Styrofoam insulation - technical specifications and use of the nuances
Market insulating materials represented by various categories, which greatly simplifies the selection of a suitable insulation for specific tasks. One of the most sought after in the private sphere insulators - expanded polystyrene and its popularity is due to both high performance and availability. However, he did not die down around the battle between supporters and opponents, a man far removed from construction, difficult to sort out which of the insulation properties of the real, and which of the discharge "Horror stories". We will try to make it easier for beginners and even more experienced craftsmen of our portal is not out of place to refresh the information. And to help separate the "wheat from the chaff," experts of the Association of manufacturers and suppliers of expanded polystyrene.
Consider:
- What is polystyrene.
- The main characteristics of polystyrene.
- Scope of the styrofoam.
What is polystyrene
Often polystyrene (EPS) foam called, which is quite justified, since the foam - it general concept that unites the group of foamed plastics (polymers), and which relates to PPP.
Yuri SAVKIN (director of the Association of manufacturers and suppliers of expanded polystyrene)
Expanded polystyrene - hard material with a cellular structure obtained by sintering the pellets obtained a suspension of expandable polystyrene bespressovym manner. In Russia, the polystyrene has a number of other commonly used names: foam, PSB - With foamed polystyrene. In other countries, for its designation abbreviated EPS (expanded polystyrene). Thus it is necessary to distinguish white and colored polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene (XPS), which has a different structure, properties and, in fact, another manufacturing method.
PPS is produced in the form of plates of different densities and thickness of the molded pellets from one fraction of a homogeneous white color without chemical characteristic odor.
If you break a plate, the separation line should take place not only on the border of sintering pellets, but also directly through them.
The presence of any foreign smell, friable granules of different sizes - these are signs of poor insulation, produced with violation of the technology.
Main characteristics PPP
Since PPP is composed of 98% air and only 2% of the polystyrene shells, its main characteristic is the lowest thermal conductivity - 0,032-0,034 W / (m * C). Furthermore, water vapor permeability of the plate, but moisture resistant, since even when fully submerged substantially do not absorb water. That is, the material is sufficiently good conductor pairs, but does not accumulate moisture, unlike some other heat insulators.
What is interesting, the workers engaged in the thermal insulation of facades resort seaside towns, often use PPP as a mattress for swimming and fishermen were cut out of it floats for nets.
For excellent thermal conductivity, water vapor permeability and moisture resistance should be added to the plates biological attack.
Yuri SAVKIN:
Expanded polystyrene is biologically neutral, which means that mold and fungus do not grow on the surface of polystyrene foam, which is proven by numerous studies.
No less important and long service life while maintaining performance even under harsh conditions of use.
Yuri SAVKIN:
Expanded polystyrene was subjected to fifty cycles of freezing / thawing at four percent solution of sodium chloride. The salt solution provided a stringent test conditions. According to the test results did not reveal any effect on the integrity of the structure. Now the blocks of expanded polystyrene are widely used in Norway for the road device, tunnels and artificial embankments. But our researchers have conducted tests with a large number of cycles and predict the longevity of polystyrene at least 100 years.
But apart from external influences during operation the material may be subjected to other threats, and one of them, the waves of our craftsmen - the mouse.
nikolaj-be (Member FORUMHOUSE):
I would like to touch on mice and foam - heard that after visiting the foam mice from him remains rot if it's true?
Yuri SAVKIN:
As for rodents, the nutritional value is not a PPP for them, but they can be got in it, as in any other insulation material. It is therefore necessary to carry out measures that restrict access to rodents heaters, and close the surface cladding layers. In addition, mice and rats - it is a matter not of building character, but rather hygienic.
With regard to environmental derivatives of polystyrene battles do not cease with the start of production to this day: some believe the material is absolutely harmless and environmentally friendly insulation, others - this time bomb actions. The truth, as usual, in the middle.
Yuri SAVKIN:
Previously it was thought, what all polymers its entire operating life cycle emit harmful substances, since the polymerization process is impossible to complete 100% molecules. It's all from the fact that when everyone in Europe is in the middle of the last century in chemistry, we are engaged in "maize". Modern technology and world-class equipment (foreign line) for a long time have solved this problem. At the factory in Perm Sibur is worth the best by international standards the equipment is used on advanced technology today. The drying process shows all non-styrene molecule chain. During operation, if he identifies that, of course, to the extent permitted by sanitary norms. According to our tests in a cube of expanded polystyrene products less than 0.002 mg of styrene (which complies with the MPC).
Few people know, but styrene is in such common foods as nuts and strawberries. In the world of PPP packaging is very popular - fish boxes, cups for hot trays for meat and etc.
One of the most important parameters - combustibility as fire are not perfect, but it is advisable to do without tragic consequences. People are concerned about not only the combustibility of PPP, but also smoke-forming ability.
Yuri SAVKIN:
PPP - combustible material (G3), but it does not support combustion, since it contains fire retardants. That is, if you bring the burner and remove, then a maximum of 4 seconds, it will go out. This is despite the trials. And if a fire at the factory ZIL, where the burning metal and the temperature surpasses 1000⁰S, it will burn everything. When burning PPP produces carbon, carbon monoxide, the same as that of burning wood. The bottom line is that this is the amount of smoke is much less, as PPP density of an average of 15 kg / m³, which is less than that of other materials. But the rate of smoke generation is higher than that of the same tree, so it is never used in open structures. PPP closed plaster layer. For example, the facade system with polystyrene foam and facade system with mineral wool have one class of fire danger - R0.
The scope of application of PPP
PPP - universal material, depending on the grade (density) plate is used for insulation of virtually any physical load and loaded constructions. This ceiling, and walls, and a pitched roof, and insulation of loggias, balconies or subsidiary / business premises. But the basic distribution polystyrene received in the outer insulation of walling in system "wet facade" or, as they are also called SFTK (facade thermal insulation system composite). In both cases, a multi-layer system consisting of a heater, and a reinforcing layer of decorative and protective plaster layer.
Yuri SAVKIN:
Polystyrene plates are used in many building structures in accordance with the regulations. The basic requirement for all designs - polystyrene should not be heated above + 80 ° C, and should be isolated from external medium, generally using the screen (plasterboard, chipboard, OSB and m. p.), boxed (brick, block, stone) or plaster finishes. Brand polystyrene should match the application, and the insulation thickness is determined based on the calculation of heat engineering.
Today's reality is that in addition to the strength, reliability and durability of the building being erected, huge importance is its energy efficiency, so today is not without insulation virtually none house.
It is important that the plate is not only characterized by one of the lowest thermal conductivity, but also affordable price, which will save not only on the operating costs, but also on the process insulation.
Our users care about the possibility of using styrofoam inside.
Mettaly (Member FORUMHOUSE):
I am interested in the question of whether it is possible to insulate the walls of polystyrene foam inside the house?
Experts do not recommend this method.
Yuri SAVKIN:
Insulation of the inside housing is used only where the façades are protected by the state, such as France. But we recommend to insulate the outside of the thermo-technical indicators. The fact is that if warm inside, the famous "dew point" falls on the inside of the bearing wall. And "evil" will be from mold, which is formed instead of PPP. At the same time in the apartment of polystyrene and expanded polystyrene are so many products: ceiling tiles, sockets and baseboards, TV cabinet, a simple pen in his pocket. If you still decide to insulate from the premises, you must make sure you put on top of the Styrofoam insulation film, which will prevent the penetration of steam into the heater.
When choosing the value of the facade system has water vapor permeability of the wall material, it is particularly important for constructions made of concrete blocks.
Annash1 (Member FORUMHOUSE):
The architect has sent a list of materials for building a house. Will be covered with racks and ceiling of the second floor, I am perplexed by the wall: gas silicate, 30 cm, d 400, 5cm foam, plaster. Inside, the house will also be plastered. I read the topic, but did not understand - you can build or not. The online calculator considered - can fall condensate, d 500 put, like acceptable but still doubt.
Can I use in such situations PPP depends on the density of the blocks.
Yuri SAVKIN:
If the aerated concrete blocks have a density less than 400 kg / m³, the blocks have such a very high vapor permeability and the PPP are not recommended. But I would not imagine building a house of such units, as the water absorption and the humidifier is also very high, therefore, no longevity. If the density units above, the use of insulation foam board as possible. Just do not see 5 PPP - it unforgivable mistake, even for the southern regions, a minimum of 12 cm. Do the math: the increase in the cost of the insulation in your home expenses civil scanty, but the whole life cycle you will seriously pay less for heating or air conditioning. Generally for the middle band Russia we recommend foam blocks with density 500-600 kg / m³ 140 mm insulation thickness.
Since ventilated facades decorated with siding - one of the most popular members of the forum concerned about the possibility of using them as a heater PPP.
Dump1964 (Member FORUMHOUSE):
Is it possible to use polystyrene foam for thermal insulation of a wooden house in ventfasada under the siding? Is there a manufacturers' recommendations?
You should not tempt fate.
Yuri SAVKIN:
In ventfasada it has direct access to a heater, so in such cases, a non-combustible insulation material. Even in your case, if there are gaps between the lining and insulation, any spark in the wind could fly into the gap and bring trouble. At the same time, if the house is wooden and vinyl siding, is a fire-flammable insulation material, you know, will not save the house.
Also, there are a number of objects that are not allowed to warm PPP, irrespective of the type of system.
Yuri SAVKIN:
According n. 5.2.3 SP 2.13130.2012, SFTK with PPP are applied everywhere except in the Class of functional fire hazard F 1.1 and F 4.1 (kindergartens, hospitals, nursing homes). Where there are mobility limitations.
The result - polystyrene, also known as foam or polystyrene foam - a low-cost, practical and versatile insulation material. He, like other building materials (wood, asphalt, glass, solvents, etc.) has a number of restrictions on the who need to know, and that you should be able to work to your home become a truly energy-efficient.
Polystyrene foam is also used in permanent shuttering or as a base under the "floating" screedAnd, in particulate form (wastes of insulation) it can be used for samomesnogo polystyrene. In the video - on permanent formwork technology for example, the original houses.
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