Selecting the appropriate insulation for your house is essential to keeping the interior cozy and cutting down on energy expenses. Foamlex boards are a common option for insulation because of their efficiency and adaptability. Making educated decisions for your home can be aided by knowing the various Foamlex board dimensions and application-based grades.
The thickness, width, and length of foamlex boards determine their various dimensions. The degree to which the boards insulate your house depends in large part on these dimensions. Foamlex boards are normally offered in standard sizes, but special sizes can also be produced to meet particular needs.
Foamlex boards come in different sizes based on the grade and intended use. For example, the dimensions of boards used for roof insulation may differ from those used for walls insulation. It’s critical to take into account the unique requirements of every room in your house when choosing Foamlex boards.
When evaluating Foamlex boards’ dimensions, it’s also critical to comprehend the various grades of the material. Based on variables like fire retardancy, moisture resistance, and heat resistance, grades may differ. Better insulating qualities are usually found in higher grades, though they could also cost more.
- Foamlex sheet dimensions depending on thickness, density and purpose
- Back to real life
- Pros and cons
- Dimensions of the material package and the number of sheets in each package
- How much insulation costs
- GOST and its requirements for dimensions
- Styrofoam grades and sheet sizes
- Insulation technology
- Floors
- On the ground
- On concrete
- Roofs
- The foundation
- Walls inside
- Features of production
- Manufacturing at home
- Comparison of different types: URSA XPS, Technonikol
- Difference from Styrofoam
- Technical characteristics
- Manufacturers and price
- Scope of application of expanded polystyrene boards
- Video on the topic
- Building a HOUSE from PEENOPOLYSTYROL! New simple technology
- Extruded polystyrene foam Technonikol
- Penoplex Comfort 20mm, a brief overview of the material
Foamlex sheet dimensions depending on thickness, density and purpose
Penoplex Comfort, which has a material density ranging from 25 to 35 kg/m3, is a well-liked thermal insulator for flats and rural homes. These are the dimensions of its slabs:
- Slab in length – 0.6 m.
- The slab is 1.2 meters wide.
- Board thickness – 15 cm, 12 cm, 10 cm, 8 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm.
Building basements and foundations can be insulated with Penoplex Foundation, a dense and long-lasting insulator. This insulator has a density ranging from 29 to 33 kg/m3. There are several sizes available for it:
- Slab in length – 0,6 m.
- Plate in width – 1,2 m.
- Plate thickness – 15 cm, 12 cm, 10 cm, 8 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm.
With Penoplex, you can build a pitched roof because it’s a lightweight, rigid insulator. Its slabs fit together more snugly thanks to a unique groove. This insulator has a density ranging from 26 to 34 kg/m3. The slabs’ measurements are:
- Slab in length – 0.6 m.
- Plate width – 1.2 m, 2.4 m.
- Thickness – 10 cm, 15 cm.
Penoplex Facade is a versatile insulator with a roughened surface that enhances painting compositions and plaster adhesion. This insulation’s density increased from 25 kg/m3 to 32 kg/m3. These are the dimensions of its boards:
- Plate in length – 0,6 m.
- Plate in width – 1,2 m.
- Plate thickness – 15 cm, 12 cm, 10 cm, 8 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm.
Penoplex Wall – Penoplex Facade in analog. Its boards are more resilient to mechanical forces and moisture. This insulation has a density of between 25 and 35 kg/m3. Dimensions of the Penoplex board:
Slab: 0.06 meters in length.
- Slab width – 1.2 m.
- Board thickness – 15 cm, 12 cm, 10 cm, 8 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm.
Penoplex GEO is a stronger and denser insulation that is appropriate for buried structures that are loaded. Such foam pentoplex has a density of 33 kg/m3 as opposed to 29 kg/m3. There are sizes available for this material:
- Slab length – 0.6 m.
- Plate in width – 1,2 m.
- Plate thickness – 15 cm, 12 cm, 10 cm, 8 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm.
Penoplex Roofing is a long-lasting and moisture-resistant roofing insulator. A unique groove on its boards allows for tight jointing. Such foam plastic has a density ranging from 28 to 33 kg/m3. One slab’s measurements:
- The board is 0.6 m in length.
- Plate in width – 1,2 m.
- The thickness of the board is 15 cm, 12 cm, 10 cm, 8 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm.
Back to real life
An axe cannot cut down what is written with a feather. However, don’t get too excited and think that you will simply find a 1200 x 1200 x 50 mm slab when you visit the store. Manufacturers create foam plastic sheets in specific sizes to lower the cost of mass producing insulation. The most typical sizes for sheets of foam plastic are:
There are five different thicknesses: 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100 mm.
You can install insulation on any object with this set of linear dimensions. If additional length, width, and thickness of insulation are needed to insulate a large object, the manufacturer may, with prior consent, create sheets that meet GOST’s specified dimensions. In this instance, cutting polystyrene foam will not be necessary when installing it.
When it comes to home insulation, Foamlex boards are available in a range of sizes and grades that are specific to certain uses. There is a Foamlex board that is appropriate for your purpose, whether you are insulating floors, walls, or roofs. Depending on their grade and intended use, these boards come in a variety of dimensions to ensure a seamless integration into your insulation project. The measurements of Foamlex boards, from thickness to width, are intended to offer the best possible thermal efficiency and structural support, assisting you in building a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Knowing the proper measurements for your particular application is essential to optimizing the efficiency of your insulation efforts and maintaining year-round comfort in your house.
Pros and cons
These days, extruded polystyrene is regarded as a trustworthy, useful, and dependable material.
Its relevance stems from numerous positive attributes, many of which require in-depth discussion:
- This material is waterproof. Upon unfavorable contact with liquid, the polystyrene foam floors are filled – no further advancement of moisture will occur.
- Extruded polystyrene foam is characterized by a low level of thermal conductivity. If we compare it with other insulating coatings, we can conclude that the coefficient of thermal conductivity of EPPS is less or equal (only polyurethane foam is an exception to the rule).
- A characteristic feature of EPPS is low vapor permeability. The coefficient of this parameter is considered to be the minimum among insulating components.
- Styrofoam is not subject to deformation even after a very long time.
- This material is not afraid of temperature fluctuations. In such conditions, it does not lose its useful qualities and remains just as practical/effective. Its operating temperature ranges from -100 to +75 degrees Celsius.
- Installation, as well as dismantling of expanded polystyrene is not difficult, and it does not take as much time as many people think.
- This material can boast a long service life, during which it does not deform and does not lose its qualities.
- Extruded polystyrene foam is not subject to destruction in the course of operation.
- Extruded polystyrene is not afraid of inorganic solvents.
- Working with this material is very easy and simple as it is lightweight and has a small thickness.
- This material is relatively inexpensive. Many consumers will be able to afford it. In this case, the price-quality ratio can not fail to please.
- When laying EPPS it is possible to do without the use of additional waterproofing and thermal insulation coatings, which will allow to save a lot of money.
- According to experts, EPPS is not dangerous for human health. Moreover, when working with it, the master will not have allergic reactions.
- Such material is not afraid of low temperatures, so it is ideal for being in the harsh and fickle Russian climate.
- The durability of extruded polystyrene is also confirmed by the fact that it is not subject to rot – this quality can boast not every construction and finishing material.
As you can see, EPPS has a ton of benefits. For this reason, it currently holds a prominent position in the insulation materials market.
But, you should also be aware of the following drawbacks before purchasing such a useful and trustworthy coating:
- This material is susceptible to combustion.
- Being in conditions of temperature over 75 degrees, polystyrene foam can emit harmful substances dangerous to human health.
- According to experts, this material is afraid of contact with infrared rays.
- Mice can get in EPPS, although many manufacturers deny this fact.
- When interacting with various solvents, this material can degrade.
You can confidently proceed with the purchase of this contemporary material if the aforementioned drawbacks don’t terrify you—it is utilized in numerous applications.
Dimensions of the material package and the number of sheets in each package
Penoplex is offered for sale as stacks of sheets in packages. The package’s length and width, which are 120 cm and 60 cm, respectively, match the insulation sheet’s standard dimensions.
Non-standard sheets Penoplex roofs, measuring 240 cm in length, 60 cm in width, and 10 or 15 cm in thickness, are packed in 4 or 2 pieces using the same principle. The area of a pack of sheets that are 10 cm thick is 5.76 m2, while a pack of sheets that are 15 cm thick is 2.88 m2.
Remember that cutting and trimming will take up some of the insulation, so budget 10–20 percent for this when purchasing the material. You can complete the present repairs with the aid of a small stock and penoplex scraps.
Foam that is packaged in a stack of sheets is easy to store and move without the need for specialized equipment. It also doesn’t get damaged during transit. You can quickly determine how much insulation is needed for any construction or repairs if you know the area that needs to be covered.
How much insulation costs
Extruded polystyrene foam prices vary depending on the material type, size, and manufacturer. varies per package from 1,300 to 5,000 rubles.
Extruded polystyrene foam is a perfect material for insulation projects because it has high strength, low weight, low cost, and excellent thermal conductivity. The only things left to do are choose the class and sheet size.
The cost of air conditioning during the summer and heating during the winter is greatly decreased when insulation is used in building construction.
Selecting the appropriate thermal insulation can be challenging. The task of providing thermal insulation is perfectly fulfilled by the vast array of roll, loose, and tile insulations available on the market. Penoplex is the most widely used modern, low-cost insulation option. Its benefits include the ability to be installed independently in private construction settings.
The article will go into detail about the characteristics of the insulator, the cost of the penoplex, and how to select the best size block.
GOST and its requirements for dimensions
According to GOST, conditional board designations are made up of letters and numbers, such as:
- Type of board.
- Mark.
- Sheet dimensions.
- Standard designation.
The record will look like this: PSB-S-15-1200x600x40 GOST 15588-86 if the sheet has the following specifications: length 1200 mm, width 600 mm, thickness 40 mm, and expanded polystyrene slab with fire retardant grade 15 added.
The record will alter and take on the following appearance if the foam polystyrene board is flame retardant-free, falls under mark 15, and has the same dimensions:
- PSB-15-1200x600x40 GOST 15588-86.
Foam polystyrene containing a pore-forming agent, such as isopentane or pentane, is used to manufacture foam boards in accordance with the technical specifications of the Gosstandart. Styrene, the residual monomer, is added to the total mass.
Manufactured boards that are prepared for sale should not have any depressions or bulges on their surface that are wider than 3 mm or taller than 5 mm. It is possible to see rib and corner bluntness, but only up to 10 mm from the top of a right angle.
There may be bevels on the sides of the blunted corners, but they cannot be longer than 80 mm. Every sheet of polystyrene is the right shape geometrically. For every 500 mm of its length, there can be no more than 3 mm of deviation from the edge’s plane.
For slabs up to 1000 mm in length, the difference in diagonals should not be greater than 5 mm; from 1000 to 2000 mm, it can be up to 7 mm; and beyond 2000 mm, it can be up to 13 mm.
Verify a batch’s linear dimensions, geometric shape accuracy, and appearance before accepting it.
The buyer can be certain that every product in the batch he purchases will be the same size.
According to OST 15588-86, ST SEV 5068-85, or GOST 15588-70, expanded polystyrene is marked with the following letters and numbers:
Dimensions varying according to brand:
Styrofoam grades and sheet sizes
Use a variety of popular brands of foam plastic for insulation. Density, which is measured in kilograms per square meter, is what sets each brand apart.
Polystyrene foam has a higher specific heat conductivity and greater strength in proportion to its density.
PSB-C is the most widely used brand of foam sheets. Density is indicated by the numbers in the labeling. With only 15 kg/m³, PSB-C 15 is at the bottom of the density table.
Since it is the lightest, it is used to insulate huts, wagons, and other temporary housing as well as containers meant to retain heat.
Insulation of this brand is utilized in warm climates with moderate winters. It is applied to walls to lessen interior partitions’ ability to block out sound.
PSB-C 25, the most widely used brand of foam, has a density of 25 kg/m³. This brand’s polystyrene foam sheets come in various sizes and are used to insulate buildings, structures, and constructions.
Foam is used to enhance facade insulation, floor, wall, and roof thermal and acoustic insulation, among other applications.
Panels, reinforced concrete constructions used in frame houses, are made from polystyrene foam.
Sandwich panels and reinforced concrete structures made with the fixed formwork method use 35 kg/m³ of polystyrene foam, specifically the PSB-C 35 brand.
These products are ideal for waterproofing walls in addition to their primary purposes.
For the layout of heated soils, roads, and the floors of refrigerated warehouses, PSB-C 50, with a density of 50 kg/m³, is utilized.
Insulation technology
In addition to its exceptional performance qualities, extruded polystyrene foam is highly sought-after for its extended lifespan and ease of assembly and disassembly. Without the need for expert teams, you can install it on a variety of bases by yourself.
The key is to follow a straightforward work methodology, and the outcome will undoubtedly satisfy you!
Floors
Many opt to use expanded polystyrene for floor insulation in their homes. The manner in which it is laid out is primarily determined by the type, material, and immediate needs of the base.
On the ground
When installing laminate, parquet, ceramics, or linoleum on top of a base like this, EPPS is frequently installed on the first floor’s ground floor. In the future, polystyrene foam will be ideal for building a magnificent poured floor.
The base must be well prepared in order to insulate such a floor. It ought to be sufficiently powerful.
Furthermore, there should be no future shrinkage of the floor. In order to achieve this, the ground level needs to be 50–60 cm below the surface of the future floor covering at the design level. It should be remembered that the substrate needs to be completely dry and compacted.
The first layer of dry crushed stone is placed on the prepared base (gravel can be used in place of crushed stone). Such a covering should have a height of between 30 and 40 cm. Additionally, this layer needs to be evenly leveled and compacted.
The crushed stone should then be covered with a layer of granite sift or Mediterranean sand. This layer should not be higher than 10 cm. The top should be leveled. Use a construction level to keep things under control.
Polystyrene foam slabs can be placed directly on top of sand in spaces with low mechanical loads. Purchasing materials with edge-mounted joint grooves is advised in this situation. Regarding the board joints, it is advised to pre-glue them using a unique metallized tape.
Depending on the living conditions and the degree of insulation of the home foundation, EPPS sheets can range in thickness from 3 to 10 cm.
Waterproofing material should be applied to the carpet pad insulation’s surface before it is laid down on the floor. It should then have a reinforced cement-sand screed applied to it. Verify surfaces’ levelness at all times. Only after the screed has dried completely can the floor slab be installed.
In order to lay polystyrene foam in a room where the floor will be subjected to significant mechanical loads, a concrete screed must be installed first (on the sand and gravel cushion and waterproofing). This is necessary before installing insulation boards. Only after the base has dried completely can EPPS slabs be placed on it.
On concrete
Make sure the concrete floor’s surface is level and free of drops before applying insulation. Additionally, any cracks and crevices ought to be filled in.
It is advised to place insulation over the waterproofing film if the concrete base is a cellar or basement floor.
While moisture and dampness won’t harm expanded polystyrene, these elements can still seep into the board joints, so in this instance, additional waterproofing won’t be unnecessary.
In the event that the concrete base has any irregularities, you must first eliminate them and seal any gaps and cracks. Create a sand-cement screed for leveling. After the latter has dried, EPPS must be applied, and waterproofing must already be done on this layer. It is advised to apply a specialized adhesive made for ceramic tiles before laying insulation boards. A second layer of screed is applied over the waterproofing.
Polystyrene foam can be used to insulate apartment floors, balconies, and loggias. Every task ought to be completed in accordance with the previously mentioned principle. It should be noted, though, that such a floor arrangement on the unglazed area can only be started provided the temperature there is not below 5 degrees Celsius.
Regarding the glassed area, you can begin working there even in below-5 degree Celsius temperatures. But before the screed dries completely and polystyrene foam boards can be laid on top of it, the area that needs to be repaired must be further insulated.
Roofs
Not only is high-quality floor insulation essential, but roof insulation is too. It is also acceptable to use extruded polystyrene foam in this situation. In this instance, the boards ought to be skillfully positioned beneath the roofing material.
Think about how each component element ought to be arranged, starting from the inside and working outward:
- first comes the decorative covering (the roof itself);
- then follows the inner purlins, designed to support the insulation and ventilation material;
- vapor barrier film;
- insulation;
- the waterproofing film;
- External purlins, necessary for additional ventilation and installation of roofing;
- roof covering.
Vapor and waterproofing foils are often overlooked by home improvement professionals. This is a serious error because these parts will shield the wood roof structures and the insulation layer from moisture and dampness.
Additionally, the completed structure can already have EPPS insulation applied to the roof. Think about what needs to be done in this regard:
- Install waterproofing material on the rafters;
- then fix the insulation on special hangers;
- Cover the insulation with a vapor barrier;
- nail the lattice to the rafters (this frame structure will hold all the insulation and also play the role of a ventilation area);
- Finally, install the finishing material.
One drawback to consider in this situation is that you will be taking up some usable space when you install polystyrene foam on an existing roof. Such a construction will need to be replaced in the event of leaks.
The foundation
Polystyrene foam can also be used to insulate the foundation. You should use a certain technology for this as well. Let’s become acquainted with each step that is required for these kinds of projects.
- First of all, the foundation must be properly prepared. Such structures can be insulated both in buildings under construction and in finished buildings. Make sure that the foundation is fully excavated and cleaned of dust, grease, construction waste and other defects.
- If there are remnants of previous waterproofing on the foundation, you should also get rid of them.
- Take into account that such a base can be insulated both from the outside and inside, however, it is more effective to insulate from the outside.
- Choose the right polystyrene foam. For the foundation base it is recommended to buy materials with a density of 35 kg/cubic meter. м. Combustibility class is not so important in this case.
- Waterproof the foundation. Thus, you can prevent the soaking of materials during the emergence of groundwater.
- Waterproofing can be installed under the insulation in any way you like. The only exception is to insulate the base with a special bitumen filling – EPPS in contact with solvents can be severely damaged and even destroyed.
- Next it will be necessary to attach polystyrene to the foundation (its underground component). In this case, insulation boards are fixed on a special adhesive designed specifically for polystyrene foam.
- The adhesive mixture should be applied around the perimeter of the board and in its center in several strips. Then wait for about 1 minute and press the polystyrene foam to the base. Wait for a couple of minutes and then proceed to the next part.
- It is recommended to fix the tiles using a level, so that there are no misalignments in the joints.
- If you need thicker insulation, then polystyrene foam is allowed to install not in one, but in two layers. In this case, the boards should be glued in such a way that the second layer must necessarily cover the joints left between the tiles of the first layer. If there are still gaps in the material after installation, they should be closed using ordinary foam foam insulation.
- Then it is necessary to protect the insulation itself. To protect polystyrene foam from mechanical damage and rodent attacks, it is recommended to top this material with reinforcing mesh or special shields. These components should be fixed along the perimeter of the foundation using dowel nails.
The foundation can be covered with a cement mixture that has specific waterproofing ingredients added on top of the mesh.
- If the house is located on wet ground, it needs to provide quality drainage. It is installed along the entire perimeter of the foundation base and lead to a low-lying area or a special well.
- Next, you need to insulate the basement. This part of the foundation also needs additional insulation. Now the pre-prepared surface, protected from penetration of dampness and moisture, is ready for laying EPPS materials. They should be fixed on the same adhesive compound.
- After a couple of days, it is recommended to fix the polystyrene boards on the basement with special fasteners (dowel nails with wide flats are suitable for this purpose).
- After these works, you can go directly to the insulation of the ground (this process is described above).
Walls inside
Utilizing polystyrene foam for interior wall insulation necessitates adherence to specific technological standards. Let’s examine the phases of this type of work.
- First it is necessary to carry out the preparation of the bases. It is necessary to clean the surface of the slabs well. Be sure to remove the old coating, especially if it is paint and varnish materials. Otherwise, the solvents in their composition will destroy the structure of the insulation.
- Next, you need to level the surface of the walls. If the slabs are made of brick, they must be plastered, but if they are made of concrete, you can do without plastering. For a fine leveling of the bases, you need to first put acrylic primer with the help of a paint roller.
- After that the layer will dry for 12-14 hours. Eliminate all defects on the walls with the help of putty. Then apply another layer of soil. In this way, you will complete the preparation of the wall slabs.
- Now you can proceed to the installation of expanded polystyrene boards. For this purpose, you can use a special adhesive compound. It can be dry or ready-made.
- Glue can be applied with a brush, but you can also use a roller, running it over the surface of the walls.
- It is recommended to install the boards in this case to start from the bottom part. First, they should be cut to size – for this purpose they can be attached to the still dry slabs. It is better to cut the polystyrene foam with a hot string or a serrated hacksaw.
- The first row of boards should be installed along the entire wall. After that, the next row can be installed.
The boards in this instance need to be moved in relation to the lower elements in order for the joint between the first-row sheets to reach the center of the upper plate.
- Allow the adhesive to dry thoroughly. This can take 34-42 hours.
- It is recommended to additionally fix the installed insulation with dowels. In this case, the walls should be drilled directly through the EPPP. Then the holes should be filled with dowels. Insulation material should be attached with self-tapping screws. Large sheets can be installed in 6 places.
- Now it is necessary to proceed to caulking. If their dimensions exceed 30 mm, you can glue the remaining scraps of polystyrene foam into them.
- At the end of all works, the joints should be treated with assembly foam. Make sure it does not contain toluene – this component corrodes plastic.
After using a knife to swiftly remove any excess mortar, apply adhesive solution to the joints.
- Now you need to apply a reinforcement layer (e.g. fiberglass mesh).
- Put protective coatings, as well as vapor and waterproofing on top of the walls.
- Finally, cover the walls with a finishing coat, such as plaster.
Features of production
Based on the name of this well-known material, it can be deduced that it is a type of further processing of raw materials for foam polymers, which are obtained by condensation of styrene in the presence of organic solvents and catalysts.
The method and materials used in its production determine its performance qualities as well as its benefits and drawbacks.
- First, the initial raw material is taken, represented by small particles, placed in the reactor. There, under conditions of high temperature and pressure, these components are saturated with a special gaseous component.
- After depressurization, the mass begins to expand rapidly, like foam. At the same time, it is gradually cooled and acquires all the properties necessary for a solid body.
- The hot and viscous mass is passed through extruders. With these actions, the polystyrene becomes more dense and similar to a multilayer plastic.
These steps of the process produce a unique extruded material. Only 1%–2% of the immediate structure is made up of polystyrene. The remaining ingredients are water vapor-purified air, which has very low thermal conductivity.
Extruded polystyrene (EPPS) is primarily distinguished by its zero permeability to gases and moisture. This is a high-tech, contemporary material that, unlike, say, mineral wool, does not permit water vapor to permeate its structure. Polystyrene does not absorb water over time and does not lose its insulating properties. Even if the material was not installed precisely right and the dew point reached the insulator’s surface, such issues won’t arise.
Manufacturing at home
Polystyrene foam granules are used to make extruded polystyrene foam.
It is impossible to produce XPS at home, it requires expensive equipment – extruder and production line. It is possible to make ordinary foam plastic from polystyrene granules. It is not necessary to pay attention to the independent production of plates – it will be unprofitable. Such an undertaking is suitable for obtaining fanciful shapes for the purposes of Hand Made activities. The technological process is as follows:
- One-fifth of the bucket is filled with granules and the hose of the steam generator is directed into it.
- Raw materials are steamed and simultaneously mixed until they increase in size.
- In a pre-prepared mold lay out the balls and continue to heat already in it with a hot jet until sintering.
Once the process is complete, the mass is allowed to cool. To remove the completed product, the mold is cracked or opened. The initial balls should have a smaller diameter the more elegant the thing will be.
Comparison of different types: URSA XPS, Technonikol
grade | Description |
"Technonikol" and "Technoplex" | Durable and reliable insulator, suitable for industrial and civil construction. It is used for insulation of walls, roofs, foundations, as well as in the creation of sandwich panels. Thickness in the model line varies in the range of 20-120 mm |
Model classification: XPS "Technoplex" for apartment floors, walls, and balconies; Carbon Solid for road construction; Carbon Prof and Prof Slope for industrial and civil construction; ECO, Carbon ECO SP, Carbon FAS, and Carbon Drain for cottages and private homes.
This article goes into great detail on how to use Technonikol foam glue for polystyrene foam as well as the specific applications for which it can be used.
Finding out the best glue to use on polystyrene foam for exterior projects will also be interesting.
Understanding this information will help you use extruded polystyrene foam, or Styrofoam, correctly and know where to use it.
And this is what you can paint ceiling tiles made of foam plastic, along with a thorough explanation of how to do it in this article.
It will be intriguing to discover the application of plaster on foamlex.
Difference from Styrofoam
The same plastic is known as extruded polystyrene; it has a more uniform structure and many closed cells, each measuring between 0.1 and 0.2 mm in diameter.
Smooth sheets that are either dyed or colorless are produced by combining all the ingredients and running them through an extruder. These materials can be used for their intended purpose once they have completely dried.
Foam plastic and extruded polystyrene foam share many similarities. Polystyrene is the primary chemical component of these products, which have a similar chemical makeup.
Regarding the functional aspect, EPPS and Styrofoam are incomparable. While polystyrene foam goes through the extruder as part of standard production, styrofoam does not.
In this instance, the material undergoes an entirely different transformation through extrusion, leading to entirely different performance characteristics.
Technical characteristics
Penoplex’s technical properties enable you to use the material as insulation in a variety of national climate zones.
The insulator’s primary characteristics are:
- Thermal conductivity – penoplex has excellent thermal insulation characteristics. Average thermal conductivity is 0.03 W/m-ºK.
- Moisture resistance – due to the fact that Penoplex does not absorb water it can be successfully used for insulation of roofs, foundations and basements. In many cases, the use of the material allows you to do without additional measures to apply a moisture-protective layer on the walls.
- Chemical resistance – does not react chemically with many materials used in construction. There are exceptions, solvents: gasoline, toluene, kerosene, acetone and diesel fuel are able to completely dissolve the material. Therefore, during storage, transportation and repair work should be completely exclude the probability of contact with them insulation.
- Biological impact on foamlex is completely free of any negative effects from fungi and other microflora. Only rodents can damage the insulation board, which without much effort make passages in the material.
- Resistance to mechanical damage – perfectly tolerates high loads. For example, at 10% linear deformation, the strength of the material is not less than 0.2 MPa.
- Fire safety – the material is combustible, but when fire retardants are added to the composition, the flame is able to self-extinguish. It should be noted that when burning the board emits caustic, dangerous to human health smoke.
- Operating temperature – the average operating temperature is from – 50 to + 75 degrees Celsius. In this range, penoplex fully retains its mechanical properties and physical properties. If during operation the material will be exposed to higher temperatures, it is possible to melt it, and at a frost below minus 50 degrees the insulation will become brittle and brittle.
- Environmental friendliness – modern technologies allow to produce polymer products without adding toxic substances, so the insulation, if properly used is absolutely safe for health.
- Service life – in case of correctly realized installation and operation, the thermal insulation from penoplex will serve at least 50 years without reduction of heat-insulating properties.
With minor variations in density and mechanical strength based on the intended use and block thickness, all of the previously mentioned characteristics of foamlex are present in every series of the material.
Manufacturers and price
Buying products from reputable manufacturers is advised to guarantee that the insulation fully complies with the specifications and is manufactured in compliance with GOST.
1. BASF is a prominent player in the chemical industry, particularly in the manufacturing of synthetic insulators. The best quality foamed polystyrene is available on the market at a relatively low cost thanks to BASF. There are differences in size and cost per piece; for instance, a material with a 20 mm thickness will set you back about 70 rubles. For 140 rubles, a 40 mm thick plate can be purchased.
2. Polimeri Europa: This manufacturer’s insulation is equally good in terms of both variety and quality. However, the price is more than that of rivals. Penoplex 100x600x1200 Polimeri Europa sheets will cost roughly 400 rubles each.
3. Nova Chemicals, a well-known Canadian business that produces polystyrene foam and specializes in the manufacturing of chemical products. Penoplex 50x600x1200 mm sheets from Nova Chemicals cost 205 rubles each on the home market.
4. Finland produces Styrochem, a polystyrene foam. characterized by a large selection of sizes, good quality, and a reasonable price. The foamed polystyrene produced by this company costs 130 rubles per 40x600x1200 mm unit on the Russian market.
5. Tekhnonikol, a homegrown penoplex producer whose goods can successfully compete with the best insulation samples made in other countries. The price of a sheet of polystyrene foam, called "Tekhnonikol," is 63 rubles for a 20x600x1200 size.
Depending on the material’s thickness, the number of sheets in the package is as indicated in the table:
You don’t have to worry about the quality of the goods you buy when you shop at a retail store that sells original products because all of the listed manufacturers value their reputation as a business.
Scope of application of expanded polystyrene boards
Utilizing XPS The best way to manufacture thermal insulation out of polystyrene boards used in construction. With them, they are insulated:
- Facades.
- Foundation.
- Floor and floors.
- Basements and basements.
- Roof.
In order to provide an external decorative layer, the boards are placed in between the capital wall and the purlins. Certain board models have a textured surface; these models are pieces of the exterior decoration.
It’s crucial! Expanded polystyrene boards are not vapor permeable, so finishing the inside of the house with them is not a desirable option. This implies that more ventilation of the interior space will be needed because moisture cannot be eliminated from the property.
Utilizing EPPS in walls Polystyrene boards are utilized for thermal insulation of technological pipelines, wells, septic drains, cellars, and greenhouses in addition to the walls within the premises. It suffices to simply wrap it around the uneven surface or secure the boards using different adhesives.
Grade | Dimensions (Length x Width x Thickness) |
Standard | 2400mm x 1200mm x 25mm |
Heavy Duty | 2400mm x 1200mm x 50mm |
Super Insulating | 2400mm x 1200mm x 75mm |
Underfloor Heating | 2400mm x 1200mm x 30mm |
Choosing the appropriate Foamlex boards for your insulation requirements is essential to keeping your house cozy and energy-efficient. It’s critical to comprehend the sizes and grades of Foamlex boards when insulating walls, floors, or roofs. To meet the needs of diverse applications and insulating requirements, these boards are available in a range of sizes and thicknesses.
The thickness of Foamlex boards for wall insulation typically varies from 25 to 100 mm, contingent upon the required level of thermal insulation and the installation space. While thinner boards work well in spaces with restricted area, thicker boards provide superior insulating qualities.
Foamlex floor insulation boards are offered in thicknesses ranging from 30 to 150 millimeters. Thickner boards are perfect for ground floors or locations with high heat transfer because they offer better insulation against heat loss. In spaces with limited area or on higher floors, thinner boards can be utilized.
To achieve optimal energy efficiency, roof insulation dimensions must be carefully considered. The thickness of foamlex boards for roofing usually varies from 50 to 200 mm. Particularly in colder climates, thicker boards provide superior thermal resistance and can aid in preventing heat loss through the roof.
To get the best insulation performance, regardless of the application, Foamlex boards with the right dimensions and grades must be chosen. To ensure a well-insulated and energy-efficient home, it is helpful to consult with a professional insulation installer to determine the appropriate board size and thickness for your particular needs.