Each brand of PENOPLEX thermal insulation® its own characteristics and its own field of application. Let’s analyze the similarities and differences of PENOPLEX COMFORT boards® and PENOPLEX®WALL, let’s note their advantages over heaters of other brands.
PENOPLEX COMFORT® and PENOPLEX®WALL are made of extruded polystyrene foam, which is distinguished by high heat-shielding properties (thermal conductivity coefficient not higher than 0.034 W / m • K), zero water absorption, biostability, durability of at least 50 years. The material has a wide temperature range of application, resistant to temperature extremes, including alternating ones.
In its composition PENOPLEX® does not contain chemically hazardous components. In the production of boards, the same grades of polystyrene are used as for the manufacture of children’s toys, packaging for food products and medical devices, and the most stringent sanitary standards are imposed on materials for the food and medical industries. We also note that plastic processing waste is not used in its manufacture, only primary polystyrene is used.
PENOPLEX® has a certificate conferring a high degree of environmental safety. The slabs are painted orange, which symbolizes warmth and environmental friendliness.
These are the common features of the two heaters. PENOPLEX COMFORT® and PENOPLEX®WALLS have the same technical characteristics, apart from strength. PENOPLEX®WALL is slightly less compressive strength, since this parameter is not important for products that are attached to the facade and do not experience compressive loads. The most important difference: in the texture of one flat surface. At the PENOPLEX COMFORT plate® both surfaces are smooth, for PENOPLEX®WALL one of two rough.
Application of PENOPLEX boards®WALL
For structural reliability, double fixing of PENOPLEX plates is usually practiced® on the surface to be insulated: with an adhesive and mechanically using a dowel system with self-tapping screws. Mechanical fastening can be applied on the other side: for finishing materials, for example, siding. But there are types of finishes that cannot be secured with nails or self-tapping screws. We are talking about plaster and tiles.
The process of erecting a wall with plaster finish is as follows. On the heat-insulating layer of PENOPLEX boards® with a rough surface, a layer of the basic plaster-adhesive composition is applied, a reinforcing mesh is embedded in it, then, after drying, a facade primer is applied, and, finally, a finishing layer of decorative protective plaster. Therefore, for the reliability of such a plastering system, high adhesion (adhesion strength) of the surface of the insulation with the basic plaster and adhesives is required. At the rough side of the PENOPLEX board®WALL this indicator, of course, is significantly higher than that of the smooth surface of PENOPLEX boards® and surfaces of other thermal insulation materials. In particular, it exceeds the adhesion of foam plastic by more than 1.5 times, mineral wool – more than 2.5 times. It is important to note that the adhesion strength of the rough surface of PENOPLEX®WALL is 3 times higher than the standard value specified in the technical conditions for the use of adhesives.
An example of a wall structure with PENOPLEX thermal insulation®WALL and external plastering on a polymer mesh
Thus, PENOPLEX boards®WALL are intended for wall insulation with subsequent finishing with various types of plaster: cement, lime, lime-gypsum, cement-lime, polymer-cement, acrylic, etc. At the same time, PENOPLEX®WALL can be used both for external insulation with a plastered wall, and internal with wall decoration with interior decorative plaster.
From the smooth surface of the PENOPLEX COMFORT insulation® a layer of basic plaster and adhesive, polymer mesh, facade primer and decorative protective plaster may fall off over time due to insufficient adhesion.
Application of PENOPLEX COMFORT boards®
PENOPLEX COMFORT® it is used where there is no need for a rough surface: for thermal insulation of balconies / loggias; heated floors (“warm floor” system) or pitched roofs. However, under certain conditions, PENOPLEX COMFORT slabs® can replace PENOPLEX plates®WALL. The latter are sold with a factory quality rough surface. However, you can prepare the material for applying the plastering composition with your own hands. To do this, immediately before installation on PENOPLEX COMFORT slabs® scoring is applied to improve adhesion. But it is better to buy a specialized board that is prepared for plastering in the factory..
PENOPLEX COMFORT® and PENOPLEX®WALL – what’s the difference?
PENOPLEX Comfort® and PENOPLEX Wall® are two unique insulation solutions created to deliver the best results with minimal investment. Both product lines rely on the same PE-Xb pipes and insulate the walls before they are built or covered with plasterboard. PENOPLEX Comfort® is unique in that it includes mineral wool insulation installed in a paper-laminated wooden frame, which eliminates thermal bridges and provides thermal insulation with economically efficient results. On the other hand, PENOPLEX Wall® increases energy efficiency and eliminates thermal bridges with a vapor-resistant membrane, using high-end material such as BioFoam. This allows it to regulate the temperature and humidity levels in the room with objectivity. Both product lines have exceptional lightweight, and they are also water and radiation resistant – proving to be highly durable in any environment.
Construction Materials 
Can someone please clarify the difference between PENOPLEX COMFORT® and PENOPLEX®WALL? I’m interested in knowing the distinguishing features or advantages of each product. Are they designed for specific purposes or can they be used interchangeably? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!