EPS Insulation and Fire Behaviour: A Practical Guide
EUMEPS has published a technical guide on the fire behaviour of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation, providing clear, evidence-based information for construction professionals, policymakers and stakeholders involved in building design and renovation.
The document explains how EPS performs under fire conditions, how it is classified under European standards, and how it can be safely used across a wide range of applications when properly designed and installed.
Why this guide matters
Fire safety remains a central requirement in European construction policy. At the same time, insulation materials play a key role in delivering energy efficiency and supporting climate objectives.
This guide addresses both aspects by:
- Clarifying the fire behaviour of EPS as a material
- Explaining its role within complete building systems
- Providing practical examples of compliant applications
It supports a fact-based understanding of EPS in line with European standards such as EN 13501.
Key messages from the guide
EPS insulation is a well-established material used across Europe in walls, roofs and floors. While it is a combustible material, it is typically manufactured with flame-retardant additives and designed to meet strict regulatory requirements.
Under fire conditions:
- EPS shrinks away from heat sources and does not sustain combustion once the flame is removed
- It does not produce burning droplets under standard test conditions
- It does not generate hydrogen cyanide during combustion
- Its contribution to fire load remains limited due to its low density
Importantly, fire performance must always be assessed at the system level, not based on the material alone.
Applications covered
The guide provides practical insights into the use of EPS insulation in different building elements, including:
- Flat roofs, including systems with rooftop installations
- Façades using External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS)
- Floors and ceilings, including insulation under screed
- Perimeter and plinth insulation
For each application, the guide explains how compliance with fire safety requirements can be achieved through tested systems and appropriate design choices.
A system-based approach to fire safety
A central conclusion of the guide is that fire safety depends on the interaction between materials within a construction system.
EPS is typically installed behind protective layers and is not directly exposed to fire. When integrated into tested systems and combined with appropriate fire protection measures, it enables buildings to meet both safety and energy performance requirements.
Download the full guide
The full document provides detailed technical data, test references and application guidance.