Extruded Styrofoam

Extruded polystyrene foam is a type of foam with a slightly modified manufacturing process. Due to which it acquires some positive properties, but at the same time inherits the disadvantages of polystyrene. This is a light gas-filled material for the production of which polystyrenes, styrene copolymers and their derivatives are manufactured using advanced technology, the idea of which is gas filling and foaming by heating granules of the feedstock.

Extruded polystyrene foam reviews

In the finished product, the product is represented by plates that are perfectly suitable for the insulation of the surfaces of houses and industrial buildings and even in the thermal insulation device in the construction of road surfaces.

The material has such positive characteristics as good thermal insulation due to low thermal conductivity. Available in fireproof versions. It does not perceive the influence of a humid environment, it is easy to process and has the necessary strength, durable.

Among the shortcomings, it can be determined that expanded polystyrene has not yet passed the full test of time and will be used in the construction of less than forty years of the warranty period defined for it. Another disadvantage is the fact that it, like polystyrene, emits toxic poisonous substances with strong heating.

You can learn about extruded polystyrene foam from direct consumers of the product, who decided to acquaint others with their experience in its use and practical information about the advantages and disadvantages of insulation.

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Ivan

The use of extruded polystyrene foam when warming the loggia.

A comment

They installed plastic windows on the loggia, but the outer wall froze in winter, covered with hoarfrost, and the side walls were also very cold. I wanted to have a warm loggia. For insulation we decided to use extruded polystyrene foam brand Penopleks 40 mm thick.

Attached to glue Perlfiks and special dowels - fungi. The glue was applied so that it filled the irregularities of the brickwork and corners. Expanded polystyrene was insulated both the walls and the ceiling. It is easily cut with an ordinary hacksaw, the plates are well connected with each other, because they have not a smooth sidewall, but with a protrusion.
Putty on top, pasted non-woven wallpaper and painted. For the third year everything has been holding on, it’s warm on the loggia, it’s not freezing.

pros

It is convenient in work.
Easy - no need to hire movers when unloading. Convenient sizes and packaging that you can bring home in a car.
Strong enough - does not slip and does not deform.
Compared to other heaters - for example, fiberglass, it is not necessary to cover with drywall or panels.

Minuses

You can not glue only on glue - it is necessary to fix it with fungi, so it is difficult to insulate the ceiling.
Moss and mold may appear at joints and corners. To prevent this from happening, the joints must be sealed with glue.

Term of use

more than three years

Recommendation to others

Recommend

Quality
4/5
Practicality
5/5
Price
4/5

Dmitriy.

The best option for warming the foundation and floor of the first floor

A comment

A couple of years ago, he matured with the construction of his house. When deciding on the issue of insulation, I considered all the materials that are on the market, chose which is better where to apply. I drew attention to the extruded polystyrene foam. I read its characteristics and recommendations of the manufacturer, divided into five and ... decided that it can be used very selectively. He insulated them with the basement of the house outside. It is moisture resistant, does not rot. He put it under the floor of the first floor: thermal insulation and hydro-vapor barrier (from moisture from the basement / soil).

I am satisfied with the result so far. I did not begin to insulate the walls of the house with extruded polystyrene foam, neither inside nor outside. The manufacturer indicates that the vapor permeability of this insulation is close to zero, which means that the humidity in the house will be increased, air exchange may not be enough. Will need additional ventilation. Otherwise, I think it will be damp and mold. During installation, the insulation sheets are convenient: light and there are grooves at the edges, thanks to which the material fits snugly without leaving seams. I believe that I applied the extruded polystyrene foam correctly, as intended.

pros

Very good thermal insulation and hydro-vapor barrier.

Minuses

Cons of this insulation: it easily ignites and is very toxic when burned. A little expensive.

Term of use

more than three years

Recommendation to others

Difficult to answer

Quality
5/5
Practicality
4/5
Price
3/5

Vladimir

Expanded polystyrene is an effective heater.

A comment

Extruded polystyrene foam for me personally is just the perfect option, as for the ease of insulation of the premises. He insulated the garage, since it became expensive to heat in the winter, and if you did not insulate, then the twists for the winter were frozen in it. Therefore, in one day I glued the walls, and two more went on wall upholstery and plaster. Very convenient material for beginners - it is much more difficult to work with mineral wool.

Extruded polystyrene is a little more expensive than regular polystyrene and I asked the seller in the store what the difference is between them. It turned out to be quite significant. In the United States even banned polystyrene for use in construction. It is much weaker than polystyrene foam in many respects - it absorbs moisture and collapses in the cold. Polyfoam consists of "balls" between which there are voids. Gathering moisture, they in a warm room become a great place for the development of fungi.

pros

Very good, inexpensive material, which is certainly worth buying and insulating non-residential premises with it. Lightweight material for processing, low price, durability.

Minuses

But I would definitely not recommend insulating the walls of residential premises. Although it is universally applied. The fact is that when burned, toxic (extremely) substances are released. This is confirmed by manufacturers. But if it stands out during burning, then why is it not logical to assume that the same does not happen from heating, say on a hot day from the sun? Though not so much, but still ... And the walls tend to breathe. And this can happen for years.

Term of use

more than three years

Recommendation to others

Recommend