In order to protect life and property, XPS foam insulation is formulated to comply with international fire safety codes and standards. Proper installation and the use of flame retardants in XPS foam enables XPS foam building insulation to meet these codes and standards, which are based on years of careful analysis, extensive testing and a deliberative development process.
It is important to note that since the 1970s, civilian fire deaths and the number of residential fires started to decline, and continue to do so. But because of the ongoing risk of death and damage to fires, XPS manufacturers formulate their products with flame retardants.
Flame retardants are products shown by research to significantly slow the spread of fire. In the tragic case of a house fire, these products provide residents with a longer critical window of time for escape. For more information about flame retardants in XPS foam insulation, visit the Health and Safety section