Foam insulation? Technical characteristics decoding of marking on the material- Overview + Video

Polyfoam is an insulation material that has a foamed structure. Due to its qualities and low price, it is widely used. Polyfoam, a photo of which can be found on various Internet resources and manufacturers' websites, has both significant advantages over other heaters, and disadvantages.

For the production of polystyrene material, polystyrene is used, which is famous for its resistance to subzero temperatures, and also perfectly resists high humidity. If exposed to high temperatures, then it can take on a variety of forms.

For the manufacture of foam, polystyrene is foamed in a special way, the granules are treated with steam. Thus, manufacturers seek to reduce the density of polystyrene and reduce weight.

General information

Foam manufacturing process

After the secondary foaming, the material is sent for drying. This is done in the open air, due to which the granules are filled with oxygen and acquire the final structure. The material is then shaped to form the white slabs that we are familiar with.

After all the manipulations, the finished foam is cut.

A very important point in the production of foam is to maintain the temperature in the room at + 18 ° C. If you do not follow this nuance, the material will crumble. Often, the finished foam is cut into blocks of 100 x 500 mm. In addition, product sizes of 2000 x 1000 mm are often found.

Note. Polyfoam is very popular as a heater due to its low cost and ease of installation.

Types of foam

• Unpressed;
• Pressed;
• Extrusive.

Non-pressed foam has a loose structure and is quite brittle. In the pressed case, the granules are held together by pressing, which in turn makes the material much stronger.

The extrusive type of foam is made at high temperatures, as a result of which the granules are connected tightly and firmly, forming a single substance.

Overview of the most popular types of foam

The most popular and frequently used types of foam are the following.

Foam with markings

• PSB-S-15 has a lower density, suitable for work on the insulation of attics, wagons, containers. The choice for this material falls in the event that there is no need for great strength.
• PSB-S-25 gained its popularity due to its versatility.

  It is used for insulation of facades with foam plastic in private houses, balconies and floors. Possesses a high degree of resistance to moisture.

• PSB-S-35 are used for insulation of the basement and basement floor.Differs in good resistance to high loads, as well as the negative impact of the external environment.
• PSB-S-50 has a high density, is often used when laying pavement, between floors in high-rise buildings.

  It has an unspoken name - aviation foam.

There is another type of foam - granular . This material is used as a filler when insulating facades with foam. The granules are covered between the wall and finishing materials.

Penoizol

Note.

Penoizol - insulation in liquid form. It is used in the same way as granular foam.

The division of foam into types is also taking into account the shape. Leafy types are more commonly used because they are versatile. They can be used to insulate ceilings, floors and walls.

Sizes and thicknesses may also vary.

Technical features of foam

• Thermal conductivity coefficient. There are no gaps between the foam granules, they are firmly connected to each other, so that cold air masses cannot penetrate through them. Remember, a low density material provides a high thermal conductivity, and vice versa.
• High soundproofing qualities.

  The material is a kind of barrier to the penetration of sound waves through it. In order to provide protection against the propagation of annoying sounds, it is enough to apply foam with a thickness of 3 cm.

• Moisture resistance. Everyone knows that if you put the foam in water, it will not be saturated with it, but will remain on the surface and will not sink. There may be a slight ingress of water through small channels in the material, but this largely does not affect anything.

• Low level of vapor permeability. Builders advise to insulate the walls outside.
• Reliability and durability. The material can withstand heavy loads and not deform for a long time. The thicker the foam, the higher the level of its strength.

  In addition, correct installation also guarantees the strength of the foam finish at home.

• Resistance to the external environment. Polyfoam perfectly tolerates the influence of salts, acids and alkali. But, it is important to remember that the material is not friendly with solvents: alcohol, fuel oil, kerosene (dissolves in them).
• Resistant to mold and mildew.

  But, mice and rats can make holes in the material with ease.

• Fire resistance. The combustion process begins only upon contact with an open flame. If the flame is extinguished, the combustion stops immediately.
• High level of environmental friendliness.

  For the manufacture of foam, substances containing toxins are not used, therefore, the foam does not emit vapors hazardous to human health.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of foam

• Ease of installation. Dowels and glue are used to fix the foam. And given the fact that the material is very light, installation work can be carried out independently.
• Versatility.

  The material is suitable for insulating houses with foam plastic, building foundations, walls, floors. If there is a need to choose foam for a specific purpose, you will not have any difficulties in choosing. Hardware stores are able to offer a wide range of Styrofoam products.

• Light weight. This feature of the material makes it possible to mount it on a finished house, since you will not exert any load on the foundation.

  In addition, frame buildings can be sheathed with foam.

• Cheapness. This nuance makes foam one of the most demanded materials for house insulation.
• Durability. The service life is about 50 years.

Disadvantages of foam

Any material, despite all its positive characteristics, may have a number of disadvantages. Polyfoam is no exception.

Destroyed by ultraviolet radiation . This fact does not pose any particular trouble, because the foam is hidden under the finishing materials.

Styrofoam emits toxic smoke when burning.

In this regard, many manufacturers add special substances to prevent the spread of fire.

Styrofoam is absolutely steam-tight. This drawback occurs when the material is incorrectly installed. The use of foam for wall insulation often results in a greenhouse effect indoors due to the walls not breathing.

What to look for when choosing foam plastic?

When choosing insulation for finishing the facade of a house with foam plastic, take into account the factors that affect the life of the material.

The first step is to determine the features of the surface on which the foam will be mounted. For walls that are lined with plasterboard and clapboard, take foam with a density of 15 kg / m³. to insulate the facade of the house, choose a material with a density of 25 kg / m³. foam plastic with a density of 35 kg / m³ is used if it is necessary to make good insulation from extraneous disturbing noise.

Note.

If the material has not been stored under cover, do not take it, as the sun's rays have a detrimental effect on its properties.

Results

Complete or partial color change indicates poor quality material. There is black foam on sale, which means that the material contains graphite. Manufacturers claim that this allows for increased heat retention properties.

When buying foam plastic, inspect it from all sides, there should be no traces of crumbling.

A good quality foam board will bounce under pressure while maintaining tightness.Also, the granules should fit tightly to each other, there should be no gaps between them that exceed their size.

If you notice that balls are falling off when transporting or moving the foam, then you bought a poor quality material. Armed with all the knowledge and advice on choosing foam, you can be sure that the material will serve you for a long time.