Posted by Mark Bronkalla on January 15, 2003 at 11:16:22:
In Reply to: Re: foam floatation posted by Ed Vernon on January 15, 2003 at 07:02:10:
Reasons for enclosing the foam are aesthetics, durability, and fire safety.
A wood or glass sided area will be much easier to form and then keep clean and nice looking than foam.
Many foams are highly flammable and release toxic gasses when burning (see the MSDS for the particular product you are considering). By enclosing the foam the fire hazard may be very well mitigated.
As far as th ordinary construction foams a couple of things come to mind: disintegration and squeaking.
To test for disintegration, place a few drops of gasoline, oil and any other commonly encountered solvents on the foam you are considering and watch what happens. Disappearing before your eyes is not a good sign.
If using sheet foam, test it to see if it squeaks when rubbed. The styrene foams do, the polyethylene foams often do not. If it squeaks, be sure to glue it in place and as well as between layers even if only lightly) in order toto not having the squeaks drive you nuts later.