insulation of styrofoam

[Bonnie Jean]

Another question for all of you,

I have one of those birdfeeders that goes into a window like an air conditioner. I haven't used it in years but would like to. I need to put something on both sides since it doesn't reach the edges of my window. I was thinking of using Styrofoam boards that I've gotten from packaging. It would be easy for me to cut into the proper size. I would then paint it to blend with the wall.

But is the wind and cold going to come right through it? Should I just set it up in the warmer months to avoid a draft in my bedroom?

Thanks Again, Bonnie

PS- This is on a different side of the house from those rascal squirrels.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Depends on how well you seal things. The cold will not pass through the foam, but surely will any gaps. I'm not familiar witht he feeder so I don't know exactly how it fits.

[effi]

the styrofoam may be very flammable and thus might be unsafe and violate codes

there may be a better (flame retardant & ok with code) material

[Edwin Pawlowski]

You mean like Styrofoam? The Dow brand of Styrofoam® used for insulation is always flame retardant. Styrofoam is a registered trademark for their brand of extruded polystyrene foam

The packaging material may or may not be as there is no requirement to be flame retardant. That material is properly called expanded polystyrene. Material used for food contact is NOT flame retardant, but anything used for construction, insulation of an appliance MUST be modified. It is treated with bromides that will stop the burning if the source of ignition is removed.

[effi]

will exposed styrofoam in a use like the op mentioned pass code?

[bill a]

you have codes for bird feeders ??

I wouldn't waste much time moving away from there :)

bill

[effi]

re-read original post, poster mentioned bird feeder will be attached to residential window like window unit ac

questions?

[Bonnie Jean]

questions?

I don't expect anyone to be spying my house for code violations. Nor do I expect the budgies to be lighting any cigarettes or such...to cause a spark. Not unless the squirrels become a bad influence.

I bought some foamy strips of insulation used for windows, with adhesive on one side. I would use this to create a better seal around the styrofoam.

Bonnie

[effi]

if it works and you have small leaks caulk might work to stop the leaks

[Andy Asberry]

Give it a good coat of latex paint for UV protection.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

I don't think there are codes for bird feeders.

[effi]

har har, then again, some municipality somewhere may have such an ordinance...like the "you can't beat your uncle dad's chicken's eggs after

10 p.m." in podunk

the issue is the safety of exposed styrofoam in a residence, which may be addressed by building codes

i don't recall seeing any exposed styrofoam (or any kind of foam for that matter) in new residential building lately...

[Edwin Pawlowski]

When use as insulation for walls, etc, it should be covered with sheetrock to comply with codes. A couple of pieces for a bird feeder would not come under any codes. It is not a highly flammable material. It does not spontaneously combust. In the situation posed by the OP, it is no more dangerous that the drapes or curtains hanging on the window or many of the other materials normally found in a house. I doubt you keep the newspaper in a fireproof container.

Want to see how foam is used in a house/

or

[George E. Cawthon]

A little sarcasm? And justly deserved!

[newsgroups01REMOVEME]

Cool site. I see the forms used on tv now and then, but when I chat with other people about it, they look at me weird. Their responses: "Styrofoam Concrete Forms?"

later,

tom @

[effi]

given the toxicity of styrofoam, why introduce toxic material into an environment birds are feeding in?

[effi]

you might wanna have a look at 5. on this page

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Sorry effi, it is not toxic. If ingested by a bird it may block the digestive tract same as any other inert material. There is a difference between blocking and being toxic. You pointed to a list about toys for birds to play with.. That is different than insulating a window for a feeder. While they should not eat any plastics, they can sit on it, nest on it, sleep on it, and have no adverse effects EPS foam is used for coffee cups, cooker, seafood shippers etc. It is allowed because it is on the GRAS list and is NOT toxic.

It is recyclable, it saves energy, it is safely incinerated and gives off

18,000 Btu per pound when used to generate electricity in a trash to energy plant. Oh, not all foam is Styrofoam. Only the product made by Dow Chemical as that is their registered trademark for extruded polystyrene foam.

Any other questions?

[effi]

what is your source for your statement that styrofoam is not toxic?

[effi]

i guess to make it easy for the readers, here's a site that kind of sums up the toxicity and environmental problems due to styrofoam

also, if i recall, dr. hulda clark (cancer expert) has negative things to say about styrofoam as to its toxicity

in summary, in answer to the original post, i think styrofoam is a terrible choice for any component piece or adjoining piece to a bird feeder, or on any exposed or painted surface of styrofoam birds or humans may interact with, for reasons mentioned throughout my posts