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Penoplex properties. Technical characteristics of the penoplex material

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

Penoplex is thermal insulation material, which 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 is “extruded polystyrene foam”. It is produced by foaming polystyrene. The result is a material with uniform, fine-grained cells measuring 0.1-0.2 mm.

Specifications

For heat-insulating materials, an important factor is the material’s ability to absorb moisture. Penoplex has no equal in this property, since moisture can penetrate only into those cells that were damaged during installation, and water is not allowed to enter closed cells.

Penoplex is an environmentally friendly material, it does not rot and is not affected by atmospheric precipitation. This material also has low vapor permeability. Penoplex has 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, the temperature range at which installation is possible must be strictly observed. Compliance with this condition will allow the slabs to retain their original technical characteristics. If you don't comply temperature regime When performing installation work, an irreversible change in the slabs is possible: they may lose their size, and in some cases, both mechanical and thermal insulation properties.

You can install the slabs yourself if you wish. When choosing the adhesive composition used to fasten the boards, you should adhere to the technical specifications specified by the manufacturer.

Storing foam boards will not require any special conditions from you. It is not afraid of temperature changes, the material is moisture-proof, so it can be stored even on open construction sites in the packaging in which it was purchased. This material is not subject to decomposition in the environment. Therefore, it does not pose a danger to the health of people and animals.

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Area of ​​application 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 invaluable properties in construction. In this connection, the scope of application of this material is very wide.

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

Penoplex can be used as a thermal insulation material for almost any area of ​​construction.

  1. To protect the foundation

Different from traditional types, penoplex insulation has a number of advantages. When installing insulation, the depth of soil freezing decreases, which eliminates the need for a deeply laid foundation. All this leads to a reduction in work on land management and construction of 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. This ensures a microclimate that has a beneficial effect on the human body. By arranging the foundation using polystyrene foam slabs, the heat loss of the building is reduced, which leads to a reduction in heating costs.

  1. For thermal insulation of the basement

Since penoplex is practically not susceptible to moisture penetration, the slabs can be installed directly on the gravel that makes up the base of the subfloor.

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

If it is planned to install a heated 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, heat retention in a room depends on the floor. If the floor in the room is not insulated, this can cause 20% of heat loss. In order to avoid this, floors are insulated, in particular, with penoplex. When insulating floors, you should remember that condensation may form on the surface of the walls and floor. It can cause mold and mildew to form, which leads to structural failure.

In addition, mold and mildew have a negative impact on the health of people and animals living indoors. Penoplex used for thermal insulation is subjected to numerous checks and tests. At the same time, subjected to slight deformation, it retains its strength. This material is also fireproof, as it is treated with special compounds.

An important factor when insulating a floor is its low thermal conductivity and preservation thermal insulation properties for a long time, even under the influence permanent loads and humidity. All these reasons could affect the thickness of the floor, but the use of penoplex prevents such losses. These slabs are easy to install and have very little waste, which significantly reduces the financial costs of installing floor insulation.

Possible future reconstruction of walls involves the use of a material that is sufficiently moisture-resistant and resistant to deformation. Penoplex slabs have all these qualities. This one is vapor-tight and environmentally friendly pure material It is rational to use when arranging wall insulation in a residential area. This material is plastered on top, and is not afraid of any precipitation.

  1. For insulation of balconies, roofs

When installing an insulating layer on a balcony, especially for residential premises combined with it, it is necessary to use a material that will not cause excess load on the loggia floor slabs. Penoplex slabs, which are easy to mount yourself both on the walls and on the floor, can handle this perfectly. This will significantly reduce the cost of heating a living space, and will also not cause difficulties when installing a “warm floor” system, which will relieve heating system apartments.

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 a roof, foam boards are laid on the outside 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, since this is the least labor-intensive installation method. After the installation of the slabs is completed, the cracks formed during work are filled with polyurethane foam to avoid places where there is a “draft.”

Penoplex is used as a building thermal insulation material to make it comfortable to live in the house in any weather, so that you can go out onto the loggias even in winter without warm clothes, need to high-quality insulation walls, floors, ceilings. Today, many new insulation materials have appeared that protect house structures from heat loss. And among them, penoplex stands out. Why has it become so popular in the industrial and household use, what are its advantages and where is it used?

Reasons for popularity

Penoplex insulation has now become very popular in the insulation of buildings. They protect everything from foundations to ceilings on balconies.

This is explained by the fact that the material attracts with its most important properties:

  • Working with it does not require special skills and knowledge,
  • It is inexpensive, and insulation is economical in price.

The main reason for the popularity of expanded polystyrene is that it is cheap, but at the same time its thermal properties are at a high level.

What is penoplex

Penoplex insulation is extruded polystyrene foam. In its structure, penoplex - be it 31, 45. 31 - resembles the well-known polystyrene foam, but it has slightly different characteristics due to the peculiarities of production.

During production, polystyrene foam granules are foamed with freon or carbon dioxide. This allows us to obtain a material that is absolutely harmless to health, hypoallergenic and has a number of advantages over foam plastic and other insulation materials.

Penoplex is produced in the form of slabs. The technical characteristics of penoplex insulation are considered one of the most optimal for protecting a building. The dimensions of the slabs are standard, but they can be cut.

Penoplex insulation is extruded polystyrene foam

Material properties

Penoplex does not contain any biological substances. Therefore, it never decomposes or rots. At least in the foreseeable future, the material will decompose under the influence of environment and cannot harbor microorganisms - manufacturers claim that its service life reaches 50 years or more.

The material has a very low thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.03 W/mºK, so it is a universal insulation material.

Penoplex is currently used for:

  • insulation of buildings,
  • road insulation,
  • insulation of runways.

The high degree of resistance of penoplex to rotting and chemical modification makes it possible to widely use it as insulation

Specifications

  • Significant flexural and compressive strength,
  • Its water absorption is 0.2-0.3%,
  • Vapor permeability of the material is 0.007-0.008 mg/m h Pa,
  • Temperature resistance – the insulation retains its characteristics and properties at temperatures from -50 to + 75 degrees.

Expanded polystyrene insulation retains its characteristics and properties at temperatures from -50 to + 75 degrees

Pros of penoplex

Thanks to these technical characteristics, the insulation has the following advantages:

  • The material is resistant to combustion and is considered fireproof,
  • Serves without loss of its qualities for a long time - from 50 years,
  • Does not release toxic substances into the air during operation,
  • Does not absorb moisture
  • Simple and easy to use.

The advantages of penoplex are environmental friendliness, strength and its resistance to compression

Types of penoplex

Currently, several types of penoplex are produced, each of which has its own areas of application. Although this is a fairly universal material, it is still better to follow the manufacturers’ recommendations and use different types of penoplex for certain types of work.

Currently, several types of penoplex are produced, each of which has its own areas of application.

Penoplex comes in the following types:

  • Penoplex Wall has a density of 25-32 kg/cubic. m. and serves for insulation of walls and partitions of buildings, ground floors.
  • Penoplex foundation has a density of 29-32 kg/cubic. m. and serves to protect foundations from freezing, basements, and ground floors. The water absorption of this type of material is almost 0.
  • Penoplex roofing has a density of 28-33 kg/cub.m. It is particularly lightweight, moisture resistant and has a rigid design. Therefore, it is more convenient for them to insulate roofs of any type.
  • Penoplex insulation 31 Perfect for insulating walls, ceilings, and floors. It is widely used for insulating loggias and balconies, as well as for protecting a number of roofs that are not in use - that is, not loaded with anything other than snow during precipitation.
  • Insulation 35 designed for insulating floors and is especially often used to create heated floors.
  • Penoplex insulation 45 has a density of 35-47 kg/cubic. m. and has a number of special characteristics that allow it to be universal material. Its compressive strength reaches 10% and is equal to 0.5 MPa. Its water absorption is such that even when completely immersed in water, insulation 45 is practically not saturated with water.

Due to its qualities, it is used for insulation of industrial facilities. Penoplex 45 is widely used for insulation of runways, any roads - railway tracks and asphalt road surfaces, especially if they are laid on heaving soil and permafrost; insulation of floors, foundations, roofs.

Penoplex 45 allows you to insulate roofs in use that can be accessed by vehicles, as well as floors that bear heavy loads. Therefore, 45 is used for insulation of industrial facilities.

If we are talking about the construction of residential buildings, then in the field of insulation of foundations and walls, especially in conditions harsh climate, penoplex 45 has practically no equal.

Important: All types of penoplex are not afraid if they freeze, thaw and freeze again. However, this does not affect their properties in any way. They are resistant to acids, salts, alkalis, lime, alcohols, paints on water based, ammonia, cement, animal and vegetable oils.

Features of application

Penoplex slabs are easy to cut - they can be shaped required sizes ordinary cutting tools. After cutting, the slabs are laid and fixed. You should choose adhesive for penoplex based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. It must be taken into account that some adhesives can damage it. The material is not resistant to gasoline, kerosene, benzene, polyester resins, acetone, and oil paints.

The slabs can be stored outdoors. But we must protect them from lying in the sun for a long time, since in the light the upper layers of the material begin to collapse.

The technical characteristics of the material make it an almost ideal insulation material. Therefore, it can be used in almost any conditions and on any objects. And the ease of installation and operation make it accessible for independent work.

Penoplex slabs are easy to cut - they can be given the required dimensions using conventional cutting tools

Penoplex insulation (video)

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

Penoplex plates

Penoplex is foamed polystyrene produced 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, no larger than 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 pressed through an extruder. Foaming agents (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, once the manufacturing process is completed, all these auxiliary additives are replaced by air from the environment.

Penoplex photo

As a result, a thermal insulation product is obtained with good performance for materials of this group intended to conserve heat. These include:

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

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

Plates of material are packaged in a film that protects against penetration sun rays. The original packaging allows you to store polystyrene foam outdoors. But, despite the plastic film, it is worth providing them additional protection from UF rays that can damage upper layer insulation. Others special conditions storage is not required, because foamed polystyrene is not afraid of humidity and temperature changes, the main thing is to control the safety of the packaging.

Types of penoplex and areas of application

The 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. Belongs to flammability group G4. Applicable in the following areas:
  • insulation of foundations in horizontal and vertical directions, as well as roofs on a reinforced concrete base;

  • when laying basin bowls, utility networks, when insulating temperature bridges;
  • insulation of various underground structures - fire wells, storage tanks;
  • during the construction of local water supply and sewerage systems in private houses, provided that communications are laid in the freezing zone;
  • Penoplex slabs of class 31 C are also used when installing shallow foundations.
  • Penoplex 35 produced with a density from 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 both corrugated and pitched), cold bridges and utility 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, storage facilities, freezers and ice arenas.

Separately, it is worth mentioning that at the time of production of this brand of polystyrene foam, special additives are added to the feedstock at the mixing stage to increase the resistance of the insulation to combustion. Such slabs burn poorly and prevent the fire from spreading further, and when smoldering, they release only two types of gases (carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide), unlike a number of other insulating materials that “release” a whole complex of harmful substances and compounds.

  • Penoplex 45 C has a density of 35 to 40 kg/m³. Flammability class - G4. It is used for insulating foundations, roofs and floors exposed to load.

  • Penoplex 45. Density indicator from 38 to 45 kg/m³, flammability group G4. The scope of application coincides with the above types of material. In addition, it is used to insulate 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 allows it to be used in the construction of airfield runways 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 for use only in the temperature range from -50°C to +75°C. Compliance with operating temperatures guarantees that the material will maintain its technical characteristics. If this condition is violated, the penoplex slabs may become deformed and lose some 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 polystyrene.

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

  • Penoplex slabs do not pose a threat to human health and are not hazardous to the environment, which is confirmed by research and certificates for these products.
  • Penoplex material can be characterized by several other indicators.
  • Low thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity coefficient at 20-30°C - 0.030 W/(m×°C)). The indicator for this evaluation criterion is significantly lower compared to the average values ​​of most other insulation materials.
  • Tests of the slabs for water absorption showed that the sample immersed in water absorbed moisture for the first 10 days. And in a month it 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 penoplex makes it possible to use it in conditions high humidity without changing thermal conductivity. That is, foamed polystyrene can be used without additional waterproofing, unless certain environmental conditions require it.
  • In terms of vapor permeability, a 2 cm thick penoplex slab is equivalent to a layer of roofing felt.
  • It is able to retain its properties even with numerous frosts and subsequent thawings. Their service life is at least 50 years.
  • The extrusion method used in the production of plates results in a uniform and dense structure of the finished product. This gives the penoplex consistently high compressive strength.
  • Many have already appreciated the simplicity and 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 an ordinary knife is extremely valuable to builders.

Penoplex video

DIY penoplex insulation

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

Installation of penoplex from inside the building

  • Preparatory work. Standard procedure for all types of construction and finishing works is also observed in this case. Be sure to completely remove all traces of previous surface finishing and paints and varnishes. You will have to get rid of fungus and mold with a special composition, and then it is recommended to carry out “sanitation” with any purchased products that have bactericidal properties. The surface should be as leveled and primed as possible.
  • Assembly of the base profile. The installation of this special design is necessary for a more even and tight fit of the polystyrene foam boards. The profile will also protect the insulation from external influences. Its fastening is carried out using dowel-nails, and lining washers will help ensure a tight fit of the canvas to the surface to be finished. An important requirement is that the width of the base profile matches the thickness of the foam board. Using joining plates, adjacent structural elements are joined together. Be sure to leave a distance of approximately 2 mm between them.

  • Installation of insulation boards. A layer of glue is applied to the penoplex along the entire perimeter of the material and in the center. Many professional builders advise not to save money, to coat well adhesive composition the whole stove. After this, the foamed polystyrene is pressed against the profile. The protruding excess glue is removed, and it is better to fill small gaps with inserts from pieces of polystyrene foam that were left during trimming. The issue of using polyurethane 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 the formation of cracks.
  • Final consolidation. After the glue has dried (about 3 days), work continues. With the help of dowels, the final fastening of the material takes place. Hardware is located in the middle of the slab and along its perimeter, but in such a way as to connect adjacent sheets.

  • Insulating walls on the living room side 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 cladding is outside.

How to insulate the outside of a building with penoplex

  • This insulation method will require material with a thickness of 80 to 100 mm. The stages are similar, but there are some nuances.
  • The facade is leveled, cracks are sealed and the wall is primed as a “final” treatment.
  • Penoplex is glued as described above and attached to dowels using the same principle.
  • If you plan to finish with plaster, then as preparatory stage you just need to stick on the reinforced mesh.
  • If final finishing 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 foamed polystyrene.

As you can easily see, all the work is quite easy to do yourself. The situation is more complicated with insulation of the outside of apartments in multi-storey building. In this case, you cannot do without the services of industrial climbers.

Thermal insulation of the floor using penoplex

  • One of the ways is insulation on the joists. This option is suitable for wooden houses installed on columnar foundation. In this case, there are slabs of extruded polystyrene foam in the spaces between the joists.
  • First, the old floorboards are dismantled if the insulation process is taking place in an already residential area, and not at the construction stage. If you plan to return them to their place, then this is a good reason to examine each one for integrity and treat it with impregnation to protect it from rotting.
  • Installation of new logs begins with the outermost beam, leveling it, and then the beam is attached from the opposite end. Now, having stretched the fishing line between them, you can use it as a guide to install the remaining logs, not forgetting to make sure that they are positioned 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.
  • Penoplex slabs 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 polyurethane foam that will be used to process the seams does not include toluene, which can have a destructive effect on the material.
  • The final fastening of the penoplex occurs with the help of dowels, and the boards are mounted again on top.

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

  • First, an even layer of gravel 30-40 cm high is poured onto the ground. It is thoroughly compacted, and sand is laid as a second layer (about 10 cm). The pressing procedure is repeated with him too. A reinforcement frame is assembled and filled with concrete. After the screed has dried, the actual insulation of the surface begins.
  • Waterproofing is easiest done from dense polyethylene.

  • Penoplex slabs, as in the previous version, are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. A reinforcing mesh is stretched from above.
  • After attaching the polystyrene foam, the screed is refilled. It is allowed to dry and the floor covering is laid.

The use of extruded polystyrene foam as insulation is worthy alternative 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 thing about using penoplex for many is still its availability and ease of installation.

If previously the range of thermal insulation materials was not rich enough, today buyers are faced with a wide selection of insulation materials with different properties And performance characteristics. This means that a homeowner with any budget can choose the right option. Today, penoplex is rightfully recognized as one of the most popular materials, which is in great demand and occupies a leading position in the market of thermal insulation coatings. Today we will look in detail at what it is, find out where it is used and how this popular insulation is installed.

What it is?

Surely every person has heard about this at least once in his life. building material like penoplex. However, not every consumer knows what lies under this name.

Penoplex is a well-known trade name for high-quality extruded polystyrene. Today this material is the leader in the insulation market. They often cover walls, ceiling structures, roofing bases and even floors.

Features and production

Penoplex is high-quality foamed polystyrene. This type The material is produced by extrusion.

Like manufacturing process was developed more than half a century ago in American laboratories. Thus appeared completely new material, the structure of which consisted of closed microscopic cells. From the very beginning, their dimensions did not exceed 0.2 mm. In a single structure, these components created a neat and uniform surface without potholes or differences.

The granules of this polymer contain a special additive that has a foaming effect. This component is combined with granules under pressure or under heating conditions to a certain temperature. The result is a mass that is then passed through an extruder.

Foaming components (as a rule, they are represented by carbon dioxide or a mixture of light freons) are non-toxic and absolutely safe from an environmental point of view. In addition, these components are not flammable.

When the manufacturing process is completed, all auxiliary components are replaced with air from the environment.

The result is a high-tech thermal insulation material with excellent performance characteristics. With its use, your home becomes much warmer and more comfortable - a comfortable microclimate is created that you don’t want to leave.

Main distinctive features penoplex are:

  • low level of thermal conductivity;
  • good strength characteristics;
  • minimum level of moisture absorption.

As a rule, this insulation is packaged in film, which protects it from aggressive sunlight. Thanks to such packaging, such material can be easily stored outdoors. However, it is worth considering that even if there is plastic packaging, the product must be additionally protected from ultraviolet radiation.

Under the influence of UV rays, this insulation may lose the integrity of the top layer.

Advantages and disadvantages

Penoplex is a popular material that is in great demand. Its popularity is due to many positive qualities:

  • Penoplex is a hydrophobic material.
  • It is light in weight, so it is quite easy to work with it. Moreover, you will not spend a lot of money on transporting this material.
  • Penoplex has excellent strength characteristics. It is not so easy to damage this material - it is not susceptible to mechanical defects.
  • The composition of this thermal insulation coating is anti-corrosion, so it can be safely laid on bases consisting of the most different materials.
  • The installation of penoplex can be started in almost any conditions. You don't have to wait for the right moment to start installing the slabs.

  • This insulation does not attract the attention of insects and rodents, which are usually quite difficult to get rid of.
  • Penoplex is an environmentally friendly and safe material - it does not affect negative influence on human health.
  • Penoplex is easy to install. Having minimum set knowledge, you can install this insulation yourself.
  • Many buyers prefer this insulation because it has an affordable price.
  • Penoplex has minimal water absorption.
  • Penoplex does not cause allergic reactions.

  • This material is quite strong in compression.
  • This insulation is universal - modern manufacturers produce high-quality coatings intended not only for walls, but also for floors and roofing “pies”.
  • Penoplex is not subject to rotting, which once again confirms its durability and resistance to wear.
  • This material has a long service life.
  • Such extruded polystyrene can be used both in the construction of new and in the restoration of old buildings.

Penoplex is not an ideal heat-insulating material. He has his own weak sides, which you should also be aware of if you decide to purchase such products for your home. Among them:

  • This material is flammable. It burns and actively supports combustion.
  • Penoplex does not withstand contact with solvents. Under their influence, polystyrene is destroyed and deformed.
  • Not all manufacturers offer penoplex at affordable prices. Many stores sell expensive products.

  • Another disadvantage of penoplex is its low vapor permeability (in certain situations). For example, if this material is installed incorrectly or exposed to unfavorable conditions, condensation may accumulate in it (from the outside). This is why this material becomes susceptible to the formation of fungus and mold. To avoid such problems, the premises must be provided good ventilation, otherwise normal air exchange will be hopelessly disrupted.
  • This material for high-quality thermal insulation cannot boast of good adhesion. It has an absolutely smooth surface, so gluing it to walls and ceilings is often not very convenient.

  • It is recommended to protect this thermal insulation material from direct sunlight. Under their influence, penoplex may undergo deformation or damage to the top layer.
  • To make extruded polystyrene more resistant to fire, special substances - fire retardants - are added to it during the production process. Materials with such additives become self-extinguishing, but when burning or smoldering, this insulation will emit black clouds of smoke containing toxic compounds.

Of course, penoplex has many more positive qualities than negative ones.

Many problems associated with this material can be avoided if it is installed correctly.

Specifications

The main characteristics of penoplex include:

  • low level of vapor permeability, the coefficient of which is 0.03 W/mºK;
  • high strength characteristics (both compression and bending);
  • low level of moisture absorption - no more than 0.2-0.4% by volume per day;
  • low degree of vapor permeability - the coefficient of this parameter ranges from 0.007 to 0.008 mg/mh·Pa);
  • service life exceeds 50 years;
  • combustion resistance;
  • environmental Safety;
  • wide temperature range of application, which ranges from -50 to +75 degrees.

Thanks to its technical characteristics, penoplex has become a popular and sought-after material. It is difficult to damage or break. However, unfortunately, it is flammable.

Different types of penoplex belong to different flammability classes:

  • materials for roof insulation - class G3;
  • for wall insulation – G3;
  • for foundations – G4;
  • universal insulation – G4;
  • road materials - G4.

In addition, all of the listed thermal insulation materials have different compression densities, for example:

  • for roofing – 0.25 MPa;
  • for walls – 0.2 MPa;
  • for the foundation - 0.25 MPa;
  • universal – 0.2 MPa;
  • road – 0.50 MPa.

Extruded polystyrene foam boasts good resistance to various chemicals and materials. These include:

  • antiseptics designed to protect natural wood;
  • bitumen-based mixtures;
  • cement;
  • lime.

Penoplex can be destroyed by foreign materials that contain a component such as a solvent. Such products soften polystyrene, which then leads to its significant shrinkage.

When working with penoplex, you should avoid the following mixtures:

  • thinners paint coatings;
  • coal tar (and any of its derivatives);
  • solvents such as acetone and ethyl acetate.

Brands and sizes

Currently, in the construction and finishing materials most popular and High quality products with the following markings are common:

  • 45 C;

Let's look at each marking in detail:

  • Penoplex 31. This is a type of material that does not have the highest strength characteristics. Such coatings are not recommended for use in areas where there is heavy load. As a rule, such penoplex is used to insulate containers and pipelines.
  • 31 C. Materials that have this marking also cannot boast of sufficient strength. They are most often used to insulate walls inside a home. This penoplex differs more from class 3 raw materials high level flammability.
  • 35. Thermal insulating material with this marking has good strength characteristics. In addition, it is characterized by excellent insulating qualities. Using such coatings, foundations, floors and pipes running underground are insulated.

  • 45. There is also penoplex marked 45. This type of material is used for insulating runways, arranging road surfaces. Moreover, such insulation materials are ideal for finishing floors in production areas and other similar premises.
  • 45 C. The material with this marking has almost the same parameters as Penoplex 45. It is quite reliable and durable. However, such insulation is more often used for finishing walls in industrial areas.
  • 75. This marking belongs to special materials that have a density of 40-53 kg/m3. Such raw materials are most often used in the construction of runways located at airfields.

Penoplex, belonging to the “standard” class with a density of 25-31 kg/m3, has the following technical characteristics:

  • width – 600;
  • length – 1200;

Comfort type material (28-33 kg/m3) has the following dimensional parameters:

  • width – 600;
  • length – 1200;
  • thickness – 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100.

Foundation material with a density of 29-33 kg/m3 has similar dimensions. As for the insulation “45” (35-47 kg/m3), its data is as follows:

  • width – 600;
  • length – 2400;
  • thickness – 40, 50, 60, 80, 100.

These parameters are indicative. First of all, the sizes of extruded polystyrene depend on the manufacturer who released them to the market.

Nowadays you can find non-standard canvases in stores.

Types and properties

Penoplex is a popular and in demand material. It is represented by many modifications, each of which has its own markings and designations. Currently, there are several varieties of this thermal insulation coating.

"Wall"

The density of such extruded polystyrene can range from 25 to 32 kg/m3. This heat-insulating material is perfect for installation on external and internal floors. In addition, penoplex “wall” can be used in the design of partitions and plinths. Thanks to this material, the sound insulation characteristics of the room are increased.

"Foundation"

No less popular today is a material such as penoplex “foundation”. Its density varies from 29 to 33 kg/m3. You can safely use this coating if you want to insulate the foundation and the upper part basements. This material is highly dense and water resistant. In addition, this insulation is often used for thermal insulation of septic tanks that have a significant depression.

"Roof"

Another common and popular material is foam roofing. Similar products are produced directly for insulating rafter or flat roof types. Also, material from the “roofing” category can be used to insulate attic structures. The density of this brand, as a rule, ranges from 28 to 33 kg/m3. This material is lightweight and does not place a large load on the roof sheathing.

"Comfort"

Comfort products are in great demand today. Such materials have a density of 25-35 kg/m3. They are used to insulate walls in apartments. For example, this could be the area of ​​a balcony or loggia. It is acceptable to use such a coating in baths and saunas.

"Geo"

Penoplex "geo" is an alternative to materials belonging to the "foundation" class. Such coatings are more often used in industrial and civil applications. construction work. It is worth noting that slabs of this insulation are often used for cladding floors, foundations and other similar

"The basis"

Penoplex from this category has optimal density, allowing it to be used in a wide variety of construction work. Such insulation is laid on the floor, walls and roof bases. Penoplex “base” is popular due to its durability and versatility of use - it is often used in both civil and industrial construction.

"Pitched roof"

Penoplex was developed specifically for roof insulation " pitched roof" This type of coating is ideal for laying on bases low-rise buildings. As a rule, this thermal insulation material has a thickness of 10 and 15 cm.

"Facade"

The name of this type of penoplex speaks for itself. It is used for insulation of plinths, facades, external parts of ceilings and partitions. This material has a special milled surface on which plaster can be applied much easier and more reliably. The thickness of the penoplex “facade” is 20-100 mm.

Scope of application

Penoplex is recognized as one of the most popular and high-tech materials, so it is used in many cases:

  • This type of thermal insulation material is used to insulate walls, roofing bases and floors.
  • Many buyers choose penoplex for foundation insulation.
  • There are also materials that are used for road construction and construction of runways.
  • Some types of insulation are installed in balconies, loggias, baths and saunas.

The main thing is to choose the material of the appropriate class and type.

What can be replaced?

There are times when penoplex is not available in stores for some reason. Slightly less often, consumers themselves refuse to purchase this material due to high cost or flammability. Many people wonder what can replace this insulation in such situations.

A good alternative to penoplex is a domestic material called “Technoplex”. This insulation Today it is in great demand and is a strong competitor to the branded products of the Penoplex brand. It is good because it fits seamlessly on bases made of a variety of materials. In addition, it can be safely laid on the floor, since it can be combined with a “warm floor” system.

Currently, Technoplex is produced using special nanotechnology. In this case, graphite is used, which significantly reduces the level of thermal conductivity of the insulation, but at the same time increases the rigidity and wear resistance of the plates.

This material has a silver-gray color, which distinguishes it from penoplex. However, Technoplex has the same positive qualities as extruded polystyrene. That is why these materials are interchangeable.

"Technoplex" is manufactured in a tile format. Such thermal insulation materials can have the following thickness:

  • 100 mm;
  • 50 mm;
  • 40 mm;
  • 30 mm;
  • 20 mm.

At the same time, slabs of such insulation are produced with grooves and tenons, with the help of which they can be easily and quickly assembled, forming a neat, seamless coating. Due to the absence of gaps on such an insulating layer, “cold bridges” do not appear on the bases.

After installation is completed, material such as Technoplex must be covered with decorative finishing materials.

This requirement is explained by the fact that aggressive ultraviolet rays can negatively affect the quality and integrity of the insulation, so it must be “hidden” behind other coatings.

Another popular analogue of penoplex is “Polyspen”. This insulation is also produced in Russia. It is currently available in three variations, having various technical characteristics, which include thermal conductivity, strength, as well as the level of flammability and compression:

  • "Polyspen 45";
  • "Polyspen 35";
  • "Polyspen universal."

This analogue of penoplex contains a fire retardant. Thanks to this component, “Polyspen” is less flammable. Such materials are produced in the form of slabs with a thickness of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 200 mm. Thanks to this choice, it will be possible to select insulation for a specific area.

Penoplex can also be replaced with the following thermal insulation materials:

  • Styrex. This material is quite strong and durable. Its thermal conductivity level is slightly lower than that of penoplex.
  • "Extrol". This is another polystyrene foam insulation that goes through extrusion during the manufacturing process. It has much in common with penoplex, but is produced in the form of cylindrical elements, convenient for insulating water supply systems.
  • Styrofoam. Foam plastic (without extrusion) is often used instead of penoplex. It is much cheaper than extruded polystyrene, but is less strong and durable.

If the insulation will be constantly exposed to high temperatures, then it is better to give preference to mineral wool. This type of thermal insulation material is one of the most popular and in demand today.

By her own mineral wool - This is a fibrous insulation of inorganic origin. This insulation has many positive qualities, for example:

  • fairly high thermal insulation performance;
  • waterproof;
  • resistance to aggressive chemicals;
  • good air exchange;
  • excellent sound insulation characteristics;
  • fire resistance;
  • long service life (25-50 years);
  • environmental friendliness.

Installation technology

You can lay penoplex on a particular base with your own hands. To do this, you do not need to have a wealth of experience and cunning knowledge. The main thing is to adhere to simple technology and use high-quality materials.

It was previously mentioned that installation of extruded polystyrene foam can be done both inside and outside the home.

Let us consider step by step how to install this material in all of the above cases.

Inside the building

Penoplex can be installed in the interior of the house. All work is done as follows:

  • First you need to carefully prepare the base for laying insulation. IN in this case you need to remove the previous materials from the walls (any wallpaper, paint and varnish coatings, etc.), without missing a single area.
  • Next, the bases need to be protected from fungus and mold. If they have already appeared, then you should get rid of them. For this, it is recommended to use special antiseptic compounds. After this, it is worth carrying out sanitary treatment. To do this, you can use almost any product that has an antibacterial effect.
  • Pay attention to the evenness of the bases. So, the walls should not have significant differences and potholes. You need to get rid of any defects - level the bases, and then prime them with a high-quality composition.

  • Next, you can proceed to assembling the base profile. Such structures are most often used to facilitate the installation of insulation. In addition, the profile parts will protect thermal insulation coating from unfavorable external factors.
  • The base profile should be attached to the base using dowel nails. In order for the insulation to fit more tightly to the ceilings, they can be supplemented with spacer washers.
  • Be sure to ensure that the width of the profile matches the thickness of the penoplex.
  • Using joining plates, the final components of the structure must be joined to each other. Don't forget to leave a small gap between them (about 2 cm).
  • Now you can attach the polystyrene foam boards. Apply a layer of glue to the penoplex (around the perimeter of the slab and in its center).

  • Many experts recommend not saving on at this stage and thoroughly coat the entire polystyrene foam board with the adhesive solution. After this, the insulation must be pressed against the profile. If protruding particles of glue appear on the materials, they must be removed immediately.
  • If there are small gaps between the materials, you can get rid of them by filling them with inserts from pieces of expanded polystyrene. Not everyone uses polyurethane foam in this situation, since such sealing can cause cracks to appear.
  • After this, it remains to make the final fastening of the thermal material to the base. When the glue has completely dried (usually this takes about 3 days), work can continue. You need to secure the insulation with mushroom dowels. Hardware must be placed in the middle of the slabs, as well as along their perimeter. However, here it is necessary to calculate that in the end all the sheets of penoplex will be connected.

It is worth keeping in mind that insulating a home from the inside is not always appropriate or practical.

The main disadvantage of such work is the reduction in living and free space due to the thickness of the materials, as well as the profile design.

Outside

According to experts, external insulation of a house is more practical and convenient. At the same time, free space is not hidden, and dirt and dust remaining during work do not accumulate inside the premises.

For external insulation, penoplex with a thickness of 80-100 mm is most often used. The process of installing thermal insulation material in this case is in many ways similar to internal insulation.

First, the façade of the house needs to be leveled. If there are cracks or potholes on it, then you must get rid of them - repair them and then prime them.

Penoplex is glued to the façade base in exactly the same way as with internal insulation dwellings. Fastening to dowels occurs in a similar way.

If you want to plaster the facade in the future, then preparatory work you need to glue the reinforced mesh. If you want to decorate the house with siding or PVC panels, then you need to take care of the vertical guides in advance in order to securely fasten them. In this case, an additional layer of vapor barrier material is not required.

On the roof

Penoplex is ideal for strengthening the roof. Not only beginners, but also experienced craftsmen turn to this insulation.

  • Insulation boards can only be laid after they have been prepared frame structures roofs(lathing). On the lower section of the rafters near the insulated area, you need to nail a block. Its thickness should be the same as the thickness of the insulation. This part will play the role of a starting rail. This element must be placed at an equal distance from the edge (along all rafter supports).
  • Starting from the starting rail, you need to lay extruded polystyrene slabs. This should be done in a checkerboard pattern. The thickness of the laid layer, first of all, depends on the geographical location of the facility under construction. However, experts always recommend laying insulation not in 1, but in 2-3 layers. At the same time, it is very important to properly seal all joints.

  • In this case, the insulation can be secured using self-tapping screws with mushroom caps to make the structure more reliable. The seams should be additionally taped. After this, bars are packed over the insulation. They should be arranged from top to bottom. This way you will get a high-quality ventilated gap. It is needed for free air circulation.
  • After this, you should install the sheathing intended directly for installation roofing material. For this purpose, a structure assembled from bars secured in accordance with a certain step is quite suitable.
  • You can also use solid coatings made from OSB. Such bases are ideal for installation soft species roofs. Thermal insulating material should be attached tightly to the ridge.

The gap should only be left when installing the roof itself.

Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) is available in slab form. It is often called penoplex. But you should know that penoplex is a brand (the same as “Giprok” - drywall or “Macroflex” - polyurethane foam). The structure of the insulation under consideration is similar to the structure of conventional polystyrene foam. Being a subspecies, penoplex is distinguished by its higher density and strength, and has a fine-celled, homogeneous structure consisting of almost completely closed cells. This material is the best type of polystyrene plastic. EPS (penoplex) is made by extrusion, as a result of which polystyrene beads melt, forming a homogeneous mass, which is poured into a mold, where it cools. In this article we will take a detailed look at penoplex insulation, its technical characteristics, advantages, applications and installation features.

Technical characteristics of expanded polystyrene (EPS)

Penoplex is produced by exposure to polystyrene granules high temperature and pressure. By adding a mixture of carbon dioxide and light freon at the next stage, a porous mass is obtained, which is then squeezed out of the extrusion plant. After manufacturing the slabs in the cells, the residual freon is relatively quickly replaced by ambient air.

Penoplex is distinguished among materials for thermal insulation by the following characteristics:

  • Low thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of penoplex in comparison with other thermal insulation materials is significantly lower and amounts to 0.03 W/m K.
  • High strength for compression and bending. Extrusion allows you to achieve uniformity of the material structure. Evenly distributed cells improve the strength characteristics of the material, which does not change its dimensions even under heavy loads.
  • Low water absorption(no more than 0.2 - 0.4% by volume in 24 hours). During the tests, XPS boards were left in water for a month. In this case, the liquid was absorbed in small quantities only for the first 10 days, after which the material stopped taking up moisture. At the end of the period, the amount of water in the slabs did not exceed 0.6 percent of their total volume.
  • Low vapor permeability(vapor permeability coefficient 0.007-0.008 mg/m·h·Pa). A layer of slabs made of this material, only 2 centimeters thick, has the same vapor permeability as a layer of roofing felt.
  • Durability(service life - more than 50 years). Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing the slabs showed that all the characteristics of the material remained unchanged after testing.
  • Flame resistant. In the manufacture of this material, freons are used, which are safe and non-flammable. They are not poisonous and do not destroy the ozone layer.
  • Environmental safety. Most chemicals used in construction are not able to react with penoplex. Exception: toluene, xylene, benzene and similar hydrocarbons; formalin and formaldehyde; ethers, both simple and complex; gasoline, kerosene; paint on oil based and other organic solvents.
  • Wide operating temperature range(-50ºС to +75ºС). However, if exposed to excessive heat, the material may melt and ignite.

For clarity, let us highlight all the physical and mechanical properties in the form of a table:

Indicators Test method Dimension Types of PENOPLEX (old types)
Penoplex (31C) Penoplex wall (31C) Penoplex foundation (35 without anti-friction) Penoplex roofing (35) 45C 45
Density GOST 17177-94 kg/m² 25,0 — 35,0 25,0 — 32,0 29,0 — 33,0 28,0 — 33,0 35,0 — 40,0 38,1 — 45,0
Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation, not less GOST 17177-94 MPa (kgf/cm²;t/m²) 0,20 (2; 20) 0,20 (2; 20) 0,27 (2,7; 27) 0,25 (2,5; 25) 0,41 (4,1; 41) 0,50 (5; 50)
Ultimate strength during static bending, not less GOST 17177-94 MPa 0,25 0,25 0,4 0,4 0,4 0,4 — 0,7
Elastic modulus UNION DOR SRI MPa — — — 15 18 18
Water absorption in 24 hours, no more GOST 17177-94 % by volume 0,4 0,4 0,4 0,4 0,4 0,2
Water absorption in 28 days % by volume 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,4
Fire resistance category Federal Law - 123 group G4 G3 G4 G3 G4 G4
Thermal conductivity coefficient at (25±)°С GOST 7076-94 W/(m °K) 0,03 0,03 0,03 0,03 0,03 0,03
Calculated coefficient thermal conductivity under operating conditions “A” SP 23-101-2004 W/(m °K) 0,031 0,031 0,031 0,031 0,031 0,031
Calculated thermal conductivity coefficient under operating conditions “B” SP 23-101-2004 W/(m °K) 0,032 0,032 0,032 0,032 0,032 0,032
Sound insulation of the partition (gypsum plasterboard - penoplex 50 mm - plasterboard), Rw GOST 27296-87 DB 41 41 — 41 — —
Improvement index for structural noise insulation in floor construction GOST 16297-80 DB 23 23 — 23 — —
Standard sizes Width mm 600
Height mm 1200 2400
Thickness mm 20,30,40,50,60,80,100 40,50,60,80,100
Operating temperature range THAT ºС -50 to +75

Expanded polystyrene is usually sold in packages of 0.25 - 0.3 m³. Depending on the thickness of the sheet, the surface area that can be covered using one package will also vary.

Application and types of penoplex

Considering that penoplex has a number of advantages, its scope of application is quite extensive. EPS serves as an excellent insulation material both indoors and outdoors. It is perfect for apartments, houses, cottages and other buildings. Penoplex can be used to insulate roofs, attics, and balconies, in any climatic region without the use of an additional moisture-proof layer. Since the material practically does not absorb water, it is quite possible to use it in an environment with high humidity. At the same time, its thermal conductivity remains almost unchanged. EPS sheets of various thicknesses are available for sale, and depending on the specific requirements, you can always choose the best option.

In addition to a variety of sizes, extruded polystyrene foam is available in several types depending on density and application. Let's look at each type:


Installation technology of polystyrene insulation boards

Insulation of external interior walls and other structures using extruded polystyrene are produced in several stages. Let's look at each of them:

  • Preparatory stage consist of preparing the walls for insulation, cleaning them from dirt, dust, old finishing materials, and paint coatings. For large uneven surfaces, it is recommended to level the surface using plaster mixture(and in other ways depending on the design) and treat with an antifungal compound.
  • Fixation using special adhesive facade compounds. The glue is applied directly to thermal insulation board comb.
  • Mechanical fastening made using dowels.
  • Installation of facade mesh. For better adhesion of the glue to the insulation, you can create roughness on the surface of the slabs. The first plaster layer of facade glue is used to fix the reinforcing polymer mesh. Next, a second layer of plaster is applied, after which has dried, the walls are covered with decorative plaster (optional) and painted.
  • Instead of plaster It is possible to decorate the walls with siding, wood, as well as the use of ventilated facades.

EPS installation technology

Thermal insulation of roofs produced either at the construction stage or during the reconstruction process, for example, when converting a cold attic into a living space. In this case, the insulation is laid on the base in several layers (the joints of the top layer should not coincide with the joints of the bottom). Next, a vapor-permeable membrane is spread over the penoplex. The resulting cake is secured with longitudinal slats with a thickness of at least 40 mm to ensure ventilation between the insulation and the roofing material.

Video on the topic

Having examined penoplex insulation, it can be noted that compared to analogues, it has a higher cost. But, on the other hand, ease of use, greater strength and excellent properties cover this drawback. Therefore, when choosing thermal insulation material for your home, additionally read consumer reviews and consider all possible alternatives.

Heading: Firefighting
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