All About Styrofoam Sheets

Polyfoam is a very popular material that is most often used in construction in our country. Sound and heat insulation of premises is realized through this product.

In today's article, we will consider all the most important about the sheets of this material.

Polyfoam, like any other material, has a number of positive and negative qualities. Before purchasing foam sheets, a person must understand both the first and second points.

We will find out what are the advantages of foam.

• Foam sheets are relatively inexpensive, which makes them very popular and in demand. Many buyers are attracted by the democratic cost of such materials in comparison with analogues.

• Foam is characterized by low thermal conductivity... Due to this, the sheets of this material demonstrate excellent thermal insulation characteristics.

• Styrofoam is simple and flexible in the conditions of installation work. It is lightweight, which also makes it easier to work with.

• The sheet material under consideration is characterized by low level of hygroscopicity.

• Quality foam is environmentally friendly and safe material that does not harm the health of living organisms.

• Polyfoam is a popular and widespread building material, which is sold in many retail outlets.

• Foam has a wide range of uses. It is often used to insulate various buildings. Polyfoam is suitable for thermal insulation of floors, ceilings, plinths and other substrates.

• This building material is durable... If you carry out the installation work correctly and select high-quality foam, then it can last at least 30 years, which is a very good indicator.

• The sheet material is resistant to fungi and various harmful microorganisms. Polyfoam implies an artificial origin, therefore it does not face these problems.

Despite the considerable number of advantages, the sheet material in question also has certain disadvantages.

• This sheet material is fire hazardous. When choosing foam, it is recommended to give preference to more advanced specimens, in the content of which there are special flame retardants that reduce the ignition temperature. In addition, these components contribute to the damping of the flame.

• Polyfoam is susceptible to destruction if it is constantly exposed to ultraviolet rays... And also the material can collapse under the influence of various chemical compounds, therefore it needs additional protection.

• Evaluating all the pros and cons of polystyrene, it is very important to take into account the fact that mice often start in it.... Such building materials are the most comfortable environment for small rodents to live. That is why, when installing foam, it is so important to close the access of mice to it. This can be done by sealing up possible entrances with mineral wool - mice do not like it very much.

The very structure of the considered sheet material consists of granules that stick to each other under the action of a special press or under the influence of high temperature values.Polyfoam is used not only for the purpose of insulating homes, but also for the manufacture of various decorative elements. These can be pretty skirting boards or moldings.

Foam sheets are produced strictly in accordance with GOST... The length and width parameters of a standard sheet are 1000 mm and 2000 mm. Any manufacturer has the ability to cut material with other dimensions. Often on sale there are options with dimensions of 1200x600 mm. Such products are in great demand. And also buyers can find sheets of 500x500, 1000x1000, 1000x500 mm.

In accordance with GOST, sheets can be cut 10 mm less if their length is more than 2000 mm and their width is 100 cm. In terms of thickness for thin specimens up to 50 mm, a difference of about 2 mm is permissible. If the thickness is more than the specified 50 mm, then a difference of plus or minus 3 mm is allowed.

Foam sheets with different indicators are used for different jobs.

• If it is necessary to insulate the floors on the ground floor, then options from 50 mm are suitable.

• For the second (and higher) floor, it is worth choosing sheets from 20 to 30 mm.

• For additional soundproofing of the floor - 40 mm.

• To sheathe the walls of the house inside - from 20 to 30 mm.

• For external wall cladding - 50-150 mm.

There are several brands of Styrofoam.

• PSB-S... The most popular and widespread brand of material. The numbers in this marking indicate the density level of the sheets. For example, PSB-S 15, which are the least dense, are characterized by a parameter of 15 kg / m3. A similar brand is used for insulating areas of temporary residence, for example, trailers, change houses.

• PSB-S 25. These are more popular options with a density of 25 kg / m3. Sheets with such parameters are used to insulate various buildings and structures.

• PSB-S 35. The density of these options is 35 kg / m3. Together with the main functions, such materials are aimed at waterproofing walls.

• PSB-S 50. Quality sheets suitable for flooring in refrigerated warehouses. They are often used in road construction.

We will understand in more detail in which specific areas high-quality foam sheets are most often used.

• Foam sheets can be used to insulate wall structures not only outside, but also inside various buildings. In addition, these materials are ideal for thermal insulation of roofs and floors.

• Foam structures are often used for isolation of various engineering communications.

• Considered sheet material can be used for sound insulation both between floors and between separate rooms in different buildings.

• Styrofoam it is allowed to install for thermal insulation of foundation structures.

• As stated above, flexible foam sheets are perfect for making a huge number of original decorative elements for the interior.

• There is also a special packaging foam... Currently, it is very often used for the transportation and storage of dishes, window and other glass structures, equipment, fragile wooden products, and food products.

The multitasking material in question has all the necessary characteristics to work with it as easily and simply as possible. Lightweight foam sheets can be processed without problems, being extremely pliable. Such products are easily cut if necessary. Cutting can be carried out both with a sharp knife and with a special hand-type saw.The choice of the right tool depends on the sheet thickness parameter.