When it becomes necessary to warm the house, many choose the progressive polystyrene material for these purposes. However, few buyers think about the brands and species diversity of these plates. Often, the buyer simply goes to the store and takes what is available. But is such a course of action correct?
If you know what polystyrene density can be, what types of this material exist, what options for its use can be, it will help to save time and perform work as efficiently as possible.
Varieties of material
Expanded polystyrene is divided into the following categories:
- Pressed (PS).
- No-stress (PSB).
- Extrusion (EPS).
- Autoclave.
- Autoclave extrusion.
The difference in the types of material lies only in the varieties of added impurities in the composition. It could be:
- Flame retardant.
- Plasticizer, etc.
The use of additional components in the composition of the mixture leads to significant differences in physical and mechanical characteristics.
Let's get acquainted with the main, most common types of expanded polystyrene in more detail.
Press
The name of the type of polystyrene speaks of the method for the production of facing slabs, which are so often used for facade insulation. By pressing, polystyrene is obtained, the density and strength of which are distinguished by increased performance. In terms of heat-insulating properties, this material practically does not differ from non-stress.
PS is not widespread, because the technological process of manufacturing this kind of material is more complicated than the type specified above, which directly proportionally affects the cost increase.
No-stress
One of the widespread species, characterized by a large number of advantages and differences:
- You can recognize the goods by marking on the packaging and the abbreviation PSB.
- Low cost.
- Simple technology for obtaining material.
- High density polystyrene.
Foamed
What is the density of polystyrene? You can find out by the numbers following the abbreviation. The higher this indicator, the greater its thickness, that is, the positive qualities of the material are better. Expanded polystyrene foam differs in terms of density, ranging from 15 to 50 kg / m 3 . The thinnest is intended for warming household buildings, and polystyrene sheets with a density of 30 kg / m 3 are already suitable for thermal insulation of residential buildings.
Features of the material and its characteristics
The density indicator determines the degree of transmission and accumulation of moisture. For example, low numbers mean that the moisture permeability of polystyrene does not exceed 2% of the mass of the sheet, but this is only an approximate designation.
Regardless of the density of the expanded polystyrene, the material is practically not susceptible to moisture, but it is better not to allow direct exposure to water, according to the conditions that are put forward by building codes for the use of this material.
Mark and density directly affect the flammability of the material, the higher the indicator - the safer the polystyrene. Do not forget about safety measures and warnings of possible fires. This is due to the fact that the material will not burn, but it melts fine. At the same time, corrosive poisonous fumes are released into the air, which do not affect the health of the human body in the best way.
Resistance to polystyrene to deformation and mechanical stress
A special property that directly depends on the density of the extruded polystyrene is its resistance to deformation. The higher the strength and density, the stronger the material. Many worry that as a result of temperature changes or individual architectural features of the structure, polystyrene will crumble or break. To reduce this probability, you need to choose a material with high strength indicators.
Resistance to mechanical stress and ultimate loads also depends on the indicator in question. In this case, it must be taken into account that the quality of the stability of the material depends on how high the figure indicating the density is.
Considering that any construction work involves loads, regardless of whether they are short-term or permanent, it is worthwhile to acquire the right type of material, taking into account the own characteristics of the future building.
Resistant to shape changes
This is another feature of the material that is worth paying attention to. Long-term storage of plates under improper storage conditions can lead to passive deformation or shrinkage.
Polystyrene is a high-quality material, characterized by a number of advantages. Its heat-insulating and noise-proofing properties are exceptional, which is explained by the filling of voids between the granules with special protective compounds, usually a flame retardant. The thickness of the material does not differ from traditional polystyrene plates used for decorating building facades.
The bulk density of the extruded polystyrene determines the possibility of using it in exterior architectural refinements. Such a material must meet the requirements for elasticity at low temperatures so that the plates do not deform and do not become cracked. Guided by such requests, it is preferable to use thinner plates that fully satisfy the thermal insulation requirements.
Features of interaction with the environment
Interaction with aggressive environment and moisture is of no small importance, for example, for thermal insulation of the foundation. The soil condition is such that acidity or alkalinity have a negative effect on wood or other types of insulation.
In this case, laying the extruded polystyrene plates will be the best solution. Unlike the classical version, such sheets practically do not absorb moisture and do not interact with the chemical composition of the soil.
The covering surface must be resistant to significant physical conditions: compression, bending, torsion. Compared with simple polystyrene, the density of the extruded polystyrene foam has a more elastic structure, is able to work in all directions.
Features of the use and installation of polystyrene
Do not think that with an increase in the positive qualities and density of the material, the features of laying, transportation and other works associated with installation will change. As with conventional foam boards, a regular saw or knife is used during such work. To simplify the process, the purchase of a suitable size plate from the available range of products and models on the market, as well as their dimensions, can simplify the process. Buyers and craftsmen working with polystyrene have already managed to verify this fact in practice, for example, when insulating the roof, where installation is carried out in uncomfortable conditions, and the roof structure consists of several slopes.
Material for arranging a warm floor
Underfloor heating has been used more and more recently. In order for them to function normally, it is necessary to make a heat-insulating layer. For these purposes, extruded polystyrene for a warm floor with a density of 30-40 kg / m 3 is excellent. The presence of such material helps prevent the loss of heat generated by heating panels.
It is appropriate to say that the thickness of the material is selected individually. If it is recommended to take polystyrene with a density of 30-40 kg / m 3 , then this should be used.
When equipping a water heated floor system above rooms that are not heated, it is important to know that the optimal thickness of the insulation for a warm floor should be at least 100 mm. This also applies when arranging the floor on the ground.
Material Guidelines
When choosing a material for insulation of the facade or foundation, note that the quality of the work performed depends on:
- The bulk density of polystyrene.
- The possibility of interaction of the material with harmful conditions and aggressive environments.
- The quality of the material.
- Material cost.
Now you know what the density of polystyrene is and you can choose the material that is optimal for your needs.