Foil foam for heated floors. Expanded polystyrene for heated floors: review of insulation materials and options for their installation

Thermal insulation is one of the important components of underfloor heating systems, allowing for efficient energy consumption. Insulating layer needed to reduce the load on heating equipment and to maintain the resulting microclimatic parameters. It prevents heat from leaking through the ceiling into unheated areas and sets the required direction of heat flow. Expanded polystyrene copes with the listed tasks better than all known insulation materials: for heated floors it is generally recognized as the best option.

Famous technical term“expanded polystyrene” combines several types of thermal insulation products. They differ in characteristics, areas of application and installation methods. Information about the differences will help you determine what is best to buy for installing an underfloor heating system with specific technical data.

Foamed polystyrene foam and its competitors

Of the insulation materials currently used in construction, almost all are applicable for the installation of underfloor heating systems. However, there are reservations that suspend the desire of professional and independent builders to buy and install:

• cork insulation, the price of which suggests looking for a more affordable alternative;
• mineral wool, which is overly sensitive to the action of groundwater, which is why its use in floor structures on the ground and above an unheated underground is highly undesirable;
• foamed polyethylene with or without a foil shell - a material that decreases three times in thickness under the weight of the screed;
• granular and pressed foam plastic, which is attractive due to its cost and insulating qualities, but does not have sufficient rigidity.

Let us note that granulated and pressed foam plastic for heated floors is quite suitable material if the load is not intended to be distributed over it. Those. there is nothing cheaper and more practical to find for installing heating equipment in a design wooden floor with logs and cold underground.

IN general outline The scheme for constructing a heated floor with polystyrene foam or crumbly polystyrene insulation will look like this:

• Polystyrene granules or cut foam boards the free space between the logs installed on a plank or plywood base is filled.
• The insulation is covered with a vapor barrier membrane on top, then an additional sheathing is built across the joists to ensure ventilation.
• Plywood or similar sheet material is attached to the sheathing.
• Install guides from slats, between which the heated floor loops will be laid.
• Further in accordance with the budget. Either 30 micron thick foil is laid only along the path of water floor pipes or electrical cables, or it is completely covered with foiled polyethylene. Or metal profiled guides, produced specifically for wooden heated floors, are installed between the slats.

After laying pipes or cables, the structure is covered with plywood, OSB boards, GVLV sheets according to the rules, and then the covering is laid. By default, we assume that this structure is protected from ground moisture and condensation by waterproofing on the underground side or that it already existed under a plank or plywood sub-base.

Attention. Despite the assurances of most manufacturers that polystyrene foam and granulated styrene are insensitive to moisture, waterproofing is imperative. Otherwise, moisture penetrating into the pores and spaces between the granules will significantly reduce the insulating qualities of the insulation.

It is very advisable to protect the material from the basement side with fine metal mesh from rodents. Polystyrene does not cause appetite in them, but you should not give them the opportunity to taste it.

Technical and technological advantages of expanded polystyrene

Foamed polystyrene differs from its insulating counterparts in its increased density, strength and rigidity, which is due to the manufacturing method.

Production steps simplified:

• Polystyrene or one of its derivatives, according to the name of the future product, is foamed by introducing a low-boiling liquid into the initial mass.
• As a result of boiling, granules coated with a waterproof styrene surface are formed. Inside the granules is a gas that determines the lightness and insulating properties of the material.
• The “semi-finished product” is heated with steam to increase the size of small pellets by 10 and even 30 times.
• Then the enlarged granules are sintered together and form insulation boards with small but very strong numerous cells.

The technical data of the product depends on the sintering method. To combine individual components into a heat-insulating product, sintering suspensions, press equipment, extruders, and autoclaves are used. In construction, extruded polystyrene foam is the most popular; it is suitable not only for installing heated floors, but also for insulation. ground floors, for thermal insulation of basements and walls. True, it is rarely used as insulation for interfloor ceilings. Most often, structures between floors are equipped with foamed polyethylene or cork. After all, they are thinner and no special optimization of heating technology is required.

Extruded foam insulation is offered to the consumer in numerous multi-colored variations, the color of which depends on the preferences of the manufacturer and does not in any way affect the scope of application. You can lay it:

• on the ground with preliminary compaction, backfilling with crushed stone and 10 cm of sand preparation;
• on a concrete floor covered with a 0.2 mm polyethylene layer;
• on wooden beams, covered with polyethylene or glassine.

note . The use of insulating bitumen mastics and materials containing solvents is prohibited. They destroy the structure and dissolve polystyrene foam.

Stack hard polystyrene foam boards You can even use compacted gravel. The main thing is not to forget that in any case, the insulation must be protected from moisture and cut off from the walls in order to interrupt the transfer of heat and sound vibrations.

Most rooms have a practical and durable concrete floor, but it is cold. To save energy resources and money, it must be insulated. We'll tell you how to do this in our review of installation technologies: .

Specifics of foil insulation

The use of foamed polystyrene boards in underfloor heating systems requires modification by marking, installing guides, selecting fasteners and requires the use of foil. It is laid on top of thermal insulation. The purpose of using foil is to shield energy and distribute heat evenly around the entire perimeter, otherwise the heated floor will work with a “zebra” effect. Those. around or around the cable the temperature will be higher, and in the spaces between the heat-conducting components it will be lower.

To reduce the number of technological processes, slab polystyrene foam was deliberately equipped with a useful aluminum layer. We also thought about it and applied markings to the surface to make it easier to lay pipes or cables using a snake, snail, etc., so that there was no need to install a marking grid for heating loops. Then the slabs were supplemented with a ruler and a joining seam. And some were divided into strips with a common foil base, so that they could be folded and unfolded and easily carried.

In general, we tried to make the workdays of the stacker as easy as we could. We invented foil tape for fastening the plates, clamps and clips for heat pipes, and plastic guides for convenient installation of loops. As a result, there were many options for individual components and ready-made sets of foil polystyrene foam, thanks to which for a warm floor you can find a product that ideally matches the level of the master, his desire to work hard, show ingenuity and comply with technical requirements.

However, all the shortcomings were never eliminated. Foil thermal insulation under heated floors must be covered plastic film. Otherwise, the polystyrene foam insulation will quickly corrode the screed made of concrete or cement-sand mortar poured on top.

Expanded polystyrene boards with bosses

The achievements described above did not allow the developers’ imagination to dry up. The invention of slabs with pre-formed bosses helped completely abandon grids, markings and guides. The list of advantages of these plates:

• increased density and, as a result, higher mechanical strength;
• the presence of a vapor barrier shell made of hard polystyrene that protects against condensation;
• lamination of foil against chemical aggression of the screed;
• bosses that facilitate the laying of loops in accordance with any technological “ornament”;
• light weight, which the installer likes and puts little stress on the base;
• side locks, thanks to which you can build a monolithic thermal insulation carpet without acoustic seams and cold bridges;
• a relief backing that provides ventilation, easy smoothing of small irregularities, protecting the ears of neighbors from the murmur of a working system.

Foamed polystyrene with bosses, designed for the rapid installation of heated floors, does not compress under a heavy screed, but in the linear direction some changes in geometry are not excluded.

Important. Any type of thermal insulation under heated floors in concrete screed constructed in compliance with the deformation gap around the perimeter. Expansion joints are also needed, which in residential premises are more convenient to install in the doorway.

The material does not emit toxins harmful to users unless it is heated to 180º C, which is unlikely to happen. Short-term heating up to 110º passes without consequences. Owners who comply with operating conditions will use heated floors with polystyrene foam insulation for at least 50 years.

The person laying slabs with bosses will need to start from the corner farthest from the door. Floor elements are arranged according to the principle brickwork, i.e. with a displacement of the butt seam of the subsequent row relative to this landmark of the previous row.

You can read more about various materials for floor insulation in our special article:. Review of insulation materials and tests of various substrates.

Work algorithm:

• Cover the prepared concrete base with a layer of polyethylene. We lay it with an overlap of 10 cm, and secure the individual components with construction tape.
• We attach damper tape to the walls in one layer. To facilitate the process, there is an adhesive strip on its back side.
• In the doorway we install a strip of two pieces of damper tape facing each other with their rears. They will stick together thanks to the aforementioned adhesive strip.
• We lay the first row as expected, with deformation distances from the walls.
• We cut the last panel in the row according to the situation.
• We begin the next row from the resulting panel segment.

Before pouring the screed, it is no longer necessary to lay waterproofing over cables or pipes, because most slabs have a protective surface made of lavsan.

The performer will be prompted by the desire to make an effort or spend money on what material and installation scheme to choose. Naturally, improved insulation will cost more, but preparing the floor for laying pipes or cables will not force you to overexert yourself and waste time. Thrifty and diligent craftsmen should show their best sides and use extruded polystyrene foam without markings, foil, seam locks and fastenings.

Expanded polystyrene was first produced in 1928. And in the Soviet Union it began to be produced in 1939 and was initially used as a heat-insulating material, which is also water-repellent. Periodically they forgot about him, then again he was in favor. Nowadays this material is popular again.

First you need to understand what expanded polystyrene is - it is foamed polystyrene. It is manufactured using special equipment, and quite simply, and this building material itself is a cheap and affordable heat-insulating material.

Expanded polystyrene is often called polystyrene. Essentially, these are the same polystyrene foam materials, with almost the same physical and chemical properties, but there are still differences.

All these building materials are insulation materials that are actively used in construction or renovation. But let's look at each material separately, understanding that there is a difference between them. Expanded polystyrene (this material is often called polystyrene foam) is not the official name. What is polystyrene foam? It is the same polystyrene material as penoplex. Expanded polystyrene or foam plastic is foamed polystyrene, but without the use of compression. In other words, the cells inside the material remain large and the density is low. The material is very fragile and breaks easily in your hands. But it is very light and convenient and is needed for work - it can be easily cut with a knife. An excellent heat insulator, but this material is not suitable for floor insulation. It is often used when transporting fragile materials - household appliances, glass, mirrors, as well as when transporting over long distances. Available in plate or crumb form.

Recently, a new product has appeared on sale - foil-coated polystyrene foam. This is the same foam, but covered with metal foil. It is produced in the form of a roll 5 m long, 1 m wide and about 3 cm thick. The price is set for 1 m2, useful for installing a water heated floor. The metal foil backing works to shield the heat that is radiated from the screed of a hydronic floor heating system.

Advantages of foil polystyrene foam:

• Thermal insulator;
• Heat-resistant to temperature changes;
• Excellent sound insulator;
• Non-toxic when heated;
• Moisture resistant;
• Not subject to rotting.

A roll of foil polystyrene foam is spread over the entire area of ​​the room and secured together with sealant or a special adhesive foil tape. This material has an excellent ability to save energy (thermal, electrical). The fact is that 3 cm thick polystyrene foam replaces 65 cm of brickwork or 125 cm of concrete for thermal insulation.

Foam or polystyrene for the floor: making a choice

It is clear that heated floors are when the heating system is hidden under the floor. It should be noted that this system is not a new invention of our designers and builders. Back in the days Ancient Rome This heating system was very popular. But for many centuries it was forgotten and now it is remembered.

This floor heating system is very economical and comfortable for humans. Since the highest air temperature is located near the floor surface, and the coldest air accumulates near the ceiling. With the current heating system - radiators - the distribution of air temperature in the room is completely different. With a radiator heating system, air from high temperature is located under the ceiling, and the coldest is near the floor. If the room is still high, then even with good heating, the air near the floor will always be cool.

This is especially true for private houses or first-floor apartments, which are located immediately above cold and damp basements.

Heated floors can be electric or water. The coolant in the water tank is hot water, which flows through flexible pipes under the floor and heats the floor itself and the room. The source of water heating can be a gas boiler. Such floors are most often installed in private houses, since in apartments multi-storey buildings the installation of such a system is extremely problematic due to the possible burst of pipes under the floor and further flooding of neighbors or the basement.

Installation technology for water heated floors:

• Cleaning the floor - removing old flooring, removal of old screed;
• Installation of rough screed and leveling the floor with cement-sand mortar;
• After the rough screed has dried, lay the waterproofing film;
• Laying a damper tape around the perimeter of the room is a heat insulator, and it compensates for thermal expansion.

Installation is simple, since the tape looks like wide tape and is simply glued on. Installation of a heat insulator on bitumen mastic must be done with polystyrene foam boards or you can choose foil polystyrene foam. Next, the flexible heating pipes need to be secured using special clips. The heating system must be connected to the boiler and the system must be tested - start up hot water into the system. The top of the pipe must be filled special screed for heated floors. Ready cement mixture can be found in a specialty store building materials, and prepare a cement screed according to the instructions. Thickness cement screed must be at least 4 cm. The screed will be ready only after 1 month. Then you can glue the plywood sheets, ceramic tiles or lay a special laminate for heated floors. Most often, foam plastic slabs are produced in sizes 800x700x45. It should be noted that placing mats or carpet on top is not recommended as the temperature of the floor will decrease and the efficiency of the floor will be low.

Laying heated floors on penoplex

Penoplex is a rigid foam plastic with grooves, but only denser and very hard. The industry produces penoplex in the form of sheets that are orange in color. Penoplex flooring is good when installing an electric heated floor.

Electric heated floor installation technology:

• Rough screed;
• Insulation (penoplex);
• Installation of an electric heating cable and fixing it to the floor;
• Connecting the cable to the power supply system;
• Heating system testing;
• Filling with special cement mortar for heated floors;
• Laying ceramic tiles.

It should be noted that electric heated floors can be installed not only in private houses, but also in apartments on any floors, if, of course, the power allows electric cable who enters the apartment. When installing a warm electric floor, it is necessary to make calculations to purchase the necessary heating cables. The most the best option– get advice from specialists and entrust them with the installation as well.

Economical extruded polystyrene foam for heated floors

Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS or extruder) is a new product among floor insulation materials. What is the difference between extruded polystyrene foam, it is fragile and cannot serve as a sound insulator. This type of polystyrene foam is popular, especially with bosses to better secure pipes or cables. After installing the cable, it is optimal solution With decorative coating and installation of floor tiles. New products on the heat insulator market are technoplex and penopremium.

Penoplex is the same foamed polystyrene, but pressed. It has greater density and stability, and has smaller cells than expanded polystyrene. And they release it in the form of sheets of saturated orange color. In fact, this color is the main visual difference between polystyrene foam and penoplex.

Use of polystyrene foam for heated floors (video)

Thermal insulators have recently entered our lives, but these days, they have become an integral part of technology in construction and repair. Using them is very beneficial.

Underfloor heating systems should be installed in accordance with regulations, one of which requires the use of thermal insulation to reduce losses and direct heat flow in the desired direction. Today we will look at expanded polystyrene for heated floors, its features and advantages over other materials.

The use of polystyrene foam for heated floors

Purpose and criteria for choosing thermal insulation

If we look at the structure and principle of operation of the underfloor heating system, we will find that for its normal operation, insulation is required between the heating elements and the floor slab.

This requirement is quite logical: otherwise, a significant part of the thermal energy will be spent on heating the floor slab and the room located below, since the thermal conductivity of concrete is quite high.

If a sufficient layer of material with low thermal conductivity is placed between the heating elements and the concrete, then almost all the useful thermal energy will be spent on heating the floor surface. That is, we will turn the entire heat flow in the direction we need, namely upwards.

In this case, we will be able to use a system with a low coolant temperature, since it will be enough to warm the surface. This will not only save electricity or gas, but also reduce the cost of the entire system through the use of more efficient and inexpensive materials, will make it safer and easier.

Since there are many insulation materials and materials with low thermal conductivity, we should find out the criteria by which we will choose thermal insulation.

So, the criteria:

1. Low thermal conductivity. The value of the thermal conductivity coefficient plays a very important role important role, as it affects the thickness of the thermal insulation layer. The thinner the layer, the less living space the system will “steal”;
2. High compressive strength. The insulation layer will be located between the floor surface and the floor slab, that is, it will take on the entire load that will be exerted by the materials of the floor covering, leveling and furniture. The insulation must withstand this load without deformation;
3. Moisture resistance. The material must have a low water absorption coefficient, otherwise during a system leak, when used on the ground or in wet rooms, the insulation will become saturated with moisture and lose its thermal insulation qualities. There is no possibility to ventilate the insulation to remove moisture;
4. Safety. The material should not emit harmful substances when heated to 60-70 degrees. Usually the coolant temperature does not rise above 55 degrees, but a reserve is necessary;
5. Biological resistance. The material must not become a habitat or breeding ground for insects, mold, bacteria or rodents;
6. Durability. The insulation should serve no less than the underfloor heating system itself. Replacing the insulation will require disassembling the entire structure and reassembling it, so such a replacement should be excluded;
7. Smooth surface. Obviously, it is advisable for us to use the material in the form of slabs with a uniform thickness, as this will simplify the installation of the floor.

Now that the criteria for choosing a thermal insulation material are listed, we can easily select the option that best meets these criteria. To do this, we will consider the main materials and, using the method of elimination, we will focus on the appropriate one.

Why expanded polystyrene?

The first criterion on our list is low thermal conductivity. And here are several options:

• foam plastics(polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam, etc.),
• fibrous materials (stone, slag or glass wool),
• Cork tree;
• foam glass.

You can immediately exclude fibrous materials from this list, since they are afraid of moisture and have a low compressive strength. Also, foam glass is not suitable for us, since it is too expensive and has a large thickness.

What remains is balsa wood, polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam. The latter is applied in liquid form; in addition, it has too high price. Other foams are too soft and will simply shrink under the screed.

Consequently, of all the materials, polystyrene foam turned out to be the most suitable in terms of its characteristics, cost and ease of installation.

Features of expanded polystyrene

What are the features of expanded polystyrene? I propose to consider those that influence the choice of this material as a thermal insulation substrate for a heated floor:

1. Low thermal conductivity. Extruded polystyrene foam has one of the lowest thermal conductivity coefficients, which is 0.029-0.034 W/m*K. Only polyurethane foam is more effective in this regard, but its application and the foam itself are too expensive;

1. High compressive strength. In this indicator, extruded foam plastic is superior to most insulation materials. For 10% linear deformation, a pressure of 250 kPa or more than 100 kg/m² will be required;
2. Low water absorption. After 24 hours of being in water, only 0.1% of the foam volume is filled with moisture. That is, even when immersed in water, the material retains its qualities by 99%;
3. Fire safety. The grades approved for use in construction have the following fire resistance indicators: G1, V2, D3, RP1 (according to SNiP 21-01-97);
4. Heat resistance. The operating temperature range is from minus 50 to plus 75 degrees. Short-term heating up to +110 °C is possible. The material fully matches temperature conditions using heated floors;
5. No corrosion. Polyfoam is absolutely not afraid of mold, bacteria, moisture, acidic or alkaline environment and other destructive factors;
6. Low density. The density of expanded polystyrene is 30-35 kg/m³. This means that thermal insulation will not create a significant load on;

1. Durability. As a substrate for heated floors, extruded PPS will last at least 50 years. There is simply no data on its further fate yet, but a number of studies suggest that after this period the material almost completely retains its qualities and can be used further;

1. Toxic safety. Expanded polystyrene does not emit toxic compounds such as phenol, formaldehyde, etc. The same cannot be said about dense stone wool.

Ravaterm is another brand with good quality.

Advantages

When using extruded EPS boards you will get a lot of advantages, including:

• Easy installation. The instructions for laying the slabs do not require you to have special tool, special skills, knowledge and abilities. Almost everyone can handle laying thermal insulation with their own hands;

• Quality geometry. Plates from reputable manufacturers (TechnoNIKOL, Penoplex, URSA, etc.) are distinguished by their correct geometry and high-precision milling of edges, locks, bosses and other elements;

• Soundproofing. In addition to cutting off the ceiling from heating, the foam layer will provide sound insulation sufficient to prevent neighbors below from hearing the gurgling of water in the system pipes;

• Affordable price. Compared to other options, such as balsa wood, polyurethane foam or foam glass, the cost of PPP is quite affordable and differs significantly;
• High efficiency. The material copes well with its responsibilities and ensures almost complete absence of heat loss;

• No smell. High quality slabs polystyrene does not emit odors. The material can be confidently laid in a bedroom or other room without fear of smelling a chemical aroma;
• Additional moisture protection. The material is completely waterproof and has a very low vapor permeability coefficient. Thanks to this, your floor will be additionally protected from moisture coming from below, and your neighbors will be protected from flooding.

Conclusion

I have clearly shown that when considering various options Insulation for heated floors turned out to be polystyrene foam that was the most effective and suitable in all respects. If you want to learn more about the material, watch the video in this article and ask questions in the comments.

Penofol is a combined material made of foamed polyethylene and aluminum foil with a thickness of 4-10 mm. It prevents heat loss in three directions - through convection, conduction and in the infrared spectrum.

Most other insulators have only one of these properties. This means that a thin sample can replace insulation materials of much greater thickness. There are several modifications of polyethylene foam, which differ in the placement of aluminum foil on one or both sides and the presence of an adhesive layer.

The scope of use of the material is quite wide. It does not have pores and does not allow air to pass through, so it is often used to insulate the floors of saunas and baths. The product copes with the insulation of concrete and wooden flooring. Penofol is also present in the structure of heated floors.

Installation of insulation is always carried out on the sheathing. It is necessary to create a gap above the foil. The air passing through it will remove accumulated moisture.

In most cases, Penofol is used with other insulation materials. It interacts well with polystyrene foam, penoplex, mineral wool and other products. It is also used as an independent heat insulator.

Advantages and disadvantages of floor insulation with Penofol

The material has gained wide popularity among users due to its many advantages:

1. Aluminum foil does not allow moisture and steam to pass through, so the product can be laid in damp areas, for example, in basements. When creating an insulating layer, special membranes for hydro- and vapor barrier are not required.
2. Penofol is multifunctional. After laying on interfloor ceilings it not only retains heat, but also soundproofs the apartment.
3. When used together with other insulation materials, it enhances their heat-insulating properties. For example, in steam rooms, the aluminum layer reflects thermal energy and helps maintain a high temperature.
4. The material is highly environmentally friendly and does not emit fumes harmful to humans.
5. The canvas is thin; after laying it on the floor, the ceiling height changes by an insignificant amount. A 4 cm thick product replaces mineral wool with a 10 cm layer. This property allows you to insulate foundations in rooms where changing the size of the flooring is unacceptable.
6. The insulator is sold in rolls and is easy to spread and cut, which reduces installation time.
7. The product does not burn and can be used in fire hazardous areas.
8. Rodents don't like him.

The material has significantly fewer disadvantages. It costs more than other insulation materials. Often Penofol alone is not enough for insulation, so it is used independently only in certain cases. To avoid damaging the integrity of the surface during installation, it is necessary to use adhesive compositions for attachment to the base, which increases financial costs.

Penofol floor insulation technology

The insulator can be used to insulate surfaces made of any material. Before laying Penofol on the floor, stock up on glue to fix it to the base and reinforced tape to seal the joints. They will improve the quality of the heat-insulating layer.

Selection of materials for floor insulation

Along with the canvas, they always buy a means for securing it to the base and a tape that prevents the formation of cold bridges at the joints of the material. Right choice components will reduce heat loss in the apartment.

Penofol for flooring is available in various designs. For insulation, rolls with special letter designations are used:

• Type “A” - with a foil layer on one side;
• Type “B” - with a metal layer on both sides;
• Type “C” - with foil on one side and a sticky surface on the other;
• Type “ALP” - foil layer covered with polyethylene.

Glue can be special or universal. In any case, he must meet the following requirements:

1. There is permission to use the product indoors. The degree of toxicity is indicated in the certificate of conformity.
2. Withstands big differences temperatures
3. Has antiseptic properties.
4. Does not lose its characteristics throughout the entire life of the house.
5. For best fixation, add to the glue special solvents, and for each material they are different. If this factor is not taken into account, the substance may damage the sample.

The product must comply with the conditions in which the insulation is used. For example, in saunas, solutions must be heat-resistant and resistant to hot steam. Before laying foil Penofol on a metal floor, you should make sure in advance that the substance does not contain water. The liquid can cause corrosion of the base and failure of the product.

Adhesive tape is a metallized (aluminum) reinforced tape designed to seal and insulate surfaces. The main indicators that it should have:

• High degree of adhesion. It depends on the thickness of the adhesive layer, the minimum value is 20 microns.
• Ability to resist water, dust, bacteria.
• High strength and wear resistance.
• Saving characteristics long time in the range from -20 to +120 degrees.

Laying Penofol on a concrete base

Let's look at some ways to insulate a cold base. As a rule, to insulate a concrete floor, the product is used together with another type of heat insulator.

Features of the work:

1. Clear concrete surface from dirt and add a layer of expanded clay.
2. Prepare cement laitance and pour the mixture onto the base. The solution will ensure that the granules set and cover them with a film. Stop working for a day to allow it to harden. After hardening, you can move freely on the insulation.
3. Fill the expanded clay with a screed and level it to the horizon.
4. Roll out a roll on the floor with a 10-15 cm overlap on the wall. Cut off the excess with scissors. If there is no adhesive layer on the insulator, secure it to the base with a special means. The use of a retainer is optional, but it will prevent the insulator from moving when installing the finishing coating.
5. Before gluing, thoroughly clean, vacuum and prime the concrete surface. Apply the product to the entire canvas, on the side without foil. Coat the edges especially carefully.
6. After applying the solution, do not touch the material for a couple of minutes so that the glue hardens a little. Place the sheet on the concrete, smooth it out and hold it until it sets.
7. For insulation concrete base, instead of expanded clay, you can use polystyrene foam or high-density polystyrene foam 5-10 cm thick. In this case, it is better to lay Penofol type “C” on it, which is easily fixed with an adhesive layer.
8. Place the second strip next to it end-to-end, and glue the connection of the blades with aluminum tape.
9. Install the slats on the base in increments of 35-40 cm along the entire length of the room and secure with dowels. Align the surface of the beams in a horizontal plane using a hydrostatic level. If you plan to fill the space between the beams with other insulation, for example, foam plastic, mineral wool, their height should be 5 cm greater than the thickness of the insulator to organize a ventilated space.
10. Buy beams in sizes 100x100 or 100x150 mm, where 150 is the width. The length of the beams should correspond to the size of the room so that they do not have to be extended. Modification of the slats negatively affects the stability and strength of the frame.
11. Cover the main insulation with a second layer of Penofol with the foil side facing towards the room.
12. Place 12mm thick boards or plywood on top of the beams to create a finished deck. Linoleum or laminate is suitable as a floor covering.

All lumber must be processed antiseptics or drying oil.

Installation of Penofol on a wooden surface

Thermal insulation of wooden floors is usually performed in private homes. Let's consider two options for installation work - with removing the old covering and by placing the product on top of the existing flooring.

In the first case, the canvas is spread under the boards. The sequence of operations when insulating a floor with Penofol is as follows:

• Remove the boards from the joists. Inspect the lumber, replace rotten and damaged elements.
• Impregnate new ones with products to protect against insects, fungus, and dampness. Place newly installed beams in increments of 30-40 cm and secure them to the base with anchors.
• Place shims or wedges under sagging beams.
• Make sure that there is a gap of 1-2 cm between the beams and the walls. Check the position of the upper ends of the beams in the horizontal plane.
• Nail boards or panels to the bottom surfaces of the joists to create a subfloor. If this is not possible, secure them to the cranial bars.
• If the main insulation absorbs moisture well (for example, mineral wool), place Penofol on the subfloor.
• Install thermal insulation blocks between the joists. It is advisable to lay them in several layers, with overlapping joints.
• Make sure that there are no gaps between the slabs and joists. If necessary, seal them with foam or sealant.
• Place on top mineral wool Penofol with an overlap of 10-15 cm on adjacent sheets, on joists and on walls.
• Secure the product with an industrial stapler or foil tape. Make sure that after laying the finishing coating there is a 4 mm gap above the insulator for ventilation.
• After laying Penofol on the floor, attach finishing boards or chipboard sheets, leaving 1.5 cm gaps between the lumber and the wall.
• Install the flooring on top.

It is permissible to lay the heat insulator on an existing wooden flooring. The insulation process occurs as follows:

1. Before insulating the floor with Penofol, inspect the boards and replace damaged elements.
2. Place the roll marked “C” with the sticky side down and glue it to the boards. Fix other samples to them with special glue.
3. Mount a sheathing on top that will provide a gap between the foil and the finished floor.
4. Attach 12 mm thick hardboard or chipboard to the joists.
5. Install the flooring.

Use of Penofol in the "warm floor" system

The use of this material in warm floors allows you to increase the heat transfer of the system by 15-20%.

The technique for arranging such a heating system in a room looks like this:

• Fill the floor with a concrete screed with the addition of expanded clay.
• After the cement has completely hardened, cover the surface with a product of grade “A”, “C” or “ALP” with foil facing up. In this position, the heat will be reflected into the room.
• Place the sheets end-to-end, without gaps, with an overlap of 10-15 cm on the wall, which allows you to isolate the floor from impact noise.
• Glue the joints of the sheets for waterproofing and vapor barrier with reinforced tape.
• Put it on Penofol heating elements(cables or water tubes).
• Cover the heating system elements with metal mesh.
• Screed the floor. Level the surface in a horizontal plane.
• After the solution has hardened, trim the edges of the Penofol.
• To make the solution dry faster, it is allowed to turn on the heating elements little by little. It is not recommended to heat the base for a long time; cracks may appear in the screed.
• Install the floor covering.

Cloth marked “ALP” is used when the insulation is poured with concrete, which can destroy other modifications of foamed polyethylene.

How to insulate a floor with Penofol - watch the video:

The work of forming a heat-insulating layer using Penofol is quite complex, and deviations from the installation technology can cause constant heat loss. Therefore, first study the features of the process and take the task seriously.

One of the most important stages The process of installing a heated floor system involves laying thermal insulation material, which ensures uniform consumption of thermal energy and maintains optimal microclimatic parameters in the living room. The thermal insulation layer serves as an obstacle to the path of thermal energy and prevents it from escaping through the base on which it is laid. The most popular, due to its performance properties, is polystyrene foam for heated floors.

Expanded polystyrene is a foamed polymer substance, which during the manufacturing process is exposed to hot steam, followed by filling the voids with gas. Modern variety expanded polystyrene was obtained in the mid-20th century by German specialists as a result of the synthesis of styrene - chemical compound, obtained by heating the resin of the Styrax plant or balsam tree, known to the ancient Egyptians.

In addition to its widespread use in a wide variety of industries and construction, this material is used in the installation of warm water or electric floors.

Now there are several types of “warm floors” on the construction market. They differ in the type of coolant and operating efficiency. How to choose a heated floor? We'll tell you in

Important! Installation of coolant pipes directly on the base, without an insulating layer, will lead to significant amount heat will tend to warm the base, not the room. And this is not the worst thing - the impact warm air into a poorly ventilated space under the ceiling provokes the formation of condensation and, as a result, the creation favorable conditions For harmful microorganisms, not only destroying those acting on the foundation material, but also creating a direct threat to the health of the residents of the house.

Expanded polystyrene is one of the available types heat-insulating materials allowing you to organize correct work systems The basis for its installation are bases of different types:

1. On a sand-crushed stone cushion formed on pre-compacted soil.
2. By compacted gravel base, protected from moisture.
3. On a concrete screed with a waterproofing coating.
4. By wooden flooring with waterproofing coating.

Important! To waterproof the base under polystyrene foam, solvent-based compositions and bitumen mastic, since the structure of the insulation begins to collapse under their influence.

Table 1. Laying heated floors on a wooden base

Image	Description
	The heated floor is laid on plank flooring.
	The boardwalk is treated with an antiseptic composition.
	To work, you will need a polystyrene foam relief mat and a foam polystyrene mat with an adhesive layer.
	The tape is fixed at the end of the mat, with which it will be adjacent to the wall.
	The tape is fixed around the perimeter of the room.
	If necessary, trim the mat using a construction or stationery knife.
	Heat distribution plates are inserted into the gaps between the protruding elements of the polystyrene foam mat, into which the coolant pipe will subsequently be laid. The plates provide rigid fixation of the coolant and promote uniform distribution of heat flow.
	In places where the pipe will turn, leave enough space to create the required radius.
	The pipe is being laid.
	On top of the laid coolant, a flooring is formed under finishing material with help gypsum fiber sheets, laid in two layers with offset and fixed with self-tapping screws.

Characteristics of expanded polystyrene

Foamed polystyrene foam compared to the rest thermal insulation materials looks more advantageous due to the fact that it allows you to get a fairly dense, strong and rigid base. During its production, the initial mass is foamed by introducing a low-boiling liquid into it, under the influence of which granules are formed that have a waterproof styrene shell. After exposure to hot steam, granules are obtained that have increased in size by 10 to 30 times compared to the original size. After the granules are sintered together, strong, rigid slabs are formed.

Extruded polystyrene foam with low thermal conductivity is very popular. From positive qualities From this material the following can be noted:

1. Moisture resistance and the ability to not allow steam to pass through ensure that the thermal conductivity of the insulation remains at the same level even when exposed to moisture.
2. Environmental friendliness and safety of the material for humans and the environment.
3. Biological passivity and the ability of the material to prevent the formation of fungus and mold.
4. Resistance of the material to chemical reagents.
5. Preservation performance qualities at extremely low (down to –50 degrees) and high (+85 degrees) temperatures.
6. The low weight of polystyrene foam boards allows them to be used on any floor without adding weight to their structure.
7. The material is easy to process, trim and lay. All work can be done independently, without involving assistants.
8. Thanks to smooth surface, the material interacts well with the base on which it is laid.
9. Excellent thermal insulation properties are provided by the bubble structure of the material.
10. Expanded polystyrene simultaneously creates a waterproofing layer due to its resistance to moisture.

An important quality for flooring is its noiselessness. Expanded polystyrene boards have excellent sound insulation properties.

The safety of the material is no less important - polystyrene foam practically does not burn and even has a self-extinguishing property. However, during the smoldering process it releases harmful toxins.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing expanded polystyrene for a heated floor, take into account its quality and variety.

Quality control

The quality of polystyrene foam boards that will be used for floor insulation can be judged by their visual inspection. You will need to pay attention to the following:

1. The product must have a bright, evenly distributed color. Typically, slabs of orange or of blue color. This does not in any way affect the characteristics of the products, except for the tone and uniformity of color, which indicate the quality and compliance with the manufacturing technology of the slabs.
2. The presence of a slight specific odor is acceptable, but a strong odor unpleasant odor there shouldn't be.
3. During a visual inspection, you must make sure that the slab has clear geometric dimensions, its edges are smooth and dense - they do not crumble when pressed.
4. The surface of the slab must be flat, otherwise the thermal insulation properties will be significantly reduced.
5. It is necessary to visually assess the quality of the granules - they must have same size without voids.

Advice! By breaking a sample of a slab in half, you can evaluate its quality by looking at the location of the break. If the granules in this place have retained their integrity, then this indicates poor grip them among themselves. If the slab is of high quality, then the granules are also destroyed at the fracture site.

Kinds

The properties of expanded polystyrene directly depend on its production technology. In this regard, three types of material can be distinguished:

1. Non-pressed polystyrene foam is produced by molding a mixture of granules pre-dried and foamed at a temperature of 80 degrees. This is the most budget option, which is characterized by high fragility.
2. Material produced by extrusion (extruded polystyrene foam) is produced under the influence of a reagent, which is introduced into a container-form, followed by squeezing the foam mass into a slab shape and drying.
3. When replacing the foaming reagent with an autoclave, the resulting material is not suitable for use as a heat insulator.
4. Pressed boards with a thickness of 15 to 70 mm have similar characteristics to extruded polystyrene.

Expanded polystyrene and alternative insulation materials

There are many materials that can be used for floor insulation, but their use is abandoned for a number of reasons:

1. Cork insulation is expensive.
2. Mineral wool insulation is sensitive and cannot withstand moisture from groundwater, therefore it is not suitable for laying a base on the ground and on floors above an unheated subfloor.
3. Foamed polyethylene (foil or regular) under the weight of the screed decreases in thickness several times.
4. Polystyrene foam is a brittle material with insufficient rigidity. It can be used in a “warm floor” system, but with the condition that there is no load, for example, a wooden floor with joists.

When insulating the floor with polystyrene foam (loose or slab), it is laid in the free space between the joists, lined underneath with plywood or boards. A vapor barrier membrane is laid on top. A sheathing is secured along the joists, which will ensure high-quality ventilation. The flooring is made from plywood or other sheet material. It will serve as the basis for laying coolant loops along the guide rails.

At the final stage, the laid pipes or electrical cables are covered with sheet material (GVLV, OSB or plywood) in two offset layers, and the finishing decorative material is laid.

Important! Polystyrene foam and granulated styrene, no matter what the manufacturers claim, require quality testing. Thermal insulation properties insulation can be significantly reduced under the influence of moisture penetrating into the voids between the granules.

Expanded polystyrene boards with bosses

Polystyrene foam mats, specially designed for these purposes, are especially popular when laying heated floors. The so-called bosses on their surface make it possible to avoid the use of additional means of fixation, significantly facilitating the process of installing the coolant.

The advantages of such plates include the following:

1. The products are equipped with a rigid vapor barrier polystyrene foam layer that provides protection against condensation.
2. The mat may have a laminated foil covering that protects it from chemical substances included in the screed.
3. Protruding elements (bosses) significantly simplify the installation of coolant.
4. The mats are lightweight and have convenient dimensions, which makes them easy to transport and install.
5. The presence of side locks ensures the immobility of the monolithic thermal insulation carpet structure, devoid of cold bridges and acoustic seams.
6. The relief back surface is able to smooth out minor unevenness of the base, provides its ventilation and sound insulation.
7. The long service life of the mats (up to 50 years) is achieved by following the rules of operation of the heated floor system.
8. When pouring the screed, the embossed polystyrene foam mat does not change its thickness under its weight.

Laying mats with coolant involves two methods for the final stages - pouring a screed or installing a flooring made of plywood, gypsum fiber or OSB boards. The second method is more reliable in terms of carrying out emergency repair work.

Foil materials

Foil polystyrene has an additional layer with a reflective effect, which has a positive effect on the energy efficiency of the heated floor structure due to the uniform distribution of heat flows and heating of the room. The manufacturer applies markings to the surface of the foil layer, which simplify the work of fixing the coolant.

Methods for fixing coolant

There are several ways to fix the coolant.

Reinforcing mesh and ties

The pipes are fastened to a reinforcing mesh with cells 10 x 10 cm using plastic ties. As the pipe is laid to the mesh, it is fixed with plastic ties, cutting off the protruding tails. The pipe is secured with plastic ties every 1–1.5 meters. When bending a pipe 90 degrees, it is enough to use a pair of plastic ties; when bending 180 degrees, use three ties. The advantages of this method include simplicity and reliability, as well as the availability of plastic elements. The disadvantages include the labor intensity of the work, the likelihood of damage to the pipes on the mesh, especially if they are made of metal-plastic, when walking on the floor. Voids may form at the point of contact between the pipe and the mesh, which will lead to a decrease in the thermal efficiency of the floor.

Reinforcing mesh and plastic fastenings

Manufacturers offer special devices for fixing pipes to reinforcing mesh. By fixing the mesh with a clip-mount, it and the coolant pipe are raised above the insulation. This ensures even distribution of the screed under the mesh and under the pipe. Thus, the mesh becomes an additional reinforcing layer, and maximum heat transfer is achieved from the surface of the pipe.

The advantages of this method of fixing the coolant include:

• additional screed reinforcement;
• absence of air voids and improved heat transfer;
• fast and easy installation pipes;
• less chance of pipe damage.

The disadvantages include the higher cost of fastenings compared to plastic ties.

Plastic fasteners

Attaching the pipe to plastic guides

Pipes can be fixed using plastic guides laid on smooth polystyrene foam. Their length can vary, but more often they are 50 cm long and are inserted into each other, secured with clasps. In this way, they can acquire any required size depending on the parameters of the room. Before fixing the guides, you need to know the pipe layout pattern in advance. The planks can be laid in any pattern. They are attached to polystyrene with U-shaped plastic brackets. The pipe snaps tightly.

One of the advantages is the quick and convenient layout of pipes and their reliable fixation. The disadvantages include the complexity of preliminary marking and the lack of additional screed reinforcement.

Laying on polystyrene foam boards with fixation

Slabs with bosses require additional fixation. The bosses play the role of guides, helping to lay the pipe in any pattern, and anchor brackets are used to secure them. They are also used when attaching to foil-coated flat polystyrene.

The advantages include the prevalence of such fasteners and mats in hardware stores; the bosses protect the pipe from damage and make the installation process easier. The disadvantages include high price slabs and the need to apply additional funds fixing pipes.

Mat with lugs with fixation

Modern manufacturers have improved polystyrene foam mats with bosses, correcting their shape so that they firmly hold the coolant pipes. The laying step should be a multiple of 50 cm. The advantages include reliable, durable and convenient fixation of the pipe. Such a mat is both insulation and a means of fixing the pipe. The ceiling is rigid and does not bend under loads, the pipe is reliably protected from damage. In addition, this mat is an excellent combination of price, convenience and reliability. The disadvantages include the high cost of the plates.

Video - Advantages of mats

Velcro fastening

New – fastening pipes with Velcro. Fixation occurs due to reliable adhesion of the tape wrapping the pipe and the fleecy base. When laying, the pipe adheres tightly to the insulation. The advantages include speed of installation, ease of installation and fixation, and no need to use additional fastening devices. One of the disadvantages is the lack of markings, which complicates installation. There is an assumption that the pipes may shift when walking on the floor.

Prices for polystyrene foam for heated floors

expanded polystyrene for heated floors

Video - Laying a warm water floor on polystyrene mats

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