FAQ

We use two types of foam in our products. The first is expanded polystyrene foam, or EPS foam. EPS foam is a sturdy, rigid, lightweight, thermoplastic product that is ideal for both interior and exterior applications. The second is polyurethane foam, an excellent thermal insulator and decorative product.

Architectural foam is a cost-effective alternative to building materials like wood, concrete, metal, or plastic. Foam has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it is durable yet also quite lightweight. And because we can make molds in just about any shape and size, there are endless possibilities in design style and overall appearance.

Absolutely. The critical variable is density. Different fabricators use different densities of foam. Regrind foam (scrap foam) is used in building insulation. High-quality foam used for decorative products should be quite dense, weighing in at 1.5 lbs per cubic foot. This foam has the best integrity and durability while still being quite lightweight. We call this "C bead" foam, for the bead sizes we use to make the foam. Architectural Foam & Art uses C bead foam in all our products unless a lower-density foam is requested.

Not at all. EPS foam is 100% free of all CFCs and HCFCs. (CFCs and HCFCs are greenhouse gasses). Furthermore, no CFCs or HCFCs are used in the production of our foam, and all excess foam scrap is recycled and repurposed.

There are lots of reasons to opt for architectural foam over other building materials. Foam is lightweight, easy to install, and it lasts for decades. The product is cost-effective when compared to other building materials. Foam does not accumulate moisture, rot, mold, or mildew, and it will never be subjected to termite or other insect infestations. Foam also has a low thermal conductivity, assisting in temperature control.

Yes. Architectural foam can be used on exterior surfaces, even in locations subjected to extreme weather conditions. The foam product is made in-house, then coated with a cement-based or polyurethane and epoxy-based sealant to protect it from the elements for added rigidity.

Absolutely. All EPS foam and polyurethane foam products accept high-quality, exterior and interior, water-based acrylic paints. In fact, we can apply a variety of water-based products to our foam to achieve a faux finish that looks just like wood, concrete, stucco, etc.

The ease of installation of foam products is one of their greatest perks. Because foam products are lightweight, a simple adhesive is used to attach the foam to drywall, stucco, wood, metal, concrete, brick, etc. No nails, screws, or other hardware is required.

Foam lasts much longer than wood does, as it is not susceptible to moisture, termites, or other forces of nature.

Unlike plastic, foam is UV-resistant, meaning it retains its color and durability, (even in the intense Florida sun). Also, foam expands and contracts with temperature changes, unlike plastic which cracks over time.

Foam is a far more affordable than metal, and foam can be finished and painted to look just like metal.

Foam is lightweight and has a low thermal conductivity. Also, foam has a high tensile strength, meaning it won't crack when the product expands or contracts with temperature changes and season-to-season weather adjustments. Concrete and stucco do crack over time.