Explore key concepts, application areas, advantages and relevant technical standards for waterproofing, thermal insulation and XPS in one source.
Key information, advantages, application areas and standards for protecting buildings against the adverse effects of water and moisture.
Waterproofing is the insulation applied to prevent water or moisture from damaging any part of a building or the spaces it encloses, and to protect materials such as wood, metal, stone and brick from the adverse effects of water and moisture so that buildings can remain durable, healthy, comfortable and safe.
Damage caused by water is especially important in regions exposed to earthquake risk. Water penetrating structural reinforcement can adversely affect reinforcement properties and load-bearing capacity through freezing, chemical reactions and corrosion. The highly alkaline environment of concrete creates a passive layer that protects reinforcing steel; carbonation, chloride ions, water and oxygen can damage this protection and accelerate corrosion.
Ground moisture and non-pressurised water can pass through pores in building elements and cause mould, dark staining and fungal growth on internal surfaces. Proper waterproofing helps reduce moisture, unpleasant odours, dripping and microorganism formation, contributing to healthier and more comfortable interiors.
The adverse effects of water can shorten the service life of buildings. Waterproofing helps protect the structure and reduce maintenance and repair costs.
Materials providing water impermeability can be grouped into three main categories according to their application and characteristics.
Limiting heat losses and gains, energy efficiency, comfort, material properties and relevant standards.
Thermal insulation is the process of limiting heat losses and gains in buildings and installations. Technically, it is applied to reduce heat transfer between two environments at different temperatures.
The amount of heat passing through a material for a 1 m² surface and a temperature difference of 1°C.
The heat transfer through a material of a given thickness due to the temperature difference between its two surfaces.
The arithmetic reciprocal of thermal transmittance and is represented by R.
The ratio of the actual amount of water vapour in air to the maximum amount the air can contain at the same temperature.
The conversion of water vapour into liquid as temperature falls. Internal surface temperature should remain above the dew point.
The ratio of a building material’s resistance to water vapour diffusion to that of air.
An appropriate density should be selected for dimensional stability and mechanical strength.
DIN 4102, BS 476 and TS EN 13501 standards are used.
The product should be selected according to the temperature to which it will be exposed.
Generally expressed as the compressive stress causing 10% deformation in the material.
For thermal insulation materials, zero or near-zero water absorption is ideal.
Dimensional change under temperature or pressure should be very low.
Effective thermal insulation can significantly reduce the energy required for heating and cooling.
Reducing heat losses and gains helps reduce fossil-fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Reducing the difference between internal surface temperature and room temperature creates a more uniform and comfortable indoor environment.
Thermal insulation applied in accordance with standards helps reduce problems caused by moisture, mould and condensation.
Lower heating and cooling loads can allow lower-capacity equipment and reduced operating costs.
Structure, key characteristics and İKS XPS technical data sheets for extruded polystyrene foam.
XPS is a foam material with a homogeneous cell structure produced and used for thermal insulation. Polystyrene, the raw material of XPS, is extruded along the production line to the required thickness. Continuous computer-controlled production creates a homogeneous, honeycomb-like and stable cell structure. Thanks to its closed-cell structure, XPS does not absorb water and is not affected by moisture.
Technical data sheets for XPS 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 automatically open in the active website language.
