Insulating a building with polystyrene foam – everything you need to know.
Insulating a building with polystyrene foam is one of the most popular solutions used to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Choosing the right adhesive material for attaching styrofoam panels is crucial to the durability and effectiveness of the entire insulation. Professionals often face a dilemma: foam adhesive or traditional mortar? In this article, we will discuss the differences between the two solutions, in addition to answering the most frequently asked questions related to foam adhesive for thermal insulation.
Foam adhesives, such as IS13 Foam Adhesive for Thermal Insulation and Tytan Professional Styro 753 Foam Adhesive, are modern solutions that provide better thermal insulation properties and ease of application. Traditional cement mortar, on the other hand, remains a popular choice due to its universality and cost, although it is less effective in terms of thermal insulation and convenience of application. Why, then, are more and more professionals opting for foam adhesive instead of cement mortar?
Thermal insulation properties
Foam Adhesive for Thermal Insulation IS13, thanks to its formulation and excellent filling of spaces between insulation boards, eliminates thermal bridges, which significantly improves the efficiency of thermal insulation.
Convenience of application and speed of work
Both foam insulation adhesives are very easy to apply, do not require specialized equipment or additional resources such as electricity or water. This makes the work go much faster and, as a contractor, you can move faster to work on your next project. What’s more, foam insulation adhesives can be used in a wide range of temperatures, making them very versatile.
Durability of completed insulation
IS13 foam insulation adhesive stands out for its versatility and ability to eliminate thermal bridges.
Differences between foam adhesive and traditional cement mortar
When choosing materials for thermal insulation, we can go for modern solutions such as foam adhesive or stay with traditional cement mortar. Below is a comparison of these technologies.
Foam adhesive for thermal insulation IS13
Advantages:
- Elimination of thermal bridges: Foam adhesive perfectly fills the spaces between panels, eliminating thermal bridges.
- High adhesion: Very good adhesion to mineral substrates and thermal insulation materials (EPS, XPS, mineral wool, PIR, PUR).
- Ease of application: Does not require electricity, water or specialized equipment. It can be used in a wide temperature range (-5°C to +35°C).
- Fast drying time: Pegging possible after only 2 hours, which speeds up construction work.
Disadvantages:
- Difficult to find. 😊
Traditional cement mortar
Advantages:
- Widely used: Traditional and well-known method, widely used in construction.
- Versatility: Can be used with a variety of insulation materials.
Disadvantages:
- Heavy and inconvenient application: Requires water, electricity and specialized mixing equipment. The work is time-consuming (more man-hours) and requires more physical effort.
- Longer drying time: The drying process of the mortar is longer, which can delay the next stages of construction work.
- Less thermal insulation properties: Traditional mortar does not eliminate thermal bridges as effectively as foam adhesive.
- Higher load on the facade – 5 kg per m2.
Frequently asked questions about insulating buildings with foam adhesive
To dispel any doubts and provide you with additional information, below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about foam adhesive thermal insulation.
1. How many m² of insulation can be made from one can?
The performance of one can of Tytan Professional foam adhesive for thermal insulation depends on the capacity of the can. A standard 750 ml can is sufficient to insulate up to 8 m² of surface. Some Tytan Professional products have a larger charge, such as 870 ml, and from such a can you can insulate about 10 m² of surface.
2. When using foam adhesive instead of cement mortar, do we get better thermal insulation properties?
Foam adhesive has a very low thermal conductivity coefficient (lambda) of 0.036 W/mK. As a result, when we fill the gaps between Styrofoam panels, their thermal insulation remains at a very high level.
Using foam adhesive instead of traditional cement adhesive can actually improve thermal insulation properties, as foam adhesive better fills the spaces between insulation boards, eliminating thermal bridges, which are the main cause of heat loss in buildings. This makes the entire structure more energy-efficient. In addition, the foam adhesive is characterized by better adhesion and flexibility, which increases durability and resistance to temperature changes.
3. Tytan Professional offers several foam adhesives for thermal insulation – do they differ in anything besides the fact that some can be glued XPS?
Yes, the different types of adhesive for polystyrene foam offered by the Tytan Professional brand differ in performance, drying speed, correction time and the ability to apply to uneven substrates. It is important to use a foam adhesive recommended for specific work. Each type of adhesive is optimized for specific applications and conditions. Choosing the right adhesive depends on the type of insulation material, environmental conditions and specific project requirements.
4. Is it possible to use TYTAN foam adhesive for thermal insulation on old insulation?
Absolutely, foam adhesive can be used on old insulation, which is great for building renovation. The plus side is that our facade will be less loaded by about 5 kg per square meter. It is important to pay attention to the technical condition of the facade. Before proceeding, make sure that the old insulation layer is stable, adheres well to the substrate and shows no signs of damage.
5. Does foam adhesive allow bonding to substrates with waterproofing?
Yes, foam adhesive can be used on substrates with waterproofing. However, it is important that the surface is dry, clean and free of greasy stains. The waterproofing should be well adhered to the substrate to ensure the durability of the bond.
For this, we recommend an adhesive for XPS, which has adequate strength for bituminous substrates to which we adhere XPS or EPS.
6. Has TYTAN foam insulation adhesive been tested for wind strength?
Yes, tests have been carried out on the strength of the panels after the application of TYTAN foam adhesive, including tests on wind suction. The results of these tests confirm the high effectiveness of the adhesive in providing a durable and strong bond between the insulation boards and the substrate. These tests were carried out at the Institute of Building Technology, and the foam adhesive received the corresponding certificate.
7. Do you need to sand the graphite polystyrene before using TYTAN foam adhesive for thermal insulation?
Both graphite and white polystyrene do not require sanding before gluing TYTAN foam adhesive for thermal insulation. However, it is important to make sure that the substrate to which the boards will be glued is properly prepared. The substrate should be dry, stable and degreased to ensure the best adhesion and durability of the bond. Checking the condition of the substrate before starting the work is key to achieving optimal results in thermal insulation.
8. Is it possible to use TYTAN Foam adhesive for thermal insulation on mineral wool the same way as on polystyrene foam?
TYTAN foam adhesive for thermal insulation can be used on both mineral wool and polystyrene foam. We recommend using the same “S” shaped application pattern on both materials. Such an application pattern ensures even distribution of the adhesive, resulting in optimal joint strength and fire safety (FPS). It is important that the adhesive is applied evenly and in the right amount, which guarantees effective thermal insulation and durability of the entire system.
9. Is it necessary to use a primer under the foam insulation glue? Or do we glue without priming?
Usually, foam adhesive does not require priming of the substrate, but before proceeding with the work, the condition of the substrate should first be assessed. If the substrate is unstable, it is recommended to reinforce it with a suitable primer. If the substrate is loose, dusty or loose, priming is necessary to ensure the stability and adhesion of the adhesive. For very porous surfaces, priming can improve adhesive adhesion and provide better results.
10. Can TYTAN Foam Adhesive for Insulation be used in wet conditions?
TYTAN Foam Insulation Adhseive can be used in wet conditions, but moisture can reduce adhesive strength and adhesion. Therefore, it is recommended to use the adhesive on dry substrates to ensure optimal adhesive properties and durability of the bond. Use on dry substrates guarantees the best results and long-lasting insulation.