Polystyrene plates: properties, application features

Plates polystyrene are quite popular in construction with the insulation of walls, floor or ceiling. The material is characterized by many positive advantages, easy application and relatively inexpensive price.

Description of building slabs

The material in question is made of expanded polystyrene pellets, which undergo special treatment in several stages. The production of plates consists of the fact that the granules are first foamed, and then stabilized. The latter process helps to restore the pressure, and the plates take on the necessary shape. After fabrication, the material is allowed to lie down for 24 hours to completely complete its production.

Polystyrene plates are used for decoration of facades and for interior works of residential or public premises. This material is considered harmless to the health of people and animals, on the contrary, creates the necessary microclimate in the room. With interior decoration used for insulation of walls, ceiling and floor.

Material Features

Considered plates have many advantages, among which it is necessary to note the following:

• The thermal conductivity of the material is much lower than that of wood or brick, so it is characterized by a high energy-saving capacity. Plates heat-insulating allow to save on heating during the operation of the building, in addition, they are used to protect the pipelines from freezing.
• The water resistance of the plates is high enough, the material does not deform, does not dissolve and does not absorb water, so it can be used for warming the foundation of the building, especially when polystyrene is required to contact the ground.
• Plates are resistant to chemical and biological substances. They do not dissolve and do not deteriorate when they interact with alkaline medium, various acids, cleaning or bleaching agents, building materials: cement, paints, bitumen and others. Plates of polystyrene foam are resistant to the development of microorganisms, their structure does not allow the appearance of mold, fungus, algae.
• The strength of the material is quite high at its low density, it does not break down and does not deform on the folds, under compression.
• Plates are characterized by a long service life, with time they do not lose form, thermophysical and mechanical properties. Resistant to temperature changes, do not rot.
• The fire resistance of the material lies in the fact that the polystyrene plates can burn only if there is an open flame, outside it they die out on their own. Self-ignition of them is possible at a temperature of +491 degrees Celsius.

Use of material for wall decoration

Plates retain heat well, so they are quite popular when facing wall surfaces. The thickness and size of the material are determined by how warm the room should be.

Before finishing, it is necessary to prepare the walls, so that the plates are securely fixed and do not fall off during operation. It is recommended to clean all surfaces from dirt and dust, which can be done with a spatula and a brush (vacuum cleaner). In the presence of large irregularities, pits, they must be plastered. In general, insulation boards do not require perfectly flat walls.

When finishing the surfaces, the parts of the material must fit tightly against each other. If necessary, they are easily cut with a hacksaw, holes in the plates can be made using an electric drill.

Decoration of the ceiling with polystyrene elements

The material in question is widely used in the finishing of ceiling surfaces. Here, the plates perform mainly decorative function, however their thermal insulation and soundproof properties help to maintain the necessary heat and less to hear the neighbors from above.

Modern polystyrene plates for ceilings are distinguished by a variety of colors, textures and patterns. You can pick up a white classic or material with imitation under a tree. In addition, there are design tiles, which have various bizarre shapes.

Before gluing the elements, it is necessary to prepare the ceiling surface, while old paint or whitewash is not completely removed, modern adhesives allow you to glue the tiles on the old materials. However, scaly, cracked parts are best sanded. Then the ceiling must be cleaned of dust, degreased and primed.

Polystyrene slabs for underfloor heating

Due to the fact that the material in question can withstand sufficiently high temperatures, it has been used for the underfloor heating system. Tiles have special channels, in which the pipes of the heating system will then be laid.

Installation of the floor is simple enough, it is suitable for rooms with low ceilings, in addition, this type of floor relieves of the work associated with pouring screed. A polyethylene film is laid on the base flat surface, a special damper tape is laid along the perimeter of the room . Then put the plates, aluminum heat reflector and pipes of the warm floor.

Close such a system by the method of dry screed. For this type of floor heating, any floor covering can be used: laminate, parquet, linoleum.

Adhesive for tiles

Technologies do not stand still and develop all the time, this also applies to adhesives. In the construction market, a special adhesive for polystyrene boards has appeared, which effectively binds them practically to any surface.

Polyurethane adhesive is suitable for outdoor and indoor work, it is a foam that quickly and reliably glues various materials. This tool is able to replace liquid nails, glue for ceiling and heat insulation elements, gypsum board.

Thus, polystyrene slabs are a durable, reliable building material that retains heat well, with water resistance, strength, resistance to various chemicals of chemical and biological origin.