1) What is Polystyrene (EPS/XPS) offered by Al Qatami Factory?
It is a lightweight insulation material available in blocks, boards, or custom shapes. Produced either by heat-expanded beads (EPS) or continuous extrusion (XPS), it is used for thermal insulation, load reduction, packaging, concrete void formers, as well as architectural and decorative applications.
2) What is the difference between EPS and XPS?
EPS: Relatively open-cell structure, lower cost, more flexibility in cutting and shaping, available in multiple densities.
XPS: Closed-cell structure, lower water absorption, higher compressive strength, and higher price.
3) What are the main application areas?
Thermal insulation of buildings (roofs, walls, floors), lightweight fill (geofoam), soil load reduction, exterior and interior decorative elements, cooling boxes and cold chain logistics, product packaging and protection, concrete void formers, signage and promotional shapes, electronics packaging, insulation under slabs and foundations.
4) Why use EPS boards for thermal insulation?
They offer a good balance of cost and performance, are easy to handle and cut, and reduce cooling loads on HVAC systems.
5) What is the approximate thermal conductivity of EPS?
Around 0.035 – 0.038 W/m·K, depending on density.
6) And for XPS?
Usually 0.030 – 0.034 W/m·K, which provides better U-values at the same thickness.
7) What are the common thicknesses available?
20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100 mm – and custom or composite thicknesses can be manufactured upon request.
8) Are different densities available?
Yes, typical densities range from 12 to 25 kg/m³ for EPS, depending on application (insulation, load-bearing, decorative).
9) Where is insulation usually placed on roofs?
Either above the waterproofing membrane (inverted roof system) or below it, depending on the design. Boards must be protected from direct UV exposure or concentrated loads.
10) How is EPS used in façade systems (EIFS)?
Boards are glued to the wall, sometimes mechanically fixed, then covered with fiberglass mesh and finishing layers, providing insulation and customizable architectural finishes.
11) What advantages does EPS bring to façades compared to heavier alternatives?
Lightweight, easy to shape (grooves, cornices, profiles), lower installation costs, and faster coverage of large areas.
12) Does it require surface protection?
Yes, it should be covered with a finishing system resistant to moisture, UV, and mechanical damage.
13) Why use EPS blocks under slabs or foundations?
To reduce cold transfer (especially over cold soil or service areas), lower overall weight, and improve energy efficiency.
14) Can it withstand loads under slabs?
Yes, with the right density (20–25 kg/m³ or higher) selected based on design loads and acceptable deformation.
15) What about insulation under cold storage floors?
High-density EPS or XPS with vapor barriers and drainage layers is used to prevent frost buildup beneath the slab.
16) What is geofoam?
Large EPS blocks used as lightweight fill material to reduce settlement, lateral pressure, and to speed up construction in roads, bridges, and slopes.
17) Where is geofoam applied in practice?
Backfilling behind retaining walls, filling over buried utilities, leveling ground before slab casting, roof slope creation, stadium seating, and landscaping.
18) What are the advantages of geofoam compared to traditional fill?
Much lighter weight, reduces soil loads, faster installation, and no heavy compaction equipment required.
19) What are the design considerations?
Protection from fuels/solvents, concentrated loads, creep under long-term loading, and ensuring proper water drainage.
20) Does EPS remain inside the concrete element?
Yes, unless designed as a temporary system. It reduces dead weight and does not chemically react with concrete.
21) Does it affect concrete strength?
It does not weaken concrete itself but reduces the net concrete volume in void areas, which is accounted for structurally.
22) Why is EPS preferred for packaging?
Lightweight, shock-absorbing, easily molded to product shape, reduces shipping damage, and cost-effective.
23) Can custom molds be made?
Yes, based on required quantity and precision.
24) What about electrical appliances?
EPS provides side-impact and vibration protection while keeping items stable inside cartons.
25) Can it be printed or labeled?
Yes, using stickers, compatible inks, or by engraving/cutting.
26) Can EPS packaging waste be recycled?
Yes, it can be collected, compacted, and recycled into plastic products or reprocessed beads.
27) What are typical packaging applications?
Transport of medicines, vaccines, fresh foods, thermally sensitive goods, and seafood.
28) Why use EPS for boxes?
They maintain stable temperatures, are lightweight, easy to carry and clean, and can be reused a limited number of times.
29) Can performance be enhanced with ice packs or gel packs?
Yes, adding internal cooling agents extends temperature retention.
30) How do I choose the right packaging type?
It depends on shipping duration, external temperature difference, and product sensitivity.
31) Are EPS boxes moisture-resistant?
They do not absorb much water under normal conditions, but must be cleaned and dried after use.
32) How is EPS used in decoration?
For exterior cornices, window frames, arches, columns, façade trims, 3D letters, exhibition models, and event displays.
33) Why EPS for decoration?
Easily sculpted, lightweight, reduces installation costs, and can be coated or painted with many finishes.
34) Can it withstand outdoor weather?
Yes, once coated with protective layers (cement/acrylic + mesh), it resists rain and UV.
35) What about precision in letters and logos?
CNC cutting ensures clean and accurate shapes.
36) Can large 3D models be made?
Yes, by joining multiple pieces together and finishing them with coatings or paint.
37) What are the benefits of EPS in exhibitions?
Fast production, lightweight for easy handling, cost-effective, and paint-friendly.
38) Can decorative pieces be reused?
Yes, if not crushed or broken and stored in dry conditions.
39) Can EPS be combined with other materials?
Yes, with wood, vinyl prints, or LED lighting, provided excessive heat is avoided.
40) Does EPS absorb water?
It absorbs some, more than XPS. In areas with constant moisture, a vapor barrier or XPS is recommended.
41) How is it protected under soil backfill?
By wrapping or covering with membranes, ensuring proper drainage, and avoiding contact with fuels/solvents.
42) Does temporary wetting affect performance?
It regains most of its performance after drying, but prolonged saturation increases thermal conductivity.
43) Is EPS fire-resistant?
It is combustible, though fire-retardant grades are available. It does not achieve the same fire rating as mineral wool.
44) How to reduce fire risks?
Use protective finishes, never leave exposed to open flames, and comply with code requirements (e.g., gypsum layers indoors).
45) Does EPS emit harmful fumes during normal use?
No, under normal thermal conditions. Uncontrolled burning may release smoke that must be avoided.
46) Can EPS be recycled?
Yes, it can be shredded, compacted, and reused. Effectiveness depends on collection and sorting systems.
47) How does it reduce emissions?
By lowering energy demand in insulated buildings, reducing cooling/heating needs.
48) Does EPS have an odor?
Generally odorless; any minor smell dissipates shortly after production.
49) What about on-site waste?
Pre-cutting at the factory reduces waste; scraps can be bagged for recycling or compaction.
50) What information is needed for a quotation?
Application type (roof/wall/floor/geofoam/packaging/decor), required dimensions or areas, thickness, density, quantity, project location, and any special requirements (fire, moisture).
51) What factors influence price?
Density, thickness, EPS vs. XPS, order quantity, and special packaging requirements.
52) What is the typical delivery time?
Standard products are usually available within days. Custom shapes or large orders may take longer depending on scheduling.
53) Is there a minimum order requirement?
Yes, for custom shapes, letters, or molds; standard boards are more flexible.
54) Do you provide technical support before specification approval?
Yes, including recommendations for density, thickness, thermal values, and installation guidance.
55) How long is a quotation valid?
Usually 10–15 days due to fluctuations in raw styrene and shipping costs.
56) How should EPS boards be stored?
On flat surfaces, in shaded and ventilated areas, protected from prolonged direct sunlight.
57) Does UV exposure affect EPS?
Surface yellowing occurs with long exposure, so it should be finished or covered promptly.
58) What are key handling precautions?
Avoid dragging, point loads, or unnecessary sharp tools.
59) Can EPS be cut on-site?
Yes, with sharp knives, saws, or hot wire cutters for clean cuts.
60) What if a small part breaks?
It can be patched or replaced; gaps in insulation should be filled with compatible foam for continuity.
61) Does thermal performance remain stable over time?
Yes, if protected from moisture, UV, and fire risks.
62) What is the typical compressive strength?
Depends on density; for example, 20 kg/m³ achieves about 70–100 kPa at 10% deformation (factory values confirm).
63) Does creep occur under long-term loads?
Yes, so allowable design loads are lower than immediate strength values.
64) Is EPS affected by chemicals?
Yes, solvents like gasoline, toluene, and acetone damage it. Only compatible adhesives should be used.
65) What if gaps appear between wall insulation boards?
Fill with strips or compatible foam, then cover with finishing; thermal bridging otherwise increases heat loss.
66) What if condensation occurs in an insulated room?
Check sealing, vapor barriers, and internal moisture sources (ventilation, operations).
67) What if decorative edges get damaged during transport?
Use better packaging or slightly higher density for fragile details.
68) What if settlement occurs over geofoam?
Ensure proper load distribution, leveling layers (sand or light concrete), and correct density selection.
69) What if cracks appear in EIFS finishing?
Likely due to insufficient mesh, uneven coating, or unaccounted thermal movement.
70) What if exposed surfaces discolor?
Apply final finishing; surface yellowing does not mean loss of insulation performance.
71) What if a reusable EPS cooling box is partially damaged?
Small cracks can be repaired with compatible adhesive; larger damage requires replacement to maintain cold-chain performance.
72) When to choose EPS?
When moisture is moderate, cost is a key factor, and highest compressive strength is not required.
73) When to choose XPS?
For constant ground moisture, under cold store slabs, or where high loads exist.
74) Does XPS always justify its higher thermal performance?
Not always; sometimes thicker EPS achieves equivalent U-values at lower cost.
75) Can both EPS and XPS be combined in one project?
Yes: EPS for façades, decoration, and geofoam; XPS under wet slabs and special packaging.
76) What is the most common mistake when selecting insulation?
Focusing only on upfront cost without considering U-value and lifetime energy savings.
77) Can samples be provided before ordering?
Yes, standard samples of thicknesses and densities are often available.
78) How long does it take to prepare custom packaging molds?
Depending on complexity, from a few weeks to several months (design + tooling).
79) Can EPS boards or boxes be printed?
Stickers or compatible paints are preferred; some inks contain solvents that are unsuitable.
80) Do you provide installation recommendations?
Yes, general guidelines and on-site support for major projects if needed.
81) Can deliveries be phased?
Yes, to reduce on-site storage and ensure workflow continuity.
82) What visual quality indicators should I check?
Uniform bead fusion, clean cut surfaces, no large voids, consistent color.
83) Is EPS toxic?
No, it is inert under normal conditions.
84) Does it attract insects?
No, it is not a food source, though cavities may provide shelter if left uncovered.
85) Can decorative EPS be painted directly?
No, it must first be coated with base layers (mesh + coating) before finishing paint.
86) Is thermal expansion an issue?
Not if joints and fixings are designed properly.
87) Can thickness be increased later?
Yes, by adding another layer, though it’s better to plan upfront.
88) Does manual pressure affect performance?
Not significantly, though permanent dents from concentrated pressure can reduce uniformity.
89) Is there a maximum single-piece thickness?
Large blocks are cut down; multiple layers can be bonded for special thicknesses.
90) What is the acceptable temperature range?
Suitable for normal building environments; avoid direct flames or excessive heat.
91) Can EPS be used directly under roads?
Yes, as geofoam lightweight fill, provided there is adequate protective cover to distribute loads.
