Penofol: features of insulation, prices, application

The name “penofol” is explained simply – this material includes polyethylene foam and foil. The abbreviated names of these materials became the “ancestors” of the name of penofol. This material belongs to the category of reflective heat thanks to the foil, which is attached to the polyethylene “foam” by thermal welding. In addition, as the name and components suggest, this is a layered material.

There are several types of penofol:

• A – this type differs in that it has an aluminum foil coating on only one side, it is used together with other heaters;
• B – in this case, both sides are covered with foil, so no other insulation is needed;
• C – there is a self-adhesive layer, it is convenient, it is attached immediately without additional materials;
• ALP – for this type of penofol, the aluminum coating is laminated with a polyethylene layer;
• M and R – ribbed, embossed foam foil coated with foil on one side only;
• NET – intended for insulation of heating mains, air ducts and pipelines.

The benefits of penofol include:

• the thickness of penofol is usually only 3, 4, 5, 8 or 10 mm, the material is thin, when the walls are insulated, the area of ​​the room is preserved, while insulation, for example, with mineral wool, “eats up” the usable space;
• the material is safe, it is proven that polyethylene and aluminum foil are non-toxic;
• Penofol practically does not burn, refers to hardly flammable materials;
• insulation is sold in rolls, which are very easy to transport;
• ease of installation allows even non-professionals to work independently with penofol;
• good performance of sound insulation;
• penofol has a low level of vapor permeability, so an additional vapor barrier is not required.

Penofol has not so many disadvantages. Firstly, it is a soft material, so it cannot be laid under plaster; another finishing coating is required, for example, drywall or wall panels. Secondly, all types of foam foams, except for C, which has a self-adhesive layer, must be mounted using special adhesives. You cannot nail penofol to the wall with nails or self-tapping screws! Holes will appear and the thermal insulation properties of the material will deteriorate. You can use a construction stapler instead of an adhesive.

Another advantage of penofol is its versatility. Due to its small thickness, it is actively used to insulate walls inside a room. In addition, penofol can be used to insulate loggias and balconies, floors, including use as a substrate for underfloor heating, ceilings, attic rooms.

They insulate facades with penofol, including wooden buildings. Motorists use thin foam foam to insulate the hood and interior of cars. It is convenient to use this type of insulation for shielding heating radiators. Foil will reflect heat into the room, preventing it from going behind the wall.

Basic rules for installing penofol:

• if a material with a one-sided coating is used, then the foil should be on the side of the heat source;
• penofol sheets are stacked jointly to joint, not overlap;
• joints should be sealed with aluminum tape;
• there should be free space between the insulation and the structural element.

Penofol characteristics:

• temperature range from -60 to + 100 ° C;
• thermal conductivity coefficient varies from 0.037 to 0.052 W / m ° C depending on the type and thickness;
• vapor permeability of only 0.001 mg / m * h * Pa;
• water absorption from 0.35 to 0.7%;
• specific heat capacity – 1.95 J / kg ° C;
• weight depends on the type and thickness of the material, ranges from 44 to 75 kg / m³ for a layer of 4 mm.

As for the price of penofol, it also depends on the type of material and thickness. For a roll of insulation B with dimensions of 30,000x1200x5 mm, you will have to pay about 2.6 thousand rubles. Penofol A with dimensions of 30,000x1200x4 mm will cost about 1.7 thousand rubles. If the price is indicated per square meter, then it varies on average from 42 to 310 rubles.