The service life of the foam. Leader in the market of thermal insulation materials - expanded polystyrene: characteristics and application

The company "Eurobud" tm in 2013, on the basis of the State Research Institute of Building Structures, tested its own products. Samples of expanded polystyrene were provided for verification. EPS- RU13163- Cs(10) 100 EPS (PSB-S-25)... In the course of research, it was found that the thermal conductivity of products practically does not change from the number of cyclical influences. In practice, this means that Eurobud foam retains its properties after exposure to cyclical climatic influences: heating - cooling (analogous - changing the seasons). The summarized results of tests of the effective life of the material are presented in the table below:

The study itself took place in several stages - freezing, thawing, heating. Samples moistened to humidity values ​​under operating conditions and hermetically sealed in special plastic bags were exposed to various temperatures. So, at the first stage of testing, the samples succumbed to freezing at a temperature of -22 C °. Then the samples succumbed to thawing at a temperature of +20 C °, after which, at the third stage, they were heated to a temperature of +60 C °. After every tenth cycle, samples were taken to determine their thermal conductivity under standard conditions and to record changes in the appearance of the material.

It is important to note that the test results took into account the impact of the quality of performance installation works on the thermal insulation of a building during the construction phase to change the thermal conductivity of the material.

Tests in full compliance with DSTU B V.2.7-182-2009 lasted for more than four months. As a result, it was determined that the term of effective operation of foam plastic for thermal insulation of Eurobud tm publications is at least 50 years. This indicator not only fully complies with the standards of DBN V.2.6-31: 2006, but also exceeds it by 2 times, and the Eurobud tm company is the only one in Ukraine manufacturing company thermal insulation materials based on expanded polystyrene, which has successfully passed similar studies. The complete test report is available here.

One of the most important characteristics thermal insulation material is the term of effective operation. This indicator indicates the period during which the thermal insulation material is guaranteed not to lose its qualities in the building envelope. This characteristic deduced on the basis of long-term tests that simulate material aging, simulating the change of seasons, the influence of temperature and humidity. According to the current regulatory documents Ukraine, service life thermal insulation materials must be at least 25 years old (DBN V.2.6-31: 2006). Moreover, this material must have a confirmation indicating such a time of use. Research protocols from independent laboratories act as such confirmations. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that the material will not lose its properties a year after the house was put into operation. Subsequently, this can cause a failure of the thermal insulation layer and the occurrence of huge number problems for the residents of the house, which, in turn, will lead to significant material losses for the developer.

However, before choosing a material for house insulation, many owners are interested in its durability. After all, repairs, and even more so construction, are being carried out "for centuries", and I really do not want to return to this issue in the next few decades. The service life of the foam and the insulation made on its basis depends on two things:

• the conscientiousness of the material manufacturer;
• the quality of the work performed.

If the flammability of expanded polystyrene can still be determined empirically"By eye", then its durability falls on the conscience of the seller. The purchaser can secure himself by requesting material test reports. The absence of such protocols should already be a wake-up call.

However, we note that the durability of your thermal insulation the quality of its installation also affects. For work of this type, a special foam glue... In theory, tile adhesive will also hold the material in place, but not for long. But it is cheaper when you buy it. Unscrupulous builders often use this for their own profit. Of no small importance is the facade mesh, which fits under the thermal insulation coating. The durability of the latter and the strength of its attachment to the wall depend on its quality. Savings also occur due to dowels. According to the technology, there should be 5-6 pieces of them per square meter, in practice 2-3 are often installed. Before installation thermal insulation material you should definitely prime the walls. Failure to comply with all the listed standards will reduce the service life of your "warm" facade at times.

Deciding to do house insulation with foam, take care of the correct choice of the manufacturer insulation and builders who will mount this material. And then you are guaranteed many warm winters and cool summers.

Extruded polystyrene foam what is it? - nothing more than a kind of special dense foam. In our century, this synthetic thermal insulation material, most often orange, rapidly gained universal popularity.

Developed in the distant 50s of the last century American company"The Dow Chemical Company" extruded polystyrene foam has found widespread use as thermal insulation for foundations, plinths, and probably there will not be enough paper to list all the places where this bright modern material.

The material is manufactured according to the perfect method of foaming polymer compositions in the process of extrusion. That is why we can hear the name of the material as extruded polystyrene foam. After pushing the material through a special high-strength mold, a very durable reliable material with almost unique thermal insulation properties.

Before it was found that freon gas has a destructive effect on the ozone layer of the planet, it was used as a blowing agent.

Since the current 21st century, the so-called “CFC-free” method of manufacturing heat-insulating material has been used all over the world.

Extruded polystyrene foam, or rather the technical characteristics that it possesses, are not the same and differ depending on the manufacturer. Brands with the largest sales in the Russian market are well-known:

If the above mentioned brands are not available on the market, carefully study the technical instructions. EPG designation begins with two digits. Refuse to buy if the marking value is less than the index 28, such a polymer is not suitable for construction and insulation work. It is not profitable for the seller to mention this, and most likely he will modestly keep silent about it. At facade works For thermal insulation, the PSB-S-40 grade is perfect, in addition, it is a self-extinguishing material.

A quick quality check can be done by breaking a small piece of Styrofoam. A smooth rift indicates that you have an EPG in front of you. Otherwise, if the fracture line is uneven, there are many small balls present, then most likely you are holding ordinary foam plastic, which is only suitable as packaging for household utensils.

It must be understood that the manufacture of EPP is a complex process, and different manufacturers do it by different technologies... Some of them are completely safe for health, while others are irreparably harmful to humans.

Stopping the choice on extruded polystyrene foam look at large firms that have long established themselves as decent manufacturers. In this case, we can confidently talk about an undoubtedly high-quality product. Not famous brands with loud names, it is possible and will initially be more profitable, but the risks associated with the subsequent rework will cost you much more!

Remember that the poor quality of expanded polystyrene not only will not serve as a good heat insulator, but will not affect better side to the health of your loved ones.

Thermal insulation boards made of extruded polystyrene foam

During the construction and repair of a building, the question of its insulation necessarily arises. Warm house- this is a guarantee of your family's health, as well as an opportunity to save on utility bills. As soon as you asked this question, there is a need for a solution: what material is better to choose as a heater? Currently, the market offers several options for insulation: glass wool, stone wool, extruded polystyrene foam or foam.

You need to choose one of these materials depending on the characteristics of your home and the specific work area: floor, balcony, walls, etc. There are certain rules to be followed when choosing a heater.

An almost universal material for insulating a room and a building from the outside is extruded polystyrene foam plates. It possesses the following positive qualities: moisture resistance, strength, high thermal protection, durability and safety for the health of the residents of the house. Why these properties of the material are important, we will figure it out in more detail.

WATER RESISTANCE.

The material for building insulation must be resistant to moisture from environment, as well as prevent the accumulation of condensate inside the insulated surface. If, during operation, the insulation accumulates water, it will lose its heat-shielding properties, and your house will be cold in winter and hot in summer.

In addition, mold will begin to accumulate in the damp insulation; it will gradually destroy it and harm the health of the residents, who will have to inhale mold spores. Expanded polystyrene is resistant to moisture and is ideal for insulating walls, foundations, roofs, floors.

STRENGTH.

When insulating a floor, foundation or basement, a particularly durable material is required that can withstand high pressure. Such material is plates made of extruded polystyrene foam, because they do not settle over time, do not collapse for a long time, do not perish. The same qualities are also useful for insulating walls, which will increase their strength and prevent shrinkage.

HEAT PROTECTION.

Heat protection is the main property that we wanted to get when choosing a material. Thermal protection is determined by the coefficient of thermal conductivity. This component is always indicated by the manufacturing plant in the accompanying documents for the product. The lower the coefficient of thermal conductivity, the higher the thermal insulation properties of the insulation. The thermal conductivity coefficient of expanded polystyrene ranges from 0.030. it good indicator, which will allow you to save on the amount of material when calculating the thickness of the insulating layer.

DURABILITY.

The estimated service life of extruded polystyrene foam boards is from 40 to 50 years.

HEALTH SAFETY.

Extruded polystyrene foam for thermal insulation boards is used mainly of the same brands as children's toys, disposable tableware, and medical supplies. With a temperature difference, this insulation does not emit during external environment no substances hazardous to health.

But polystyrene foam boards also have their drawbacks. Some consider low vapor permeability to be such a disadvantage, since the walls do not breathe. But the same "drawback" is a great advantage when insulating the foundation and floor, as it provides reliable waterproofing... But the flammability of extruded polystyrene foam really somewhat limits its scope.

And although some manufacturers have learned to add special substances that increase the material's resistance to fire, this is still a rarity. More often on sale there are extruded polystyrene foam in the form of a plate of the G3-G4 flammability group. In any case, you will not use such plates without protective coating, they will be inside the structure. With high requirements for fire safety, it is allowed to use a heat-insulating material of a flammability group of at least G3.

The largest manufacturer of extruded polystyrene foam boards in Russia is PENOPLEX. The factories of the company are equipped with modern European equipment and produce high quality materials. The choice of goods for their intended purpose is also great. You can choose slabs: for the roof, for the walls, for the foundation, etc.

When choosing a heater, pay attention to its purpose, technical characteristics, appearance... If the insulation is of high quality, then it will have a uniform structure, an even and smooth edge and resistance to mechanical pressure.

Styrofoam is modern universal material, widely used for the insulation of industrial and residential buildings. It is produced by thermal foaming of cellular polystyrene granules under the influence of blowing agents.

Varieties of foam

The raw materials for production are various polymers, the main types:

• polystyrene;
• polyurethane;
• polyethylene;
• polyvinyl chloride;
• phenol-formaldehyde;
• urea-formaldehyde.

All types of heat insulators can be divided into 3 types:

• pressless;
• press;
• extrusive.

In terms of basic chemical composition, they are the same, the difference is in chemical composition various additives (blowing agents, plasticizers, flame retardants and others).

Gas occupies the bulk of the foam, therefore its density is much lower than that of polymer raw materials, and this determines the presence of high thermal insulation characteristics... When using various raw materials and technologies for their processing, foams of different mechanical strength, density and resistance to external influences are obtained, which allows the use of a heat insulator in a wide variety of areas, depending on the density. An increase in density leads to a decrease in gas volumes inside the structure and a decrease in thermal insulation indicators. But at the same time, resistance to mechanical stress increases.

According to the density in kg / m3, the following varieties are distinguished:

• PSB-S-15, main application in construction change houses and trailers, as well as at other facilities where there is no permanent residence of people;
• PSB-S-25 - for roofing insulation and foam as insulation for walls outside;
• PSB-S-35 - polystyrene as insulation frame house, for fixed formwork reinforced concrete structures and foam as floor insulation;
• PSB-S-50, used in road construction and other areas.

Advantages and disadvantages

Plus characteristics of foam as insulation:

• high thermal insulation performance;
• not hygroscopic;
• mold and mildew does not form on the surface;
• odorless and does not form dust;
• no radiation or vapor is emitted during operation;
• operating temperature range from -200 to +80 degrees, not subject to deformation to sudden temperature changes;
• slabs are light and do not create additional loads on structures;
• low cost;
• stable dimension;
• ease of cutting and installation;
• the service life of the foam as insulation ≥ 20 years.

The negative side of the insulation includes:

• limited mechanical strength, which necessitates additional protection;
• easy destruction under the action of nitro-based paints and varnishes;
• practically zero vapor permeability;
• displacement at internal insulation inside the walls or in the gaps between the heat insulator and the wall, which leads to the need for good insulation and regular ventilation;
• insufficient sound insulation;
• flammability, collapses at temperatures ≥ plus 80 °, harmful gases are emitted during combustion;
• attractiveness for the device of moves by rodents.

Almost all of these shortcomings can be eliminated by carrying out special measures. Main question, arising from consumers - is foam plastic harmful as insulation inside the building? Many believe that yes, citing the tragedy in the Perm club "Lame Horse" as an argument.

Undoubtedly, it is not recommended to use foam in living quarters. But, subject to the technology, it is permissible.

Extruded polystyrene foam what is it? Extruded (extruded) expanded polystyrene - synthetic material for thermal insulation, developed by an American construction company in the 50s of the twentieth century. It is made using foaming technology, it contains polymer compositions. The material is pressed through special form and connects to a single piece.

Produced in the form of slabs, substrates. It is found on the market as a decorative element. The standard size of the slabs is 600x1200 or 600x2400 mm. Standard sizes installed by GOST, but many companies change the dimensions, making plates of different widths. The most common size is 580 mm. The thickness of the elements varies from 20 mm to 10 cm, depending on the manufacturer.

V outlets the material is delivered in packages of several elements. The number of units in one package depends on the thickness of the products. For example, if the thickness of the slabs is 5 cm, the package usually contains 8 units of the product. With a thickness of 10 cm, 4 plates are packed.

Additional Information: production of expanded polystyrene is possible as flooring... The modern market offers materials for laminate, parquet, linoleum. Manufacturing based on material is possible decorative elements... They look exactly like plaster.

Like any other material, extruded polystyrene foam has advantages and some disadvantages. It is worth familiarizing yourself with them before purchasing and using them.

Advantages of extruded polystyrene foam:

• Moisture absorption within 0.2%. This indicator means almost complete water resistance.
• The minimum indicator of thermal conductivity. At a standard temperature of 25 ° C, it is about 0.032 W / m * K. If we compare the conductivity of heat, according to the indicators, the following is obtained: 55 cm of brick is equal to 3 cm of expanded polystyrene.
• Withstands deformation well. You can use it for masonry under the blind area, lay after the foundation.
• Does not react with inorganic chemicals.
• Withstands significant temperature drops, indicators do not change at air temperatures from -50 to +75 o C.
• According to the documentation, the material can be used for at least half a century. During this time, the characteristics will not change.
• Environmentally friendly pure substance... It is used not only as insulation, but, for example, for the production of light disposable plates or other types of cheap dishes. Children's toys are made from it.
• Has a minimum weight. A small thickness is sufficient for good insulation.

Besides numerous positive characteristics, there are some disadvantages:

• comparison with other types of insulation shows that the price of the material is high;
• strong flammability. In the process of combustion, they are released harmful substances, black smoke;
• under the influence of infrared rays it is destroyed. To save performance characteristics must be hidden from direct sunlight;
• manufacturers assure that rodents do not start inside the insulation. Indeed, they do not live inside, but often make channels for movement;
• solvents destroy the structure.

In addition to the listed disadvantages, low vapor permeability can be added to them. Sometimes that's a plus, but if it may be moldy. As a result, it appears bad smell in the home, dampness is constantly felt.

Application area

Extruded gray polystyrene foam has a wide range of applications. It is mainly used for insulation works. The scope of use is limited only by temperature indicators (not higher than 75 ° C). The material can be laid in damp places, in the ground.

Usually, the scope of use is limited only by financial capabilities. The high cost makes it impractical to use in many places. In places where there is no need for high technical characteristics, instead of PPP, it is used, reviews about which are also positive, in order to save money.

Used for insulation:

• concrete or wooden;
• inside the building or outside the building. Compatible with any material;
• ... Often concrete rings covered with material for additional protection;
• surface of the earth. To prevent the destruction of the structure, paint is applied. Even a thin layer will prevent deterioration of the composition.

In addition to these areas, the material is used in road construction. It is part of many refrigeration units, as an extrusion insulation. Used in agriculture. Roofs and underground floors are insulated with expanded polystyrene. One of the promising areas is the production of sandwich panels.

Technical characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam

The material has one of the highest technical characteristics on the market for insulation products. Any gas has a much lower thermal conductivity than solids. For air, the indicator is 0.026 W / m * o C. Extruded polystyrene foam is an air mixture of about 90%. It has a thermal conductivity of 0.03 W / m * o C. Almost like air, which means that heat is retained perfectly.

The material is produced with various density indicators. Manufacturers offer from 25 to 47 kg / m 3. The higher the number, the greater the strength. As the density increases, the strength increases from 20,000 to 50,000 kg / m 2.

Water is poorly absorbed by polystyrene foam. In about a month, one tile is able to absorb about 0.4% of its own volume if it is completely submerged in water. Further, the percentage of absorbed liquid does not increase, but stops. Vapor permeability is minimal. It is 0.0128 Mg / (m * h * Pa). Often companies specializing in performing renovation works, suggest not to use a vapor barrier, limiting the use of only polystyrene.

The insulation is able to withstand temperatures ranging from -50 to +75 o C. It can be used in almost any climate. High flammability, the class varies depending on the addition of additional substances, from G1 to G4.

Some models have a special notch at the edges. Made to increase the adhesion of the slabs by insulating the seams. This innovation does not allow the formation of layers of cold between the elements, ensuring complete heat retention.

Tests have been carried out with expanded polystyrene. Their meaning is repeated freezing, thawing of wet tiles. It was determined empirically that, without changing the technical characteristics, the material withstands 80 cycles. For users, this information is useful: for about so many years the composition can withstand during operation.

Additional Information: in comparison with polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam wins about 2 times in terms of heat retention. Increased strength, decreased thickness. Compared to other insulation materials, the sound permeability is not very high. The lack of ease of installation is compensated for. It is completely safe for health.

Material selection rules

The demand for expanded polystyrene is high, increasing annually. In order for the insulation to serve as long as possible, to perform all the required functions without failures, it is necessary to make the right purchase. Each manufacturer claims that their product is the best on the market, but this is not always true.

Selection rules:

• Polystyrene is designated by two numbers. If the marking is below the index 28, you should refuse to purchase. Checking is mandatory, some brands of the product are not suitable for facade work, they will not cope with the insulation of the house. Choose material with an index of 40 and higher. The PSB-S-40 brand, a self-extinguishing composition, has proven itself quite well.
• Before buying, see the standards on the basis of which the production was carried out. Many manufacturers make slabs not according to GOSTs, but with their own technical specifications... Possible substandard product. Typically, the density is reduced, thereby reducing the cost. You should not be guided by the number of the brand, be sure to familiarize yourself with the characteristics.
• To be sure of high quality products, you can break off a small piece from the edge. If small balls are visible at the fracture site, the styrofoam is probably of low grade. There must be polyhedrons at the break correct shape... The broken piece is even. The test shows the production method: extrusion, performed on professional equipment, or artisanal method, like a simple foam.
• Purchase goods from reputable manufacturers. These are "Penoplex" URSA, Knauf and "Technonikol" - Russian. "Basf" or "Novakhimikals" - foreign.

Do not forget that the production of expanded polystyrene is complex technological process... Manufacturing methods differ for many manufacturers. Some are safe, others can be harmful to human health.

Manufacturer brands

Each brand of expanded polystyrene manufacturer differs from competitors in some features. To understand the variety of the proposed choice, it is worth considering the products of each manufacturer in more detail.

Knauf

Manufacturer from Germany. Production is represented by numerous variants of polystyrene foam.

Heaters are used:

• Knauf Therm Compack. Universal, used for any kind of household thermal insulation. It has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity of 0.032 W / mk, high sound insulation properties. Airborne noise reduction index 47 dB, impact noise extinguished if the indicator does not exceed 24 dB. Due to its indicators, it is well suited for insulating small rooms.

Supplied with slabs 1х0.6 m long. Thickness 5 cm. Vapor permeability 0.033 mg / mchPa

• Knauf Therm Roof Light. The density is low, 10-15 kg / m³. used to retain heat on rafter frames houses. Characteristics: heat conductivity 0.034 W / mk, steam conductivity - 0.035 W / mk.
• Knauf Therm Wall - for wall insulation. The indicators are the same as in previous designs, with increased mechanical strength. 60 kPa is an indicator of compressive strength. The choice of plate sizes is wide. Thermal conductivity: 0.033 W / mk, vapor conductivity: 0.032 mg / mhPa. G3 - flammability class.

There are Knauf Therm Flor, suitable for floor insulation, with a low thermal conductivity of 0.03 W / µm and Knauf Therm 5 in 1. The latter stands out maximum strength among all models of the company. Withstands up to 17 t / m 2.

The URSA expanded polystyrene manufacturer from Russia presents several product options.

Products differ from other manufacturers by increased strength indicators. The material is indispensable for professional construction... One of the most durable options that can withstand significant loads.

Penoplex

Domestic manufacturer of expanded polystyrene. Has a wide lineup... Plates can be used for various insulation options.

The following types of products are distinguished:

• Penoplex Wall

• Penoplex Foundation

• Penoplex Roofing

• Penoplex Comfort

• Penoplex 45

Considered a leader in the field insulation materials... Every year, the volume of products manufactured has increased rapidly. Nowadays, heaters are slightly more expensive than those of competitors on the Russian market, but the quality of the goods is the highest. Specializes in the production of numerous items various heaters... Expanded polystyrene is available in several models.

FAQ

- What is better for screed expanded clay or expanded polystyrene?

The coefficient of thermal conductivity of expanded clay is on average 0.12, and of penoplex 0.03 W / m * C. Those. almost an order of magnitude. Thus, in order to provide the required thermal insulation of the floors, the kermazite backfill will be much thicker than the foam sheets and the like. As a result, the whole structure of floors with expanded clay will be much thicker than the structure of floors with foam.

- Polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene which is better?

After spending comparative analysis of both heaters, we can say the following: polyurethane foam has higher characteristics in noise insulation, moisture resistance, heat resistance. Has more high class fire safety. However, its thermal conductivity is an order of magnitude lower.

Considering that it comes about the choice of material for insulation, polystyrene foam will be the best. Although, given the user experience, there is no need to use a material as high as polystyrene. Therefore, preference when buying should be given to polyurethane foam.

- Is expanded polystyrene harmful to human health?

No, the material is in use. The only thing is that corrosive smoke is emitted during combustion.

- What surfaces cannot be insulated with expanded polystyrene?

It is impossible to insulate surfaces, the temperature of which exceeds the specified limits: -50 ... +75 ° С. Another limitation: in wooden houses, where it is required good vapor barrier, it is undesirable to use the material. The formation of mold, mildew between the wall and the insulation is possible. Will not leave the house wet air... The room will have constant high humidity.

What is Extruded Polystyrene Foam? Universal insulation. It is considered one of the modern samples of materials of this class. When using it, it is worth observing the established temperature standards and other important requirements. If EPS insulation is done correctly, manufacturers give a guarantee for a polystyrene service life of at least 50 years.