The blue-colour STYROFOAM™ XPS extruded polystyrene foam thermal insulation can be used in a wide range of applications thanks to the following beneficial properties as a result of the closed-cell material structure:

• permanently high thermal insulation level
• negligible moisture uptake
• high strength and rigidity
• dimensional stability
• plasterable
• resistance to rot and deterioration
• simple and quick installation with only a small amount of waste.

EXCELLENT SURFACE ADHERENCE
The SHAPEMATE™ GREC-AP closed-cell polystyrene foam is suitable for the thermal insulation of plastered brick or stone footings concrete and reinforced concrete surfaces, structural thermal bridges and ventilated or core insulated walls.

The surface of the SHAPEMATE™ GREC-AP thermal insulation is factory roughened, which results a high strength adherence when fixed to monolithic concrete or reinforced concrete structures using plastering and adhesive mortars or solvent-free adhesives.

STYROFOAM™ XPS ADVANTAGES
Additional benefits for which the use of SHAPEMATE™ GREC-AP is recommended:
• the XPS thermal insulation boards are not sensitive to moisture and are frost resistant – they permanently preserve their heat insulating capability during and after the time of the implementation
• favourable physical characteristics – installation of a vapour control layer is generally not needed when used as the inside thermal insulation of a front wall
• high level of mechanical strength – resistance to mechanical impacts and damages occurring during construction and usage
• high-strength adherence to insulating system adhesives, mortars and concrete – a secure base for the final surface finish.

USE ON REINFORCED CONCRETE SURFACES
The high-strength adherence, mechanical strength and resistance to moisture of STYROFOAM™ XPS plates allow the thermal insulation to be applied as permanent formwork as well.
In the case of large surfaces, the thermal insulation should be temporarily fixed to the formwork to prevent their displacement, and, to prevent breakaway caused by mechanical impacts, it is advisable to use pre-positioned plastic locking pins, especially near frontage openings, wall corners and penetrations.

When installing the SHAPEMATE™ GREC-AP thermal insulation post factum, the thermal insulation must be fixed by adhesives and – especially on large surfaces or low-quality plasters – by plastic anchor plates.

SURFACE FINISH
The plastering and adhesive mortars stick strongly to the rough surface of the SHAPEMATE™ GREC-AP thermal insulation, and a glued façade casing can also be prepared on the surface. A fibreglass-reinforced thin plaster system or a conventional plaster with wire mesh enforcement can also be used.

The plaster layer must be applied according to the guidelines of the manufacturer or the system holder based on the regulations pertaining to non-hygroscopic surfaces.

If the façade finishing is mechanically fixed, the ventilated frontage surface finishing is a mechanically fixed casing or if core insulation is prepared between two masonry (concrete) layers, first of all the smooth-surface SHAPEMATE™ GREC-AP products manufactured with an extrusion crust and shiplap or tongue-and-groove edge finishing should be applied.

IMPORTANT
The permanent application temperature of STYROFOAM™ XPS products is max. 75°C.
At higher temperatures, the plates will melt and suffer permanent deformation.

STYROFOAM™ XPS products contain an – ecologically safe – flame-retardant additive, as a result of which they will be self-extinguishing under their ignition temperature, however, they will burn if exposed to an intensive ignition source.

STYROFOAM™ XPS products are resistant to commonly used construction materials not containing solvents or softeners (bituminous components without solvents, water-based wall protecting materials, lime, cement, masonry mortars and plasters, anhydrous gypsum etc.).
Certain organic materials, such as solvent-based wood preservatives, paint additives, solvents (acetone, ethyl acetate, kerosene, gasoline etc.) will cause softening, shrinking and damage to the material.
For gluing, solvent-free adhesives must be used. Follow the supplier’s guidance.
XPS products must not be exposed to permanent intensive direct sunlight.