.
Question: What are the burning characteristics of EPS foam?
Answer: Modified EPS contains a flame retardant which is introduced while in it's raw state. This provides EPS with a Class 'A' "Flame Spread" (25 or less) and a "Smoke Developed" of 450 or less. Burning EPS is actually less toxic than burning wood (white pine) and other construction materials.
Question: Does temperature cycling affect EPS?
Answer: NO. EPS foam is able to withstand the abuse of temperature cycling (freeze - thaw) without loss of structural integrity of other physical properties, thus assuring long term performance.
Question: Does EPS offer good moisture resistance?
Answer: Yes. The small amount of moisture absorbed, (an average of 0.02% by weight), has little or no effective of compressive and flexural strength.
We currently offer five different finishes to our foam products: