Areas of application of foam. "Penoplex Comfort": technical characteristics, properties, application What is it

Any residential buildings located in the cold regions of the country require mandatory insulation, since walls that are not insulated from low temperatures are one of the main causes of heat loss can be up to 25-30%. Penoplex wall insulation is used for both external and internal thermal insulation of buildings.

This material has all the necessary performance qualities that will help protect the walls not only from the winter cold, but also from overheating in the summer heat. Previously, conventional foam was more often used for these purposes. Although it is made from, in principle, the same raw materials as foam plastic, however, the technology is completely different, so the material has a more porous structural structure, which is not entirely suitable for.

The main characteristics of penoplex

Penople ks is a slab of expanded polystyrene obtained by extrusion technology - forcing a foamed molten plastic mass through molding nozzles (nozzles). As a result of the combined effect of temperature and high pressure, the solidification material acquires a finely porous structure, with small air “cells” of approximately the same size (from 100 to 200 microns), each of which is isolated from the others. Such a structure provides two main characteristics of this type of expanded polystyrene - excellent insulating qualities along with high mechanical strength.

To begin with, in order to evaluate the merits of penoplex, in brief, a few digital indicators of the main parameters of this material.

Table: technical characteristics of penoplex

Name	Test method	unit of measurement	Numerical indicators
Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation, not less than	GOST EN 826-2011	MPa (kgf/cm²; t/m²)	0.2
Density	GOST 17177-94	kg/m³	25-32
Water absorption in 24 hours, no more	GOST 17177-94	% by volume	0.4
fire resistance category	F3-123	Group	G3
Thermal conductivity coefficient at (25±5) °С	GOST 7076-99	W/(m×°С)	0.03
Partition soundproofing (GKL-PENOPLEKS® 50 mm-GKL), Rw	GOST 27296-87	dB	41
Standard sizes	Width	mm	600
	Length	mm	1200
	Thickness	mm	20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 80; 100; 120; 150
Operating temperature range	THAT	°C	-100 … +75

Even a preliminary assessment based on the given performance shows that the material is very effective for thermal insulation work. However, it is worth considering its qualities in more detail:

Low water absorption

This parameter is very important for any insulation, since with high hygroscopicity the material swells, loses the air gap, and freezing of the absorbed water can cause it. destructuring, why it loses its basic qualities and becomes useless.

The value of this parameter for penoplex is officially determined by laboratory tests. The material was completely immersed in water, and then monitored for a month. At the same time, it turned out that the penoplex absorbed a small amount of moisture only in the first ten days, but in the future, the humidity in it did not increase at all.

After 30 days, the amount of absorbed moisture in the foam was about 0.6% of the total volume of the plate. Based on this, it was concluded that moisture penetrates only into the outer layer of the material and at the site of its cut, but does not enter its internal structure.

This indicator is even close to hydrophobicity, which is extremely important. for insulation external works. By the way, the fact that the material is resistant to mold and rot directly depends on this parameter.

Low odds tthermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity foam, the coefficient of which is only 0.03 W / m × ° With — one of the lowest among all insulating materials. This parameter is largely achieved due to the structural structure of the foam and its low moisture absorption.

Thanks to these qualities, the insulation can be used for installation in rooms with high humidity, such as basements, as well as for installation outside walls and for thermal insulation of building foundations.

The foundation and basement of the house also need to be insulated!

The durability of the strip foundation directly depends on its protection from the effects of ground moisture and low temperatures. Penoplex is ideal for these purposes.

How to properly perform and conduct - read in the special publications of our portal.

The foam plastic manufacturing technology by extrusion gives a high uniformity of the material structure, making it very durable. Penoplex is almost not pressed through when you press it. There will be no significant changes in the structure of the insulation and when walking on it, since it perfectly withstands heavy loads. The only condition for maintaining its integrity when insulating, for example, the floor, is a flat laying surface.

Low vapor permeability

Since, in fact, penoplex is extruded polystyrene foam, but with improved physical and technical characteristics, it has a high resistance to absorption of various fumes. walls and floors.

This makes it possible to use penoplex for insulating rooms with high humidity, for example,.

light weight

In combination with low thermal conductivity and moisture absorption, the insulation is lightweight. This option allows you to easily lift the material to any height. Therefore, in recent years it can be seen on the outer walls of panel and brick high-rise buildings - they are insulated with both the supporting structures of buildings and balconies.

In addition, when fixing foam on the surface, it does not make the structure heavier and therefore does not require approvals and permission for installation.

Ease of processing and installation

The advantage of penoplex can be called the simplicity of its processing. In order to cut its sheets, no special tools are needed - just an ordinary sharp construction or clerical knife is enough. The installation of the material on the surface is quick, and bad weather cannot interfere with this process, since the insulation is not afraid of moisture.

Long service life

For material manufactured in compliance with all technological requirements, manufacturers set a warranty period of up to 50 years. This period is not unfounded, it is calculated based on the results of laboratory and bench tests, which include repeated deep freezing and subsequent thawing of foam plastic, heating it to the highest temperatures that can only happen during operation in various climatic regions.

And it should be noted that this is a minimum service life, since high-quality material will last a longer period.

Chemical resistance

Penoplex is not adversely affected by most of the chemical compounds that are used in construction. These include: alkalis, salt solutions, water-based paints, alcohol compositions, bleach, carbon dioxide, ammonia, butane and propane, various oils, concrete mixtures and freons.

However, there are also substances that can negatively affect not only the quality of the insulation, but also its integrity, that is, some of them can simply dissolve the foam. When insulating a house from the inside or outside, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the information about such chemicals in order to avoid mistakes during the installation of penoplex.

Such compositions include: gasoline, diesel fuel, formaldehyde, acetone, solvents based on methyl acetate or ethyl acetate, enamel and oil paints and other active substances.

Soundproofing foam

By installing this material on the walls of the house, the owner receives not only protection from cold and heat, but also from the penetration of street noise, since foam plastic has a good sound insulation property. This parameter is especially important if the house is located near a busy highway or railway. Constant noise negatively affects the human psyche, as there is no possibility of proper rest. Therefore, wall decoration with material is simply necessary, and penoplex is perfect for this role.

Combustibility of a heater

With combustibility and smoke formation, alas, not everything is “smooth”

Penoplex is marked on the G3 flammability scale, which means its average level. Manufacturers call it self-extinguishing, but this is not always the case. The flammability parameter largely depends on several factors:

• Material manufacturing quality.
• The presence of flame retardants in its composition.
• The composition of the decorative coating - it can help or resist the maintenance of a fire. This also includes materials located near the insulation - they can also increase the spread of the flame.

In addition, one cannot but pay attention to the smoke that penoplex can create. If, due to a combination of negative circumstances, a fire nevertheless occurred, then the penoplex will emit acrid black smoke, which contains highly toxic substances. They can not only bring significant harm to human health, but are also extremely dangerous for their lives, as they can cause thermal and chemical burns of the mucous membranes and organs of the respiratory system, cause pulmonary edema, and affect the central nervous system.

Characteristics by smoke generation also have their own classification. The material according to this indicator is marked with the letter D with a number from 1 to 3, indicating the degree of smoke spread. Penoplex, as well as any extruded polystyrene foam, is assigned the third degree, that is, D3.

Such negative qualities of the material predispose to the fact that when choosing foam for insulating walls from inside the premises or outside the building, it will be necessary to provide for a reliable non-combustible finish that will contribute to the self-extinguishing of a fire that has occurred.

Video: testing foam panels

Types of foam

Five main varieties of foam are produced, which are designed for certain types of thermal insulation work.

• One of the varieties is used for flooring under the road surface - this material is the most dense, and is marked as foam-45. The remaining four types are intended for use in thermal insulation of residential buildings:

• "Penoplex Foundation"- this type is more suitable for mounting on the basement of the house. It keeps the foundation from freezing and the formation of cold bridges from the ground inside the premises.

• "Penoplex-wall" - designed to insulate the walls of the house from the outside. It has all the necessary qualities that contribute to maintaining a comfortable temperature microclimate inside the house, not allowing cold or heat to penetrate from the outside, and protecting living or working premises from external noise.

• "Penoplex-roof" - this type of material is intended for thermal insulation of attic floors and roof slopes. A roof structure insulated in this way will not only prevent heat from leaving the house through the attic, but will also create perfect silence inside the premises during rain or strong wind. In addition, the penoplex roof is very well suited for insulating attic rooms - both their floors and walls.

• "Penoplex-comfort" - is made for interior work. It is mounted indoors on walls, ceilings and floors, used to turn loggias or balconies into fully functional living rooms.

Would you like to turn a balcony or loggia into a full-fledged room?

It is impossible to do this without carrying out thermal insulation work. And for insulation, you can use a variety of materials, including foam.

About how to conduct it correctly - in a special publication of our portal.

Warmingpenoplexhouse walls outside

Most often, foam plastic is used for wall insulation, having a thickness of 100 mm. However, it should be noted that in the southern climatic zones with mild winter temperatures, such a layer will be excessive - a thickness of 30 ÷ 50 mm is enough. If the insulated building is located in a region with very severe winter frosts, then 50 mm material is indispensable. In this case, it is recommended to lay plates of this thickness in two layers, perpendicular to each other and "with bandage". This method will be more effective than laying one 100 mm layer.

The scheme of external wall insulation is well shown in the scheme offered to your attention, but in order to do everything right, you need to consider all the stages of work in more detail.

This is how the entire insulation and finishing “pie” on the outer wall will look like

For insulation and subsequent finishing work, the following materials will be needed: dry mortar - mounting adhesive, a calculated amount of foam, a starting profile to start installing the insulation. fastening dowels - "fungi", reinforcing fiberglass mesh-serpyanka, perforated metal corners with mesh, primer, plaster and putty mixtures, decorative finishes (plaster or tile).

Step-by-step instructions for installing penoplex on external walls:

Illustration	Brief description of the operation to be performed
	In order for the insulation to be effective, a good fit of the foam boards to the wall is necessary. Therefore, before its installation, it is imperative to prepare the surfaces. The preparatory process includes such activities as cleaning the walls of old plaster that has begun to peel off, sealing the cracks found, which can cause the installed insulation to peel off. In addition, cracks can become "housing" for various insects, which can then move into the house. Before cleaning the walls, all elements located on it, such as ebbs, lamps, air conditioning and others, are dismantled from them. Next, you can start cleaning, which is usually done with a spatula. If there is a relief pattern protruding more than 5 mm on the wall, then it must be knocked down, as it will interfere with the installation of insulation.
	If cracks are found on the wall after removing the plaster, then before they are repaired, they must be expanded with a chisel and a hammer, a grinder with a stone circle or a perforator. Expanded cracks are cleaned and treated with a primer, and then filled with sealant or filler compound and leveled. Very wide cracks can be filled with mounting foam, and after its expansion and drying, the protruding parts are cut off with an ordinary clerical knife.
	If there are irregularities on the wall, which can also become an obstacle to a good fit of the plates, then the surface must be leveled. The protruding parts should be removed and the depressions filled with a plaster mixture.
	If, however, the global unevenness of the surfaces is visually visible, that is, there are obvious blockages on them, then they are checked with a plumb line, and then leveled by installing plaster beacons and sketching concrete mortar. The removal of walls is carried out by the rule. No need to think that you can then level the surfaces with a heater - it will simply repeat their direction, and thus the deviation of the wall from the vertical will remain.
	On the aligned walls, using a roller or a wide brush, a primer is applied, which must be allowed to dry well. It would be better if you carry out a double treatment, and the second layer is applied only after the first is completely absorbed and dried.
	The dried surface must be marked for mounting the starting profile. To do this, at the desired height from the bottom of the wall, a strictly horizontal line is drawn, beaten off with a coloring cord, and then a profile is fixed along it with the help of self-tapping screws. It is necessary to install the first row of insulation on it - the profile will not allow the penoplex to slide below the set level before the panels are securely fixed with “fungi” mounts. The width of the profile will depend on the selected thickness of the foam. The profile is fixed to the wall with dowels with washers Ø 5÷7 mm, with a step of 300÷400 mm. To fasten the profile at the corners of the house, special corner joints made of plastic are used. They compensate for the expansion of materials during temperature changes.
	Further, if necessary, all communications are carried out along the wall, which should be hidden under the insulation and trim. On window openings ebbs are installed.
	The next step is cutting the foam into strips of the required width for mounting them on the slopes of the windows. The adhesive composition pre-mixed according to the instructions is applied to the cut blanks, 7-8 mm thick, distributed with a notched trowel. Then, they are mounted on the surface, pressed and left until a secure setting. After the glue dries, the foam slopes are finally fixed with “fungi” fasteners.
	After completing the installation of the insulation on the slopes, you can proceed to install it on the walls. Fixing the penoplex begins from the bottom row. Glue is applied to the plates - in strips along their edges and pointwise - in the middle. You can also use a notched trowel to distribute a thick layer.
	Then the plates are installed on the starting profile and are well pressed against the wall surface. All plates after installation are checked by a level for evenness of installation horizontally, vertically and relative to the wall surface. The installation of subsequent rows is carried out "in dressing" with an offset of about half the length of the plate. The convenience of branded foam plastic is that the panels have lamellas for a tight connection at the seams, while observing the evenness of the masonry - it is enough to combine the locking parts during installation.
	To give the insulation masonry additional rigidity, at the corners of the slab, the so-called "toothed connection" is laid along the entire height of the wall.
	After installing two rows, you need to return to the first installed plate, and start fixing each of them with dowels - “fungi” to the wall surface from it. To do this, holes are drilled through the foam, so that they go into the wall by 50 ÷ 60 mm. A “fungus” is inserted, and then an expansion plastic nail is installed in the hole in the middle of the cap, which is driven in with a hammer. The fastening cap must be pressed into the insulation, that is, it must be in the same plane with its surface.
	After completing the installation of the foam on the glue and on the "fungi", before proceeding to the next stage of work, the wall is allowed to dry well - this process will take two to three days, depending on the thickness of the adhesive layer and its characteristics, the weather outside.
	Further, the seams between the plates are sealed with mounting foam, and after it hardens, the excess that has come out is cut off.
	After completing the installation and fixing all the insulation material, it must be reinforced with a special fiberglass mesh. You need to start from the corners - perforated corners with mesh "wings" are fixed on them. They will protect the corners of the insulation material from damage during its operation, facilitate the "removal" of the corners during further plastering.
	The next step is to strengthen the entire insulated surface by stretching and gluing mesh sheets onto it. Its installation is made on top of the wall, from the eaves: First, an adhesive mass is applied to a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe surface of the insulation and distributed over it with a spatula. A mesh cloth is applied to the adhesive, having a length equal to the height of the insulated wall, and pressed with a spatula into the applied layer. Excess glue from the surface is removed or redistributed to the lower section of the wall. In this way, all insulated surfaces of the house are reinforced, and then left to dry. Since the glue under the mesh is applied in a thin layer, it will take no more than a day to dry.
	Next, putty is applied to the dried surface, which should completely cover the reinforcing mesh and make the surface even. This layer of putty should dry very well, so it should be left alone for two to three days.
	After this period, the surface of the walls must be well cleaned with a grater with an abrasive mesh or sandpaper installed. The work is done in a circular motion, which is done counterclockwise. Grouting must be done carefully, without strong pressure on the wall.
	The final stage before decorative finishing is the coating of the puttied wall with a primer containing quartz sand. It is necessary to create good adhesion of the wall surface and decorative plaster or tile adhesive.
	Decorative plaster is applied to the prepared and primed wall or tiles imitating stone or wood are glued.

How to give the wall decorative qualities?

Gray boring walls cannot become a home decoration in any way. It's good that today's builders have a lot of execution techniques at their disposal.

How to do it yourself - in the corresponding article of the portal.

Typical mistakes when installing penoplex

In order for the insulation to be really effective, it is necessary to take into account some of the nuances of installing foam plastic and avoid “traditional” mistakes.

To the most widespread errors include the following:

• Performing work in unfavorable weather for this process. If the installation is carried out at higher temperatures than recommended by the manufacturer, the material may slightly change its dimensions, deform or lose its positive qualities.
• It is impossible to install penoplex on the wall only with dowels, without the use of glue. Such savings will lead to insufficient fit of the insulation to the walls, and as a result, to a decrease in the insulation and soundproofing qualities of the structure. We can say that the insulating effect will be lost, and the money will be spent in vain. It must be remembered that the main fastening material is precisely the glue, and the dowels serve only for additional fixation of the foam plastic to the wall.
• It is very important to choose the right and high-quality adhesive for the installation of insulation. Therefore, when purchasing it, it is very important to carefully study the instructions on its packaging.

Usually, craftsmen prefer to work with adhesives sold in the form of dry building mixtures. It is impossible to take any composition that you like, since it must have a designated purpose - specifically for thermal insulation work. Then the proper quality of insulation will be ensured.

Pay attention to the purpose of the mixture - it should be just for insulation work

Glue can also be sold ready-made - usually it is an acrylic-based composition. True, its cost is much higher, and the use of facade walls for insulation can hardly be called cost-effective.

• When installing foam, it is necessary to completely cover the entire surface to be insulated, without leaving even small gaps between the plates, otherwise the insulation will not “work” properly.
• Non-compliance with the rules of installation according to the principle of brickwork, “in dressing”, is also considered a mistake, since the location of the vertical joints of the plates on the same line is unacceptable.
• A frivolous attitude to the preparation of the surface of the walls for the installation of insulation panels is unacceptable, since an untreated and unrepaired surface covered with foam can eventually become covered with fungal colonies, mold, which will be difficult to get rid of. Meanwhile, such microflora is very harmful to human health.

The cost of material and installation work

Penoplex itself has a fairly high price, so before preparing for its installation, you need to find out its cost in the region of residence.

• On average, the price of foam plastic with a thickness of 50 mm is approximately $ 5 per 1 m².
• Modified material with improved qualities, including flame retardant additives, has a price of 7 ÷ 8 $ per 1 m².
• The work of masters to insulate the walls of the house from the inside will cost an average of $ 9 ÷ 10 per 1 m².
• Fixing the penoplex on the facade of the house will cost about $ 13 ÷ 15 per 1 m², since the work is more difficult due to the fact that part of it will have to be carried out at a height.

Having familiarized himself with the basic technological methods of using penoplex as a wall insulation, specifying the price level for the insulation itself and the necessary consumables and for installation work, each homeowner will be able to assess his capabilities and decide whether to do everything on his own or invite a master .

Having information about the typical mistakes that are often made with, you can control its specialist - alas, there are many “leftists” among them.

In fact, the work is simple and quite accessible for independent execution, there are all the tools necessary for this. But, of course, if you need to insulate the walls of an apartment located above the first floor, then you should not show unnecessary "heroism" - it is better to turn to professionals who have special equipment to perform installation work at height.

And in the end - another video about the use of penoplex for insulating a balcony.

Video: penoplex - as a material for warming a balcony or loggia

When it comes to home, the first associations, in addition to cosiness, are also comfort and warmth. Therefore, heaters of various types and made from various raw materials will not cease to arouse increased interest among consumers. The use of this material is becoming a steady trend, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of foam plastic and the methods of its installation in more detail.

Plates penoplex

Penoplex is a foamed polystyrene obtained by extrusion.

• The process itself was invented more than half a century ago in American laboratories. The result was the emergence of a new material with a structure of many small and completely "sealed" cells, not exceeding 0.2 mm in size and forming a uniform surface.
• A foaming additive is introduced into the polymer granules, which combines with them under pressure and when heated to a certain temperature. The resulting mass is forced through the extruder. Foaming agents (and mainly carbon dioxide and a mixture of light freons) are non-toxic materials, they are non-flammable and do not emit harmful substances. In addition, as soon as the manufacturing process is completed, all these auxiliary additives are replaced by air from the environment.

Penoplex photo

As a result, a heat-insulating product is obtained with good performance for materials of this group, designed to save heat. These include:

• low thermal conductivity;
• strength;
• minimal moisture absorption.

Such characteristics provide penoplex with a constant presence at private construction sites and large-scale industrial buildings.

The slabs of material are packed in a film that protects from the penetration of sunlight. The original packaging allows you to store expanded polystyrene outdoors. But, despite the plastic film, it is worth providing them with additional protection from UF rays, which can damage the top layer of insulation. Other special storage conditions are not required, because expanded polystyrene is not afraid of humidity and temperature changes, the main thing is to control the safety of the package.

Types of penoplex and applications

Five existing brands of this insulation have a fairly wide range of uses.

• Penoplex 31 C has density indicators from 28 to 30 kg/m³. Refers to the flammability group G4. Applicable in the following areas:
• insulation of foundations in the horizontal and vertical direction, as well as roofing on a reinforced concrete base;

• when laying pool bowls, engineering networks, when isolating thermal bridges;
• insulation of various underground structures - fire wells, storage tanks;
• during the construction of local water supply and sewerage systems in private homes, provided that communications are laid in the freezing zone;
• class 31 C foam slabs are also used for the installation of shallowly buried foundations.
• Penoplex 35 produced with a density of 28 to 37 kg/m³. Flammability group G1. It is used, like the above-mentioned variety, in the insulation of foundations in two directions, roofs (including corrugated board, and pitched), cold bridges and engineering networks. In addition, penoplex 35 is advisable to use:
  • when insulating walls;
  • when laying foundations as insulation under the sole;
  • in the floors of residential buildings, warehouses, freezers and ice arenas.

Separately, it should be said that at the time of production of this brand of expanded polystyrene, special additives are added to the feedstock at the mixing stage, which increase the resistance of the insulation to combustion. Such plates do not burn well and prevent the spread of fire further, and when smoldering, they emit only two types of gases (carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide), unlike a number of other insulating materials that “release” a whole range of harmful substances and compounds.

• Penoplex 45 C has a density of 35 to 40 kg / m³. Flammability class - G4. It is applied to warming of the bases operated under loading of roofs and floors.

• Penoplex 45. Density index from 38 to 45 kg/m³, flammability group G4. The scope coincides with the above types of material. And besides this, it is used for warming floors, foundations and roofs that can withstand heavy loads. That is, the material will not collapse when exposed to a load of up to 50 tons per 1 square meter.
• Penoplex 75 not used in building construction. Its density of 40 to 53 kg/m³ makes it possible to use it in the construction of runways for airfields and aircraft hangars.

Penoplex characteristics

• The density of the insulation, depending on the brand, can be from 28 to 53 kg / m³.
• Penoplex is recommended to be used only in the temperature range from -50°C to +75°C. Compliance with operating temperatures is a guarantee that the material will retain its technical characteristics. If this condition is violated, the foam boards can be deformed and lose part of their thermal insulation and mechanical characteristics.
• When choosing an adhesive composition, you should carefully read its instructions and read the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the use of the product for gluing polystyrenes.

• Plates of extruded polystyrene foam foam have good chemical resistance to most substances and materials used in construction. These include:
  • wood preservatives (only water-based, solvent-free);
  • bituminous mixtures;
  • cement;
  • lime.
• Substances containing a solvent can have a destructive effect on the foam, lead to its softening and, as a result, shrinkage of the material plates. The group of substances with which contact should be avoided when working with expanded polystyrene foam include:
  • paint thinners;
  • coal tar and its derivatives;
  • solvents (acetone, petroleum toluene, ethyl acetate).

• Penoplex plates do not pose a threat to human health and are not dangerous to the environment, which is confirmed by research and certificates for these products.
• Penoplex material can be characterized by several more indicators.
• Low thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity at 20-30°C - 0.030 W/(m×°C)). The score for this evaluation criterion is significantly lower than the average values ​​for most other insulation materials.
• Tests of plates for water absorption showed that the sample immersed in water collected moisture for the first 10 days. And for a month he absorbed no more than 0.6% of the volume. That is, at first, the cells located closer to the surface slowly took in water, and after they were filled, the liquid no longer penetrated. The low water absorption of foam plastic makes it possible to use it in conditions of high humidity without changing the thermal conductivity. That is, expanded polystyrene can be used without additional waterproofing, if certain environmental conditions do not require it.
• In terms of vapor permeability, a foam slab 2 cm thick is equivalent to a layer of roofing material.
• It is able to maintain its properties even with numerous frosts and subsequent thawing. Their service life is at least 50 years.
• The extrusion method used in the production of boards results in a uniform and dense structure of the finished product. This gives the foam a consistently high compressive strength.
• Many have already appreciated the simplicity, ease of operation and installation of extruded polystyrene foam. The material has no restrictions on use in any weather conditions, nor does it require protection from precipitation. Easy processing and simple cutting with a regular knife is extremely appreciated by builders.

Penoplex video

Do-it-yourself foam insulation

Extruded polystyrene foam, for all its versatility and remarkable characteristics, will become useless if the technology is violated during the installation process. Therefore, consider the stages of foam insulation.

Installation of penoplex from the inside of the building

• Preparatory work. The standard procedure for all types of construction and finishing works is followed in this case as well. Be sure to completely remove all traces of previous surface finishes and paintwork materials. You will have to get rid of fungus and mold with a special composition, and after that it is recommended to carry out a “sanitary treatment” with any purchased means that have a bactericidal property. The surface should be as smooth and primed as possible.
• Base profile assembly. The installation of this special design is necessary for a more even and tight fit of the expanded polystyrene plates. The profile will also protect the insulation from external influences. Its fastening is carried out on dowel-nails, and lining washers will help to ensure a snug fit of the canvas to the surface being trimmed. An important requirement is the correspondence of the width of the basement profile to the thickness of the foam board. With the help of docking plates, adjacent structural elements are joined together. Be sure to leave a distance of about 2 mm between them.

• Installation of insulation boards. A layer of glue is applied to the foam plastic around the entire perimeter of the material and in the center. Many professional builders advise not to save money, it is good to coat the entire slab with adhesive. After that, the foamed polystyrene is pressed against the profile. Protruding excess glue is removed, and it is better to fill small gaps with inserts from pieces of polystyrene foam that remained during trimming. The issue of using mounting foam for these purposes is controversial. Some craftsmen do not see anything wrong with its use, but there are opinions that such sealing can lead to cracking.
• Final fastening. After the glue has dried (about 3 days), work continues. With the help of fungal dowels, the final fastening of the material takes place. The hardware is located in the middle of the plate and along its perimeter, but in such a way as to connect adjacent sheets.

• Wall insulation from the side of the living space is not always appropriate. The main disadvantage is the reduction in space due to the thickness of the material. Therefore, the most common type of sheathing is outside.

How to insulate with foam plastic outside the building

• In this method of insulation, you will need a material with a thickness of 80 to 100 mm. The stages are similar, but there are some nuances.
• The facade is leveled, cracks are repaired and the wall is primed as a “final” treatment.
• Penoplex is glued as described above and, according to the same principle, is attached to the dowels.
• If plastering is planned, then as a preparatory stage, it is only necessary to stick a reinforced mesh.
• If the final finish is presented using PVC panels or siding, then, accordingly, you will have to take care of the vertical guides for their fastening. An additional layer of vapor barrier is not needed, and insects and rodents do not threaten expanded polystyrene.

As you can easily see, all the work is quite simple to do on your own. The situation is more complicated with the insulation of the outside of apartments in a multi-storey building. In this case, the services of industrial climbers cannot be dispensed with.

Thermal insulation of the floor with foam

• One of the ways is insulation on the logs. This option is suitable for wooden houses installed on a columnar foundation. In this case, slabs of extruded polystyrene foam are in between the joists.
• First, the old floorboards are dismantled if the insulation process is already in the living room, and not at the construction stage. If they are planned to be returned to their place, then this is a good reason to consider each for integrity and treat it with impregnation with protection against decay.
• The installation of new logs begins with the outermost beam, leveling it, and then the beam is attached from the opposite end. Now, having stretched a fishing line between them, you can use it to install the rest of the logs, not forgetting to check that they are located strictly in a horizontal plane.
• A layer of waterproofing is attached to the assembled beams using a construction stapler. The edges of the film should reach the middle of each guide.
• Foam boards are laid on top. It is recommended to place it in a checkerboard pattern. It is necessary to make sure that the composition of the mounting foam, which will process the seams, does not include toluene, which can have a destructive effect on the material.
• The final fixing of the penoplex occurs with the help of dowels, and the boards are again mounted on top.

Another laying technology involves insulation followed by a cement screed. It is available for execution both during repair work and during the construction of a building.

• First, an even layer of gravel 30-40 cm high is poured onto the soil. It is carefully compacted, and sand (about 10 cm) is laid in the second layer. The pressing procedure is repeated with him too. A reinforcing cage is assembled, which is poured with concrete. After the screed dries, the actual warming of the surface begins.
• Waterproofing is easiest to do from dense polyethylene.

• Penoplex plates, as in the previous version, are staggered. A reinforcing mesh is stretched from above.
• After fixing the polystyrene foam, the screed is refilled. She is allowed to dry and the flooring is laid.

The use of extruded polystyrene foam as a heater is a worthy alternative to any other way to protect your home from heat loss and create additional sound insulation. And although it has a lot of advantages, the main pleasant moment in using penoplex for many is still its availability and ease of installation.

Choosing a heater is not an easy task. Some of them are afraid of getting wet (stone wool), others are difficult to work with (glass wool), others have not yet found wide application (foamed glass). What remains is polystyrene. He is scolded for unnaturalness and flammability, but in terms of technical characteristics, he is among the leaders. Moreover, extruded polystyrene foam (EPS), although it costs more, it tolerates mechanical loads better than ordinary foam. One of the manufacturers, Penoplex, produces XPS of various densities and purposes. Its products are quite popular - it is one of the most famous brands in the country.

What is Penoplex and its area of ​​\u200b\u200buse

Penoplex (sometimes written "Penoplex") is a heat-insulating material produced by the company of the same name.

The PENOPLEX company is a major Russian manufacturer of polymer-based building and decorative finishing materials. The company began its activity in 1998 with the launch of the first production line in Russia for the production of heat-insulating materials from extruded polystyrene foam under the PENOPLEX® trademark.

The PENOPLEX company produces extruded polystyrene foam (EPS or XPS). This material is used as a heater. From a cheaper analogue - expanded polystyrene (polystyrene foam, PPS or PPS) - it differs in greater density, due to which it better tolerates mechanical loads. Another distinguishing feature is lower vapor permeability. Rather, he almost does not conduct steam. And the main trump card is the best thermal performance. Penoplex 20 mm thick in terms of heat preservation is equivalent to almost double the thickness of mineral wool and 37 cm brickwork.

Penoplex is one of the most effective heat-insulating materials

These characteristics determine the area of ​​​​use of Penoplex. It is recommended for warming those areas where resistance to stress is important, and low vapor permeability is one of the requirements. Specifically, Penoplex is recommended to use:

• For floor insulation:
  • under the screed, on it, as an intermediate layer;
  • when arranging the floor on logs (with some reservations);
  • heat-insulating layer under a heat-insulated floor (water or electric).
• At .
• Insulation of the basement of the house (if it is non-residential).
• On rooftops (ideal for flat roofs, green roofs, the rest you have to be careful because it does not emit much steam).
• Paths, platforms for gazebos.
• Warming of septic tanks, wells, etc.

Another area of ​​use is the thermal insulation of facades or internal walls. But here it must be understood that due to the fact that Penoplex practically does not conduct moisture, additional measures will be needed to ensure that vapors do not get inside the wall. Plus, a well-thought-out ventilation system is needed to normalize the humidity in the house. And, in addition, you need to choose the thickness of the insulation so that the dew point is inside the insulation, but not in the wall.

Optimal - insulation of a recessed basement

If you prefer "breathing" walls, natural regulation of humidity - for this case, Penoplex is unsuitable for wall insulation. It does not go under ventilated facades either. There, just the task is to remove moisture from the insulation due to the movement of air in the ventilation gap. This material is not able to provide, since moisture simply does not get inside the Penoplex.

Types, characteristics, properties

• Comfort. For insulation of walls, balconies, loggias.
• Foundation.
• Pitched roof.
• Wall.

As you can see, the manufacturer clearly delimits the scope of the material. With a common technology, they differ in density. The most dense - for the foundation and floor, as they must withstand considerable loads for a long time. The manufacturer claims that the service life of Penoplex Foundation is up to 50 years.

Design differences

Some of the types of Penoplex have structural differences:

• Plates Penoplex Wall have a rough surface, stripes are applied to the surface of the plate by a milling cutter. All this improves adhesion to the wall and / or finishing materials.
• Penoplex Comfort is distinguished by an L-shaped edge, which guarantees the absence of through seams during installation.
• Penoplex Roofing has a U-shaped edge, which increases the reliability of the connection.

General characteristics

Since the production technology of all types of Penoplex is similar, they have many of the same characteristics:

As you can see, according to temperature indicators, any type of Penoplex can be used in any part of the country - from south to north. Moreover, if it is left to “winter” in an unprotected form, nothing will happen to the material. This is not the merit of Penoplex, but a general property of extruded polystyrene foam.

What distinguishes different types

The manufacturer divided the types of Penoplex into areas of use. Their properties are optimal for a specific application. For example, the increased density of XPS, required for a screed, will not be needed when it is mounted on a plinth. Taking into account the fact that the price differs significantly, it does not make sense to use the Foundation brand for other purposes. But the difference in locks, other things being equal, can be neglected. This is about ease of installation. Although, and this is important.

Parameter	Comfort	Foundation	Roof	Wall
Density	from 20 kg/m3	27-35 kg/m3	26-34 kg/m3	from 20 kg/m3
Elastic modulus	15 MPa	17 MPa	17 MPa	15 MPa
Thickness	20, 30, 40, 50, 100mm	50, 100 mm	100 mm	50 mm
Static bending strength	0.25 MPa	0.4 MPa	0.4 MPa	0.25 MPa

As can be seen from the table, Penoplex for the foundation and roof is more dense, durable, and better tolerates bending loads. Designed for walls and the “Comfort” brand are less durable, since their area of ​​\u200b\u200bapplication does not require resistance to mechanical stress.

Low vapor permeability - good or evil?

As you know, the same property of a material in one situation can be considered as a plus, in another - as a minus. This is exactly the case with the low vapor conductivity that extruded polystyrene foam extrudes. And he does not conduct steam in one direction. Moisture does not penetrate from one side or the other. This is what distinguishes it from vapor barrier membranes, which can have one-sided conductivity.

Where steam impermeability is needed

With proper installation (without gaps and cracks) with gluing of joints, XPS does not require the use of vapor barrier membranes. He hardly misses a couple. Neither liquid nor gaseous. So the use of membranes and waterproofing is unnecessary. When used in a floor cake, this is great, because moisture usually comes from the ground. When using expanded polystyrene, it does not penetrate either by capillary or in the form of steam. In this case, this is definitely a plus.

These properties play a “plus” when using extruded polystyrene foam in the blind area, under the tracks, etc. In addition to protecting against freezing, it does not get wet. This allows, with a competent approach, to get rid of frost heaving and, for example, to make, for example, not a deep-laid strip foundation, but a shallow-depth strip or a Swedish slab.

The use of EPPS in a flat roofing pie is also optimal - leaks are minimized, heat also almost does not go away. When used on pitched roofs, it is already worth considering. The fact that Penoplex Roof does not let moisture into the attic space is good. But it will be possible to remove excess moisture from the attic only with the help of very good ventilation, which includes not only dormer windows. You will need additional elements on the ridge, in the plane of the roof. In general, given the cost of Penoplex, this is not always reasonable.

On the walls: yes or no?

Wall insulation with Penoplex is permissible only if you agree to make an effective ventilation system that will regulate the humidity in the house. In this case, there are two options:

As you can see, there are options for using extruded polystyrene foam for wall insulation, but they are far from the best. For all that, the material itself is good, but it is not suitable for this purpose.

And we must also take into account that the second option is only for non-hygroscopic materials. Such a scheme is very undesirable for wooden, frame buildings, poorly suited for foam blocks. The fact is that no matter how good the vapor barrier is, some of the moisture will still get into the walls. If the material is non-hygroscopic, during the dry season, moisture will gradually be removed from the wall. With hygroscopic materials, this process is more difficult. As a result, the tree rots, the foam block walls “bloom”.

Dimensions and weight, quantity calculation

Penoflex thermal insulation boards can be of different thickness, so the package can have different sizes, it can contain a different number of sheets. It should also be noted that the dimensions of the plates are indicated without spikes / locks.

Name and thickness	Dimensions (L/W)	Amount in a package	Insulation area per package	Packing volume
Comfort 20 mm	585*1185mm	18 pcs	12.48 m2	0.273 m3
Comfort 30 mm	585*1185mm	12 pcs	8.32 m2	0.2704 m3
Comfort 40 mm	585*1185mm	9 pcs	6.24 m2	0.2493 m3
Comfort 50 mm	585*1185mm	7 pcs	7.69 m2	0.2429 m3
Comfort 100 mm	585*1185mm	4 things	2.77 m2	0.2772 m3
Foundation 50 mm	585*1185mm	7 pcs	7.69 m2	0.2429 m3
Foundation 100 mm	585*1185mm	4 things	2.77 m2	0.2772 m3
Pitched roof 100 mm	585*1185mm	4 things	2.77 m2	0.2772 m3
Wall 50 mm	585*1185mm	8 pcs	5.55 m2	0.2776 m3

There are two methods for calculating the number of packages: using the volume or area of ​​the package:

• You know the insulated area, find the area of ​​the insulation of the required thickness in the package and divide the insulated area by this value. For example, it is necessary to insulate 15 squares, 40 mm thick plates will be used. The area of ​​the insulation in the package is 6.24 m². We consider: 15 / 6.24 \u003d 2.4 packages.
• To calculate by volume, we multiply the insulated area by the thickness, we get the required volume. Further, by analogy with the example above, we divide the figure found by the volume of one package. We get the number of packages of insulation. Let's calculate for the same case: 15 m² * 0.04 m = 0.6 m³. According to the table, one package of this material has a volume of 0.2493 m³. we find the number of packages: 0.6 / 0.2493 = 2.4 packages.

Penoplex for blind areas around the house and basement insulation - an excellent choice

If the number of packages is not integer (most likely it will be), some surplus is formed. If the surplus turns out to be large (as in the example, more than half of the plates turn out to be unnecessary) and you will have nowhere to use it, check if the seller sells incomplete packages. In this case, the calculation will be a little more complicated. You should estimate how many plates you need in addition to whole packages. For this:

• Find the area covered by whole packages. For example, this is: 2 pack * 6.24 m² = 12.48 m².
• Since we need to insulate 15 squares, we subtract the found one from this figure: 15 m² - 12.48 m² = 2.52 m². This is the area for which you should buy plates.
• The area of ​​one Penoflex heat-insulating plate is 0.6932 m². If the remainder is divided by this figure, we get the required number of additional sheets of insulation: 2.52 m² / 0.6932 m² = 3.63 pcs. It turns out that we will need 4 plates in addition to two packages.

With such an accurate calculation, it is better to take a small margin - one or two plates. In case somewhere they made a mistake in measurements or calculations, somewhere the edges were wrinkled and other unforeseen cases.

Mounting technology

When laying on horizontal surfaces - floors, flat roofs - the plates are simply laid on a flat surface. The surface should be without sharp drops, the maximum deviation is 2-3%. This requirement must be met so that voids do not form. When laying, we monitor the joints, it is advisable to glue them (you can use tape) or fill them with the same foam / glue on which the plates are attached.

If two layers of thermal insulation are laid, it is positioned so that the XPS boards of the second row overlap the seams of the lower one. They also say that the slabs are laid with alternating seams or “in a row”.

When mounting on vertical surfaces, a double mount is used:

• Glue or glue-foam is applied to the plane.
• Additionally fixed with dowels-umbrellas.

According to the technology of mounting plate insulation on facades, dowel-umbrellas are installed at the junction of two sheets (any two sheets) and in the plane of the sheet - two more additional fasteners. That is, there are at least 8 fasteners per sheet (indicated in red in the figure). More is possible. Less - no. Unless, of course, you want the insulation with the finish to come off. If the winds in the region are strong, it is better to put more. For insulation inside, you can put less (see diagrams below).

During installation, on the extreme plates and around the openings, we install fasteners more often: three or four elements per plate. In order to keep the insulation rigidly in the corners of the openings, a mesh is attached to it before plastering. It is attached at an angle of about 45 °, fastening the joint. Under such conditions, there will be no problems with finishing inside or outside.

If plaster, facade tiles, finishing stone and other heavy materials are subsequently applied to Penoplex, before starting installation, care must be taken to improve the adhesion of the material to the wall and to the finish. Even if you mount Penoplex Wall with stripes, it is better to add roughness to the plate with a metal brush. And from both sides. If the wall is smooth, it also does not interfere with adding roughness - for better adhesion.

Penoplex refers to modern building materials and has a number of qualities that improve this material. First of all, these characteristics include lightness and strength. The second is durability and easy installation. This material can be cut with a regular knife.

Penoplex is a heat-insulating material that combines low moisture permeability and thermal conductivity.

Today, penoplex can be called the most popular thermal insulation material, which combines low moisture permeability and thermal conductivity. Its full name sounds like "extruded polystyrene foam." It is produced by foaming polystyrene. The result is a material with uniform, fine-grained cells 0.1-0.2 mm in size.

Specifications

For heat-insulating materials, an important factor is the ability of the material to absorb moisture. Penoplex has no equal in this property, since moisture can only penetrate into those cells that were damaged during installation, and water is closed to closed cells.

Penoplex is an environmentally friendly material, it does not rot and is not affected by precipitation. Also, this material has low vapor permeability. Penoplex has an increased chemical resistance to a number of materials used in construction, unlike some materials that can soften and even dissolve.

When using foam boards in construction, it is necessary to strictly observe the temperature range at which installation is possible. Compliance with this condition will allow the plates to retain their original technical characteristics. If you do not observe the temperature regime during installation work, then an irreversible change in the plates is possible: they may lose their size, and in some cases both mechanical and thermal insulation properties.

Installation of plates can be done independently if desired. When choosing an adhesive composition, which is used to fasten the plates, one should adhere to the technical specifications specified by the manufacturer.

Storage of foam boards will not require any special conditions from you. He is not afraid of temperature changes, the material is waterproof, so it is possible to store it even on open construction sites in the package in which it was purchased. This material does not degrade in the environment. Therefore, there is no danger to the health of people and animals.

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Scope of penoplex

Knowing about all the positive properties of penoplex, one conclusion can be made: it is a very valuable building material that has a number of properties that are invaluable in construction. In this connection, the scope of this material is very wide.

During the construction of a residential building, several goals are usually pursued: it should be comfortable to live in the future house, construction should not drive the owner into financial slavery. For this, the most progressive developments of the construction market are used. It is necessary to use for insulation exactly the material that is intended for these purposes, and not the material that is cheaper.

Penoplex can be used as a heat-insulating material for almost any area of ​​construction.

1. To protect the foundation

Different from traditional types, foam insulation has a number of advantages. With the installation of insulation, the depth of freezing of the soil decreases, due to which there is no need for a deeply laid foundation. All this leads to a reduction in land management and the installation of a massive concrete foundation, which requires an increase in material and labor costs.

The foundation is protected from moisture penetration. This increases the life of the waterproofing and protects all underground structures from water penetration. Thus, a microclimate is provided that favorably affects the human body. Thanks to the arrangement of the foundation using foam slabs, the heat loss of the building is reduced, which leads to a reduction in heating costs.

1. Basement insulation

Since the penoplex is practically not subject to moisture penetration, the installation of plates can be done directly on the gravel, which forms the base of the subfloor.

If the base is concrete, you can cover it with waterproofing material, and then lay the foam boards.

If it is planned to install a warm floor on the ground floor, then to minimize heat loss, increase the thermal insulation layer.

1. For thermal insulation of floors and ceilings

In many ways, the preservation of heat in the room depends on the floor. If the floor in the room is not insulated, then this can cause 20% heat loss. In order to avoid this, the floors are insulated, in particular, with foam. When insulating floors, it should be remembered that condensation may form on the surface of walls and floors. It can cause the formation of mold and fungus, which leads to the destruction of structures.

In addition, mold and fungus have a negative impact on the health of people and animals living indoors. The foam plastic used for thermal insulation is subjected to numerous checks and tests. At the same time, being subjected to slight deformation, it retains strength. Also, this material is fireproof, as it is treated with special compounds.

An important factor in floor insulation is its low thermal conductivity and the preservation of thermal insulation properties for a long time, even under the influence of constant loads and humidity. All these reasons could affect the thickness of the floor, but the use of foam prevents such losses. These plates are easy to install and have very little waste, which significantly reduces the financial cost of arranging floor insulation.

A possible future reconstruction of the walls involves the use of a material that has sufficient moisture resistance and resistance to deformation. All these qualities are possessed by foam boards. It is rational to use this vapor-proof and environmentally friendly material when arranging wall insulation in a residential area. From above, this material is plastered, and it is not afraid of any atmospheric precipitation.

1. For insulation of balconies, roofs

When installing an insulating layer on a balcony, especially for residential premises combined with it, it is required to use a material that will not cause an unnecessary load on the loggia floor slabs. This is perfectly handled by foam boards, which are easy to mount on their own both on the walls and on the floor. This will significantly reduce the cost of heating a dwelling, besides, it will not cause difficulties when installing the "warm floor" system, which will unload the heating system of the apartment.

The use of penoplex on the roof is due to the fact that it significantly reduces heat loss, and the roof serves its owners much longer. When insulating the roof, the foam boards are laid on the outer side of the roof, but in such a way that a ventilated cavity is formed to avoid evaporation. First of all, you should clean the roof, then waterproof it with a special material, and then proceed with the installation of insulation boards. They are usually laid in the grooves between the rafters, as this is the least time-consuming installation method. After the installation of the plates is completed, the gaps formed during operation are filled with mounting foam to avoid places where there is a “draught”.

Among the extensive line of heat-insulating materials, foam plastic occupies one of the first places. Most fans of doing something with their own hands are attracted by the low price of the plates of this insulation and the ability to mount them on their own without resorting to the help of workers.

This allows you to significantly save on the insulation of private and country houses. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the foam, the finished structures are quite warm.

What is extruded polystyrene foam

The complex technical name of the insulation alarms many who prefer to use only environmentally friendly, low-combustible materials in the insulation of their homes. Modern technologies make it possible not to use freons as a blowing agent. Therefore, only CO2 or freons are currently used for polystyrene foam granules. So we can quite call it environmentally friendly.

The material has a number of characteristics that make it very attractive for private and low-rise construction, as well as for industrial use.

• The insulation does not have a biological component, therefore it does not rot and does not decompose. Such properties make it durable (service life ≥ 50 years).
• Eco-friendly heater. And we can even talk about the environmental friendliness of its production.
• Perfectly proved itself in the "warm floor" systems. On top of the foam 35, the entire structure of the "warm floor" is mounted. A low coefficient of thermal conductivity will effectively save heat, so that the cost of heating a house or apartment is significantly reduced.
• Wide range of applications. Insulation can be used both in a country house and at an airfield.

Technical characteristics of penoplex are presented in the table below.

Where can you use penoplex

Extruded polystyrene foam has found its application in various fields, both in residential construction and repair, and in industrial.

Its technical characteristics have a wide variation in such indicators as plate thickness, combustibility, strength, which allows them to insulate both runways at airfields (100 mm thick plates), and house walls, foundations, etc.

Penoplex markings

Penoplex marking

There are several markings for penoplex, such as M35, M45 and others. It is worth noting that this is an old marking. They are currently out of production.

• Modern markings - 31C, 35, 45. Penoplex 31C has poor compression specifications, so it is used mainly for insulating pipes or containers.
• Penoplex 35 is universal, quite durable, so it can be used to insulate both pipes and walls of buildings, foundations, and use it in a screed on the floor. The characteristics of this brand have excellent thermal insulation qualities.
• Penoplex 45 can be successfully used for warming runways at airfields, for insulating deep foundations, floors in industrial premises. It is also indispensable in the arrangement of the road surface. Its density, which is higher than that of 35, perfectly withstands loads, and the almost complete absence of water absorption does not allow the canvas to swell after heavy rains and subsequent frosts. For 45 there are no prohibitions for use on an industrial scale.

What is good penoplex

The properties of penoplex are diverse, which is very convenient for do-it-yourself work, in the country or in a private house.

1. Ease of installation and low weight make it easy to mount this heater without resorting to the help of specialists.
2. Such characteristics of penoplex as a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, density and others allow it to be used not only for external insulation, but also for thermal insulation of floors at the construction stage. Slabs with a density of 45, with a thickness of 50 mm or more, can easily withstand a concrete screed, serving as an excellent service in the future. You will always have a relatively warm floor.
3. Foam boards 20 mm, 30 mm, 50 mm thick and above will make the walls, floor and roof warmer. Now you don't have to worry about buying warm slippers or a sweater. Penoplex will reliably protect you from bad weather.
4. Such a quality of penoplex as vapor tightness baffles many. After all, we are used to counting and hearing from sellers in hardware stores that the walls (floor, roof) must breathe. But think about it. Through these micropores, our house (wooden or brick) not only breathes, but also loses heat. Using penoplex insulation, simply organize high-quality ventilation in your room by equipping, for example, a micro-ventilation system and installing an exhaust hood. Thus, you will create a healthy microclimate in your home.

A little about the flammability of foam

Most homegrown builders believe that foam plastic is no different from polystyrene, except perhaps in its structure. Its properties such as combustibility and water absorption are equated to the properties of foam. This is not true.
Now both non-combustible foam and completely combustible foam are produced. Therefore, trusting the rumors that the penoplex burns strongly or not is your decision. However, we note that penoplex is deprived of the possibility of spontaneous combustion. In the presence of a source of constant fire, it only melts, with the release of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gases. If the fire is immediately extinguished, even smoldering will not be observed. Therefore, choosing between modern foam plastic and foam plastic, give preference to the second material.

Important. Ordinary foam plastic burns perfectly, which you can easily find in a box with some household appliances. But it is foolish to assume that there is no difference between him and the construction foam. None of the varieties of penoplex does not burn, but only melts in the presence of an open flame source.

Russian brands of foam

Russian craftsmen did not bypass the production of such a sought-after insulation as penoplex. In our market there are such brands as "Technoplex" from the corporation "TechnoNIKOL" and "Polyspen". Let's consider each of them in detail.

Technoplex is designed specifically for private construction, as well as for arranging the underfloor heating system. Nanotechnology is used in the production - graphite particles, which enhance the effect of low thermal conductivity and further increase the strength of the material plates. The plates of this insulation are light silver and meet all standards for the production of foam.

Technoplex insulation is produced by plates with different parameters. Even custom sizes are possible if requested by the customer. The thickness of the plates is different - 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100 mm. All plates, except for the 20s, have a special edge, which during installation eliminates the appearance of cold bridges. Technoplex boards can be stored both indoors and outdoors, provided that the original packaging is intact.
After installation, the surface of the Technoplex insulation must be isolated from atmospheric influences.

Polyspen LLC successfully produces extruded polystyrene foam under the same brand. There are three types of foam boards in production, which differ from each other in characteristics - compression density, thermal conductivity coefficient and combustibility. These are the brands:

• Polispen Standard

The numbers 35 and 45 mean the density of the material, respectively 35 kg/m3 and 45 kg/m3. In the production, special substances are used that reduce flammability - fire retardants.

Plates "Polyspen Standard" are used where their combustible component is least important - for internal floor insulation, in foundations. Plates with a density of 35 are used for insulation of fences and load-bearing structures of buildings. Plates "Polispen" with a density of 45 are used in the arrangement of road surfaces, as well as structures that carry excessive loads.

So, we have an excellent thermal insulation material, made in the form of plates of various thicknesses - 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 mm (depending on the manufacturer, the thickness range may vary, the standard range is 20/30/40/50 / 100), impregnated to varying degrees with fire retardants (the price of non-combustible material is more expensive), of various density and compressive strength, used both in private housing construction and in industry. Russian brands of penoplex, such as Tenoplex and Polispen, have proven themselves well in the Russian market.