Faucets

How to properly insulate walls with polystyrene. Facade insulation technology with extruded polystyrene foam

External insulation is more beneficial, since it does not lose the internal living area, which is reduced by the thickness of the slab of insulating material. In cases where it is not possible (the facade must save its “face”), the insulating material is fixed from the inside. If the walls are hollow, then laying is carried out using the gap between them.

The owners of the dwelling (whether it is or an apartment in a high-rise building) usually sheathe the walls with expanded polystyrene plates. By the way, polystyrene foam and polystyrene are brothers. This polymer is currently the most popular material. Although it was invented a long time ago, it has become the most popular in the last twenty years. The reason is that the technology of wall insulation with polystyrene is quite simple and economical.

Advantages and disadvantages of expanded polystyrene

Materials are used to insulate walls. Among them are mineral and basalt wool, heat-insulating wallpaper and other options. In favor of expanded polystyrene, its qualities such as:

Low heat and noise conductivity;
Lack of hygroscopicity;
Good vapor permeability and frost resistance;
High crease resistance, which means durability;
Does not rot;
Convenient in work – very low weight of plates;
Environmental friendliness;
Low price.

The list can be continued again and again, because there are plenty of positive aspects of polystyrene foam, despite the fact that they are negative about it.

With a large number of positive characteristics, polystyrene cannot be called ideal, because it:

flammable material;
When ignited, toxic substances are released;
Spoiled by rodents.

How are walls insulated with polystyrene foam

How is the outside of the Styrofoam done correctly? These works have several mandatory stages, the observance of the rules of which depends on the final result.

The basic work is done first. It is necessary to thoroughly clean the walls from paint or other coatings, remove dirt, and level the surface. You should not pay attention to small errors, and large chips, potholes or bumps should be eliminated. Then the entire area is primed with any composition that penetrates well deep into. After waiting for it to dry, the starting profile is fixed along the lower perimeter, and perforated aluminum corners are fixed in the corners.

Plates are installed from the bottom up. In each subsequent row, the sheets must be shifted using the same principle as when laying bricks. Window and door openings act as a starting point. First, each plate is fixed with a special adhesive solution.

Obtaining a homogeneous jelly-like consistency is achieved by dilution with water. Plates when insulation is being carried out brick house outside, it is recommended to cover with glue not completely, but only in the form of separate islands.

When joining the plates, gaps are formed. If they exceed 1 cm, then they can be eliminated either with the help of mounting foam, or by laying the plates themselves with scraps. Subsequently, these places are leveled by stripping and grinding.

Then, without fail, plate-shaped dowels are additionally clogged. Holes for them are made with a drill. There must be at least five dowels on each plate, otherwise the structure will not hold. The length of the dowels is selected taking into account the thickness of the expanded polystyrene used. In order for the nail to hold well, it must, after passing through the layer of the slab, enter the wall by 4-5 cm. It is necessary to take into account such a moment. If the lining is carried out with plates in two layers, then it is very important that when drilling holes for the dowels, do not get on the nail from the lower layer.

The last stage remains - plastering and decoration. With the help of a superimposed layer of plaster, the resulting surface is leveled. Used as decoration various options. This can be lining, chipboard, MDF, painting, mosaic, decorated plaster, stone cladding, etc.

All work when using polystyrene foam must be carried out in dry weather.
Monitor the temperature outside. All work at t + 5 0 C and below is not carried out.
Be sure to wait for the previous layer to dry before applying the next one.
Plates must be impregnated with an anti-foam - a substance that reduces the likelihood of fire.
Purchase all materials from the same manufacturer so that they fit together better.

Insulation of the facade with extruded polystyrene foam is one of the modern ways to increase the energy efficiency of a house, improve the microclimate in it and, as a result, save costs on resource consumption. On the market of this kind of heaters are represented, including domestic brands that are popular with consumers (for example, Penoplex and Technoplex).

Insulation of the facade with polystyrene foam - modern way improve energy efficiency at home

Advantages and disadvantages of extruded polystyrene foam

The material obtained by extrusion has a higher density than its related foam. This quality allows the use of expanded polystyrene for finishing the walls of buildings from the outside. Extruded boards have slightly worse thermal insulation characteristics than expanded polystyrene panels, however, they are much better resistant to mechanical stress, atmospheric factors and aggressive environments. It should be added that the coefficient of thermal conductivity of expanded polystyrene is more than 10 times lower than that of a brick and 3 times less than that of wood.

Subject to the insulation technology, expanded polystyrene has no drawbacks

Dense expanded polystyrene does not pass water. The building material is easy to process and is easy to install, so you can do the insulation of the facade with polystyrene foam yourself. Purchase of plates and Supplies does not require significant financial resources.
Extruded polystyrene is significantly better than foam in terms of fire resistance. As for the safety of building materials for the health of the inhabitants of the house, it does not pose any threat, since the plates are located on the outer walls. To protect the insulation from damage and to minimize the evaporation of styrene (which, to a greater or lesser extent, allocates foam of any kind), the treated walls are covered with a layer of cladding.

Some homeowners make the mistake of insulating the walls of the house with Styrofoam not from the outside, but from the inside. One can understand the reasons for such a decision, but it should be noted that such thermal insulation will not fulfill its tasks. It will not protect the facade from freezing. The consequence of this will be the formation of mold between the wall and the insulation and the destruction of the supporting structures of the building.

The internal insulation will worsen the vapor permeability of the partitions, so the humidity level in the rooms will be increased. In addition, it can pose a danger to residents by releasing harmful substances in the room. If a fire occurs, the toxic smoke from the Styrofoam will cause at least severe poisoning.

In favor of the use of heaters from the outside, another circumstance testifies: with this method, the area of \u200b\u200bthe premises remains unchanged.

Conditions for high-quality insulation of facades

In the insulation of facades with polystyrene foam, the technology for performing work must be followed. Although the operation itself is not overly complicated, mistakes made in the installation of panels can nullify efforts to minimize heat loss through the walls. Properly not fixed plates threaten with such troubles as delamination (a loose panel can be torn off by the wind), moisture getting under the insulation, fungus formation, etc. After a short time, the supporting structures of the building will need to be repaired.

In order to insulate the building with high quality, it is necessary to follow the phased installation

To ensure a quality result, it is necessary not only to strictly follow the instructions for the work, but also follow the recommendations for the use of materials and the choice of fixtures.

The following must be taken into account:

Insulation of the house with polystyrene foam should be carried out only in warm time year, however, it is undesirable to choose hot days for its installation. It is optimal to work at temperatures from +15 °C to +25 °C.
Do not install thermal insulation in rainy weather or during periods when the humidity level exceeds 80%.
Styrofoam glued, but not protected by a coating, must be protected from sunlight and water ingress. The wall for the duration of long breaks can be hung with a cloth, for example, polyethylene.

Necessary materials and tools for work

Before you insulate the facade of the house with your own hands, you need to prepare:

Expanded polystyrene panels with a density of at least 25 kg/m³. Slopes can be lined with sheets 2–3 cm thick. For wall decoration, as a rule, 5 cm slabs are used (in southern regions facades are sometimes insulated with sheets 3 cm thick).
Plinth profile and strips to protect the corners of the building.
Fasteners. Thermal insulation is fixed with dish-shaped dowel-nails.
Mounting foam and glue.
Reinforcing mesh, primer, putty or plaster mix.
Finishing paint.

Before proceeding with the installation, you need to stock up necessary materials and tools

You will need the following tools:

screwdriver and drill;
brush or roller;
building level and plumb;
spatulas;
hammer;
sandpaper with a bar.

At the preparatory stage, you may need a chisel and a grinder, a hacksaw, etc.

Preparing the facade for insulation

Before the facades are insulated with polystyrene foam, all protruding elements are removed from the surface to be finished. Gutters are removed from it, from window and doorways- architraves, ebbs, etc. The wall must be cleaned of dust, dirt, old paint, loose plaster and flaking fragments. All this will interfere with reliable contact of polystyrene with the surface. In addition, the wall must be even so that the insulation boards fit snugly against it. In the voids remaining under the polystyrene foam, condensate will accumulate, and the bumps will prevent the sheets from being securely fixed.

Before insulation, it is necessary to achieve the plane of the building

Nevertheless, it is not necessary to achieve the ideal plane of the facade: it is enough to cut down significant protrusions from it and close up deep depressions with plaster mortar. Small irregularities are not a problem, since deviations from the plane are leveled with glue. In addition, the edge of the plate in contact with the wall at the place of the protrusion can be processed with an abrasive tool.

The condition for high-quality surface preparation for insulation is its thorough repair. Cracks in the wall, seams brickwork etc., plastered. Before sealing, the edges of the cracks must be cut so that the mortar does not cover them, but gets inside. It is better to clean the seams to a depth of at least 1-2 cm.

Before plastering, the edges are primed with a composition deep penetration. It will strengthen them and improve the adhesive properties of the surface. For the same purpose, the entire plane of the facade to be insulated is treated with a primer. However, before priming, it is desirable to impregnate the wall with an antiseptic that will protect it from fungus.

Sheets of extruded polystyrene foam also need a little refinement. Thermal insulation will not fix securely if its contact side is too smooth (this is different, for example, "Penoplex"). You can turn it into a more porous one by making small notches on the edge with a construction knife, piercing it with a needle roller or rubbing it with sandpaper.

Installation of thermal insulation

Building insulation starts from the starting profile

Insulation of facades with extruded polystyrene foam begins with the installation of a base (starting) profile. The bar will hold the fixed sheets of the heat insulator in the desired position, preventing them from sliding until the glue hardens. The profile is set by checking its horizontal level. To fix the strap, use self-tapping screws or dowel-nails. They are placed in such a step to prevent the profile from bending under the weight of the heat insulator.
Before gluing the polystyrene with thin plates, the slopes of the door and window openings. The width of the sheets should be 1 cm more than the distance from the outer edge of the wall to the window or door frame. Protruding beyond the plane outer wall panels will allow for better docking of heaters.
The composition for fixing thermal insulation should be prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in such a volume as to prevent its premature solidification. The mass is made in advance. The walls are covered with a continuous layer of glue. The solution is applied pointwise to the expanded polystyrene, along the edges and in the central part.
The first row of plates is fixed along the starting profile. The panels are joined tightly to each other so that there are no gaps. If this happens, the gaps can be filled with mounting foam or foam softened with acetone. Wide gaps are sealed with polystyrene foam scraps and glue.
The panels of the next row of insulation are installed, shifting by half the length relative to the plates of the first. In the same way, the rest of the thermal insulation belts are mounted. The correct installation of polystyrene foam is checked by a level.
3 days after gluing, the sheets are additionally fixed with dish-shaped dowel-nails. Each plate is fixed at 5 points. The fasteners must sink into the wall by at least 5 cm. Before driving in the dowels, 10 mm through holes are drilled in the panels. After installing the caps, the fasteners are coated with glue.

Sometimes thermal insulation is mounted on the wall in 2 layers. In such cases, the horizontal and vertical seams of the coverings must not coincide with each other. The second layer is glued after the first is completely fixed. Then put plate fasteners.

Preparing the wall for finishing

finishing start after reinforcing the insulation

Finishing the facade can be started only after the reinforcement of the insulation. The mesh attached to it will prevent cracking of the decorative coating. In addition, it will make the design more monolithic. A material with a surface density of 150 g / m² is glued to the wall.

For reinforcing slopes, you can use a less durable mesh. It is applied to the wall after applying the adhesive. The mesh strips are overlapped. The width of the material tape should exceed the width of the surface treated with glue by 8-10 cm, which will avoid the appearance of irregularities when gluing adjacent edges.
The mesh is pressed into the adhesive with a rubber spatula. It is smoothed from the center to the edges. Then the adhesive composition is applied to the next section of the facade, including the strip under the edge of the fixed material, etc. At the end of the reinforcement, the dried surface is rubbed with sandpaper.
The wall is again leveled with a putty mixture. After it has hardened and grouted with an abrasive tool, a primer is applied. The finishing of the facade is completed by plastering or painting.

Expanded polystyrene, or polystyrene, as a universal insulation for houses was announced relatively recently - in 1984. It was this material that formed the basis of the panel house built in Alaska by the American Hoot Haddock for his daughter.

The harsh climatic conditions of this region were a natural laboratory for testing the thermal insulation and other structural qualities of the foam.

The exam was passed "excellent". Since then, expanded polystyrene has been actively used in the construction of houses. It is used for both additional insulation, and as the main building material, in the form of panels and blocks.

Polystyrene materials - types and characteristics

There are several varieties of polystyrene foam materials, but two types of polystyrene foam are used in the construction of houses: polystyrene foam and polystyrene familiar to everyone.

Both materials have the same base - expanded polystyrene. However, they differ in various additional materials and production technology.

As a result, the characteristics of these varieties of polystyrene foam are basically similar, but in the details they have significant differences.

Styrofoam is ordinary polystyrene foam. It is obtained by foaming polystyrene granules with water vapor. The formed polystyrene foam is formed into plates, blocks, sheets and other structures.

A large amount of air is retained in the foamed structure of the foam, due to this it has excellent heat-insulating qualities.

This material is moisture resistant, but not one hundred percent. With prolonged exposure to moisture, it is saturated and retains it in itself.

Styrofoam is also able to "breathe", that is, it allows air to pass through. When insulating houses, this factor must be taken into account.

It should also be borne in mind that the foam is quite fragile, therefore it does not lend itself very well to processing, especially in the corner area. Having a granular base, it easily breaks off in uneven pieces. For cutting foam sheets, a special jigsaw with a red-hot nichrome thread is used.

Extruded or extruded polystyrene foam, also called penoplex, is manufactured using a different, more advanced technology, the so-called extrusion method.

Polystyrene granules melt at high temperature and high pressure in a special device (extruder). Further, special foaming additives are introduced into the resulting homogeneous mass. The formed substance is squeezed out of the extruder into the prepared form.

According to its microstructure, extruded polystyrene foam is a uniformly porous, homogeneous substance filled with gas. The pore diameter does not exceed 0.1 - 0.2 mm.

This structure provides the foam with unique functional qualities that are an order of magnitude superior to the foam.

This material is much more durable and ductile, easy to cut and other processing.

Penoplex does not let moisture and air through at all.

Due to the unique combination of qualities: lightness, strength, plasticity, low thermal conductivity, vapor permeability and moisture resistance, penoplex has received a wide range of applications.

This is not only thermal insulation and insulation of houses: facades, foundations, floors, walls, roofs. Extruded polystyrene foam is used in the construction of highways subject to significant temperature changes, and even runways.

The tasks of thermal insulation of ice stadiums, industrial refrigeration rooms, sports arenas are also successfully solved with the help of penoplex.

Not only thermal insulation sheets are produced from this material, but also independent building blocks– even for load-bearing structures.

Back to index

Advantages of polystyrene foam materials

Expanded polystyrene materials have:

the lowest thermal conductivity compared to other materials: a sheet of 10 cm is equivalent in terms of thermal insulation properties to 15 cm of mineral wool, 45 cm of wood, 70 cm of aerated concrete, 100 cm of expanded clay concrete, 150 cm of brick and almost 400 cm of ordinary concrete;
the smallest specific gravity;
excellent strength characteristics;
high moisture resistance with the right application technology;
ease of processing;
resistance to many chemicals, building materials;
durability, when used correctly;
human safety;
low price.

Back to index

Disadvantages and dangers of polystyrene foam

Penoplex and polystyrene are inferior to other materials, in particular - mineral wool, according to the level of sound insulation.

When insulating houses with foam plastic, the need for ventilation increases, since this polystyrene foam does not “breathe”.

When heated above 80 0 C, as well as when exposed to direct sunlight, the structure of expanded polystyrenes is destroyed.

Expanded polystyrene materials are not fireproof. High-quality penoplex must be self-extinguishing, but it melts, releasing a "moderately toxic" gas.

The disadvantage is not a very long service life of polystyrene foam. On average - 10-20 years. Some types of penoplex live up to 40 years with proper use, but this is much less than other materials.

It is necessary to be aware of the dangers posed by insulation with polystyrene foam.

The main danger is that low-quality polystyrene and polystyrene foam begin to melt and release gas during a fire, which can be deadly.

Therefore, it is imperative to use proven, high-quality materials that have the necessary certificates.

Warming the house with polystyrene materials is best done from the outside, not from the inside. This will help to avoid another danger - the formation of mold. Fungal damage to the walls is caused by the displacement of the "dew point" inside the room with internal wall insulation.

Back to index

Where are polystyrene boards used?

Modern polystyrene foam insulation has a wide range of applications.

When insulating a house, the advantages of these materials the best way appear in several cases.

Base insulation. Suitable for both foam and foam. But the foam must be covered with a layer of waterproofing. Penoplex is able to independently withstand all the "attacks" of humidity, temperature and heaving of the soil.

Insulation of the floor surface. Both materials are excellent. Insulation can be mounted on any base, subject to necessary conditions, depending on the design of the floor.

Wall insulation. In this case, it is necessary to proceed from the characteristics of the material of the walls themselves. It is strongly not recommended to insulate wooden houses with polystyrene foam, especially log houses. The house is deprived of the unique microclimate that the tree is designed to provide.

But concrete, brick buildings are insulated with polystyrenes with a high degree of efficiency. However, it is necessary to carefully analyze the structures in order to correctly determine whether to insulate from the inside or outside. External insulation has proved to be the most effective, but there may be options for internal insulation. For example, unheated loggias or balconies.

Moreover, for external insulation, “breathing” foam is more suitable, while for internal insulation it is vapor-tight foam, eliminating the need for additional vapor barrier.

When mounting walls in frame structures of houses, it is more acceptable to use foam plastic, which has a better sound insulation coefficient.

The use of expanded polystyrenes for ceiling insulation is effective provided that the room is equipped with good natural or forced ventilation.

Styrofoam ceilings work great in unheated rooms. They are insulators from both temperature extremes and moisture.

Extruded polystyrene is a synthetic insulation material that was developed back in the 1950s. Among its main advantages are water resistance, excellent resistance to deformation, low thermal conductivity and resistance to inorganic solvents. If you decide to use polystyrene (insulation), you should be aware that it can withstand high temperatures. It can be operated in the range from -500 to +750 degrees. The material is thin, lightweight and durable. If we compare with wood, then polystyrene for insulation will need only 2 centimeters, as for wood, this figure should be equal to 2.5 meters. will be able to provide the same effect of warming with a thickness of 3.7 centimeters, but to achieve the same effect, it should be 3.8 centimeters thick.

Consumer reviews

Polystyrene is a heater, which, according to buyers, has a wide range of uses. It can be installed both outside and inside buildings. It acts as the main part of the sandwich panels that are used in construction. This thermal insulation can be used to provide well masonry, and also, if necessary, experts emphasize that he found wide application even in road construction. Polystyrene is an insulating material that is characterized by high resistance to the effects of water. Due to these characteristics, it can be used for restoration basements, attics, where high level humidity. This material can be used even in those rooms that almost do not warm up. In civil engineering, it is used for arranging runways, as well as building swimming pools. Some grades of polystyrene are able to withstand huge loads, which reach 45 tons per square meter. Thanks to this, it is possible to use the described thermal insulation for insulation of pitched and concrete base. Polystyrene is an insulation that can be fixed with special glue or using mushroom-shaped dowels.

General characteristics

Extruded polystyrene is used for thermal insulation of freezers and refrigeration units, and ice arenas. It perfectly demonstrated its qualitative characteristics when working on surfaces that are deepened into the ground and are under the influence of ground water. Additionally, conditions can be complicated by low temperatures. Therefore, the material can be used even for as well as in the construction railways and highways. Sheet polystyrene has excellent sound insulation characteristics, which are complemented by thermal insulation qualities. Due to its high resistance to biogenic pests, the material can be used for thermal insulation of loggias, balconies, walls of industrial and residential buildings, as well as roofs.

Fire resistance characteristics

You should not believe sellers, as well as manufacturers who claim that polystyrene has no flaws. The use of this thermal insulation is prohibited during construction in the USA and the European Union. The reason for this was the fire of a newly renovated building in Germany. Cause: extruded polystyrene fire. If you decide to purchase sheet polystyrene, you should remember that with all its obvious positive qualities, the attitude towards this material remains ambiguous. The stumbling block is fire resistance. During the manufacturing process, flame retardants are added to the ingredients, which are designed to prevent the spread of fire when exposed to it. However, the insulation will smolder, releasing toxic substances that can be fatal to a person.

Installation instructions

Polystyrene, the properties of which were described above, must be installed after preparing a certain set of tools and materials. Among them are glue designed to work with foam, primer, plaster, the last of which will be needed to treat the surface of the walls. Do not forget about dish nails, as well as nylon cords, the former will be necessary for additional mechanical fixation, while the latter will be used to determine surface irregularities. Among other things, it is important to have a tool - a level, a spatula, a screwdriver, a drill, as well as a hacksaw and a clerical knife.

Polystyrene, whose properties are the subject of our review, is best installed in the warm season, when the thermometer has not dropped below +5 degrees. This is important for those cases when it is supposed to be used. In order to achieve a positive result, it is recommended to use two types of insulation fixing, namely glue and dowels. This will ensure reliable thermal insulation that will last for many years.

Glue preparation

Polystyrene, the use of which was described above, must be installed using a special adhesive, the instructions for its preparation must be followed. It is important to exclude the use of independent actions and incorrect recipes, since non-compliance with the recipe will cause a poor quality fixation of the material.

What the master needs to know

Polystyrene, the use of which is described above, must be installed according to a certain technology. It involves the advance application of glue. The composition must be coated with foam sheets an hour before they are attached to the surface. If the walls are fairly even, then the mixture should be rubbed as thinly as possible over the entire sheet. If the surface has irregularities, then it is necessary to carry out some work first.

Surface preparation

Insulation with polystyrene provides for the need for pre-treatment of the base. First, the surface must be washed from dust and dirt. After that, unnecessary items are removed, such as pieces of reinforcement, protruding nails, and other things. To level the facade, you can use a plaster mix, and in those places where there are cracks and crevices, it is best to go through putty. This will eliminate unpleasant consequences and improve the quality of thermal insulation. The final stage of preparation is the application of a primer.

Insulation installation

It is important to install according to panel technology. Polystyrene in this case will show all its positive qualities. You need to join the sheets with the cut sides, as they have flat surface, due to this, the gaps will be minimal. Large seams are best dealt with with liquid Styrofoam or Styrofoam pieces. However, you should not use mounting foam, as it will contribute to the expansion of the insulation, which will negatively affect the integrity of the structure. Irregularities in the joints on the sheets can be eliminated with a grater or coarse sandpaper. Polystyrene, the characteristics of which were presented above, must be fastened with dish-shaped dowels that have a different hat. It will be able to efficiently drive the sheet to the surface. The rest of the fasteners, such as nails or self-tapping screws, should be discarded, since there is a possibility that a strong wind will deform the insulation. After installing the fasteners, the self-tapping screw will need to be covered with putty.

After the polystyrene sheet is attached to the wall, you will need to install dowels in the holes. Initially, the fasteners will need to be installed around the perimeter, and then press the central part. As soon as one row is ready, you can proceed to the second. Work should be carried out moving from left to right. It is important to adhere to the level, for this you can use a laser or construction device. However, it is worth considering that it will not be possible to completely get rid of the error. Until the glue sets, you can still cut or substitute the material in certain places.

Installation of insulation in two layers

Polystyrene, the price of which is quite acceptable for a modern consumer, can be installed in two layers. If there is a need for more effective insulation, it is worth using this technology. The first layer does not need to be covered with putty; finishing work of this type should be transferred to the second layer. Fixation can be done without glue, using only dish-shaped dowels, the length of which should correspond to the thickness of two words. It should be excluded the possibility of mechanical fasteners getting into the place where the dowel is already installed. If this happens, then in this case it will be necessary to redo the work, and it will not be possible to get rid of the hole. The sizes of polystyrene are different. For this reason, before visiting the store, it is recommended to calculate the area of the insulated surface. Thus, for a square slab of 1100x500 mm you will have to pay 1500 rubles.

Final works

Once the insulation is installed, it should be left until the glue dries. For decorative finishes surfaces, plaster can be used, however, surface reinforcement is used. The grid is installed by some owners of private houses. Used for decoration and plastic profiles, as well as lining. You must independently choose for yourself the option that will be most acceptable. If the work is carried out independently, then it is important to evaluate your abilities, because it will depend on the quality of the installation appearance your house. Polystyrene, the price of which was mentioned above, is an effective thermal insulation. You can use it in several layers in order to achieve a positive result. This is the approach recommended by experts in their field. To each home master such work will be possible.

To provide heat in the house, it is necessary to insulate not only the roof, but also the walls.

There is a wide range of materials for wall insulation on the market.

Walls can be insulated both outside and inside.

When the walls are insulated from the outside, the area of \u200b\u200bthe living space is preserved, and insulation technology allows you to provide the building with warm and modern walls.

Before proceeding with the insulation of the walls, it is necessary to determine the method of insulation. Stack or - individual preference. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The features of each method of insulation must be studied at the time of the design of the building.

Warming from the inside

Internal wall insulation is characterized by the following features:

the cost of insulation from the inside is less than for external insulation;
season and weather do not affect the choice of time for work;
there is no need to build additional scaffolding for insulation work.

Negative factors for internal insulation are:

a significant reduction in living space;
the outer wall is isolated from the heating from the room;
the probability of the formation of a fungus inside the wall increases, since the dew point is formed precisely in the inner part of the structure;
when the heating is turned off, the walls cool down quickly due to the low inertia of the insulation;
the place where the ceiling adjoins the outer wall cannot be equipped with insulation, which leads to the formation of cold bridges.

The method of insulating walls from the outside is more popular despite the fact that the cost of labor and materials for performing work is much higher than the method of internal insulation.

Dew point

Warming outside

The advantage of wall insulation from the outside is:

in winter period and in cold weather, heat is stored in the wall for a long time;
the design area of the premises is preserved;
external thermal insulation protects internal walls from dampness.

Besides, external walls are additionally protected from the effects of atmospheric phenomena, which significantly increases the service life of the structure.

The main disadvantages of external thermal insulation of a structure are:

limiting the performance of work in accordance with weather conditions;
increase in the cost of materials used.

Which side of the wall should be insulated with polystyrene foam

It is advisable to insulate walls with expanded polystyrene from the outside, since the material does not allow air to pass through, which can lead to condensation inside the wall during internal insulation, and inside the room, the material can emit a specific smell.

Advantages and disadvantages of expanded polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene material is porous air-containing raw materials, is used in most cases as a heat-insulating material.

In industry, the material can also be used as an electrical insulating and packaging material.

The material has gained wide application due to its quality indicators:

low level of water absorption;
low thermal conductivity;
ease;
biological stability;
durability;
compressive strength;
not affected by temperatures;
ease of installation;
low material cost.

Comparison of heaters

Despite the impressive list of positive indicators, expanded polystyrene has disadvantages that must be considered during installation:

low sound insulation;
instability to solvents and many chemicals;
afraid of fire. When burning, it releases harmful toxic substances;
poor resistance to ultraviolet;
easily susceptible to rodents and insects, which, by making holes in the material, provoke its destruction;
low vapor permeability;
fragility.

However, the production technology of these materials is different.: expanded polystyrene is produced by extrusion, when the granules melt when combined into a single structure, polystyrene - by gluing the granules with dry steam.

Specifications

Types of expanded polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene is classified according to the method of production of the material and the inclusion of various additives in it:

extruded polystyrene foam. Produced by pressing;
non-pressed polystyrene foam. Produced by removing moisture by drying, and then foamed at high temperatures;
Not much different from non-pressing, an extruder is additionally used in production. The best and best option for wall insulation.

There are other types of expanded polystyrene (extrusive, autoclaved), but they are not used as heaters, because they have different characteristics.

In addition to the types of polystyrene foam, there are also different kinds heaters such as:

Pie wall when using insulation - expanded polystyrene outside

A wall pie is called layers of materials that are stacked in a certain order, each of which performs its own functions to ensure a normal microclimate in the room.

With thermal insulation brick walls polystyrene, laid on the outside, pie wall looks like this:

internal plaster;
outer wall;
adhesive solution for gluing polystyrene foam;
insulation (polystyrene foam);
adhesive solution for gluing the next layer;
fiberglass mesh;
adhesive composition;
primer;
finishing plaster.

NOTE!

When arranging a wall using expanded polystyrene, it is necessary to lay the layers in a strict sequence.

Internal and finishing plaster can be replaced by others finishing materials provided by design solutions.

Wall cake "wet"

Issues of vapor barrier and waterproofing

An important requirement in the construction and home improvement is correct execution all work to ensure ventilation and waterproofing, since it is the incorrect installation of these components that significantly reduces the characteristics of the structure.

When insulating walls with polystyrene, waterproofing is not needed.. It should be noted that with a high passage of groundwater under the building, it is imperative to waterproof the basement and foundation.

Since expanded polystyrene does not allow air and water to pass through, it is not necessary to lay a vapor barrier layer when insulating walls from the outside.

Insulation wall pie for siding

Sealing gaps and preparing the crate

Installation of polystyrene foam on the crate is the most time-consuming process among the insulation options. Most often, the crate is done in the case of finishing with siding.

Crack sealing

If it is planned to carry out work on the installation of siding on the wall of a house made of beams, then you must first seal the seams with high quality, clean the surface of dust and debris and seal the gaps with sealants, mounting foam or a mixture of sawdust and PVA.

If the wall is concrete, brick or foam blocks, then cracks in such houses are cleaned of sand, treated with a primer, then sealed as follows:

if a small gap. The prepared mixture of cement and sand with the addition of PVA closes the gap with a spatula;
if the gap is medium in size. At a distance of 20 cm, make holes for dowels. Using screws with washers, pull the metal mesh over the gap and seal it with plaster pressed into the mesh. Next, apply the final layer;
P ri big crack. Seal the gap with mounting foam, cut off irregularities and seal with plaster in two layers.

Large cracks can be repaired with anchors:

knock down the plaster, close up the splits with mounting foam;
install a channel in the opening and fix a reinforcing mesh on it;
you can use staples from reinforcing mesh;
apply plaster;
putty.

Crack sealing

When the wall is prepared for laying insulation, you can mount the crate.

Crate preparation

The crate for siding can be made from a metal profile and from wooden beam . In humid climates, it is advisable to install metal rails.

Before proceeding with the installation of the crate, it is necessary to determine the location of the siding:

with horizontal siding. The beam or metal profile is installed perpendicularly;
with vertical siding. Frame boards or metal profiles are installed in a horizontal position.

The step of the crate is determined by the width of the expanded polystyrene sheet: in width it should fit tightly between the laths of the crate and not form a gap.

The order of work is determined by the steps:

treat the wall with special mastic;
frame boards are fixed around the entire perimeter of the walls with galvanized screws and plastic dowels;
if holes are formed between the beam and the wall, these gaps are sealed with pieces of polystyrene foam by gluing them to the wall.

CAREFULLY!

If the crate is made of wood, the boards must first be treated with antiseptic agents.

The implementation of the crate does not require special skills, but it should be noted that the choice of materials should be made based on climate conditions.

Sheathing for siding

Wooden crate

The technology of wall insulation with polystyrene from the outside

Before proceeding with the insulation of the wall with polystyrene foam, it is necessary to dismantle the drains, decorative elements, clean and prime the wall. Next, make thermal insulation of ebbs and window slopes.

Now let's talk about the thickness of polystyrene foam.

NOTE!

When insulating walls with extruded polystyrene, sheets are used, the thickness of which is from 80 to 100 mm and more.

You can also use thinner sheets. 30-40 mm thick if laid in two layers.

Let's start installing the insulation on the walls with our own hands:

a profile is installed at the bottom of the wall to hold the expanded polystyrene;
an adhesive mixture is applied to the wall over the entire area pointwise and onto the insulation sheet (abundantly on the center and edges of the sheet);
tightly attach the sheet for gluing to the wall;
fasten the panel with dowels in such a way that the dowel enters the wall by at least 50 mm. The location of the dowels is made in the center of the panel and at the joints. It is recommended to use plastic nails;
if gaps are formed (up to 2 cm), then they are sealed with mounting foam if the gaps are larger, then they are first sealed with pieces of insulation, and then foamed. Excess foam is cut off;
the heads of plastic nails are cleaned and puttied.

After installing the insulation, a reinforcing mesh is applied to the facade. Grid strips should be cut into corners and slopes and glued with an adhesive with a spatula. An adhesive composition is applied to the grid along the wall so that it penetrates through the grid onto the polystyrene foam by 0.1 cm. If an overlap forms, separate strips of the grid are superimposed on it and glued additionally.