began the history of Russian extruded polystyrene foam by launching in 1998 a production line for PENOPLEX boards at a plant in Kirishi, Leningrad Region.
Penoplex production method: Polystyrene granules enter an extruder, where they are heated and mixed under high pressure. At the same time, a gaseous blowing agent is supplied to the extruder. Thanks to high pressure and heat, the blowing agent enters the granules and increases their volume. The resulting mass is pressed through a die, the material is cooled and cut into slabs. As a result, small closed cells are formed in XPS, which give penoplex excellent thermal insulation properties and negligible water absorption.
Penoplex brands
- Penoplex COMFORT
- Penoplex BASE
- Penoplex FOUNDATION
- Penoplex GEO
- Penoplex ROOFING
- Penoplex FACADE
- Penoplex 45
What is this. History of the creation of the material
The material first appeared back in 1941, when the DOW CHEMICAL company (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 manufactured only for the needs of the Navy.
Due to its resistance to wet environments, Penoplex has been 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 brand name STROYFOAM.
Penoplex is a Russian brand that appeared only in 1988.
What is Penoplex? Essentially, it is foamed polystyrene, which is produced on extrusion machines. In its structure, the material resembles polystyrene foam, which is familiar to many, but has a denser structure and, accordingly, better characteristics.
Fire safety. Is the insulation burning or not?
The answer to this question is clear: yes, it burns. Perhaps it is this feature that prevents the widespread spread of Penoplex. However, on the building materials market, there are products marked “G1” and “NG”, which means low-flammable and non-flammable material.
In this case, antiperen is used - a substance that prevents the spread of fire. It is worth noting that it is spread, not fire. Of course, for Penoplex to ignite, a fairly high temperature will be required, however, the essence is the same: the material is flammable!
What is Penoplex made of? Compound
We have before us a completely artificial material, which is made from chemical components mixed in certain proportions. The technology involves using a temperature of 140 degrees, which causes the ingredients to melt and foam, forming porophores. If we talk about specifics, the following materials are used in production:
- 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.
Analogue of thermal insulation material
We insulate the floor in the room using penoplex
Since the construction market is constantly updated with new materials that can be used in insulation processes, I decided to touch upon the topic of an analogue of penoplex with improved characteristics. This is the technoplex material, which is made from polystyrene foam, but thanks to the addition of nanoparticles of graphite, it has even lower thermal conductivity and improved density and strength.
By the way, the temperature regime of the technoplex is also expanded, and if penoplex can be used from -50 degrees, then technoplex from -75 to +75 degrees. However, if we talk about our climate, then such an indicator will not play any role and therefore I, like many, do not understand the need to use this variety. If we talk about the cost of the material, then technoplex is not much more expensive than penoplex. The difference is approximately 10%, although on large areas these percentages can cost a pretty penny.
The most interesting thing is that polystyrene foam has long been used not only as a good thermal insulation material. With its help, foam decor is created, which can turn the appearance of facades into a real work of art. Thanks to its low cost, anyone can afford to transform the appearance of a house, but the main thing is that this architectural element fits into the overall style of the building.
Advantages and disadvantages of heat-insulating material
Like any building material, this insulation has its strengths and weaknesses. The fine balance of price and quality makes it competitive and distinguishes it from numerous analogues. Let us immediately note that it is not worth singing odes of praise to Penoplex: despite many undeniable advantages, there are also disadvantages. If you conduct an impartial analysis of the characteristics, you will get the following picture.
Pros:
- High thermal insulation performance.
- Absolutely neutral to humid environments.
- Convenient installation.
- Easy to process.
- 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 to ultraviolet light. Destroys in direct sunlight.
Interaction of the material with various substances
We insulate the balcony with penoplex
Since not only the density of penoplex or its technical characteristics are important to us, I decided to write with which substances this material cannot be used. Having various components, these substances destroy the integrity of the material, which indicates not only a decrease in properties, but also the complete destruction of thermal insulation boards. So, you should not use it with penoplex:
- Oil paint
- Gasoline or kerosene
- Benzene, xylene, toluene
- Acetone
Since the list of these substances is not large, it is very easy to remember it and in the future avoid making mistakes that could affect the quality of the work performed. By the way, the list of materials with which it interacts well is much longer:
- Water-based paint
- Saline solution
- Alkaline compounds
- Lime
- Butane and propane
- Cement-concrete mixtures
- Ammonia
- Freon
Since penoplex does not react at all with these materials, it becomes possible to use it in tandem with these substances.
Types and technical characteristics of thermal insulation board
It is worth noting that the material has different densities, which determines the scope of its application. Usually the manufacturer indicates this data on the packaging, significantly simplifying life for inexperienced builders. So, according to their characteristics and scope of application, the following types of extruded polystyrene can be found on the market:
- For roofing . This material is suitable for increasing the thermal insulation of roofs and is used in commercial and residential buildings. The density of this category varies between 28-33 kg/m3 .
- For walls . Suitable for insulating facades and interior spaces. Here the density indicators are 25-32 kg/m3 .
- For the foundation . The density of the material varies between 29-33 kg/m3 , area of application: 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 optimal solution for multi-storey buildings (apartments, balconies, loggias).
- Type "45" . This category is the densest on the market: 35-47 kg/m3 . The area of application of the material is to improve the properties of a runway or road surface in conditions of extremely low temperatures.
Considering that the cost of a material directly depends on its density and thermal insulation, knowledge of 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 change | Penoplex – Roofing | Penoplex-Wall | Penoplex-Foundation | Penoplex-Comfort | Penoplex-Type 45 |
| Average density | GOST 17177-94 | kg/m3 | 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 | 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 | Federal Law 123 (TR on TVET) | group | G3 | G3 | G4 | G4 | G4 |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient at (25+5)С | GOST 7076-99 | W/m∙єS | 0,032 | 0,032 | 0,032 | 0,032 | 0,032 |
It is worth noting that the material achieved such high performance thanks to fully insulated cells, whose diameter is 0.1/0.3 mm.
How much brickwork does extruded polystyrene replace?
The answer to this question lies in the thickness of the insulation boards. It looks like this:
- Penoplex 20 mm thick = 370 mm brickwork.
- Penoplex 30 mm = brickwork 750 mm.
- Penoplex 47 mm = brickwork 925 mm.
Accordingly, an insulation board can replace a brick wall that is twice as thick as the insulation itself.
Dimensions of penoplex sheet depending on thickness, density and purpose
Penoplex Comfort is a popular heat insulator for apartments and country houses, with a material density from 25 kg/m3 to 35 kg/m3. Its slabs have the following dimensions:
- Slab length – 0.6 m. Slab width – 1.2 m. Slab thickness – 15cm, 12cm, 10cm, 8cm, 6cm, 5cm, 4cm, 3cm, 2cm.
Penoplex Foundation is a dense and durable insulation material that can be used to insulate foundations and basements of buildings. The density of this insulation is from 29 kg/m3 to 33 kg/m3. It comes in sizes:
- Slab length – 0.6 m. Slab width – 1.2 m. Slab thickness – 15cm, 12cm, 10cm, 8cm, 6cm, 5cm, 4cm, 3cm, 2cm.
Penoplex for pitched roofing is a rigid and lightweight insulation material that allows you to create a pitched roof.
Its plates have a special groove for a tighter fit to each other. The density of this insulation is from 26 kg/m3 to 34 kg/m3. Its slabs have dimensions:
- Slab length – 0.6 m. Slab width – 1.2 m, 2.4 m. Thickness – 10 cm, 15 cm.
Penoplex Facade is a universal insulation material, the surface of which has increased roughness, which improves adhesion to plaster and painting compounds. The density of this insulation is from 25 kg/m3 to 32 kg/m3. Its slabs have the following dimensions:
- Slab length – 0.6 m. Slab width – 1.2 m. Slab thickness – 15cm, 12cm, 10cm, 8cm, 6cm, 5cm, 4cm, 3cm, 2cm.
Penoplex Wall is an analogue of Penoplex Facade.
Its slabs have increased resistance to moisture and mechanical stress. The density of this insulation is 25 kg/m3 to 35 kg/m3. Penoplex board sizes:
The slab is 0.6 m long.
- The width of the slab is 1.2 m. The thickness of the slab is 15cm, 12cm, 10cm, 8cm, 6cm, 5cm, 4cm, 3cm, 2cm.
Penoplex GEO is an insulation material of increased strength and density, which is suitable for loaded buried structures. The density of such penoplex is from 29 kg/m3 to 33 kg/m3. This material is available in sizes:
- Slab length – 0.6 m. Slab width – 1.2 m. Slab thickness – 15cm, 12cm, 10cm, 8cm, 6cm, 5cm, 4cm, 3cm, 2cm.
Penoplex Roofing is a durable and moisture-resistant insulation material for creating a roof.
Its plates have a special groove for tight joining. The density of such penoplex is from 28 kg/m3 to 33 kg/m3. Dimensions of one plate:
- Slab length – 0.6 m. Slab width – 1.2 m. Slab thickness – 15cm, 12cm, 10cm, 8cm, 6cm, 5cm, 4cm, 3cm, 2cm.
Dimensions of insulation boards
Penoplex is produced in the form of slabs, with the following external parameters: length - 1,200/2,400 mm, width - 600 mm. Thanks to its porous structure, the material has a relatively low weight even with impressive dimensions, and is easy to process.
| Dimensions, mm | Type (density) | |||
| Penoplex C (25-32 kg/m3) | Penoplex K (28-33 kg/m3) | Penoplex F (29-33 kg/m3) | Penoplex 45 (35-47 kg/m3) | |
| width | 600 | 600 | 600 | 600 |
| length | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 2400 |
| thickness | 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 80; 100 | 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 | 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 80; 100 | 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 |
When performing interior work, you need to take into account that the space will be reduced by the thickness of the insulation + finishing coating.
| Slab thickness (mm) | Number of slabs per package (pcs.) |
| 20 | 18 |
| 30 | 12 |
| 40 | 9 |
| 50 | 7 |
| 100 | 4 |
The key indicator of thermal insulation is the thickness of the slab. Depending on the installation conditions, the recommended material thickness looks like this:
Let's conduct a comparative analysis with other popular insulation materials that are found on the domestic construction market.
Low vapor permeability - good or evil?
As you know, the same property of a material can be considered a plus in one situation and a minus in another. This is exactly the case with the low vapor conductivity that extruded polystyrene foam is characterized by. Moreover, it does not conduct steam in any direction. Moisture does not penetrate from one side or the other. This distinguishes it from vapor barrier membranes, which may have one-way conductivity.
It is ideal on flat roofs
Where is vapor non-conductivity needed?
If installed correctly (without gaps and cracks) with joints taped, EPPS does not require the use of vapor barrier membranes. It hardly lets through steam. Neither in liquid nor in gaseous state. So the use of membranes and waterproofing is unnecessary. When using floors in a cake, this is excellent, because moisture usually comes from the ground. When using polystyrene foam, it does not penetrate either by capillary action or in the form of steam. In this case, this is definitely a plus.
Excellent for laying under screed
These properties are also a plus when using extruded polystyrene foam in blind areas, under paths, etc. In addition to protecting against freezing, it does not get wet. This allows, with a competent approach, to get rid of frost heaving and make, for example, not a deep strip foundation, but a shallow strip or Swedish slab.
The use of EPS in the roofing pie of a flat roof is also optimal - leaks are minimized, and almost no heat is lost. When using on pitched roofs, it’s already worth thinking about. The fact that Penoplex Roofing does not allow moisture into the attic space is good. But it will be possible to remove excess moisture from the attic only with the help of very good ventilation, which includes not only dormer windows. Additional elements will be needed on the ridge, in the roof plane. In general, given the cost of Penoplex, this is not always reasonable.
On the walls: yes or no?
Insulating walls with Penoplex is permissible only if you agree to make an effective ventilation system that will regulate the humidity in the house. In this case there are two options:
- Insulate the walls with EPS from the inside. With this solution, moisture practically does not enter the enclosing structures (the material from which the walls are made) due to the low vapor permeability of the material. In this case, the Penoplex layer for walls can be of small thickness. Specifically, it is necessary to count, since it depends on the material and thickness of the walls, and the region of residence. But, with such insulation, it is necessary to select the external finishing of the facade so that moisture is not trapped inside the wall. Ventilated facades are most suitable for this purpose. Installation on walls is possible, but with a lot of conditions. And this is not the best choice
- Stick the EPS on the outside. But at the same time, it is necessary to make an effective vapor barrier inside the room. It is needed to prevent moisture from entering the walls. Since there is EPS on the outside, it will not come out. To prevent moisture from accumulating in the wall, a vapor barrier is required. In this case, the thickness of Penoplex will be large. So large that the dew point is not in the wall, but in the thickness of the insulation. That is, in this case it will be necessary to insulate EPS walls with a thickness of 100 mm or more.
As you can see, there are options for using extruded polystyrene foam for wall insulation, but they are far from the best. Despite the fact that the material itself is good, it is poorly suited for this purpose.
When used on a pitched roof
And we must also take into account that the second option is only for non-hygroscopic materials. Such a scheme is very undesirable for wooden, frame buildings; it is poorly suited for foam blocks. The fact is that no matter how good the vapor barrier is, some of the moisture will still get into the walls. If the material is non-hygroscopic, moisture will gradually be removed from the wall during the dry season. With hygroscopic materials this process is more complicated. As a result, the wood rots and the foam block walls “bloom.”
Penoflex thermal insulation boards can be of different thicknesses, so the packaging can have different sizes and contain a different number of sheets. It is also necessary to take into account that the dimensions of the slabs are indicated without taking into account the tenons/locks.
| Name and thickness | Dimensions (L/W) | Amount in a package | Insulation area per package | Packaging volume |
| Comfort 20 mm | 585*1185 mm | 18 pcs | 12.48 m² | 0.273 m³ |
| Comfort 30 mm | 585*1185 mm | 12 pcs | 8.32 m² | 0.2704 m³ |
| Comfort 40 mm | 585*1185 mm | 9 pcs | 6.24 m² | 0.2493 m³ |
| Comfort 50 mm | 585*1185 mm | 7 pcs | 7.69 m² | 0.2429 m³ |
| Comfort 100 mm | 585*1185 mm | 4 things | 2.77 m² | 0.2772 m³ |
| Foundation 50 mm | 585*1185 mm | 7 pcs | 7.69 m² | 0.2429 m³ |
| Foundation 100 mm | 585*1185 mm | 4 things | 2.77 m² | 0.2772 m³ |
| Pitched roof 100 mm | 585*1185 mm | 4 things | 2.77 m² | 0.2772 m³ |
| Wall 50 mm | 585*1185 mm | 8 pcs | 5.55 m² | 0.2776 m³ |
There are two methods for calculating the number of packages: using the volume or area of the package:
- You know the insulated area, find the area of the insulation of the required thickness in the package and divide the insulated area by this value. For example, you need to insulate 15 squares; you will use slabs 40 mm thick. The insulation area in the package is 6.24 m². We count: 15/6.24 = 2.4 packs.
- To calculate by volume, multiply the insulated area by the thickness to obtain the required volume. Next, by analogy with the example above, we divide the found figure by the volume of one package. We get the number of packages of insulation. Let's calculate for the same case: 15 m² * 0.04 m = 0.6 m³. According to the table, one package of this material has a volume of 0.2493 m³. we find the number of packages: 0.6/0.2493 = 2.4 packages.
Penoplex for blind areas around the house and insulation of the basement is an excellent choice
If the number of packages is not whole (most likely this will be the case), some surplus will be created. If the surplus turns out to be large (as in the example - more than half of the slabs turn out to be unnecessary) and you have nowhere to use it, check to see if the seller sells incomplete packages. In this case, the calculation will be a little more complicated. You should estimate how many slabs you need in addition to the whole packages. For this:
- Find the area covered by entire packages. For example, this is: 2 packs * 6.24 m² = 12.48 m².
- Since we need to insulate 15 squares, we subtract the found one from this figure: 15 m² - 12.48 m² = 2.52 m². This is the area for which additional slabs should be purchased.
- The area of one Penoflex thermal insulation board is 0.6932 m². If we divide the remainder by this figure, we get the required number of additional insulation sheets: 2.52 m² / 0.6932 m² = 3.63 pcs. It turns out that we will need 4 slabs in addition to the two packages.
In a package, depending on the thickness, from 4 to 18 pieces
With such an accurate calculation, it is better to take a small supply - one or two slabs. In case there was a mistake somewhere in measurements or calculations, somewhere the edges became wrinkled and other unforeseen cases.
Available analogues. What is the difference? Which is better and warmer?
- Penoplex or Mineral wool
If you compare these materials, you must take into account their scope of application. For example, mineral wool is definitely not suitable for a foundation or basement: it absorbs moisture well, which leads to weight gain. Accordingly, the insulation slides down, exposing the walls. To avoid these problems, you will have to install additional moisture insulation, 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.
- Penoplex or Foam plastic
Both materials do not absorb moisture, so they are equally suitable for insulating basements. Thermal conductivity indicators are better for Penoplex, but only slightly. It is worth noting that polystyrene foam can be classified as an eternal material, and the service life of Penoplex declared by the manufacturer is 50 years .
Therefore, for internal and external insulation, both materials can be used with equal efficiency, but if service life plays a decisive role, it is better to give preference to polystyrene foam.
- 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. The thermal conductivity of the insulation is the same: 0.031 W/mK , but Technoplex is more resistant to humid environments.
- Styrex or Penoplex
There are no fundamental differences between these materials, so they have an identical scope of application. Here we can highlight the following difference: Stirex is more resistant to bending deformation, but is more expensive to purchase. In addition, Stirex is more suitable for insulating rooms where there is a significant difference between external and internal temperatures.
- Izolon or Penoplex
Thanks to its structure, Izolon is ideal for insulating floors and roofs, increasing the thermal and sound insulation of rooms. However, for walls it is better to use Penoplex as a material that is more convenient to install.
Types of insulation boards
We insulate the floor on the balcony
Since there are plenty of varieties of penoplex on the construction market, manufacturers produce it with specific names that allow you to speed up the selection process. Let's look at these types:
- Penoplex “roofing” - the density of roof insulation slabs is 28-33 kg/m3. Lightweight and waterproof
- “Wall” - can be used for both interior and exterior work. The density of the material is 25-33kg/m3
- “Foundation” - high density and water resistance allows the material to be used during the construction of a foundation or basement. Density – 29-33kg/m3
- “Comfort” - slabs are used for balconies and apartments, as well as uninsulated loggias. Density – 25-35kg/m3
- Penoplex “45” - this material has the highest density among others, which is 35-47 kg/m2. This is why it is used during the construction of roads and runways.
Article on the topic: Description about the doors of the Art Deco factory
For the average consumer, I have compiled a table of the estimated cost of penoplex. Thanks to it, you can make approximate calculations of the required amount to purchase material of different thicknesses:
| Name | Thickness | Area/volume per package. m2/m3 | Sheets per package (quantity) | Cost of 1 package | Price for 1 sheet |
| PENOPLEX | 20 | 14,4/0,288 | 20 | 1 200 — 1 400 | 60-70 |
| 30 | 10,08/0,30 | 14 | 1 260 — 1 540 | 90-110 | |
| 40 | 7,2/0,288 | 10 | 1 200 — 1 400 | 120-140 | |
| 50 | 5,76/0,288 | 8 | 1 200 — 1 520 | 150-190 | |
| 60 | 5,04/0,30 | 7 | 1 260 – 1 274 | 180-182 | |
| 80 | 3,6/0,288 | 5 | 1 195 – 1 205 | 239-241 | |
| 100 | 2,88/0,288 | 4 | 1 200 – 1 240 | 300-310 |
Three questions that concern buyers most
Fire safety. Is the insulation burning or not?
The answer to this question is clear: yes, it burns. Perhaps it is this feature that prevents the widespread spread of Penoplex. However, on the building materials market, there are products marked “G1” and “NG”, which means low-flammable and non-flammable material.
In this case, antiperen is used - a substance that prevents the spread of fire. It is worth noting that it is spread, not fire. Of course, for Penoplex to ignite, a fairly high temperature will be required, however, the essence is the same: the material is flammable!
Do mice chew 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 the insulation, making nests there and breeding offspring. To avoid these problems, a fine mesh is installed over the insulation.
By the way, Penoplex does not attract insects and is neutral to the appearance of mold and mildew.
Is polystyrene foam harmful to health?
In principle, Penoplex is an environmentally friendly material, provided that the material is created without violating 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 found on the walls in its pure form and is always covered with finishing materials.
In addition, when the material burns, it releases acid vapors, carbon dioxide and other dangerous substances, including hydrogen chloride. Accordingly, in the event of a fire, there is a direct threat to human life.
Hexobromocyclododecane, which is a bioaccumulative toxin and is currently permitted in our country, but has been prohibited for use in the European Union since 2015, can be used as a flame retardant.
Myths about Penoplex that are worth learning about!
The higher the density of penoplex, the warmer the house will be. It is enough to turn to primary school physics to understand: light slabs of low density will retain heat better, but their strength characteristics will be significantly lower.
Myth 1.- Myth 2. Extruded polystyrene foam Penoplex with a density of 100 kg/m3 exists. In fact, all attempts by consumers who want to find such material are in vain. The maximum value of slabs of this brand does not exceed 45 kg/m3.
- Myth 3. Extruded polystyrene foam insulation has been banned for use in the USA and European countries due to its toxicity. In fact, since 1995, foaming technology using freons has been banned. Foaming of Penoplex is carried out using carbon dioxide, which means the material is 100% environmentally friendly.
Are you ready to order thermal insulation boards made from extruded polystyrene foam Penoplex 35 of the required thickness? Or maybe you want to get a free insulation consultation on choosing density and sizes? Call us at +7 (495) 565-39-92 right now!
Where is Penoplex made? Reliable manufacturers you can trust
Penoplex is produced in Russia, so the material is sold in an affordable price segment. If we talk about brand representative offices, 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. Total capacity up to 600,000 m3 annually.
- Perm branch . The plant was launched in 2005. Now, this 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, specializing in the production of Penoplex with increased thermal insulation and water resistance.
- Taganrog . The plant produces about 500,000 m3 of insulation annually and, accordingly, fully supplies the 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.
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DIY installation
Installation of penoplex on the ceiling
Thermal insulation boards are fastened using a technology that is simple and accessible to everyone. Since I have already carried out insulation with my own hands more than once, I decided to describe all the stages by which the installation of penoplex takes place:
- Preparing the walls - at this stage, all stains of dirt and grease, as well as dust and old finishes, should be removed from the surfaces. If necessary, you need to use plaster mixtures to seal all cracks and obvious irregularities. In addition, the walls are treated with antifungal agents
- Before attaching penoplex, you should make a choice among fastening materials: you can use an adhesive solution that will be applied to the surface of the slab. It should be remembered that the surface of the walls must be completely dry. In addition, it can be applied using dowels. For 1 sq. meter should take 4 dowels, while at the corners of the house more fastening materials should be used
- When the thermal insulation is fixed, you should proceed to further steps on finishing the facades. Here you can use wet technology and use plaster compounds - for better strength you need to create additional roughness and use a reinforcing mesh
- For those who do not like the use of plaster for wall cladding, an option using siding, wood or another type of hanging system, which requires the installation of lathing, is suitable.
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There are times when it is not possible to insulate the outside of the house. In this case. Penoplex boards are attached to the internal walls, after which they are covered with foil-coated polyethylene film and sheathed with gypsum plasterboard sheets. After this, you can carry out subsequent interior decoration of the rooms.
Principles and rules for façade insulation with Penoplex
When insulating walls with penoplex, the technology provides for subsequent finishing with plaster. It performs two functions: decorative and protective. The mounting diagram for extruded polystyrene foam is as follows:
- The outer surface of the wall of a structure.
- A layer of special glue designed to fix the panels.
- Sheets of a given thickness.
- The outer layer of fiberglass mesh is thick with glue.
- Decorative coating.
Gluing panels is also characterized by some features. They need to be fixed not only with adhesive, but also with mechanical fasteners - dowels. In order to properly insulate houses with penoplex, any external corners are reinforced with special metal elements that protect the material from possible mechanical damage.
If there is glue at the joints between the sheets, it must be removed. The connecting seams should be offset, which increases the adhesion of the insulating material. When applying a decorative layer, all work should be completed in one approach. However, its thickness should not exceed the thickness of the slabs.
Application errors
A typical mistake in using Penoplex is more likely to do with belief in some “miraculous” properties of the material, or with the usual reluctance to delve into questions.
Nomadic teams of insulation workers impose their opinions on thermal insulation, seeking their own benefit. Penoplex is often imposed as a more expensive material for insulating walls, floors, and roofs, instead of foam plastic or mineral wool that is economically or technically feasible.
And so that the owners do not find it too expensive, they simply use sheets 20 mm or 30 mm thick to insulate the walls.
The heat saving effect from such a thin layer is minimal, or even practically unnoticeable. And the significant costs for gluing and plastering using the Wet Facade technology are wasted money.
Description of material – penoplex
Innovative insulation to create a comfortable atmosphere in the home.
The insulation consists of slabs consisting of sealed small cells, due to which the water absorption rate is almost zero. The material obtains its density and thermal conductivity thanks to a special production method. Expanded polystyrene is used to make boards. The granules are placed in an extruder, where the material foams under the influence of temperature and pressure. It is then passed through dies, which give the heat insulator the shape of slabs. The result is insulation with high technical performance.
How to use Penoplex for insulation
Penoplex, like any other extruded polystyrene foam, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, is well suited for insulating the soil around the house when constructing shallow foundations. Placed under the blind area, it will reliably protect the soil from precipitation and frost.
To insulate foundations, it is recommended to use extruded polystyrene foam. At the same time, it is glued to the coating waterproofing, forming with it a durable heat-insulating and water-resistant layer.
It is important to glue the seams (tongue and groove) between the insulation boards.
Advantages and disadvantages
All building materials have advantages and disadvantages. Penoplex is no exception to this rule, so before purchasing insulation you need to familiarize yourself with its pros and cons.
Among the advantages over other types of insulation it should be noted:
- Minimum thermal conductivity values.
- Light weight.
- Environmental Safety.
- Simplicity of installation work.
- Low cost.
- Wet resistance.
Disadvantages include:
- low fire safety;
- low vapor permeability;
- destroyed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- has poor adhesion.
Among the shortcomings of the material, there are several points that may have a negative impact on the final decision when choosing insulation. The popularity of the heat insulator is due to its low cost. If you want to save money, then purchasing penoplex will allow you to do this.
Video:
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
About the manufacture and purpose of Penoplex:
Practical application - insulation of a loggia:
Thermal insulation of a reinforced concrete foundation covered with bitumen waterproofing:
Step-by-step video instructions for insulating a pitched roof:
Due to its resistance to biological damage, strength and low thermal conductivity, Penoplex has become one of the most popular options for insulating buildings and individual structures.
If desired, the slabs can be installed independently, without the involvement of specialists. However, before work, we recommend that you choose the most suitable type, study the instructions and make calculations so as not to overpay and use the quality of the product to the maximum.
Sources
- https://tutknow.ru/building/uteplenie/6312-obzor-penopleksa.html
- https://www.stroypraym.ru/2011-07-04-13-26-35/teploizolyciy/1912-nedostatki-uteplitelya-penopleks.html
- https://househill.ru/kommunikacii/otoplenie/uteplit/materials/penopleks-i-ego-svoistva.html
- https://stroy-podskazka.ru/dom/uteplenie/vidy-penopleksa/
- https://prouteplenie.com/materialy/penopleks-chto-takoe-svoystva-harakteristiki-primenenie
- https://strir.ru/uteplenie/snaruzhi-penopleksom
- https://1pofasady.ru/materialy/chto-takoe-uteplitel-penopleks
- https://rokkagroup.ru/penopleks/chto-takoe-penopleks-i-gde-on-ispolzuetsya.html
- https://sovet-ingenera.com/otoplenie/uteplenie/chto-takoe-penopleks.html
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Sergey Vladimirovich
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What is penoplex
In order to properly perform insulation work with penoplex, you need to know about the basic technical capabilities of the material. Penoplex is a type of foam plastic that is significantly superior to its predecessor in many respects.
The basis of penoplex is polystyrene chips, which in a special chamber are exposed to high temperatures with the addition of substances that produce gas when heated. In this way, foaming of the molten polystyrene mass is carried out.
At the production stage, various plasticizers, light stabilizers, antioxidants and other fillers that improve strength and aesthetic qualities are added to the mixture. The final stage of penoplex production is its extrusion from the extruder, followed by uniform cooling on the transport belt. Where the material is shaped into a slab or block.
If extruded polystyrene foam was manufactured without violating the production technology, then the finished material will have a homogeneous structure with a cell size of less than 0.3 mm. At the same time, the amount of synthetic material should not exceed 2% of the volume of the finished product, the rest of the volume is the filler gas.
The most commonly used foaming gas is nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Both substances do not support combustion and are not toxic to humans.
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Subtleties and advice from professionals
In order to insulate the outside or inside with your own hands correctly, you need to take into account some of the nuances of the work:
- instead of polyethylene film for waterproofing, it is better to use a multilayer membrane;
- to insulate a wooden house from the inside, it is better to choose vapor-permeable types of materials;
- polystyrene foam must be laid tightly against the wall;
- there should be good ventilation in the room.
Penoplex insulation has its own characteristics, but if all installation rules are followed, the material will provide high-quality protection against heat loss and will last a long time.
Production technology and scope
The specifics of penoplex manufacturing are aimed at improving the strength and technical characteristics of the material.
It is given special properties by the process of extrusion from raw materials in special furnaces. First, polystyrene granules are mixed with a foaming agent under conditions of high humidity and temperature. The catalyst is a composition of carbon dioxide (CO2) and freon. The polystyrene foam composition is melted in ovens and resembles lush cream.
Then, through the extrusion installation, the substance begins to be squeezed out, the freon gradually evaporates, and the cells are filled with simple air.
The use of penoplex in the construction industry has practically no restrictions and, thanks to its technical characteristics, can significantly reduce the costs of other consumables and energy resources.
Currently, heat insulation is in demand in different climatic conditions for insulation and protection:
- foundations and walls of low-rise buildings;
- balconies and loggias;
- pools and wells;
- ceilings and basements;
- floors and ceilings;
- water supply systems;
- airfield runways;
- railways and roads;
Penoplex of various categories is widely used in the process of reconstruction of buildings due to its high resistance to environmental changes and chemical influences. The material is used to make sandwich panels.
Insulation service life
One of the requirements for insulation materials is that their service life must be commensurate with the durability of the object that is insulated with it. Domestic standards provide for insulation materials to operate for at least 25 years.
If you believe the manufacturers, their polystyrene foams more than provide this period.
Some sources indicate the durability of foam plastics to be 50 years or more. But objective research does not confirm this. The experiments carried out revealed that after 10 years of operation, signs of destruction begin to appear in polystyrene foam.
Speaking about the durability of polystyrene foam, you need to pay attention to one more aspect - the safety of the material that is insulated with it. Although polystyrene foam is a vapor-permeable material, its vapor permeability is low.
Moisture that penetrates into wooden structures from the inside or outside is unable to completely leave them through the insulation layer to the outside. This lack of insulation contributes to the formation of fungi and mold on the wood, leading to its rotting.
Although polystyrene foam is not a breeding ground for fungi, they feel quite comfortable on its surface, especially if this surface interfaces with wood.
