Characteristics of foam
The main characteristics of the material include the following characteristics:
- low values of conductivity of heat( 0,037-0,041 W / m).For example, the insulation of cellar walls in the central district requires a foam thickness of 0.12 m;
- thanks to the structure of the material, it steadily behaves in a wide temperature range. The lower temperature threshold is -180 ° C;
- high resistance to biological and chemical agents, such as oil, sea water, salt, water-soluble paints, bitumen, alkalis and others;
- high resistance to diffusion of water vapor( absorbs moisture only 0.5-1.5% of the total volume).The foam does not dissolve and does not swell in the water;
- material possesses 100% resistance to decay, is not suitable as a nutrient medium for fungi, food for microorganisms and animals;
- ideal soundproofing;
- is light in weight, and also easy to process and install.
Thanks to the above parameters of foam, it is possible to insulate the basement from the inside completely, that is, walls, ceiling and floor. Warming the cellar with foam plastic for the method of "wet" facade implies the treatment with plaster.
Due to the characteristics of the foam it is possible to sew:
- building outside;
- walls( for building construction, insulation);
- building inside;
- floor and ceiling.
How to protect polystyrene foam?
The only drawback of the material is that it is fond of eating mice. To avoid the harmful effects of rodents on polystyrene, it should be covered with a solution. Warming the basement floor, and any other floor, involves the organization of a concrete screed under the heater, as rodents are able to dig holes and get to the material.
Polyfoam is sensitive to direct sunlight, so do not leave it open on the sunny side of the building. Otherwise it will gradually collapse.
Important! To protect the material from bark beetle, it must be covered with a layer of putty.
Due to its characteristics and indicators of low heat output, such a heater will protect your house from colds well, and also significantly reduce the cost of heating. It is worth investing once in the means of warming the house to save energy for many years.
Features when installing
Before you begin the insulation of the basement foam, you need to find out what thickness the material needs. As a rule, purchase sheets of foam plastic can be a thickness of 2 to 10 centimeters. There is a thickness and more, but it is used much less often.
The material also has a different density, and weight. In construction, polystyrene is usually used with a density of 15 to 35 kilograms per cubic meter. Warming of the basement ceiling is the most common type of work to provide heat savings in the cellar.
Important! The ceiling is insulated in exactly the same way as the walls.
Many experts do not recommend the use of foam plastic as a heater for living spaces, but they say that this material is ideal for garages, cellars, warehouses, and also for a device in wooden floors between floors as a good soundproofing device.
