For a long time, there was no alternative in this segment of the construction market: mineral wool, glass wool and foam plastic were usually used as insulation. Nowadays, most buildings are insulated with polymer materials, which are characterized by high heat saving rates, are easy to install, and can last a long time without losing their properties.
One of the popular types of insulation is technoplex. The insulation is suitable for interior and exterior decoration and has a number of undeniable advantages over analogues.
Let's consider the main characteristics of this material.
Installation features
The slabs can be laid on the ground under a concrete screed
To insulate your home yourself, you do not need any special skills. It is enough to study the technology of work on a specific site and follow the tips and recommendations. The TechnoNIKOL Technoplex insulation is fixed with special glue and plastic dowels.
Floor insulation
Thermal insulation of floors with XPS slabs can be carried out on the ground and concrete screed. The first technology is used in rooms where the base will not experience high loads. Preparation begins with filling a layer of crushed stone. Sand is placed on top of it in a layer of up to 10 cm. Having compacted the base, sheets of expanded polystyrene are laid. Technoplex is poured with a concrete screed.
When insulating a concrete base, it is necessary to check its level. All differences are leveled with a solution. Expanded polystyrene is installed on a completely dry and clean base. In the basement, a layer of waterproofing is laid underneath it. The thickness of the sheets depends on climatic conditions, usually it is 50-80 mm. The insulation is covered with plastic film, and a damper tape is laid around the perimeter. Cement-sand mortar is poured.
If heating is provided by a water or cable electric floor heating system, heating elements and pipes are placed under the screed layer.
Thermal insulation of walls
The insulation is suitable for arranging a ventilated facade.
To fix the sheets on a vertical base, special adhesive mixtures Geresit or TechnoNIKOL are used. The insulation process begins with leveling, cleaning and priming the walls. Installation starts from the bottom. Each subsequent row is laid offset by half the length of the sheet. The adhesive composition is applied to the surface of the insulation, the plate is pressed against the wall for a few seconds. For additional fixation, 5 umbrella dowels are installed. They are placed in the corners and in the middle. The seams between the sheets are filled with polyurethane foam.
After the glue has dried, a reinforcing layer of fiberglass mesh is laid on the surface of the Technoplex. Finishing is done with plaster. After the solution has dried, the finishing coating is performed.
Foundation insulation
It is recommended to insulate the foundation from the outside. The surface is first covered with a layer of waterproofing. An adhesive mixture is applied to the expanded polystyrene boards around the perimeter and in the center. Pressing it to the foundation, hold it for 1 minute. The sheets are laid close to each other, and the subsequent rows are made with offset seams. The glue is given 2 days to dry, then the insulation is fixed with plastic dowels. The final finishing is done with plaster mortar over a reinforcing mesh.
Roof installation
Expanded polystyrene is suitable for roof insulation from the outside and from the inside.
Thermal insulation of the roof is carried out from the inside and outside. In the first case, it is possible after construction is completed. The slabs can be laid using frame and frameless technology. On a flat roof, the material is placed on a waterproofing sheet. The slabs are laid staggered, if necessary in two layers. The insulation is covered with a geotextile fabric. The finishing layer is a concrete screed or backfill with gravel.
The pitched roof is insulated along the sheathing. The bars are packed in increments of 600 mm, equal to the width of the slabs. Technoplex is laid in the sheathing, the joints are filled with polyurethane foam. The insulation layer is covered with a vapor barrier film. A counter-lattice is placed on top of the material for installation of finishing.
Technoplex insulation has all the necessary characteristics that ensure reliable and durable thermal insulation of the house.
Technical characteristics of Technoplex
High strength properties allow the material to be used where structures are subject to high loads. Being lightweight and thin, EPS boards nevertheless provide minimal heat loss compared to other analogues.
Important: Technoplex is chemically neutral (only gasoline and organic solvents are dangerous for it). The material is not susceptible to microorganisms, does not rot, and is not eaten by rodents. During operation, the insulation does not emit toxic substances.
The physical and technical parameters of Technoplex are given in the table.
Material advantages
To summarize, it should be noted that Technoplex is an improved modification of polystyrene foam. Here are the advantages of extrusion insulation.
- Strength. Gray EPS with graphite additives is 5-6 times stronger than expanded polystyrene. Polystyrene foam easily crumbles and breaks. It takes a lot of effort to break off a piece of extruded material.
- Density. Technoplex has a density and specific gravity that is 1.5-2 times higher. Therefore, it can withstand higher loads (it is not for nothing that it is used when forming a floor “pie”).
- Thermal insulation parameters. XPS retains heat better than foam products due to its smaller pores. With the same level of thermal protection, a Technoplex slab will be 25% thinner.
- Moisture resistance. Polystyrene foam absorbs water 5 times more actively: this is explained by its loose structure with numerous voids (although it should be noted that this figure is minimal). XPS with its minimal water absorption can remain in the ground for up to 50 years without losing its performance qualities.
The use of Technoplex is recommended wherever there are no increased requirements for vapor permeability. Installing the slabs of material is not difficult - the main thing is to fix them on the work surface and carefully foam the gaps.
What is technoplex? Features of insulation
Essentially, it is an extruded artificial polystyrene foam (XPS) material that is resistant to any external influences. Technoplex is produced in the form of plates that have a special edge for adhesion of the elements.
Manufacturing technology involves the use of polystyrene in the form of balls and a foaming agent. The components are heat treated and pressed under high pressure. As a result, the material has a porous structure, with evenly distributed cells.
The structure of technoplex withstands the effects of almost any chemical compounds. The exceptions are gasoline and organic solvents.
In addition, when producing technoplex, tiny graphite particles are added to the raw material, which significantly increases the strength of the material. Thanks to this feature, the finished insulation boards acquire a grayish tint.
Extruded polystyrene foam TECHNOPLEX 2cm
TECHNOPLEX 2cm extruded polystyrene foam is designed for thermal insulation of private houses, renovation of residential premises, including the installation of “warm floors”.
Description
Extruded polystyrene foam XPS TECHNOPLEX is a thermal insulation board that is used to insulate balconies, partitions, and in floor construction and “warm floors.” XPS TECHNOPLEX is one of the best thermal insulation materials for country house and apartment insulation. In the production of XPS TECHNOPLEX, nano-sized graphite particles are used. Nanographite reduces the thermal conductivity of the material and increases its strength. Thanks to the saturation with nanographite, XPS TECHNOPEX boards acquire a light silver tint.
Advantages
- Saves your money due to better thermal insulation properties per m². in relation to other thermal insulation materials;
- Retains heat 1.5 times more efficiently than conventional foam plastics and 2 times more efficiently than stone and glass wool;
- Not afraid of moisture;
- Does not shrink over time;
- Does not contain formaldehyde;
- Not susceptible to rodents;
- Convenient and easy to use. Provides high installation speed;
- Stable characteristics throughout the entire service life;
- Convenient packaging for transportation.
Characteristics
| TECHNOPLEX | Test method | TECHNOPLEX |
| Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation, kPa | GOST 17177 | 150-250 |
| Thermal conductivity at (25±5)0С, W/(m*K), no more | GOST 7076-99 | 0,032 |
| Thermal conductivity under operating conditions “A and B”, W/(m*K), no more | SP 23-101-2004 GOST 7076-99 | 0,034 |
| Flammability group | GOST 30244 | G4 |
| Water absorption, no more, % | GOST 15588 | 0,2 |
| Modulus of elasticity, MPa | ALLIANCES | 17 |
| Vapor permeability coefficient, mg/(m.h.Pa) | GOST 25898-83 | 0,010 |
| Specific heat capacity, kJ/(kg.оС) | SP 23-101-2004 | 1,45 |
| Bending strength, not less, MPa | GOST 17177 | 0,30 |
| Density, kg/m3 | GOST 17177 | 26-35 |
| Operating temperature, оС | 0t -70 to +75 |
Package contains 20 sheets, 14.4 m2
Geometric dimensions
| Geometric dimensions* | ||
| TECHNOPLEX | Test method | TECHNOPLEX |
| Thickness, mm | GOST 17177 | 20**,30,40,50,100 |
| Length, mm | GOST 17177 | 1180 or 1200 |
| Width, mm | GOST 17177 | 580 or 600 |
**- thickness 20 mm does not imply the presence of an “L” edge**
| Brand | TECHNOPLEX |
| Thermal conductivity (W/(m•k) | 0,034 |
| Quantity per package (m2) | 14.4 M2 |
| Application | Insulation of walls under siding, Insulation of baths and saunas, Insulation of walls under plaster |
| Insulation length (mm) | 1200 mm |
| Insulation width (mm) | 600 mm |
| Number of sheets per package | 20 pcs |
| Product type | Extrusion expanded polystyrene |
| Insulation density | 35 kg/m3 |
| Sheet thickness | 20 mm |
Buy with this product
Ceresit CT 83. Adhesive mixture for fastening polystyrene foam boards 25 kg Code: CN325 In stock: 999999 Notify when available 550 rub. Add Properties • can be used at temperatures from 0°C; • has a high…
Dimensions
When manufacturing a technoplex, certain standards for finished products are observed. Therefore, regardless of the manufacturer, the insulation has the same size and sheet thickness. It looks like this:
- Length – 1,180 – 1,200 mm .
- Width – 580 – 600 mm .
- Thickness – 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 100 mm .
It should be clarified that thick slabs are used only in the construction of industrial buildings and road work. Meanwhile, the characteristic L-edge profile is absent on products with a minimum thickness.
Installation of extruded polystyrene foam
The slabs are installed using polystyrene foam glue with additional fastening with dowel mushrooms if necessary. Technoplex is warmer than foam block and other building materials; 50 mm of extrusion insulation replaces 600 mm of foam block. If we compare Technoplex with URSA XPS and other foreign analogues, then its cost is lower, with the same thermal conductivity characteristics.
Insulation of buildings should be done from the outside; in this case, the area of the room will remain the same. Work should begin with cleaning and preparing the surface. The walls are cleaned of old paint or trim and then smoothed with plaster. Next, starting from the bottom, the insulation boards are installed. Many people install a base starting profile, which additionally protects the insulation from rodents.
The slabs are installed end-to-end so that there are no cold bridges. After finishing the entire surface, a layer of mastic or polystyrene foam glue is applied to the surface of the thermal insulation, onto which a reinforcing mesh is glued. After drying, the surface is primed and the facade of the house is finished with plaster. The façade can also be covered with vinyl siding or decorative PVC panels.
Penoplex or technoplex what is the difference
The scope of application of extruded polystyrene foam, due to its high strength and resistance to moisture, is very wide. XPS is used when pouring USP, insulating strip foundations and blind areas of houses. The material does not lose its original characteristics even in water, since the structure of the material consists of closed cells that do not absorb moisture, unlike Rocklight mineral wool.
Table. Penoplex or Technoplex, what is the difference in characteristics
Properties of materials
Advantages of penoplex.
Both materials can be easily set on fire. However, lighter polystyrene foam belongs to the category of normally flammable materials (G3), and dense foam plastic belongs to the category of highly flammable building materials (G4). Manufacturers eliminate the inherent disadvantage of plastics by treating polystyrene foam with fire retardants, which makes them more resistant to fire. But the result of treatment with fire retardants was a deterioration in the environmental performance of the materials: they became self-extinguishing and began to release toxic substances into the atmosphere.
Foam plastic and penoplex are considered almost eternal materials. Their manufacturers emphasize this, but the statement about an unlimited resource can only be partly true, since expanded polystyrene foams are sensitive to such factors as environmental influences. They themselves need protection from ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, air chemistry, etc. Therefore, it should be noted that penoplex or foam plastic can show their effectiveness only after they are covered with other materials. By the way, sufficient insulation from external influences is provided by a layer of plaster applied to polystyrene foam.
Advantages of polystyrene foam.
An important factor that allows the material to be used when insulating surfaces located in an environment with high humidity is the high moisture resistance of penoplex. Mineral wool, which is superior to this polystyrene foam in terms of noise and heat insulation, is completely unsuitable for laying on a plinth or foundation. Due to its properties, penoplex is practically airtight. In contrast, polystyrene foam cannot serve as a reliable barrier to free air circulation.
Having examined the characteristics that foam plastic and penoplex have, we can conclude that the differences between both materials lie in the degree of their strength, moisture resistance and breathability. The main differences between one material and another can be listed in a short list. Penoplex:
- more dense, which worsens the thermal insulation properties;
- moisture resistant;
- more flammable without special treatment;
- less environmentally friendly (as a result of treatment with fire retardants).
At the same time, polystyrene foam:
- less dense;
- retains heat better due to its friability;
- because of it, it protects less well from moisture;
- does not isolate from noise;
- effective only when covered with denser materials.
In other respects, both are approximately equal. Expanded polystyrene is easy to transport, process, and install. Builders must take all these circumstances into account before finding the most suitable application for materials.
Characteristics and properties of Technoplex products
The high strength of the material allows it to be used in construction areas subject to high loads. Light and thin XPS sheet does not load the structure, providing the lowest thermal conductivity coefficient among similar products.
Extruded polystyrene foam is resistant to most aggressive chemicals, except organic solvents and gasoline.
The insulation is not subject to rotting, shrinkage and deformation. It does not contain toxic substances, therefore it is safe for people. The low vapor permeability of the heat insulator, which prevents natural gas exchange, requires the installation of high-quality ventilation.
Pros and cons of the material
The service life of expanded polystyrene is more than 50 years, so it is used for external work.
When choosing insulation, its advantages and disadvantages are taken into account. Polymer materials with closed gas-filled cells provide heat and sound insulation of the structure. Unlike foam plastic, extruded boards have mechanical strength, which significantly expands their scope of application and increases their service life. TechnoNIKOL products are popular due to their many advantages:
- Low water absorption allows the slabs to be used on any construction site. The characteristics of the insulation do not change in conditions of high humidity.
- Technoplex is an insulation material that is effective at low thickness. When installed indoors, it saves usable space.
- Low thermal conductivity coefficient ensures a comfortable temperature in the house. The cellular structure of the material prevents the spread of cold and noise.
- Technonikol products have the lowest vapor permeability coefficient among insulation materials.
- Extruded polystyrene foam sheets have a long service life, about 50 years. They do not deform during operation.
- Synthetic insulation is not susceptible to mold or mildew. Its strong structure makes it unattractive to rodents.
- Expanded polystyrene is environmentally friendly and does not emit harmful substances. The synthetic product does not contain formaldehyde or other components hazardous to human health.
With Technoplex slabs, thermal insulation of buildings becomes easier and faster. They are easy to cut with improvised tools, do not crumble, and have a convenient shape and size.
Disadvantages of the material:
- high flammability class G4, easily ignites and emits acrid smoke;
- destroyed by organic solvents;
- UV protection is required.
The cost of XPS sheets is higher than the popular foam or mineral wool. For large volumes of insulation, the material will be expensive.
Application of extruded polystyrene foam, installation nuances
Technoplex products are effective thermal insulation of buildings in all areas:
- foundation;
- facades and interior walls;
- floors;
- screed floor, wooden flooring, “warm floor” system;
- balconies, garages, loggias.
High-density slabs of 45 kg/m3 are used in the modernization of roads.
For external installation, sheets with a thickness of 100 mm are used. Before fastening them, the walls are leveled and treated with a primer. The insulation is fixed with a special glue for polystyrene foam. The slabs are laid from below, tightly joining each other. Each subsequent row is performed with an offset of half a sheet. After the glue has dried, Technoplex is additionally secured with plastic dowels. The outside of the insulation is reinforced with fiberglass mesh and plaster is applied.
When performing internal thermal insulation, products of small thickness up to 40 mm are recommended. The material is fixed to the walls with glue; an air gap is left between the insulation layer and the finishing for ventilation.
Durable and moisture-resistant XPS boards are used to insulate floors on the ground under a concrete screed. When installing extruded polystyrene foam under a heated floor system, energy losses are reduced. The insulation boards are laid on the screed and covered with plastic film. A substrate with a layer of foil is laid on top of it, and cable mats are mounted. The entire system is filled with concrete screed.
When insulating the floor along joists, sheets of expanded polystyrene are laid on a layer of waterproofing placed between wooden blocks. The joints between the plates are covered with polyurethane foam.
Technoplex does not change its properties even in difficult operating conditions; it is installed as thermal insulation of the underground area of the blind area and the foundation of the house.
Application area
Technoplex is considered universal, therefore it is used in almost all construction sites. In particular:
- Foundations
- Interior of walls and facades
- Interior partitions
- Insulation of self-leveling floors and wooden floorings
- Arrangement of balconies and loggias
- Insulation of garages and outbuildings
It is worth noting that products with increased density can be used to modernize road surfaces.
Insulation of external walls
Builders, as a rule, perform insulation from the outside. In this case, the area of the room will remain the same. To perform the work, sheets of technoplex 100 mm thick .
If you take a thinner material, you need to use 2 layers of insulation, due to which heat loss will be reduced by 40–60%. Naturally, it is customary to begin external thermal insulation work using technoplex after surface preparation. To do this, the walls are cleaned and then leveled with plaster. Next, the insulation sheets are glued. To ensure they hold well, dowels can be used. In this case, the fastening is carried out end-to-end. Since the coating of techoplex sheets is smooth, the surface must first be roughened.
The slabs are glued starting from the bottom . Thanks to this, they will not mix while the glue dries. Then a layer of special mastic is applied to the surface and a reinforcing mesh is fixed on it, which will make the protective layer quite rigid. Next, treatment is carried out with a primer and finishing compound. As a result, the facade of the house will have an attractive appearance.
Experts recommend performing thermal insulation work in dry weather. It is also worth paying attention to the air temperature. It must be at least 5˚ C.
Useful tips
- When using penoplex, you should rely on the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the choice of insulation thickness depending on the temperature in your region of residence. So, in the central regions of Russia, to insulate the foundation, it will be quite enough to install extruded polystyrene foam with a thickness of 30-50 mm, and in the northern regions - material with a thickness of at least 80-100 mm.
- Before laying penoplex, be sure to prepare any foundations. Do not neglect this stage of installation work, otherwise the insulation will not adhere tightly and reliably to the base.
- Penoplex cannot be harmed by substances such as alcohols, alkalis, any acids, water, ammonia, propane, butane or freons. This insulation is manufactured taking into account high biostability, which makes it more durable and reliable.
- For internal insulation, it is recommended to use penoplex, the thickness of which is at least 20 mm.
- Please note that one of the most common mistakes made by home craftsmen is the incorrect selection of adhesive mixtures that are not suitable for the purchased insulation.
If you decide to insulate the floor in your house with penoplex, then you should use the installation method using logs.
Before purchasing penoplex, be sure to pay attention to its labeling. This way you will save yourself from buying the wrong material. Please note that insulating a home with penoplex should be carried out exclusively using special technology. Otherwise, the insulation will not last long and will be of little use. If you are afraid to take on such work, then it is better to entrust it to professionals.
You will learn more about penoplex in the following video.
Internal wall insulation with technoplex
Similar work is carried out during the reconstruction of a home. It is also possible to insulate walls from the inside when the façade finishing has been completed recently. Preference should be given to technoplex sheets with a maximum thickness of 40 mm .
Since internal fastening is used in this case, the plates do not need to be fixed with dowels. Experts recommend leaving a small gap between the wall and the insulation itself. This will help reduce heat loss, but will lead to a reduction in living space. It is better to leave a distance, because this will provide natural ventilation. Accordingly, condensation will not penetrate inside, which means the humidity level in the room will remain optimal. This will help avoid rotting, and the walls of the house will dry out very quickly after rain.
When the insulation work using technoplex is completed, the wall surface must be finished . Wooden sheathing is often used for these purposes. It is also possible to use sheets of plasterboard, which are subsequently coated with paint or wallpaper.
Among the variety of modern insulation materials, special attention should be paid to technoplex. This material has excellent thermal insulation properties, thanks to which you can insulate your home both inside and outside. In this case, the help of professionals is not needed.
Technoplex production technology
Extruded polystyrene foam is made from polystyrene foam granules.
Synthetic insulation is made from polystyrene granules. Raw materials are loaded into the hopper. Modifiers are added to it to improve the properties of the final product. Among them are flame retardants to reduce flammability, stabilizers, and antioxidants. TechnoNIKOL's unique additive is tiny carbon particles. They increase the strength and thermal insulation properties of the final product. Foaming of granules occurs using carbon dioxide. At all 7 plants of the company, environmentally friendly, freon-free production technology has been introduced.
Under the influence of high temperature and gas supplied under pressure, the raw material melts and foams. The mass is extruded from the extruder in the form of a tape. After hardening, it is cut into sheets of standard sizes and shapes. The boards are packaged in polyethylene shrink film.
Comparison
The main technical characteristics of insulation are its thermal conductivity, water absorption and operating temperature.
The flammability group for both insulation materials is G4 (highly flammable). Their prices differ by 10% (Technoplex is more expensive).
After comparing them, it is clear that there are no significant differences between these insulation materials.
Yes, Technoplex has slightly better characteristics, but the cost is also higher. Despite the fact that Penoplex is cheaper, with individual construction the savings are insignificant.
Cost of products
Penoplex wins this confrontation. It is about 10% cheaper than its brother. At large volumes, this minor difference becomes quite significant. Therefore, in order to save money, it is better to choose the first option. The price in each region of Russia may be different, this should be taken into account.
With all this, we can conclude: each of the insulation materials is an excellent option. They are similar in their characteristics, but, nevertheless, Penoplex is a little better. It turns out that for a lower price you get high-quality insulation material. It is versatile and can be used for different purposes. Technoplex or Penoplex, which is better? Reviews say that each of the materials is good.
What to choose
If we compare these two insulation materials, then Technoplex is more technologically advanced and has better qualities, but the difference between it and Penoplex is so insignificant that it is impossible to say for sure which one should be chosen.
By choosing polystyrene foam insulation, regardless of whether it is Technoplex or Penoplex, you can get not only thermal insulation, but also sound and vapor barrier.
Please note: the service life of extruded polystyrene foam boards is more than 50 years, which is a long time. However, it is worth remembering that polystyrene foam is still a chemical insulation, not a natural one.
Therefore, when burned, it releases very corrosive substances
However, it is worth remembering that polystyrene foam is still a chemical insulation, not a natural one. Therefore, when burned, it releases very caustic substances.
The difference between foamed polystyrenes
As mentioned above, the use of liquid and powder gas-forming agents is better, so products obtained using this technology have stable thermal insulation characteristics. Although, this cannot be called the only reason why Technoplex and Penoplex do not contain freon. There are two more:
- Sealed cells of new material that have not yet been used have remnants of freon. Formally, it is called safe, but in reality it is better not to deal with it. It can cause lung problems in children.
- Over time, the gas will be forced out of the cells by air and humidity. And if dirty raw materials containing styrene were used in the manufacture of the material, then the contents will penetrate into the external environment.
And if technical grades of EPS, such as Penofol, are used to treat foundations, highways, and plinths, then the presence of freon in the composition does not affect the material in any way. But to insulate your home, it is better to use safe products. Therefore, the answer to the question: Penoplex or Penofol, which is better, can be answered - the first option.
How do you know which is better Penoplex or expanded polystyrene? After all, many recommend insulating with foam plastic, because it has a low price and excellent characteristics. To answer this question, you need to know how penoplex differs from expanded polystyrene. Let's start with production technology.
Technoplex, Penoplex and even Penofol are created during the extrusion process. This allows you to obtain a very dense linear structure, which affects the material’s resistance to water and humidity, as well as strength. Therefore, foam plastic is somewhat worse than materials created by extrusion methods.
Penoplex
“Penoplex” is a heat-insulating extruded polystyrene foam, which is produced by the same name, and is distinguished by high technical properties, thanks to which the material has become extremely popular.
Its production is similar to that of Technoplex: polystyrene granules are heated at high temperatures and mixed under pressure with a foaming agent until a homogeneous structure is obtained. The mixture is passed through extruders, cooled and cut into sheets.
The plates are orange. The material consists of small cells filled with air. They are firmly closed and do not allow heat and air to pass through.
"Penoplex" is used:
- For floor insulation (under or on a screed, when installing a floor on joists or when installing a “warm floor”);
- When insulating a non-residential basement, thermal insulation of internal walls or facade;
- On roofs (for flat or green roofs);
- For insulation of wells and septic tanks;
- When installing platforms and paths, when constructing a blind area around the house.
Using Penoplex Source avrora-sm.ru
When using Penoplex, it is important to remember that it does not conduct moisture, and therefore it is necessary to have a good ventilation system, otherwise problems may arise. It is also necessary to select the thickness of the insulation so that the dew point falls on the material itself, and not on the wall.
"Penoplex" is available in several versions:
- " Wall ". They are distinguished by a rough surface on which finishing materials adhere better.
- " Comfort ". The edge is made in the shape of the letter "G". During installation, this guarantees stronger adhesion and the absence of gaps.
- " Foundation ". Used where structures are subject to high loads (for screeds) or where fire resistance requirements are lower (for floors or foundations).
- " Roof ". They have a “U”-shaped notch, which makes the connection more durable.
These types differ in thickness, density, elasticity and bending strength. For example, “Penoplex” “Foundation” and “Roofing” are more dense and elastic, their tensile strength is higher.
Advantages and disadvantages
It is impossible to decide how penoplex differs from technoplex and which is better without analyzing the pros and cons of the material. Both insulation materials are very similar to each other.
Penoplex Source ko-online.com.ua
Comparing expanded polystyrene foam with other insulation materials
The main competitor for such materials are felt and fiber insulation. Some prefer to use mineral wool, others prefer Technoplex or Penoplex. Which is better, penoplex or mineral wool for insulation? Each of the materials has its own positive and negative properties. In the photo below you can see the features of expanded polystyrene foam.
Like mineral wool, they are durable, safe and environmentally friendly. True, the thermal insulation qualities and moisture absorption of mineral wool are worse.
Private one- and two-story premises are best treated with Penoplex. It is much more effective. Mineral wool is used for finishing high-rise buildings. The fact is that it does not burn at all. Fire retardant additives will not be able to protect EPPS 100%; mineral wool is better in this regard. However, it is not recommended to use it in damp and damp areas.
Another competitor for EPPS is isolon. This is insulation made from foamed and modified polyethylene. Some people ask, Izolon or Penoplex, which is better? Izolon is suitable for insulating internal walls and ceilings of a building. And the thermal conductivity coefficients of the materials are almost the same. Izolon can withstand heating up to 80 degrees Celsius throughout the day. The material has excellent sound and noise insulation. It is safe and environmentally friendly. When heated, it will not emit harmful substances. The main disadvantage is the softness and flexibility of Izolon. When laying it on the wall, it requires fixing with sheets of plasterboard or MDF boards. You cannot glue wallpaper or plaster on Izolon. This is why it is recommended to use it in conjunction with EPS insulation.
You can also find the following queries on the Internet: Ravaterm or Penoplex, which is better, Polyspen or Penoplex, which is better, or Stirex or Penoplex, which is better. It is impossible to answer the question unequivocally. All of them belong to XPS and have almost identical characteristics. The difference is the price and some additional nuances.
What is foam plastic
As the name suggests, polystyrene foam is foamed plastic. There are many plastics, so foam can be understood as polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, corbamido-formaldehyde, polystyrene foam, etc.
But it just so happens that when we hear the word “foam plastic,” we imagine a white cellular structure, which is often used not only in construction, but also in packaging, medical containers, and other industries. This substance is polystyrene foam.
Foam plastic (expanded polystyrene without pressing)
As we remember, polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam are essentially the same thing, but let’s not forget about the power of habit and tradition. Pressless polystyrene foam is the same foam that is white and has pimples.
The raw material for producing BSP is the same as for any other expanded polystyrene - polystyrene
. Due to such a different approach to the production of EPS, the result is a very different product. These differences are clearly visible due to the known performance characteristics of these materials.
BSP is produced by adding granules with pentane or other low-boiling liquid to styrene, then the mixture is heated, the granules expand and the foam fills the mold. The granules are then sintered in a special autoclave until the styrene polymerizes.
The result is a white material consisting of small bubbles glued together. 98% of the volume of the heat insulator is air.
This is a fairly fragile material that crumbles and breaks.
Here are its technical characteristics:
- Thermal conductivity
: 0.335 – 0.41 W/m*K dry (+5 – +25); - Density
: 11 – 35 kg/m³; - Vapor permeability
: 0.012 mg/m*h*Pa; - Compressive strength
: 0.05 – 0.16 MPa; - Bending strength
: 0.07 – 0.25 MPa; - Maximum slab humidity
: 1%; - Water absorption
for 24 days – 1%; - Flammability class
: G1; - Self-burning time
: up to 3 seconds; - Service life
– 20 – 50 years.
As you can see, we have a fairly brittle and weak compressive material, which has a very low thermal conductivity coefficient. If we talk about the flammability of foam plastic, we must remember that according to GOST 15588-2014, material with flammability class G1 is approved for construction work, that is, it burns worse than wood.
For use in ventilated facades, any foam plastics are undesirable. It is better to choose mineral wool.
Extruded polystyrene foam
Let me remind you once again: is polystyrene foam plastic or not? Yes, this is polystyrene foam, but a specific type of it. Among builders, extruded polystyrene foam is considered to be extruded polystyrene foam. It is also often called extrusion (EPS, XPS).
The whole difference lies in the method of production of the material
. It is made by extrusion: polystyrene granules are mixed under pressure and at high temperature with a foaming agent and squeezed through an extruder, which gives the mass the desired shape. In addition, the material is obtained with
Cutting finished products into slabs.
Let's look at the technical characteristics of EPS:
- Thermal conductivity
: 0.028 – 0.039 W/m*K; - Density
: 26 – 45 kg/m³; - Vapor permeability
: 0.18 – 0.02 mg/m*h*Pa; - Compressive strength at
10% deformation: 0.25 – 0.47 N/mm²: - Bending strength
: 0.4 – 0.96 N/mm²: - Water absorption over 24 hours
, in% by volume: 0.2; - Flammability group
: G1; - Ability to independently maintain combustion
: no more than 2 seconds; - Durability
: up to 50 years.
Production technologies can change many parameters. We see that the extrusion method produces a more advanced insulation, while using completely identical raw materials. Now it’s much easier to answer, which is better, PSB or EPPS?
Extrusion polypropylene also has its disadvantages. Its price is noticeably higher than that of polystyrene foam, it weighs more and has lower vapor permeability. And this negatively affects the microclimate in the room (or requires good ventilation).
