Polystyrene foam extruded is widely used in construction and ordinary life. Easy, durable with a snow-white surface, it is easily processed, and has a budget price. The theater makes decorations from foam, it is used as a heater for facades, make a decor that replaces the heavy stucco. Unlike plaster, polystyrene foam does not create a load on the foundation, it is well kept warm. When combustion, it highlights the substances harmful to humans, but a self-fighting polystyrene was already appeared. If desired, working with foam can be done with your own hands. It is easily processed and does not require special skills.
What are the types of foams?
Production of polystyrene foam and its varieties
Styrofoam
In the evening we rested with Vadik and discussed, the better to insulate the old house of his aunt. At the same time they solved how to decorate the facade. I suggested a friend decor from foam. For insulation of the walls of the old structure, also use polystyrene foam. Naturally, I had to answer the question that it was and how the foam was made.
The most famous types of foam plastic are used for packaging, insulation, protection against noise and creating decor elements. It is distinguished by:
- Polyurethane mild and elastic are usually called foam rubber;
- Polyethylene - Packaging film with air bubbles;
- Polyvinyl chloride is used for packaging, soft and elastic;
- Polystyrene - familiar plates of foam.
Polystyrene material is used for insulation and decor. It is made in two ways:
- PS - press, granules are connected at high pressure;
- PSB - Prestors, the connection of balls is taking high pressure.
Press the packaging of household appliances, decorations from foam and stucco elements, replacing gypsums. In stores, the sale of decorative elements from polyfoam is made without a protective coating. Putty and painting are made after sticking on the wall and ceiling. Foam columns, panels and other products are covered with decorative acrylic film under various materials:
- marble;
- a rock;
- wood.
Article on the topic: Whirlpool washing machines and malfunctions
Such products are more expensive and after installation are not processed. Foam stucco is ground and covered with white paint under the gypsum. A protective composition is additionally applied on top for strength. To improve adhesion with glue and paint, the smooth surface is processed by a mechanical manner. DIY Roughness is created using special grads for foam.
The use of lightweight material in construction
Construction of a house of foam
Moisture-resistant material with low thermal conductivity and low specific weight is widely used in construction for outdoor insulation of buildings and floors. It is mainly used extruded polystyrene foam. In the marking there are letters and numbers. For example, PSB-C-25 means a brand of self-fighting foam with a density of 25 kg per cubic meter.
The density of foam affects its weight and strength. Heat conductivity from it practically does not depend. It is used in various nodes in the construction of buildings. The most demanded - brand PSB-C-25. Self-fighting material is easy and enough durable for use in the insulation of facades. Well absorbs noise.
The table shows how the density of foam affects the strength and where it is used. The value of the material is directly proportional to density and weight. The thickness of the foam is selected depending on the degree of protection of the building from external influences.
| Mark. | Tensile strength, MPa | Thermal conductivity, W / (m2 * OS) | Application area |
| PBS-C-15 | 0.07 | 0.042. | Warming of mansard, wagons, containers, temporary buildings, household |
| PBS-C-25 | 0.18. | 0.039 | Warming of facades of buildings, partitions, balconies, floors, overlaps |
| PBS-C-35 | 0.25. | 0.037 | Heat and waterproofing bases, foundations |
| PBS-C-50 | 0.35 | 0.04. | Laying of floors, inter-storey floors, the base of the roads in the swamps, heat and waterproofing of industrial buildings, garages |
Styrofoam
A reinforced foam applies as a floor substrate. It is much stronger than the usual, consists of tightly laid the same granules in size. The reinforcing layer of the grid allows it not to break with strong point loads for bending.
Article on the topic: Bubble panel with your own hands: Step-by-step instructions
Vadik was interested in how to make foam, without having a large room, with his own hands. For production, you should buy an extruder and other equipment. All aggregates will fit on the garage area. The cost of making a small lot to separate their home, do not pay off. Further, if you are going to establish the production of foam decorative or insulation of type bricks from foam for sale.
Elements of outdoor and interior decoration
Outdoor decoration of foam
The largest elements of the decor are columns of foam. They are installed on the facade and in the interior, often used in theatrical decoration of foam. Most often, they are used together with stucco when designing in style:
- classical;
- Greek;
- Roman;
- baroque;
- Gothic;
- Arab.
Big elements made of several parts are manufactured. Semi-column and arches are joined across. Separately standing foam columns can be connected additionally along the axis.
The stucco from the foam appearance looks like a gypsum. To create a unique image of the facade and finishing at home inside, the foamed material has, in front of the classic, advantages:
- Polystyrene foam does not absorb water.
- Small share allows you to mount decorative elements in any quantity without creating a load on the base of the house.
- Polyfoam bricks simultaneously decorate and insulate the walls.
- Foam stucco is located several times cheaper than plaster.
- Facing of polystyrene can be washed.
- Flexible material is well glued on curly surfaces, arches, vaults.
- Foam columns and other products are not afraid of moisture. They do not start fungus, mold. Insects do not live in expanded polystyrene.
Wall insulation foam
The disadvantages of the material refers to the love of rodents and geese. The granules not covered with the protective layer will be outlined when you try to insulate the poultry house. From the blows of solid objects on the soft surface, dents are formed. Decor service life is less than gypsum. But the cost and ease of replacement compensates for all flaws. Putty and paint, acrylic film create reliable protection.
Article on the topic: Decorative design: Is it possible to glue a decorative stone on the wallpaper?