Extruded polystyrene is a synthetic insulation material that was developed back in the 1950s. Among its main advantages are water resistance, excellent resistance to deformation, low thermal conductivity and resistance to inorganic solvents. If you decide to use polystyrene (insulation), you should be aware that it can withstand high temperatures. It can be operated in the range from -500 to +750 degrees. The material is thin, lightweight and durable. If we compare with wood, then polystyrene for insulation will need only 2 centimeters, as for wood, this figure should be equal to 2.5 meters. Brickwork will be able to provide the same insulation effect with a thickness of 3.7 centimeters, but mineral wool, to achieve the same effect, should be 3.8 centimeters thick.
Consumer Reviews
Polystyrene is a heater that is claimed tobuyers, has a wide range of uses. It can be installed both outside and inside buildings. It acts as the main part of the sandwich panels that are used in construction. This thermal insulation can be used to provide well masonry, as well as, if necessary, roof insulation. Experts emphasize that it has found wide application even in road construction. Polystyrene - a heater which is characterized by high resistance to influence of water. Due to these characteristics, it can be used for the restoration of basements, attics, where there is a high level of humidity. This material can be used even in those rooms that almost do not warm up. In civil engineering, it is used for arranging runways, as well as building swimming pools. Some grades of polystyrene are able to withstand huge loads that reach 45 tons per square meter. Thanks to this, it is possible to use the described thermal insulation for insulating pitched and flat roofs on a concrete base. Polystyrene is an insulation that can be fixed with special glue or using mushroom dowels.
General Features
Extruded polystyrene is used for thermal insulation of freezers and refrigeration units, isothermal vans and ice arenas. It perfectly demonstrated its qualitative characteristics when working on surfaces that are deep into the ground and are under the influence of groundwater. Additionally, conditions can be complicated by low temperatures. Therefore, the material can even be used for insulation of foundations, as well as in the construction of railways and highways. Sheet polystyrene has excellent sound insulation characteristics, which are complemented by thermal insulation qualities. Due to its high resistance to biogenic pests, the material can be used for thermal insulation of loggias, balconies, walls of industrial and residential buildings, as well as roofs.
Fire resistance characteristics
Do not believe sellers, as well as manufacturers who claim that polystyrene has no flaws. The use of this thermal insulation is prohibited during construction in the USA and the European Union. The reason for this was the fire of a newly renovated building in Germany. Cause: extruded polystyrene fire. If you decide to purchase sheet polystyrene, you should remember that with all its obvious positive qualities, the attitude towards this material remains ambiguous. The stumbling block is fire resistance. During the manufacturing process, flame retardants are added to the ingredients, which are designed to prevent the spread of fire when exposed to it. However, the insulation will smolder, releasing toxic substances that can be fatal.
Installation instructions
Polystyrene, the properties of which were described above, should be installed afterpreparation of a specific set of tools and materials. Among them are glue designed to work with foam, primer, plaster, the last of which will be needed to treat the surface of the walls. Do not forget about dish nails, as well as nylon cords, the former will be necessary for additional mechanical fixation, while the latter will be used to determine surface irregularities. Among other things, it is important to have a tool - a level, a spatula, a screwdriver, a drill, as well as a hacksaw and a clerical knife.
Expert Tips
Polystyrene, whose properties are the subject of our review, is best installed in the warm season, when the thermometer has not dropped below +5 degrees. This is important for those cases where it is supposed to use glue for thermal insulation. In order to achieve a positive result, it is recommended to use two types of insulation fixing, namely glue and dowels. This will ensure reliable thermal insulation that will last for many years.
Glue preparation
Polystyrene, the use of which was described above, must be installed using a special adhesive, the instructions for its preparation must be observed. It is important to avoid the use of independent actions and incorrect recipes, as non-compliance with the recipe will cause poor fixation of the material.
What a master needs to know
Polystyrene, the application of which is described above, must be installed according to a certain technology. It involves the advance application of glue. The composition must be coated with foam sheets an hour before they are attached to the surface. If the walls are fairly even, then the mixture should be rubbed as thinly as possible over the entire sheet. If the surface has irregularities, then it is necessary to carry out some work beforehand.
Surface preparation
Insulation with polystyrene provides for the need for pre-treatment of the base. First, the surface must be washed from dust and dirt. After that, unnecessary items are removed, such as pieces of reinforcement, protruding nails, and other things. To level the facade, you can use a plaster mixture, and in those places where there are cracks and crevices, it is best to go through putty. This will eliminate unpleasant consequences and improve the quality of thermal insulation. The final stage of preparation is the application of a primer.
Installation installation
It is important to install according to panel technology. Polystyrene in this case will show all its positive qualities. It is necessary to join the sheets with cut sides, since they have a flat surface, due to this, the gaps will be minimal. Large seams are best de alt with with liquid Styrofoam or Styrofoam pieces. However, you should not use mounting foam, as it will contribute to the expansion of the insulation, which will negatively affect the integrity of the structure. Irregularities of joints on sheets can beremove with a grater or coarse sandpaper. Polystyrene, the characteristics of which were presented above, must be fastened with dish-shaped dowels that have a different hat. It will be able to efficiently drive the sheet to the surface. The rest of the fasteners, such as nails or self-tapping screws, should be discarded, since there is a possibility that a strong wind will deform the insulation. After installing the fasteners, the self-tapping screw will need to be covered with putty.
Installation recommendations
After the polystyrene sheet is attached to the wall, you will need to install dowels in the holes. Initially, the fasteners will need to be installed around the perimeter, and then press the central part. As soon as one row is ready, you can proceed to the second. Work should be carried out moving from left to right. It is important to adhere to the level, for this you can use a laser or construction device. However, it is worth considering that it will not be possible to completely get rid of the error. Until the glue sets, you can still cut or substitute the material in certain places.
Installation of insulation in two layers
Polystyrene, the price of which is quite acceptable for the modern consumer, can be installed in two layers. If there is a need for more efficient insulation, then this technology should be used. The first layer does not need to be covered with putty; finishing work of this type should be transferred to the second layer. Fixing can be done without glue, using only dish-shaped dowels, the length of which should correspond to the thickness of two words. Should be excludedthe likelihood of mechanical fasteners getting into the place where the dowel is already installed. If this happens, then in this case it will be necessary to redo the work, and it will not be possible to get rid of the hole. The sizes of polystyrene are different. For this reason, before visiting the store, it is recommended to calculate the area of the insulated surface. Thus, for a square slab 1100x500 mm you will have to pay 1500 rubles.
Final works
Once the insulation is installed, it should be left until the glue dries. For decorative surface finishing, plaster can be used, however, surface reinforcement is used. The grid is installed by some owners of private houses. Used for decoration and plastic profiles, as well as lining. You must independently choose for yourself the option that will be most acceptable. If the work is done independently, then it is important to evaluate your abilities, because the appearance of your home will depend on the quality of the installation. Polystyrene, the price of which was mentioned above, is an effective thermal insulation. You can use it in several layers in order to achieve a positive result. This is the approach recommended by experts in their field. Every home master will be able to do such work.
