In both tests, the core failed to melt and showed no sign of panel bowing, bending, or deflection. Moreover, the bond between the foam-core and the OSB skins remained so strong that they had to use a crowbar to pry the skins off the EPS core. In actual cases of fires in buildings constructed of EPS panels, the panels have fared well. A limited examination of several wall panels revealed that the foam-core had neither melted nor delaminated from the skins. In similar cases, a lack of oxygen reportedly caused fires in foam-core buildings to extinguish themselves.
Fire uses up available oxygen rather quickly.
The air supply in a structural insulated panel home may quickly be consumed in a fire. This might suggest an additional hazard for human survival compared to conventionally built houses. The results of these tests and case studies of actual fires indicate the importance of having both drywall and wooden sheathings to protect the EPS foam core. When installed properly, the fire safety of EPS panels appears dramatically improved. Insects such as carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and termites may become a problem in foam-core panels.