Penoplex and sound insulation: properties, advantages

Expanded polystyrene foam

The main materials for the production of foam are:

Table of physical and technical characteristics of foam.

• polystyrene;
• polyethylene;
• polyvinyl chloride;
• polyurethane;
• polypropylene;
• phenolic, epoxy, carbamide, organosilicon resins.

Production consists of heating, thermal expansion and molding of polystyrene granules. Due to the fact that the slabs are composed of 90% air, this material is considered one of the best insulation materials. Expanded polystyrene boards have different thicknesses.

It is this material that is very popular when insulating the facade or foundation of a house. One of the main positive aspects of foam is its low price. In addition, polystyrene foam boards are lightweight, but at the same time have excellent characteristics in terms of strength and strength.

Installation is not difficult. Expanded polystyrene is a hygroscopic material. That is, even if exposure to moisture occurs, the foam will not lose its thermal insulation properties.

The scheme of building insulation with mineral wool and foam.

But, along with all the advantages, polystyrene also has disadvantages. Speaking about which is better, foam or mineral wool, it should be noted that mineral wool has an advantage over foam in soundproofing properties. Polyfoam does not have such soundproofing properties as mineral wool. Foam plastic, in comparison with mineral wool, has a much lower vapor permeability coefficient. Polyfoam deforms at t + 60 ° C. Organic solvents destroy the material, that is, it is not resistant to such organic liquids. In construction, it is used only for the insulation of residential premises, industrial buildings and high-rise buildings (above 30 m) are not insulated with polystyrene. The biggest disadvantage of expanded polystyrene is its exposure to flame. Expanded polystyrene plates, when ignited, fade out by themselves, unless, of course, the requirements of the standard are not violated during production.

Which is better: foam or mineral wool? Which is warmer and cheaper?

Polyfoam is an insulator, consisting of 98% air. It is made of polystyrene by foaming with hot steam. Polyfoam is different in density, thickness and size.

Polyfoam as an insulating material can be characterized as follows:

• Minimal hygroscopicity and vapor permeability.
• Highly flammable, fast flammable.
• Convenient to work, easy to cut to the desired size.
• High level of thermal insulation, keeps heat well.
• Average degree of sound insulation.
• Inexpensive.

Comparing foam with mineral wool, it is impossible to say unequivocally which one is better. In terms of thermal properties, they are approximately equal. The difference is that mineral wool is very hygroscopic, and when wet it practically loses all its thermal insulation properties. Therefore, when laying it, a special hydro-barrier is used to protect the material from moisture and extend its service.

Polyfoam, on the other hand, is not afraid of water and is not affected by moisture, thanks to which it is not afraid of fungi and mold. However, foam has another significant drawback - it burns very easily. Therefore, it should not be used in places with a high fire hazard. In such places it is better to use mineral wool, it is practically not afraid of fire. Both, when used correctly, retain heat well inside a room and can easily cope with noise insulation.

Another drawback of polystyrene is that over time it is damaged and destroyed, its warranty period is much shorter than that of mineral wool. As for prices, the foam is a little cheaper than mineral wool, but the difference is not significant.

Why Choose Styrofoam for Soundproofing Homes

For noise insulation of premises, a wide range of products with the necessary qualities are used. If certain conditions are met, you can achieve the same result in all cases.

The answer to the question why polystyrene is so popular among both craftsmen and users will be the following qualities:

• affordable price. In comparison with other types of sound-insulating materials, polystyrene is not just competitive, but is in the top of the materials in this direction;
• ease of installation. The dimensions of the sheets allow you to form the required dimensions of the parts from which the soundproofing layer is mounted. Styrofoam processing is straightforward. It is easily cut with a knife;
• ecological and sanitary-hygienic cleanliness. There has been a lot of controversy over these characteristics, but studies have shown that the emitted volatiles are not concentrated enough to harm human health. Exceptional cases of allergic reactions are due to individual intolerance and are extremely rare. Fears about foam sound insulation are clearly exaggerated;
• long service life. The material is not susceptible to infection by mold, fungi and other microorganisms;
• stability of geometric dimensions. The coefficient of dynamic change in dimensions is extremely small and does not depend on humidity and non-critical temperature fluctuations;
• good sound insulation properties. The porous structure of the foam effectively dampens vibrations. Correct installation will reduce the level of household noise to the required level.

The functional characteristics of polystyrene, necessary for the implementation of a project for noise insulation of housing, can be supplemented with a number of related qualities. The light weight makes it easy to transport. It can be stored for a long time in unheated and utility rooms without compromising the quality of the product.

Among the shortcomings, there is a relatively low melting point of the foam, which actually has no practical value:

• plain foam softens at 140 ° C;
• epoxy at 170 ° C;
• polyurethane foams soften at temperatures above 230 ° C.

Anti-foam is added to the building foam, which blocks the combustion process. The material itself does not support fire for more than 4 seconds. Then it goes out. But in the case of an open fire nearby, the process continues.

Noise insulation materials

Ceiling soundproofing scheme.

The insulation of the inner walls is necessary, first of all, for peace and silence to reign in the house. Therefore, when working on sound insulation, they choose:

• extruded polystyrene foam;
• products based on basalt fiber;
• drywall;
• steel panels;
• drywall membranes;
• polyurethane foam materials;
• extruded polystyrene insulation boards;
• rigid boards made of extruded expanded polystyrene. In their production, polystyrene of the highest strength is used.

For the installation of foam panels, they must first be cut out. This is not easy because the foam crumbles during cutting. But there are several options, thanks to which you can easily cut a piece of the required shape without deforming it.

To complicate the design and improve the soundproofing of the room, drywall is added to the foam board base as a frame. Very good results can be achieved this way.

Usually, the problem of increased noise transmission in domestic premises arises after an unsuccessful repair (redevelopment).Therefore, for sound insulation, it is imperative to carry out measuring work to establish the noise level. Such calculations will be made better by an acoustician.

Soundproofing process of structures

Correctly equipped thermal insulation using Penoplex allows you to create a reliable barrier to external noise, cold and moisture for several decades, leaving them behind the wall. Thanks to the tight joining of the slabs, it is possible to create a reliable heat-insulating environment for the enclosing structures. This increases the period of operation of the structure and its ability to withstand loads.

Features of soundproofing walls

Due to the small thickness of the slabs, Penoplex is suitable for cladding walls and ceilings indoors. It slightly reduces the usable area, but at the same time creates an excellent soundproofing effect.

For Penoplex, you need to take care of the flatness of the surface on which the material will be mounted. The base must be thoroughly cleaned of old layers, paints and loose material. Prime concrete walls with compositions containing quartz sand - they will improve the adhesion of the adhesive to the wall. For interior work, you do not even need to install the frame - the plates are attached directly to the base with glue.

Work progress:

1. Apply the markings on the wall according to the Penoplex installation.
2. Using a stationery knife, cut the plates in accordance with the dimensions of the walls.
3. Prepare the glue according to the instructions - pour the mixture into water, mix with a mixer and leave for 10 minutes, then mix again.
4. With a spatula, apply the ready-made glue to the surface of the foam board, covering 40-50% of its area.
5. Fix the material to the wall surface in the desired order, trying to make the minimum gaps between the elements. The board must be pressed firmly against the base, making light rotational movements.
6. When the adhesive has hardened, fix the slabs with disc dowels.
7. Glue the joints with aluminum tape. If the distances are bulky, you can fill them with polyurethane foam.
8. From above, Penoplex must be plastered with a mesh or fiberglass.

Important! To insulate the facade, Penoplex is fixed to a frame made of a metal profile.

Soundproofing the floor

Penoplex, laid on the floor, will save residents from the noise of neighbors from below, and will additionally insulate the room. Even complete with a concrete screed, the product will not create additional load on the floor and will not damage the overall structure.

Related article: Vibro-insulating damping tape Vibrostek-M: characteristics and application when installing drywall

Penoplex insulation technology will depend on the base surface. If the apartment has an old wooden floor covering, you will have to dismantle it, strengthen the joists and create stiffeners. Then all the cracks are blown through with polyurethane foam and glued with construction tape.

But most often Penoplex is combined with concrete floors under the screed. Stages of work:

1. Clean the surface from the old coating, glue and mortar residues.
2. Remove all dirt and dust, seal cracks and imperfections with putty or construction foam.
3. Prime the surface of the concrete floor.
4. Mark and cut the plates, taking into account protruding communications, pipes, etc.
5. Pour a layer of sand or sand-cement mixture, about 1.5-2 cm thick, onto the concrete surface. The powder is done in stages, no more than for 2-3 slabs at a time.
6. Lay Penoplex sheets on top of the embankment with a slight pressure to the sand layer. Thus, the base is leveled and the mixture is evenly distributed.
7. Cover the entire surface with insulation.
8. Lay the reinforcing mesh cards overlapping on top.

A concrete screed prepared according to a certain technology from a cement mortar is poured over the mesh.

Soundproofing ceilings

Insulation of the ceiling in the room will eliminate the temperature drop inside, which will prevent the formation of fungus and mold. The surface is prepared in the same way as in previous cases - it is necessary to get rid of the old coating, putty the voids and prime the ceiling.

Insulation stages:

1. Prepare an adhesive composition.
2. Cut the slabs into segments corresponding to the area and configuration of the ceiling.
3. Apply a small amount of glue to each board - in a continuous strip around the perimeter and several dots on the inner surface.
4. Press the part tightly against the ceiling surface, trying to press it into the base. Thus, fill the entire surface of the ceiling.

Important! You can finish the insulated ceiling with plasterboard, decorative panels or a layer of plaster.

Styrofoam characteristics

Polystyrene is one of the few that is not able to emit substances harmful to the human body. Expanded polystyrene from a kind of plastic that, when burned, emit vapors identical to wood. This material, thanks to the manufacturing technology, has acquired the property of rapidly decaying. Water is not capable of destroying it, moreover, causing the multiplication of microorganisms. As a result, polystyrene can come into contact with food. Expanded polystyrene can be in excellent contact with asphalt mixtures, fertilizers, paints, soap.

It has been proven that the external environment does not destroy the composition of expanded polystyrene. But water and stone wears away. Therefore, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can significantly reduce its resistance to moisture and air currents. It would be best to cover the foam structure with a special material.

Thanks to the perfection of technology, a fire retardant was introduced into the foam. In this regard, he gained the ability to resist fire for 4 seconds. A 3 cm thick expanded polystyrene sheet is able to protect the room to a fairly good degree. If you increase the foam layer, you can achieve a very high level of noise absorption. The insulation is made of several sheets of expanded polystyrene, sealing the outer layer with a rigid facing material. This design is able to absorb almost 100% of the noise.

Wall soundproofing scheme.

But it is worth remembering that expanded polystyrene is afraid of contact with chemical compounds (ethyl alcohol, acetone, white spirit, gasoline, kerosene). This is primarily due to the structural features of the foam, which contains cells filled with air.

Using penoplex and expanded polystyrene in construction, a number of positive aspects can be highlighted. These include:

ease and simplicity of processing; use without additional precautions; not susceptible to deformation.

Advantages of foam for noise insulation

Penoplex is characterized by special physical and operational properties that ensure its versatility. The material is used for thermal protection of residential buildings, various structures and structures. Considering that the insulation is characterized by high compressive strength, low weight and a minimum level of water absorption, it is not surprising that the material is so in demand. When you plan to use penoplex for sound insulation, you can expect that for decades the walls will be protected not only from noise, but from cold and moisture.

The long service life of the material is ensured by the structure of the insulation, which includes the associated volume of closed cells filled with air. This feature is possessed by extruded polystyrene, and this provides Penoplex with such significant qualities as low thermal conductivity, noise insulation and moisture resistance.

The use of penoplex is economically profitable - it is possible to reduce the cost of purchasing energy carriers, to minimize the time of repair and construction work aimed at soundproofing all surfaces of housing (floor, walls, ceiling).Using penoplex for sound insulation, you can insulate not only the apartment, but also the loggia.

Why are foamed polystyrene boards so in demand? In addition to the significant characteristics of the material, the form itself deserves attention. The slab has a special edge in the form of a tenon-groove, a selected quarter. The edge allows to simplify the installation of thermal insulation, prevents the formation of "cold bridges", increases the sound insulation characteristics of the treated surface.

Ceilings, their sound insulation with foam

Soundproofing works require an integrated approach, only then everything will be done efficiently and reliably.

1. The surface of the ceiling is cleaned from plaster so that the working surface of the ceiling is better and of better quality.
2. To prevent mold and mildew from appearing over the years, the prepared ceiling should be treated with an antiseptic.
3. Apply a layer of liquid waterproofing agent.
4. The reinforcing mesh must be fixed to the ceiling surface.
5. Fix the penoplex to the fixed mesh using special glue.
6. Next, sew up everything with plasterboard, and then complete finishing work on the entire surface of the ceiling, depending on your wishes and taste.

In the process, you should not forget about things like cracks on the surface of the ceiling, as well as about where the noise is most coming from. You may have to sew up not only the ceiling, but also the floor, maybe the walls. Some surfaces may not provide the desired soundproofing effect, since extraneous sounds do not propagate through them, and the work done will be superfluous.

Experienced builders use styrofoam with a specially shaped edge to work on heat and sound insulation. This feature of the material makes it possible to perform installation much easier, to avoid the formation of "cold bridges", and sound insulation is more effective.

If you resort to the help of specialists who perform work on insulation and soundproofing of the ceiling in 2 layers, then the price on average can be about 1800 rubles per room up to 30m 2. The cost of work usually includes - all the necessary material, delivery and handling.

Properties of foam and polystyrene foam

From all of the above, we can conclude that this material is a fairly valuable and useful building material, which has a number of positive qualities.

To all of the above properties, you can add a few more:

• low weight, due to which the use of such heaters can significantly reduce costs during construction work, while saving money on the use of any special equipment and greatly reducing the installation time;
• the material is quite simple to process. The fact is that working with some materials necessarily involves the use of various equipment: protective overalls, respirators, gloves and glasses. Polystyrene is odorless, does not emit dust during processing and does not irritate the skin;
• polystyrenes are resistant to biological influences and chemical environment, they have high resistance to various substances: sea water, cement, various saline solutions and many others. They are not assimilated by animals or microorganisms, and do not create a breeding ground for the growth of fungi or bacteria;
• transportation, storage, cutting and installation can be carried out without the use of special protective equipment;
• when pressed, the materials are very durable;
• polystyrene foam is breathable;
• penoplex and polystyrene have excellent energy saving indicators, for example, polystyrene, which is only 3 cm thick, equates to 64 cm of brickwork, 123 cm of concrete and 11.3 cm of wood;
• Penoplex has very low air permeability.

Water vapor permeability of mineral wool and foam

Closed-cell structure of the foam due to which it does not allow steam to pass through.

Vapor permeability is the ability of a material to conduct steam, as people say - to breathe. Water vapor permeability is expressed in mg / m * h * Pa. This is a pair in mg, which passes in an hour through 1 square meter of insulation with a thickness of one meter. In this case, the condition must be observed that the temperature on both sides of the insulation is the same and the water vapor pressure is 1 Pa. The value of vapor permeability is especially important when you decide the best way to insulate a wooden house with foam or mineral wool. Although this indicator is also relevant for bricks with concrete. The accumulation of moisture leads to negative consequences - the formation of fungus, a decrease in the thermal resistance of the enclosing structure, and a reduction in the service life.

Let's look at the manufacturer's declared values:

• foam 0.05 mg / m * h * Pa;
• extruded polystyrene foam 0.013 mg / m * h * Pa;
• mineral wool 0.3-0.5 mg / m * h * Pa.

The use of foam for sound insulation

The material is produced in slabs with a thickness of 2 to 10 cm. Penoplex 5 cm thick is used for sound insulation. Installation is carried out on the floor, walls, ceiling, but it is not at all necessary to cover all these surfaces in order to avoid unnecessary costs. First you need to find out where the source of annoying noise is: above, below, or from neighbors through the wall.

Soundproofing walls and ceilings

The principle of laying foam on walls and ceilings is similar. First you need to prepare the surface: clean it from the old layer of plaster, level it, treat it with an antiseptic, prime it. Then, the plates are glued to the smooth surface end-to-end without gaps, in several places they are fixed for strength with special dowels with wide heads, the joints are processed with polyurethane foam and leveled. Then a layer of plaster is applied to the walls or ceiling, after it dries, they are putty, primed and then a topcoat is applied or wallpaper is glued.

Soundproofing the floor

First of all, the old floor covering is removed and the joists are dismantled. If glass wool insulation was laid under them, then it must also be removed. Before laying the foam, it is necessary to assemble a wooden frame for stiffening ribs with cells according to the size of the slabs. Treat all cracks with polyurethane foam and seal with special tape. Then install the plates, insulate all joints with polyurethane foam and tape. The next stage is the installation of a base made of plywood or other material. And only after that the finishing floor covering is laid.

Penoplex installation - soundproofing

For insulation, tiles with a thickness of 5 centimeters are usually used, this is enough to protect the apartment from unnecessary sounds from outside. This material is well suited for sound insulation:

• floor;
• ceiling;
• walls.

Features of mounting polyester foam on the ceiling

Soundproofing material is mounted on the ceiling if the neighbors from above are constantly annoying with their stomping, especially if this happens when you are resting.

There is no such load on the ceiling as on the other surfaces of the apartment, so that the material can simply be glued.

Operating procedure

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• clean the ceiling from nabble and old coating, prime it well;
• glue the plates to the mortar;
• fix with dowels;
• seal the joints with polyurethane foam;
• apply a layer of plaster, let dry;
• putty, apply topcoat.

If you do not have a solution at hand, then you can use assembly glue to attach the polyester.

Soundproofing walls

The small thickness of the slabs makes this material the most preferable for insulating walls inside the apartment, since the useful area will not decrease significantly.

When soundproofing the walls with mineral wool, the layer thickness will be within 15 cm.

The internal noise protection of an apartment is easy to do, and you do not need to have special knowledge and skills.

Of the tools you need:

• stationery knife;
• mixer for mixing the solution;
• puncher;
• dowel nails.

When soundproofing the surface of the walls, it is not necessary to mount the frame, it is enough to glue the plates, fix them with nails for reliability, and plaster them.

Execution stages

• prepare the surface of the walls;
• prepare penoplex;
• mark the installation of the material;
• we fix the plates with a solution of tile glue, in a certain order;
• as soon as the glue hardens, we additionally fix it with dowels;
• if there are large gaps in the joints - foaming. Glue the seams with aluminum tape;
• we use fiberglass for plastering.

Many do not understand how to glue wallpaper on penoplex, but after plastering and applying a topcoat, this is quite simple to do.

Soundproofing the floor

Another good way to dampen unnecessary noise from neighbors. Who hasn't put a thick carpet on the floor to muffle the noise from neighbors? If you live on the ground floor, then you can additionally insulate the floor, but in an apartment on the ground floor this is true.

Work technology

If you are going to put penoplex on the floor in an old apartment, you will have to open the old wooden floor and dismantle the logs. In an apartment located on the ground floor, there may be a glass wool insulation cushion under the floor, it must be removed. Only after such preparatory work can you begin to lay down polyesterol foam. Before laying, you need to assemble a wooden frame to create stiffeners. Seal all cracks with polyurethane foam and glue with adhesive tape.

Stages:

• prepare materials and surface;
• mount the frame, the cells must match in size with the plates of the material;
• install plates;
• close up the joints;
• we mount plywood or other base on the surface of the frame;
• we mount the finishing flooring on the floor.

How to avoid typical mistakes and get the desired result

Polyfoam is an excellent material for isolating interior walls from extraneous sounds. However, you can hear a negative opinion, to the extent that no positive effect is observed or it is insignificant. Why do many craftsmen prefer to install foam plastic rather than mineral wool and similar materials? The answer is simple. Incorrect installation.

Indeed, basic errors in the formation of a noise-insulating layer will not give the expected effect. When carrying out work, you need to adhere to the main rule - do not leave gaps and gaps, ensuring a snug fit to the base and to individual parts of the structure.

Very often, plaster is made over the foam. It is very convenient, practical and inexpensive. In order for the layer of the mortar to be firmly held and have the necessary strength characteristics, a reinforcing mesh is fixed on the prepared area beforehand. Most often it is a synthetic material, but a metal analogue made from wire of a small cross-section or a manufactured stamping method can also be used.

Penoplex soundproofing

This material is known to many as an effective heat insulator, but it also has other advantages, one of which is sound insulation. Penoplex is considered the most popular in the construction market; it is made from extruded polystyrene. Strong walls of foam with insulated cells, filled with air, have an arbitrary shape, and this feature of the structure provides high strength. In the USA, penoplexes began to be used as a building material more than 50 years ago.
Penoplex has a lot of positive characteristics, such as:

1. Low water absorption
2. Minimum thermal conductivity
3. Low vapor permeability
4. Flexural and compressive strength
5. High level of sound insulation

It is worth talking about this quality of penoplex in more detail. Given this characteristic of the material, it can be used to insulate any surface in the room. It can be called the most profitable soundproofing material, since you do not need to have special tools and extensive work experience to work with it, all installation work is easy to do with your own hands.

When working with penoplex, it is necessary to lay it correctly, leaving no gaps, and foam the joints well. Even after years, the soundproofing qualities of the material do not decrease, for the maximum time it will also retain its other advantages. Penoplex will not rot, so the walls, floor or ceiling will be reliably protected from destruction.

Penoplex - material for all types of insulation

Penoplex is a kind of extruded polystyrene foam, a relatively new material on the construction market. Specifications:

• density 25 - 45 kg / m³;
• compressive strength not less than 0.25 - 0.41 MPa;
• ultimate bending strength 0.25 - 0.7 MPa;
• water absorption during the day,% by volume, no more than 0.1 - 0.2;
• water absorption within 30 days,% by volume, no more than 0.4;
• fire resistance, category G1; B2; D3; RP1 - G4; B3; D3; RP4;
• thermal conductivity coefficient 0.028 - 0.03 W / (m * C);
• vapor permeability coefficient 0.018 - 0.015 mg / (m * h * Pa);
• overall dimensions: width 600 mm, length 1200 - 2400 mm, thickness of penoplex - 20,30,40,50,60,80,100 mm;
• use in the temperature range: 50 ... + 75 ° С;
• Penoplex packaging weight - 10 - 15 kg.

When performing sound insulation with expanded polystyrene, the cost of heating the house is simultaneously reduced, since the material is used for thermal insulation of walls, floors, and ceilings. Penoplex has a high ability to absorb random sound vibrations, which increases the popularity of the insulation. After all, its use allows you to simultaneously solve two important problems: to protect the home from street and house-building noise and to keep heat, while reducing the cost of paying for heat carriers.

Penoplex is more than capable of insulating it. Advantages of using foam for sound insulation:

• simplicity and efficiency of installation;
• high functionality of the material;
• the use of foam for soundproofing floors allows you to make the popular "warm floor" heating system;
• the ability to perform work independently;
• the resistance of the sound insulator to the effects of microbes;
• long service life.

Important: when performing soundproofing with penoplex, you should carefully lay the plates and foam the joints without gaps.

Types of foam

The construction industry offers a significant range of products in this class. Styrofoam grades reflect its origin and characteristics. There are two types of material. Pressed and non-pressed. It is not difficult to distinguish from. The first is a single porous body, and the second is produced by sintering ready-made granules, which is clearly visible visually. For sound insulation, preference is given to non-pressed soft foam. It effectively dampens vibrations and is easy to handle.

In construction, the following types are most popular, on which the following foam markings are indicated:

• PSB. Non-pressed polystyrene of several modifications. The last digit in the abbreviation means the strength class. For example, PSB-S-50 is the most durable material in this category. It is used where mechanical strength is required. PSB-S-25 is a versatile material widely used in construction for many purposes. The softest product is PSB-S-15. Due to excessive fragility and fragility, it is rarely used.It can become attractive only because of its low price. If the letter F is found in the name, it means that the products can be used in facade works.
• PPU. Foamed compound based on polyurethane. One of the modifications is foam rubber. The material is elastic and very easy to use, but its cost is quite high. For this reason, it is used in limited quantities.
• PPE. The polyethylene base gives elasticity and durability. This marking can be found in hardware stores on many products, but is rarely used for sound insulation.
• PVC. Polyvinyl chloride polyfoam. Differs in the absence of substances harmful to health. The environmental friendliness of the material, which manifests itself in normal conditions, is attractive, but the danger arises when burning. Exceeding the critical temperature leads to the destruction of structural bonds and the release of extremely dangerous hydrogen chloride, which, in combination with the liquid, begins to release hydrochloric acid. For the respiratory tract, the smoke emitted by PVC foam is very dangerous.

The most popular and widespread type of polystyrene is considered to be the material with the PSB marking. Excellent performance combined with an affordable price make it attractive in every way.

Dignity

There are many advantages of the material in question. Consumers appreciate it primarily because it repels water perfectly. This is one of its important positive characteristics. The value of this property is due to the fact that such materials are very often used in conditions characterized by excessive humidity and temperature fluctuations that lead to condensation.

It is important to consider that it is required to hide the open sections of the material, since they differ in the ability to absorb moisture from closed cells. The following qualities should be highlighted as the main advantages:

1. Thermal conductivity. This material is characterized by a low degree of thermal conductivity. Thanks to this property, in combination with the ability to reject moisture, penoplex can be used on any object. It can be fixed not only on the walls, but also in attics and basements.
2. Low vapor permeability. Penoplex remarkably retains steam, which is why it is compared to roofing material. The material in question can be used for a long time. When used, it will withstand various external aggressive factors. Plates can survive a huge number of freeze and thaw cycles, while retaining their original properties. Many manufacturers say that penoplex can be used for about 50 years. If you carry out the correct fastening of this material, then the operating period can even be extended.
3. Strength and other properties. The soundproofing material Penoplex is characterized by good strength. This indicates that it is able to withstand intense loads and high pressure. This quality is due to the fact that there are small bubbles at the base of the foam, which prevent it from being compressed. The use of slabs is characterized by simplicity. If necessary, they can be easily cut, while the material will not crumble. To carry out this procedure, you can use a regular knife.

The use of foam as sound insulation can significantly reduce the amount of noise permeable to the room. Consumers of this material claim that after this sound insulation was carried out, the room became much quieter and warmer. The cost of the material is affordable, which is an additional advantage. Remarkably manifests itself in living quarters in the soundproofing of the ceiling.A definite plus is that it is not necessary to have certain skills in this area to work with penoplex. Therefore, you can make noise insulation yourself, even with a stretch ceiling.

The soundproofing properties of the material have only positive reviews.

Reviews about sound insulation made of polystyrene foam

Mikhail, 42 years old: “I have long wanted to make my big loggia look decent and make it a separate full-fledged room. The first step was to insulate it - I chose Penoplex, 5 cm thick. The plates weigh a little, but take up a lot of space in the room, so before buying you need to take into account the considerable dimensions and provide space for installation work. It was easy to lay the material, cut with an ordinary knife and assembled it yourself. All the work took exactly one day. Noise after insulation has become less, now I am waiting for winter to evaluate the thermal insulation properties of Penoplex. "

Alexey, 29 years old: “Our apartment is located on the first floor. As far back as I can remember, the floors were always cold, no carpets and rugs helped. The construction supermarket suggested choosing Penoplex for insulation. The material turned out to be lightweight, but very durable. The slabs were laid by the repairmen literally in a few hours. But it took much longer to form a cement screed on top of Penoplex. We chose laminate as a decor, and now we enjoy the results - the floors have become warmer, and thanks to the effective laminate, carpets are no longer necessary. "

Features of decorative finishing with foam sound insulation

There are many questions when decorating a soundproofed wall. For example, can wallpaper be glued to polystyrene foam? How to mount drywall? Will the tile hold securely if the tiles are glued to the styrofoam? Any work can be done, but whether the result will be satisfactory is a big question. To successfully complete finishing work, you need to understand the principle of working with foam.

The material is quite soft and susceptible to deformation under physical impact, even slight. Having created a reinforcing layer on the surface, you can use absolutely any finishing material.

If it is necessary to glue the tiles in the room, then it is impractical to do it directly on the foam. In this case, it would be reasonable to first make a plaster layer or install drywall, and then glue the tile to health, it will last as long as a concrete or brick wall. The same principle should be applied when applying wallpaper.

Moreover, the glue for this type of work is water-soluble and it will take a long time to wait until they dry, since they cannot be absorbed into the synthetic mass. First, the reinforcing, leveling composition, and then the wallpaper. If all operations are done correctly, then the operational characteristics of the surface will not suffer, but the noise in the apartment will decrease.

People, as a rule, do not think about soundproofing too often during the construction of a house.

Indeed, when carrying out such complex processes, there is something to pay attention to.

Floor that is protected from noise loads by insulation with foam

But if a built house or an inhabited apartment is poorly protected from extraneous noise, then the problem of sound insulation will come to the fore. Agree, hardly anyone will be pleased to live in a house where sounds are constantly heard from the street or from neighbors. We also recommend installing insulated siding.

Soundproofing measures in the apartment

To reduce noise in an apartment to a comfortable level, they approach in a comprehensive manner, observing the following rules and performing some measures:

1. For soundproofing floors, extruded polystyrene foam with a given compressive strength is used, since these surfaces are under constant mechanical stress.
2. Soundproofing of walls is done in two ways: inside the room and external fixing of panels.
3. Ceiling insulation using insulation boards is performed in cases where it is not possible to install a suspended version.

Penoplex is ideal for sound protection. A wide range of material thicknesses and profiled tongue-and-groove edges allow it to be securely attached to insulated surfaces. High strength and resistance to mechanical stress allow the boards to withstand a load of 400 kg. This characteristic makes the material indispensable for floor insulation.

Working with Styrofoam

Now about how the soundproofing of the walls is done. To create sound insulation with foam, special plates are used. These plates are made using 2 lead plates with a sheet of expanded polystyrene between them. It should be noted that it cannot be an independent material for removing a noise source. Its effectiveness is manifested only in the vicinity of additional components.

In practice, closed-cell foam is widely used. It is very good for soundproofing rooms with increased noise penetration. For example, this product is introduced into the construction of walls and partitions of motor ships. Closed polystyrene foam with added vinyl provides an ultra-resilient anti-noise solution. This material is used to lay the construction of ventilation and heating systems. Due to the high resistance of vinyl foam to negative natural phenomena, it is used for external wall insulation. This innovative product can be used to isolate reflected noise. For example, vinyl foam layers are widely used to insulate air conditioning systems, to absorb engine operation in cars. Vinyl foam is good for shooting range designs because it cleans well and dries quickly.

Polyfoam is subdivided into various types of brands. Of these, the most common:

Floor soundproofing scheme.

1. PSB-S-50. Differs in versatility and hardness. It is used for internal and external sound insulation, for sound absorption of roofs and floors. It is used to cover the floors of refrigeration equipment, when insulating underground in car repair shops and garages. It is widely used as coatings to protect floor bases from freezing.
2. PSB-S-35. Differs in low cost. Sound insulation with foam of this brand is applicable for insulation of walls, foundations, ceilings. They are used in the manufacture of reinforced concrete panels, insulation of underground utilities, to prevent soil shrinkage.
3. PSB-S-25. Basically, this type of polystyrene foam boards is used for insulation in a domestic environment.
4. PSB-S-25F. Insulation of facades is the cornerstone.

The foam is fixed using various compounds and tools. These include:

• glue;
• special mastic;
• cement solution;
• metal elements for installation.

Alternatively, the insulating structure can be installed directly on the wall: inside or outside the room.

Without fail, after the foam structure has been installed, it is necessary to do the facing work. For this, a base is laid on top of the expanded polystyrene sheets, and then the surface is plastered. Insulation works can be covered with brickwork, tiles or other finishing materials.

The best option for noise absorption are PSB-S slabs, which are installed on the inner surface of the walls.

This manipulation will help to achieve increased acoustic comfort and thermal insulation.

Varieties of Styrofoam Soundproofing

Is it possible to perform sound insulation with foam plastic? Penoplex and expanded polystyrene in the construction market among soundproof materials are the most demanded. Both products are manufactured using expanded polystyrene foam.

Penoplex is a derivative of expanded polystyrene. Excellent sound insulation is obtained from it.

Expanded polystyrene is an ecological, harmless, heat-resistant, soundproof material. Its quality characteristics have been known for a long time and are in great demand. This material is easy to use and economical.

Floor soundproofing scheme.

Another type of foam is polyurethane foam. The cells of this foam are of an arbitrary shape with reasonably strong walls. In this regard, a very high strength of the foam is achieved. This look is flexible and has excellent thermal insulation. Of the minuses, destruction from penetrating ultraviolet radiation can be noted.

The next type of foam is polyethylene foam. This type is distinguished by a high level of flexibility, increased strength and elasticity. Outwardly, it looks like a translucent panel up to 2 cm thick. It is not used for the installation of soundproof structures, but it is good for packaging materials.

Which is better: expanded clay or mineral wool?

Expanded clay is a porous material made from heaving types of clay by exposure to high temperatures and annealing. It is distinguished by its high strength and relative lightness.

As an insulating material, expanded clay has the following characteristics:

• Resistant to water, mildew and mildew.
• High degree of fire resistance.
• Requires an extra box to fill as it is bulk material.
• Average level of heat and sound insulation.
• Cheap stuff.

In fairness, it should be noted that expanded clay is still not a heater, but a filler and requires an additional structure in the form of a box that will hold it. The indisputable advantage of expanded clay is resistance to moisture: even if water seeps inside, expanded clay will work as drainage, there will be no harm from water.

Compared to mineral wool, expanded clay has less heat and sound insulation. The advantage of expanded clay is its low price, but it must be borne in mind that for a good effect, you will have to fill in a sufficiently large amount of this material, which casts doubt on its cheapness.

Installation features

At the installation stage, the future characteristics of the soundproofing layer are laid. The installation method is key. Soundproofing will be satisfactory if there is an understanding of the processes taking place. This will maximally protect the home from extraneous sounds and avoid mistakes.

To do this, it is necessary to consider all methods of installation with an assessment of the final result:

• Fixation with glue. Convenient, economical and most efficient installation method. If the foam is glued to concrete, brick, plaster, then the most complete fit is ensured. Vibrations in this case are damped well. Do not use adhesives,
• Installing foam with fasteners. The method is good for external use. It is often used for wall insulation and soundproofing.

Nesting into crate cells. A large number of individual elements create risks for a full-fledged shelter. It is difficult to avoid gaps, crevices. Rigid and vibration-transmitting metal profiles also do not provide good sound insulation.

Noise isolation technology

So that as little noise as possible penetrates into the room and more heat is retained, special attention must be paid to the layer-by-layer arrangement of the floor. Sound insulation technology when laying Penoplex on the floor involves the formation of the following layers:

1. concrete floor slab;
2. insulation layer with Penoplex;
3. waterproofing layer;
4. reinforcing mesh;
5. concrete screed;
6. decorative flooring - ceramic tiles, linoleum, laminate, carpet.

Related article: What materials are suitable for heat and sound insulation of walls in an apartment

In some cases, they make a choice in favor of frame sound insulation made of wooden beams. The bars will serve as stiffeners and create a kind of cells, inside which prepared and cut Penoplex slabs will be installed.