Insulation "Penoplex" is one of the most used extrusion finishing materials for thermal insulation of structures of buildings and structures. Due to its excellent technical parameters, it is often used in the construction industry.

Types of "Penoplex"

"Penoplex" is one of the types of extruded polystyrene foam. The high technical characteristics of this material are determined by its cellular structure. Cells ranging in size from 0.1 to 0.2 mm are evenly distributed in the material, which gives it strength and a high degree of thermal insulation.

Depending on the type of surface to be insulated, there are several types of "Penoplex":

• "Penoplex roofing" is used for thermal insulation of pitched or flat roofs.
• "Penoplex wall" for insulation of internal and external walls of buildings.
• "Penoplex foundation" is used in the construction of foundations, basements, basements, cellars.
• "Penoplex comfort" - technical characteristics of an improved type are intended for use in houses and apartments.
• "Penoplex base" for insulation of industrial and civil structures.
• Penoplex 45 is the most specific type, it is used for thermal insulation of the runway at airfields.

The most versatile of them is Penoplex Comfort.

"Penoplex comfort": technical characteristics

Thermal insulation sheets have L-shaped edges, which greatly facilitates the installation process, and also reduces heat loss.

• The density of "Penoplex Comfort" is from 25 to 35 kg / m 3.
• Compressive strength - 0.2 MPa.
• Water absorption - 0.5% of the total volume for 28 days.
• Combustibility category - belongs to the G4 group.
• Thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.03 at 25 degrees.
• Vapor permeability coefficient - within 0.007-0.008.

Plates "Penoplex comfort" are made in thickness from 2 to 12 cm, in length - from 120 to 240 cm, in width - 60 cm. Sheets with a thickness of 2 cm to 10 cm are used for internal insulation, for exterior decoration - 8- 12 cm, roof - 4-6 cm.

According to the parameters of Penoplex Comfort, the technical characteristics allow its operation in temperature conditions from -50 to +75 degrees.

Advantages

This universal heater has a lot of advantages:

• It is not affected by fungi and mold.
• High water resistance.
• When wet, the plates do not rot, unlike mineral wool.
• High density material, does not crumble or crack like foam.
• Fairly light weight.
• Little susceptible to deformation, as it has a large coefficient of bending and compression.
• Very low thermal conductivity.
• Low moisture absorption coefficient.

The density of the foam is much higher than the foam. It does not deform under loads, it is easily cut with a knife. Since the individual elements are attached to each other very tightly, the resulting structure is very resistant to mechanical stress. The composition does not contain dust and fine fibers, which makes the Penoplex installation process clean enough.

disadvantages

But with so many advantages, this material also has a number of disadvantages. At high temperatures, the Penoplex insulation emits harmful substances and collapses; in the first days after installation, there is a strong smell in the room. It has very low vapor permeability. The action of ultraviolet radiation is detrimental to Penoplex - it is imperative to create a protective layer. The ignition of the material occurs with the release of a large amount of harmful substances and the formation of acrid smoke. "Penoplex comfort" has very low sound insulation performance.

Oil paints and solvents can easily destroy the structure of the material, it will lose its thermal insulation properties. But to water-based paints, salts, alkalis, lime, cement "Penoplex" is neutral.

Mounting technology

The task of how to sheathe a house with Penoplex comfort is solved in several main stages:

1. Preparatory.
2. Direct installation of insulation.
3. Finishing the surface of the insulation.

Initially, it is necessary to prepare the surface that will be insulated. It is leveled, excess mortar is removed, exfoliating pieces of the structure. If previously stained, then paintwork materials should be completely removed. Places of formation of fungus, mold or moss are cleaned and treated with bactericidal solutions. Unplastered block or brick structures must be primed or plastered. The prepared substrate must be absolutely dry.

Due to the exact geometric dimensions, installation is carried out according to the assembly principle of the designer. Insulation sheets are glued to the surface with special adhesives. Glue is applied to the surface of the "Penoplex comfort" board. Additionally, the thermal insulation structure is reinforced with building dowels. Particular attention should be paid to fastening in the area of ​​​​openings, sheet joints and in the corners of the structure.

To protect the insulation itself, plastering, finishing with facing facade materials, and roofing are required. When insulating internal surfaces, it is imperative to use a vapor barrier insulation.

Features of finishing individual structures

In city apartments, in order to make the most practical use of the available space, balconies and loggias are often insulated. In this case, indoors, in order to save space, Penoplex comfort insulation 2-5 cm thick is usually used. This option can be used in pre-glazed loggias, preferably with double or triple glazing. When installing external thermal insulation, it is possible to use thicker sheets - up to 10 cm.

When insulating floors, sheets can be laid without a frame device. In houses, if there is no basement, Penoplex Comfort is laid out directly on the ground surface. Plates with a thickness of 3 cm to 10 cm are used. The site prepared for laying must be flat and dry.

Insulation of foundations with "Penoplex comfort" can be carried out directly on the waterproofing layer, without additional mechanical fastening of the structure. The slabs are installed with an overlap of rows, they should protrude 40-50 cm above the upper level of the foundation. Then the foundation is backfilled. This material is used for any type of foundation.

Application area

"Penoplex comfort" is intended for use in the insulation of foundations, basement floors, facades of houses, roofs, as well as internal thermal insulation in private houses or apartments. It is also often used for wall insulation on balconies and loggias, in garages and outbuildings. In suburban construction, it is used as thermal insulation for rooms with high humidity: saunas, baths, pools, basements.

When using underfloor heating in the system, it is necessary to lay heat-reflecting materials under the Penoplex insulation to reduce heat loss.

Certification

The production of the Penoplex Comfort material in Russia is carried out by LLC PO Penoplex. For this heat-insulating material, fire safety certificates, fire roofing safety certificates, an environmental certificate, a certificate of conformity with GOST have been made. Thermal insulation tests for durability, acoustic tests for sound insulation were carried out. The certificate of compliance with sanitary standards received for the Penoplex Comfort insulation confirms the safety of using this material for interior decoration.

Throughout the entire warranty period of the Penoplex Comfort insulation, the technical characteristics of this material remain at a high level. The plates do not crumble, do not crack, retain their original density. Durability of 50 years is one of the most significant advantages of this material.

When choosing a material for home insulation, you will definitely come across the name "PENOPLEKS" - this is one of the most popular heaters on the Russian market. It is quite natural that a lot of rumors circulate around the material: they say it is harmful, does not cope with thermal insulation, and is unreliable. To thoroughly understand this issue, it makes sense to separate the wheat from the chaff and consider in detail all the characteristics of thermal insulation boards.

What is it. The history of the creation of the material

The material was first born back in 1941, when DOW CHEMICAL (USA) patented a fundamentally new product with high thermal insulation properties and moisture resistance. The production of the material was put on stream, but initially it was made only for the needs of the Navy.

Due to its resistance to a humid environment, Penoplex was used for the production of life rafts. After some time, the material began to be used in refrigeration units. Penoplex occupied its rightful niche only in 1950, when it began to be used in construction. It is curious that in the US construction market the material is known under the trademark STROYFOAM.

Penoplex is a Russian brand that appeared only in 1988.

What is Penoplex? In fact, this is expanded polystyrene, which is produced on extrusion machines. In its structure, the material resembles the foam plastic familiar to many, but has a denser structure, and, accordingly, better characteristics.

What is Penoplex made of? Compound

Before us is a completely artificial material, which is made from chemical components that are mixed in certain proportions. The technology involves the use of a temperature of 140 degrees, which causes the ingredients to melt and foam, forming porophores. If we talk about specifics, then the following materials are used in the manufacture:

Polystyrene.

Ground perlite.

Lemon acid.

Tetrabromoparaxylene.

Barium or zinc stearate.

Bicarbonate of soda.

The use of such components in certain proportions forms a strong cellular-porous structure filled with gas.

Advantages and disadvantages of heat-insulating material

Like any building material, this insulation has its strengths and weaknesses. The delicate balance of price and quality makes it competitive and distinguishes it from numerous analogues. We note right away that Penoplex should not sing laudatory odes: with many undeniable advantages, there are also disadvantages. If we conduct an impartial analysis of the characteristics, we get the following picture.

Pros:

High rates of thermal insulation.

Absolute neutrality to the damp environment.

Convenient installation.

Ease of processing.

Multifunctionality.

Durability (subject to certain conditions).

Soundproof.

Minuses:

Low fire safety of unmodified material.

Low vapor permeability.

Sensitive to aggressive substances: gasoline, acetone, oil paint.

Unstable before ultraviolet. Destroyed in direct sunlight.

Types and technical characteristics of the heat-insulating plate

It should be noted that the material has a different density, which determines the scope of its application. Typically, the manufacturer indicates this data on the packaging, greatly simplifying the life of inexperienced builders. So, according to its characteristics and scope, the following types of extruded polystyrene can be found on the market:

For roofing. This material is applicable to increase the thermal insulation of the roof, used in commercial and residential buildings. The density of this category varies within 28-33 kg/m3.

for walls. Suitable for insulation of facades and interiors. Here, the density values ​​are 25-32 kg/m3.

For foundation. The density of the material varies within 29-33 kg/m3, scope: initial stages of construction, arrangement of basements.

"Comfort". Here, the density indicators look like this: 25-35 kg/m3, due to its characteristics, the material is the best solution for multi-storey buildings (apartments, balconies, loggias).

Given that the cost of a material directly depends on its density and thermal insulation, knowing these features will help you purchase the right material and save money.

If we talk about technical characteristics, Penoplex has the following parameters:

Physical and mechanical properties	Those. norms	Unit rev.	Penoplex - Roofing	Penoplex - Wall	Penoplex Foundation	Penoplex-Comfort	Penoplex - Type 45
Average density	GOST 17177-94	kg / m 3	from 28.0 to 33.0	from 25.0 to 32.0	from 29.0 to 33.0	from 25.0 to 35.0	from 40.1 to 47.0
Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation, not less than	GOST 17177-94	MPa	0,25	0,20	0,27	0,20	0,50
Water absorption in 24 hours, no more	GOST 17177-94	% by volume	0,4	0,4	0,4	0,4	0,2
Flammability group	FZ 123 (TR on TVET)	Group	G3	G3	G4	G4	G4
Thermal conductivity coefficient at (25+ 5)С	GOST 7076-99	W/m∙єС	0,032	0,032	0,032	0,032	0,032

It is worth noting that the material acquired such high rates thanks to completely isolated cells, whose diameter is 0.1 / 0.3 mm.

How much brickwork replaces extruded polystyrene

The answer to this question lies in the thickness of the insulation boards. It looks like this:

Penoplex 20 mm thick = brickwork 370 mm.

Penoplex 30 mm = brickwork 750 mm.

Penoplex 47 mm = brickwork 925 mm.

Accordingly, the insulation plate is able to replace a brick wall, twice as thick as the insulation itself.

Dimensions of insulation boards

Penoplex is produced in the form of plates, with the following external parameters: length - 1200/2400 mm, width - 600 mm. Due to the porous structure, the material has a relatively low weight, even with impressive dimensions, and is easy to process.

When performing interior work, it must be borne in mind that the space will decrease by the thickness of the insulation + top coat.

A key indicator of thermal insulation is the thickness of the slab. Depending on the installation conditions, the recommended material thickness is as follows:

Let's carry out a comparative analysis with other popular heaters that are found on the domestic construction market.

Available analogues. What is the difference? What is better and warmer?

1. Penoplex or Minvata

When comparing these materials, it is necessary to take into account the scope of their application. For example, mineral wool is definitely not suitable for a foundation or basement: it absorbs moisture well, which leads to an increase in weight. Accordingly, the insulation slides down, exposing the walls. To avoid these problems, additional moisture insulation will have to be laid, and this proportionally increases costs.

However, in terms of heat and sound insulation, Penoplex loses to mineral wool, although the latter material looks more difficult in terms of installation.

2. Penoplex or Styrofoam

Both materials do not absorb moisture, therefore they are equally suitable for warming basements. Thermal conductivity indicators are better for Penoplex, but only slightly. It is worth noting that the foam can be classified as eternal materials, and the service life of the Penoplex declared by the manufacturer: 50 years.

Therefore, for internal and external insulation, both materials can be used with equal efficiency, but if the service life plays a decisive role, it is better to give preference to foam.

3. Technoplex or Penoplex

These are two materials that are almost identical in their properties. Here you can observe the same indicators of mechanical strength and bending resistance: 250 kPa and 0.4 MPa respectively.

If we talk about resistance to sub-zero temperatures, then Technoplex looks warmer - the operating temperature of the material: -70 degrees Celsius, however, such temperatures are difficult to meet in most regions of Russia. Thermal conductivity of heaters is the same: 0.031 W/mK, but Technoplex is more resistant to a humid environment.

4. Styrex or Penoplex

There are no fundamental differences between these materials, so they have an identical scope. Here you can highlight the following difference: Stirex is more resistant to bending deformation, but it costs more to buy. In addition, Styrex is more suitable for warming rooms where there is a significant difference between the external and internal temperatures.

5. Isolon or Penoplex

Due to its structure, Izolon is ideal for floor and roof insulation, increasing the heat and sound insulation of rooms. However, for walls it is better to use Penoplex, as a more convenient material for installation.

Three questions that concern buyers most of all

Fire safety. Is the heater on or not?

The answer to this question is unequivocal: yes, it burns. Perhaps it is this feature that prevents the widespread distribution of Penoplex. However, on the building materials market, there are products labeled "G1" and "NG", which means low-combustible and non-combustible material.

In this case, fire retardant is used - a substance that prevents the spread of fire. It is worth noting that it is distribution, and not ignition. Of course, a fairly high temperature is required to ignite Penoplex, however, the essence is the same: the material is combustible!

Do mice chew on insulation boards?

The material does not contain natural substances and therefore cannot attract rodents. However, this feature does not prevent mice and rats from chewing through the insulation, making nests there and breeding. To avoid these problems, a fine-mesh mesh is installed over the insulation.

By the way, Penoplex does not attract insects, it is neutral to the appearance of mold and fungus.

Is expanded polystyrene harmful to health?

In principle, Penoplex is an environmentally friendly material, provided that the material is created without violating the production technology. However, given that we are talking about an artificial material, chemical components can evaporate under the influence of certain factors, for example, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Therefore, Penoplex is not on the walls in its pure form and is always covered with finishing materials.

In addition, when burning, the material releases acid fumes, carbon dioxide and other hazardous substances, including hydrogen chloride. Accordingly, in the event of a fire, a direct threat to human life arises.

Hexobromocyclododecane, which is a bioaccumulative toxin and is currently allowed in our country, can be used as a fire retardant, but has been banned for use in the EU countries since 2015.

Where is Penoplex produced? Reliable manufacturers you can trust

Penoplex is produced in Russia, so the material is sold in an affordable price segment. If we talk about representative offices of the brand, then you can pay attention to the following cities:

Kirishi. The production line has been operating since 1998, specializing in the production of standard size insulation. Currently, there are four lines involved. The total capacity is up to 600,000 m3 annually.

Perm branch. The plant was launched in 2005. Now, it is the most productive enterprise, supplying the market with about 650,000 m3 annually.

Novosibirsk. The enterprise was launched for residents of the Siberian region of the country, it specializes in the production of Penoplex with increased thermal insulation and water resistance.

Taganrog. The plant produces about 500,000 m3 of insulation annually, respectively, fully provides residents of the Southern and Central regions with products.

It is worth noting that the products of these branches are subject to mandatory certification and undergo multi-stage quality control at all stages of production.

The modern construction market is replete with a variety of materials for insulation. Among them, Penoplex is very popular. The reason for this is the full satisfaction of the requirements for thermal insulation materials and compatibility with all elements of the building. This material is made using modern technology, during which non-toxic materials are used. However, Penoplex contains chemical additives, which does not allow us to talk about its ideal environmental friendliness.

The material has such technical and operational characteristics that make it the most effective of all heaters available today. In this article, we will consider in detail what Penoplex insulation is: the characteristics and features of the installation of this material.

What is Penoplex?

We all know for a long time what polystyrene is and what it is for. At its core, Penoplex is a more advanced foam plastic obtained by extruding polystyrene foam.

For the first time, more than 50 years ago, the first plant for the production of extruded polystyrene foam was built in the USA. The process of production of insulation is as follows: polystyrene granules are placed in a high-temperature chamber, where they melt and foam due to the influence of porophores added to the mixture. The molten composition, similar to whipped cream, is squeezed out through the molding nozzles onto the conveyor. On it, it freezes and is cut into standard-sized panels. All this is hidden from human eyes, as it takes place in a closed chamber. At the exit, we can see the finished product.

The components that cause the molten mass to foam are porophores. These chemical compounds, when heated, are capable of releasing a large amount of gases: nitrogen, carbon dioxide and others in smaller volumes.

Production takes place at a temperature of 130 - 140 degrees at a speed of about 60 kg / h. In addition to Penoplex itself, its analogues are produced in the same way: Technoplex, Extrol and other similar materials.

Thanks to the use of porophores, the resulting insulation boards have a porous structure like that of polystyrene, but unlike it, Penoplex granules are firmly interconnected into a single cellular structure. The air layer is distributed evenly throughout the entire volume of the product. The cells are 0.1 to 0.3 mm in size and filled with gas. Each cell is fully insulated for excellent thermal resistance. The homogeneous structure makes the material dense and much more durable than foam.

Technical characteristics of Penoplex insulation

All the main technical characteristics of Penoplex can be presented in the form of a table for clarity.

The table below shows that Penoplex insulation is produced in several varieties, which differ somewhat in characteristics and geometric parameters. Each type is proposed for use in a specific range of areas. Since the insulation is very light and well cut into the necessary parts, it can be used for self-insulation of any building elements.

Let us consider in more detail some of the parameters presented in the table with characteristics:

• The coefficient of thermal conductivity of Penoplex is about 0.03. This figure today can be considered almost the lowest of all available heaters. However, it does not change with changes in temperature and humidity. This quality allows the use of insulation inside and outside the building. There is no need to protect Penoplex with additional waterproofing materials.
• The hygroscopicity of Penoplex is amazing. A plate placed completely in water for a month is able to absorb only 0.6% of its volume. Moreover, all of it is absorbed in the first 10 days, after which the process completely stops. Moisture penetration occurs only in the upper layers of the plate.
• The vapor permeability of the material is comparable in its performance with roofing material. A plate with a thickness of 20 mm is practically not able to pass water vapor through itself. For the surface finished with Penoplex, additional vapor barrier is not required. In some cases, this can be a disadvantage, for example, in interior decoration, when the walls need to "breathe".
• The compressive strength of the material is quite high due to its homogeneous structure. This allows you to use this type of insulation for thermal insulation of floors. The dents remaining when pressed do not exceed 1 mm in depth.
• The environmental friendliness of Penoplex remains in question, since not all manufacturers are inclined to adhere to existing environmental standards in the production of plates. Therefore, the choice of material for interior decoration should be treated more scrupulously. Its susceptibility to combustion also depends on the quality of the product. Some materials burn well, some do not burn, but melt with the release of toxic volatile substances. There are also completely safe materials.
• The service life of Penoplex was calculated by repeatedly freezing and thawing it. Most experiments have shown that the material can withstand more than 50 such cycles, which indicates its 50-year service life.

In addition to the above characteristics, Penoplex has good resistance to certain chemicals and solvents. These include: alcohols, acids, salt solutions, lime, water-based paints, alkalis, ammonia, propane, butane, freons, oxygen, carbon dioxide, cement mortars, vegetable fats and oils. Nevertheless, there are a number of substances that can destroy or completely dissolve Penoplex: various ethers, toluene, benzene and other hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, formalin, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel, acetone, oil paints and polyesters.

How is Penoplex insulation labeled?

There are several varieties of Penoplex. Their characteristics can be seen in the table above. We will only talk about the scope of use of all types:

• Penoplex 31 is not very durable, so it is usually used to insulate tanks and pipelines.
• Penoplex 31C also does not differ in strength, so it is used for internal wall insulation. It differs from the first one only in the degree of flammability. She's a little taller than him.
• Penoplex 35 is a versatile material with high strength and thermal insulation qualities. It is used for insulation of pipes, walls, floors and foundations.
• Penoplex 45 is very durable and moisture resistant, so it is used to insulate surfaces subject to high dynamic loads: runways, road surfaces, foundations.
• Penoplex 45C is similar to the previous one, but it is used for finishing the walls of large industrial buildings.

In addition to such digital marking, there is another one that reflects the performance characteristics of material types:

• Penoplex - Wall with a density of 25 - 32 kg / m3 is designed to insulate walls inside and out, partitions and plinths.
• Penoplex - Foundation with a density of 29 - 33 kg / m3 for basement insulation.
• Penoplex - Roofing with a density of 28 - 33 kg / m3 is used as an attic insulation.
• Penoplex - Comfort with a density of 25 - 35 kg / m3 for warming balconies and loggias, as well as rooms where high humidity is observed.

Such a variety of material types allows you to choose the most suitable in a given situation.

Technological features of mounting Penoplex on various surfaces

The maximum return on the insulation can be achieved only if it is properly mounted on a particular surface. The technology for installing Penoplex in different places is somewhat different.

Facade insulation

Many consumers prefer to save money and therefore violate the Penoplex installation technology on the walls of the facade of the house. Usually they simply attach it to dowels with wide mushroom caps. This can lead to mold and mildew growth. Wall insulation must be done according to all the rules:

• The wall is cleaned of dust and dirt, and then primed.
• Irregularities on the walls should be plastered and primed again.
• In the lower part of the wall, an L-shaped profile is attached, which is called the starting one. Laying plates begin with it. The first row of plates is simply installed on this guide profile.
• The plates are glued to the wall surface with a special adhesive. It is applied to the plate, which is then pressed against the wall with force. The plates are glued according to the brickwork scheme. This minimizes the risk of cold bridging.
• Only after the plates are glued, they are fixed with dowels - "fungi". You need 5 - 6 pieces per 1 m2. The caps of the fungi should be pressed into the insulation to their thickness in order to be flush with the surface of the plate. To install the dowel, holes of the desired diameter and depth are drilled directly through the insulation. A “fungus” is inserted into them, into which a special plastic nail is hammered. In the process of entering inside, it expands the leg of the "fungus", holding the dowel tightly inside the wall.
• The corners of the house are reinforced with special perforated corners, and the entire surface of the insulation is reinforced with a special fiberglass mesh glued to the plaster mortar.
• Further, the surface of the plates can be plastered with any composition.

Due to its increased density, Penoplex boards can be plastered with any plaster. Often used relief and texture compositions. Facades finished in this way not only perfectly retain heat in the house, but also look very presentable.

Warming of balconies and loggias

When insulating walls on a balcony and loggia, you should be aware of some features. Firstly, all joints between Penoplex plates must be glued with foil tape and filled with mounting foam. When cold bridges are completely excluded, another foil insulation is glued over the resulting surface. The entire structure can be covered with clapboard or plaster.

Roof insulation work

The roof is usually insulated at the construction stage or during reconstruction. For this, plank sheathing is stuffed from the attic side to the lower surface of the rafter legs. A vapor barrier membrane is placed on top of it, and Penoplex plates are already on it. The gaps between the slabs and rafters are foamed with mounting foam. A windproof film is placed on top of the insulation and a crate is stuffed for mounting the roof. Then the roofing is laid.

Similarly, the attic floor in the house is also insulated. In this case, the boards are hemmed from below the lag of the floors. A vapor barrier film is placed on them, after which insulation plates. All gaps are filled with mounting foam.

Concrete floor insulation

Since Penoplex has a sufficiently high density, it can also be laid on the floor under a laminate or parquet. To do this, the base of the floor is cleaned of dust and dirt, and then primed. Then glue is applied to the floor, on which Penoplex plates are glued. Floor plates have special grooves and spikes at the ends, so they do not leave gaps. Insulation not only insulates the room, but also creates additional sound insulation in the room, and also levels the floor.

There is another option for floor insulation with Penoplex. It is used mainly in a private house, where the floor is laid on logs. In this case, the boards are hemmed to the lower surface of the log. Then, Penoplex plates are laid between the lags. The gaps between them foam well. On top of the logs, a plank draft floor is laid, along which any finishing coating is made.

Thus, we see that Penoplex can be used to insulate almost any building element. The main thing here is to choose the most suitable type of insulation.

For a comfortable stay in the cold season, when building a house, you need to take care of its high-quality thermal insulation. There are a huge number of insulation materials on the market, differing in characteristics and cost. The most effective of them is penoplex. Technical characteristics, types and cost of this material from different manufacturers are described in this article.

Read in the article

What is penoplex: types

Penoplex (or erudite polystyrene foam) was invented in the USA over 50 years ago. It immediately won the trust among buyers for its low cost and cost. During production, the granules are pressed under pressure and high temperature, while a special catalytic agent is used for foaming. Next, the mass is squeezed into molds, and after a while the cells are filled with air. Thanks to this process, the porosity is uniform, and the resulting substance is strong and light.

Currently, there are three types of penoplex:

1. Penoplex 31 Standard. It has poor resistance to compression, so it is mainly used for . However, in some cases (when the load is not too high), they are insulated, and much more.

   

2. Penoplex 35. The most popular type of this material is currently due to the presence of a flame retardant in the composition - a substance that improves. Therefore, in the construction of buildings in most cases (for floors, walls, roofs, and so on), it is he who is used. For example, 50 mm foam 35 class is an excellent solution for insulation, the use of 30 mm foam is more rational for walls and.

   

3. Penoplex 45. The most durable of the presented types. Due to the high density, such insulation is able to withstand high loads, therefore it is used even in the construction of roads to prevent swelling during freezing. Indeed, in the warm season, some types of soil under the road actively absorb water, but in winter, this may cause the road surface to crack. And if you use a heater, freezing will be minimized or not happen at all.

   

Thus, during construction, it is necessary to choose the right type of material to prevent the building from settling and save money (if the load is small, you can choose Penoplex 31 Standard).

Penoplex 35 is divided into four types according to its purpose:

• Penoplex Comfort.
• Penoplex Foundation.
• Peroplex Roof.
• Penoplex Wall.

Each of them contains a flame retardant, however, some technical characteristics of 35 different types of penoplex differ, so we will consider them in more detail.

Penoplex Comfort: technical specifications

Penoplex Comfort is the most versatile insulation of all the types presented. It is suitable for the foundation, and for walls, and for. It was during the production of this type that the L-shaped joints of the plates were first tested, which reliably seal the joints and therefore are now used in most cases.

This material has the following specifications:

• Thermal conductivity of this material is about 0.03 W/m*℃. The best thermal conductivity among all insulating materials is achieved due to the fine-mesh structure (0.1-0.2 mm).
• Vapor permeability– 0.013 Mg/(m*h*Pa). This indicator is practically zero, so the water absorption of this erudite polystyrene foam is almost completely excluded.
• Flammability class- G4 (highly combustible). Despite the high degree of fire hazard, spontaneous combustion of this material is impossible, and its smoldering can be extinguished quickly.
• High strength. The material is able to withstand a load of 20 tons per 1 m 2.
• Penoplex Density. Comfort is in the range of 25-35 kg/m 3 . It depends on the thickness and purpose of the product.
• Record durability– 60-90 years even in harsh conditions (high humidity and low temperatures).
• Wide range of sizes. The size of a standard plate is 1200 × 600, but the thickness can vary from 20 to 100 mm. Each type is suitable for specific purposes, for example, the technical characteristics of Penoplex Comfort 50 mm allow it to be used for foundation insulation.
• Wide operating temperature range-50÷+75℃.

Important! Due to the high flammability of this material, it is not recommended to use it in industrial premises where open fire is possible.

Penoplex Foundation: specifications, features

The main scope of Penoplex Foundation 50 mm - insulation and any buildings and structures. Due to its high resistance to moisture, to heavy loads, as well as the ability to not change its original characteristics for many years, this material reliably protects the building from groundwater and does not sag during long-term operation.

Installation of the foundation is a long and laborious process, the use of Penoplex Foundation allows it to be simplified and accelerated, since such plates are mounted in a matter of minutes. In addition, the following technical characteristics of penoplexageo are distinguished:

• Material density 29-33 kg/m³. For this type of penoplex, this indicator is quite important, since the compressive strength depends on it;
• Compressive strength at 10% linear load, not less than 0.27 (2.7; 27) MPa (kgf/cm2; t/m2);
• Static bending strength not less than 0.4 MPa;
• Water absorption in 24 hours no more than 0.4% of the total volume;
• Water absorption in 28 days- 0.5% of the volume;
• fire resistance- class G4;
• Coefficient of thermal conductivity under normal conditions (25℃) - 0.030 W/(m*K);
• under operating conditions "A" 0.031 W / (m * K);
• Estimated thermal conductivity under operating conditions "B" 0.032 W / (m * ° K);
• Operating temperature range- 50÷+75°С.

Features Penoplex Roofing: technical specifications, operating conditions

The part of a building that is constantly exposed to environmental influences. Therefore, all its layers, including insulation, must meet the high requirements of strength and moisture resistance. Penoplex Roofing is the best choice in terms of price-quality ratio.

All technical characteristics of this material are identical to Penoplex Foundation. The only exception is the Compressive Strength Factor (0.25 MPa), which is somewhat lower, because the roof does not experience such loads as the foundation. Therefore, by reducing this indicator, the cost of the material is somewhat reduced.

The main feature of Penoplex Roofing is the ability not only to retain heat indoors during the cold season, but also to protect it from exposure to sunlight in summer. Thus, a comfortable microclimate in the house will be maintained all year round.

Another advantageous difference from other insulating materials is the high rate, so that birds and branches hanging over the roof will not interfere with your comfortable living.

Penoplex Wall: purpose and characteristics

The best solution for - penoplex. The price of Penoplex Wall is lower than that of other types of this material, since its strength is somewhat less - 0.2 ÷ 0.25 MPa. However, this does not prevent it from being used under the following conditions:

1. (including sandwich panels and enclosing structures of block houses).
2. Insulation of the outer plinth of the house.
3. Thermal insulation of internal partitions (for example, in the basement).

The main feature of this material is the possibility of its use in multilayer decorative finishing. Due to its special properties, it is able to withstand loads from, lining and so on. In addition, due to the minimum water absorption, any wet solutions can be used.

Extruded polystyrene foam: specifications and price

Extruded polystyrene foam has won its popularity among builders around the world due to the special quality achieved through a unique production process.

Technical characteristics of the technoplex:

• Steam and waterproof.
• Environmental friendliness.
• Durability.
• High compressive strength due to a smooth cellular structure (for example, the technical characteristics of 50 mm foam plastic allow it to withstand maximum loads under almost any atmospheric conditions).
• Light weight.
• Low thermal conductivity.
• Ease of installation.
• biological stability.
• Almost complete absence of chemical reactions.
• Flammability.

The ability to repel moisture is an important indicator for all thermal insulation materials. Extruded polystyrene foam has the highest water resistance index. An experimental study was even carried out with this material: it was placed in water for 10 days. When the period came to an end, the water was only in the outer cells, which were damaged during transportation or cutting, not a drop got inside the material. In addition, the vapor barrier index is also high, it can be compared with the level of roofing material.

Interesting! Many argue that the building envelope must breathe, that is, all layers of the walls, ceiling and floor must let air through (and hence steam). However, heat is also lost with air, which is unacceptable for a heat-insulating material. For ventilation, you should equip a high-quality ventilation system, and not create air movement inside the walls.

In the production of this material, freons act as a catalyst, which are absolutely safe for the environment and are completely displaced by air even during manufacture. Therefore, the environmental safety of this material is at the highest level.

Penoplex manufacturers claim that the service life of this product is at least 50 years. Moreover, experiments have revealed that extruded polystyrene foam is able to withstand temperature changes and numerous freezes without losing its original characteristics, so it can be used in any region of the country.

Thermal conductivity is the main characteristic of insulation. Penoplex has the lowest rate in comparison with other materials for insulation. Moreover, depending on the percentage of moisture content in the material, it varies slightly. Therefore, extruded polystyrene foam is perfect for any surfaces, including the roof, the penetration of moisture under which is quite large.

Extruded polystyrene foam is not only resistant to moisture, it does not react with most chemicals (eg salts, alkalis, alcohols). However, there are also exceptions, some compounds can destroy the structure of this material and even completely dissolve it (for example, hydrocarbons, ethers, oil paints). In addition, due to the absence of a biological component, this material does not attract microorganisms, so rotting is completely excluded. However, they are able to spoil it by making tunnels in it.

Plates of this material are lightweight, so they are easily mounted without the use of any special tools. In addition, they are easy to cut with a regular knife, so anyone can handle the installation.

The only obvious drawback of this material is flammability. Depending on the type and presence of fire retardants in the composition, it belongs to different fire hazard classes. But in general, we can say that this material does not have resistance to open sources of fire. However, foam plastic does not burn, but only melts, and if the fire is extinguished immediately, there will not even be residual smoldering.

Foam sheet dimensions

The dimensions of the foam boards are standard - 1200 × 600 mm. They differ only in thickness, on which, for ease of use, depends how many pieces are in the package. Penoplex is from 20 to 100 mm thick. So plates of the "Comfort" type are completed from 4 (with a thickness of 20 mm) to 18 pieces per package (with 100 mm).

The most common sizes for Penoplex Foundation are 50 and 80 mm. They are completed in 8 and 5 pieces, respectively. It depends on how many m 2 are in the package (50 mm Penoplex Foundation, has a total area of ​​​​5.76 m 2).

Overview of foam prices 50 mm, 30 mm, 100 mm

How much does penoplex cost? Depending on the purpose and characteristics, the sizes and prices per piece of penoplex vary significantly. First of all, the cost is affected by: strength, resistance to moisture and thickness. Therefore, based on these indicators, below is a comparative table.

Name	Characteristics		Peculiarities
Plates Penoplex Comfort 30		0.12 MPa	The strength and thickness of this material is quite low, so it is recommended to use it only in places where increased load is excluded. The main advantage is the low price of foam plastic per sheet and resistance to moisture.
		0.5% by volume
	Width	600 mm
	Length	1200 mm
	Thickness	30 mm
	Price	115 r. per sheet
Plates Penoplex Foundation 50	Minimum material strength	0.27 MPa	Due to the high strength of both compression and bending, such plates are perfect for insulating the foundation in any region of our country.
	Water absorption in 24 hours, no more	0.4% by volume
	Width	600 mm
	Length	1200 mm
	Thickness	50 mm
	Price:	199 r. per sheet
Plates Penoplex Wall 100	Minimum material strength	0.25 MPa	Due to the maximum possible thickness of the slab, this material is suitable for use in the most northern regions.
	Water absorption in 24 hours, no more	0.4% by volume
	Width	600 mm
	Length	1200 mm
	Thickness	100 mm
	Price:	365 r. per sheet
Plates Penoplex Wall 50	Minimum material strength	0.12 MPa	The cheapest of the entire range, the standard plate is suitable for both external and internal insulation.
	Water absorption in 24 hours, no more	0.5% by volume
	Width	600 mm
	Length	1200 mm
	Thickness	50 mm
	Price:	105 r. per sheet
Plates Penoplex Pitched roof 100	Minimum material strength	0.3 MPa	The ratio of the size and price of penoplex in this case is optimal for harsh conditions, when damage is possible, as well as frequent temperature changes.
	Water absorption in 24 hours, no more	0.4% by volume
	Width	600 mm
	Length	1200 mm
	Thickness	100 mm
	Price:	143 p. per sheet

Article

Penoplex - the second most popular after mineral wool. Its main advantages are considered to be a low degree of thermal conductivity and a very reasonable price. In some cases, for example, when insulating basements from the outside, penoplex can be considered generally indispensable.

How the material is made

So, penoplex - what is it? Let's look into this in more detail. This material is produced on special extrusion plants. When catalyst gases are added to polystyrene, it foams, greatly increasing in size. The mass obtained in this way is then squeezed out of the installation. Here, the gas escapes, leaving many pores in the cured polystyrene.

Penoplex is produced in plates with a thickness of 20-100 mm and in appearance resembles a well-known foam plastic. It differs from the latter by much greater strength and durability. Thin foam plastic (20 mm, for example) is great for the ceiling of balconies. To insulate facades, foundations and roofs, either 50 mm slabs in two layers or 100 mm material in one are usually used.

Main advantages

Today, a variety of wall heaters are produced. Penoplex can rightly be attributed to the most effective and high-quality. The advantages of this material are primarily:

• Excellent thermal insulation characteristics.
• Moisture resistant. Penoplex does not absorb water.
• Ease of installation. The plates of this heat insulator are installed either on glue, or with the help of “fungus” dowels.
• Durability. The foam sheet is quite durable and does not crumble during installation. Also, this material does not dry out over time and does not rot.
• Light weight. There are no special requirements for the design of the foundation or truss system when using this material.
• Versatility. Penoplex can be used for insulation of absolutely any elements of the building - the foundation, walls, roof.
• Excellent soundproof qualities.

The main disadvantage of the material

Now let's see what disadvantages penoplex has. What is it, we found out. By itself, extruded polystyrene poses no danger to human health. At least that's what the manufacturer claims. However, in the free state, styrene is a very toxic substance. Some researchers believe that a small amount of it in finished slabs can still be preserved. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully use penoplex for interior decoration from the inside. In any case, it is worth tightly closing it with drywall or plaster, trying not to leave gaps.

Main characteristics of the material

Thus, we have found out what are the advantages and disadvantages of penoplex. What is it, you now also know. Next, we will deal with what actually characteristics this material differs in. They have penoplex such:

• compressive strength - 0.2-0.0.5 MPa;
• density - 28-53 kg / m 3;
• thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.03-0.032 W / (Mx °K);
• moisture absorption coefficient - up to 0.5%;
• operating temperatures - from -50 to +75 gr.

The Penoplex brand has standard dimensions - 600 x 1200 mm.

Varieties of material

Choosing foam for the insulation of structures of one type or another should be correct. At the moment there are the following varieties:

• Penoplex-31. Boards of this type have a density of 31 kg/m 3 and are mainly used for buildings. Sometimes they are also used for roof insulation (without loads).
• Penoplex-35 is the most popular material in housing construction. It can be used not only for insulation of roofs, facades, but also as a cushioning layer under the soles of foundations. Insulation of the floor with penoplex in private housing construction is also usually carried out using this particular variety. Density of plates 35 - up to 37 kg/m 3 . During production, among other things, special components are added to them, which significantly increase their fire resistance.
• Penoplex-45. This variety is designed for under load, as well as roads and sidewalks in cold regions of the country. Also, such plates can be used for warming runways, heavily loaded foundations, floors, etc. Material density 45 - up to 40 kg / m 3.
• Penoplex-75. This is the densest variety (up to 53 kg / m 3). It is mainly used for insulation of runways of airfields.

Penoplex in construction

Since 2011, materials of not too high density used for the construction of residential buildings have been classified by the manufacturer into four more varieties:

• It is used to insulate those parts of the building that are underground. It can be either a regular foundation or a basement.
• "Penoplex Roof". It is used accordingly for the insulation of roofs, including horizontal ones. The density of this variety is also very high. When using it, the insulation from the side of the attic must be closed
• "Penoplex Wall". This variety was developed by the manufacturer specifically for the insulation of socles and facades of residential buildings. For vertical structures, these are actually ideal heaters. For walls "Penoplex" (as well as for other elements of the house) is used, of course, with the obligatory selection of the desired thickness. The minimum figure for Moscow, for example, is 100-124 mm. This variety is distinguished by such advantages as resistance to temperature extremes and precipitation, ease of installation, durability, etc.
• Penoplex Comfort. This type of material is designed specifically for the insulation of small suburban private houses. Plates of this variety are not susceptible to infection by fungus and can be used, including in conditions of high humidity. It is possible to use such penoplex, the dimensions of which are also standard, for insulating foundations, facades, roofs, floors, ceilings, walls from the inside, etc. Very often baths and saunas are sheathed with such plates.

Installation features for wall and roof insulation

So, you have chosen penoplex for home insulation. What it is, you now understand. For insulation of houses, this material is suitable very well. Especially outside. Now let's see what are the rules for its installation. When insulating walls, penoplex is usually installed between frame elements made of beams. Additionally, the plates are fastened with dowels - "fungi". When installing roofing plates can be installed directly between the rafters. Sometimes they are mounted on top. At the same time, some additional insulation is installed between the rafters. The walls before installing the foam are covered with a vapor barrier film. When insulating the roof with foil material, the attic is sheathed.

Floor insulation with foam

From above, the floors are insulated as follows:

• The surface is lined with a waterproofing membrane.
• A crate of timber is stuffed onto the floor or ceiling.
• Penoplex is laid. When building a new house, the slabs are not mounted in the crate, but directly between the lags. Previously, the space between them is covered with a waterproofing layer.
• OSB boards or plywood are mounted. In the event that polystyrene foam was laid between the lags, a floorboard is usually installed on top of it.
• Plywood or OSB is sheathed with finishing material. Even parquet can be used for this purpose. Penoplex itself is an excellent vapor barrier and does not let water through at all.

Penoplex insulation: price

The cost of the plates of this insulator depends on the type and thickness. So penoplex-35 in 50 mm will cost about 180 rubles apiece. The price of plates with a density of 31 kg / m 3 in 30 mm is about 120 rubles. The "Comfort" option of 50 mm costs about 180 rubles, 30 mm thick - about 100 rubles.

As you can see, foam insulation, the price of which is quite acceptable, is just perfect for insulating the structural elements of the building. Mounting it is very simple, and the effect of its use will be more than noticeable.