Styrofoam, penopolx: characteristics, comparison and reviews

Many believe that styrofoam, penopollex are the same material. Some house masters claim that these words are synonyms. But if you look more closely, in these two cases we are talking about different types of insulation.

Characteristics

In order to understand what each of the above materials represents, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics. Penoplex is made of polystyrene, melting takes place during production, due to this, an integrated structure is formed. In the end, the material acquires the qualities of elasticity, high strength, non-adherence to decay, plasticity, low hygroscopicity coefficient and thermal conductivity, immunity to temperature fluctuations. Among other things, penoplex has a negligible weight. But there are some drawbacks, namely high cost, susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation, melting under the influence of high temperatures, and exposure to rodents.

Material Features

Styrofoam, penopolx are materials that at first glance may seem identical. However, the first one has several other characteristics, although it is also made of polystyrene pellets. They are processed during the production of dry steam, ultimately bonded together, forming microscopic pores. Expanded polystyrene has proven itself as a heater due to its quality characteristics, among them can be distinguished: immunity to chemicals, temperature changes, ease of installation, low weight and affordable cost. However, it has some drawbacks, for example, on bends the material can break down, release toxic substances during combustion, and also ignite when exposed to a flame. Under the influence of some paint and varnish materials it is destroyed, and also exposed to rodents.

Comparison

Despite the fact that styrofoam, penopolx are different materials, they have a lot of similarities. You have already noticed, they are lightweight, have excellent thermal insulation qualities and are easy to install. However, there are differences, this concerns the degree of strength, fire safety, airtightness and service life. But this list can not be called complete. If you go into more detail about the characteristics, the strength of these materials is high, but the foam is more robust, because it represents the whole mass.

As for fire safety, both materials are burning, releasing harmful substances into the air. However, the foam is able to decay independently. If you want to equip a ventilation facade, then it's best to use expanded polystyrene, since it has the ability to breathe, unlike a penopolix. The service life can be considered very conditional, but many consumers believe that expanded polystyrene is able to wear out faster, it loses its thermal qualities. After installation, you will notice that the penplex is not able to skip steam, since there are no pores in its structure.

For reference

The modern consumer pays attention to everything, including the cost. If you want to save, it's best to purchase expanded polystyrene, but the total cost will depend on the manufacturer.

Feedback on areas of use

Styrofoam, penopollex are materials that can be used for a wide range of tasks. However, users advise before choosing a heater to take into account the characteristics of these materials. For example, for a facade it is recommended to use expanded polystyrene, which possesses qualities of air permeability. While for loggias and balconies, penoplex is suitable, which is less than the thickness, due to which it is possible to keep free space.

Inside the house, it is recommended that you think about another option, so as not to interfere with the shifting of the dew point and the release of harmful substances into the air. According to users, there are no fundamental differences between the two kinds of thermal insulation when repairing the ceiling, floor and roof. Thus, the foam is characterized by a higher strength, which allows you to abandon the installation of flooring in the process of attic space. Among other things, it can be used for thermal insulation of pipes, because it has a high strength, which is useful in the isolation of the basement, as well as the foundation.

Difficult choice

If you conduct a survey, consumers will say that expanded polystyrene is less modern material, it will take more to insulate it, it will absorb moisture during operation. However, the use of certain types of penoplex in some cases is not at all justified.

Characteristics of Penopolix 35

Recently, the expanded polystyrene is losing its popularity. Penoplex 35, whose characteristics will be presented below, is widely used. On sale today you can find a thermal insulation of this type for the foundation and roof. In the first case, the plates are able to withstand heavy loads, which allows the use of thermal insulation for garden paths, floors and socles, where high fire resistance is not so important.

The density of this material can vary from 29 to 33 kg / m³, while the compressive strength is 0.27 MPa. For 28 days the material can absorb 0.5% water by volume. If you are just starting to build your house, then it's best not to purchase expanded polystyrene. Penoplex 35, whose thermal conductivity is 0.33 W / (m × ° K), is perfect for a foundation. The material can be used for a rather wide range of temperatures, which vary from -50 to +75 ° C.

The width of the material can be 600 mm, while the length is 1200. It has almost the same dimensions and expanded polystyrene. Penoplex 50 mm is the most common, but on sale you can find another thickness, which varies from 20 to 100 mm. If necessary, the foam can also be used to insulate the roof. The design can be of any type, but most often this insulation is used for lightweight roofs.

Areas of use "Penoplex roof" are flat ventilated roofs, as well as attic rooms. As practice shows, in recent years, the use of extruded polystyrene foam has become less common, penoplex 35 (penoplex - this is how it is known to the modern consumer) is also used for insulation of roofs of inversion type, which successfully allow the use of the structure for different purposes. On it you can make a green island, plant flowers and trees. It is worth remembering that the foam is able to undergo high loads, so it is so common in the insulation of foundations and blood.

Characteristics of Penopolix 45

If you still do not know what material to pick up, you can pay attention to the one that comes with the marking "45". It is used for thermal insulation of railway tracks, automobile routes and aerodrome runways. If the surface is subjected to high loads, then it is not worth buying polystyrene foam, penokleks 45 is suitable for insulation, when it should be as strong as possible. The coefficient of thermal conductivity of this material is 0.03 W / (m × ° K), whereas the density can vary from 35 to 47 kg / m³.