Concrete slabs sit directly on the ground. Without insulation, heat is lost continuously into the soil in winter and absorbed from the ground in summer. This results in:

• Higher energy bills
• Cold, uncomfortable floors
• Reduced overall building performance

Floor insulation must also carry load. Anything placed under a slab becomes a structural-adjacent component. If it compresses or fails, the entire floor system is compromised.

PolyFloor is designed for exactly this application.

PolyFloor insulation shines when underfloor heating is installed and cosiderable reduces the cost of heating.

PolyFloor insulation boards are manufactured to align with South African building regulations and national standards.

Standards and regulatory alignment

PolyFloor supports compliance with:

• SANS 13163-1
  Governs EPS insulation used in buildings, including density, compressive strength, dimensional stability, thermal conductivity, and water absorption.
• SANS 10400-XA
  The legally enforceable energy-efficiency regulation under the National Building Regulations. PolyFloor contributes to required floor R-values.
• SANS 428
  Fire performance classification of building materials. PolyFloor uses fire-retardant EPS and is suitable for assessment as part of a compliant floor system.

PolyFloor is manufactured in accordance with requirements overseen by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) framework.

PolyFloor boards are produced using fire-retardant EPS with B1 fire classification.

This means:

• Limited flame spread
• Self-extinguishing behaviour under controlled test conditions

This is a critical difference between PolyFloor and low-grade or packaging-type polystyrene, which is often not fire-retardant and not tested.

Fire performance is always assessed as part of a complete floor system, and PolyFloor is suitable for use in compliant slab constructions.

PolyFloor is engineered to withstand the permanent loads imposed by concrete slabs and normal building use.

Key performance characteristics:

• High compressive strength suitable for slab-on-ground applications
• Long-term dimensional stability
• No crushing, creep, or collapse under design loads
• Moisture resistance suitable for ground contact

This is why PolyFloor is specified for surface beds, suspended floors, and energy-efficient building designs.

Low-density or low-quality EPS is commonly sold cheaply and incorrectly used under floors. This material:

• Is often packaging-grade EPS
• Lacks compressive strength
• Is frequently not fire-retardant
• Has no verified test data

Using the wrong polystyrene under a slab can lead to:

• Permanent compression
• Cracked screeds and finishes
• Loss of insulation performance
• Failed inspections
• Extremely costly remedial work

Once the concrete is poured, the damage is hidden — and permanent.

PolyFloor exists to prevent this exact failure.

For developers

• Easier compliance with energy regulations
• Stronger marketing and resale value
• Reduced long-term defect risk
• No arguments with inspectors over substitutions

For homeowners

• Lower energy bills for the life of the home
• Warmer, more comfortable floors
• Better indoor temperature stability
• Peace of mind that the slab was built correctly

PolyFloor insulation boards must be:

• Installed on a prepared sub-base
• Laid with tight joints
• Used with a suitable damp-proof membrane (DPM)
• Installed strictly according to project specifications

Compliance depends on correct material selection and correct installation.

Floor insulation can only be installed before the concrete is poured. After that, upgrading means breaking the slab.

PolyFloor is a once-off construction decision that delivers:

• Decades of energy savings
• Long-term structural reliability
• Regulatory confidence
• Better buildings

Stick with PolyFloor floor insulation boards and avoid costly mistakes.

You can double up on the boards to achieve higher insulation values.

40mm - 1.143 (Minimum for residential buildings

50mm - 1.429

75mm - 2.145

100mm - 2.857

120mm - 3.429

150mm - 4.286

200mm - 5.714

300mm - 8.571

High Density / 20 kg/m3 110 KPa @ 10% Compression

Extra High Density / 24 kg/m3 to 30 kg/m3 160 to 200 kPa @ 10% Compression