Many believe that polystyrene foam, foam plastic are one and the same material. Some home masters claim that these words are synonyms. But if you look in more detail, in these two cases we are talking about different types of thermal insulation.
Features
In order to understand what each of the above materials is, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics. Penoplex is made of polystyrene, melting occurs during production, due to which an integral structure is formed. Ultimately, the material acquires the qualities of elasticity, high strength, resistance to decay, plasticity, low hygroscopicity and thermal conductivity, and resistance to temperature fluctuations. Among other things, penoplex has a slight weight. But there are some drawbacks, namely high cost, susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation, melting at high temperatures, and exposure to rodents.
Featuresmaterials
Expanded polystyrene, penoplex - these are materials that at first glance may seem the same. However, the first of them has slightly different characteristics, although it is also made from polystyrene granules. They are processed during production with dry steam, eventually bonded to each other, forming microscopic pores. Expanded polystyrene has proven itself as a heater due to its quality characteristics, among them are: immunity to chemicals, temperature extremes, ease of installation, low weight and affordable cost. However, it has some disadvantages, for example, on bends, the material can break, release toxic substances during combustion, and also ignite when exposed to a flame. Under the influence of some paints and varnishes, it is destroyed, and also exposed to rodents.
Comparison
Despite the fact that polystyrene foam, foam plastic are different materials, they have many similarities. You have already noticed that they are lightweight, have excellent thermal insulation qualities and are easy to install. However, there are differences, this concerns the degree of strength, fire safety, airtightness and service life. But this list cannot be called complete. If we go into the characteristics in more detail, then the degree of strength of these materials is high, however, foam is moredurable, as it is a solid mass.
As for fire safety, both materials burn, releasing harmful substances into the air. However, penoplex is able to fade on its own. If you want to equip a ventilation facade, then it is best to use expanded polystyrene, as it has the ability to breathe, unlike foam. The service life can be considered very conditional, however, many consumers believe that expanded polystyrene is able to wear out faster, it loses its thermal qualities. After installation, you will be able to notice that the penoplex is not able to pass steam, since there are no pores in its structure.
For reference
The modern consumer pays attention to everything, including the cost. If you want to save money, it is best to purchase polystyrene foam, but the final cost will depend on the manufacturer.
Feedback on areas of use
Expanded polystyrene, penoplex are materials that can be used for a wide range of tasks. However, users are advised to take into account the characteristics of these materials before choosing a heater. For example, for the facade it is recommended to use expanded polystyrene, which has the qualities of breathability. Whereas foam plastic is suitable for loggias and balconies, which is less thick, due to which it is possible to save free space.
Inside the house, it is recommended to think about another option so as not to run intodew point shift and the release of substances harmful to human he alth into the air. According to users, there are no fundamental differences between the two types of thermal insulation when repairing the ceiling, floor and roof. Thus, penoplex has a higher strength, which allows you to refuse to install flooring in the process of arranging the attic space. Among other things, it can be used for thermal insulation of pipes, because it has high strength, which is useful for insulating the basement, as well as the foundation.
Difficult choice
If you conduct a survey, consumers will say that expanded polystyrene is a less modern material, it will take more to carry out insulation, it will absorb moisture during operation. However, the use of certain types of foam in some cases is not justified at all.
Technical characteristics of foam 35
Recently expanded polystyrene is losing its popularity. Penoplex 35, the characteristics of which will be presented below, is becoming widespread. On sale today you can find thermal insulation of this type for the foundation and roof. In the first case, the slabs are able to withstand heavy loads, which makes it possible to use thermal insulation for garden paths, floors and plinths, where high fire resistance is not so important.
The density of this material can vary from 29 to 33 kg/m³, while the compressive strength is 0.27 MPa. For 28 days, the material can absorb 0.5% of water by volume. If you are onlyWhen you start building your house, it's best not to buy Styrofoam. Penoplex 35, whose thermal conductivity is 0.33 W / (m × ° K), is perfect for the foundation. This material can be used in a fairly wide range of temperatures, which vary from -50 to +75 ° С.
The width of the material can be 600 mm, while the length is 1200. It has almost the same dimensions and expanded polystyrene. Penoplex 50 mm is the most common, but you can also find a different thickness on sale, which varies from 20 to 100 mm. If necessary, penoplex can also be used for roof insulation. The structure can be of any type, but most often this insulation is used for lightweight roofs.
Areas of use "Penoplex roofing" are flat ventilated roofs, as well as attic spaces. As practice shows, recently extruded polystyrene foam has become less and less used, foam 35 (penoplex - that's how it is known to the modern consumer) is also used to insulate roofs of the inversion type, which successfully allow the structure to be used for different purposes. On it you can make a green island, plant flowers and trees. It is worth remembering that penoplex is capable of undergoing high loads, which is why it is so common when isolating foundations and blood.
Characteristics of foam 45
If you still don't know what material to choose, you can pay attention to the one that comes with the marking "45". It is used for thermal insulation of railway tracks,highways and airport runways. If the surface will be subjected to high loads, then you should not buy polystyrene foam, foam 45 is suitable for insulation when it needs to be as strong as possible. The thermal conductivity coefficient of this material is 0.03 W/(m×°K), while the density can vary from 35 to 47 kg/m³.
