How much does penoplex replace brickwork? Penoplex: choose a heater of the desired thickness What is penoplex.

is an insulating material, usually white. It is made from thermal expansion polystyrene. In appearance, the foam is presented in the form of small moisture-resistant granules; in the process of melting at high temperature, it is melted into one piece, a plate. The dimensions of the parts of the granules are considered from 5 to 15 mm. The outstanding thermal conductivity of 150 mm thick foam is achieved through a unique structure - granules.

Each granule has a huge number of thin-walled micro-cells, which in turn increase the area of ​​contact with air many times over. It is safe to say that almost all foam plastic consists of atmospheric air, approximately 98%, in turn, this fact is their purpose - both outside and inside.

Everyone knows, even from physics courses, atmospheric air is the main heat insulator in all heat-insulating materials, it is in a normal and rarefied state, in the thickness of the material. Heat-saving, the main quality of the foam.

As mentioned earlier, the foam is almost 100% air, and this, in turn, determines the high ability of the foam to retain heat. And this is due to the fact that air has the lowest thermal conductivity. If we look at the numbers, we will see that the thermal conductivity of the foam is expressed in the range of values ​​​​from 0.037W/mK to 0.043W/mK. This can be compared with the thermal conductivity of air - 0.027 W / mK.

While, such as wood (0.12W/mK), red brick (0.7W/mK), expanded clay (0.12 W/mK) and others used for construction, is much higher.

Styrofoam provides a high level of energy saving due to low thermal conductivity. For example, if you build a wall with 201 cm thick brick or use 45 cm thick wood material, then for foam plastic the thickness will be only 12 cm for a certain amount of energy saving.

Therefore, the most effective material of the few for thermal insulation of the outer and inner walls of a building is considered to be polystyrene foam. The cost of heating and cooling residential premises is significantly reduced due to the use of foam in construction.

Excellent qualities have found their application in other types of protection, for example: foam, also serves to protect underground and external communications from freezing, due to which their service life is increased significantly. Polyfoam is also used in industrial equipment (refrigerators, cold rooms) and in warehouses.

Sheet sizes

The production of polystyrene foam boards is carried out according to GOST standards. In the production of foam, both the composition and dimensions of the sheets are regulated. The standard sheet length ranges from 100 cm to 200 cm. The width should be 100 cm, and the thickness should be from 2 cm to 5 cm. The thermal conductivity of 50 mm foam is relatively high, due to the small thickness and characteristics of the material, it is the most popular of all.

But what to buy?

There is a huge selection of polystyrene foam boards on the building materials market. The high thermal conductivity of insulation boards depends on their type. For example: a sheet of foam plastic PSB-S 15 has a density of up to 15 kg / m3 and a thickness of 2 cm. For a sheet from 2 to 50 cm, the density is not more than 35 kg/m3. When comparing polystyrene foam with other similar materials, one can easily trace the dependence of the thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam plates on its thickness.

So, for example: the thermal conductivity of foam plastic is 50 mm, twice as much as that of mineral wool of the same volume, in which case the thermal conductivity of foam plastic, thickness 150 mm, will generally be 6 times higher than these figures. Basalt wool also loses a lot to polystyrene.

In order to apply one of the insulation methods, it is necessary to correctly select the dimensions of the material. The following algorithm can be used to calculate:

  • It is necessary to specify the total thermal resistance. This value depends on the region in which it is necessary to perform the calculation, namely, on its climate.
  • To calculate the thermal resistance of a wall, you can use the formula R = p / k, where its thickness is equal to the p value, and k is the thermal conductivity of the foam.
  • From constant indicators, we can conclude what resistance the insulation should have.
  • The desired value can be calculated by the formula p \u003d R * k, you can find the value of R based on the previous step and the thermal conductivity.

Styrofoam grades

If you are interested in the question of which brand is best to buy foam, and what is its thermal conductivity, then we will answer it for you. Below are the most popular product brands, as well as the density values ​​\u200b\u200band the thermal conductivity of the foam.

  • PSB-C15. With a thermal conductivity of 0.042 W / mK, and a density of 11-15 kg / m3
  • PSB-S25. With a thermal conductivity of 0.039 W / mK, and a density of 15-25 kg / m3
  • PSB-S35. With a thermal conductivity of 0.037 W/mK and a density of 25-35kg/m3

The PSB-C5 foam plastic completes our list, the thermal conductivity of which is 0.04 W / mK, and the density is 35-50 kg / m3. After analyzing the density and thermal conductivity, we can say with confidence that the density does not significantly affect the main quality of the foam, heat saving.

    The well-known foam plastic, which once competed exclusively with glass wool, today itself has a lot of derivative materials, which, by the way, often give way to other modern types of insulation. By the way,...
    1. The first question that arises for someone who decides to build their own house is what material to use for this. The choice of foundation depends on this, in turn, ...
    1. We do not live in the hottest country on Earth, which means that we have to heat our homes for at least most of the year. This explains...
  • Details Posted on 08/12/2016 04:10 PM

    When choosing the thickness of expanded polystyrene sheets that will be used to insulate a building, it is important to take into account the climatic features of the region where it is located, the dimensions of the building and the material from which it is built.

    There are two operational and technological characteristics that directly affect the quality of foam plastic insulation - thickness and density.

    In the general case, sheets with a thickness of 50 mm and a density of 25 kg / m3 are considered optimal. It is this material that is usually recommended to developers or repairmen who do not know how thick the foam is to insulate the house. However, the specified thickness and density are not an inviolable norm and may vary depending on the specific conditions indicated above.

    What thickness of brickwork does styrofoam replace?

    An exact answer to this question can only be obtained with accurate data on the type of brick and the thickness of the masonry. The fact is that different types of building materials have different coefficients of thermal conductivity. Moreover, this indicator can differ significantly. Without the original data, any calculations are considered approximate.

    In the general case, answering the question - what thickness of the brick does the foam replace, it is assumed that the highly porous foam has a thermal conductivity level 10 times lower than the standard solid red brick.

    In this case, multiplying the thickness of the sheet by the coefficient of thermal conductivity allows us to talk about what thickness of the masonry this foam sheet replaces. For example, a sheet with a thickness of 50 mm compensates for at least 0.5 meters of a wall erected from solid red brick.

    Within the framework of this question, the following additional data can be provided. A standard styrofoam sheet replaces 1 meter of sand-lime brick wall and up to 0.2 meter of silica brick, which itself has a low thermal conductivity.

    You can find out more precisely how much brick replaces polystyrene foam by finding out accurate data on average annual temperatures in your area and design information about the insulated structure.

    What is the thickness of the foam?

    Foam plastic sheets for sale are manufactured in accordance with GOST 15588-86. This standard clearly regulates not only the composition and characteristics of the material, but also its overall dimensions.

    As a rule, slabs with a length of 1, 1.2 and 2 meters, a width of 1 meter and a thickness of 20 to 500 mm in 10 mm increments are used in construction. The thickness of foam sheets that go on sale: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80 and 100 mm. It should be noted that the most common foam sizes are indicated above. If for one reason or another a larger or smaller size is required, it can always be ordered from the factory.

    Density is another important characteristic of polystyrene. Density is measured in kg/m3 and can be: 15, 25, 35 and 50 kg/m3. These are the main densities of the boards that can be purchased commercially. According to the unit of measurement - the higher the density, the harder the material.

    For insulation of buildings, it is recommended to use foam with a density of 25 or 35 kg/m3. A material of lower density poorly resists even small mechanical loads, and a higher density leads to a significant increase in the cost of work, all other things being equal.

    Where to start warming the house?

    Given the above, the first step is to determine the thickness of the insulating layer. Typically, developers choose a sheet thickness of 50 or 100 mm, 25th or 35th density. As practice shows, these are the most optimal characteristics that perfectly retain heat and at the same time do not heavily load the walls.

    In addition, it should be borne in mind that the foam plastic, which is under the constant action of sunlight, turns yellow and spoils the aesthetic appearance of the house. Therefore, once you have fixed the sheets on the walls, it is best to protect their surface. To do this, a special mounting grid is attached to the sheets, after which they are plastered or puttied.

    After high-quality insulation of the existing building, you can see the difference in the amount of payments for energy carriers. In the general case, only by insulating the walls with foam plastic, it is possible to achieve a reduction in monthly payments by 20-30%, depending on climatic conditions.

    How much does Penoplex brick replace? The latter is not the name of the building material. This is one of the most popular brands producing polymer thermal insulation boards. This refers to extruded polystyrene foam, one of the best heaters that currently exists. It is worth figuring out in what respect it can be compared with a brick.

    Benefits of foam.

    Clarification of terms

    First of all, you need to understand to what extent polystyrene foam can replace brickwork. These are completely different building materials.

    Considering that both materials take part in the construction of the outer walls of buildings, only one comparison is appropriate between them - in terms of thermal conductivity. It is this characteristic that is meant when raising the question, but it must be correctly reformulated: what thickness of Penoplex and brick will create the same thermal resistance. For other characteristics, the comparison is not in favor of the polymer.

    Thermal conductivity indicators

    Types and purpose of penoplex.

    The ability to resist the passage of a flow of thermal energy is characterized by the coefficient of thermal conductivity λ, expressed in units of W / m 2 °C. As a rule, sellers of various heaters provide the value of this coefficient for products in a dry state. At the same time, regulatory documents prescribe to calculate according to real performance indicators, the values ​​​​of which are not so impressive.

    The considered materials are produced in several varieties. Brick is made from different materials and using different technologies. The grades of extruded polystyrene foam differ in density, which affects its thermal conductivity. Operational thermal indicators for products of different types look like this:

    • solid ceramic brickwork, λ=0.7 W/m 2 °C;
    • the same, from silicate, λ = 0.76 W / m 2 ° C;
    • brickwork from ceramic hollow products with a density of 1000 kg / m 3, λ \u003d 0.47 W / m 2 °C.

    Graph of types of thermal insulation materials.

    The list shows the values ​​​​for the finished brickwork, erected on a cement-sand mortar. On other types of solutions, the performance will be slightly different. The characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam of various densities are strikingly different downwards:

    • Penoplex with a density of 30 kg / m 3, λ \u003d 0.037 W / m 2 ° C;
    • the same, with a density of 50 kg / m 3, λ \u003d 0.038 W / m 2 ° C.

    It is noticeable how much the thermal conductivity of polymer insulation is less than that of a brick wall. But these figures are abstract and therefore difficult to understand for the average person. To understand the situation, it is necessary to bring all the indicators to one concept - thickness. To do this, it is necessary to determine one more characteristic - the resistance to heat transfer R, expressed in units of m 2 °C / W.

    Thickness calculation

    The heat transfer resistance R is tied to the thickness of the building structure, and its minimum value, established by regulatory documents, varies depending on the climatic conditions in the region. For example, in the southern regions of the Russian Federation, the walls of residential buildings must have a heat transfer resistance of at least 2.1 m 2 °C / W. It is proposed to take this value as a basis and calculate how many bricks and Penoplex will be needed to comply with it. The minimum indicator is calculated by the formula:

    Warming scheme.

    δ=Rxλ, where:

    • δ is the value of the thickness of the wall structure, m;
    • λ - thermal conductivity of the material from which the wall is built, W / m 2 ° C.
    • R is the resistance to heat transfer, in the example it is equal to 2.1 m 2 °C / W.

    If we take the coefficient of thermal conductivity of ordinary brickwork λ = 0.7 W / m 2 ° C, then in the southern regions of the Russian Federation the thickness of the walls of the ceramic product should be: δ = 2.1x0.7 = 1.47 m.

    The same wall, but made of Penoplex with a density of 30 kg / m 3, will have a thickness: δ \u003d 2.1x0.037 \u003d 0.077 m, or 77 mm.

    The difference between the materials will be 1.47/0.077=19. So many times the brickwork must be thicker than the polystyrene foam layer in order to reach the same indicator of the thermal insulation of the building. A complete picture showing a comparison of different types of brick walls and polymer insulation is shown in the table:

    Now the table clearly shows how much the brick wall differs from extruded polystyrene foam in terms of thermal conductivity for the worse.

    It is easy to conclude that in order to comply with energy saving building codes, these materials must be combined; they cannot exist separately in the form of a wall structure.

    Brick lacks thermal insulation properties, and Penoplex lacks bearing capacity. Together they will give an excellent result: it is enough to insulate a masonry of 1.5 hollow products with 50 mm expanded polystyrene sheets, and the total cross-section of the fence will be only 0.43 m.

    kubkirpich.ru

    Expanded polystyrene thermal conductivity - A sheet of foam plastic 5 cm thick, which brickwork does it replace? What about 8 cm? - 22 answers

    In section Technique to the question Styrofoam sheet 5 cm thick, what kind of brickwork does it replace? What about 8 cm? given by the author Caucasian the best answer is And brick and foam are different.
    Formally, the thermal conductivity of red brick is 10 times greater than that of highly porous foam. (0.56 and 0.05 W / m * deg - respectively)
    That is, boldly multiply the thickness of the foam by 11 and get the thickness of the brick wall.

    Answer from 22 answers[guru]

    Hey! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: A sheet of foam plastic 5 cm thick, what kind of brickwork does it replace? What about 8 cm?

    Answer from electric welder[newbie]
    I read the answers and go nuts. What kind of tusk do you need to be in order to answer the question of the equivalence of brick and foam to compare their bearing capacities ... Of course, they compare thermal conductivity ...

    Answer from Nurgaliev Marat[newbie]
    5 cm of foam plastic is half a meter of brick !!! And don't listen to the reindeer herders!

    Answer from mansion[active]
    I also asked a similar question at one time, the answer was found in this article by a link - intelligibly and clearly explained.

    Answer from Kirill Gribkov[guru]
    no

    Answer from Boltbiter[master]
    Extruded polystyrene foam "Extraplex" with a thickness of 20 mm in terms of its heat and sound insulating properties is equivalent to a brick wall with a thickness of 370 mm

    Answer from Yoomyara[guru]
    Hello the best one! 😉
    You forgot to mention the conditions (parameters) of the assessment ...
    1) If you mean thermal conductivity?. .
    The engineer answered you.
    2) If we are talking about mechanical strength?. .
    Styrofoam brick is NOT a replacement. Especially in seismic regions.
    3) Durability?
    Brick will last longer.
    4) Resistance to environmental influences (changes in temperature, humidity, etc.) ?
    Styrofoam, in this case, is not even a building material ...
    5) Safety (physiological, chemical, ecological)?..
    Again, the comparison will be in favor of baked clay (brick) ...
    And generally speaking.. . That's not what they teach you... ;-(
    Styrofoam is NOT a good material choice for construction or interior decoration.
    And in this ODIN is absolutely right...
    Good luck to you! 😉

    Answer from 2 answers[guru]

    Hey! Here are some other threads with relevant answers:

    Answer the question:

    22oa.ru

    calculation and comparison with the value for brick, mineral wool and wood

    Home insulation can be carried out in various ways, for example, using polystyrene foam, which has high performance characteristics. These include: practicality, environmental friendliness, low weight, ease of installation, immunity to temperature changes, as well as an affordable price. But the main advantage is the low thermal conductivity of the foam, which makes it possible to achieve excellent energy savings.

    What are the properties of the material?

    The ability to conduct heat is influenced by many factors, in particular:

    • Layer thickness. Sometimes, in order to achieve high-quality energy saving, it is necessary to apply a large amount of insulation. For example, the thermal conductivity of 5 cm foam boards will be lower than 1 cm at the same density.
    • Structure. The porous structure leads to an increase in insulating properties, because the cells contain air, which perfectly retains heat.
    • Humidity. Plates during storage must be protected from moisture. This is due to the fact that the liquid does not have a very favorable effect on the characteristics of heat-insulating foams: the more it accumulates, the worse.
    • Average layer temperature. Its increase leads to a deterioration in the efficiency of the use of the insulator.

    Types of foam and their performance

    There are a huge number of insulation boards on the construction market. In general, polystyrene foam has a low thermal conductivity, but it varies depending on its type. Examples: sheets marked PSB-S 15 have a density of up to 15 kg / m3 and a thickness of 2 cm, while the described indicator is up to 0.037 W / (m * K) at an ambient temperature of 20-30 ° C. Its value for sheets of 2-50 cm with marking PSB-S 35, with a density of not more than 35 kg / m3 and 16-25 kg / m3 marking PSB-S 25 of the same size - 0.033 W / (m * K) and 0.035 W / (m*K), respectively.

    The dependence of the thermal conductivity of foam insulation on its thickness is best seen when it is compared with various materials. So, a sheet of 50-60 mm replaces twice the volume of mineral wool, and 100 mm is equivalent to 123 mm of expanded polystyrene foam, which has approximately similar characteristics. Strongly loses and basalt wool. But the thermal conductivity of Penoplex is somewhat lower than that of polystyrene: in order to obtain normal temperature conditions in the room, it will take 20 and 25 mm, respectively.

    How to determine which sheets to buy?

    In order to most effectively apply one or another method of insulation, it is necessary to choose the correct dimensions of the material. Calculations are performed according to the following algorithm:

    • Find out the total heat resistance. This is a constant value that depends on the climate in a particular region. For example, for the southern regions of Russia, it is 2.8, and for the Middle Strip - 4.2 kW / m2.
    • Calculate the heat resistance of the wall itself using the formula R \u003d p / k, which can be done knowing its thickness (p) and the coefficient of ability to conduct heat (k).
    • Based on constant indicators, find out what resistance value the insulation should have.
    • Calculate the required value using the formula p = R * k, where R is the value from the previous step, and k is the calculated thermal conductivity coefficient for the foam.

    As an example, it is worth finding out what layer of slabs is needed with a density of 30 kg / m3 for a wall of one brick (about 0.25 m) in one of the southern regions. The total heat resistance should not be less than 2.8 kW / m2, while the coefficient determined from special tables is 0.047 (W / m * k). Now you need to know other parameters.

    Coefficient for silicate brick k = 0.7 (W / m * k). It is necessary to calculate its thermal resistance:

    R = 0.25 / 0.7 = 0.36 (kW/m2).

    The same indicator is calculated for the heater:

    R \u003d 2.8 - 0.36 \u003d 2.44 (kW / m2).

    It remains to find out the thickness of the insulating layer:

    p \u003d 2.44 * 0.047 \u003d 0.11 m.

    You can also calculate this value for other conditions, for example, for a wall of 0.51 m, an insulation of 70 mm is suitable. Thus, when selecting the required dimensions of foam, time and money are saved on laying the wall. So, 10 cm of material with a density of 15-17 kg / m3 replaces masonry in one brick, and if you take denser sheets, this will allow you to do without two rows of stone. It is traditionally believed that 2 cm of insulation is equivalent to about 50 cm of brick.

    termogurus.ru

    Thermal conductivity of foam plastic, comparison with Penoplex, price of sheets of different brands

    Efficiency is the first thing we look for when choosing a heater. A variety of materials are initially evaluated precisely according to this criterion, and only then other characteristics, installation features and cost come into play. Today we will consider the thermal conductivity of foam as the most affordable and therefore in demand, and also compare it with other types of insulation.

    1. What is thermal conductivity?
    2. Characteristics of foam plastic of different brands
    3. Comparison with other materials and prices

    Definition

    Thermal conductivity is a value denoting the amount of heat (energy) passing per hour through 1 m of any body at a certain temperature difference on one side and the other. It is measured and calculated for several reference operating conditions:

    • At 25 ± 5 ° С - this is a standard indicator fixed in GOSTs and SNiP.
    • "A" - this is how the dry and normal mode of humidity in the premises is indicated.
    • "B" - this category includes all other conditions.

    The actual thermal conductivity of foam plastic granules pressed into a lightweight board is not as important in itself as in conjunction with the thickness of the insulation. After all, the main goal is to achieve the optimal level of resistance of all layers of the wall in accordance with the requirements for a particular region. To get the initial numbers, it will be enough to use the simplest formula: R = p÷k.

    • Heat transfer resistance R can be found in the special tables of SNiP 23-02-2003, for example, for Moscow they take 3.16 m ° C / W. And if the main wall, according to its characteristics, falls short of this value, it is the insulation (mineral wool or the same foam plastic) that should block the difference.
    • The indicator p - indicates the desired thickness of the insulating layer, expressed in meters.
    • The coefficient k - just gives an idea of ​​the conductivity of bodies, which we focus on when choosing.

    The thermal conductivity of the material itself is checked by heating one side of the sheet and measuring the amount of energy transferred by conduction to the opposite surface per unit time.

    Indicators for different grades of expanded polystyrene

    From the above simplified formula, we can conclude that the thinner the insulation sheet, the less effective it is. But in addition to the usual geometric parameters, the final result is also influenced by the density of the foam, albeit slightly - only within 1-5 thousandths. For comparison, let's take two plates that are close in brand:

    • PSB-S 25 conducts 0.039 W/m °C.
    • PSB-S 35 at a higher density - 0.037 W / m ° С.

    But with a change in thickness, the difference becomes much more noticeable. For example, for the thinnest sheets of 40 mm at a density of 25 kg / m 3, the thermal conductivity can be 0.136 W / m ° C, and 100 mm of the same expanded polystyrene pass only 0.035 W / m ° C.

    The dependence is non-linear, which is due to the peculiarity of conductive transmission. But since the coefficient is calculated per unit of time, and the density of the material remains unchanged, the temperature difference with the outer surface becomes smaller as the energy "moves" through the plate. And if the thickness of the expanded polystyrene turns out to be significant, the heat simply does not have time to be transferred to the back side, which, in general, is required from good insulation.

    Comparison with other materials

    The average thermal conductivity of PSB lies in the range of 0.037-0.043 W / m ° C, and we will focus on it. Here, foam plastic, in comparison with mineral wool from basalt fibers, seems to win slightly - it has about the same performance. True, with twice the thickness (95-100 mm versus 50 mm for polystyrene). It is also customary to compare the conductivity of heaters with various building materials necessary for the construction of walls. Although this is not very correct, it is very clear:

    1. Red ceramic brick has a heat transfer coefficient of 0.7W/m⋅°C (16-19 times that of foam). Simply put, in order to replace 50 mm of insulation, you will need masonry about 80-85 cm thick. Silicate and you need at least a meter at all.

    2. Solid wood is better in this regard compared to brick - here it is only 0.12 W / m ° C, that is, three times higher than that of polystyrene foam. Depending on the quality of the forest and the method of building walls, a log house up to 23 cm wide can become the equivalent of a 5 cm thick PSB.

    It is much more logical to compare styrenes not with mineral wool, brick or wood, but to consider closer materials - polystyrene foam and Penoplex. Both of them belong to expanded polystyrenes and are even made from the same granules. That's just the difference in the technology of their "gluing" gives unexpected results. The reason is that styrene balls for the production of Penoplex with the introduction of blowing agents are simultaneously processed by pressure and high temperature. As a result, the plastic mass acquires greater uniformity and strength, and air bubbles are evenly distributed in the body of the plate. Styrofoam, on the other hand, is simply steamed in a form like popcorn, so the bonds between the expanded granules are weaker.

    As a result, the thermal conductivity of Penoplex, an extruded "relative" of PSB, also improves markedly. It corresponds to 0.028-0.034 W / m ° C, that is, 30 mm is enough to replace 40 mm of foam. However, the complexity of production also increases the cost of XPS, so you should not count on savings. By the way, there is one curious nuance here: usually extruded polystyrene foam loses a little in efficiency with increasing density. But with the introduction of graphite into Penoplex, this dependence practically disappears.

    However, if the issue of high strength is not on the agenda, and you just need a good insulation, it’s easier and cheaper to really buy foam. In comparison with materials such as mineral wool, wood and ceramic bricks, it is certainly good. The main thing is not to use it on fire hazardous objects and always try to perform thermal insulation on the outside of buildings.

    Prices for foam sheets 1000x1000 mm (rubles):

    Sheet thickness, mm PSB-S 15 PSB-S 25 PSB-S 35 PSB-S 50
    20 37 61 82 124
    30 55 95 123 185
    40 73 122 164 247
    50 91 152 205 308
    70 127 213 264 431
    80 145 243 328 493
    100 181 304 409 616

    stroitel-list.ru

    Penoplex 20 mm replaces - how to replace polystyrene foam?

    How much does penoplex replace brickwork?

    WHY IS POLYSTYRENE SO POPULAR?

    This article contains the basic facts and examples of the use of one of the most popular thermal insulation materials in the world - expanded polystyrene.

    WHAT IS POLYSTYRENE
    Long before you first heard the term "styrofoam", you have been actively using it in everyday life for a long time.
    years. Your laptop, mobile phone, TV and other devices have a polystyrene case; fresh fish, vegetables or fruits are often sold in Styrofoam containers; disposable tableware and medical containers are made from the same material. Not to mention, many valuable purchases have been delivered to you safe and sound thanks to the polystyrene elements. In addition, Styrofoam is one of the most popular insulators in the world (many still call it Styrofoam, although Styrofoam is a general term for foamed plastics).
    It would not be an exaggeration to say that our European neighbors also cannot imagine their lives without expanded polystyrene. The statistics of the European Association showed that 8 out of 10 private houses in Europe are insulated with high-quality foamed and molded polystyrene. In Germany, where environmental friendliness and energy efficiency are mandatory characteristics of construction and repair, the consumption of expanded polystyrene reaches 4 kg per person, while in Russia it does not even reach 1 kg.

    POLYSTYRENE FOAM - PERFECT INSULATION
    The key characteristic of thermal insulation is the coefficient of thermal conductivity (lambda). The lower it is, the better the material provides thermal protection. The average coefficient of thermal conductivity of expanded polystyrene is 0.035-0.040 W / (m * K). is that enough?

    Penoplex: choose a heater of the desired thickness

    Judge for yourself: 12 cm of expanded polystyrene for thermal protection will replace:
    -18 cm slag
    -45 cm wood
    -90 cm expanded clay concrete
    -2 m 10 cm bricks
    -4 m 20 cm reinforced concrete

    “STYROFOAM IS A UNIQUE MATERIAL, IT IS ACTUALLY AIR BY HEAT CONDUCTIVITY I.D.” - Simonov-Emelyanov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor of the Moscow State Academy of Fine Chemical Technology. M.V. Lomonosov, head Department of Plastics Processing.

    However, in order to provide the recommended thermal protection of the building, it is necessary to follow the building codes in force in Russia, according to which the thickness of the polystyrene foam insulation should be from 100 to 200 mm, depending on the region and type of construction.

    POLYSTYRENE IS NOT AFRAID OF WATER
    One of the most remarkable properties of polystyrene foam is moisture resistance. It does not have fibers that could be saturated with water, and is able to absorb no more than 4% moisture, and practically without changing the thermal properties. It means that:
    the material is suitable for installation and operation in a humid environment;
    The quality declared by the manufacturer under the influence of moisture will not significantly deteriorate.

    POLYSTYRENE FOAM DOES NOT CONTAIN NUTRIENTS AND IS BIOLOGICALLY NEUTRAL.
    Numerous tests show that even in conditions of lack of food and water, mice and rats do not eat polystyrene foam. However, rodents are able to gnaw through it, like any building material, so it is impossible to neglect measures to protect building structures.
    Biological neutrality means that mold and fungus do not multiply on the surface of expanded polystyrene, which has been shown by domestic and foreign studies. That is why the European Union in 2009 recognized expanded polystyrene as the only material recommended for long-term contact with food and, accordingly, the production of food containers.

    POLYSTYRENE IS CONVENIENT IN INSTALLATION
    If you have ever worked with building materials that are dusty and prickly, you can imagine what a pleasure it is to work with a light, smooth and clean material. You will not need any respiratory masks and other protective equipment. Light weight will reduce labor costs and relieve pressure on the building structure, which is a significant advantage!

    POLYSTYRENE IS DURABLE AND STABLE
    The durability of the material in the laboratory is checked by reproducing its natural weather and temperature loads. In 2001, in the laboratory of the NIISF RF, samples of expanded polystyrene were subjected to 80 test cycles, which included a two-fold decrease in temperature to -40 0С, subsequent heating to +40 0С and exposure to water, similar to 1 conventional year. The samples performed well in these tests and showed no significant deterioration in properties. This means that high-quality expanded polystyrene, if used correctly, will last at least 80 years in structures with an amplitude of temperature effects of +/- 400C!

    POLYSTYRENE ECO-FRIENDLY
    The raw material for the production of expanded polystyrene is polystyrene granules, which in turn are a product of oil refining. Thus, expanded polystyrene is a natural material and at the same time the result of the achievement of the chemical industry. Styrene is found naturally in many foods (cheese, wine, strawberries, cinnamon, coffee, beer, etc.) Styrene has been classified as non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic and non-reproductive toxic by the European Chemicals Agency under the REACH regulation. The Canadian and American health ministries came to the same conclusion.

    It is important to note that the content of styrene in the finished product is only 0.002 mg/m3, i.e. less than 1% of the volume of the finished product! Expanded polystyrene is an example of a record low content of raw materials in the final product. Allegations that the finished product continues to release styrene are not literate and do not find scientific confirmation.

    “IN NORMAL USE, STYRENE WILL NEVER OXIDE. IT OXIDES AT MUCH HIGHER TEMPERATURES. STYRENE DEPOLYMERIZATION CAN REALLY GO AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 320 0C, BUT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TALK SERIOUSLY ABOUT STYRENE RELEASE DURING OPERATION OF POLYSTYRENE FOAM BLOCKS IN THE TEMPERATURE INTERVAL FROM -400C TO +700 C.” - Professor of the Department of Plastics Processing of the Russian University of Chemical Technology named after D.I. Mendeleev, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, L.M. Kerber. Styrofoam is also highly recyclable and can be reused in production.

    BREATH OF APPLICATION
    In construction or food packaging, medicine or decoration, expanded polystyrene demonstrates excellent properties and helps humanity to improve environmentally friendly and efficient technologies. It is equally successfully used to transport donor organs and create exquisite stucco. In construction, you will appreciate its versatility: pitched and flat roofs, facades and various types of floors, foundations and garden paths can be built with expanded polystyrene and will last for many years.

    THE SECRET OF THE PROPERTIES OF EPS FOAM IS IN ITS ORIGIN AND PRODUCTION METHOD
    The production technology of expanded polystyrene consists in multiple expansion (foaming) and sintering of polystyrene granules. The granules are filled with pentane (harmless natural gas condensate) and heated with steam, as a result of which the polystyrene balls "inflate" 20-50 times, as they are inflated with air and acquire elasticity, then stick together under the action of steam, forming a light, uniform, resistant to compression and retaining their dimensions of the insulating material. This process leads to two conclusions:

    1. Expanded polystyrene is 98% air, and most of its properties are due to the nature of the air itself. No other gas is used to fill the cells in the production of expanded polystyrene foam.

    2. No harmful chemical binders (phenol formaldehyde or acrylic resins) are used to hold the granules next to each other, only mechanical force holds them together. The integrity and durability of the material is largely determined by the level of production and adherence to technology.

    A QUESTION OF QUALITY
    You can distinguish high-quality expanded polystyrene products from cheap, inefficient analogues using simple rules:

    Appearance: the material must be uniform white in color, without chips and damage, without flaking granules;
    Smell: The material must be free from any foreign or chemical odor. If present, technology
    production was disturbed or the material was not kept for the required time after production;
    Structure: the granules should be approximately the same size, well sintered, when broken the fault line
    must pass not only between the granules (that is, in the places of their sintering), but also right inside them;
    Packaging: Responsible manufacturers strive to provide the material with unique packaging, and even if the material is sold in sheets without packaging, provide it with “identification marks”: plate markings or stickers. When buying material that cannot be identified, you take a big risk.
    Point of sale: All building materials must be purchased from legal and trustworthy points of sale with a covered warehouse. Storage of ANY insulation outdoors adversely affects its thermal insulation properties.
    Reliable manufacturers also supply their products with certificates and conclusions. You can get information about manufacturers whose products have proven their quality and effectiveness on the website of the Association of Expanded Polystyrene Manufacturers and Suppliers.

    FIRE SAFETY
    What do well-known woods, a warm wool sweater and Styrofoam have in common? Warm…. and combustibility. Like many other household objects and building materials, expanded polystyrene used as thermal insulation must be correctly used in order to ensure the necessary fire safety in the room.
    It is necessary to follow only a few rules to be sure of the fire safety of structures:

    1. Choose polystyrene foam type PSB-S (Stiropen) self-extinguishing. As part of such a material - special fire-retardant additives, fire retardants, thanks to which it does not support combustion and fades as soon as it loses contact with an open flame.

    2. Use Styrofoam in well-designed structures where the material does not come into contact with air or open flames.

    3. Remember that the maximum operating temperature of expanded polystyrene is + 800C, therefore, this material is not recommended for thermal insulation of saunas, baths or heating mains.

    If suddenly there was a fire, how will the expanded polystyrene behave?
    First of all, we must remember that, according to statistics, almost 100% of fires start indoors, while thermal insulation is usually located outside the room. Numerous full-scale fire tests, which are carried out by manufacturers of expanded polystyrene in accordance with GOST, prove that most structures with expanded polystyrene are able to withstand from 15 to 40 minutes of exposure to a flame without collapse and have the lowest fire hazard class K0. Thus, there is enough time for the evacuation of people. Expanded polystyrene of the PSB-S type (Stiropen) does not support combustion, with prolonged exposure to a flame, it loses its shape, becomes liquid and literally flows down inside the structure. Drops of high-quality polystyrene foam do not even set fire to paper. The most traditional and favorite building material - wood during a fire releases much more heat (7000 ... ..8000 MJ / m3) and carbon monoxide than polystyrene foam (1000 to 3000 MJ / kg).
    Unlike so many building materials and heaters, polystyrene does not contain chlorine, which means that there will be no release of phosgene and other dangerous gases. In addition, it is obvious that no building material can be to blame for the ignition and spread of fire. Responsibility for non-compliance with fire safety standards always lies with people.

    WARMS AND HELPS YOU SAVE
    On facades and roofs, with thermal insulation of the basement and foundation and landscaping - everywhere, expanded polystyrene will prove its effectiveness and, with proper use, will become an economically viable, environmentally friendly, safe and simple solution to your construction and housing problems.

    Penoplast-Ural LLC
    e-mail:
    website: www.penoplastural.ru

    The Penoplast-Ural company, Revda, Sverdlovsk region, produces polystyrene foam thermal insulation under the Stiropen trademark.

    How are Penoplast-Ural products different from analogues?

    Higher quality indicators, confirmed by certificates and additional studies at the Research Institute of Building Physics in Moscow for the durability of the material;
    - we are the only manufacturer in the Ural Federal District, which is accepted into the Association of Producers and Suppliers of Expanded Polystyrene in Russia;
    - We are confident in the quality, and we only do what we are better than others.

    Reprinting of this material is allowed only with the consent of the copyright holder for this text Penoplast-Ural LLC

    Back to PUBLICATIONS

    Top of the page

    Your question or comment on the article:

    Determination of the thickness of foam for walls

    Penoplex wall insulation: detailed installation instructions and technical features

    avisavto.ru

    Styrofoam Thermal Conductivity - Material Specifications + Video

    Expanded polystyrene today is produced by hundreds of enterprises in huge volumes - 60% of the material is consumed by the construction industry, and the rest is used for consumer needs, for example, to create seals when transporting furniture or household appliances. The properties of foam are well studied - let's take a closer look at them.

    The main thermal and technical characteristics of the foam

    As the main technical characteristics of the foam, three should be distinguished:

    • thermal conductivity of the material;
    • water resistance;
    • resistance to chemical reactions and bacteriological attack.

    Few people realize that the foam is actually air in a frozen state. Feedstock - polymerized styrene - in plates no more than 2%. The rest of the volume is occupied by air, frozen in billions of tiny cells formed by foamed styrene. It is air that determines the highest thermal and heat-saving properties of the material - the thermal conductivity of air is one of the lowest in nature and is only 0.027 W / mK. The coefficient of thermal conductivity of foam plastic granules is slightly higher and equal to 0.037 W/mK.

    For comparison, only 12 cm of foam plastic thickness can replace a two-meter brick wall, a half-meter wooden wall and a reinforced concrete structure, which reaches over 4 meters in thickness, in terms of its heat-saving properties! In European countries, as part of energy savings, foam plastic has found the widest application as a heater. This material can be used to insulate not only walls, but also the floor and ceiling, it is easy to glue it on any, including metal surfaces. Below we will discuss such a parameter as heat capacity, and find out if it is really so important in construction.

    It is important to understand that the foam itself will not make your house warmer - it does not heat the room, its characteristics are aimed strictly at keeping warm. Thanks to him, you will stop heating the street - a house without thermal insulation releases up to 60% of heat into the atmosphere. An insulated house is much easier to heat, the energy saving coefficient increases significantly.

    Many take into account such an indicator as the specific heat capacity of foam granules, which is equal to 1.65 kJ / (kg * ° K). Heat capacity - this concept is rarely mentioned in the construction of buildings and their insulation. It denotes the rate of heating of the material to a certain temperature and the rate of its cooling. A brick has half the heat capacity - it heats up faster and cools faster. So the heat capacity of the insulation also did not let us down.

    The second important characteristic of the material is water resistance. Expanded polystyrene is completely non-hygroscopic - the styrene granules themselves do not absorb moisture, do not swell upon contact and do not dissolve. However, water can penetrate between the granules, but its amount, even with constant contact, will not exceed 3% of the weight volume of the plate. However, moisture does not linger on the surface of the plates and evaporates at the first increase in temperature. It is important that in the process the material itself does not lose its qualities and dimensions. Steam, like water, also easily penetrates through the foam, destroying all the myths about its supposedly vapor tightness. In all brands of this insulation, the vapor permeability coefficient is 0.05 mg / (m.h. Pa).

    Resistance to chemical reactions and bacteriological attack - expanded polystyrene is not food for bacteria, does not create a favorable environment for the development of colonies of fungi or algae, and is not consumed by animals. There is an opinion that rodents love polystyrene - they supposedly gnaw holes in it and live in them. But it is worth noting that rodents are able to gnaw through brick walls if there is food behind them. Mice or rats appeared in the house - look for a garbage dump nearby, and do not blame the foam.

    Expanded polystyrene is resistant to alkalis, bleaches, saline solutions and even non-concentrated acids, which are included in a number of building materials. Styrofoam can be safely plastered or painted, as well as washed with soapy solutions.

    Minor properties of foam - use it wisely

    Expanded polystyrene, in addition to low thermal conductivity, has another remarkable quality that is widely used in domestic construction. The sound absorption coefficient of the material reaches from 0.18 to 0.58 at different frequencies of sound vibrations. Since Styrofoam is a porous material with billions of cells filled with air, sound waves passing through this material are scattered and lose their strength. In fact, sound energy is converted into heat.

    To ensure sound insulation, a layer of material only a few centimeters thick is sufficient. So by insulating the apartment from the inside, you protect your house from neighborly noise. However, it is worth remembering that the most optimal sound insulation is achieved only by using several materials with different properties. Durability is another feature worth mentioning.

    The material is unstable to point mechanical damage, however, it has a sufficiently high bending and compressive strength. It is thanks to this quality that it is possible to use the material in the process of floor insulation.

    Styrofoam is a very durable material under certain conditions. Providing them is quite simple - you just need to isolate the polystyrene foam from direct sunlight. It is ultraviolet that can accelerate the process of decomposition of granules. Therefore, the material with external insulation must be covered with a layer of protective plaster without fail.

    The temperature limit for expanded polystyrene at the lower limit is -1800 ° C, and at the top +800 ° C. The foam can also withstand a short exposure (several minutes) to +950°C. The synthetic origin of the material makes it invulnerable to decay processes. According to many manufacturers, under optimal conditions, expanded polystyrene can last from 25 to 50 years.

    Fire resistance - there is a myth that foam is a combustible material. At the same time, the authors of this myth (mainly manufacturers of competing heaters) forget to say that the self-ignition temperature of expanded polystyrene reaches +4910 ° C, which is almost twice as high as that of wood. Moreover, the foam does not support combustion and, in the absence of another source of fire, dies out within a few seconds - the melted layers simply do not allow deeper ones to burn. If you are really worried about the fire safety of your home, then we advise you to purchase plates containing fire retardants in this case.

    Is foam dangerous - myths and truth

    Foam opponents say that this material is very harmful, because it is based on styrene, a petroleum product, which is the strongest toxic poison. In addition, when it burns, acids are released, which can also harm our health. Let's think - it turns out that the smoke from burning wood is absolutely safe and you can breathe it? No, of course - the combustion product of any material is more or less dangerous to our health. That's just the foam burns only in the presence of a source of fire and is able to self-extinguish, which cannot be said about wood.

    The second point is the amount of styrene in products. Modern manufacturers have learned to reduce its content down to 0.01%. On average, this indicator does not exceed 0.2% in the market of high-quality materials. Given that the foam insulation layer is hidden under plaster or putty, the release factor of harmful substances into the air is reduced tenfold. Styrofoam can only harm your health in those cases when you eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But given its inedibility, this moment is excluded. The fact of the safety of expanded polystyrene is also proved by its universal recognition in Europe and the West, where there are very high requirements for the safety of materials.

    remoskop.ru

    FAQ

    Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers related to PENOPLEX ® thermal insulation:

    Use of PENOPLEX indoors?

    The polystyrene molecules used in the production of PENOPLEX ® thermal insulation consist only of hydrogen and carbon atoms, so the material is completely environmentally friendly and safe for humans. Polystyrene, from which PENOPLEX ® thermal insulation is produced, is also used for the manufacture of children's toys, disposable tableware, food packaging, medical products, etc. Polystyrene objects surround us every day in everyday life: refrigerator parts, straws for cocktails, egg packaging, yogurt jars and much, much more.

    PENOPLEX ® is an environmentally friendly insulation and does not contain fine fibers, dust, phenol-formaldehyde resins, soot and slag. This material can be used as thermal insulation for internal and external insulation of enclosing structures of residential, public, agricultural and industrial buildings and structures, as well as for external insulation in the construction of household water supply and sewerage facilities.

    According to the results of the sanitary and epidemiological examination, the products of POLYSTYRENE FOAMED EXTRUSION PENOPLEX PLATES, produced according to TU 5767-006-56925804-2007 and TU 5767-006-54349294-2014, comply with the established requirements.

    Do mice bite PENOPLEX ® and how to protect the house from rodents?

    Conclusions based on the results obtained in the study of the attractiveness of extruded polystyrene foams for rodents:

    Considering the results of biological tests, PENOPLEX ® can be exposed to rodents, but to a much lesser extent than other thermal insulation materials - only in cases where thermal insulation is an obstacle to food and water.

    With regard to protection against rodents, in private housing construction, the most widely used method of protecting thermal insulation, which is in the public domain for rodents, using a metal mesh with a mesh of about 5 mm.

    Sound insulation (noise insulation) PENOPLEX ®

    The soundproofing of the partition (GKL 12.5 mm thick + PENOPLEX ® 50 mm thick) is 41 dB. Such a partition can be used as an interior partition in residential buildings of categories B and C (according to SNiP 23-03-2003).

    The noise insulation improvement index in the floating floor structure when using a slab with a thickness of 20-30 mm will be 23 dB, which in most real cases ensures that the regulatory requirements for sound insulation are met.

    Differences between PENOPLEX ® and non-pressed expanded polystyrene (PSB)

    Plates PENOPLEX ® and expanded polystyrene (PSB) differ in production technology. Pressless expanded polystyrene is created by "steaming" microgranules with water vapor in a special form and their expansion under the influence of temperature. PENOPLEX ® thermal insulation is produced by mixing polystyrene granules at elevated temperature and pressure with the introduction of a foaming agent and subsequent extrusion from an extruder. That is why PENOPLEX ® expanded polystyrene is called extruded. Also, thanks to the production technology using this technology, PENOPLEX ® obtains a closed finely porous structure, which in turn ensures high strength, almost zero water absorption, as a result - biostability and the highest durability of PENOPLEX ® boards. An important factor is also the lower thermal conductivity of PENOPLEX ® compared to non-pressed expanded polystyrene (PSB), which makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the required thermal insulation by about 30%.

    Which insulation to choose: PENOPLEX ® or mineral (stone) wool?

    What is better PENOPLEX ® or mineral wool? This is a question that quite often arises from private developers. Each of these materials has its own advantages. For example, PENOPLEX ® is practically indispensable in loaded structures and in a humid environment, while mineral wool shows itself better in sound insulation. In addition, some types of mineral wool have a lower price, but this plus often disappears due to the low quality of such wool, as a result - large shrinkage, as well as the need for greater thickness of thermal insulation.

    PENOPLEX ® is distinguished from mineral wool by a number of characteristics:

    • lower thermal conductivity.
    • high compressive strength
    • absolute moisture resistance (PENOPLEX ® does not absorb water, due to which it retains its thermal insulation properties throughout the entire service life).
    • absolute biostability (PENOPLEX ® is not a matrix for the development of bacteria, mold and other microorganisms).
    • ease of installation (PENOPLEX ® does not require special protective equipment when working with it).

    What is the density of PENOPLEX ® ?

    Density of PENOPLEX ® boards for private use ranges from 23 to 35 kg/m3. For the professional segment, this figure can reach up to 45 kg/m3. At the same time, it is important to understand that the density of PENOPLEX ® is not a key factor in determining the scope of the material. More important is such a characteristic as compressive strength. The strength characteristics of PENOPLEX ® vary over a wider range. The minimum compressive strength at 10% deformation for PENOPLEX ® boards is 0.12 MPa, such boards are used for unloaded structures (for example, for wall insulation). Plates intended for insulation of foundations have higher compressive strengths - 0.3 MPa, since it is these structures that take on the main loads from the building. PENOLEKS ® grades intended for road construction and structures with increased loads can have a strength of 0.50 MPa and more.

    A wide range of characteristics makes it possible to use PENOPLEX ® boards for thermal insulation of almost any structure, both in cottage and low-rise buildings, and in industrial and civil construction.

    What is the melting point of PENOPLEX?

    The temperature range of application of PENOPLEX ® boards is in the range from -70 to +75 degrees Celsius, which allows using this material in any climatic zones.

    At temperatures above 75 degrees Celsius, PENOPLEX ® can change its mechanical properties in the direction of reducing the strength of the material.

    How many bricks does PENOPLEX ® replace?

    If we compare materials in terms of heat-insulating properties, then a PENOPLEX ® slab 50 mm thick (λ=0.032 W/m2°C) will replace 1280 mm masonry on a heat-insulating mortar made of solid single brick (λ=0.82 W/m2°C). (According to GOST 530-2012 Ceramic brick and stone. General specifications. Table D.1 - Thermal characteristics of solid (conditional) masonry).

    On average, in terms of thermal insulation properties, 1 cm of PENOPLEX ® replaces 25 cm of brickwork, but it should be remembered that for each individual type of brick (silicate, ceramic, clinker), this comparison will be different.

    Instructions for warming various types of structures

    – Insulation of walls, floors of frame and aerated concrete houses, loggias

    – Insulation of the foundation / basement

    – Roof insulation

    How to make an insulated foundation slab (UShP)?

    Detailed video instruction

    How to insulate a house from aerated concrete?

    Detailed video instruction

    What is the required thickness of thermal insulation and the width of the "thermal insulation skirt" for buildings in different climatic zones?

    What thickness of thermal insulation is required to insulate basements and basements in different climatic zones?

    PENOPLEX® type 31, PENOPLEX® type 31C, PENOPLEX® type 35

    The production of a number of types of plates (according to TU 5767-006-56925804-2007): PENOPLEX® type 31, PENOPLEX® type 31C, PENOPLEX® type 35 was discontinued in 2011. Currently, PENOPLEX SPb LLC produces a product line of PENOPLEX TM according to TU 5767-006-54349294-2014:
    PENOPLEX boards are produced using a foaming agent CO2, in accordance with the main trends of world manufacturers of extruded polystyrene foam (the most environmentally friendly foaming agent is used).

    As practice shows, about a quarter of the building's heat is lost through the roof. Moreover, a poorly insulated roof can cause an increase in humidity in the house. After all, warm air, rising up, collides with a colder layer of air under the roof. As a result, condensation forms.

    Therefore, roof insulation with foam plastic is perhaps one of the best options to ensure high-quality heat preservation and regulation of the humidity level in the room. Subject to the selection of high-quality foam plastic and the correct installation of sheets on the roof, significant energy savings will be ensured. In winter, you can save on heating, in summer - on air conditioning.

    How safe is it to insulate external walls with polystyrene foam?

    There is a lot of controversy about the safety and the need to use expanded polystyrene (or polystyrene). The main reason for their appearance is poor-quality insulation work, the use of non-certified material or foam that is not intended for a similar role (for example, combustible polystyrene foam).

    In fact, high-quality and well-executed insulation of the outer walls with polystyrene foam guarantees the complete safety of the home. The accumulation of dampness, fire hazard and other factors do not threaten if foam plastic, specially designed for wall insulation, was used in the work.

    How to carry out foam insulation of a brick wall? What thickness to take the foam?

    The question is quite broad, so it is difficult to give exact data. If the technology for mounting foam sheets for all types of surfaces is almost identical, then the calculation of the material for insulation with foam plastic of a brick wall is carried out separately in each region. The thickness of the sheets is primarily influenced by the climatic conditions of the region, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house and the thickness of its brick walls. For example, in the Moscow region, for a comfortable stay, it would be ideal to build brick houses 1.5-2 meters thick. In fact, solid brick houses are about 0.7 meters thick. Depending on a number of factors, foam sheets with a width of 50-100 millimeters are suitable for warming such an object.

    I heard that for maximum energy saving it is necessary to insulate the ceiling with foam plastic. Is it so?

    Insulating the walls of a private house means almost halving energy consumption for heating. This is a proven fact in practice. But the positive result will be noticeably reduced if the ceiling of the house is not insulated. From 15 to 20 percent of the heat will simply escape, mixing with cold air. In addition, there is a high probability of condensation, which is also not very good for the condition of the house and its inhabitants. Therefore, the insulation of the ceiling with polystyrene foam is an obligatory part of the complex work on energy saving and the organization of comfortable living in an insulated room.

    How much does Penoplex brick replace? The latter is not the name of the building material. This is one of the most popular brands producing polymer thermal insulation boards. This refers to extruded polystyrene foam, one of the best heaters that currently exists. It is worth figuring out in what respect it can be compared with a brick.

    Clarification of terms

    First of all, you need to understand to what extent polystyrene foam can replace brickwork. These are completely different building materials.

    Considering that both materials take part in the construction of the outer walls of buildings, only one comparison is appropriate between them - in terms of thermal conductivity. It is this characteristic that is meant when raising the question, but it must be correctly reformulated: what thickness of Penoplex and brick will create the same thermal resistance. For other characteristics, the comparison is not in favor of the polymer.

    Thermal conductivity indicators

    The ability to resist the passage of a flow of thermal energy is characterized by the coefficient of thermal conductivity λ, expressed in units of W / m 2 °C. As a rule, sellers of various heaters provide the value of this coefficient for products in a dry state. At the same time, regulatory documents prescribe to calculate according to real performance indicators, the values ​​​​of which are not so impressive.

    The considered materials are produced in several varieties. Brick is made from different materials and using different technologies. The grades of extruded polystyrene foam differ in density, which affects its thermal conductivity. Operational thermal indicators for products of different types look like this:

    • solid ceramic brickwork, λ=0.7 W/m 2 °C;
    • the same, from silicate, λ = 0.76 W / m 2 ° C;
    • brickwork from ceramic hollow products with a density of 1000 kg / m 3, λ \u003d 0.47 W / m 2 °C.

    The list shows the values ​​​​for the finished brickwork, erected on a cement-sand mortar. On other types of solutions, the performance will be slightly different. The characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam of various densities are strikingly different downwards:

    • Penoplex with a density of 30 kg / m 3, λ \u003d 0.037 W / m 2 ° C;
    • the same, with a density of 50 kg / m 3, λ \u003d 0.038 W / m 2 ° C.

    It is noticeable how much the thermal conductivity of polymer insulation is less than that of a brick wall. But these figures are abstract and therefore difficult to understand for the average person. To understand the situation, it is necessary to bring all the indicators to one concept - thickness. To do this, it is necessary to determine one more characteristic - the resistance to heat transfer R, expressed in units of m 2 °C / W.

    Thickness calculation

    The heat transfer resistance R is tied to the thickness of the building structure, and its minimum value, established by regulatory documents, varies depending on the climatic conditions in the region. For example, in the southern regions of the Russian Federation, the walls of residential buildings must have a heat transfer resistance of at least 2.1 m 2 °C / W. It is proposed to take this value as a basis and calculate how many bricks and Penoplex will be needed to comply with it. The minimum indicator is calculated by the formula:

    δ=Rxλ, where:

    • δ is the thickness of the wall structure, m;
    • λ is the thermal conductivity of the material from which the wall is built, W / m 2 ° C.
    • R is the resistance to heat transfer, in the example it is 2.1 m 2 °C / W.

    If we take the coefficient of thermal conductivity of ordinary brickwork λ = 0.7 W / m 2 ° C, then in the southern regions of the Russian Federation the thickness of the walls of the ceramic product should be: δ = 2.1x0.7 = 1.47 m.

    The same wall, but made of Penoplex with a density of 30 kg / m 3, will have a thickness: δ \u003d 2.1x0.037 \u003d 0.077 m, or 77 mm.

    The difference between the materials will be 1.47/0.077=19. So many times the brickwork must be thicker than the polystyrene foam layer in order to reach the same indicator of the thermal insulation of the building. A complete picture showing a comparison of different types of brick walls and polymer insulation is shown in the table:

    Now the table clearly shows how much the brick wall differs from extruded polystyrene foam in terms of thermal conductivity for the worse.

    It is easy to conclude that in order to comply with energy saving building codes, these materials must be combined; they cannot exist separately in the form of a wall structure.


    //www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fiv2o06iaQs

    Brick lacks thermal insulation properties, and Penoplex lacks bearing capacity. Together they will give an excellent result: it is enough to insulate a masonry of 1.5 hollow products with 50 mm expanded polystyrene sheets, and the total cross-section of the fence will be only 0.43 m.

    What else to read