Styrofoam: the advantages and subtleties of using the material

For building materials make many demands. Often they are contradictory and have little to do with reality: high quality and low price, strength and lightness, professional results in solving narrowly focused tasks and versatility. However, some materials meet all requirements. Among them - expanded polystyrene. Having studied its advantages and subtleties of use, you can successfully apply the material to solve various construction problems.

Expanded polystyrene is the latest generation building material. In its production, innovative technologies are used, so it is difficult to guess its predecessor. A “evolved” foam polystyrene from a familiar foam plastic - a material that protects household appliances from damage during transport.

The main properties of the foam - lightness and cellular structure - are preserved. Inside the expanded polystyrene plates there is a huge amount of pellets filled with air. Its content reaches 98%. Due to air bubbles, the material has a low thermal conductivity, which is so appreciated during construction.

In the manufacture of foam used water vapor. This makes the material porous, granular and brittle. Polystyrene foam foams with carbon dioxide, so its characteristics are improved. It is distinguished by:

• high density per cubic meter;
• less porous structure;
• appearance and structure on the cut;
• higher price.

Foamed (extruded) polystyrene passes through eight production steps:

1. In the raw materials add fire-fighting substances - flame retardants. Also in the course are dyes, plasticizers, brighteners.
2. The finished composition is loaded into the equipment for pre-foaming.
3. There is a primary foaming and "vylezhivanie" mass.
4. "Sintering" and molding. Molecules of the raw material are linked to each other, forming strong bonds.
5. Processing on special equipment, which is necessary to give the substance its unique properties.
6. Final foaming of the substance and cooling.
7. The substance is stabilized and the surface is polished to a smooth state.
8. Cutting into plates and sorting.

Extruded polystyrene has its advantages and disadvantages in the quality of building material.

Pros:

• Wide scope. It is used for interior and exterior work on various surfaces: floor, walls, ceiling, as an insulating, packaging and decorative material. In addition to the construction industry, its use is common in the production of toys, household accessories, household appliances, military and medical industries.
• Low thermal conductivity. Due to this property, polystyrene often serves as a heat insulating material. It prevents heat loss in the room, which affects the cost of heating. The better the insulation, the cheaper it costs to heat the house.
• Low moisture permeability.Inside the material are sealed granules, which penetrates the minimum amount of water. It is so small that it is unable to destroy the structure of the material and negatively affect its insulating qualities.

• Improves sound insulation in the room. To achieve the maximum effect you need to combine it with other materials, but in a room where the problem is not pronounced, it will be enough.
• Easy to cut. During the installation process it is possible to divide the plates into fragments. The cut will turn out equal, will not crumble. This is a distinctive feature of quality material.
• It has a relatively small weight. To work with the material is enough one pair of hands. In addition, the advantage of light weight is that the polystyrene lining does not give a large load on the walls or floors in the room.
• Just mounted. For finishing walls, floor or ceiling do not need special skills.
• Resistant to many chemicals.

• Insensitive to the effects of living organisms. That is, it does not form a mold, insects and rodents do not spoil it.
• Due to its internal structure refers to the "breathable" materials.This is important when finishing the walls, as no condensation is formed.
• Aligns any work surface. From above the decorative covering well lays down.
• Plates of polystyrene can be glued directly to the wall of the building (or other surface), without mounting the batten for this. This reduces the time and financial costs of repairs and simplifies them at times.
• The minimum term of operation is 15-20 years.
• Low cost of finishing per square meter.

Minuses:

• Warming a large area of ​​walls, ceiling or floor will be expensive even at a small cost of material per square meter.
• For maximum tightness of the finish, you may need additional materials in the form of building tape and sealant.
• Sheathing foam does not regulate the temperature in the room by itself. It works on the principle of a thermos: it retains heat during the cold season, maintains coolness in the roast. If thermoregulation is poorly tuned in the room, then the effectiveness of polystyrene is zero.
• Despite the "breathing" ability of the material, with a full house covering with foam polystyrene, ventilation is required.

• Material is afraid of ultraviolet radiation.Under the influence of sunlight, internal bonds in the structure of the substance are destroyed, and natural conditions accelerate the destruction of extruded polystyrene.
• Some types of paint, substances based on petroleum products, acetone, gasoline, kerosene, epoxy resin eats polystyrene foam.
• Mandatory decoration on top of polystyrene foam to close all seams and protect it from sunlight.
• The density of the material is greater in comparison with the foam, but the foam polystyrene loses to other materials according to this criterion. It is more suitable for finishing the ceiling and walls, and under the flooring it shrinks with a constant point mechanical effect (walking, moving the furniture).

For compliance with building codes are important technical characteristics of the material. These include: brand, overall dimensions of sheets, thermal conductivity, moisture absorption coefficient, combustibility by fire safety class, strength, service life, storage method. The technical characteristics are not of paramount importance are the color and texture of the plates.

The dimensions of sheets (plates) of polystyrene foam are calculated by three parameters: length, width, height.The first two indicators are the same if the plate is square.

Standard plate sizes are 100 cm wide and 200 cm long for sheet material, 100x100 for slab material. With such parameters GOST allowed the size of more or less than the norm by 1-10 mm. Non-standard but in demand sizes - 120x60 cm, 100x100, 50x50, 100x50, 90x50. The material is easily cut, so you can adjust the parameters to suit your own needs. Allowable deviations from non-standard sheets - up to 5 mm.

For thickness, these indicators are more stringent, since the thickness is the main criterion for the choice of polystyrene foam. It is variable for different types of repair and construction works. The minimum values ​​are 10, 20 mm, 30, 40, 50 mm. Maximum - 500 mm. Usually 50-100 mm is enough, but on request, some manufacturers can make a batch of plates of non-standard thickness. According to building standards for most regions of Russia, the required thickness of polystyrene insulation is at least 10-12 cm.

Thermal conductivity is one of the most important indicators. It is determined by the thickness of the air gap inside the material plate, since it is air connections that make it able to retain heat inside the room. Measured in watts per square meter and per Kelvin.The closer the indicator is to one, the less it has the ability to keep warm in the room.

For plates of different thickness and density, the thermal conductivity varies in the range of 0.03-0.05 W / sq. m to Kelvin.

Some manufacturers use graphite additives. They stabilize the thermal conductivity in such a way that the density ceases to play a role.

A good example of the effectiveness of polystyrene is a comparison with mineral wool. Thermal insulation properties of mineral wool are considered good, while thermal insulation of 10 cm polystyrene gives the same result as a mineral wool layer of 25-30 cm.

Measured in kg / sq. m. For different types of polystyrene can vary by 5 times. Thus, extruded polystyrene has a density of 30, 33, 35, 50 kg / sq. m, and impact resistant - 100-150 kg / sq. m. The higher the density, the better the performance of the material.

To measure the parameters of the strength of the material alone is almost impossible. It is necessary to pay attention to certified data. Normal compressive strength - from 0.2 to 0.4 MPa. The rate of bending - 0.4-0.7 MPa.

Often, manufacturers declare that the moisture absorption of the material is zero. In reality, this is not the case; it absorbs up to 6% of the moisture that falls on it during precipitation and washing of the facade.Disputeability of expanded polystyrene is considered controversial. On the one hand, the addition of pyrene makes the material resistant to fire, on the other hand, this does not mean that the fire dies out when it collides with the material.

Polystyrene melts fast enough. At the same time, high-quality material does not emit acrid smoke, and melting stops after 3 seconds after the fire goes out. That is, other materials cannot ignite from expanded polystyrene, but it supports combustion. Different brands are assigned a class from K4 to K1. The most safe are the materials of mark K0, but expanded polystyrene does not apply to them.

Other important parameters:

• Vapor permeability For different types of polystyrene, this indicator is 0.013 - 0.5Mg / m * h * Pa.
• Weight. It starts from 10 kg per cubic meter.
• Temperature range of use: the lower temperature threshold is -100, the upper +150.
• The term of operation: not less than 15 years.
• Noise isolation - 10-20 dB.
• Storage: in sealed packaging away from sunlight and moisture.
• Brand: EPS 50, 70, 80, 100, 120, 150, 200. The higher the brand, the better and more expensive the material.
• Colour. The most common colors are white, carrot, blue.

Polystyrene is subdivided into varieties according to four main criteria: structure, production method, purpose, scope.

According to the structure, atactic, isotactic, syndiotactic polystyrene foam is distinguished.

It makes no sense to delve into the complex structural formula of substances. For the buyer, it is important to know only that the first type is the most productive and widely used in private and large-scale construction, the second is most durable, dense and fire resistant and can be used in rooms with increased fire safety requirements, and the third type is universal due to its chemical stability, density and heat resistance. It can not only be mounted in any type of room, but also covered on top with all kinds of paints and varnishes.

According to the method of production, there are a greater number of polystyrene types. Extruded polystyrene foam is the most common, since it has all the necessary qualities for construction. But there are other ways of production.Changes in some stages and composition of raw materials allow us to obtain materials with different characteristics. Some are less dense, but combustible, others are the most durable and fire resistant, others are not afraid of moisture, and the fourth combines all the best qualities.

There are eight methods in total, two of which are outdated. Over the nearly century-long history of polystyrene and its derivatives, the emulsion and suspension methods have lost their relevance.

In modern conditions are available:

• Extruded polystyrene foam. Foam material with small, equally sized granules. Instead of harmful phenols, carbon dioxide is used.
• Extrusion. It is practically the same as extruded, but is used mainly in the food industry (packaging), therefore among its properties environmental friendliness is more important than strength.
• Pressroom. Undergoes additional pressing procedure, therefore, is considered more durable and resistant to mechanical loads.

• Non-express. The mixture cools and solidifies independently inside a special form. At the exit, the product has a convenient size and geometry for cutting.The procedure does not require intervention (pressing), so it is cheaper than pressing.
• Blocky. Products obtained by conversion (several processing cycles at the same stages) are characterized by high levels of environmental cleanliness and the highest possible quality.
• Autoclave. Variety of extruded material. The properties practically do not differ, only other equipment is used for foaming and “roasting”.

By appointment, polystyrene is also different. Cheap but high-quality general purpose polystyrene has become widespread. It does not differ in mechanical stability and density, is considered fragile, has the smallest class of fire safety. However, the material is hard and holds the shape, which makes it possible to use it in cases where it will not be carried out mechanical load: lighting, outdoor advertising, decoration.

For more complex tasks, high-impact polystyrene foam is used. In addition to being less brittle and non-flammable, it contains substances that are responsible for UV resistance and color pigments.UV stabilizers protect the structure from destruction, and color from burning out and the formation of yellowness.

Plates of high-impact polystyrene foam have a different surface texture: smooth, corrugated, matte or glossy, reflective and light-scattering.

We should also note the high-impact foil polystyrene foam. It has a high frost resistance and is more effective as a heater. It is also used in the production of refrigeration equipment, since its “thermos properties” (to keep the temperature inside the object) is higher than in other types. High-impact polystyrene is used in many areas: the production of toys, dishes, household appliances, finishing materials.

Categorization of expanded polystyrene by scopes is more extensive. There are several areas: for the food and non-food industry, for rough and decorative finishes, for interior and exterior.

For food products (lunch boxes, containers, substrates, disposable dishes) polystyrene with environmentally friendly additives is used. Similar raw materials are used in the production of the non-food industry (children's toys, refrigerators, thermal containers).In the manufacture of toys add more dyes and components that are responsible for the strength of the product.

Rough finish can be internal and external. In all cases, polystyrene is used to prevent heat loss and / or improve sound insulation in the room. Less commonly, it is used to level the work surface.

Indoor polystyrene is used in construction and repair works for covering various surfaces.

In residential areas:

• For the floor. Polystyrene plates are mounted on the entire surface of the subfloor when there is a need to isolate a floating or dry screed. For this, the material is quite even and dense, contributes to heat and sound insulation. You need to choose durable and dense plates that can withstand a lot of weight per square cubic meter and have maximum compressive strength. Plus the use of polystyrene foam plates for mounting the screed in that this material does not give such a large load on the ceiling, as a monolithic screed. It is relevant for old rooms with weak floors and for bases with high moisture absorption, on which it is difficult to pour a monolithic screed (in a block or wooden house).

Also, polystyrene provides a perfectly flat surface for installation of flooring.It is a waterproof substrate for laminate, parquet and other types of hard topcoat.

• For the ceiling. Properties such as density, strength, light weight and convenient shape make the material suitable for sound insulation of the ceiling. Under it does not require a frame obreshetka, the material can be glued directly on the glue, and fill the voids with non-hardening sealant. Two layers of slabs mounted in a scramble will give a noticeable result in the fight against extraneous noise in the apartment. It is convenient to mount a hinged ceiling or to glue a decorative tile over a flat sound-proof pillow. The tile, in turn, is also a derivative of polyurethane with decorative processing.

• For walls. In the decoration of vertical surfaces indoors, polyurethane is rarely used. Errors during installation lead to the fact that efficiency is reduced to zero, and the room loses in volume not only visually - the useful area of ​​the room also suffers. However, sometimes polyurethane is used for wall cladding indoors to align or erect a light partition inside the room and divide it in half.

• For roof. Here we are talking about the insulation of the roof from the inside. This option is relevant for living rooms in the attic and for attic insulation in the bath. Styrofoam at the same time retains heat, prevents the formation of condensate and needs minimal effort on waterproofing. The best option for finishing the attic is foiled polystyrene.
• For pipes. Pipes and risers of various communications are protected from freezing with the help of sheet foil polystyrene of small thickness. The same technique helps to improve sound insulation.

In some cases, polystyrene is used to create a decor in the interior of residential premises. They make tiles, ceiling plinth, decorative sockets, moldings, false portals for fireplaces.

In the tambour and business premises (on the border of the street-house):

• for a balcony or loggia;
• for the veranda and terrace;
• for the basement.

In all cases, frost-resistant foiled polystyrene foam is used, which prevents excessive heat loss and does not allow the room to heat up too much in hot weather.

As for the exterior of polystyrene, it can also be rough and decorative.Draft is used for the foundation, facade and manufacture of permanent formwork. Decorative - only to decorate the facade.

Warming the foundation from the outside protects it from freezing, cracking and partly from groundwater. The impact of these factors, polystyrene takes over, which significantly reduces its service life. It is more reasonable to mount the plates from the inside (if the foundation is tape-shaped), so it will last longer.

Covering the facade of residential and non-residential premises using polystyrene to improve thermal insulation is possible in three ways:

1. Mounting on a frame or frameless wall finish outside the room. This makes it possible to competently organize waterproofing and vapor barrier if necessary, reduces heat loss, increases sound insulation. Such trimming can be dismantled when repairing the facade.
2. Well laying, which is carried out simultaneously with the construction of the walls of the building. In this case, polystyrene is “bricked up” into a brick or block wall and serves as a heat insulating layer.
3. Simultaneous decorative and insulating sheathing. It is possible when using CIP panels and ventilated decorative panels for the facade.Outside the panel is made of polymers, and inside is a thick layer of polystyrene. Mounted construction on the crate. The result is a beautiful, high-quality, effective finish “two in one”.

Separately, it is worth noting the possibility of exterior cladding of buildings using polystyrene. Firstly, it can be painted and conveniently sheathed. And secondly, decorative elements of the facade are made of this material: cornices, columns and pilasters, platbands, thermal panels, 3-D figures. All elements look neat and realistic, and are many times cheaper than counterparts from gypsum, stone and wood.

The production of polystyrene began at the beginning of the last century and is developing at an active pace to the present day, therefore the products of many competitive firms are on the market. Reviews of professionals and ordinary users helped to identify the leaders among them.

Ursa - the only manufacturer who, on a legal basis, provides a guarantee for products up to 50 years. If during this period negative changes occur in the material, which are fixed in the warranty conditions, the company will pay damages.

Ursa polystyrene is chosen for the reason that for an affordable price you can buy a product that meets all the technical requirements for exterior and interior decoration. It is moisture-resistant, high-strength, does not freeze through, absorbs only 1-3% of moisture, is easy to cut and convenient for installation. By production only natural gas and materials which conform to the European standard are used. This makes polystyrene safe for humans and the environment.

Knauf - German manufacturing giant, producing products for all types of finishing works. Often appears in the list of market leaders due to consistently high quality and guarantees. Heavy-duty polystyrene foam is used in all areas, from the food industry to medicine. He is even trusted in the decoration of municipal premises and public places.

On the territory of the Russian Federation, Knauf polystyrene is actively used in the repair and construction of metro stations.

The products of this manufacturer differ in price above the average, but it fully justifies itself.

Closes the top three universal insulation material from the company "TechnoNIKOL". Innovative technologies, cost effectiveness and high quality are combined in the XPS product line. The manufacturer is domestic, so the product is available in the minimum price segment.

Also among the popular brands marked Penoplex and "Elite-layer".

In order for polystyrene foam to serve for a long time and cope with its functions, it is important to choose the right material and secure it on the working surface.

For fastening it is recommended to use specialized glue. It does not contain acetone, resins and refined products that corrode the material.

When choosing polystyrene, manufacturers advise to consider several factors: brand, density, weight, strength. The higher these indicators, the better the material. But with flammability and thermal conductivity, the opposite is true - the closer the indicator is to zero, the better the material will manifest itself in operation.

It is necessary to check these data in the accompanying documents, otherwise there is a high risk of acquiring a fake.

Without studying the certificates, you can check the quality with a little trick. It is necessary to break off a piece of expanded polystyrene from a solid sheet and look at the scrap: if it is smooth and the cells are small and of equal size, the material is good.Low-quality polystyrene crumbles and demonstrates large cells on scrapping.

On the benefits of polystyrene foam, see the following video.