Gulf Construction Online - EPS key to heat, energy control

Insulation

EPS key to heat, energy control

01 December 2006

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the way forward to ensure that buildings are properly insulated and thus reduce the energy consumed during the hot Gulf summers, says Al Sharq Polystyrene Factory, one of the largest manufacturers of polystyrene products in the Middle East.

“A unique moulded closed cell/cellular plastic made from petrochemicals derived from crude oil, EPS is an efficient and effective thermal insulation material,” says a spokesman for the Saudi firm. “It is lightweight, strong and resilient, non-corrosive and a dimensionally-stable material. It is also environmentally-friendly, non toxic and inert and does not damage the ozone layer, as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) or HCFCs (hydrocholoroflorocarbons) are not used in its manufacture, In addition, EPS is shock-proof and will not lose its shape or insulating value by ageing,” he says.
EPS is moulded into blocks and is available in many different densities and thickness. When used as thermal insulation, it saves costs and energy as it cuts down on heating and air-conditioning requirements and thus reduces harmful air emissions by conserving energy resources.
Al Sharq Polystyrene Factory’s StayroMax brand – widely used in Saudi Arabia and the region. – comprises roof and wall insulation panels, blocks inserts, decorative shapes for masonry works, hordi blocks for building construction, industrial packing and pipe insulation, among others.
Emphasising the need to insulate buildings, the spokesman says: “There is now an increased demand for thermal insulation in building construction as increasing energy costs and power shortages emphasise the need for immediate energy conservation all over the world. An effective way of saving energy is to improve the thermal insulation of buildings, which is particularly important in hot climates where air-conditioning accounts for heavy power consumption. In addition to the energy-saving benefits, a well insulated building will have higher property value due to increased its comfort levels and durability.”
Al Sharq Polystyrene Factory produces insulating sheets in densities ranging between 16 kg/cu m to 35 kg/cu m which can be cut into various sizes and thickness according to specific orders.
“We also mould industrial packing for various products like air-conditioning units, refrigerators, electrical, household, electronic equipment and glass to protect against damage during handling and transporting of the products,” adds the spokesperson.
Established in 1995, Al Sharq Polystyrene Factory is spread over an area of 104,000 sq m in Dammam and has a production capacity of 105 tonnes per day. It has a well-equipped in-house quality control department with modern measuring and analytical instruments and experienced staff. Raw material and finished products are sampled and analysed in the laboratory to confirm that they meet international specified quality standards.
An ISO 9001:2000-certified firm with quality approval from Dubai Municipality, Al Sharq Polystyrene Factory also owns a huge fleet of vehicles to deliver throughout the GCC.