Choosing insulation is not the easiest task. Some of them are afraid of getting wet ( stone wool), others are difficult to work with (glass wool), others have not yet found widespread use (foam glass). What remains is polystyrene foam. He is criticized for being unnatural and flammable, but in terms of technical characteristics, he is among the leaders. Moreover, extruded polystyrene foam (EPS), although more expensive, can withstand mechanical loads better than regular foam. One of the manufacturers, Penoplex, produces EPS of various densities and purposes. Its products are quite popular - it is one of the most famous brands in the country.
What is Penoplex and its scope of use
Penoplex (sometimes written “Penoplex”) is a thermal insulation material produced by the company of the same name.
The company "PENOPLEX" is a large Russian manufacturer construction and decorative finishing materials based on polymers. The company began its activities in 1998 with the launch of the first in Russia production line for the production of thermal insulation materials from extruded polystyrene foam under the PENOPLEX® trademark.
The PENOPLEX company produces extruded polystyrene foam (EPS or XPS). This material is used as insulation. It differs from its cheaper analogue - foamed polystyrene (foam plastic, EPS or PPS) in its greater density, due to which it better withstands mechanical loads. One more distinguishing feature- lower vapor permeability. Or rather, it spends almost no steam. And the main trump card is the best warmth technical specifications. Penoplex 20 mm thick in terms of heat retention is equivalent to almost double the thickness of mineral wool and 37 cm brickwork.
Penoplex is one of the most effective thermal insulation materials
These characteristics determine the area of use of Penoplex. It is recommended for insulating those areas where resistance to stress is important, and low vapor permeability is one of the requirements. More specifically, it is recommended to use Penoplex:
- For floor insulation:
- under the screed, on it, as an intermediate layer;
- when installing a floor on joists (with some reservations);
- thermal insulation layer under a heated floor (water or electric).
- At .
- Insulation of the basement of the house (if it is non-residential).
- On roofs (ideal for flat roofs, green roofs, you have to be careful with the rest because it hardly releases steam).
- Paths, platforms for gazebos.
- Insulation of septic tanks, wells, etc.
Another area of use is thermal insulation of facades or interior walls. But here you need to understand that due to the fact that Penoplex practically does not conduct moisture, you will need additional measures to prevent vapors from getting inside the wall. In addition, a well-thought-out ventilation system is needed to normalize the humidity in the house. And, in addition, you need to select the thickness of the insulation so that the dew point is inside the insulation, but not in the wall.
Optimally - insulation of a recessed base
If you prefer “breathable” walls and natural humidity regulation, Penoplex is not suitable for wall insulation in this case. It does not fit under ventilated facades either. The exact task there is to remove moisture from the insulation due to the movement of air in the ventilation gap. This material is not able to provide this, since moisture simply does not get inside Penoplex.
Types, characteristics, properties
- Comfort. For insulation of walls, balconies, loggias.
- Foundation.
- Pitched roof.
- Wall.
As you can see, the manufacturer clearly delineates the areas of application of the material. At general technology, they differ in density. The densest ones are for the foundation and floor, since they must withstand considerable loads for a long time. The manufacturer claims that the service life of Penoplex Foundation is up to 50 years.
Design differences
Some of the types of Penoplex have structural differences:
- Penoplex Wall slabs have a rough surface; stripes are applied to the surface of the slab using a router. All this improves adhesion to the wall and/or finishing materials.
- Penoplex Comfort is distinguished by an L-shaped edge, which during installation guarantees the absence of through seams.
- Penoplex Roofing has a U-shaped edge, which increases the reliability of the connection.
General characteristics
Since the production technology of all types of Penoplex is similar, they have many of the same characteristics:
As you can see, according to temperature indicators, any type of Penoplex can be used in any part of the country - from the south to the north. Moreover, if you leave it to “winter” unprotected, nothing will happen to the material. This is not the merit of Penoplex, but general property extruded polystyrene foam.
What distinguishes different types
The manufacturer divided the types of Penoplex into areas of use. Their properties are optimal for a specific application. For example, the increased density of EPS required for a screed will not be needed when installing it on a plinth. Taking into account the fact that the price differs significantly, it makes no sense to use the “Foundation” brand for other purposes. But the difference in locks, with other characteristics being equal, can be neglected. Here we are talking about ease of installation. Although, this is also important.
| Parameter | Comfort | Foundation | Roof | Wall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | from 20 kg/m3 | 27-35 kg/m3 | 26-34 kg/m3 | from 20 kg/m3 |
| Modulus of elasticity | 15 MPa | 17 MPa | 17 MPa | 15 MPa |
| Thickness | 20, 30, 40, 50, 100 mm | 50, 100 mm | 100 mm | 50 mm |
| Static bending strength | 0.25 MPa | 0.4 MPa | 0.4 MPa | 0.25 MPa |
As can be seen from the table, Penoplex for foundations and roofs is denser, stronger, and better able to withstand bending loads. Designed for walls and the “Comfort” brand are less durable, since their area of application does not require resistance to mechanical stress.
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.
Where is vapor non-conductivity needed?
At correct installation(without gaps and cracks) with gluing of joints, EPS 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.
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?
Wall insulation with Penoplex is permissible only if you agree to do effective system ventilation, which will regulate the humidity in the house. In this case there are two options:
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.
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.”
Dimensions and weight, quantity calculation
Penoflex thermal insulation boards can be of different thicknesses, so the packaging may have different sizes, it may have 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) | Quantity per package | Insulation area per package | Package 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 pcs | 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 pcs | 2.77 m2 | 0.2772 m3 |
| Pitched roof 100 mm | 585*1185 mm | 4 pcs | 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 insulation area 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. To do 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.
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.
Installation technology
When laying on horizontal surfaces- floor, flat roof- the slabs are simply laid on a flat surface. The surface should be without sharp changes, the maximum deviation is 2-3%. This requirement must be met so that voids do not form. When laying, we monitor the joints; it is advisable to glue them (you can use tape) or fill them with the same foam/glue on which the slabs are attached.
If two layers of thermal insulation are laid, it is positioned so that the EPS slabs of the second row overlap the seams of the lower one. They also say that the slabs are laid with alternating seams or “staggered”.
When installed on vertical surfaces double fastening is used:
- Glue or adhesive foam is applied to the plane.
- Additionally fixed with umbrella dowels.
According to the technology for installing slab insulation on facades, umbrella dowels are installed at the junction of two sheets (any two sheets) and two additional fasteners in the plane of the sheet. That is, there are at least 8 fasteners per sheet (indicated in red in the figure). More is possible. Less - no. Unless, of course, you want insulation with finishing came off. If the winds in the region are strong, it is better to put more. To insulate the inside, you can install less (see diagrams below).
During installation, on the outer slabs and around openings, we install fasteners more often: three to four elements per slab. To keep the insulation rigid in the corners of the openings, a mesh is attached to it before plastering. It is attached at an angle of about 45°, securing the joint. Under such conditions, there will be no problems with finishing inside or outside.
If plaster, facade tiles, finishing stone and others heavy materials, before starting installation, care must be taken to improve the adhesion of the material to the wall and to the finish. Even if you install Penoplex Wall with stripes, it is better with the help metal brush add roughness to the slab. And from both sides. If the wall is smooth, it also doesn’t hurt to add roughness - for better adhesion.
Any residential buildings located in cold regions of the country require mandatory insulation, since they are not insulated from low temperatures walls are one of the main causes of heat loss, which can be up to 25-30%. Penoplex wall insulation is used for both external and internal thermal insulation of buildings.
This material has all the necessary performance qualities that will help protect walls not only from winter cold, but also from overheating in the summer heat. Previously, ordinary polystyrene foam was more often used for these purposes. Although it is made from, in principle, the same raw materials as penoplex, the technology is completely different, so the material has a more porous structural structure, which is not entirely suitable for.
Main characteristics of penoplex
Penople ks It is a slab of expanded polystyrene produced using extrusion technology - forcing foamed molten plastic mass through molding nozzles (nozzles). As a result of the combined influence of temperature and high pressure As the material hardens, it acquires a finely porous structure, with small air “cells” of approximately the same size (from 100 to 200 microns), each of which is isolated from the others. This structure provides two main characteristics of this type of polystyrene foam - excellent insulating qualities along with high mechanical strength.
To begin with, in order to evaluate the advantages of penoplex, here are briefly a few digital indicators of the main parameters of this material.
Table: technical characteristics of penoplex
| Name | Test method | Unit of measurement | Numerical indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation, not less | GOST EN 826-2011 | MPa (kgf/cm²; t/m²) | 0.2 |
| Density | GOST 17177-94 | kg/m³ | 25-32 |
| Water absorption in 24 hours, no more | GOST 17177-94 | % by volume | 0.4 |
| Fire resistance category | F3-123 | group | G3 |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient at (25±5) °C | GOST 7076-99 | W/(m×°С) | 0.03 |
| Sound insulation of partition (GKL-PENOPLEX® 50 mm-GKL), Rw | GOST 27296-87 | dB | 41 |
| Standard sizes | Width | mm | 600 |
| Length | mm | 1200 | |
| Thickness | mm | 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 80; 100; 120; 150 | |
| Operating temperature range | THAT | °C | -100 … +75 |
Even preliminary assessment according to the given shows characteristics that the material is very effective for thermal insulation work. However, it is worth considering its qualities in more detail:
Low water absorption
This parameter is very important for any insulation, since with high hygroscopicity the material swells, loses its air layer, and freezing of the absorbed water can cause it destructuring, causing it to lose its basic qualities and become useless.
The value of this parameter for penoplex was officially determined through laboratory tests. The material was completely immersed in water and then monitored for a month. At the same time, it was revealed that the penoplex absorbed a small amount of moisture only in the first ten days, and then the humidity in it did not increase at all.
After 30 days, the amount of absorbed moisture in the penoplex was about 0.6% of the total volume of the slab. Based on this, it was concluded that moisture penetrates only into the outer layer of the material and at the site of its cut, but does not enter its internal structure.
This indicator is even close to hydrophobicity, which is extremely important for insulation for external works. By the way, the fact that the material is resistant to mold and rot directly depends on this parameter.
Low coefficient Tthermal conductivity
Thermal conductivity penoplex, the coefficient of which is only 0.03 W/m×° WITH — one of the lowest among all insulation materials. This parameter is largely achieved due to the structural structure of penoplex and its low moisture absorption.
Thanks to these qualities, the insulation can be used for installation in rooms with high humidity, such as basements, as well as for installation outside walls and for thermal insulation of building foundations.
The foundation and basement of the house also need insulation!
Durability strip foundation directly depends on its protection from the effects of ground moisture and low temperatures. Penoplex is ideal for these purposes.
How to perform and carry out it correctly - read in the special publications of our portal.
The technology for manufacturing penoplex using the extrusion method gives a highly homogeneous structure of the material and makes it very durable. Penoplex almost does not press through when you press it. There will be no significant changes in the structure of the insulation and when walking on it, since it can withstand heavy loads perfectly. The only condition for maintaining its integrity when insulating, for example, a floor, is a flat surface for laying.
Low vapor permeability
Since, in essence, penoplex is extruded polystyrene foam, but with improved physical and technical characteristics, it is highly resistant to the absorption of various fumes. The vapor permeability of a two-centimeter slab of this material can be compared with that of a roofing material layer, which is used for insulating hydro- and vapor barriers walls and floor.
This makes it possible to use penoplex for insulating rooms with high humidity, for example.
Light weight
In combination with low thermal conductivity and moisture absorption, the insulation is lightweight. This parameter allows you to easily lift the material to any height. Therefore in recent years it can be seen on the external walls of panel and brick high-rise buildings - they are used for insulation as load-bearing structures buildings and balconies.
In addition, when penoplex is fixed to the surface, it does not weigh down the structure and therefore does not require approvals or permission for installation.
Easy to process and install
Another advantage of penoplex is its ease of processing. In order to cut its sheets you do not need any special tools - just an ordinary sharp construction or stationery knife. Installation of the material on the surface takes place quickly, and bad weather cannot interfere with this process, since the insulation is not afraid of moisture.
Long service life
For material manufactured in compliance with all technological requirements, manufacturers establish a warranty period of up to 50 years. This period is not unfounded, it is calculated based on the results of laboratory and bench tests, which include repeated deep freezing and subsequent thawing of penoplex, heating it to the highest temperatures that can happen during operation in a wide variety of climatic regions.
Moreover It should be noted that this is a minimum service life, since high-quality material will last longer.
Chemical resistance
Penoplex is not affected negative influence majority chemical compositions which are used in construction. These include: alkalis, saline solutions, paints on water based, alcohol compounds, bleach, carbon dioxide, ammonia, butane and propane, various oils, concrete mixtures and freons.
However, there are also substances that can negatively affect not only the quality of the insulation, but also its integrity, that is, some of them can simply dissolve penoplex. When insulating a house from the inside or outside, you must be sure to read the information about such chemicals in order to avoid mistakes when installing penoplex.
Such compositions include: gasoline, diesel fuel, formaldehyde, acetone, methyl acetate or ethyl acetate based solvents, enamel and oil paints and other active substances.
Soundproofing with penoplex
By installing this material on the walls of the house, the owner receives not only protection from cold and heat, but also from the penetration of street noise, since penoplex has good property soundproofing. This parameter is especially important if the house is located near a busy highway or railway tracks. Constant noise negatively affects the human psyche, as there is no opportunity for proper rest. Therefore, finishing the walls with material is simply necessary, and penoplex is perfect for this role.
Flammability of insulation
Unfortunately, not everything is going smoothly with flammability and smoke generation. Penoplex is marked on the G3 flammability scale, which means its average level. Manufacturers call it self-extinguishing, but this is not always the case. The flammability parameter largely depends on several factors:
- The quality of the material.
- The presence of fire retardants in its composition.
- Composition decorative covering- it can promote or resist the maintenance of fire. This also includes materials located near the insulation - they can also increase the spread of the flame.
In addition, one cannot help but pay attention to the smoke that penoplex can create. If, by a coincidence of negative circumstances, a fire does occur, then the penoplex will emit acrid black smoke, which contains highly toxic substances. They can not only cause significant harm to people’s health, but are also extremely dangerous for their lives, as they can cause thermal and chemical burns of mucous membranes and organs. respiratory system, cause pulmonary edema, affect the central nervous system.
Characteristics according to smoke formation also have their own classification. Material for this indicator is marked with the letter D with a number from 1 to 3, indicating the degree of smoke spread. Penoplex, just like any extruded polystyrene foam, is assigned the third degree, that is, D3.
Such negative qualities of the material predispose to the fact that, when choosing penoplex for insulating walls inside or outside the building, it will be necessary to provide a reliable non-flammable finish, which will contribute to the self-extinguishing of the fire that occurs.
Video: testing penoplex panels
Types of penoplex
Five main types of penoplex are produced, which are intended for certain types of thermal insulation work.
- One of the varieties is used for flooring under road surfaces - this material is the densest and is labeled as penoplex-45. The remaining four types are intended for use in thermal insulation of residential buildings:
- "Penoplex foundation"– this type is more suitable for installation on the basement of the house. It protects the foundation from freezing and the formation of cold bridges from the ground into the premises.
- “Penoplex wall” - designed for insulating the outside walls of a house. He has everything necessary qualities, which help maintain a comfortable temperature microclimate inside the house, preventing cold or heat from entering from outside, and protecting living or working spaces from external noise.
- “Penoplex roof” - this type of material is intended for thermal insulation of attic floors and roof slopes. A roof structure insulated in this way will not only prevent heat from escaping from the house through the attic, but will also create ideal silence indoors during rain or strong wind. In addition, penoplex roofing is very well suited for insulating attic spaces - both their floors and walls.
- "Penoplex-comfort" - manufactured for interior works. It is mounted indoors on walls, ceilings and floors, and is used to transform loggias or balconies into fully functional living rooms.
Do you want to turn a balcony or loggia into a full-fledged room?
This cannot be done without thermal insulation work. And for insulation you can use the most different materials, including penoplex.
Find out how to do it correctly in a special publication on our portal.
Insulationpenoplexoutside walls of the house
Most often, penoplex with a thickness of 100 mm is used to insulate walls. However, it should be noted that in southern climatic zones with mild winter temperatures such a layer will be redundant - a thickness of 30 ÷ 50 mm is sufficient. If the building to be insulated is located in a region with very strong winter frosts, then 50 mm material is not enough. In this case, it is recommended to lay slabs of this thickness in two layers, perpendicular to to each other and “with dressing”. This method will be more effective than laying one 100 mm layer.
The scheme of external wall insulation is clearly shown in the diagram offered to your attention, but in order to do everything correctly, you need to consider all stages of the work in more detail.
This is what the entire insulation and finishing “pie” on the outer wall will look like: For insulation and subsequent finishing works You will need the following materials: dry construction mixture - assembly adhesive, calculated amount of penoplex, starting profile to begin installing the insulation. fastening dowels - “fungi”, reinforcing fiberglass mesh, perforated metal corners with mesh, primer, plaster and putty mixtures, decorative finishing (plaster or tile).
Step-by-step instructions for installing penoplex on external walls:
| Illustration | Brief description of the operation performed |
|---|---|
 | For insulation to be effective, the foam boards must adhere well to the wall. Therefore, before installing it, it is necessary to prepare the surfaces. IN preparatory process includes such measures as cleaning the walls from old plaster that has begun to peel off, sealing detected cracks that can cause the installed insulation to peel off. In addition, cracks can become “housing” for various insects, which can then move into the house. Before cleaning the walls, all elements located on them, such as ebbs, lamps, air conditioning and others, are dismantled from them. Next, you can begin cleaning, which is usually done with a spatula. If there is a relief pattern protruding more than 5 mm on the wall, then it must be knocked down, as it will interfere with the installation of insulation. |
 | If cracks are found on the wall after removing the plaster, then before sealing, they need to be widened using a chisel and hammer, a grinder with a stone wheel or a hammer drill. Widened cracks are cleaned and treated with a primer, and then filled with sealant or putty compound and leveled. Very wide cracks can be filled polyurethane foam, and after it expands and dries, the protruding parts are cut off with an ordinary stationery knife. |
 | If there are irregularities on the wall, which can also become an obstacle to a good fit of the slabs, then the surface needs to be leveled. Protruding parts should be removed and filled plaster mixture recesses. |
 | If the global unevenness of the surfaces is visually visible, that is, there are obvious blockages on them, then they are checked using a plumb line, and then leveled by installing plaster beacons and pouring concrete mortar. The removal of walls is carried out as a rule. There is no need to think that you can then level the surfaces with insulation - it will simply repeat their direction, and thus the deviation of the wall from the vertical will remain. |
 | Using a roller or wide brush, apply a primer to the leveled walls, which must be allowed to dry thoroughly. It will be better if you carry out a double treatment, with the second layer applied only after the first has been completely absorbed and dried. |
 | The dried surface must be marked for installation of the starting profile. To do this, mark a strictly horizontal line at the bottom of the wall at the required height, beat it with a paint cord, and then attach the profile along it using self-tapping screws. It is necessary to install the first row of insulation on it - the profile will not allow the penoplex to slide below the set level until the panels are securely fixed with “fungi” fasteners. The width of the profile will depend on the selected foam thickness. The profile is fixed to the wall with dowels and washers Ø 5÷7 mm, in increments of 300÷400 mm. To fasten the profile at the corners of the house, special corner connections, made of plastic. They compensate for the expansion of materials during temperature changes. |
 | Further, if necessary, all communications are carried out along the wall, which must be hidden under insulation and finishing. On window openings ebb tides are set. |
 | The next step is cutting the penoplex into strips of the required width for mounting them on the window slopes. An adhesive composition, 7-8 mm thick, pre-mixed according to the instructions, is applied to the cut-out workpieces and distributed with a notched trowel. Then, they are mounted on the surface, pressed and left until they set securely. After the glue has dried, the penoplex slopes are finally fixed with “fungi” fasteners. |
 | After completing the installation of the insulation on the slopes, you can proceed to installing it on the walls. Fastening the penoplex begins from the bottom row. Glue is applied to the slabs - in strips along their edges and dotted in the middle. You can also use a notched trowel to spread a thick layer. |
 | Then the slabs are installed on the starting profile and pressed well against the wall surface. After installation, all slabs are checked with a level for evenness of installation horizontally, vertically and relative to the wall surface. Installation of subsequent rows is carried out “in a dressing” with an offset of approximately half the length of the slab. The convenience of branded penoplex is that the panels have lamellas for a tight connection at the seams, maintaining the evenness of the masonry - just align the locking parts during installation. |
 | To give the insulation masonry additional rigidity, the slabs are laid at the corners using a so-called “toothed connection” along the entire height of the wall. |
 | After installing two rows, you need to return to the first installed slab and start fixing each of them with dowels - “fungi” - to the wall surface. To do this, holes are drilled through the penoplex so that they extend 50÷60 mm into the wall. A “fungus” is inserted, and then a plastic spacer nail is installed into the hole in the middle of the cap, which is driven in with a hammer. The fastening cap must be pressed into the insulation, that is, be in the same plane with its surface. |
 | After completing the installation of penoplex with glue and “fungi”, before proceeding to the next stage of work, the wall is allowed to dry thoroughly - this process will take two to three days, depending on the thickness of the glue layer and its characteristics, and the weather outside. |
 | Next, the seams between the plates are sealed with polyurethane foam, and after it hardens, the protruding excess is cut off. |
 | After completing the installation and fixing of all the insulating material, it must be reinforced with a special fiberglass mesh. You need to start with the corners - perforated corners with mesh “wings” are attached to them. They will protect the corners of the insulating material from damage during its operation and will make it easier to “remove” the corners during further plastering. |
 | The next step is to strengthen the entire insulated surface by stretching and gluing mesh sheets to it. Its installation is carried out on top of the wall, from the cornice: First on small area The adhesive mass is applied to the insulation surface and distributed over it with a spatula. A mesh sheet having a length equal to the height of the insulated wall is applied to the glue and pressed into the applied layer with a spatula. Excess glue from the surface is removed or redistributed to the lower section of the wall. In this way, all insulated surfaces of the house are reinforced and then left to dry. Since the glue under the mesh is applied in a thin layer, it will take no more than a day to dry. |
 | Next, putty is applied to the dried surface, which should completely cover the reinforcing mesh and make the surface smooth. This layer of putty should dry very well, so it should be left alone for two to three days. |
 | After this period, the surface of the walls must be thoroughly cleaned using a grater with an installed abrasive mesh or sandpaper. The work is done in circular movements, which are done counterclockwise. Grouting must be done carefully, without pressing hard on the wall. |
 | The final stage before decorative finishing The putty wall is being coated with a primer containing quartz sand. It is necessary to create good adhesion between the wall surface and decorative plaster or tile adhesive. |
 | Apply to the prepared and primed wall decorative plaster or tiles imitating stone or wood are glued. |
How to give a wall decorative qualities?
Gray, boring walls can never become a decoration for a home. It’s good that today’s builders have a lot of execution techniques at their disposal.
How to do it yourself is in the corresponding portal article.
Typical mistakes when installing penoplex
In order for insulation to be truly effective, it is necessary to take into account some of the nuances of installing penoplex and avoid making “traditional” mistakes.
To the very widespread errors include the following:
- Carrying out work in weather unfavorable for this process. If installation is carried out at higher temperatures than recommended by the manufacturer, the material may slightly change its dimensions, deform or lose its positive qualities.
- You cannot install penoplex on the wall using dowels only, without using glue. Such savings will lead to insufficient adherence of the insulation to the walls, and as a result – to a decrease in the insulating and soundproofing qualities of the structure. We can say that the insulation effect will be lost, and the money will be wasted. It must be remembered that the main fastening material is glue, and the dowels serve only for additional fixation of the penoplex to the wall.
- It is very important to choose the right and high-quality adhesive for installing insulation. Therefore, when purchasing it, it is very important to carefully study the instructions on its packaging.
Typically, craftsmen prefer to work with adhesives sold in the form of dry construction mixtures. You can’t just take any composition you like, since it must have a specific purpose - specifically for thermal insulation work. Then the proper quality of insulation will be ensured.
Pay attention to the purpose of the mixture - it should be specifically for insulation work The glue can also be sold in finished form - usually it is an acrylic-based composition. True, its cost is much higher, and its use for insulation façade walls can hardly be called profitable.
- When installing penoplex, it is necessary to completely cover the entire insulated surface, without leaving even small gaps between the plates, otherwise the insulation will not “work” properly.
- Failure to comply with the installation rules according to the principle of brickwork, “in a dressing” is also considered a mistake, since the arrangement is unacceptable vertical joints slabs on the same line.
- It is unacceptable to take lightly the preparation of the wall surface for the installation of insulation panels, since an untreated and unrepaired surface covered with penoplex can eventually become covered with fungal colonies and mold, which will be difficult to get rid of. Meanwhile, such microflora is very harmful to human health.
Cost of material and installation work
Penoplex itself has enough high price, therefore, before preparing for its installation, you need to find out its cost in the region of residence.
- On average, the price of penoplex 50 mm thick is approximately $5 per 1 m².
- Modified material with improved qualities, including the addition of fire retardants, has a price of 7 ÷ 8 $ per 1 m².
- The work of craftsmen to insulate the walls of a house from the inside will cost an average of $9 ÷ $10 per 1 m².
- Attaching penoplex to the facade of the house will cost about 13 ÷ 15 $ per 1 m², since the work is more complex due to the fact that part of it will have to be carried out at height.
Having become familiar with the basic technological methods of using penoplex as wall insulation, having clarified the price level for the insulation itself and the necessary consumables and for execution installation work, each home owner himself will be able to assess his capabilities and decide whether to do everything himself or invite a master.
Having information about typical mistakes, which are often done with, you can exercise control over his specialist - alas, among them there are many “leftists”.
In fact, the work is simple and quite accessible to do it yourself; all the necessary tools are available. But, naturally, if you need to insulate the walls of an apartment located above the first floor, then you should not show unnecessary “heroism” - it is better to turn to professionals who have special equipment for performing installation work at height.
And in conclusion, another video about the use of penoplex for insulating a balcony.
Video: penoplex - as a material for insulating a balcony or loggia
Penoplex insulation is one of the most used extrusion finishing materials for thermal insulation 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 insulated surface, 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 runways at airfields.
The most universal 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 in 28 days.
- Flammability category - belongs to group G4.
- Thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.03 at 25 degrees.
- The vapor permeability coefficient is in the range of 0.007-0.008.
Penoplex comfort slabs are manufactured in thicknesses from 2 to 12 cm, in length - from 120 to 240 cm, in width - 60 cm. For internal insulation sheets with a thickness ranging from 2 cm to 10 cm are used for exterior finishing- 8-12 cm, roof - 4-6 cm.
According to the parameters of “Penoplex Comfort”, the technical characteristics allow its operation in conditions temperature regime from -50 to +75 degrees.
Advantages
This one has universal insulation very many advantages:
- It is not affected by fungi and mold.
- High resistance to water.
- When the slabs get wet, they are not susceptible to rotting, unlike mineral wool.
- High density material, does not crumble or crack like polystyrene foam.
- Fairly light weight.
- It is little susceptible to deformation, as it has a high coefficient of bending and compression.
- Very low thermal conductivity.
- Low moisture absorption coefficient.
The density of penoplex is much higher than polystyrene foam. It does not deform under loads and is easy to cut with a knife. Since the individual elements are attached to each other very tightly, the resulting structure is very resistant to mechanical loads. The composition contains no dust and small fibers, which makes the installation process of Penoplex quite clean.
Flaws
But despite having so many advantages, this material also has a number of disadvantages. At high temperature Penoplex insulation releases harmful substances and is destroyed; in the first days after installation, there is a strong odor in the room. Has very low vapor permeability. The effect of ultraviolet radiation is detrimental to Penoplex - it is imperative to create a protective layer. Combustion of the material occurs with the release of large quantity harmful substances and the formation of acrid smoke. "Penoplex Comfort" has very low noise insulation performance.
Oil paints and solvents can easily destroy the structure of the material, it will lose its thermal insulation properties. But Penoplex is neutral to water-based paints, salts, alkalis, lime, and cement.
Installation technology
The problem of how to sheathe a house with Penoplex Comfort is solved in several main stages:
- Preparatory.
- Direct installation of insulation.
- Finishing the surface of the insulation.
Initially, it is necessary to prepare the surface that will be insulated. It is leveled, excess mortar and peeling pieces of the structure are removed. If painting has been done previously, the paint and varnish materials should be completely removed. Places of formation of fungus, mold or moss are cleaned and treated with bactericidal solutions. Structures made of unplastered blocks or bricks must be primed or plastered. The prepared base must be absolutely dry.
Thanks to the precise geometric dimensions, installation is carried out according to the assembly principle of the designer. Sheets of insulation are glued to the surface with special adhesives. The glue is applied to the surface of the Penoplex Comfort board. Additionally, the thermal insulation structure is strengthened using construction 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 facade facing materials, and roofing are required. When thermally insulating internal surfaces, it is imperative to use a vapor barrier insulation.
Features of finishing of 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, in order to save space, Penoplex Comfort insulation with a thickness of 2-5 cm is usually used indoors. This option can be used in advance glazed loggias, better with double or triple glazing. When installing external thermal insulation, it is possible to use thicker sheets - up to 10 cm.
When insulating floors, you can lay sheets without constructing a frame. In houses, if absent basement, “Penoplex comfort” is laid out directly on the ground surface. Slabs with a thickness ranging from 3 cm to 10 cm are used. The area prepared for laying must be level and dry.
Insulation of foundations with Penoplex Comfort can be done directly onto the waterproofing layer, without additional mechanical fastening of the structure. The slabs are installed with overlapping 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.
Scope of application
"Penoplex comfort" is intended for use in insulating foundations, basements, house facades, roofs, as well as internal thermal insulation in private houses or apartments. It is also often used for insulating walls on balconies and loggias, in garages and outbuildings. In suburban construction, it is used as thermal insulation for rooms with high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, basements.
When using heated floors in a 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 PA Penoplex LLC. Certificates have been issued for this thermal insulation material. fire safety, fire roofing safety, environmental certificate, certificate of compliance with GOST. Thermal insulation tests for durability and acoustic tests for sound insulation were carried out. Certificate of conformity received for Penoplex Comfort insulation sanitary standards confirms the safety of using this material and for interior decoration premises.
Throughout warranty period"Penoplex Comfort" insulation service, the technical characteristics of this material remain at high level. The slabs do not crumble, do not crack, and retain their original density. Durability of 50 years is one of the most significant advantages of this material.
The use of penoplex for insulation
Today on construction market can be found large selection thermal insulation materials that differ in characteristics. If you need to insulate a roof or building envelope, you should pay attention to such characteristics of the material as low thermal conductivity, hygroscopicity, long service life, ease of installation and use. is a unique thermal insulation material that fully meets all these requirements. Find out about the features and advantages of this insulating material and use it during construction.
Characteristics of Penoplex material
Penoplex slabs are extruded polystyrene foam of a homogeneous structure. The basis of expanded polystyrene is made up of numerous small closed cells, the size of which is no more than 0.2 mm.
Insulation of facades with penoplex
Thanks to this structure, Penoplex differs from other modern insulating materials in its almost zero degree of water absorption and vapor permeability.
Advantages of Penoplex insulating boards
The production method of expanded polystyrene boards, the homogeneous composition, and the closed cellular structure give Penoplex advantageous characteristics:
— high compressive strength;
- frost resistance, non-rotting;
— durability, wear resistance;
— the ability to maintain all properties in high humidity conditions;
- low level of flammability.
Benefits of Penoplex
Scope of application
Penoplex is used for thermal insulation:
- walls from the inside - creation of multi-layer partitions;
- walls inside the room;
- walls from the street;
— various modifications of roofs.
Penoplex for roof insulation
Methods for carrying out thermal insulation work on a roof
Penoplex on the roof is fixed in several ways:
1. Penoplex is pierced with nails through the rafters.
2. When used as additional insulation, polystyrene is fixed to the rafters, while mineral wool is fixed between the rafters.
3. Insulation of the roof by placing Penoplex under the internal roof lining.
When polystyrene foam is used to insulate a metal roof, then a special layer is laid that conducts steam. This material protects the metal coating from moisture by removing condensation.
Penoplex for wall insulation
Penoplex is called a masterpiece in the field of building materials, thanks to its unique characteristics. Now you can decide for yourself which material to choose for insulating your home or interior wall. The use of penoplex allows you to achieve not only high thermal insulation properties, but also good sound insulation.