Styrofoam - insulation material

Styrofoam is the most widely used insulation material. Once there was only white, we can now also find graphite, orange and black dots. Usually, the warmer walls, foundations and floors on the ground.
Styrofoam (known in Austria and Germany polystyrene) is a colloquial term material known since 1951. Then the German engineers - using steam - surrendered polystyrene beads (diameter 0.2-5 mm) expansion process. This is called expansion, hence the abbreviation of the polystyrene EPS, or expanded polystyrene (called Expanded Polystyrene). The polystyrene is only 2% polystyrene and 98% of the air! Because it is a very good insulator, made from polystyrene elements perfectly protect against heat loss.

There are several variations of this material. The most popular, with the availability in any supermarket, and the composition of the building is white styrofoam. Increasingly also applies its version with the addition of graphite - white with dots. There is also a silver polystyrene, with an even higher content of graphite - warmer than normal by as much as 30%. Completely new is a polystyrene orange with black spots, which reduces reflections.

Styrofoam uneven

Styrofoam is the most widely used insulation material. As with other construction products available on the market are the products of poor quality, sufficient and those of the highest quality. But keep in mind that insulation made from it will be effective only if the Styrofoam will have the appropriate parameters. So before you buy it, you might want to know the main characteristics.

Weight. Depends on the bulk density (apparent), which is quite small - amounts to 9-40 kg/m3. This means that a typical plate size 50 x 100 cm and a thickness of 15 cm weighs 1-3 kg. So a warming slightly charged ceilings and walls, and the assembly is not a major problem. But keep in mind that the smaller the apparent density polystyrene (hence the weight), the lower mechanical strength. However, more weight means a reduction in its thermal properties.

Treatment. For precise trimming and fitting styrofoam are enough simple tool that can be found in every home. Styrofoam can be easily cut up into thin "slices", which can be freely formed edges. Decorative elements will do the construction contractor, provided that it has a special device for gouging polystyrene. However, not always in this way, a repetition of shapes. More complex forms of suitable elements, using 3D plotters.

The threat to health. When matching and routing, polystyrene has no effect on health. No shedding and does not cause allergies, burns or irritation of the hands of the skin and mucous membranes and does not cause any other adverse effects.

When working with polystyrene are not so necessary protective measures (safety glasses, gloves, dust masks and special clothing). Styrofoam insulation is safe to grind, without endangering your health.

Thermal insulation

Thermal conductivity of polystyrene is from 0,031 to 0,044 W / (mK). It is worth remembering that the lower is the value, the more resistant polystyrene foam from escaping the heat, so you can use the thinner the layer. Although the differences in coefficients of x are not big impact on Insulation thickness, which determines the U-value for walls, floors and roof. The higher thermal insulation of walls, floors and roof to be obtained, the thicker the insulation should be. So when, for various reasons it is necessary to limit the thickness of insulation, you should use the hottest polystyrene.

Resistance to moisture. Negligible absorption Styrofoam - less than 2% - to use it in areas exposed to moisture. It does not absorb water, and contact with it does not rot and does not deform. Above all, however, in a wet environment, the insulating properties are not changed. Thus it can be used even in the water, and the rainy weather has little effect on the performance of the polystyrene thermal insulation work. You do not need every time at the end of the working day to secure insulation from possible rain or moisture. This saves time and reduces labor costs.

Chemical resistance. Styrofoam does not react chemically with any building material that can be found on site. Do not destroy it even prolonged exposure to strong alkali or acid. However, there is a large group of adhesives, wood preservatives and paints that are specially designed for use with polystyrene. However, it is not resistant to organic solvents such as acetone, benzene, nitro, etc.

UV radiation. Unprotected against the action of polystyrene yellowing (if it happened, grind the top layer). Therefore, polystyrene should be protected from the sun. Resistant to its longer duration of action is polystyrene orange with absorbent UV radiation. As a result it is not damaged by the sun, and also is also easier to install (eliminating burdensome for contractors dazzle effect).

Acoustic insulation. This parameter have significantly increased polystyrene specially designed for acoustic insulation. Very well they absorb shock and dampen sounds that are caused by walking, hitting, rolling or moving heavy objects). This Styrofoam is usually used in the implementation of ceilings and floating floors. Its use can mute the floor by up to 32 dB.

Author: Read  more about Roofing Contractor company in Chicago IL