An excellent choice is universal extruded polystyrene foam! With its help, the most complex structures are insulated, and it is excellent for self-installation. Penoplex slabs have markings on one side, maybe they need to be laid upward? Let's figure out together which side to lay extruded polystyrene foam to maximize the insulation effect!
Do you want to reduce heat loss by up to 60%? Then you have purchased the right insulation! Penoplex extruded polystyrene foam boards are produced in different thicknesses, so implementing an insulation system with a non-standard thermal insulation layer will not be difficult.
For the successful functioning of insulation, the installation of Penoplex slabs should be carried out according to certain rules. We will reveal all the tricks of laying sheets, and tell you which side to lay and glue Penoplex.
Let's reveal the secret of which side to attach Penoplex?
Expanded polystyrene slabs have been purchased, they are packed together in packs of thick film and are waiting for work to begin. Even examining the sheets in detail, one cannot find an answer as to which side to lay extruded polystyrene foam and whether Penoplex has a front side.
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about which side to attach Penoplex.
Which side should I glue Penoplex on?
The structure of polystyrene foam boards is the same on both sides, therefore there is no strictly defined side for laying. The sequence itself
gluing is simple: apply glue and lean it against the mounting surface.
The peculiarity of the slabs is that they are produced with a smooth surface. This threatens poor adhesion during self-installation. Advice from experienced craftsmen: if the slabs of extruded insulation are smooth, then before applying glue you should comb them with a grater, walk over them with a needle roller or scratch them with a stiff brush. The roughness obtained in this way will ensure reliable fixation. Where is the front or back side of polystyrene foam?
This question never confuses professionals, since Penoplex has no front or back side. Therefore, when working with extrusion, no unnecessary questions arise in this regard. It is much more important to ensure that the L-edges match and the seams overlap in the case of a two-layer insulation system.
- On what surfaces can Penoplex be placed?
Expanded polystyrene thermal insulation is universal and is perfect for most structures. The slabs are widely used for insulating brick buildings, walls made of foam and gas blocks, reinforced concrete foundations and slabs. In this case, there is absolutely no difference which side to place Penoplex 50 mm on the floor, to the wall or attach to the ceiling. It is convenient to sheathe vertical and horizontal bases with insulation. Sheets can hide small protrusions on the base and height differences.
Insulation with Penoplex slabs is carried out on the outside and inside of walls and surfaces in the building. Let's figure out what are the nuances of installing external and internal thermal insulation.
How to attach Penoplex slabs outside the house?
With any insulation, it is important to ensure a closed loop of thermal insulation. Expanded polystyrene boards perfectly return heat if there is no wind blowing under the insulation layer. Therefore, careful leveling of the base will eliminate this possibility. What is the sequence of fastening the slabs?
Applying glue.
The prepared or aerosol composition should be applied along the entire perimeter and small stripes in the middle of one side of the sheet. The adhesive composition must occupy at least 40% of the slab area.
Fixing sheets.
When insulating a façade, the first row of thermal insulation rests on a special base profile. Subsequent rows of sheets are mounted with a shift so that
the joints did not match.
The pattern of the seams will resemble a brick joint. The same rule applies to thermal insulation of the base and other structures. Sealing gaps.
When installing extruded insulation, you have to make cutouts for pipes or other communications. The material is easy to cut to the desired shape, but it happens that small gaps remain near geometrically complex objects. To fill them, it is better to use pieces of polystyrene foam, since the foam or sealant can crack over time, breaking the tightness of the insulating layer.
Doweling.
This is a mechanical fixation of insulation using disc-shaped dowels. For thin insulation, you can use fasteners with a plastic nail, but for thick-layer insulation over 10 cm, dowels with a metal core and an athermic head. The extrusion can be fixed from the outside with dowels within 72 hours after gluing.
Finishing.
A reinforcing layer is placed on top of the thermal insulation, in which the façade fiberglass mesh is embedded. Once the base leveling layer is ready, decorative finishing is applied, and the plaster facade insulation system is completed. It is important not to leave the thermal insulation unfinished for a long time, this way you will ensure maximum functioning of the system.
Features of using penoplex for wall insulation
Penoplex with glue for penoplex is the most popular brand of extruded polystyrene foam on the domestic market of thermal insulation materials. Penoplex is the best insulation option for walls in terms of cost and thermal insulation properties.
Insulating the facade of a house with penoplex
In this article we will look at the technical characteristics of the material, study its strengths and weaknesses, and also figure out how best to glue penoplex to a concrete and brick wall.
Protective covering
In order for the insulation surface to look beautiful and be durable, it must be protected. The simplest and cheapest way to protect insulation is plastering, which is carried out in stages.
- Selection of plaster mortar.
- Selection of reinforcing mesh for plaster mortar.
- Fastening the reinforcing mesh using a certain technology.
- Laying the mortar, leveling the surface, grouting with a plastic float.
- Primer the surface for the finishing coat.
- Finish plaster. After drying, painting is done or a transparent protective layer is applied.
Video instruction:
In general, attaching penoplex to concrete and brick walls, as well as insulating the foundation of a building, is not difficult. It is enough to follow the installation technology and carry out the work carefully to ensure that the insulation is attractive and durable.
Specifics of fastening to different types of walls
One of the key factors influencing the choice of fastening method is the type of surface. The slabs are fixed to different bases using various compounds and additional devices. The correct choice of installation method is the key to the durability and efficiency of the heat-insulating material.
Concrete
Concrete surfaces are porous, which affects the degree of absorption of mixtures. Before attaching penoplex to concrete, the base should be treated with a primer. This will reduce glue consumption and improve the adhesion of materials. To attach penoplex to a concrete wall, you will need not only a layer of glue, but also additional dowels. This increases the reliability of insulation fixation. To prevent moisture absorption by the concrete wall, you will need to lay the slabs in a checkerboard pattern.
Brick
There are many options for installing penoplex to a brick base. Professionals recommend not stopping at this method, but combining different methods. The difficulty in fixing the insulation is the unevenness that has a base. To minimize the negative consequences of this phenomenon, before attaching penoplex to a brick wall, it is worth priming it. The following methods are used to fix sheets:
How to insulate
It is necessary to decide on the thickness of the insulation; in this case, you cannot act on the principle that the thicker the better. Thus, you will not only spend extra money, but also reduce the strength of the coating.
For external wall insulation, the best option is penoplex with a density of 25 kg/m3. You can also take material with a density of 15 kg/m3, but it is usually used for non-permanent premises, such as a balcony or veranda, kiosk, stall, warehouse, as well as for decorative elements.
You can also use penoplex with a density of 35 kg/m3, but keep in mind that its cost is much higher.
If we talk about the thickness of the insulation, the most popular is foam plastic with a thickness of 5-10 cm, but it can be from 20 to 150 mm and in each case the decision is made individually.
Mounting methods
Having studied the features of the base and selected the appropriate installation option, you should decide on the materials. They must be suitable for the insulation and the surface to be insulated to ensure maximum adhesion. To increase the reliability of fixation, several installation methods are used simultaneously.
With lathing
Building a frame takes more time. It is important to decide on the lathing material.
Wood slats or aluminum profiles can be used. After constructing the frame, foam boards are inserted into it. They are sealed with polyurethane foam. The final finishing is carried out on top of the thermal insulation material, for which siding, block house, etc. are suitable.
Polymer and bitumen mastics
Mastics are universal, therefore they are used for installing extruded polystyrene foam on walls, plinths, foundations and other structural elements. These viscous mixtures are sold in ready-to-use form. The content of petroleum products requires compliance with safety precautions during application. For reliable fixation, it is necessary to evenly apply the mixture onto the foam sheet and press it tightly to the base for 60 seconds.
Dry mixes
With the help of dry building mixtures, you can save money, since they are among the most affordable on the market. It is important not only to know how to properly attach penoplex, but also to observe dilution proportions to ensure high-quality fixation. For ease of mixing, a special construction mixer is used. The mixtures are made on a cement base and are ideal when working with concrete bases.
Disc-shaped dowels
Dowels for thermal insulation have a wide head. They are often used for insulating brick buildings. For fixation, holes are first made in the wall, up to 6 cm deep. They are filled with foam, after which the fasteners are inserted. Each foam board will require at least 5 dowels. They are attached at the joints of adjacent slabs, as well as additionally in the middle of the sheets.
Is it profitable to use?
Standards recommend that private owners create economically feasible insulation so that it pays off at current energy prices over a certain period of time - up to 12 years. Therefore, in the design documentation for private houses and apartments, heat insulators are laid out that are quite reliable (durable), but at a reasonable price - insulation should be beneficial for the owner.
You won’t find too expensive foam glass in projects. But cheap high-density polystyrene foam (foam) is widely used.
In house designs, extruded polystyrene foam is used strictly for its intended purpose.
No one will use extruded polystyrene foam where polystyrene foam, which is much cheaper, can be used. Otherwise, the meaning of insulation is lost - it simply will not pay for itself in normal terms, and violation of the standard threatens with deprivation of the design license, for example.
Types of dowels
Disc-shaped dowels differ in size and diameter of the cap. The main classification affects the material of manufacture. According to this criterion, they distinguish:
- Polymers are characterized by low strength. Therefore, the cost is low. This option is suitable for concrete and brick. Such dowels are unable to withstand increased loads.
- Metal dowels are more durable, but have high thermal conductivity, which negatively affects the result of insulation. This leads to the formation of cold bridges. The susceptibility of metal to corrosion causes yellow spots to appear. To avoid this phenomenon, you will need to treat the rods with an anti-corrosion compound.
- Metal ones with a thermal head are designed as an alternative to metal dowels. Coating the cap with metal with a low thermal conductivity coefficient eliminates the appearance of cold bridges. This feature affected the price of the products. The cost of metal dowels with a thermal head is high.
Disc-shaped dowels are selected taking into account the characteristics of the insulated surface, which will allow you to get the maximum benefit from thermal insulation and extend the service life of the insulation.
Liquid Nails
When insulating surfaces of a small area, it is advisable to use liquid nails. You will need a glue gun for application. The composition is applied to the foam board around the perimeter, as well as in the center. Fixation is almost instantaneous, just press the sheet firmly to the surface. To use this type of fixation, you will need to perfectly level the walls and also prime them. When thermally insulating surfaces of a large area, using liquid nails is irrational from a financial point of view, since the cost of the material is high.
Self-tapping screws
The easiest way to attach penoplex is with self-tapping screws. This installation method is only suitable when working with wooden bases or when insulating with lathing.
The use of self-tapping screws leads to the appearance of cold bridges and deterioration of thermal insulation performance, since the fastener heads are small and it is necessary to use about 8 pieces to fasten each plate.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is used as an additional fastening for thermal insulation using dowels or self-tapping screws. They help seal the joints of the insulation and improve adhesion to the base. The foam is applied to the slab in the same way as liquid nails: along the perimeter and in the center.
Dry mixes: simply reliable
The use of dry mixtures allows you to glue penoplex to concrete and brick without much expense or hassle. The dry mixture is added to the water in proportions determined by the instructions for use. The solution is mixed using a drill mixer attachment operating at the lowest possible speed. The resulting mixture is applied to the surface using a notched trowel; the grooves are filled with the trowel. The insulation, installed in place, is held for one minute.
When attaching penoplex to a concrete wall and brickwork, a cement-based mixture is used as the main fastening element.
Which side should the penoplex be attached when installing from the inside and outside?
Using extruded polystyrene foam for external and internal insulation, users wonder which side to attach the insulation to correctly. Both sides of the slabs are the same, so there is no difference. The presence of a pattern does not change the situation, since after thermal insulation the finishing is carried out. There are nuances when using smooth sheets. To improve the adhesion characteristics, the surface of the penoplex is pre-treated with a rough roller. In this case, the glue will better adhere the slabs to the surface. If additional fastening with dowels is used, this procedure is not necessary.
Where is vapor non-conductivity needed?
If installed correctly (without gaps and cracks) with joints taped, EPPS does not require the use of vapor barrier membranes. It hardly lets through steam. Neither in liquid nor in gaseous state.
So the use of membranes and waterproofing is unnecessary. When using floors in a cake, this is excellent, because moisture usually comes from the ground. When using polystyrene foam, it does not penetrate either by capillary action or in the form of steam. In this case, this is definitely a plus.
These properties are also a plus when using extruded polystyrene foam in blind areas, under paths, etc. In addition to protecting against freezing, it does not get wet. This allows, with a competent approach, to get rid of frost heaving and make, for example, not a deep strip foundation, but a shallow strip or Swedish slab.
Evgeniy Filimonov
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The use of EPS in the roofing pie of a flat roof is also optimal - leaks are minimized, and almost no heat is lost.
When using on pitched roofs, it’s already worth thinking about. The fact that Penoplex Roofing does not allow moisture into the attic space is good. But it will be possible to remove excess moisture from the attic only with the help of very good ventilation, which includes not only dormer windows. Additional elements will be needed on the ridge, in the roof plane. In general, given the cost of Penoplex, this is not always reasonable.
Double insulation: when used and implemented
Double thermal insulation involves laying insulation in two layers. Most often, penoplex is combined with penofol. The procedure is expensive, so it is recommended to carry it out in exceptional cases:
- for thermal insulation of balconies to expand living space;
- when insulating load-bearing walls and parapets.
The insulation is installed offset to cover the joints and increase the efficiency of thermal insulation. The first layer is fixed using one of the methods described above. The second layer of foam foam can be secured with staples or adhesive.
Using penoplex for insulation can reduce heat loss by more than 60%.
To improve the thermal insulation characteristics, it is necessary to choose the right installation method. This will make the insulation durable and of high quality. When deciding on the installation option, it is necessary to take into account the type of base, the area of the insulated surface and make a choice based on the available financial capabilities.
Attaching penoplex to the wall
Penoplex has become a popular material quite recently.
It is highly durable and reliable, and is also protected from moisture. Many newcomers to the construction craft are wondering how to attach penoplex to the wall. Its installation can be done in different ways depending on the surface to be coated and operating conditions.
The level of load on the treated surface also plays a significant role. In this article we will take a closer look at the characteristics of penoplex and the methods of its fastening.
General recommendations
Penoplex will fulfill its role 100% only if the technology for its fastening is followed. Penoplex sheets should be positioned evenly. To provide support for the first elements of the penoplex, it is necessary to secure the starting strip to the wall. It can be made from available materials, for example, from wood or from a profile for drywall.
The starting strip for penoplex should be at the same level around the perimeter of the entire building. For these purposes, you can use a laser level and a chokeline. The desired level is set first, and the beacon is knocked out with a thread with dye. The starting bar is fixed along the drawn line. It will make it possible to lay the entire penoplex in a single contour without trimming at the top and bottom.
Application and characteristics of penoplex
Penoplex, like polystyrene foam, is a type of processed polystyrene foam. It is produced in the form of a plate and has good protection from mechanical stress and the influence of external factors.
In addition to all this, this material can be used for finishing rooms with a high moisture content. It is often used to insulate rooms.
The material is often used to insulate balconies and loggias.
You can lay such insulation in any conditions both inside and outside the house. It is used to finish the foundation, walls, ceiling or floor. The material will be the optimal solution for thermal insulation of balconies or rooms with high humidity.
For insulation outside and inside the room, it is better to use material of different sizes. For interior finishing, slabs with a thickness of 30-40 mm will be sufficient. For external cladding, a coating with a thickness of up to 100 mm can be used.
Table: Useful data on thickness, number of slabs and packaging of Penoplex
| Material | 20 mm | 30 mm | 40 mm | 50 mm | 60 mm | 80 mm | 100 mm | 120 mm | 150 mm |
| Comfort 1185x585 | 20 pcs; | 13 pcs; | 9 pcs; | 7 pcs; | — | — | 4 things; | — | — |
| 13.86 m2 | 9.01 m2 | 6.23 m2 | 4.85 m2 | — | — | 2,772 m2 | |||
| Wall 1185x585 | — | — | — | 8 pcs; 5,545 m2 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Base 1185x585 | 20 pcs; | 13 pcs; | 10 pieces; | 8 pcs; | 5 pieces; | 5 pieces; | 4 things; | 3 pcs; | — |
| 13.86 m2 | 9.01 m2 | 6.93 m2 | 5,545 m2 | 2,772 m2 | 3.47 m2 | 2,772 m2 | 2,079 m2 | — | |
| Facade 1185x585 | 20 pcs; | 13 pcs; | 10 pieces; | 8 pcs; | 5 pieces; | 5 pieces; | 4 things; | 3 pcs; | 2 pcs; |
| 13.86 m2 | 9.01 m2 | 6.93 m2 | 5,545 m2 | 2,772 m2 | 3.47 m2 | 2,772 m2 | 2,079 m2 | 1.38 m2 |
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Mounting methods
The installation method is selected based on the following factors:
- quality and type of surface being processed;
- load level on the wall.
Fastening can be done using dowels, self-tapping screws, glue or polyurethane foam.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Fastening with dowels
This method is usually used when it is necessary to guarantee high strength of the thermal insulation coating. Dowels are used if you plan to install a heavy finishing coating.
Dowel mounting
Fastening can be carried out on plastic or metal dowels. The cost of plastic products is lower, and at the same time they do not transmit cold.
The main disadvantage of this fastening method is the likelihood of cold bridges appearing. The fact is that drilling the material can lead to a violation of the tightness of the product.
Glue mount
To carry out fastening, you can use solutions of different structures; their choice is made based on the characteristics of the surface being treated.
For the foundation, the optimal solution would be glue with a bitumen base.
Mixtures with the addition of cement or polyurethane are often used.
This method of fastening has its disadvantages:
- low adhesion strength. It is better not to use this method for finishing surfaces that will bear a large load;
- possibility of damage to the material. This can happen if you choose the wrong adhesive solution. When processing penoplex, you cannot use mixtures containing aggressive chemicals such as acetone, xylene, benzene, toluene and others. For a complete description of attaching the insulation to the wall, see this video:
You can see the methods for applying glue in the following diagram.
Fastening with polyurethane foam
Fastening penoplex to the wall with foam is used as a supplement, for example, to dowels. To implement this method, it is necessary to treat the base of the material with polyurethane foam.
This type of fastening is the best choice for surfaces made of plaster or plastic. The material is easily accessible, and the processing method is quite simple, so that even a beginner in the construction craft can handle the work.
It is not recommended to use foam as an independent fastener, as it may collapse over time.
Fastening with self-tapping screws
This method has more disadvantages than a similar technology - fastening with dowels.
The screws are quite narrow, so they are placed in several pieces in the slab itself.
Because of this, a large number of cold bridges appear, which is why the thermal insulation properties of the material are violated.
Using mushroom-shaped dowels, you can make fastenings in the corners between the plates. Consequently, the dowels disrupt the integrity of the coating less, which allows you to maintain good thermal insulation in the treated room.
Preparing the surface for installation
Penoplex panels are attached only to treated and smooth surfaces.
The preparatory stage includes the following operations:
- The surface is carefully inspected, after which all dirt, remnants of the old destroyed coating, and peelings that will not withstand the load of the insulation are removed.
Cleaning the walls with a wire brush
- Particular attention is paid to surface damage by mold and mildew. The damaged area is cleaned with a stiff brush and then treated with a special composition, which is made at home using copper sulfate or purchased in a retail chain.
Ready-made compositions against fungus and mold
- To eliminate irregularities, a map of problem areas is drawn up. After this, alignment is performed using any of the following methods:
- plastering is a simple and reliable method. The solution is selected individually for the surface material. The insulation can be attached when the plaster has dried;
- Laying slabs of different thicknesses is a labor-intensive method that requires precise identification of irregularities. The brand of penoplex depends on its thickness. When purchasing, slabs of different thicknesses, but of the same brand, are selected;
- using shims is a method used only by experienced installers. Pieces of penoplex or plastic are used as linings.
- Metal parts that are planned to be covered with slabs are treated with anti-corrosion compounds.
Anti-corrosion composition WEICON Zinc Spray
- Brackets are mounted for equipment that will be hung in the future, for example, an air conditioner.
How to carry out double insulation
This finishing will ensure maximum comfort inside the finished building.
This technology is mainly used for finishing balconies. With this treatment, a double layer of thermal insulation is used to cover the load-bearing wall and parapet. The floor, ceiling and side walls can be treated with one layer of insulation. For such cladding, penoplex is often used together with penofol.
Although such insulation materials are independent materials, together they can provide a higher quality result. The first step is to fasten the penoplex using one of the previously discussed methods. After this, penofol is laid. Its installation is carried out using staples or an adhesive mixture.
Sheet sizes, types
Penoplex is produced under the names “Wall”, “Foundation”, “Roof”, “Road”, “Universal”... From name to name the density varies mainly from 25 kg/m3. for “Wall” up to 40 kg/m3. for “Road” and, accordingly, the strength of the material.
Evgeniy Filimonov
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The standard density of conventional extruded polystyrene foam for wide applications is 35 kg/m3. But in the case of Penoplex, for example, the “Universal” type, somewhat contradictory data are given - density from 28 to 34 kg/m3.
The desire to save money in production is obvious - a weaker, lighter material with slightly increased water absorption is proposed. as if “Economy-Light extruded polystyrene foam”.
But it is likely that other manufacturers’ products may be “lightweight” or may not even meet the stated technical characteristics...
The procedure for insulating walls using penoplex
Most work is carried out on concrete surfaces. To carry out this operation you will need the following tools:
- perforator;
- hammer;
- plumb and level;
- construction knife.
The insulation process consists of the following stages:
- Surface preparation. Preparation involves removing the old coating, eliminating defects in the form of unevenness, cracks, etc. You will also need to clean the wall from dirt and dust. If mold is found, you need to get rid of it and treat the affected area with a special antiseptic.
- Penoplex fasteners. Since the coating of such a material is smooth enough to fix it well, we recommend treating the material with a needle roller, this will increase the roughness index. 5 fasteners should be used for each slab. If a method with a combination of fasteners and glue is used, the holes for the dowels are pre-drilled and only then the glue is applied. The solution is applied in the center and along the perimeter. We recommend pre-filling the holes for fasteners with foam.
- Finishing. To implement such a finish, a reinforcing mesh is attached to the surface. After which the finishing material is applied. The best methods are screws, dowels, foam or glue. We recommend using the latter methods only for surfaces with low pressure. For more information about the process, watch this video:
As you can see, attaching penoplex is a fairly easy task. The main thing is to choose the right installation option and use only high-quality materials.
