Polystyrene plates are quite popular in construction when warming walls, floors or ceilings. The material is characterized by many positive advantages, ease of use and relatively inexpensive price.
Description of building boards
The material in question is made of polystyrene granules, which undergo special processing in several stages. The production of slabs consists in the fact that the granules are first foamed and then stabilized. The latter process helps to restore pressure, and the plates acquire the necessary shape. After manufacturing, the material is allowed to lie down for a day to complete its production.
Polystyrene plates are used in the decoration of facades and for interior work in residential or public buildings. This material is considered harmless to human and animal health, on the contrary, it creates the necessary microclimate in the room. For interior decoration it is used for insulation of walls, ceilings and floors.
Material Features
The considered plates have many advantages, among which the following should be noted:
- The thermal conductivity of the material is much lower than that of wood or brick, so it is characterized by high energy-saving ability. Heat-insulating plates allow during the operation of the building to save on heating, in addition, they are used to protect pipelines from freezing.
- The water resistance of the plates is quite high, the material does not deform, does not dissolve and does not absorb water, so it can be used when warming the foundation of a building, especially when polystyrene contact with the ground is necessary.
- Plates are resistant to chemical and biological substances. They do not dissolve and do not deteriorate when interacting with an alkaline environment, various acids, cleaning or bleaching agents, building materials: cement, paints, bitumen and others. Polystyrene foam plates are resistant to the development of microorganisms, their structure does not allow mold, fungus, algae to appear.
- The strength of the material is quite high at its low density, it does not break and does not deform at bends, under compression.
- Plates are characterized by a long service life, over time they do not lose their shape, thermophysical and mechanical properties. Resistant to temperature extremes, do not rot.
- Fire resistance of the material lies in the fact that polystyrene plates can burn only in the presence of an open flame; outside it, they independently die out. Their spontaneous combustion is possible at a temperature of +491 degrees Celsius.
Use of material for wall decoration
Plates retain heat well, so they are quite popular when facing wall surfaces. The thickness and size of the material are determined by how warm the room should be.
Before finishing, it is necessary to prepare the walls so that the plates are firmly fixed and do not fall off during operation. It is recommended that all surfaces be cleaned of dirt and dust, which can be done with a spatula and brush (vacuum cleaner). In the presence of large irregularities, pits, they must be plastered. In general, heat-insulating boards do not require perfectly even walls.
When finishing surfaces, parts of the material should fit snugly together. If necessary, they are easily cut with a hacksaw, holes in the plates can be made using an electric drill.
Decorating the ceiling with polystyrene elements
The material in question is widely used in the decoration of ceiling surfaces. Here, the plates perform mainly a decorative function, but their heat-insulating and sound-insulating properties help to maintain the necessary heat and less hear neighbors from above.
Modern polystyrene slabs for ceilings are distinguished by a variety of colors, textures and patterns. You can choose a white classic or material with imitation wood. In addition, there are designer tiles with various bizarre shapes.
Before gluing the elements, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the ceiling, while it is not necessary to completely remove the old paint or whitewash, modern adhesives allow you to glue the tiles on the old materials. However, flaky, cracked parts are best sanded. Then the ceiling must be cleaned of dust, degreased and primed.
Polystyrene plates for underfloor heating
Due to the fact that the material in question can withstand quite high temperatures, they began to use it for a warm floor system. Tiles have special channels in which pipes of the heating system will then be laid.
Installation of the floor is quite simple, it is suitable for rooms with low ceilings, in addition, this type of floor exempts from work associated with filling the screed. A plastic film is laid on a basic flat surface, a special damper tape is laid around the perimeter of the room. Then they put the plates, aluminum thermal reflector and pipes of the warm floor.
Close this system by dry screed. For this type of warm floor, any floor covering can be used: laminate, parquet, linoleum.
Tile Adhesive
Technologies do not stand still and develop all the time, this also applies to adhesive materials. A special adhesive for polystyrene plates has appeared on the construction market, which effectively fastens them to almost any surface.
Polyurethane adhesive is suitable for exterior and interior use, is a foam that quickly and reliably glues various materials. This tool is able to replace liquid nails, glue for ceiling and heat-insulating elements, drywall.
Thus, polystyrene slabs are a durable, reliable building material that retains heat well, is waterproof, durable, and resistant to various substances of chemical and biological origin.