The nuances of using granulated foam glass. Foam glass: advantages, disadvantages, insulation technology with material Floor insulation with granular foam glass

Cullet

Granulated foam glass produced in the form of particles having a close to spherical shape. The production is based on the foaming of individual, pre-rounded semi-finished granules in a rotary continuous furnace.

Slab foam glass are obtained by foaming blanks in continuous tunnel ovens. At the exit, the material is sent for long-term annealing and then for sawing machine to give the slabs precise geometric dimensions.

Roof insulation

Cullet

In Russia, at least 5 million tons of glass are produced annually only in solid household waste. Foam glass production is a way of converting cullet from landfills into a highly efficient, energy-saving material.

Production of granulated foam glass

Granulated foam glass produced in the form of particles having a close to spherical shape. Production is based on foaming of individual, pre-rounded granules- semi-finished products in a rotary continuous oven.

Production of plate glass

Slab foam glass get foaming of workpieces in passage tunnels ovens ... At the exit, the material is sent for long-term annealing and then to a sawing machine to give the plates accurate geometric dimensions.

Thermal insulation of horizontal surfaces

Granular foam glass easily fills any irregularities, can serve not only as a heat insulator, but also as a slope

Thermal insulation of vertical surfaces

Granular foam glass fills any cavities and creates reliable thermal insulation.

Roof insulation

Plate glass is an irreplaceable rigid, waterproof, durable heat-insulating material for roof insulation.

Thermal insulation of technological equipment

All over the world, slab foam glass is used at facilities where compromise is unacceptable - nuclear power plants, submarines, production facilities, etc.

Granular foam glass is presented as a modern heat-insulating material, which is characterized by a high degree of versatility.

Granulated foam glass (produced by Baugran or any other brand), due to the almost zero coefficient of thermal conductivity and the widest range of applications, is rightfully considered one of the best insulation for the floor of the walls and roof of the house.

1 Material features

A particle of foam glass in a granule, which is pressed into blocks, has found wide application in the process of insulation different parts Houses.

A small part of foam glass in a granule that forms building blocks, can be used to insulate the walls of frame-type buildings.

At the same time, Baugran blocks are able to retain heat better than conventional brick blocks. Foam glass characteristicsBaugran allows the walls to be insulated with it to be absolutely soundproof. Alternative use of Baugran foam glass, as well as in general, is relevant for:

Strengthening the insulation of the walls of the building;
Making models for exhibitions;
Reconstruction of historical monuments;
Creation of walls around the perimeter of the building;
Preventing the formation of cold bridges;
Fastening of facade slabs and panels;
Providing insulation by filling hollow walls.

The technology with the focus on which the production of foam glass is carried outBaugran, implies the multipurpose use of the presented product.

Technical characteristics of granular Baugran foam glass determine the use of material for the purpose of high-quality insulation of walls and all kinds of floors, because in this regard, heating costs will be significantly reduced.

The use of granulated foam glass of the Baugran brand, coupled with, allows to reduce the cost of construction work. In the Russian climatic conditions, which are characterized by sharp temperature changes and high levels of humidity, granulated foam glass, pressed into blocks, is rightfully considered one of the most durable materials.

The technical characteristics of the material indicate an almost unlimited service life. The most significant advantages of granulated foam glass are:

High degree of resistance to fluctuating temperature conditions;
Resistance to the harmful effects of erosion and chemical environments;
High thermal insulation performance;
Hygienic and environmental safety;
Long operational life;
Combustion resistance;
Waterproof as u;
Convenience in the implementation of mechanical processing;
Resistance to mechanical damage and shrinkage.

All the characteristics of granulated foam glass allow us to consider it a sufficiently high-quality thermal insulation material, the use of which is relevant in any climatic zone.

In addition, its characteristics indicate that throughout its long operational life, the material does not lose its basic qualities and properties.

Blocks, provided that their physical integrity is preserved, can serve for many decades. The use of foam glass can significantly increase the reliability parameter of the entire structure.

The technology makes it possible to use the material in cases where it is simply not possible to use other insulation materials.

2 Production technology and types produced

Foam glass (Baugran or any other), as well as produced with an orientation to industrial way in compliance with all necessary quality standards.

In most cases, glass production wastes are used as raw materials. The use of quartz sand, soda and limestone is also relevant.

Crushed silicate glass is artificially saturated with carbon. Coke, dolomite, chalk, anthracite are added to it.

In the furnace, the raw material is heated to a temperature of + 900 ° C, after which it is foamed and slowly cooled.

As a result, a solid cellular glass melt is formed. In this case, the cells of the foam glass can have a closed, round or hexagonal shape.

Sizes range from fractions of a millimeter to a centimeter. The porosity index of the finished material can be from 80 to 90%.

In the process of gassing and active foaming, the nominal volume of glass increases 10-15 times. Foam glass can be presented in the form:

and plates;
Loose insulation;
Molded insulation;
Crumbs of foam glass.

Foam glass blocks and slabs are used in all construction areas and can be combined with all kinds of materials.

When the blocks are subjected to mechanical filing, waste is formed, which is presented in the form of foam glass crumbs. Foam glass is produced in granules with different diameters.

2.1 Product Specifications

The material is highly durable. At the same time, it exhibits a low degree of thermal conductivity and does not lend itself to mechanical compression.

If the material is formed in the form of plates or blocks, then they practically do not shrink and continue to maintain such indicators as strength, thermal conductivity and water absorption capacity.

Even with the passage of time, structures made with the use of foam glass do not change their original dimensions as a result of the impact of operational loads.

Foam glass is capable of withstanding temperatures from -200 to + 400 ° C without harm to the internal structure.

At the same time, the product demonstrates an absolute degree of water resistance. Along with this, it can be easily glued and roughly machined.

The material exhibits a high degree of chemical resistance and is non-toxic. Rodents, insects or mold fungus... More detailed specifications expressed in terms of:

Bulk density of GPS - no more than 200 kg / cubic meter;
The average density of granules is 345 gk / m3;
The porosity of the granules is 86%;
Thermal conductivity in bulk at + 200 ° C from 0.06 to 0.068 W / m;
Water absorption by volume - 1.7 - 4%;
Tensile strength 0.5 - 1.1 MPa;
Form factor of granules in 5-40 mm as y;
Frost resistance, weight loss - within 15 cycles.

The disadvantages lie in the rather high cost compared to other types of insulation.

Foam glass belongs to durable, strong and popular materials for insulation. It is easy to install and high efficiency... The technology was invented almost a century ago in the USSR, and practical use came up later in Canada. Massively on the market building materials foam glass appeared recently, when the technology of its production made it possible to make it affordable and of high quality. Before using, it is worth considering what granules or plates of foam glass are, their main advantages and disadvantages, as well as methods of use for insulation.

Foam glass combines the advantages of two materials at once. It combines silicate glass, which is durable and brittle, and foam, an incredibly lightweight material. The production of foam glass consists in heating the silicate mass with the addition of a substance that forms a gas. The high temperature leads to the melting of the substance, as well as the formation of small bubbles. This technology allows you to get a lightweight and durable material that has a high heat resistance.

In the field of thermal insulation, two main types are used:

Slab foam glass. Insulation has the form of a slab, which has a structure with closed cells. Ideal for insulating basements, facades, ceilings, ceilings and foundations. The thickness is 6-12 cm, and the size of the slab is 45 * 60 cm. They can withstand even significant operational loads, do not shrink and are resistant to deformation under mechanical stress.

Plate insulation

Granular material. Represents spherical microporous granules. Performed in granules different sizes from 1-5 mm to 7-20 mm. Can be used as insulation for interior walls, ceilings and floors.

Granulated foam glass

The technical characteristics of the two types of material are similar, therefore, when choosing it, one should rely only on the convenience and expediency of using insulation of one form or another.

Main characteristics

According to statistics, the higher the hardness of a material, the lower its thermal insulation properties. Foam glass belongs to heaters that not only withstand serious loads, but also have a low thermal conductivity.

Other material characteristics include:

Thermal conductivity. Foam glass has a thermal conductivity of 0.04 W / m * s. If we compare it with wood, then for this material this indicator is two times lower, and for the minimum wool it is higher on average by 25%. Therefore, foam glass perfectly protects against heat loss. better than wood, mineral wool and many other heaters. High thermal insulation properties are explained by the presence of small closed cells with thin partitions in the structure.
Strength. Square meter insulation is able to withstand a pressure of 40-100 tons, and the strength indicator is 0.5-1.2 MPa. This indicator does not deteriorate over time. However, the impact strength of the material is low. Foam glass can be broken by strong mechanical stress.
Soundproofing. Foam glass is effectively used not only to protect against heat loss, but also from extraneous noise. The material is capable of damping sound waves with a force of 45-56 decibels.
Resistant to temperatures. The insulation is able to withstand temperatures from -200 to +300 degrees, which allows it to be used even at extreme temperatures.
Density. This indicator for the material is very low and is equal to 100-250 kg per cubic meter. And this figure is at least three times lower than the density of the tree.
Water vapor permeability. Foam glass can also be used as a vapor barrier. The vapor permeability index is only 0.005 mg / (m * h * Pa).
Moisture resistance. Plates and granules of foam glass are capable of absorbing no more than 2% of their own volume of water. The material not only does not absorb moisture, but also does not change its properties when interacting with it.

High moisture resistance

Biological stability. Foam glass has a high resistance to insects, rodents and microorganisms. Insulation does not absorb water, so mold and mildew do not form in it. And the high hardness of the material protects it from insects and rodents.
Chemical resistance. Foam glass is a chemically inert material. Therefore, in contact with acids, alkalis, gases and oil products, foam glass does not interact. The only substance with which the foam glass interacts is hydrofluoric acid.
Ecological cleanliness. Foam glass does not burn, does not emit toxic gases and does not produce decomposition products. This makes the material safe for the insulation of living quarters.

The unique characteristics of the material are due to the combination of the properties of silicate glass and gas microcapsules.

Main advantages

The use of foam glass as a heater has a number of significant advantages. These include:

Excellent thermal insulation performance. They are explained by the peculiarity of the structure of the material - small closed cells with thin partitions.
Versatility. The material is versatile, therefore it can be used to insulate facades, roofs, foundations, communications, walls and floors. It can be used even for facilities with a high fire hazard rate.
Long service life. The material can serve for over 100 years without loss of performance. At the same time, he tolerates high and low temperatures, as well as their sharp drops.
Good sound insulation properties. A layer of insulation of 10 cm is able to drown out even the sounds of a working tractor engine behind the wall. Therefore, the material is effectively used not only to protect against heat loss, but also from extraneous noise.
Ease of installation. An ordinary hacksaw can be used to cut the slabs; it is enough to simply pour the granules onto the prepared surfaces. The material is incredibly lightweight, so it's easy to work with.
Safety. The material does not emit hazardous compounds, therefore it can be used in public and residential premises.
Non-flammability. Foam glass does not burn, and at very high temperatures it only melts without emitting toxic components and smoke.

The advantages of foam glass made it one of the most successful and quality materials for insulation of floors, roofs, ceilings, basements, walls and other surfaces.

Main disadvantages

Despite the obvious advantages of foam glass, when choosing it as a heater, disadvantages should also be taken into account. These include:

High price. On the building materials market, foam glass is one of the most expensive insulation materials. This is due to the high energy consumption during production. In addition, expensive equipment is required for manufacturing.
Low impact strength. The material has a high compressive strength, but it is quite brittle material. Therefore, with strong impacts, the foam glass can crack, and such cracked slabs can no longer be used as insulation.
Low steam permeability. This property of the material is both its advantage and disadvantage. Despite the fact that fungi and mold cannot form in the foam glass, the surface it covers does not exchange air, therefore, foci of infection may appear.

Foam glass - high quality and modern insulation for different types surface, however, when choosing it, disadvantages should also be taken into account.

Details of home insulation with foam glass can be found in the video:

Application

A feature of the material is its excellent thermal insulation properties combined with high strength. Therefore, it can be used to insulate the basement, foundation, load-bearing walls and pipelines. The low rate of water absorption allows it to be used for thermal insulation of the basement, foundation and basement floor... Granular material can be used as an insulating additive for concrete. For thermal insulation of walls, it is enough to fill it in their cavities.

Thermal insulation with granular foam glass

Foam glass is well cut and drilled, so it is easy to make pieces of the desired size from the plates. In addition, the boards hold plaster, putty, glue and other surface finishing compounds well.

The material can be used not only for residential and public spaces... It is used for housings of various technological and industrial equipment that works at high temperatures.

Insulation with foam glass

Foam glass insulation technology

In order to guarantee high thermal insulation qualities of the material, it is required to observe the technology of its installation:

For fixing the boards, it is recommended to use special glue, which must be applied to reverse side slabs and side walls. After that, the glue should be evenly distributed over the surface of the sheet.
If the surface has pits, bumps or other irregularities, the adhesive should be applied to the foam glass with slaps in order to obtain the most even base.
When insulating wooden base it is recommended to fix the slabs with special dowels. The tree expands when exposed to moisture and temperature, so insulation must be installed to it mechanically.
When installing the slab on a vertical surface, it is necessary to install the lower bar, using building level... It is best to use a metal profile or rail as a strip.
The first row of insulation should be mounted on a profile that will act as a support. After the glue has completely set, the support can be removed. However, it is best to remove it after the work is complete.
When installing slabs on vertical or inclined surfaces, start from the bottom, and on horizontal surfaces from the far corner.
Plates should be laid close to each other with one row offset relative to the other. After application and complete drying of the glue, it is additionally recommended to reinforce the boards with special dowels.
Around windows and doors thermal insulation boards it is recommended to mount in solid figures. It is not allowed to connect separate pieces of material to each other on corner lines.

Roof insulation with foam glass

Foam glass is a high quality, modern and very light material for thermal insulation different surfaces... Competent adherence to the installation technology will improve the efficiency of thermal insulation and extend the life of the material.

On the features of the production of foam glass and its use as a heater, the positive and negative properties of the material, preparation of the floor before thermal insulation, performance of basic work, leveling and decorative trim surface.

The content of the article:

Floor insulation with foam glass is a technology based on the use of high-quality and modern heat-insulating material. The many positive qualities inherent in it put it in a leading position among all heaters. Today, foam glass can be used in the insulation of residential buildings and industrial facilities.

Features of floor insulation with foam glass

This insulation is a foamed glass consisting of a huge number of glass cells. It is this structure that determines the stability of its characteristics even over time.

By chemical composition it is close to ordinary glass, and the main difference lies in the method of production. The basis is the same broken glass that participates in production process at all glass factories. It is pounded to a powdery state and sent to an oven, where it melts and swells under the influence of high temperatures.

The mass is evenly cooled and allowed to spread in shape. V finished material there are cells filled with gas, which serve as a product of boiling and coal release. The resulting glass in foamed form increases in volume up to 15 times. As soon as the finished product is completely cooled, it is sawn into separate blocks.

There are 2 main forms in which foam glass is produced: these are cast blocks and granules. The granular form can be of such varieties as sand, crushed stone and gravel, which respectively indicate its size. They also differ in production technology. As for the blocks, the broken glass is mixed with the derivative gases that the coal gives off.

In granulation, glass is also crushed first, but the melting process takes place at a higher temperature, reaching 1000 degrees Celsius. Soda, quartz sand, limestone and sodium sulfate are also added to the raw materials. As a result, grains are formed, which can be from 1 mm to 1 cm in volume and have a different shape, more often round, oval, closed. The porosity of such a material usually ranges from 80-90%.

Floors in buildings insulated with such material should consist of the following layers:

Immediate base - soil;
The base, which is concrete, as well as girder, bulk, based on natural materials etc.;
Thermal insulation made of foam glass, which can be made in a load-bearing version or free;
Surface for finishing coat;
Final finishing.

In a number of areas, foam glass is particularly effective, for example:

If it is necessary to insulate large areas at once.
Great for objects related in one way or another aquatic environment(in pools, water parks, saunas).
Strength and fire resistance makes it possible to use it in the construction of high-rise buildings.
It can be used for restoration work in old buildings.
The material is relevant for thermal insulation of basements and underground premises.
It is used for thermal insulation of pipelines due to its ability to cope perfectly with any temperature changes.
This material is widely used in the nuclear industry, at enterprises of the chemical and oil industries, because of its fire resistance, as well as resistance to aggressive and acidic environments.

Advantages and disadvantages of floor insulation with foam glass

This material has received many praise for its practical application in insulation. First of all, it is excellent thermal insulation, but there are other aspects that our readers will be interested in learning about:

Environmental safety along with the hygiene of the material.
High frost resistance, allowing it to be used even in regions with severe winters.
Low flammability and complete non-flammability.
Ease of installation, which does not require significant qualification skills, as well as ease of processing conventional tool for any size.
To connect blocks of foam glass, it is enough to use any building mixture, glue, bitumen.
Resistance to chemically active reagents and acids in particular.
Lack of emission of harmful vapors and toxic substances.
Resistance to destruction while maintaining the original shape and size.
Low material density.
A wide scope of application of this insulation (can be used for thermal insulation of the floor, as well as roofs, balconies, loggias, basements, ceilings, etc.).
Huge service life, which can be up to 100 years.
The material is not susceptible to erosion, the spread of mold and mildew, since it does not contain any biological compounds, which makes it possible to insulate unventilated rooms with them.
High strength, which eliminates the need for additional fasteners during installation.
Moisture resistance, which is due to the fact that the material does not allow water to pass in either direction.
Sanitary safety based on the fact that the cells are equipped with micro-holes, which create a positive microclimate and give clean air.
Domestic insects or rodents will not be able to start in the foam glass.
Noise isolation and more.

It is important to consider negative sides foam glass, which may interfere with its use, especially in residential areas. The material is particularly fragile due to any possible deviation from production technology. Since the heat insulator is not elastic, but, on the contrary, is not subject to compression, it can crack when other structural elements are displaced.

One more point: the material is based on glass, and the insulation blocks are characterized by a significant mass. This forces us to carefully calculate the load on supporting structure... By itself, foam glass does not cope well with shock loads. If it has been cracked, then it becomes of little use as a heater.

Despite the fact that the insulator is classified as durable, this is not always useful. After all, the rest of the materials that are involved in the construction of the building may not be designed for such long term service. But when dismantling the structure and replacing it, it will be difficult to keep the foam glass blocks intact.

One of the key disadvantages of this heat insulator is its relatively high production cost. This is due to the expensive equipment that is involved in the production cycle.

Floor insulation technology with foam glass

Slabs made of this heat insulator can be laid not only on concrete, but also on wooden floors, as well as on dry sandy substrates. Using foam glass blocks, it is possible to exclude deformation and subsidence of the material, as well as to provide reliable thermal insulation and perfect waterproofness.

Preparatory work before installing foam glass

Among the materials we need the following: the insulation itself - foam glass for the floor, leveling mixture, mounting foam, material that will be used for finishing cladding, building tape, waterproofing material or mixture, nails, screws, dowels, glue, reinforcing mesh, cement, sand ...

Among the tools you need to prepare: a construction knife, paint brush, electric drill, perforator, construction level, spatulas of various widths, hammer, usually a trowel.

First of all, the floor surface is cleaned of the remnants of the previous coating. After that, it is assessed in what state it is at the moment. It is not difficult to remove minor defects - these include potholes, bumps, and the like. They can be knocked down with a hammer and repaired with leveling compounds.

But special attention should be paid to the presence of gaps between the slabs if the lower floor of the building passes under the room. They can be sealed with the same cement mortar that will be used to create the screed. Therefore, the gaps are filled with it, leveled with a spatula and left in this form to dry completely.

If the defects are properly eliminated, the floor is cleared of debris, dust and dirt. Final cleaning is done with a vacuum cleaner. The surface is now ready for priming. These works do not require special skills at all - it is enough to arm yourself with a roller, but you will have to cover it 2 times. The second layer is applied after the first one is completely dry.

To create a solution under the screed, cement of the M400 brand is taken, the sand must be cleaned, and not just river sand. A mixture of 3 parts of cement and 1 part of sand is mixed and diluted with water until a homogeneous mass is created, without lumps. The proportions must be observed, and the solution itself must be stirred continuously so as not to cause premature solidification and subsequent cracking.

To insulate walls, you can use damper tape, which is on sale in any hardware store. It will not allow moisture that is present in the solution to seep into the lower floors. In addition, it compensates for all temperature differences, and also acts as a waterproofing in corners and at joints. It is very simple to glue it: they remove its protective layer from the tape and press it well against the wall, it is glued with an overlap at the joints, and the excess is cut off from the bottom, from the side of the floor.

Pour the screed onto the prepared floor with an assistant. One person is constantly stirring the solution. Start pouring from the side of the wall opposite the entrance to the room. For creating flat surface use special beacons. The mortar is leveled with a trowel, but for tightening it is better to apply the rule.

Despite the fact that the screed will harden in a day, it will take about a week to completely dry. During this time, the surface will need to be slightly moistened 2 times a day to prevent cracking.

Instructions for installing foam glass on the floor

To make a floor insulated with foam glass, the following sequence of operations is required:

A thin layer of sand is poured onto a previously prepared surface, which must be pre-cleaned. The layer thickness is approximately 0.5 cm.
On top of the heat-insulating layer, we lay a reinforcing screed. In the case when a cold basement is located under the thermal insulation, it is necessary to form the main insulation on the inside of the fence grate.
Pellets are poured onto the floor. They must be evenly distributed and lightly tamped without using force.
Then, in the working container, the filling fastening mixture is prepared. The proportions of cement and sand should be about 1 to 5.

For those who are interested in a fast and simple technology insulation with foam glass, the following algorithm can be proposed. First, the laitance is prepared and mixed with the granular material. Using the level, construction beacons are placed on the floor surface. In the intervals between the guides, a prepared solution is poured, which is evenly distributed by the rule. As soon as the screed is completely solidified, tiles can be laid on top.

Finishing the floor

Consider the option of laying floor tiles after the insulated surface has completely hardened. First you need to spend finish alignment floor. It is best to use special ready-made mixtures for these purposes, which are sold in construction departments. Pouring is done from the far end of the room, with a gradual movement towards the door. It is necessary to wait until the surface is completely dry, which usually takes 2-3 days.

As flooring usually ceramic tiles are used. Before you start laying it, it is advisable to cover the floor with a primer, which will give the joint greater strength. As soon as the ground paint is completely dry, the tiles are laid out in the room to see how it will lay down and orient yourself according to the drawing. If you have to cut the material, then it is better to place individual pieces in inconspicuous places.

They begin to line the tiles from the far corners of the room. In the process of performing work, it is fixed with a special glue, which is diluted according to the instructions. It is good if special markings are indicated, in accordance with which the tiles will be laid. This will ensure that the geometry and pattern are preserved.

An adhesive mixture is applied to the floor with a spatula, a tile is applied on top and tapped tightly with a hammer. The glue must be poured so that it is evenly distributed over the surface. In this case, its consumption will reach 8 kg per 1 m 2. In order to form the seams between the tiles, it is necessary to install special crosses. During the entire installation process, it is imperative to check the evenness of the floor using a building level.

Once solid tiles will be laid out, proceed to the installation of pieces - incomplete products. You can cut them with a special tile cutter or even ordinary hacksaw for metal. After laying all the products, the surfaces are allowed to stand for 3 days to completely dry the adhesive solution. At this time, the floor must be protected from stress: do not bring furniture in, do not go into the room once again, etc.

To give the surface a final look, the seams are sealed with a sealing compound. After that, it is washed off with a damp sponge, and the remnants of the sealant are carefully removed. Thus, the insulation of the floor with foam glass and the final finishing are completed.

You can resort to the grouting procedure, since the tile is only at first glance even, but in fact it may differ by a millimeter. The seams are able to hide these flaws, including those that appear during the installation process. Grouting not only prevents the accumulation of dirt and dust in them, but also performs an aesthetic function. Now you can arrange furniture and other interior items.

How to insulate the floor with foam glass - watch the video:

One of best warm and soundproof materials is foam glass. This insulation was created by Soviet scientists in the 30s, but due to its high cost and imperfect manufacturing technology, it was not widely used. Three decades later, the Canadians found practical use for it, where foam glass was used as thermal insulation for a building. This material entered mass construction relatively recently, when all the shortcomings were taken into account and production costs were reduced. The article will focus on how to insulate with foam glass.

What is foam glass

This inorganic thermal insulation material has a porous structure. During the production process, the molten glass is heated under high temperatures, the added gas-forming substance forms bubbles with a diameter from a millimeter to a centimeter. The porosity ranges from 80-95%.

Foam glass photo

The color of the products can be different: cream, green or black. This property depends on the feedstock, because crushed quartz, sodium sulfate, sedimentary rocks, and irrecoverable cullet are used in production.
Insulation is offered in the form of granules, slabs and shaped products(pipe shells). Blocks of foam glass are popular, which can be of the following sizes:
- length - 200, 250, 400, 475 mm;
- width - 125, 200, 250, 400 mm;
- thickness - 80,100, 120 mm.
Installation is carried out using mechanical fasteners, cement mortars, mastics and other adhesives. The fixing method is chosen depending on the type of surface (concrete, iron, wood).

Foam glass characteristics

It is a lightweight material with a density of 120-200 kg / m3. cub.
As for the ultimate compressive strength, this indicator is very high and varies from 0.5 to 1.2 MPa.
Thermal conductivity is even better than that of wood - 0.06 W / m * s versus 0.09 W / m * s, respectively.
The sound absorption index of a 100 mm thick slab is 50 dB, which provides increased comfort.

The amount of sorption is negligible and does not exceed 4% of the volume.
The temperature range for the application of the material is very wide - from -200 to + 500C. At a higher temperature (from + 540C), the plates begin to deform, but do not emit toxic gases or vapors. Heat resistance makes it possible to use foam glass at facilities that are subject to increased fire safety requirements.
Chemical inertness is high. The material does not interact with acids, alkalis, oil products and other aggressive media.

Benefits of using foam glass

In addition to high physical and technical characteristics, among the advantages can be noted the absolute ecological purity. The material is recommended for use in buildings with increased requirements for sanitary and hygienic conditions.
The mats do not change their size during the entire period of service. Glass cells do not deform under operational loads and seasonal temperature changes. Thus, the formation of cold bridges due to compression, sagging, swelling or shrinkage is not allowed.

Foam glass is not subject to decay and the development of corrosion processes. Also, it is not attractive to microorganisms, mold, fungi and rodents, which indicates biological resistance. Due to the above advantages, the service life of the units is at least 100 years.
The thermal insulation material is easy to process. It can be cut, drilled and sawed without crumbs or cracks. It can be combined with almost all types of building materials: cement, brick, iron surfaces, holds finishing compounds well.

Disadvantages of foam glass insulation

The main disadvantage is the high cost, because the manufacturing process itself is a complex technological problem. For the production of insulation in the form of a shell, additional equipment is required, which entails an increase in the cost of the finished product.
One more drawback can be noted - low resistance to shock loads. But this indicator is not critical, since the insulation is not subjected to such tests.

Attention! "Analogs"

More than cheap analog which is made from liquid glass... The finished product does not differ in strength and moisture resistance. At its core, it is a porous glue.
The only plus of this material is its low cost, which can be 2 or even 3 times less than that of foam glass products made from solid raw materials.

Foam glass application

Due to its heat-insulating properties, the material is used:

in civil engineering. It is widely used for thermal insulation engineering communications... This material is used to equip "warm floors", exploited roofs, attics, basements, foundations. They also insulate the inner and outer walls;

in sports facilities. Block and granular material is widely used in the construction of ice arenas, swimming pools, playgrounds and other facilities to which special requirements are imposed;
in industrial facilities. Foamed glass melt works to reduce operating costs due to its high thermal resistance. Therefore, its use is relevant not only for ground, but also underground structures, such as: buried reservoirs and other containers;
in the national economy. Crushed stone from foam glass makes it possible to erect buildings on clay and swampy soils. It provides reliable thermal insulation for farms intended for breeding poultry, cattle, etc.

in the improvement of home gardens. Foam glass bulk material has found its application in the arrangement of greenhouses and hotbeds. Performance characteristics allow you to form the relief on the site, equip footpaths, create gabions, use in drainage systems and groundwater outlets. They also insulate buried containers.

Improving efficiency

When choosing the thickness of the slabs, it is necessary to take into account the thermal insulation properties of the material used for the construction of the house. So for external insulation of brick, concrete and silicate walls, foam glass plates with a thickness of 120 mm are used.
For buildings made of wood, foam and expanded clay concrete blocks, this heat-insulating material with a thickness of 80-100 mm is suitable.
Internal insulation works are carried out by means of 60 mm thick foamed glass melt. Plates are fixed with adhesives, thin dowels and steel L-shaped brackets.

For the "warm floor" system, foundation and interfloor (attic) floors, granular material is used. It will fill all voids and provide the necessary thermal insulation. The calculation of the layer thickness is based on temperature conditions region of residence.

Installation of foam glass

For fixing the mats, a special foam glass glue is used. It is applied to the back and 2 side walls. Cement-containing mortars and bitumen-based compounds are evenly distributed around the perimeter.
If there are slight bulges or depressions on the surface, then it is recommended to apply the adhesive mixture to the foam glass with “slaps” (at least 5 pieces per plate). With this method, the consumption of glue will increase, but the base will become as even as possible.
For wooden surfaces, use special dowels. This is because wood is subject to thermal expansion. In this connection, the plates must be fixed mechanically, which will allow the foam glass blocks to "move" after the tree.
Before installing the boards on vertical surfaces, a horizontal strip is installed at the basement level. It can be a bar or a metal profile, if necessary, wedges are placed between the base and the rail. The empty space is filled with foam.
The first row of insulation is installed on a profile that acts as a support. After the adhesive has hardened, the support is dismantled. For reliability, it is better to remove the horizontal bar upon completion of all work.

Foam glass mats are mounted on walls and sloped roofs from the bottom up, on horizontal surfaces (for example, on interfloor ceilings, foundations) in the direction - "towards you", that is, from the far corner.
Laying of foam glass products is carried out close to each other with the obligatory displacement of one row relative to the other (with bandaging of the seams). If, in addition to glue, it is planned to additionally use dowels, then their fasteners are made after the binder mixture has completely dried.
Thermal insulation boards around window or doorways, chimneys and other elements are mounted in solid figures. Docking of foamed molten glass blocks on corner lines is not allowed.

Foam glass stacking technology

Knowing the method of fastening this material, you can quickly and easily carry out the insulation of any objects under construction. Proper placement of all layers will help improve the effectiveness of thermal insulation.

Unique physical and technical properties make it possible to reduce the thickness of the "cake" and to abandon the use of wind and moisture protection membranes. Below is the most common use of foam glass panels.

Heavy cladding wall... Products made of foamed glass melt are glued to a reinforced concrete or brick surface. Additional fixation is performed mechanically (4-5 dowels per plate). After the entire perimeter has been laid, proceed to installation metal profile designed for facing stone. This option is also applicable for arranging the basement.

Plaster wall... Foam glass mats are attached to brickwork or walls erected from foam or aerated concrete blocks using an adhesive composition. Before applying the finishing material, the boards are covered with an overlap mesh (at least 100 mm). It is fixed with disc dowels with pressure washers. The thickness of the plaster layer can be up to 30 mm.
Wall with facing bricks... The brick base is pasted over with foam glass plates. It is more convenient to insert flexible ties after the insulation is laid, and not before its installation. Next, masonry is erected from facing brick... Here you can also use granular material, which is poured between the main and facing wall as the latter is being erected (the distance between the masonry is at least 250 mm).
Wall for profiled sheet... Wall surfaces are covered with foam glass mats. On top of them, a crate of wooden slats or a metal profile. Fasteners are selected depending on the material from which the walls are erected. Profiled sheets are installed according to the appropriate technology (from bottom to top and from left to right, with an overlap along the horizontal and vertical level).

Internal walls (partitions)... Indoor work is not much different from outdoor installation of the presented insulation. Insulation is also attached to the surface, which is covered with a layer of plaster (you can mount the profile under gypsum plasterboards).
Roof under roll materials . Reinforced concrete slab if necessary, it is covered with a bitumen-polymer primer, which provides a high level of moisture protection. Next, hot bitumen-based mastic is applied to the foam glass block or adhesive solution and with slight pressure is fixed on the surface. The finished fabric is treated with hot bitumen. With the help of a torch, a waterproofing layer of EPP is fused, and then a roll material of the EKP type.

Roof with a slight slope for sheet coverings... Overlapping from reinforced concrete foam glass blocks are glued. You can use special adhesives or bituminous mastics... Upon completion of the work, the foam glass surface is covered with a hot bitumen-polymer mass. To increase the waterproofing of the roof, fused roll materials are used. After hardening, a lathing is performed that corresponds to one or another roofing material.
Wooden roof... The rafters are equipped with a continuous flooring. A layer of waterproofing materials on a bitumen basis, which is mechanically fastened. Next, the foam glass is mounted, then the waterproofing material. The surface is now completely ready for the installation of any roofing material.
Insulation of floors with foam glass... Foam glass plates are laid out tightly on top concrete base or a compacted layer of sand or cement. Here, the thickness of the slab will depend on the expected loads. Next, polyethylene is laid in 2 layers, and then the whole cake is poured sand-cement mixture... This base is completely ready for arrangement with various finishing materials: linoleum, parquet, ceramic tiles etc.

Foam glass products have the characteristics necessary for effective thermal insulation buildings for any purpose. They combine: low heat transfer rates, ease of installation, long service life, fire and biological resistance, environmental Safety both for man and structure.

Foam glass video

Despite the high cost of this material, laying foam glass will pay off all costs due to the absence of additional layers of the cake and thanks to minimum amounts in heating bills.