If you are thinking about what is better - polystyrene foam or polystyrene, then you need to pay attention not only to the fact that these materials have similar names, but also to production technology, as well as characteristics. Some are wondering why manufacturers should “fool” people and make almost identical materials.
What material to choose
In order to answer these questions, you should understand the differences, and then draw conclusions. In fact, these materials are not just similar, but almost identical. The main one is the first “foam” root, which indicates the porosity of the structure. Penoplex and polystyrene foam are easy to install, light in weight, hardly absorb moisture, do not rot, and also easily tolerate the effects of external negative factors.
In addition to the pros, it is worth highlighting the disadvantages, which are the poor tolerance of solvents like acetone. This should also include other chemically aggressive substances. As practice shows, foam and polystyrene are not very durable and require the need for external protection. The first difference is that the foam has a white color, while the foam has a canary shade. However, this is not at all a complete list of differences, and they will be discussed below.
Comparison of the main properties of insulation
First of all, consumers decide what keeps heat better - polystyrene foam or polystyrene. This is discussed in the article, however, before choosing it is important to decide what properties you need to pay attention to. At first glance, it may seem that penoplex is still better, because it has more impressive indicators in terms of resistance class, and the working layer of insulation in it is almost 2 times less. It absorbs moisture 4 times weaker, and to be more precise, it does not absorb it at all.
The low flammability is also a great advantage, especially when compared with this parameter, which is characteristic of foam. If you are concerned about the question of what is better to insulate a balcony with foam or foam, then it is important to pay attention to density. The latter material is 2.5 times higher than traditional polystyrene foam. As practice shows, you can walk on the foam, while it will only be partially crushed, but the foam is not afraid of long and heavy loads. That is why the foam is used for floor insulation, but the foam is preferred not to be used in such works.
Experts draw the attention of consumers to the fact that, in general, penoplex indicators are, of course, better, but they do not differ much in the main articles. Having learned about this, many consumers refuse to pay more, because if you need to insulate the walls, then its strength and the coefficient of water absorption do not play a role. This can be said about the thickness of the working layer, but the cost will affect the choice.
If you still can’t decide which is better - polystyrene foam, the facade surface can be covered with the first option, but only if it comes to exterior decoration. This is also true for floor insulation in those situations where there is money and a desire to use high-quality materials. In all other cases, traditional foam will suffice. But for decorating the facade it is better not to use it, because it will not affect the fire safety of the building in the best way.
Comparison by composition
The materials described in the article are actively used in construction, for the most part in the field of thermal insulation, they can also be used to isolate sound. They are manufactured using similar technologies, which include foaming polystyrene. Polyfoam is an insulating material that has 98% air and 2% polystyrene in its composition. This affects the cheapness, because only 2% of the raw materials are needed for the stove. Penoplex acts as a synthetic material for thermal insulation, it is made from extruded polystyrene foam, its creation is made using the foaming technology of raw materials.
Comparison of thermal insulation qualities
If you are thinking about what is better - polystyrene foam or polystyrene, then first of all you need to pay attention to the quality of thermal conductivity. These parameters for the described materials are different. The thermal conductivity of the foam varies in the range of 0.035-0.05 W / m * C, while for foam, this parameter is 0.028 W / m * C. This allows us to conclude that penoplex retains heat somewhat better. If you take a plate of 25 mm polystyrene, then it will be identical in thermal insulation qualities to a 20 mm polystyrene plate. The first option only loses a little to the second, and in large areas this can result in good space savings.
Water Absorption Comparison
When consumers think about what is better - polystyrene foam or polystyrene, they pay attention to the ability to absorb water. Admittedly, penoplex does not like water, but absorbs it no more than 0.4% per month. But the foam did not go too far, its water absorption is 4% in 30 days. In this regard, penoplex was also slightly ahead. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the foam is characterized by vapor permeability, which can not be said about the foam. In the latter, this indicator is still present.
Strength Comparison
Quite often, experts ask themselves what is better - polystyrene foam or polystyrene. Trying to determine this, you must also pay attention to strength. If the polystyrene foam is clamped and pressure is exerted on it, it will become clear that the foam can undergo a pressure of 0.5 MPa, while this parameter is 0.2 MPa for polystyrene. There is a significant difference, so it is best to cover the floor with the first analogue, which is especially true for garages, runways and skating rinks. However, it is also necessary to take into account the density of the foam, which is lower and equal to the limit from 15 to 35 kg / m 3 , for the second material this parameter varies from 28 to 45 kg / m 3 . This indicates that the specific gravity is also less.
Comparison of materials by operating temperature
Quite often in construction today, foam or foam is used. Which is better, you can decide by reading the information presented in the article. For example, it is also necessary to take into account the temperature at which normal operation is possible. In this regard, the difference is almost imperceptible, because both materials feel great at low temperatures, but if the thermometer does not drop below -50 ° C. After reaching this mark, the material begins to lose its properties, while the upper maximum reaches +70 ° C, which is true for polystyrene, and 75 ° C for foam. Do not leave these insulation materials under the influence of direct sunlight. If you put a piece of foam in the sun, then the result will not be long in coming.
Cost comparison
Today, foam or foam is very available . Which is better, you can decide by familiarizing yourself with the positive and negative sides of these materials. The most painful issue for consumers today is cost. Surely you have never seen a material with the best quality characteristics cost less compared to an analogue that loses in many ways. Due to the fact that the foam is moving ahead in many respects, it costs more than polystyrene, and the price can be one and a half times higher. That is why most consumers today choose polystyrene, due to its lower cost. I must admit that this choice in some types of work can be justified, because the materials during thermal insulation of a number of structures will almost not differ in properties.
Combustible insulation
As practice shows, both of the described materials burn well, but the foam makes it slower, because it belongs to the G3 category. If we are talking about penoplex, then it can be classified as G4. The numbers from 1 to 4 indicate the degree of flammability - from weak to strong. However, manufacturers today are trying to solve these problems by impregnating the materials with flame retardants at the production stage. But this does not indicate that the insulation does not light up at all. It will burn, but slightly worse, while emitting toxic substances from flame retardants.
Selection of material by area of use
Quite often, modern developers are wondering which is better - polystyrene foam or polystyrene for insulation. To solve this problem, it is necessary to decide on which part of the building the material will be installed. For example, for the facade it is best to prefer polystyrene, as it is cheaper and able to pass air. This choice will reduce the cost of vapor barrier, because the wall will not lose the ability to breathe. For internal insulation of the house, it is best not to use such materials, although they themselves are environmentally friendly, but can be impregnated with special solutions. The latter during the operation emit toxic substances.
If you are thinking about what is better to warm the house with polystyrene / polystyrene, then the last option is better to choose for loggias or balconies. It has less thermal conductivity and does not so much reduce the internal space. But if there is a flat roof and the need for its insulation, both options will do. The ceiling can also be insulated with any material of your choice. However, this decision is justified if, after that, you do not plan to walk in the attic. Otherwise, it is best to choose penoplex. Both materials are suitable for floor insulation, however, it is better to perform a rough surface on the lags.
Conclusion
If you are also one of those consumers who are thinking about how to better insulate the walls, it is recommended to consider polystyrene / polystyrene before going to the store. An analysis of their main qualitative characteristics will help to understand which material to give preference to. For example, there are surfaces and structures that are better insulated with polystyrene, foam or mineral wool. Everything will depend on the budget and the desired effect.