At what temperature does Styrofoam ignite?

680°F Under certain fire conditions, EPS will ignite when exposed to an open flame. The transfer ignition temperature is typically 680°F (360°C).

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Fire Performance & Safety

For more information about EPS and fire safety see this Walls and Ceiling Magazine article on general building fire safety or visit the Energy Efficient Foam Coalition. For information about the possible fire hazards of so-called sustainable materials, see the National Fire Protection Association’s “Perfect Storm” report. Like practically all organic building materials polystyrene foam is combustible. However, in practice, its burning behavior depends on the conditions under which it is used, as well as the inherent properties of the material. When installed correctly, expanded polystyrene products do not present an undue fire hazard. It is recommended that expanded polystyrene should be protected by a thermal barrier in specific applications as referenced in the International Code Council (ICC) and Canadian Materials Construction Centre (CMCC) building codes. When burning, expanded polystyrene behaves like other hydrocarbons such as wood, paper, etc. If EPS is exposed to temperatures above 212° F (100° C), it begins to soften, to contract, and finally to melt. Whether or not these can be ignited by a flame or spark depends largely on the temperature, duration of exposure to heat and airflow around the material (the oxygen availability). Under certain fire conditions, EPS will ignite when exposed to an open flame. The transfer ignition temperature is typically 680°F (360°C). Although foam insulation is relatively difficult to ignite, in the case of ignition, burning will readily spread over the exposed surface of the EPS and it will continue to burn until all EPS is consumed. While the low density of the foam contributes to the ease of burning through a higher ratio of air (98%) to polystyrene (2%), the mass of the material present is low and hence the amount of heat released is also low. Ignited EPS will produce dense smoke that will result in carbon monoxide, monostyrene, hydrogen bromide, and other aromatic compounds. It is important to note that these gaseous compounds are emitted at variable rates depending on the temperature of the fire and are far less toxic than many ‘natural’ building materials, including wood. Because of these characteristics, foams used for construction require a covering as a fire barrier. One half-inch thick (1.27 cm) gypsum wallboard is one of the most common fire barriers. Some building codes, however, do not require an additional fire barrier for certain metal-faced, laminated foam products. Check with your local building code/fire officials and insurers for specific information on what is permitted in your area.

Source: EPS Industry Alliance, 2020, www.epsindustry.org/.

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Do dryer sheets scare mice?

Do Dryer Sheets Keep Mice Out? Don't expect your box of Bounce to work any pest-control miracles. Dryer sheets don't deter mice. Baited traps won't solve a mouse problem, either.

thisoldhouse.com - How to Keep Mice Away - This Old House

The Internet is rife with testimonials about the power of smell to keep mice out. The truth? Scent isn’t the best long-term solution for your rodent issue.

What Smells Do Mice Hate?

"Some smells repel mice for a short period of time, like cigarette smoke and certain colognes," says Ron Harrison of Orkin Pest Control in Atlanta. "But mice are extremely curious. A strange odor isn't going to keep them away when they're looking for food or a place to nest."

Do Dryer Sheets Keep Mice Out?

Don't expect your box of Bounce to work any pest-control miracles. Dryer sheets don’t deter mice. Baited traps won't solve a mouse problem, either.

How Do I Get Rid of Mice Fast?

"Mice are attracted to spots where light comes through, so if you see a gap where they're entering, stuff it with steel wool or copper mesh so they can't gnaw their way through, then caulk over it so no light can penetrate," Harrison says. Holes larger than an inch should be sealed with drywall or another suitable material instead.

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