What is foam, how is it produced, the main types of insulation, technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, rules for choosing a high-quality heat insulator, self-assembly technology. In addition, there are many brands of polystyrene foam, which differ in properties and purpose. Domestic manufacturers mark the insulation with the letters PS (press foam). Non-pressed material is marked with PSB. Additional hyphenated meanings can also be added to these letters. For example, PSB-S is a polystyrene capable of self-extinguishing.
Consider the most popular brands used for thermal insulation:
- PSB-S-15 … Low density insulation. It is used for thermal insulation of containers, wagons, attics. They fill the gaps between the rafters, and it is also intended for insulating structures, where the high mechanical strength of the material is not required.
- PSB-S-25 … This is the most versatile insulation of all types of foam. It is suitable for thermal insulation of a facade, balcony, floor. Sufficiently durable and durable material that has a high level of moisture resistance.
- PSB-S-35 … This is a brand that is usually used for hydro and thermal insulation of a basement, foundation, various underground structures. Also, this material is used to equip pools, lawns. This foam perfectly withstands unfavorable climatic conditions, high mechanical loads, and biological effects.
- PSB-S-50 … The density of the foam of this brand is the highest. It is used in the construction of roads in wetlands, in the process of laying the floor in the floors. It is also used to insulate garages and industrial facilities.
In its shape and structure, polystyrene foam can have various types that are used depending on the object and purpose:
- Sheet … The most common and versatile type of heat insulator, which is suitable for insulating floors, ceilings, walls. The dimensions and thickness of this type of foam can be completely different.
- In balls … This is a specific loose material that is sometimes used as a backfill between the main part of the facade and the finishing coating. The main advantage of this foam is its ability to fill cavities.
- Liquid … This variety is called penoizol. Such foam is used in the same way as insulation in balls. Moreover, foaming occurs directly at the work site. Penoizol fills all gaps and voids with high quality.
Styrofoam specifications
The presence of gas-filled cells in the foam and the characteristics of the original substance determined the technical characteristics of this insulation. Let's consider them in detail.
- Thermal conductivity of foam … The cells of this material are completely closed. This structure reduces heat transfer and prevents the penetration of cold. The lower the density of the foam, the higher the thermal conductivity. For a slab of medium density insulation (20 kg / m3) this indicator is 0.033-0.036 W (m * k).
- Soundproofing … The premises, insulated with foam, are reliably protected from the penetration of extraneous sounds and noises from the outside. The soundproofing properties of the material are also ensured by its cellular structure. In order to qualitatively isolate an object from acoustic waves, a foam layer of 2-3 centimeters is sufficient.
- Water resistance … The material has an extremely low hygroscopicity. Even when fully immersed in water, it absorbs a minimum of moisture. Water does not flow through the walls of the cells, but only slightly seeps through the channels that connect the cells.
- Vapor permeability … This indicator for polystyrene is practically zero. Therefore, in order to avoid the appearance of condensation on the walls, it is recommended to insulate them exclusively from the outside or to lay the heat insulator inside.
- Strength … Styrofoam sheets do not change their physical characteristics for a long time. They can withstand strong pressure without collapsing or deforming. The level of strength determines the thickness of the plates and the observance of the insulation installation technology.
- Chemical resistance … Polyfoam is well tolerated in many aggressive environments. It can withstand the effects of salts, acids, alkalis, various paints, most building mixtures. It is not recommended to expose foam plastic for a long time to the influence of animal and vegetable oils, gasoline, diesel fuel. Does not tolerate the material exposed to turpentine, acetone, paint thinners, ethyl acetate, alcohols, kerosene, fuel oil. It can dissolve in these liquids.
- Biological resistance … The material is an unfavorable environment for the reproduction and life of many microorganisms. However, on its surface, in case of heavy contamination, they can appear. In addition, rodents can easily burrow in the relatively soft foam.
- Fire safety … High quality foam for thermal insulation does not support combustion. It can flare up only at a temperature that is twice the burning temperature of a tree. The material ignites only in direct contact with an open flame source. When the fire is eliminated, the insulation self-extinguishes in 3-4 seconds.
- Environmental friendliness … Modern technologies for the production of polystyrene do not imply the use of harmful or toxic substances. The material decomposes very slowly over time and does not emit any volatile compounds that are dangerous to humans.
Advantages of Styrofoam
Polyfoam as a heat insulator has a huge number of advantages, for which it is highly valued in the construction industry. Let's consider them in more detail:
- Versatility … This insulation material can be successfully used to insulate walls, floors, ceilings, almost any structures that are used in construction. Due to the fact that there are many types of foam, it will not be difficult to choose the right heat insulator for specific purposes.
- Simple assembly … No specific tools or equipment are required to lay the material. Enough glue and dowels. Even a beginner is able to cope with editing. Styrofoam is easy to cut and lightweight, which makes it easy to work with.
- A light weight … Due to this quality, heat insulator slabs can be used even for insulating buildings with weak foundations or walls. Polyfoam does not exert almost any pressure on the structure.
- Low price … This material is considered one of the most inexpensive insulation materials.
- Hypoallergenic … Polyfoam does not get dusty during the processing of edges, does not require special personal protective equipment. Does not emit toxic substances during operation.
- Durability … Under non-extreme climatic conditions and correct installation, the service life of the foam reaches 50 years.
Disadvantages of Styrofoam
Despite its considerable popularity in the construction industry, foam plastic has a number of significant disadvantages. Therefore, before opting for this insulation, it is worth carefully weighing the pros and cons.
The disadvantages of Styrofoam are as follows:
- Flammability … Despite the efforts of manufacturers who are experimenting with the composition of the foam, adding fire retardants and various fire-fighting additives to it, this insulation remains combustible. Heat insulating sheets are quite flammable and, in addition, emit toxic smoke.
- Destruction under the rays of the sun … The material must be protected from direct UV rays. Under their influence, it quickly collapses.
- Zero vapor permeability … This factor can also be negative if the foam is used incorrectly. The walls, which were covered with insulation from the inside, cease to "breathe", which means that the humidity inside the building increases. This is fraught with the appearance of mold and mildew.
- Rodent attraction … Household pests do not feed on polystyrene, but they easily make moves in it.
In addition, you should choose an extremely high quality insulation. Inexpensive foam from questionable manufacturers can release harmful compounds into the atmosphere.
Styrofoam selection criteria
The choice of insulation is a crucial moment. How high-quality and suitable for your purposes the foam you buy depends on its durability and environmental friendliness. Follow these guidelines:
- Decide which surfaces you plan to insulate with foam. For thermal insulation of walls under drywall or clapboard, material with a density of 15 kilograms per cubic meter is sufficient. To insulate facades, choose an insulation density of at least 25 kg / m3… If you want to achieve, among other things, good sound insulation, foam with a density of 35 kg / m or more is suitable for you.3.
- Inspect the place where the sold heat insulator is stored. If this is an open-air site, then such an acquisition should be abandoned, because the foam loses its characteristics unprotected under the rays of the sun.
- The color of high-quality insulation is white. If he changed color completely or in some areas, then most likely you are dealing with spoiled goods.
- Nothing should peel off the heat insulator plates. They should be firm, firm and slightly rough to the touch.
- Ask the seller to weigh the foam. After performing simple mathematical calculations, you will find out the mass of one cubic meter of material and determine its density. The minimum weight allowed for a heat insulator is 15 kilograms.
- The cells in the sheet material should be evenly spaced throughout the entire thickness. Their diameter is approximately the same. Between the granules there should not be large voids and dips than the cells themselves.
- If balls fall out of the sheets during loading and transportation of material, then the foam is of poor quality.
- When buying insulation, ask the seller to provide all the documents for it. So you will be completely sure that you have a quality product in front of you.
Foam price and manufacturers
Polyfoam is easy and inexpensive to produce. Therefore, it is produced by many large and small companies around the world. The insulation of domestic brands has also earned good reviews.
Famous foam manufacturers:
- Technoplex … A Russian manufacturer that produces foam sheets of various sizes, thicknesses and densities. The assortment of the company also includes material in balls. Environmentally friendly and relatively flame-resistant insulation.
- TechnoNIKOL Carbon Eco … A Russian company that manufactures various heat insulators, including foam. It has high density and strength. Suitable for insulating various objects and surfaces.
- Styrofoam … Another domestic manufacturer specializing in the production of polystyrene and extruded polystyrene foam. There are many grades of material in the line.
Styrofoam prices are about the same, regardless of the brand. They depend only on the size of the slabs, density, thickness. The cost starts from about 1100 rubles per cubic meter of material.
Brief instructions for installing foam
Styrofoam can be laid on absolutely any surface. If you are insulating the floor, then it is enough just to lay the slabs or scatter the granules on the base without using fasteners and clamps.
If installation is carried out on walls or ceilings, then this must be done according to the following instructions:
- We prepare the surface: we clean it from paint, plaster falling off, level it using a putty.
- We apply a primer to the wall or ceiling.
- To improve the adhesion of the foam plates to the surface, we pass along one of the sides of the insulation with a needle roller.
- We apply special assembly glue to the surface of the foam sheet.
- Without waiting for the adhesive to dry, press the plate tightly against the wall.
- We start installing the foam from the bottom and move in horizontal rows up.
- Make sure that the joints are not on the same level. Heat insulator masonry should resemble brick.
- If you need to cut the material, use a regular hacksaw.
- After the insulation is attached, we wait for the glue to dry completely.
- We fill the joints and gaps between the foam sheets with polyurethane foam. After drying, remove the excess.
- If you are insulating a facade, external walls or ceiling, it is recommended to fix the plates with additional fasteners. We use special dowels with an umbrella-shaped head.
- We reinforce the finished surface using a special mesh and corners.
Without fail, immediately after installing the foam on the outer walls, it must be covered with decorative trim so as not to be exposed to direct sunlight. Watch the video review of Styrofoam:
Polyfoam is an easy-to-use, budget insulation. It is used both in civil engineering and industrial construction. It has good technical characteristics and is distinguished by a simple installation procedure, which even an inexperienced person can do.
