1. Polystyrene burns. False!
Polystyrene does not burn, it just melts.

Even if it does not ignite under the direct action of fire, any material melts at a certain temperature. Including titanium! It melts at 1668°C. In the unfortunate event of a fire, the temperature reaches 3000°C and melts everything in its path. Thus, the fire resistance of polystyrene becomes a false problem.

There are also materials that are present in our homes that do indeed ignite and burn with an open flame. An example is wood, which ignites at 260°C.

⚠ Important: Polystyrene for insulation is made from fireproof raw materials, which means that, once the fire source is removed, the polystyrene stops melting within a maximum of 4 seconds.

2. Buildings clad with polystyrene do not "breathe". False!
Buildings only "breathe" when they are ventilated.

The microclimate and comfort in a room depend to a large extent on proper ventilation, NOT on the thermal insulation material that is on the outside. Only the savings in paying the bills for heating the home depend on the thermal insulation material.

⚠ Please note: The vapor permeability of polystyrene does not influence the microclimate in the room. High humidity and its consequences (damp walls, mold, dampness) are the result of inadequate ventilation.

3. Polystyrene does not last over time. False!
Polystyrene is a very durable, environmentally friendly and easily recyclable thermal insulation material.

Expanded polystyrene was first produced in 1952. It was first used as a thermal insulation material in 1955, even for the roof of the factory where it was produced. For renovation, the roof was dismantled 31 years later, in 1986. Following examination, it was observed that the polystyrene had not changed its size or consistency, had not deformed, and was found to be in excellent condition.

HIRSCH Porozell has been implementing the ISO quality management system for over 30 years for the production of fireproof expanded polystyrene boards for thermal insulation.