Today, one of the most popular thermal insulation materials, which is used for almost all types of insulation work, is polystyrene foam. This is not to say that this is the best choice, but many people use it out of habit, although there are better and cheaper options. For example, mineral wool, although when it comes to insulating the facade of a multi-storey building, then expanded polystyrene is beyond competition. One of the issues that must be resolved during the installation process is attaching the foam to the wall. Today we will talk about all the methods that can be put into practice.
Characteristics
Adhesive foam for polystyrene foam is a polyurethane-based composition, ideal for attaching slabs for exterior and interior decoration of a house. This adhesive material is characterized by an increased degree of adhesion, water resistance and excellent thermal insulation properties.
In addition, the adhesive foam for polystyrene foam (expanded polystyrene) does not contain freons, which ensures its environmental friendliness and harmlessness to humans.
Advantages:
- one cylinder is enough for 10-12 square meters of area;
- there is no need to stir or dilute the composition with water, it is already ready for use;
- the foam is easy to apply, and excess is removed extremely simply;
- the glue hardly expands;
- the composition hardens in a few hours;
- Provides high-quality, reliable and durable fastening.
A conventional cementitious mixture requires effort when installing polystyrene foam boards and it hardens for at least 24 hours, which significantly slows down the finishing work.
Disadvantages of foam adhesive:
- high price;
- Application must be done using a special gun or tools.
Not all manufacturers make high-quality products, so you should choose adhesive foam from well-known brands with a good reputation.
Rules for installation work
Foam adhesive for polystyrene foam is used at positive temperatures with a limit of +35 degrees Celsius. The actual range should be checked in advance on the packaging of a specific sample. Before use, the container must be kept at room temperature for several hours. A gun or the supplied device with a tube is installed in place of the valve. Next, you need to shake the mass. The manufacturer indicates on the packaging the number of shakes or time period. After this, the material is ready to be applied to the working base.
Let's consider further actions with foam in relation to polystyrene foam. A thin strip no more than 30 mm thick should be formed around the perimeter with a distance of approximately 20 mm from the edges. On the main part you can draw diagonal lines or 2-3 parallel to the long edge of the strip.
Source infradom.ru
The next step is gluing the workpiece onto a flat surface. Adjustments and pressing of the plate must be carried out immediately. Pressing should be done without force. The polymerization process occurs in approximately 5 minutes. If you need to move the workpiece away from the wall, then just pierce it in the right place and run a small amount of adhesive inside. Excess can be cut off after 20-30 minutes. Then the voids in the seams are filled.
In this video, the master demonstrates testing three samples of adhesive foam for peel strength after 24 hours:
Manufacturers of adhesive foam
The best adhesive compositions with exceptional characteristics are produced by manufacturers in France and Germany. In second place in terms of quality are products of Polish, Turkish and Estonian brands.
Domestic glue can be quite good, but sometimes there are downright low-quality products.
Advice! You should not purchase glue made in China, since such compounds are not durable and are often toxic.
The best foam adhesive for attaching polystyrene foam boards:
- TechnoNIKOL;
- Macroflex 65;
- Tytan Styro 753.
TechnoNIKOL
At the moment, two types of adhesive foam are produced under the Technonikol brand:
- 500 PROFESSIONAL universal,
- polyurethane for expanded polystyrene.
500 PROFESSIONAL is universally waterproof and mold resistant. It has excellent adhesion properties to silicates, brick, concrete, all types of plasters, wooden surfaces, ceramic tiles and chipboards.
The adhesive is used for fastening slabs of various insulation materials (mineral wool, polystyrene foam, expanded polystyrene), filling voids and cavities, sealing, gluing false stucco, baseboards and other elements.
The setting time of the composition is 10 minutes, final hardening occurs within 24 hours, the density of the glue after hardening is 25 g per cubic centimeter (the structure does not become heavier), thermal conductivity is 0.035 W/mK.
After interaction with atmospheric oxygen, the composition acquires a soft blue color. It is allowed to work with glue at ambient temperatures from 0 to +35° C.
Polyurethane for expanded polystyrene contains polyurethane, which, after interacting with atmospheric oxygen, increases in volume by a maximum of 10% with the release of isobutane gas.
The adhesive is designed specifically for fastening polystyrene foam boards, but is also suitable for other thermal insulators of synthetic origin, for example, polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam.
The composition is used for fixing finishing elements inside and outside buildings, insulating joints, foundations, basements, floors and walls, gluing polystyrene foam boards, sealing joints and seams.
After setting, the adhesive foam almost does not expand, is resistant to moisture and the appearance of mold, perfectly fills gaps and joints, and has increased adhesion to concrete and other surfaces. Setting time is 10-15 minutes. Cannot be used at temperatures below 0°C.
Both types contain isocyanate oligomers, which release isobutane and propane under the influence of atmospheric oxygen. Available in cylinders of 400, 750, 1000 ml. They are characterized by moisture resistance, good adhesive properties, and are used for exterior and interior decoration.
Preparing the base
Before gluing polystyrene foam boards, it is necessary to carefully prepare the base.
This is a mandatory condition, since the durability of the thermal insulation largely depends on the accuracy and thoroughness of the preparatory work. This allows you to avoid possible situations in which the slabs could come off, destroying the insulation and the facade itself.
If polystyrene foam boards will be attached to the old base, you need to make sure that it is strong. Also, must be clean, dry, free of moss, lichen, etc. If foam is being bonded to new surfaces, remember that any render or concrete must be completely cured and dry.
Sometimes insulation boards can be very smooth. Therefore, it is best to carry out an adhesion test on a small area first. If it is insufficient, the back surface of the polystyrene foam boards must be sanded where the adhesive is applied. This will improve grip.
Macroflex
Makroflex MF 901 adhesive foam is a universal one-component high-quality composition used for quick connection of structures and different materials. Used for external and internal work.
"Macroflex" is an ideal option for gluing metal, ceramic, wood, stone, glass products, as well as MDF, PVC, plasterboard, plexiglass, cork, plaster.
Suitable for fixing polystyrene foam to stone, concrete, wood, brick, ceramic surfaces, even if they are uneven or vertical. The composition is resistant to vibration and low temperatures, adverse environmental factors, and chemical compounds. When hardened, it does not burn, is elastic, and sets quickly.
Working with foam adhesive is allowed at temperatures from –7 to +40° C and only if there is no ice, snow, frost, grease, oil stains, dirt, dust or moisture on the surfaces.
Advice! To clean the surface of dirt before using the Macroflex adhesive foam, you can use white spirit.
Tytan Styro 753
Tytan Styro 753 is a professional polyurethane composition in 750 ml cylinders.
Used for fastening polystyrene foam boards when installing thermal insulation of roofs, facades, and also indoors. Has excellent adhesion to foam plastic and mineral wool. As well as plaster, wood, cement, concrete, brick, metal surfaces.
One can is enough to cover 10 square meters of surface. The material does not shrink or expand again, it is convenient to use and store.
It has excellent resistance to aging, high humidity and mold. It does not lose its properties at temperatures from –60 to +100° C. Expanded polystyrene slabs can be secured with anchors within two hours after gluing, which significantly speeds up the work.
What is polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam?
Polystyrene foam, which is actively used in construction, is made by treating raw materials placed in a special mold with water vapor. Due to this effect, the molecules increase in volume and sinter with each other. Over time, under the influence of environmental factors, the connection between them becomes weaker, and the material is destroyed. The foam does not differ in strength, since the interaction of the granules is very weak.
Foam plastic used as insulation allows water vapor coming from inside the premises to pass through, they form condensation, which causes an increase in the humidity of the material. As a result, the thermal insulation characteristics of the foam deteriorate, and after some time it collapses.
How to choose foam for work according to method of application
The polyurethane foams that are offered in markets and stores today are no different. They are easily used in working with penoplex. The difference lies in ease of use, as well as temperature conditions.
First of all, foam is divided according to the type of operation:
- Pistol. This foam offers high efficiency and low cost. However, to use such cylinders, you need a specialized gun - a tool into which the cylinder is installed. Using a gun is much more convenient than a regular household cylinder, since the flow rate is controlled and regulated. With a gun it is easy to blow out points that are located inconveniently or in hard-to-reach places;
- Household foam will not require the user to purchase additional devices - after purchase they are immediately used. This foam is distinguished by its lower cost than professional foam, but the volume of work that is performed with its help is smaller.
Simply put, the same volume of professional foam will require much less than household foam (number of cylinders), which leads to savings.
Assortment of types
In addition, if you plan to attach penoplex using polyurethane foam, then it is better to use a professional option. For gluing, use a smaller layer than for sealing seams. The professional version involves adjusting the flow of the substance, while the household version does not have such a function.
There is a definite difference in this material depending on the manufacturer - cylinders are produced in different sizes, so it is worth paying attention to this. The difference in price is 10%, and the difference in materials is 20%.
Useful tips
There are several details to consider when purchasing foam adhesive:
- Good quality glue cannot be liquid. You can check this indicator in large construction stores, as they have special “testers”. Squeeze out a little solution and evaluate the consistency.
- With a cylinder volume of approximately 800 ml, a consumption of approximately 125 ml per 1 square meter is considered normal. The density of the composition causes its increased consumption during work, so this indicator must be taken into account when choosing.
- Resistance to low temperatures allows you to work with foam glue in the cold; the conditions of use must be listed on the label. Such compositions are usually resistant to high temperatures.
- Take a closer look at the components contained in the glue. There should be no impurities of carbon dioxide and freon. It is good if the composition contains isocyanate oligomers.
- The glue setting time should be 10-15 minutes.
- The lowest degree of adhesion relative to a concrete surface should be 0.3 MPa, regarding foam plastic boards - at least 0.8 MPa.
Air circulation between the wall and the thermal insulation is unacceptable, since in this case there will be no effect from the work performed. The foam or polystyrene boards must fit snugly against the wall. The simplest and fastest way to fix the insulation is to use foam adhesive.
Today, one of the most popular thermal insulation materials, which is used for almost all types of insulation work, is polystyrene foam. This is not to say that this is the best choice, but many people use it out of habit, although there are better and cheaper options. For example, mineral wool, although when it comes to insulating the facade of a multi-storey building, then expanded polystyrene is beyond competition. One of the issues that must be resolved during the installation process is attaching the foam to the wall. Today we will talk about all the methods that can be put into practice.
Advantages of adhesive foam
Polyurethane foam glue is considered the best material for fixing polystyrene foam boards. This composition has many advantages. The main ones are:
- Easy installation. No special skills are required to start using this foam. Just read the operating instructions and you can start working.
- Big time savings. It takes much less time to glue one slab compared to dry mixes.
- Adhesive foam is not afraid of high humidity. It contains special components that contribute to the formation of moisture-resistant characteristics when the glue is completely dry.
- Prevents mold.
- Over time, the properties of the product do not change.
- Low thermal conductivity. Such a house will always be warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Low expansion. It never increases in size. The location of the foam plates is not disturbed.
- Excellent adhesion allows the foam to be used on any surface.
- It is highly economical. For 10−12 sq. meters you will need one cylinder.
- Installation of polystyrene foam boards can take place at a temperature of 5-35 degrees. The glue can withstand even temperatures down to minus 20 degrees, but no more than seven days.
- The foam has a long shelf life.
A partially used cylinder can be stored for 12 months after opening. In other words, damaged slabs can be replaced with new ones using the old composition.
Basic rules for attaching foam plastic
High-quality fastening of polystyrene foam to the wall is the basis for insulating a house. During installation, the main thing is that the material fits tightly to the working surface. It is impossible for air to circulate between the thermal insulation and the wall, otherwise the entire insulation effect is reduced to zero. When air blows over the wall, it takes with it all the heat that has passed through the enclosing structure. At the same time, polystyrene foam does not save the situation in any way - it just hangs on the wall.
In theory, all the heat that passed through the wall upon contact with the insulation stops moving, since the thermal conductivity of the foam is very low (0.034 W/m*K). In this case, the wall begins to accumulate heat and release it back into the room. But as soon as you allow the insulation to adhere loosely to the wall, the whole scheme collapses before your eyes. This is why preparation of the work surface is also important. The smoother the wall, the less likely it is that ventilated air gaps will remain under the foam. Particular attention should be paid to the bottom and side ends of the insulation cake.
Bulk insulation vermiculite can be used for thermal insulation of walls, but for this certain conditions must be met.
But, for example, adhesive-based insulation is not used for these purposes at all.
When insulating a house with mineral wool using the wet facade method, a base profile is used. It supports the mineral wool sheets and also blocks the path of air. For polystyrene foam, a base profile is not necessary, since this material is lightweight. It is enough to properly seal the bottom edge. To attach foam to the wall use:
- universal dry construction mixtures;
- glue foam;
- dowels fungi.
Before attaching foam plastic, familiarize yourself with the technology according to which you need to combine several fastening options.
Universal construction adhesive
When the question arises of how to attach foam plastic to a wall, they most often resort to using universal dry construction mixtures. To prepare the adhesive mass, simply dilute the powder with water and mix thoroughly with a mixer.
The mixture must be applied using one of the following methods:
- if the wall is smooth, then the glue is applied with a notched trowel to the entire slab - this is an ideal option;
- if the wall is uneven, then the glue is applied in cakes - about 6-8 cakes per sheet, 10 cm in diameter.
The second option is less preferable, but still acceptable. The adhesive mixture hardens within a day, but sets immediately. That is, by leaning a sheet of insulation against the wall, it will hold.
Installing polystyrene foam on a facade using construction adhesive alone cannot guarantee that the insulation will not fall off.
This must be taken into account when externally insulating an apartment that is located above the third floor. At such a height there are strong gusts of wind, and the insulation cake is literally blown off the wall. Therefore, it is imperative to additionally secure the foam sheets with mushroom dowels.
Fastening polystyrene foam - mechanical connections
After the glue has hardened, the thermal insulation boards must be additionally secured with mechanical connectors. Their type, length, quantity and location must be included in the insulation design. Typically, plastic dowel umbrellas are used for polystyrene foam, 5 cm longer than the thickness of the foam.
Applying the first layer of glue
The number and placement of mechanical connectors depends on the specific building (including wind load zone) and height, but as a rule it is recommended that there be at least 4 per m² (the exception is the corners of the building, where the number of dowels should be increased).
Puttying the mesh
Please tell me whether polystyrene foam can be glued to polyurethane foam. If so, how long will it last without falling off?
Answers
Spray foam is a void-filling product that expands to fill the required space. In a word, this is not glue. The difference between adhesive composition and polyurethane foam is huge. This is the same thing, is it possible to glue penoplex to liquid nails? What for? Insane consumption, low adhesion to surfaces, and not for extruded polystyrene foam. The best option for penoplex is the polyurethane adhesive composition INSTA-STIK. It is sold in 750 ml bottles. It does not require a mounting gun; it comes with a nozzle. A very convenient and reliable adhesive composition, designed specifically for gluing extruded polystyrene foam. This glue will stick so that it cannot be torn off. But I don’t think anyone will give a guarantee that over time the penoplex will not fall off the wall if it is glued with mounting foam or liquid nails.
Mushroom dowels for fastening foam plastic
Fungi for attaching foam plastic are used only in conjunction with glue. Without it, there will be a gap under the thermal insulation through which air will circulate (similar to the principle of a ventilated facade). We have already talked about the consequences.
To secure the insulation sheets, a hole is drilled through them using a hammer drill. Then a dowel is driven into them. The fungus cap securely holds the foam. One sheet requires five dowels. To find out more about this type of fastener, read our article “Mushroom dowels”.
Adhesive foam for attaching foam
The easiest and fastest way to attach foam to any surface is to use foam adhesive. It is produced in cylinders, indistinguishable in appearance from ordinary polyurethane foam. The same gun is used for application, but this is where the similarity between these materials ends.
Adhesive foam is designed specifically for foam plastic. According to the manufacturer, it can be used without mushroom dowels if installation is carried out at a height of up to 10 m (3rd floor). But we still recommend following the technology using dowels. It has excellent adhesion to any materials, even glass. Therefore, if the question arises about how to attach foam plastic to OSB, then foam adhesive is your choice.
What are the advantages of using foam in the case of penoplex?
Penoplex is used as a soundproofing material, and polyurethane foam is used to blow in the seams between the plates. At the same time, it qualitatively seals the seam. Another useful function offered by foam is gluing the foam board to surfaces, even vertical ones.
Even an inexperienced builder can do this kind of work. The slabs are glued unnoticed, however, the penoplex is securely fixed and they proceed to the next stage.
Application of foam with penoplex
Using this product instead of glue will help save money, applying the foam is much easier and requires less time to dry completely than glue. The use of foam is in no way inferior to specialized glue in terms of adhesive properties. Why do they buy it to simultaneously use it both for gluing penoplex and for blowing in seams and joints.
Requirements when choosing glue
You can glue polystyrene foam to walls, ceilings or other surfaces for insulation with your own hands - the process is simple. A high-quality adhesive composition must meet a number of requirements. First of all, it should not contain harmful components that destroy the foam:
- ketone-based solvents, including acetone;
- nitrogen compounds – nitromethane, nitrobenzene and others;
- chlorine derivatives;
- petrochemical products – gasoline, white spirit, kerosene;
- alcohols and ethers;
- other flammable substances that disrupt the structure of the material.
Even a small percentage of such additives will, over time, negatively affect the quality of the lining of a house or other premises. Also, when selecting glue, it is taken into account whether it will be used for exterior work or inside the building. Houses covered with polystyrene on the outside are exposed to low temperatures, and the product must be frost-resistant.
The instructions for the adhesive mixture always indicate what types of substrates it is suitable for. It is necessary to clarify whether the product is suitable for application to concrete, wood, and metal surfaces. If necessary, the glue must adhere securely to putty and other heat-insulating materials (isolon, EPS). To attach sheets of foam plastic to each other, you can use dry or “wet” glue.
Types and manufacturers of adhesives
The construction market is filled with different compositions for gluing foam plastic. Typically for this purpose it is recommended to use:
- foam, foam glue;
- liquid Nails;
- powder masses;
- adhesives-sealants, etc.
Dry mixes
Such materials are sold in large bags (up to 30 kg) and diluted with water. The powder looks like putty or plaster, but contains stronger binding components. This method of wall insulation will be the most budget-friendly. Typically, mixtures are prepared based on cement, gypsum and a number of polymer additives. The reliability and durability of adhesives leaves no doubt. Quality brands are considered:
- Ceresit ST-83;
- Knauf Perlfix;
- "Avangard-K";
- "Primus";
- "Volma";
- Armierungs-Gewebekleber.
Most mixtures are suitable for gluing foam plastic outside and inside the house - to concrete, wood and other materials. From them you need to prepare an adhesive solution, adding the amount of water specified in the instructions. Consumption per 1 sq. m of surface – approximately 1.5-2 kg of finished mass. Many compounds can be used to additionally seal the seams between the slabs, and they are also suitable for puttying walls.
To improve adhesion to the base, before starting work, the walls are cleaned, dried, and primed. The solution must be mixed thoroughly; there should be no lumps in it. The glue is applied with a spatula in strips or in a continuous layer - along the edges, in the center.
Polyurethane adhesive foam
What is the best way to stick foam on the wall? Polyurethane composition is ideal for this purpose. There are even special foams on sale labeled “for polystyrene foam.” They can be applied to vertical and horizontal substrates and used for interior and exterior work. Well-known brands are Tytan Styro 753, Penosil, Ceresit ST-84 Express.
Polyurethane foam adhesive easily connects plastic and all its derivatives (including polystyrene foam) to any surface. It allows you to attach blocks to OSB boards, metal, concrete, plaster, wood, aerated concrete, and foam blocks. The advantages are obvious:
- high speed of installation of slabs;
- moisture resistance, frost resistance;
- ease of use;
- low consumption.
Bonding of materials with polystyrene foam will be reliable, the adhesion rate is maximum. There is no need to dilute the glue; it is sold in ready-made cans. Consumption of one package is 10-15 sq. m slabs. The polyurethane in the composition allows you to fix the materials within 20-30 minutes, and you need to hold the foam with your hands for no more than 20 seconds.
Is it allowed to glue polystyrene foam using PVA? The choice is popular due to the low cost of the product. Unfortunately, the degree of fixation of this glue is not sufficient to create durable insulation. But PVA can play a role: it will serve as a filler for voids in the wall, and the quality of fastening will be improved by dowels. The double technique will allow you to save money and get the job done without delay.
Some people practice gluing foam to metal using PVA. This can be done, but the consumption is very high, and burlap is used as a layer.
Polyurethane foam
Is it possible to glue polystyrene foam onto polyurethane foam? Professionals and beginners alike respect it due to its efficiency, excellent adhesion to the surface and reliability of the adhesive seam. It is convenient to work with foam; it is easily sprayed from a container. And yet, the purpose of this tool is somewhat different. It is used to seal grooves, cracks, and strengthen concrete structures. Of course, it is possible to attach polystyrene boards to iron, concrete, brick with foam, but there are a number of disadvantages:
- all operations will have to be performed very quickly, the material will soon harden;
- after hardening, it expands greatly in volume and can deform thin foam plastic and cause curvature of the homemade structure;
- due to uneven expansion, voids can form in some areas, which deteriorates the quality of thermal insulation;
- The material consumption per square meter is high, the cost of repairs will be far from budget.
Application technique
TechnoNIKOL foam adhesive and other brands of such compounds must be used in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions. To work correctly with such tools, they follow the following algorithm:
- pre-clean the surface from dirt and grease;
- put a nozzle gun on the glue bottle;
- foam adhesive for polystyrene foam is applied evenly (try to maintain the thinness of the layer required for gluing);
- then the glued part is placed on the surface with the material and pressed with force to secure it;
- the processed parts are left to harden for the time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions;
- It will take at least 1.5-2 days for the adhesive foam to completely harden.
Attaching foam to different surfaces
In order to properly glue polystyrene foam, it is important to know the specifics and properties of the base material. There are a number of features that must be taken into account during installation.
Concrete
Craftsmen often try to save money when insulating concrete walls with polystyrene foam without making lathing. Indeed, it is possible to glue the material directly to the wall. For this purpose you will need the following tools and consumables:
To improve the quality of the clutch, preparations are made. The surface is cleaned of dirt, dust and stains. Unstable areas will have to be puttyed again after removing the old coating. At the end of the preparatory work, the wall is primed. Typically, dry adhesive mixtures are purchased to connect foam and concrete. They are diluted with water according to the instructions, the proportions are indicated in it. Mix using a drill with an attachment; a construction mixer is also suitable. Next, wait the time indicated on the package to infuse the solution.
How to glue foam to concrete? The tips are:
- in the presence of small defects or minor irregularities, the glue is applied in continuous strips, 2 cm apart from the edges;
- if the wall unevenness is more than 2 cm, lubricate the foam in strips with gaps (this will remove excess air);
- Be sure to apply the product to the middle of each slab;
- Press the material against the wall, and immediately remove excess glue with a rag.
Additionally, it is recommended to fasten with dowels - in the center, in the corners. It is also possible to attach the material with sealant or liquid nails and dowels; the seam will also be reliable. Instead of these materials, special polyurethane glue, which is applied using a gun, is suitable.
Metal
How to properly attach heat-insulating material to an iron surface? Most of them have the same rules. Polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, and penoplex are attached to metal using burlap. After joining with the latter there will be no problems with repairs; you can use almost any glue. If you need to seal small areas inside the house, you can even use double-sided tape. Also an important nuance is the obligatory cleaning of the wall from rust - if this is not done, the adhesion of the glue will decrease.
Expanded polystyrene is attached to the metal base by the following means:
- aerosol adhesives;
- sealants with silicone;
- polyurethane and mounting foam;
- dry polymer mixtures.
An excellent option would be to work with one-component polyurethane glue, which is sold in cylinders. It can also be produced in the form of adhesive foam. If foam is attached to a sloping or uneven metal wall, this adhesive is the best choice for a craftsman. It is also used without burlap in cases where it is impossible to attach the latter. There must be at least 5 dots of any glue on the foam sheet. After dilution, dry mixtures are applied in strips, as described above for concrete surfaces.
Tree
In general, the procedure for gluing foam plastic to wooden bases is similar. We are talking about fastening to plywood, OSB boards, lining, boards. Features of the work are as follows:
- Before pasting the walls, it is important to completely clean them of debris and dust, if necessary, wash and dry them;
- priming is mandatory, for old wood - 2-3 times;
- if the foam plastic is attached under the windows, a reinforcing mesh is first attached to the wood (using a construction stapler);
- voids in the walls and cracks are filled with polyurethane foam, after a day its excess is cut off;
- protruding areas, knots are cramped;
- The remnants of old varnish are completely removed from the wood, they destroy the foam.
The adhesive mixture is distributed evenly over the foam sheet, in strips, moving away from the edges. Next, stripes are drawn along diagonals. You can use any glue that is suitable for polystyrene foam and has additives against fungus and mold.
Other surfaces
In some cases, insulated walls can be sheathed with less popular materials. It happens that you need to glue foil to the foam; this is usually required when purchasing foil insulation. The gluing process can be difficult, because many products simply roll off the surface, while more reliable ones dissolve the foam. Solving the problem is simple. It is necessary to sand the foil side with sandpaper, then use the following types of glue:
For reliability, many people use a construction stapler. Its brackets will certainly allow you to secure the structure on the balcony or other areas of the house. Fastening foam to plastic (panels, blocks) is carried out using polyurethane foam glue, epoxy glue, coupled with the use of dowels.
When making crafts, you often have to attach paper to polystyrene. Often the fabric is attached to this material, which is not easy to do without skill. If you pour too much glue, it will come to the surface and the appearance of the product will suffer. It is recommended to use universal Titan glue, epoxy glue, and polyurethane aerosols. They are applied in small drops, after which the paper or fabric is pressed and gently smoothed. PVA is also suitable for paper, but it is not suitable for thin fabric.
You can glue oilcloth onto polystyrene foam using any universal means that does not “conflict” with the structure of the material. If the structure is large, it is better to use aerosol adhesive or quick-setting solutions. The correct choice of glue guarantees high quality of the finished product and its durability in operation!
We use an inexpensive analogue
If there is a lack of funds, you can attach polystyrene foam to polyurethane foam. In order to reduce its consumption, install the insulation using a gun.
When choosing polyurethane foam for penoplex, polystyrene foam and other polystyrene foams, pay attention to its components. It should not contain toluene, alcohols, solvents, or other substances that lead to destruction of the structure.
The procedure for preparing the surface and applying the mixture to the slab does not change. Before gluing the foam, the wall must be moistened with water. Brick and concrete – generously, wooden – lightly.
There are some small peculiarities of fastening penoplex and polystyrene foam with polyurethane foam. They are due to the low speed of gaining the required density. When used in the same manner as adhesive foam, the slabs will need to be held in place for a long time (from 40 minutes to an hour). But this can be avoided.
After applying the composition, apply it to the surface for 3-5 seconds and shake the slab from side to side. Tear it off. Re-apply the mixture to it in a volume equal to half of the required amount. Wet the foam with water from a spray bottle.
Let the process of hardening and gaining density begin. The operating time will take from 2 to 4 minutes (during this time, prepare for the next installation). Then place the plate in place and press it firmly for 10 seconds. You can attach the next one.
This use case will significantly speed up the work process and eliminate the need to use supports and spacers.