PolyNiche Design and Characteristics

PolyNiche is designed to be lightweight, cost effective, and provide quick and easy installation.

PolyNiche is an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) product consisting of a liquid applied waterproof membrane, then coated with an acrylic polymer finish. It’s primary function is to act as an in-wall recessed shower accessory used in commercial and residential shower or tub stalls. PolyNiche is currently available in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of installers, and fabricators.

 

PolyNiche EPS contains no CFC’s or HCFC’s, is clean and odorless, has low thermal conductivity, high strength-to-weight ratio, will not twist or warp under normal use, and is unaffected by vibration. Installation is easy due to lightweight design and cuts easily with any serrated blade or tool.

 

Water and Water Vapor Exposure

PolyNiche is unaffected by moisture due to the

waterproof coating. Exposure to water or water vapor, in the wet area as well as inside the wall cavity, does not cause shrinking, swelling, or deformation.

 

Resistance to Mold or Mildew

PolyNiche will not decompose and will not support

mold or mildew growth through the EPS, waterproof coating, or acrylic finish. PolyNiche contains no nutritional value.

 

Flame Retardants / Temperature Exposure

PolyNiche is designed to withstand changes in

temperature associated with residential and

commercial showers.

PolyNiche is manufactured with modified EPS foam, which contains a re retardant, but is still considered combustible while the waterproof coating and acrylic polymer finish is non-combustible. Do not expose EPS to open flame or ignition switches. PolyNiche is to be stored in accordance with local laws and ordinances.

 

Thermal Performance

PolyNiche EPS is a closed cell structure in which the R-Value will remain constant and will not suffer from R-Value loss.

 

 

Chemicals, Coatings, and Adhesives

Certain solvents will attack PolyNiche’s EPS structure, such as ethers, esters, keytones, and hydrocarbons. Only use approved EPS adhesives to bond sections of PolyNiche, as well as approved mortars and thinsets to attach tile and/or marble.

 

Building Code Compliance

PolyNiche has several compliant standards. It’s EPS meets or exceeds ASTM C578 “Standard

Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation”. PolyNiche’s acrylic polymer finish also meets or exceeds 9 ASTM standards (see tech data for classes). PolyNiche’s liquid applied waterproof membrane meets the requirements of ANSI A118.10 (specification for waterproof membrane beneath thin set, tile, and stone). PolyNiche’s EPS is Factory Mutual Approved and is UL Classified. PolyNiche complies with the flammability requirements of BOCA, ACBO, and SBCCI building codes. PolyNiche’s EPS is also Dade County Compliance Approved.

 

Warranty and Remedy Information.

The Smithson Company, Inc. (“Smithson”) warrants it will replace without charge any Smithson product that is not merchantable because of defects in materials or workmanship. Notice of a claim under this warranty must be given promptly in writing, in no case later than 45 days after the defect becomes known to the purchaser. THIS EXPRESS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER

WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT(S) PURCHASED IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY ARISING FROM THE SALE OF SMITHSON’S PRODUCTS. IN NO CASE WILL SMITHSON BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE, including, without limitation, damage to other property, loss of profits, loss of

goodwill, or other economic loss, whether such incidental or consequential loss or damage is claimed on account of breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict liability in tort, or any other legal theory. GOODS SOLD FOR RESALE ARE ALL SUBJECT TO THESE TERMS, AND ALL OFFERS ARE EXPRESSLY CONDITIONED UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS.