One of the most advanced thermal insulation materials is extruded polystyrene foam. Outwardly, it resembles a dense foam.
Scope of extruded polystyrene foam
This material is widely used for thermal insulation of foundations, socles of buildings and floors of the first floor. It can be used in stucco facades and layered masonry.
In addition to the construction of buildings, extruded polystyrene foam, the technical characteristics of which will be discussed below, is used in the construction of various types of roads, as it prevents freezing of the soil and, therefore, destruction from the effects of frost heaving. Specialists in the field of agriculture include material in the design of greenhouses, greenhouses and vegetable stores.
The material is also used for thermal insulation of ice arenas, sports grounds and refrigeration units. The special characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam, such as density and compressive strength, allow it to be included in the design of railways and runways. The materials used in these areas are subject to increased requirements for service life and reliability.
Technology for the production of extruded polystyrene foam
The raw material for the release of material is polystyrene granules. During the automated manufacturing process, they foam under high pressure. During the mixing of the granules, various substances are added to them, for example, freons or freon-free systems with carbon dioxide.
The resulting homogeneous mass exits through the die. After cooling, the extruded polystyrene foam, the technical characteristics of the water absorption of which at that time are already practically equal to zero, is cut into equal plates.
Technical characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam
The compressive strength of the material is 200-700 kPa, depending on the application. The strongest slabs are used in industrial construction.
Low water absorption allows the use of extruded polystyrene foam, the thickness of which can be different, in humid places. Many closed cells inside the material prevent liquids from entering. This feature also prevents slabs from passing steam.
Extruded polystyrene foam is resistant to low temperatures, which makes it even more popular among Russian builders. The elasticity of the plates allows for a long time to withstand loads and resist deformation. After exposure, the material quickly restores its original shape.
Plates are easy to install, since extruded polystyrene foam, whose technical characteristics allow it to be quickly glued to almost any surface, can be operated up to -50 ° .
Dimensions of extruded polystyrene foam
In the construction market, the material is presented in the form of plates with dimensions of 600x1200 mm or 600x2400 mm. The thickness of the material can be from 20 to 100 mm.
Extruded polystyrene is sold in packaging stores in construction stores. The number of plates in each of them depends on the thickness. For example, extruded polystyrene foam 50 mm is sold for 8 pieces per pack, its analogue 100 mm thick - for 4. Different manufacturers can sometimes change the size of the plates and produce them not 600 mm, but 580.
Advantages of extruded polystyrene foam
1. Lack of water absorption.
2. Low thermal conductivity. This property makes extruded polystyrene foam an excellent insulating material.
3. Plates are safe for the environment and humans.
4. The material is biostable, that is, it is not subject to decomposition.
5. Low vapor permeability.
6. Retains properties in the temperature range from -50 to +75 ° C. Products from some manufacturers can be used up to -75 ° C.
7. Not affected by microorganisms, fungi and bacteria.
8. The material does not burn if it contains certain additives. It can also prevent the spread of flame.
9. Excellent adhesion to adjacent building materials allows extruded polystyrene foam to avoid damage and corrosion.
10. The properties of the plates remain unchanged after freezing and thawing them more than 1000 times.
11. Extruded polystyrene foam 100 mm can be used at large industrial facilities, which indicates its exceptional properties.
12. The installation process is simple: the plates are attached to the wall with special glue, corners and trims.
13. The service life of the material is more than 50 years.
The disadvantages of extruded polystyrene foam
Despite the large number of advantages, the material has some disadvantages that may not be noticeable under certain operating conditions.
1. Low vapor permeability of the material can lead to the fact that the living room will be constantly stuffy, as the walls will not "breathe".
2. Expanded polystyrene, extruded, the price of which is higher than other heat-insulating materials, according to some experts, has a low level of sound insulation. Most often, this remark applies to plates with a thickness of 20-30 mm.
3. The material is destroyed by prolonged contact with polyvinyl chloride.
4. Plates can not be used in open places, as the resistance to ultraviolet radiation is low.
5. When installing the material for thermal insulation of roofs in baths and saunas, it is not recommended to reach the slab with air heated above 75 ° C.
Extruded polystyrene foam cost and storage conditions
The price of the material is affected by its thickness and size of the plates. For example, polystyrene foam extruded, the price of which differs by about 10%, is marked 1200x600x20 and 1200x600x30. This suggests that the two packages differ only in thickness.
At the enterprise, the plates are wrapped in plastic shrink film. Manufacturers recommend storing them indoors after purchase. An important condition is the absence of direct sunlight. Before the installation of the material begins, it can be stored outdoors in its original packaging.
Extruded polystyrene foam: reviews and recommendations
Some builders dissuade the owners of private houses from wall insulation with expanded polystyrene plates. They attribute this to poor vapor permeability of the material. They say that in such a room it will always be stuffy. But the owners of houses insulated in this way do not see this as a shortcoming. They simply made competent forced ventilation and fresh air always circulates inside the premises, although there is extruded polystyrene foam on the outside. Reviews about him as a heater for floors are various. Some owners note that the stoves quickly light up and emit a lot of smoke. In the event of a fire, evacuation from such a building can be very difficult. This suggests the need for additional fire treatment.
Thus, before you buy extruded polystyrene foam, the price of which is quite high, you need to accurately calculate its required amount. It is also immediately necessary to purchase all the elements for fixing the plates.
Extruded polystyrene foam, the technical characteristics of which were considered in the article, is a modern high-tech material, it will be popular among builders for a long time to come.