How much does penoplex replace brickwork? How much Penoplex will replace a brick wall? calculation and comparison with the value for brick, mineral wool and wood

Home insulation can be done different ways, for example, using foam, which is characterized by high performance. These include: practicality, environmental friendliness, low weight, ease of installation, immunity to temperature changes, as well as an affordable price. But the main advantage is the low thermal conductivity of the foam, which makes it possible to achieve excellent energy savings.

What are the properties of the material?

The ability to conduct heat is influenced by many factors, in particular:

• Layer thickness. Sometimes, in order to achieve high-quality energy saving, you have to apply a large number of isolation. For example, the thermal conductivity of 5 cm foam boards will be lower than 1 cm at the same density.
• Structure. The porous structure leads to an increase in insulating properties, because the cells contain air, which perfectly retains heat.
• Humidity. Plates during storage must be protected from moisture. This is due to the fact that the liquid does not have a very favorable effect on the characteristics of heat-insulating foams: the more it accumulates, the worse.
• Average layer temperature. Its increase leads to a deterioration in the efficiency of the use of the insulator.

Types of foam and their performance

There are a huge number of insulation boards on the construction market. In general, polystyrene foam has a low thermal conductivity, but it varies depending on its type. Examples: sheets marked PSB-S 15 have a density of up to 15 kg / m3 and a thickness of 2 cm, while the described indicator is up to 0.037 W / (m * K) at a temperature environment 20-30 °С. Its value for sheets of 2-50 cm with marking PSB-S 35, with a density of not more than 35 kg / m3 and 16-25 kg / m3 marking PSB-S 25 of the same size - 0.033 W / (m * K) and 0.035 W / (m*K), respectively.

The dependence of the thermal conductivity of a foam insulation on its thickness is best seen when it is compared with various materials. So, a sheet of 50-60 mm replaces twice the volume of mineral wool, and 100 mm is equivalent to 123 mm of expanded polystyrene foam, which has approximately similar characteristics. Strongly loses and basalt wool. But the thermal conductivity of Penoplex is somewhat lower than that of polystyrene: in order to get normal temperature conditions indoors, you need 20 and 25 mm, respectively.

How to determine which sheets to buy?

In order to most effectively apply one or another method of insulation, it is necessary to choose the correct dimensions of the material. Calculations are performed according to the following algorithm:

• Find out the total heat resistance. This is a constant value that depends on the climate in a particular region. For example, for the southern regions of Russia, it is 2.8, and for Middle lane- 4.2 kW/m2.
• Calculate the heat resistance of the wall itself using the formula R \u003d p / k, which can be done knowing its thickness (p) and the coefficient of ability to conduct heat (k).
• Based on constant indicators, find out what resistance value the insulation should have.
• Calculate the required value using the formula p = R * k, where R is the value from the previous step, and k is the calculated thermal conductivity coefficient for the foam.

As an example, it is worth finding out what layer of slabs is needed with a density of 30 kg / m3 for a wall of one brick (about 0.25 m) in one of the southern regions. The total heat resistance should not be less than 2.8 kW / m2, while the coefficient determined from special tables is 0.047 (W / m * k). Now you need to know other parameters.

Coefficient for silicate brick k = 0.7 (W / m * k). It is necessary to calculate its thermal resistance:

R = 0.25 / 0.7 = 0.36 (kW/m2).

The same indicator is calculated for the heater:

R \u003d 2.8 - 0.36 \u003d 2.44 (kW / m2).

It remains to find out the thickness of the insulating layer:

p \u003d 2.44 * 0.047 \u003d 0.11 m.

You can also calculate this value for other conditions, for example, for a wall of 0.51 m, an insulation of 70 mm is suitable. Thus, when selecting the required dimensions of foam, time and money are saved on laying the wall. So, 10 cm of material with a density of 15-17 kg / m3 replaces masonry in one brick, and if you take denser sheets, this will allow you to do without two rows of stone. It is traditionally believed that 2 cm of insulation is equivalent to about 50 cm of brick.

During the construction of buildings, planning thermal insulation works often the question arises of replacing expensive building materials cheaper counterparts. In the case of brick wall cladding, developers offer as budget option use Penoplex. Despite the fact that both materials are used for outdoor masonry, they can only be compared in terms of thermal conductivity. Based on the thermal insulation properties, the required amount is calculated to replace the brick.

What kind of material and its characteristics

"Penoplex" - the name of the popular plates of extruded polystyrene foam used to insulate structures of any kind.

The material specifications are as follows:

• environmental friendliness;
• water resistance;
• strength;
• thickness in the range from 20 to 100 mm;
• safe chemical composition;
• long service life.

In terms of thermal conductivity, foam plastic clearly prevails over brick. The thermal performance of silicate brickwork is 0.76 W/m2°C, and that of full-bodied ceramic masonry is 0.7. This is provided that the space between the bricks is filled with cement-sand mortar: in comparison with other building mixtures, the base of cement and sand provides the greatest thermal insulation. The indicators for foam are as follows: Penoplex block 50 mm - 0.038 W / m2 ° C, 30 mm - 0.037. The figures indicated are approximate.

How is it used for insulation?

Such material can insulate the walls.

"Penoplex" can be used for thermal insulation of both the outer and inner sides of the walls. However, expanded polystyrene is not recommended for chimney insulation: the material does not withstand too high temperatures, which can result in a fire. For installation, either special cement-based adhesive mixtures or umbrella-shaped dowels are usually used.

How much brickwork does foam plastic replace?

The calculation of the replacement of building stone with expanded polystyrene is carried out from the ratio of the results of multiplication (separately for brick and polystyrene) of indicators of heat transfer resistance to thermal conductivity. It is believed that an acceptable figure for non-industrial buildings is 2.1 m2 ° C / W of heat transfer resistance. So, for brickwork, multiplying the average thermal insulation characteristics gives the following thickness: 2.1 × 0.7 W / m2 ° С = 1.47 m. In the case of Penoplex with a density of 30 kg / m3: 2.1 × 0.037 = 0.077 meters. With a ratio with building stone (1.47 / 0.077), it turns out that polystyrene foam is needed approximately 19 times less. So brick and "Penoplex" will have the same thermal insulation characteristics.

In order not to bother with calculations, there is an approximate ratio for replacing building stone with polystyrene foam. A 2 cm thick foam block can replace 370 mm brick wall. The savings in material costs is at least 150 rubles per square meter lining. "Penoplex" 30 mm replaces brick by almost 6 cm. If the thickness of "Penoplex" is 50 millimeters, the equivalent of brickwork is 9.25 centimeters.

Of the modern heat insulators, penoplex is considered the most effective. This insulation material is made from extruded polystyrene, which automatically makes it cheap, but superior in technical specifications, such as, moisture absorption and sound insulation, other heat insulators.

Penoplex production and varieties of material

The production of foam plastic is organized according to the following technology: small polystyrene granules in a sealed chamber are exposed to high temperatures (130 0 C-140 0 C), as a result of which they melt, and after adding porophores they foam. Porophores are synthetic additives that, during heating, release nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which, after cooling the foam, turn into frozen air bubbles, evenly distributed throughout the material.

Components of porophores for the production of extruded polystyrene foam (foam plex):

The frozen foam may contain some synthetic fillers, the presence of which determines the direction of the use of insulation - for walls, foundations, etc. The most common additives are flame retardants to increase fire safety (reduce the degree of flammability), antioxidants to protect the material from oxidation in the open air, antistatic agents to relieve static and dynamic stress during the operation of the insulation, light stabilizers (protection from negative impact UV radiation), modifying additives, etc.

Polystyrene foam under pressure is extruded from the extruder chamber onto a conveyor for final formation into slabs or blocks. The percentage of gases in the insulation reaches 98% of the total volume of the finished foam, so the products are light in weight with impressive dimensions. Dimensions for each functional line of insulation are shown in the tables below.

The small pore size (0.1-0.3 mm) and their complete isolation from each other guarantees high thermal insulation performance of any grades of foam. For different construction projects, it is necessary to select the appropriate series and brands of insulation, since structures can be operated in different conditions:

1. Brand "K" is designed for insulation of pitched or flat roofs and roofs. Specific gravity(density) series "K" - 28-33 kg / m 3;
2. Series "C" - insulation for internal and external walls with a substance density of 25-35 kg / m 3;
3. Brand "F", basement and basement. Material with high moisture resistance, biological stability and specific gravity ≥37 kg/m 3 ;
4. Penoplex brand "Comfort" - a universal series of insulation with a density of 25-35 kg / m 3. Direction of application - insulation of apartments, houses, basements, balconies and loggias;
5. Brand "45" has the most high performance frost resistance and strength, specific gravity 35-47 kg / m 3. Designed for thermal insulation of the roadway, runway, and other heavily loaded objects and structures.

A separate category is produced sandwich panels, which are an improved heat insulator for insulating attics and mansards, facades and foundations of buildings. Sandwich panel has 2-3 layers and cement chipboard as the bottom layer.

Operational and technical properties of penoplex, advantages and disadvantages

1. Thermal conductivity - 0.03 Wm 0 С, the indicator does not decrease even with strong moisture;
2. Water resistance - 0.4-0.6% when immersed in water for 24 hours and for a month;
3. The vapor permeability of the material can be compared with the same indicators of roofing material with a layer thickness of 20 mm;
4. Chemical passivity: penoplex does not react to contact with mortars and most aggressive substances. Substances with which Penoplex contact is contraindicated: kerosene, acetone, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, formalin, methyl ethyl ketone, ether, diesel fuel, gasoline, tar, paints and epoxy resins;
5. High mechanical resistance to stretching, compression, tensile forces and multi-vector pressure. The compressive strength index of foam plastic is 0.2-0.5 MPa;
6. Biological neutrality - penoplex does not get sick with mold, does not decompose and does not rot;
7. A wide range of operating temperatures - from -50 to +75 0 C. The temperature range for each brand is indicated on the package;
8. Combustibility groups for different brands are different, from G1 to G4, depending on the operating conditions;
9. Ecologically safe material without use in the production of phenols and freons;
10. Guaranteed service life ≥55 years without noticeable loss in properties.

Advantages of penoplex:

1. Thermal conductivity properties make it possible to use penoplex even in the Far North - multiple freeze / thaw cycles of the material do not affect its characteristics;
2. Light weight makes it easier to transport, store, store and insulate the object, makes it possible to lighten the foundation and not to strengthen the ceilings;
3. Simple installation without the help of specialists and special tools - penoplex is easily cut with a conventional hacksaw or cutter;
4. Safety and environmental friendliness - you can work with the material without personal protective equipment;
5. Low cost of all brands of insulation. Even with a high consumption of a heat insulator, the cost of its purchase and installation pays off in 2-3 seasons.

Disadvantages of penoplex:

1. Low fire safety - a material of any combustibility group, even with flame retardant additives, can ignite with the release of acrid toxic smoke;
2. Low coefficient of vapor permeability, and under certain weather conditions - negative. Therefore, penoplex is not recommended for internal insulation of the walls of the house. To save optimal conditions operation of the insulation, it is necessary to provide forced ventilation in the house and ventilation of channels in the walls insulated with foam plastic;
3. The destruction of the material when exposed to ultraviolet radiation - sunlight. It is necessary to protect the insulation layer with plaster or other methods;
4. Due to the smooth surface, the adhesion of foam plastic with solutions is rather low, therefore, it is necessary to fix the insulation only on dowels or special expensive glue, but not on mortars.

Heat-insulating material "Wall" - properties and characteristics

The Wall brand is a renamed Penoplex 31 insulation with flame retardant additives, which has been improved for use in the insulation of “wet” facades, building foundations, plinths and basements, partitions and walls of houses from the outside and inside, roofs and attics. Characteristics of foam brand "Wall" - in the table below:

Insulation brand "Foundation" - parameters and properties

The Foundation brand is a renamed Penoplex 35 insulation without flame retardant additives, which can now be used to create thermal insulation for the bases and plinths of buildings, blind areas and basements. The strength, water resistance and thermal conductivity of the series are its main advantages. The characteristics of the "Foundation" are given in the table below:

Penoplex "Roof" - properties and characteristics

Foam insulation of the "Roof" series is a renamed material "Penoplex 35", which is recommended for use in the insulation of pitched and flat roofs any design. The use of the "Roof" series makes the further operation of the roof as simple as possible, since the reliability and long service life of the insulation minimize the possibility of repairing the roof surface. The popularity of this innovative insulation material is also due to the fact that greenhouses and summer gardens can be arranged on such a surface - such trends are now in fashion. Penoplex can withstand such high loads that it can handle a load of soil up to several tons. Characteristics of the brand of insulation penoplex "Roof" - in the table below:

"Comfort" - a universal brand of heat insulator

Heat insulator brand "Comfort" - properties and characteristics

Penoplex "Comfort" is a modified and improved "Penoplex 31C" with universal characteristics. The material is actively used in the insulation of country buildings, country houses and cottages. High installation speed and minimal labor costs popularize the insulation among private homeowners - it is used to insulate the subfloor, foundation and basement of the house, basement and roof, walls and partitions inside and outside the building. Penoplex "Comfort" has high rates of moisture resistance and thermal conductivity. In the line of the penoplex series, the Comfort brand is recognized as universal.

Penoplex protects the soil from heaving during freezing - when the soil is insulated with this material, the freezing point of the soil will rise. This series is optimal for thermal insulation of road and railway tracks, runways and technical areas of airfields. Plates "Comfort" retain their unique characteristics throughout the entire period of operation. Characteristics of the brand of insulation penoplex "Comfort" - in the table below:

It is a delusion to think that foam and polystyrene are brother materials. Some properties of foam can be equated to the parameters of the foam, but not combustibility and water absorption.

Manufacturers have long mastered the manufacture of both non-combustible foam plastic and well-burning foam plastic. But the truth is that foam plastic cannot ignite spontaneously, and in the open fire zone it will only melt, releasing carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO 2) gases. If the fire is eliminated, then the penoplex will not even smolder.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers related to PENOPLEX ® thermal insulation:

Differences between PENOPLEX ® and non-pressed expanded polystyrene (PSB)

Plates PENOPLEX ® and expanded polystyrene (PSB) differ in production technology. Pressless expanded polystyrene is created by "steaming" microgranules with water vapor in a special form and their expansion under the influence of temperature. PENOPLEX ® thermal insulation is produced by mixing polystyrene granules at elevated temperature and pressure with the introduction of a foaming agent and subsequent extrusion from an extruder. That is why PENOPLEX ® expanded polystyrene is called extruded. Also, thanks to the production technology using this technology, PENOPLEX ® obtains a closed finely porous structure, which in turn ensures high strength, almost zero water absorption, as a result - biostability and the highest durability of PENOPLEX ® boards. An important factor is also the lower thermal conductivity of PENOPLEX ® compared to non-pressed expanded polystyrene (PSB), which makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the required thermal insulation by about 30%.

Which insulation to choose: PENOPLEX ® or mineral (stone) wool?

What is better PENOPLEX ® or mineral wool? This is a question that quite often arises from private developers. Each of these materials has its own advantages. For example, PENOPLEX ® is practically indispensable in loaded structures and in a humid environment, while mineral wool shows itself better in sound insulation. In addition, some types of mineral wool have a lower price, but this plus often disappears due to the low quality of such wool, as a result - large shrinkage, as well as the need for greater thickness of thermal insulation.

PENOPLEX ® is distinguished from mineral wool by a number of characteristics:

• lower thermal conductivity.
• high compressive strength
• absolute moisture resistance (PENOPLEX ® does not absorb water, due to which it retains its thermal insulation properties throughout the entire service life).
• absolute biostability (PENOPLEX ® is not a matrix for the development of bacteria, mold and other microorganisms).
• ease of installation (PENOPLEX ® does not require special means protection when working with it).

What is the density of PENOPLEX ® ?

Density of PENOPLEX ® boards for private use ranges from 23 to 35 kg/m3. For the professional segment, this figure can reach up to 45 kg/m3. At the same time, it is important to understand that the density of PENOPLEX ® is not a key factor in determining the scope of the material. More important is such a characteristic as compressive strength. The strength characteristics of PENOPLEX ® vary over a wider range. The minimum compressive strength at 10% deformation for PENOPLEX ® boards is 0.12 MPa, such boards are used for unloaded structures (for example, for wall insulation). Plates intended for insulation of foundations have higher compressive strengths - 0.3 MPa, since it is these structures that take on the main loads from the building. PENOLEKS ® grades intended for road construction and structures with increased loads can have a strength of 0.50 MPa and more.

A wide range of characteristics makes it possible to use PENOPLEX ® boards for insulation of almost any structure, both in cottage and low-rise buildings, and in industrial and civil construction.

What is the melting point of PENOPLEX?

The temperature range of application of PENOPLEX ® boards is in the range from -70 to +75 degrees Celsius, which allows using this material in any climatic zones.

At temperatures above 75 degrees Celsius, PENOPLEX ® can change its mechanical properties in the direction of reducing the strength of the material.

How many bricks does PENOPLEX ® replace?

If we compare materials in terms of heat-insulating properties, then a PENOPLEX ® slab 50 mm thick (λ=0.034 W/m2°C) will replace 1280 mm masonry on a heat-insulating mortar made of solid single brick (λ=0.82 W/m2°C). (According to GOST 530-2012 Ceramic brick and stone. General specifications. Table D.1 - Thermal characteristics of solid (conditional) masonry).

On average, in terms of thermal insulation properties, 1 cm of PENOPLEX ® replaces 25 cm of brickwork, but it should be remembered - for each separate species bricks (silicate, ceramic, clinker), this comparison will be different.

The easiest way to insulate a building or structure in high humidity conditions is to use Penoplex insulation. What thickness for frost - 30 degrees C will be optimal if you use this particular insulation?

Let's see what SNiP should show in terms of thermal resistance of enclosing structures for those regions where such frosts are not uncommon.

We look at the temperature indicators in the regions

We take a table from our website and look at those very regions - in fact, the entire Urals, Siberia, and, moreover, all the northern regions of the country.

A heat transfer resistance index higher than R=3 can be achieved using any modern high-performance insulation. These are basalt wool, polyurethane foam, ordinary polystyrene foam and Penoplex insulation. What thickness for frost - 30 degrees C will be sufficient to provide the planned heat resistance for the walls of the house?

For Penoplex, as well as for basalt wool and polyurethane foam, this will be a layer 150 mm thick.

This is the minimum indicator that will allow maintaining the temperature in the house at +19 +24 degrees C during frosts of -30 degrees C using the standard design boiler power - 1 kW for every 10 sq.m. house area.

What is the importance of wall thickness

At the same time, the own walls of the house are not of particular importance in these calculations. For example, what thickness is Penoplex needed to insulate a half-brick house? 150 mm. And what should be the thickness of Penoplex for insulating the walls of a house in 2 bricks? That's right, 150 mm.

Why is that? Because, compared with modern heaters, the heat resistance of wall materials can be ignored, the difference is too great.

As you know, they replace 1500 mm of brickwork in terms of thermal efficiency, because the heat transfer resistance of XPS is 10 times higher than that of bricks.