The disadvantages of polystyrene concrete: the

In its time, polystyrene concrete was used quite extensively in construction, since it possesses additional protection against cold and has less weight. Recently, however, this material is practically not used, giving preference to other modern types of blocks. The fact is that the shortcomings of polystyrene concrete greatly exceed its positive qualities.

Comparison

In order to correctly draw a conclusion and learn about all the properties of this product, it is necessary to consider the process of its manufacture, which will determine the future properties of this material. It will also help answer the question of what polystyrene concrete is and where it can be used.

Manufacturing process

When creating concrete blocks from the material in question, a mixture of several fractions of sand and cement is usually used, to which crushed stone screenings can be added. Also, instructions for the manufacture of such products are advised to use various additives and plasticizers, which will give the product additional properties.

At the next stage, small polystyrene granules are placed in the solution. They can be produced independently from foam plastic or purchased by weight. It is very important to constantly perform stirring in order to obtain a homogeneous composition.

If the product is created with your own hands, then you should immediately remember that polystyrene is very light, which means you should not shrink the solution into the form with the help of a vibrator. This will cause it to simply float to the surface, which must be avoided.

Tip! The solution during pouring should be rather thick and even slightly dry. It also prevents polystyrene particles from rising to the surface.

Virtues

• The main advantage of such a material is its ability to retain heat due to the capsules in its structure.. Therefore, the question of what is better gas concrete or polystyrene concrete often arises among the masters. However, professional builders claim that if we consider such a parameter as heat conduction, then these materials are almost the same.

• Ready blocks are lightweight therefore, for the construction of them, it is not necessary to create a solid foundation.
• It should be noted that the price of products from such concrete is low and similar products can be made independently.

Note! This material has practically no advantages that would distinguish it from other similar products. However, it differs by original flaws.

disadvantages

• First of all, monolithic polystyrene concrete has very low strength. This is due to its low density and presence inside the capsules. Therefore, it is not recommended to erect buildings of more than one or two floors from it.

• This material also reacts very badly to strong heat or direct contact with fire. The fact is that almost all brands of polystyrene concrete with strong heating quickly lose their strength, because the capsules begin to melt and release gas, which destroys the structure from the inside.
• Special attention should be paid to the fact that the walls of such blocks have a very low level of adhesion. However, this problem is very difficult to solve even with the help of a primer.

• When it comes to talking about what is better foam concrete or polystyrene, many masters recommend focusing on moisture resistance. The fact is that foam concrete products practically do not absorb moisture, which is not the case with polystyrene, which has poor adhesion and has a small space between the capsules and the material. Moreover, if moisture is preserved in the material before the onset of cold weather, then it will cause the destruction of the structure.
• If you use polystyrene concrete for the floor, then it is very important to solve the problem of waterproofing from two sides. In this case, the level of the screed can greatly increase to give strength to a concrete product. Therefore, sometimes it is better to use insulation with subsequent pouring.

• It is worth paying attention to the fact that the construction of polystyrene concrete leads to additional costs. Usually it is necessary to put thick layers of plaster on such walls or to make double-sided waterproofing. It also takes a lot of time.

• Recently, liquid polystyrene concrete can be found in the construction materials markets. This material has its own characteristics, since its production uses other technologies and components, which also affects its price.

Conclusion! Учитывая такое количество недостатков и наличие другой продукции с подобными свойствами, профессиональные мастера не рекомендуют использовать данные виды изделий.

Conclusion

After reading the video in this article, you can get additional knowledge about this product and independently study its shortcomings. In this case, making a conclusion on the basis of the article proposed above, it is worth saying that even such material has the right to exist and certain application.