Advantages:
1. Thermal insulation: Polystyrene is an excellent thermal insulator, which helps to reduce energy consumption and thus saves on heating and cooling costs.
2. Lightweight: Polystyrene is very lightweight, making it easy to transport and handle during construction.
3. Moisture resistant: Polystyrene is resistant to moisture, which helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
4. Fire retardant: Polystyrene can be treated with fire retardants, which can help to improve its fire resistance.
5. Cost-effective: Polystyrene is a cost-effective material compared to other building materials.
Disadvantages:
1. Toxicity: Polystyrene is not biodegradable and releases toxic fumes when burned.
2. Environmental impact: The production of polystyrene has a significant environmental impact due to the use of non-renewable resources and the creation of waste.
3. Durability: Polystyrene is not as durable as other building materials and may deteriorate over time.
4. Limited strength: Polystyrene has limited strength and may not be suitable for high-stress applications.
5. Maintenance: Polystyrene requires regular maintenance to prevent damage from moisture and insects.
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