Polystyrene coving

[Guest Stuart]

Hi,
The flat I've recently bought has polystyrene covings in all the rooms, painted with emulsion. I realise that ceiling tiles are a major safety risk but could you please advise me about just having covings

[Tom Sutton]

I would prefer plaster coving is far easier to put up, I would use tile adhesive to put it up but not the fix an grout type, though it has a longer working time making it easier to manage than the coving adhesive.

Polystyrene coving and all polystyrene products now have an additive to inhibit fire but older product are a fire risk, that said you still have to fix them very carefully and should only use emulsion paint on them. Why add an additional fire risk when plaster coving is much better.

[Tom Sutton]

Sorry Stuart I misread your question and now realise the coving is in situ which makes my previous submission nonsensical.

Because of the amount of polystyrene involved in the coving it is not going to be a major fire hazard especially if it has been fitted correctly and painted with emulsion. However when you decide to decorate you should consider replacing it with plaster coving which I think is aesthetically more pleasing and of course less of a fire risk.

Thanks green-foam for bringing it to my attention.

[Guest Sue]

On 04/12/2014 at 16:20, Tom Sutton said:

Polystyrene coving and all polystyrene products now have an additive to inhibit fire but older product are a fire risk, that said you still have to fix them very carefully and should only use emulsion paint on them. Why add an additional fire risk when plaster coving is much better.

I found this hread whilst wanting info on coving as want to get some from B&Q - To match the other room the polystyrene stuff matches and the other one does not - I read that you said it has a fire inhibitor in the polystyrene coving.  I asked B&Q about this - They know nothing at all it seems about anythign at all....

Can you tell me please how much of a risk this is - I inherited a hosue I am trying to make nicer, but I am broke so this is not easy lol - So as this coving is quite cheap and would make the bad walls tidier at top I was thinking about it - The opne I will choose is the smallest skinniest one in B&Q.....

I do not know what to do as you saythe polystyrene has a fire inhibitor in it which is good........  But I can find no info on this on any sites etc.

Would love some more info so I can get this redecorating done and over with

Thanks so much

[Guest And]

B&Q just rang me and said it does NOT have a fire inhibitor in it - Not sure if they just do not know though as I askesd them  online and they said they woudl hafta get on to the makers - so how come the store knows when nobody else does - argh

[Tom Sutton]

You can get expanded polystyrene products that  have an additive to inhibit fire and are safer that those that do not, so you need to contact the retailer to see if it does. Although I would not consider it a major fire hazard my advice is to not use it and you should consider using plaster ceiling coving which I think is aesthetically more pleasing and of course less of a fire risk. 

[Moi]

Thank You

You said ''Because of the amount of polystyrene involved in the coving it is not going to be a major fire hazard especially if it has been fitted correctly and painted with emulsion.''

The coving that is already up on the wall is installed correctly and painted with paint. etc 

I am still awaiting info on the inhibitor and whether or not it is in this coving from B&Q...  Not sure how long that will take...

 

[Tom Sutton]

I agree it is not a major fire risk but it is a fire risk and you have to deceive if you are prepared to accept it.

[Guest Sweet]

My daughters new home has a lovely newly fitted kitchen done a few years ago around 2018. The coving in the kitchen is polystene and finished to look very tastefully,not cheap and tacky it's done really well.

You make reference to polystene now having an additive to inhibit fire  but say older prducts (before 2014) are a fire risk. My daughters coving is also finished using emulsion paint which you say is as recommendable.

Is this coving safe for her to leave up? Obviously when she next re decorates she will change it and use plaster coving.

if you can reply ASAP that would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

[Tom Sutton]

It certainly a fire risk and providing it is not the only escape route it would be up to your daughter if she is willing to accept such a risk. You should certainly have it removed as soon as it is practically possible. 

[Guest Duropolymer Coving]

Hello, I read with interest this discussion on polystyrene and plaster coving. I am about to redecorate my flat and would like to apply some coving and a ceiling rose.

After reading all this I don't think I want to take any risks with polystyrene, but what duropolymer? Is this material fire complaint?

I would appreciate a swift reply whenever possible.

Thank you in advance.

[Guest Tezzza2]

Hi,

The polystyrene Pro-coving B&Q sell is covered with the same paper finish as the plaster coving and looks identical once fixed.................I've fitted both types and the lightweight one is much easier to fit in 3m lengths AS LONG AS you use a 'no-nails' type adhesive and not a heavier plasterboard type adhesive.

I know what Tom means, its more satisfying to know a plaster coving is in place ....... but my thinking is, if a fire has reached all the way up the walls to ignite the coving the rooms a write-off anyway.

I would never use polystyrene ceiling tiles tho, far too dangerous in a fire if they melt &  drip on you ... saw someone it had happened to once and the injury was unfortunately permanent!

[Guest David]

Hi, I am removing polystyrene coving, does anyone know if the adhesive is a health risk & best to steam it off?