Graphite polystyrene or gray polystyrene, as both names exist on the market, have better thermal insulation parameters (compared to white, traditional polystyrene). This is due to graphite, which is added to expanded polystyrene in the production of expanded polystyrene boards. Due to its insulating properties, graphite polystyrene is gaining more and more popularity among the materials for home insulation.
However, choosing graphite polystyrene for insulation, you may encounter some problems during the installation of polystyrene boards.
So, first of all, you should pay attention when working with graphite polystyrene.
Graphite expanded polystyrene is sensitive to solar radiation. Dark graphite polystyrene heats up faster than traditional white polystyrene. Graphite polystyrene exposed to sunlight can heat up to 80 ° C. Due to the high temperature, the outer surface of the expanded polystyrene plate expands, and the temperature of the inner part of the plate facing the wall is not subjected to stress. The large temperature difference in the polystyrene layers causes the so-called side boat – bending, which often leads to rupture of the plate.
To avoid the above problems, it is necessary to protect the facade, which is insulated with polystyrene, from sunlight. To do this, use special protective nets. Before the start of facade works on thermal insulation, scaffolding must be covered with a protective facade mesh. Such protection is necessary at each stage of works (during gluing of plates, grinding, reinforcing, priming and drawing thin-layer plaster).
It is also important to use an adhesive specially adapted for bonding graphite polystyrene.
Stores of graphite expanded polystyrene should be stored in a dry place without exposure to sunlight.
