Many people believe that polystyrene foam and penoplex 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.
Specifications
In order to understand what each of the above materials is, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics. Penoplex is made of polystyrene, during the production, melting occurs, due to this an integral structure is formed. Ultimately, the material acquires the qualities of elasticity, high strength, resistance to decay, ductility, low coefficient of hygroscopicity and thermal conductivity, and immunity to temperature fluctuations. Among other things, penoplex is light in weight. But there are some disadvantages, namely the high cost, susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation, melting under the influence of high temperatures, as well as exposure to rodents.
Material Features
Expanded polystyrene, polystyrene 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 the production of dry steam, ultimately bonded to each other, forming microscopic pores. Expanded polystyrene has proven itself as an insulation material due to its quality characteristics, among them we can distinguish: 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, penoplex are different materials, they have many similarities. You have already noticed that they are light weight, have excellent thermal insulation properties and are easy to install. However, there are differences, this applies to the degree of strength, fire safety, air tightness and durability. But this list cannot be called complete. If you go into the characteristics in more detail, then the degree of strength of these materials is high, but the foam is more durable, since it represents 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, it is best to use polystyrene foam, as it has the ability to breathe, unlike foam. The term of operation can be considered very conditional, but many consumers believe that expanded polystyrene is able to wear out faster, it loses its heat engineering qualities. After installation, you will notice that the penoplex is not able to pass steam, as there are no pores in its structure.
For reference
A modern consumer pays attention to everything, including cost. If you want to save money, it is best to purchase polystyrene foam, however, the final cost will depend on the manufacturer.
Reviews of areas of use
Expanded polystyrene, polystyrene are materials that can be used for a wide range of tasks. However, users are advised to consider the characteristics of these materials before choosing a heater. For example, it is recommended to use expanded polystyrene for the facade, which has the properties of breathability. Whereas for loggias and balconies penoplex is suitable, which is less thick, due to which it is possible to maintain free space.
Inside the house, it is recommended to think about another option, so as not to encounter a shift in the dew point and the release of substances harmful to human health into the air. According to users, there are no fundamental differences between the two types of insulation during the repair of the ceiling, floor and roof. Thus, the foam is characterized by 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 when insulating the base and the foundation.
Difficult choice
If you conduct a survey, then consumers will say that expanded polystyrene is a less modern material, it will require more for insulation, during operation it will absorb moisture. However, the use of certain types of foam in some cases is not at all justified.
Specifications of foam 35
In recent years, expanded polystyrene has been losing its popularity. Penoplex 35, the characteristics of which will be presented below, is becoming widespread. On sale today you can find this type of insulation for the foundation and roof. In the first case, the plates are able to withstand heavy loads, which allows the use of thermal insulation for garden paths, floors and socles, 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 just starting to build your home, it is best not to purchase expanded polystyrene. Penoplex 35, whose thermal conductivity is 0.33 W / (m × ° K), is perfect for the foundation. This material can be operated at a fairly wide range of temperatures, which vary from -50 to +75 ° C.
The width of the material can be equal to 600 mm, while the length is 1200. It has almost the same dimensions and polystyrene foam. Penoplex 50 mm is the most common, but another thickness can be found on sale, which varies from 20 to 100 mm. If necessary, penoplex can also be used for roof insulation. The design can be of any type, but most often this insulation is used for lightweight roofs.
Fields of use "Penoplex roofing" are flat ventilated roofs, as well as attics. As practice shows, in recent years, extruded polystyrene foam has become less and less used, foam 35 (foam plastic is the way it is known to the modern consumer) is also used to isolate inverse type roofs, which successfully use the design for different purposes. On it you can make a green island, plant flowers and trees. It is worth remembering that penoplex is able to undergo high loads, so it is so common in the isolation of foundations and blood.
Characteristics of foam 45
If you still do not know what material to choose, then you can pay attention to the one that comes with the marking "45". It is used for thermal insulation of railroad tracks, highways and airfield runways. If the surface will be subjected to high loads, then it is not necessary to purchase polystyrene foam, foam 45 is suitable for insulation, when it should be as strong as possible. The thermal conductivity of this material is 0.03 W / (m × ° K), while the density can vary from 35 to 47 kg / m³.