Polystyrene (insulation): characteristics, installation instructions and references

Extruded polystyrene is a synthetic insulating material, which was developed back in the 50s of last century. Among its main advantages can be distinguished water resistance, excellent resistance to deformation, insignificant thermal conductivity and resistance to the action of inorganic solvents. If you decide to use polystyrene (insulation), you should be aware that it is able to undergo high temperatures. It can be operated at a range from -500 to +750 degrees. The material is small in thickness, light in weight and durable. If you compare with wood, then polystyrene for insulation will need only 2 centimeters, as for wood, this figure should be equal to 2.5 meters. Brick masonry will be able to provide the same warming effect at a thickness of 3.7 centimeters, but mineral wool, to achieve the same effect, should be a thickness of 3.8 centimeters.

Customer Reviews

Polystyrene - a heater, which, according to buyers, has a wide field of use. 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. Use this insulation can be to ensure the wellwork, and if necessary, the insulation of the roof. Specialists emphasize that it has found wide application even in road construction. Polystyrene - a heater, which is characterized by high resistance to water. Due to these characteristics it can be used for restoration of basements, attics, where a high level of humidity. Use this material can even in those rooms that are almost not warmed up. In civil construction it is used to equip the runways, as well as the construction of swimming pools. Some brands of polystyrene are capable of undergoing enormous loads, which reach 45 tons per square meter. Due to this, it is possible to use the described thermal insulation for the insulation of pitched and flat roofs on a concrete base. Polystyrene - a heater, which can be fixed with a special glue or using mushroom dowels.

General characteristics

Extruded polystyrene is used for thermal insulation of freezing and refrigerating plants, isothermal vans and ice arenas. He perfectly demonstrated his qualitative characteristics when working on surfaces that are deeper in the ground and are under the influence of groundwater. Additionally, the conditions can be complicated by low temperatures. Therefore, the material can be used even for the warming of foundations, as well as for the construction of railways and motor roads. Polystyrene sheet has excellent soundproof characteristics, which are supplemented with heat-insulating qualities. Due to its high resistance to biogenic pests, the material can be used for thermal insulation of loggias, balconies, industrial and residential buildings, and roofs.

Characteristics of fire resistance

Do not believe the sellers, as well as the manufacturers who argue that polystyrene has no shortcomings. The use of this insulation is prohibited when carrying out construction in the United States and the European Union. As a pretext for this, the fire of the newly renovated building in Germany came out. Reason: ignition of extruded polystyrene. If you decide to purchase polystyrene sheet, you should remember that with all its obvious positive qualities, the attitude towards this material remains ambiguous. The stumbling block is fire resistance. In the manufacturing process, fire 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 the death of a person.

Installation instructions

Polystyrene, the properties of which have been described above, should be installed after the preparation of a certain set of tools and materials. Among them, one can distinguish glue intended for work with foam plastic, a primer, a plaster, the last of which will be needed for surface treatment of walls. Do not forget about the plate nails, as well as kapron cords, the first will be necessary for additional mechanical fixation, while the latter - to determine the unevenness 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 a clerical knife.

Advice of specialists

Polystyrene, the properties of which are the topic of our review, is best set in the warm season, when the thermometer does not fall below +5 degrees. This is important for those cases where it is supposed to use glue for thermal insulation. In order to achieve a positive result, it is recommended to apply two types of fixing insulation, namely glue and dowels. This will provide a reliable thermal insulation, which will last for many years.

Preparation of glue

Polystyrene, the application of which was described above, should be installed using a special glue, instructions for its preparation must be observed. It is important to exclude the use of independent actions and improper recipes, since non-compliance with the formulation will cause poor quality of fixing the material.

What you need to know the master

Polystyrene, the application of which is described above, should be installed by a certain technology. It involves the advance application of glue. The composition needs to cover the sheets of foam for an hour before they are attached to the surface. If the walls are sufficiently even, then the mixture needs to be grinded as thinly as possible across the entire sheet. If the surface has irregularities, then it is necessary to perform some preliminary work.

Surface preparation

Polystyrene insulation requires the preliminary treatment of the substrate. First, the surface must be cleaned of dust and dirt. After removing excess items by the type of pieces of reinforcement, protruding nails and other things. To smooth the facade, you can use a plaster mix, and in those places where there are cracks and crevices, it is best to walk the putty. This will eliminate the unpleasant consequences and increase the quality of thermal insulation. As the final stage of preparation is the application of a primer.

Installation of insulation

It is important to install the panel technology. Polystyrene in this case will show all its positive qualities. You need to join the sheets with cut edges, since they have an even surface, due to this, the slots will be minimal. It is best to get rid of large joints with the help of liquid expanded polystyrene or pieces of foam. However, do not use the mounting foam, as it will promote the expansion of the insulation, which will negatively affect the integrity of the structure. Uneven joints on the sheets can be eliminated with a grater or coarse skin. Polystyrene, the characteristics of which were presented above, should be fastened with the help of dish dowels, which have different heads. She can effectively come to the surface of the sheet. From other fasteners by type of nails or screws it is necessary to refuse, as there is a probability that a strong wind will deform a heater. After installing the fasteners, the screw must be covered with putty.

Mounting recommendations

After the sheet of polystyrene 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 down 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 should be taken into account that it is impossible to completely get rid of the error. Until the glue does not grasp, you can cut or substitute material in certain places.

Installation of insulation in two layers

Polystyrene, the price of which is quite acceptable for a modern consumer, can be installed in two layers. If there is a need for more effective 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. Fixation can be made without glue, using only plate-type dowels, the length of which should correspond to the thickness of two words. It is necessary to exclude the possibility of getting mechanical fasteners in the place where the dowel is already installed. If this happens, then in this case you have to rework the work, and from the hole you will not be able to get rid of it. The dimensions of polystyrene are different. For this reason, before visiting the store it is recommended to calculate the area of the insulated surface. Thus, a square plate 1100x500 mm will have to pay 1500 rubles.

Final work

Once the insulation is installed, it should be left until the glue dries. For decorative surface finish, plaster can be used, but surface reinforcement is used. The grid is installed by some owners of private houses. Use for decoration and plastic profiles, as well as lining. You should choose for yourself the option that will be most acceptable. If the work is done on its own, it is important to assess your abilities, because it depends on the quality of the installation will depend on the appearance of your house. 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 advise to use. Every home master will be able to do such work.