Extruded polystyrene is a synthetic insulation material, which was developed back in the 50s of the last century. Among its main advantages are water resistance, excellent deformation resistance, low thermal conductivity and resistance to inorganic solvents. If you decide to use polystyrene (insulation), you should know that it is able to undergo exposure to high temperatures. It can be operated with a range from -500 to +750 degrees. The material is characterized by small thickness, low weight and durability. If we compare with wood, then polystyrene for insulation will need only 2 centimeters, as for wood, this figure should be equal to 2.5 meters. Brickwork will be able to provide the same warming effect with a thickness of 3.7 centimeters, but mineral wool, to achieve the same effect, must be 3.8 centimeters thick.
Consumer Reviews
Polystyrene is a heater, which, according to customers, has a wide range of uses. It can be installed for both outside and inside buildings. It acts as the main part of the sandwich panels that are used in construction. It is possible to apply this thermal insulation to ensure well masonry, as well as, if necessary, roof insulation. Experts emphasize that it has found wide application even in road construction. Polystyrene is a heater that is characterized by high resistance to water. Due to these characteristics, it can be used for restoration of basements, attics, where there is a high level of humidity. This material can be operated even in those rooms that hardly heat up. In civil engineering, it is used for the arrangement of runways, as well as the construction of pools. Some brands of polystyrene are capable of undergoing tremendous loads, which reach 45 tons per square meter. Thanks to this, it is possible to use the described thermal insulation for warming pitched and flat roofs on a concrete base. Polystyrene is a heater that can be fixed using special glue or using mushroom dowels.
General characteristics
Extruded polystyrene is used for thermal insulation of freezers and chillers, isothermal vans and ice arenas. He perfectly demonstrated his quality characteristics when working on surfaces that are deepened in the ground and are affected by groundwater. Additionally, conditions may be complicated by low temperatures. Therefore, the material can be used even for insulation of foundations, as well as in the construction of railways and highways. Polystyrene sheet has excellent soundproofing characteristics, which are complemented by thermal insulation qualities. Due to its high resistance to biogenic pests, the material can be used for thermal insulation of loggias, balconies, walls of industrial and residential buildings, as well as roofs.
Fire resistance characteristics
Do not trust sellers, as well as manufacturers who claim that polystyrene has no shortcomings. The use of this thermal insulation is prohibited during construction in the United States and the European Union. The cause of this was the fire of a newly renovated building in Germany. Reason: fire of extruded polystyrene. If you decide to purchase sheet polystyrene, you should remember that, with all its obvious positive qualities, the attitude to this material remains ambiguous. The stumbling block is fire resistance. In the manufacturing process, flame retardants are added to the ingredients, which are designed to prevent the spread of fire when it is exposed. However, the insulation will smolder, releasing toxic substances that can lead to death of a person.
Installation instructions
Polystyrene, the properties of which were described above, should be installed after the preparation of a specific set of tools and materials. Among them, one can distinguish glue intended for working with polystyrene foam, a primer, plaster, the last of which will be needed to process the surface of the walls. Do not forget about the dish-shaped nails, as well as the nylon cords, the former will be necessary for additional mechanical fixation, while the latter will be needed to determine irregularities on the surface. Among other things, it is important to have a tool - a level, a spatula, a screwdriver, a drill, as well as a hacksaw and office knife.
Expert Advice
Polystyrene, the properties of which are the subject of our review, is best set in the warm season, when the thermometer has not dropped below +5 degrees. This is important for those cases when it is supposed to use glue for thermal insulation. In order to achieve a positive result, it is recommended to use two types of insulation fixing, namely glue and dowels. This will provide reliable thermal insulation, which will last for many years.
Glue preparation
Polystyrene, the use of which was described above, must be installed using special glue, the instructions for its preparation must be followed. It is important to exclude the use of independent actions and incorrect recipes, as non-compliance with the recipe will cause poor quality fixation of the material.
What the master needs to know
Polystyrene, the use of which is described above, must be installed using a certain technology. It involves the advance application of glue. The composition must cover the foam sheets an hour before they are attached to the surface. If the walls are fairly even, then the mixture must be triturated with the thinnest possible layer throughout the sheet. If the surface has irregularities, then some work must be done first.
Surface preparation
Polystyrene insulation requires a preliminary treatment of the base. First you need to wash the surface from dust and dirt. After that, excess objects are removed by the type of pieces of reinforcement, protruding nails and other things. For leveling the facade, you can use a stucco mixture, and in places where there are cracks and crevices, it is best to go through puttying. This will eliminate unpleasant consequences and improve the quality of thermal insulation. The final stage of preparation is the application of a primer.
Insulation Installation
It is important to install on technology panels. Polystyrene in this case will show all its positive qualities. The sheets must be joined with the cut sides, since they have a flat surface, due to this, the slots will be minimal. It is best to get rid of large seams with liquid polystyrene foam or pieces of polystyrene. However, do not use mounting foam, as it will contribute to the bursting of the insulation, which will negatively affect the integrity of the structure. Irregularities in the joints on the sheets can be eliminated with a grater or rough skin. Polystyrene, the characteristics of which were presented above, should be fastened with dish-shaped dowels, which have a different cap. She will be able to efficiently come sheet to the surface. It is worth giving up the rest of the fasteners as nails or self-tapping screws, since there is a possibility that a strong wind will deform the insulation. After installing the fasteners, the self-tapping screw will need to be covered with putty.
Installation Recommendations
After the polystyrene sheet is attached to the wall, it will be necessary to install dowels in the holes. Initially, the fasteners will need to be installed around the perimeter, and then press the central part. Once one row is ready, you can proceed to the second. Work should be carried out moving from left to right. It is important to adhere to the level, for this you can use a laser or construction device. However, it is worth considering that you can’t completely get rid of the error. Until the glue sets, you can still trim or substitute the material in certain places.
Installation of a heater in two layers
Polystyrene, the price of which is quite acceptable for the modern consumer, can be installed in two layers. If there is a need for more efficient insulation, then it is worth using this technology. The first layer does not need to be covered with putty, finishing work of this type should be transferred to the second layer. Fixing can be done without glue, using only dish-shaped dowels, the length of which should correspond to the thickness of two words. The probability of mechanical fasteners getting into the place where the dowel has already been installed should be excluded. If this happens, then in this case you will have to redo the work, and you will not be able to get rid of the hole. The sizes of polystyrene are different. For this reason, before shopping, it is recommended to calculate the area of the insulated surface. Thus, for a square plate of 1100x500 mm you will have to pay 1,500 rubles.
Final work
As soon as the insulation is installed, it should be left until the glue dries. For decorative surface finishing, plaster can be used, however, surface reinforcement is used. The grid is installed by some owners of private houses. Used for decorating and plastic profiles, as well as lining. You must choose for yourself the option that turns out to be the most acceptable. If the work is done independently, it is important to evaluate your abilities, because the appearance of your home will depend on the quality of the installation. Polystyrene, the price of which was mentioned above, is an effective thermal insulation. You can use it in several layers in order to achieve a positive result. It is this approach that experts in their field recommend using. Each home master will be able to do such work.