Foam for Construction
There are numerous uses for foam in construction, mainly thanks to its wide range of properties. Foam is lightweight and durable, and many types have specialist sealing and thermal insulation qualities. Standard polyurethane foam, for example, comes in various densities with a wide array of applications, and when ordered via eFoam it can be made to any custom shape, size and density with our cut to size tool.
EPDM foam for roofing and sealing
One of the most popular construction foams is EPDM foam (ethylene propylene diene monomer). A closed-cell sponge rubber, it's highly flexible yet soft and elastic, making it a preferred choice for sealing. It's durable, high-density and easy to apply, which is why it's so often used for roofing. EPDM is also flame retardant, resistant to abrasions and tears, waterproof, weatherproof, temperature-resistant and vibration-dampening, with excellent resistance to sunlight – ideal for flat and low-pitched roofs where durability is vital, withstanding extreme heat and cold and the effects of ozone, air pollution and UV.
For more specialist work, EPDM is used for intricate seals such as foam gaskets for pipework, and for gutter linings as a membrane that keeps a gutter leakproof and the building damp-proof. It provides soft edges and smooth seals between a roof and its walls, making it a popular option for property extensions.
Foam insulation
EPDM isn't the only option. High-density polyethylene foam is an excellent insulator, typically used within the walls and roof of a home. Plastazote closed-cell foam is highly recommended, retaining heat indoors and keeping out the cold, and it's highly customisable for even the most awkward areas. For modern, energy-efficient homes, this type of insulation is now standard. Our explainer on closed-cell polyethylene foam covers the material in more detail.
Acoustic foam in construction
Other construction foams include acoustic foams such as Pyrosorb-S class 0 acoustic foam. High density, it's often used between plasterboard within walls to reduce sound reverberation and travelling noise. For communal areas and residential buildings such as flats, a certain level of acoustic insulation is now a legal requirement for new-build developments – our guide on installing acoustic foam has more.
The growing market for construction foam
Foam's role in construction continues to grow. Industry analysts projected the polyurethane foam market would expand from around USD 49.5 billion in 2023 to roughly USD 67.8 billion by 2028 (a compound annual growth rate of about 6.5%), driven in part by its superior thermal insulation and energy efficiency, sealing gaps and preventing air leakage to make buildings greener. The EPDM market was similarly estimated at around USD 3.9 billion in 2023, projected by MarketsandMarkets to reach about USD 5.2 billion by 2028, helped by rising use in construction and automotive applications.
Please contact us for personal guidance or more detail on how eFoam can supply the foam materials for your construction project.
Frequently asked questions
What foam is used in construction?
Several types: standard polyurethane foam in various densities, EPDM closed-cell sponge for sealing and roofing, high-density polyethylene such as Plastazote for thermal insulation, and acoustic foams like Pyrosorb-S for soundproofing within walls.
Why is EPDM foam used for roofing?
EPDM is flame retardant, waterproof, weatherproof, temperature- and vibration-resistant, and stands up to sunlight, ozone, air pollution and UV. That durability makes it the material of choice for flat and low-pitched roofs, as well as gutter linings, gaskets and seals between roofs and walls.
What foam insulates a home?
High-density polyethylene foam is an excellent insulator, typically used in walls and roofs. Plastazote closed-cell foam is highly recommended, as it retains heat indoors, blocks outdoor cold, and is easily shaped for awkward areas. It's standard in modern, energy-efficient builds.
