Insulation is essential for maintaining both comfort and energy efficiency in your home. Furthermore, polystyrene foam for underfloor heating may be the ideal choice if you’re searching for a solution that blends coziness and comfort with simplicity of installation. We’ll cover all you need to know in this guide, including where to use polystyrene foam, how to install it properly, and which type to choose.
Let’s start by discussing what polystyrene foam is. It is essentially a rigid panel or sheet type of insulation material. This foam is perfect for underfloor heating systems because it is strong, lightweight, and has excellent thermal insulation qualities. Because of its effective heat-trapping capabilities, it can help keep your floors warm while lowering energy costs and reducing heat loss.
You may be asking yourself, "Where can I use polystyrene foam for underfloor heating?" The good news is that it works well with wood, tile, and concrete floors, among other types of flooring. It’s crucial to remember that using polystyrene foam with carpet or vinyl flooring is not advised since it could interfere with the functionality of the underfloor heating system.
There are a few things to think about when selecting the best polystyrene foam for your underfloor heating project. You should start by examining the foam panels’ thickness. You might want to choose thicker foam if you live in a colder climate because thicker panels typically offer better insulation. Don’t forget to take into account the foam’s density, as denser foam typically provides better insulation.
Let’s talk about installation now. Installing polystyrene foam is not too difficult, especially if you’re experienced with do-it-yourself projects. Using a utility knife or saw, the foam panels can be easily cut to size and then laid out over the subfloor. To avoid any spaces where heat could escape, it’s crucial to make sure the panels are positioned flat and tightly against one another. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, you can install the underfloor heating system after the foam is in place.
Aspect to consider | Details |
Thickness | Choose thickness based on insulation needs and floor type; typically ranges from 20mm to 50mm. |
Material Quality | Opt for high-density polystyrene foam for durability and efficient insulation. |
Styling Location | Can be installed under various floor coverings like tiles, laminate, or wood. |
Installation | Clean and level the floor, lay down insulation boards, connect heating elements, and cover with flooring. |
What is polystyrene foam
Polistyle foam is a polymer material that has foamed. The process involves adding low-boiling liquid to the mass in order to foam it. Granules with a waterproof shell are the end result.
They then act like hot steam, which causes them to multiply by thirty. Interconnected granules create high-density polystyrene foam plates. This product is special because it can tolerate pressure and compression in spite of its ease of use and airiness.
In the 20th century, German scientists succeeded in obtaining this material through the synthesis of styrene, a chemical compound that was identified through heating styrax resin.
Characteristics and pluses of polystyrene foam
Polistyle foam produces a strong, durable surface when used, which makes it superior to other thermal insulation materials. Though its structure is denser and its cells are smaller, it resembles polystyrene.
The principal advantages of polystyrene foam are:
- The insulation has high moisture resistance and the ability not to pass pairs, which makes it possible to remain thermal conductivity at the required level, even when the moisture is acted on the product;
- provides excellent sound insulation, which is an important condition for the installation of warm systems;
- environmental, and not dangerous for humans;
- insulation prevents the development of fungus and mold;
- resistant to chemicals;
- retains operational properties at maximum temperatures, from – 50 to + 85 degrees;
- It has a slight weight, which allows you to use it without the risk of weighting the structure;
- It is easy to work: styling, trimming, processing, so all procedures can be done independently;
- fits on any base, since its surface is smooth;
- reduced level of thermal conductivity, due to the bubble structure;
- has a waterproofing property, as it is resistant to moisture.
Regarding the material’s safety, it should be mentioned separately because it doesn’t burn and even has the capacity for self-substitution. However, there is a drawback to insulation: when it smolders, harmful compounds are released.
Looking to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient? Consider polystyrene foam for your warm floors. In this guide, we"ll cover everything you need to know: how to choose the right type, where it"s safe to install, and the step-by-step process for installation. Polystyrene foam offers excellent insulation properties, keeping your floors warm while reducing heat loss. We"ll discuss different types of polystyrene foam suitable for various floor types and climates, ensuring you make the best choice for your home. Additionally, we"ll explore where it"s safe to install polystyrene foam, taking into account factors like moisture and structural integrity. Finally, we"ll walk you through the installation process, providing clear instructions to help you achieve optimal results. With polystyrene foam, you can enjoy a comfortable home and lower energy bills all year round.
Supplower selection parameters, what we pay attention to
When purchasing a polystyrene foam coating for a heated floor, you should consider factors like variety and quality.
First impressions matter when it comes to polystyrene foam plates for heated floors. It’s important to consider the following:
- Color – should be bright and uniform, which indicates observing the technological process. More often sold blue or orange shade. The color scheme itself does not affect the characteristics of the product.
- Smell – the presence of a pungent odor is unacceptable, a small light specific can be.
- The form is a clear geometric, and the edges are even and do not crumble.
- Granules – one size without voids.
- The surface is even, otherwise thermal insulation qualities will be reduced.
Just so you know! Experts advise you to pay close attention to where the cut or fault is located. We can discuss the granules’ poor adhesion to one another in this regard because of their integrity. Granules in a high-quality plate should also collapse during the fault.
Analogues of polystyrene foam
While there are several other materials that can be utilized as thermal insulation, polystyrene foam outperforms them in most aspects.
Among them are:
- Cork stove – has a high cost.
- Mineral wool – poorly tolerates moisture, does not fit when installation on the ground, and is contraindicated in the arrangement of water warm floor.
- Foamed polyethylene – the severity of the screed leads to a significant reduction in its thickness.
- Foam – for warm floors less suitable material, since it has a fragile structure and insufficient rigidity. It can be used in warm systems, but in the absence of a load.
Well informed! Polystyrene needs to be well waterproofed, even with the manufacturers’ approval—this is especially true when setting up a water floor. If not, the effect of moisture will cause the degree of thermal insulation to drastically drop.
Kinds
The production process has an impact on the quality of polystyrene foam; different properties and design elements rely on it. Various types of polystyrene are produced.
Profile (polystyrene foam)
Stoves made of polystyrene foam, which were created especially for these systems, gained popularity during the installation of warm floors. The primary benefit of the mats lies in their unique surface-mounted bosses, which significantly streamline the installation process of heating elements by eliminating the need for additional parts to be equipped for their fasteners.
The advantages of these plates
- the presence of a rigid vapor barrier polystyrene foam – protects against condensate;
- mats having a foil of laminated coating – it protects from the action of chemicals in the screed;
- small weight and size – simplifies the course of styling;
- have side locks – a monolithic structure is obtained without acoustic and cold seams;
- the presence of a relief surface on the back – allows you to smooth out small roughnesses of the base, and creates a condition for its ventilation;
- Operational period (50 years) – provided that the warm floors system will be correctly operated;
- The thickness of the slab under the weight of the screed does not change.
Foil polystyrene
Foam in the Polistyle with a foil covering, mainly used for floor heating. Because heat transfers from the floor’s surface occur uniformly, the reflective foil helps to heat the space more efficiently.
Foil must be layered over polystyrene foam when setting up a water floor. The foil polystyrene use will be made easier by the installation procedure.
Benefits of the product:
- thermal resistance to temperature differences;
- excellent sound insulation;
- moisture resistance;
- when heated does not emit toxic substances;
- Not subject to decay.
Crucial! It is not recommended to use this material when installing infrared heated floors.
Unprotected
To make unprotected polystyrene foam, the composition must first be dried and foamed at +80 degrees.
This material is the most affordable, but it’s also the most brittle.
Installing insulation beneath the heated floor in a video
Because EPPS is the best heat insulator and doesn’t release any harmful substances when heated, it’s a great choice for a warm floor substrate. It is not a very effective sound insulator, though, and is fairly fragile.
Pressed and autoclave
The only difference between extruded and pressed materials is in production technology.
The foaming granules are made using the same manufacturing technology, but in an autoclave. Warm flooring cannot be thermally insulated with autoclane polystyrene.
- If the insulation is tired on the screed, then the plates are placed in the joint, and the seams are glued with tape;
- On top of the mats are covered with vapor barrier and waterproofing material;
- An additional crate is installed across the lags, it will contribute to the circulation of ventilation;
- Sheets of plywood are laid by the next layer;
- The guides are mounted from the racks, between which heating elements are laid out;
- If a water system is installed, then a foil is laid on the pipes with a thickness of at least 30 microns, or the entire floor area is covered with foil polyethylene;
- Then, the structure is closed with plywood or OSP sheets – with a dry method, or the screed is filled.
You can now start the flooring installation process.
Installing a warm floor is made a lot easier if you use a polystyrene foam heater with bosses.
Heating components need to be inserted into mat grooves and covered with a waterproofing layer. which is either covered with plywood or filled with screed. After that, you can begin laying the flooring.
Just so you know! It is essential to use extra moisture protection when installing hard boards on compacted gravel.
The comfort and energy efficiency of your home can be significantly affected by the choice you make when selecting polystyrene foam for your warm floor system. Many homeowners favor polystyrene foam because of its superior insulation qualities and simplicity of installation. Before choosing, you should, however, take a few things into account.
First and foremost, it’s critical to select the appropriate kind of polystyrene foam for your unique requirements. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) are two examples of the various varieties that are available, each with pros and cons of their own. While XPS offers better moisture resistance and compressive strength, EPS is lighter and more reasonably priced. When making your choice, take into account elements like your spending limit, the amount of foot traffic in the vicinity, and any moisture issues.
Furthermore, it’s imperative to confirm that your local building codes and regulations permit the use of polystyrene foam. Although underfloor heating systems and insulation are frequently made of polystyrene foam, your locality may have different regulations or limitations. To guarantee compliance and prevent any future problems, always consult your local authorities or building specialists.
It’s time to start installing your warm floor system after you’ve chosen the right polystyrene foam and made sure it works in your location. In order to install polystyrene foam for a warm floor, the insulation boards must normally be laid over the subfloor, making sure that they are properly aligned and covered. Additional steps like installing heating elements and securing the boards might be necessary, depending on the particular system you’re using.
All things considered, selecting and installing polystyrene foam for your heated flooring system can greatly increase your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. You can take advantage of the advantages of a warm and comfortable home for many years to come by choosing the best kind of foam for your requirements, making sure it complies with local laws, and following installation instructions.