While the EPS Cement Sandwich Panel is a highly durable building material, it does require some basic moisture protection measures to ensure it delivers a long and trouble free service life. The biggest vulnerability of the EPS Cement Sandwich Panel system is prolonged unprotected exposure to standing water or very high levels of trapped condensation. For projects located in tropical, humid climates or areas that see frequent heavy seasonal rain, it is essential to apply a high quality water resistant exterior finish coat over the entire surface of every EPS Cement Sandwich Panel immediately after installation. All horizontal panel joints and any areas where fasteners penetrate the panel surface should be carefully sealed with a weatherproof, flexible sealant that is compatible with cement based materials. If the building project has interior spaces that regularly produce high humidity such as a kitchen, laundry facility, or certain workshop areas, installing a properly positioned vapor barrier on the warm side of the EPS Cement Sandwich Panel will prevent moist indoor air from seeping into the panel structure. Construction site storage is also important: never stack EPS Cement Sandwich Panel directly on wet ground, and always cover stacked panels with a waterproof tarp if they will not be installed for more than a few days. These simple moisture protection steps will prevent almost all of the common performance issues that people sometimes encounter with EPS Cement Sandwich Panel wall systems.
