How Architectural Foam Can Solve Architectural Design Challenges

When constructing properties, contractors need to meet a variety of different requirements, including design specifications, building codes, budgets, and more. There are many materials on the market, but few are going to meet all of the different requirements that contractors will have. 

One of the more effective options available is architectural foam. This proprietary design using EPS foam encased in a cement covering solves many of the challenges that architects and contractors can face with design requirements.

Why EPS Foam Can Be the Solution to Your Architectural Problems 

EPS combines many of the leading features of different architectural materials. It has the durability and long lifespan of precast stone or concrete, and is weatherproof, fireproof, and resistant to seismic activity. It has the lightweight of GFRC, the easy exterior application of stucco, and the option of finishing in a method that mimics almost any other available design material.

These features and others enable architectural foam to solve the most common architectural issues for both new construction and renovations, including:

• More Comprehensive Installation Options – Because this product is extremely lightweight, it is possible to install it where other materials would be too heavy or the cost of reinforcement too expensive. This makes it ideal for retrofitting where the structural support is not already in place or where projects prefer to forego the budgeting and scheduling requirements for building extensive support structures. It is also a leading option where additional support is not permissible due to building codes.
• Stringent Building Codes are in Place – Because EPS architectural foam is safe, resistant to seismic activity, smoke resistant, and eco-friendly, it will meet a wide range of local building codes where other materials might not.
• More Weatherproof – Although most exterior construction materials have reasonable durability in weather, EPS foam can often exceed these performances. It handles moisture and freeze/thaw cycles better than materials like precast or wood, giving you more years of better looking exterior architectural elements.
• Suitable for Larger Projects – Because it is made off site and does not require significant reinforcement to support even the biggest pieces, EPS foam will work well with larger elements without resulting in a significant increase in price or timelines.
• Shorter On Site Timelines – For construction projects where time on site is limited, prefabricated elements are ideal since the majority of work will happen off site. Installation and finishing are the only tasks you will need to take care of at the construction site, and these can be quickly completed.
• Projects with Budget Constraints – EPS architectural elements are high performance and have an exceptional appearance, yet they are available at a lower cost than most other architectural materials due to their lower fabrication, shipping, and installation costs. This means that properties with smaller budgets or residential projects can readily benefit from EPS foam architectural elements. Projects that want to allocate more budget towards other components while still creating an attractive exterior facade will also have the advantage of cost savings with EPS foam.

This proprietary material from PW Profiles addresses many of the shortcomings present with other architectural materials, but does not sacrifice any of the customizability. In fact, it can provide additional customization options since the size, shape, and level of detail possible with this material can replicate almost any other architectural material available with the correct design and finishing options. We can potentially create designs that appear to be a certain material but would not otherwise be possible with that particular material, whether in terms of fabrication or installation. 

PW Profiles fabricates a wide range of architectural elements individually customized to our client’s different needs. We can support a range of construction projects and property types with cost effective and high quality exterior design components. Get a quote and start the design process with our team.