What Are EPS Architectural Mouldings?
EPS architectural mouldings are lightweight, non-loadbearing facade components shaped from expanded polystyrene and protected with a compatible coating system. They create details such as cornices, window surrounds, string bands, quoins and coping profiles without the unit weight of traditional stone or precast alternatives. Their shape, fixing method, substrate and finish must still be confirmed for the particular project.
What does EPS mean?
EPS means expanded polystyrene. It is a lightweight material that can be accurately cut to form an architectural profile. In a Taylormade product, the EPS forms the core shape and is protected by the factory-applied VPI RHÉAMIX MONO polymer-modified basecoat. An agreed compatible decorative finish can then complete the required appearance.
The EPS core is non-loadbearing. It creates the profile geometry, but it is not a structural member and must not be used as the fixing point for signs, lighting, rainwater goods or other later fixtures. Those loads need to transfer back to a suitable structural substrate.
What details can be made as EPS mouldings?
Typical profile families include cornices, parapet cappings, window cills and heads, keystones, string bands and quoin stones. These details can define rooflines, openings, corners and horizontal divisions across an elevation.
A project can use standard catalogue profiles, adapted standard dimensions or fully bespoke profiles where technically feasible. Relevant geometry, handling, transport and installation requirements are reviewed before manufacture.
How are the profiles specified and manufactured?
Taylormade reviews suitable project information such as general arrangement drawings, elevations, sections, dimensions and wall build-up details. Where drawings are required for approval, manufacture follows the latest approved revision after the necessary order, payment and finish information is complete.
The approved shape is CNC-cut from EPS at Taylormade’s Aberdare facility. The profile is then factory base-coated and prepared for the agreed decorative finish. The Technical Information page provides supporting specification, installation and dimensional documents.
How are EPS architectural mouldings fixed?
Most Taylormade profiles are bonded to a sound, prepared substrate using VPI RHÉAMIX MONO as the permanent bond. Insta-Stik may provide initial grab where required. Supplementary mechanical fixing can also be needed, but there is no single universal fixing product or spacing that applies to every profile.
The substrate condition, profile geometry, loading, joints, adjoining interfaces and manufacturer requirements all affect the approved detail. These requirements should be confirmed for the specific project before manufacture or installation starts. Adjacent wall systems and finishes by others remain outside Taylormade’s scope unless expressly included in the order.
Common questions
Are EPS architectural mouldings structural?
No. Taylormade profiles are lightweight, non-loadbearing facade components. The building structure, supporting substrate and structural fixing requirements remain the responsibility of the appropriate project designer or engineer unless Taylormade expressly accepts a defined responsibility in writing.
Can EPS profiles receive different decorative finishes?
Yes, subject to project agreement and compatibility with the VPI basecoat. The selected finish manufacturer’s preparation, primer, topcoat and application requirements must be followed. Universal compatibility with every coating system should not be assumed.
Can standard and bespoke profiles be used together?
Yes. A project may combine catalogue profiles, adapted standard profiles and bespoke details. The final profile schedule, joints, returns and setting out should be coordinated against the approved project information.