Any feedback on structural EPS foam houses?
burninate
| Posted in General Questions on
They’re just cutting enormous wall blocks of foam and then using polyurethane foam-glue to cement them together, and facing them in a “concrete” gunite / stucco. I don’t see how this can be affordable, wind resistant, or fire resistant, but that’s what they’re claiming. Slightly cheeky PR guy (“FDA approved”).
https://www.strataus.com/about
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0MQoEg-YFo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbs0UHvL9dw
I found a few other references to other builders:
https://www.nachi.org/styrofoam-homes.htm
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Replies
Burninate,
As first glance it seems like a really bad idea. I guess we will see.
Leave it to Fox News to say that foam-and-concrete houses solve the environmental impacts of using wood to build houses. That's the opposite of reality.
Structurally, foam is much stronger in compression than it is in tension, somewhat like concrete, but like concrete, you can add steel rods or another material strong in tension. Even the densest foam is an order of magnitude weaker than concrete, though. I would never build a house from such environmentally destructive materials anyway, when so many good options exist, but I imagine they use large enough foam blocks and reinforcing to be structurally sound.
Considering they say it can cost less than wood construction and EPS is recyclable, definitely something to watch.. I wonder how they attach the roofing, doors and windows though.
https://www.epstec.com/product/eps-styrofoam-prefab-dome-house/
https://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/a-house-made-of-polystyrene-38933657.html
http://passivehousing.ie/m3-system
Thank you for your message and your interest in our industry. We understand your concern regarding the foam block construction method and its affordability, wind resistance, and fire resistance. However, we would like to assure you that when using the right materials and techniques, foam blocks can indeed be a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional construction materials.
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Hangzhou Sutuan Machinery Co., Ltd.
Hangzhou EPSCOPE Technology Co., Ltd.