Foam glass- a modern heat-insulating material obtained by processing silicate glass and a gas-forming agent (usually coal, anthracite, coke, soot) at high temperatures, about 1000 ○ C.

The foaming process is accompanied by an increase in glass volume by 14...15 times compared to the original. In European countries, foam glass materials have long been recognized and one of the most effective heat-shielding building materials.

Thermal insulation material - foam glass: characteristics and scope

The thermal insulation properties of foam glass are determined by the presence in its structure of a huge number of closed bubbles filled with air or carbon dioxide. Foam glass materials consist only of glass and gas (air, carbon dioxide) and their chemical composition is identical to the composition of ordinary glass used by us in everyday life:

• silicon oxide;
• calcium oxide;
• magnesium oxide;
• potassium oxide;
• sodium oxide;
• aluminium oxide.

The foam glass structure has the form of a honeycomb (photo 1), which provides a relatively high strength of the material, taking into account the small size of the bubbles and the thickness of their walls (the average bubble diameter is 2000 microns, and the thickness of the bubble walls is 20 ... 100 microns).

Foam glass as a heat-insulating material has been developed for a long time and has been industrially produced since the 50s ... 60s of the last century. Initially, due to the high cost, this material was not widely used. Only after the improvement of production technology, the reduced cost of foam glass gave it a "second wind", although even now its cost is also not cheap. Foam glass has high physical and chemical properties, which cause a constant growing demand.

Here are the main characteristics of foam glass

• thermal conductivity of foam glass - 0.045 ... 0.060 W / m∙K;
• material density - 120 ... 140 kg / m 3 (relatively light heat-insulating material);
• the material is airtight;
• water absorption - no more than 2.5 ... 5% or surface absorption - no more than 0.5 kg / m 2;
• water insoluble material;
• compressive strength - 0.4 ... 1.2 MPa, and some blocks of foam glass can have a strength of 4 ... 24 MPa (depending on the brand of foam glass);
• the material is vapor-tight;
• modulus of elasticity - 800 MN / m 2;
• noise absorption - up to 60 dB (it is determined that a wall thickness of 10 cm from foam glass is able to isolate the room from noise levels up to 56 dB);
• operating temperature range of foam glass material – from -200 ○ С to +500 ○ С;
• foam glass is a non-combustible material (in the middle of the last century, foam glass was used to insulate roofs and ceilings on very important buildings: nuclear power plant buildings, high-class hotels, which were subject to especially high fire safety requirements);
• insulation resistant to chemicals;
• ecological material (non-toxic), does not emit harmful substances, including at high temperatures in case of fire;
• biostable material (not food and housing for rodents, insects, insects), the material does not rot;
• low coefficient of thermal expansion (0.9 10 -6 K);
• the material does not shrink;
• the material is not hygroscopic (does not get wet when in a humid environment);
• has high adhesion to most building materials: plasters, concretes, bituminous mastics, etc.;
• high durability (more than 100 years).

The main feature of foam glass is that this material has constant high thermal properties, which do not change almost throughout the entire period of its operation. So, tests of foam glass building materials after 50 ... 60 years of operation showed that its characteristics have not changed at all, which cannot be said about many other heat-insulating materials.

In practice, this material has no drawbacks, except for one - high cost (compared to other heat-insulating materials).

Foam glass building materials are produced in the form of:

• plates in size: width - 450 mm, length - 600 mm, thickness - 60, 80, 100, 120 mm;
• blocks size: 125÷450×125÷550 mm, thickness 20÷120 mm;
• crumbs (spherical granules).

Thermal insulation blocks and slabs of foam glass - scope

With the help of foam glass plates and blocks, they perform sound and heat insulation of socles, blind areas, foundations, various underground structures, insulate the facade, internal and external walls of high-rise buildings and structures, roofs (flat, pitched), photo 3.

Scope of foam glass

In table. one useful data on the sizes of foam glass blocks, their mass and volume are presented.

Foam glass crumb - scope

The crumb is produced from the same raw materials as blocks or plates in the form of granules of various fractions: 0 ... 5 mm; 5…7 mm; 7…20 mm.

The crumb is produced directly, or is formed by cutting large foam slabs into blocks. The crumb is used as a bulk heat-insulating material, in the construction of external walls with a layer and in the insulation of old houses. Also, with the help of foam glass crumbs, floors and roofs are insulated, photo 4, 5.

Foam glass crumb

Foam glass is also used for insulation of pipelines with a diameter of up to 1420 mm, transitions, tees, with a heating temperature of up to 500 ○ C, photo 6.

And in conclusion, instead of a conclusion, we will present the comparative characteristics of some heat-insulating materials and foam glass in order to truly appreciate this unique material (see. tab. 2).

Konev Alexander Anatolievich

Foam glass (foamed glass) is a unique rigid heat-insulating material consisting of hermetic glass bubbles that do not communicate with each other.

It is durable, non-flammable and environmentally friendly material. All physical properties of foam glass remain unchanged even in high humidity conditions for more than 100 years until re-used.

The decision to buy block foam glass is often justified by the fact that this is a unique heat-insulating material, devoid of all the disadvantages inherent in traditional heaters. Moreover, the price of this insulation in Moscow is acceptable.

There is no similar material in terms of properties. Below we will consider the properties of foam glass building blocks: strength, durability, compliance with EU standards, etc.

Dimensions of block foam glass

Standard dimensions for block foam glass: 600 x 450 mm, thickness from 40 mm to 150 mm in 10 mm increments, those. 30, 40, 50, 60.70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 mm.

If it is necessary to use blocks with a thickness of more than 150 mm, the blocks can be glued in thickness both in the factory and directly on the construction site using special adhesives.

Dimensions 600 x 450 mm are optimal for ease of installation when thermally insulating building structures or industrial equipment.

Coated foam glass blocks

Foam glass blocks are supplied uncoated or with ready-made bituminous coating to simplify the installation technology and reduce the time of work.

Coated blocks (laminated) for subsequent fusing of rolled waterproofing:

The coating consists of a thin layer of modified bitumen-polymer sealant with a thickness of 2-5 mm and a glued easily fused polyethylene film. After gluing (with mandatory sealing of the seams) foam glass blocks with such a coating, rolled waterproofing is welded. The film also serves as protection during transportation against gluing the blocks together.

Such blocks are used in the construction of flat roof structures, floors, plinths and basement walls.

Block foam glass properties

• Fire resistance (NG, KM0);
• Ease of processing and installation;
• Durability - service life of more than 100 years;
• Invariability of geometric dimensions;
• High compressive strength without deformation;
• Chemical resistance;
• Not in demand by rodents;
• Not in demand by microorganisms;
• Given the durability - low cost;
• Simplicity and ease of construction.

- foam glass has a closed-porous structure, therefore it is completely waterproof. In case of damage to the waterproofing due to the glued structure, the foam glass does not allow water to pass into the supporting structures. Water will remain in the place of damage as in a "glass". There will be no leakage. At the same time, energy efficiency will not change. Foam glass is the only insulation that is not exposed to water. the thermal conductivity of the blocks does not change even in conditions of 100% humidity.

- foam glass has a closed-porous structure, therefore it is practically vapor-tight. Accordingly, a vapor barrier and a ventilated gap are not required, which leads to a decrease in the thickness of the structure, a decrease in the weight of the structure, and simplification of installation. Foam glass in structures is dry both in summer and in winter. Energy efficiency remains unchanged even in 100% humidity conditions. The dew point is in the insulation layer, but since the heater does not pass steam, condensate does not occur either in the heater or in the supporting structures.

Without deformations - foam glass is the most durable heat-insulating material. Compressive strength - 60-200 tons per 1 m2. Foam glass does not shrink and does not shrink during operation under constant loads, withstands dynamic and static loads. Foam glass serves as the basis for any roof covering without a frame and without through fasteners. Foam glass is widely used for thermal insulation of helipads, in exploited roofs for automobile loads, under the foundations of residential multi-storey buildings.

- foam glass is an absolutely non-combustible heat-insulating material. Combustibility group - NG (non-combustible, fire class - KM0. When heated, foam glass does not emit gases and vapors, caustic hazardous substances. Fires can occur as a result of the absorption of flammable liquids by the insulating material, for example, oils and liquid heat carriers. Ignition can occur due to slow oxidation organic liquids inside the insulating material, followed by an increase in temperature Foam glass is impervious to all kinds of liquids and gases Smoldering fires with foam glass are not possible.

- foam glass does not shrink and does not change geometric dimensions under constant or temporary dynamic or static loads.

Absolute chemical resistance- foam glass consists of 100% glass, like a laboratory test tube. Foam glass is resistant to any chemical elements and compounds in the form of liquids or gases. Foam glass does not absorb and does not collapse under the influence of solvents, oils and other petrochemical products.

Unclaimed by rodents, insects, birds and microorganisms- Insects do not breed in foam glass, they are not able to destroy rodents and birds, arranging places for permanent residence. Microorganisms - fungi, fungal spores, mold do not develop inside and on the foam glass. During operation, foam glass does not dust, does not decompose. Foam glass is also not food for insects, rodents and microorganisms.

- without compromise, the most environmentally friendly insulation. Foam glass is absolutely safe for humans and the environment, both in the process of production, installation, operation, and disposal. In Europe, foam glass is the only material allowed for interior insulation. When certified in "green" building in the LEED and BREEAM systems, the use of foam glass allows you to get the highest number of points compared to other heaters.

Video: foam glass strength

Durability of foam glass

Administration Building (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA)

• 1952 - thermal conductivity of block foam glass λ = 0.058 W / m ּ С;
• 1990 - thermal conductivity of foam glass λ = 0.058 W/mּ С;
• 63 years old roof without major repairs.

Pool (Capdenac-Gare, Aveyron, France)

Foam glass is one of the durable, strong and popular materials for insulation. It is easy to install and highly efficient. The technology was invented almost a century ago in the USSR, and the practical application was invented later in Canada. Foam glass appeared on the building materials market recently, when the technology of its production made it possible to make it affordable and of high quality. Before use, it is worth considering what foam glass granules or slabs 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 both strong 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. High temperature leads to the melting of the substance, as well as the formation of small bubbles. This technology allows you to get a light and durable material that has a high heat resistance.

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

1. Slab foam glass. The insulation has the shape of a plate, which has a structure with closed cells. Optimum is suitable for warming of a socle, a facade, a ceiling, overlappings and the base. The thickness is 6-12 cm, and the size of the plate is 45 * 60 cm. They can withstand even significant operational loads, do not shrink and are resistant to deformation during mechanical stress.

Plate insulation

1. granular material. Represents microporous granules of spherical shape. It is carried out in granules of various sizes from 1-5 mm to 7-20 mm. It can be used as a heater for internal walls, ceilings and floors.

Granulated foam glass

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

Main characteristics

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

Other characteristics of the material include:

1. Thermal conductivity. Foam glass has a thermal conductivity index of 0.04 W / m * s. If we compare it with a tree, then for this material this indicator is two times lower, and for the minimum wool it is higher by an average of 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.
2. Strength. A square meter of insulation is able to withstand a pressure of 40-100 tons, and the strength index is 0.5-1.2 MPa. This indicator does not worsen over time. However, the impact strength of the material is low. Foam glass can be broken under strong mechanical stress.
3. Soundproofing. Foam glass is effectively used not only to protect against heat loss, but also from extraneous noise. The material is able to dampen sound waves with a force of 45-56 decibels.
4. Temperature resistance. The insulation is able to withstand temperatures from -200 to +300 degrees, which allows it to be used even at extreme temperatures.
5. Density. This indicator of 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.
6. Vapor permeability. Foam glass can also be used as a vapor barrier. The vapor permeability index is only 0.005 mg / (m * h * Pa).
7. Moisture resistance. Plates and granules of foam glass are able to absorb no more than 2% of water from their own volume. The material not only does not absorb moisture, but also does not change its properties when interacting with it.

High moisture resistance

1. biological stability. Foam glass has a high resistance to insects, rodents and microorganisms. The insulation does not absorb water, so mold and fungi do not form in it. And the high hardness of the material protects it from insects and rodents.
2. Chemical resistance. Foam glass is a chemically inert material. Therefore, when in contact with acids, alkalis, gases and petroleum products, foam glass does not interact. The only substance that foam glass interacts with is hydrofluoric acid.
3. Ecological purity. Foam glass does not burn, does not emit toxic gases and does not produce decay products. This makes the material safe for warming residential premises.

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:

1. Excellent thermal insulation characteristics. They are explained by the peculiarity of the structure of the material - small closed cells with thin partitions.
2. Versatility. The material is universal, therefore it can be used for insulation of facades, roofs, foundations, communications, walls and floors. It can be used even for objects with a high fire hazard.
3. Long service life. The material is able to last more than 100 years without loss of performance. At the same time, it tolerates high and low temperatures, as well as their sudden changes.
4. Good soundproof properties. A layer of insulation of 10 cm is able to drown out even the sounds of a running tractor engine behind the wall. Therefore, the material is effectively used not only to protect against heat loss, but also from extraneous noise.
5. Ease of installation. An ordinary hacksaw can be used to cut the plates, it is enough just to pour the granules on the prepared surfaces. The material is incredibly light, so working with it is easy.
6. Safety. The material does not emit hazardous compounds, therefore it can be used in public and residential premises.
7. Fire resistance. Foam glass does not burn, and at a very high temperature it only melts, without releasing toxic components and smoke.

The advantages of foam glass have made it one of the most successful and high-quality materials for insulating floors, roofs, ceilings, plinths, 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:

1. High price. In the building materials market, foam glass is one of the most expensive insulation materials. This is due to the high energy consumption in production. In addition, the production requires expensive equipment.
2. Low impact strength. The material has a high compressive strength, but is a rather brittle material. Therefore, with strong impacts, foam glass can crack, and such cracked plates can no longer be used as a heater.
3. Low steam conductivity. This property of the material is both its advantage and disadvantage. Despite the fact that fungi and mold cannot form in foam glass, there is no air exchange on the surface it covers, so foci of infection may appear.

Foam glass is a high-quality and modern insulation for various types of surfaces, 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. The granular material can be used as an insulating additive for concrete. For thermal insulation of walls, it is enough to fill it in their cavity.

Insulation with granulated 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 plates hold plaster, putty, glue and other surface finishes well.

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

Foam glass insulation

Foam glass insulation technology

To guarantee high thermal insulation qualities of the material, it is required to follow the technology of its installation:

1. To fix the boards, it is recommended to use a special adhesive, which must be applied to the back of the board and the side walls. After that, the glue should be evenly distributed over the surface of the sheet.
2. If the surface has pits, bulges or other irregularities, the foam glass adhesive should be applied with slaps to get the most even base.
3. When insulating a wooden base, it is recommended to fix the plates with special dowels. The tree expands when exposed to moisture and temperature, so the insulation must be mechanically mounted to it.
4. When installing the slab on a vertical surface, it is necessary to install the bottom bar using the building level. It is best to use a metal profile or rail as a bar.
5. The first row of insulation should be mounted on a profile that will act as a support. After the adhesive has completely cured, the support can be removed. However, it is best to remove it after the work is completed.
6. When installing plates on vertical or inclined surfaces, start from the bottom, and on horizontal ones - from the far corner.
7. Plates should be laid close to each other with an offset of one row relative to the other. After applying and completely drying the glue, it is additionally recommended to strengthen the plates with special dowels.
8. Around windows and doors, heat-insulating plates are recommended to be mounted in solid pieces. 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 of various surfaces. Competently following the installation technology will increase the efficiency of thermal insulation and extend the life of the material.

Modern technologies are constantly being improved - new ones are replacing the old ones. The construction industry is no exception and is subject to constant change like no other. Modern building materials and technologies appear with enviable regularity - as soon as people got used to the process of foam insulation, foam glass replaced it. What kind of animal is this, and how to deal with it? It is with this question that we will deal today on the pages of the Dream House website.

What is foam glass and where is it used

As you probably already understood from the above, foam glass is the latest development in the field of energy-saving technologies. Moreover, today it is simply impossible to find insulation for walls, floors or roofs better than foam glass. This material has almost zero thermal conductivity - to be precise, at a temperature of +10˚C it is only 0.041W/sq.m.

It is made at very high temperatures, so the production of foam glass at home is impossible. In the manufacturing process, this material goes through a rather long path - first, the glass is crushed almost to the consistency of dust, then it is saturated with carbon dioxide, and already in this form it is fed into the furnace, where, at temperatures above 750˚C, many small and sealed glass bubbles are formed. Subsequently, either the usual blocks or granules are formed from the resulting mixture.

Foam glass is used in different ways. Block material is used for wall insulation - it is laid inside the wall during construction. A kind of layer cake is created, consisting of a facing layer, an insulating layer and a rough (internal) layer. If we talk about granulated foam glass, then it can be used both for wall insulation and for thermal insulation of the floor and flat roof. With it, even the foundation of the building is insulated. Previously, one could only dream of such a universal insulation.

In addition to the direct insulation of buildings, foam glass is used for thermal insulation of various pipelines. Modern technologies make it possible to make it in almost any way, including in the form of a shell for pipes. Moreover, not only straight sections are made, but also rotary ones.

Granulated foam glass is also successfully used as a filler in the manufacture of lightweight concrete structures.

Foam glass and its properties: advantages and disadvantages

As they say, everything is known in comparison. Therefore, we will try to analyze foam glass and compare it with other similar heaters. As an alternative, we will take similar in purpose - aerated concrete and expanded clay.

1. Water and vapor tightness. Unlike foam glass, both of its competitors absorb moisture - aerated concrete to a greater extent, and expanded clay to a lesser extent. What advantages does this property give to foam glass? Firstly, when using certain adhesive compositions, it can be used as a waterproofing. Secondly, it can be used outdoors without additional protection.
2. Soundproofing. A block or layer of foam glass in the form of chips with a thickness of 100 mm is able to completely drown out sound with a power of up to 56 dB. Neither more nor less, and you can hardly hear the roar of a tractor engine behind such protection.
3. Antiseptic. If special, by no means harmless impregnations are used to impart these properties to foam plastic and mineral wool, then foam glass itself is an antiseptic. In this respect, it surpasses even aerated concrete and expanded clay, in which all kinds of insects freely live.
4. Resistant to most types of acids. This advantage is completely deprived of our alternative heaters - both aerated concrete and expanded clay. Almost all modern thermal insulation materials are subject to destruction under the influence of aggressive acids.
5. Incombustibility. It is difficult to talk about the ignition temperature of this material, because at a rate above 750˚C it only begins to soften. Foam glass can be called generally non-combustible material - it can become liquid, but it is practically unable to catch fire.
6. High compressive strength. Here the principle of joint resistance to loads operates. In this regard, foam glass can be compared with plywood - one layer is easy to break, and ten layers can withstand huge loads. The same thing happens with foam glass - millions of tiny balls are able to withstand loads up to 4 MPa per 1 sq. cm. This is quite enough for the foam glass wall to withstand the weight of concrete floors.
7. Ease of processing. The process of insulation with foam glass can be compared with the laying of aerated concrete - both of them are quite easily cut with an ordinary hacksaw for wood.
8. Environmental friendliness. This property is highly valued in the modern world. This material contains nothing but glass and carbon dioxide residues.

But this heater has practically no shortcomings. These can only be attributed to the high cost - today foam glass is the most expensive heat-insulating material.

How to work with foam glass

Despite the complexity of the production process, working with foam glass is quite simple. In this respect, it is no different from the same aerated concrete or expanded clay. Block foam glass is laid almost exactly the same as aerated concrete - specialized glue is used for this. Depending on the purpose of the masonry, foam glass adhesive can be used differently. Foam glass in the form of granules is used as a filling under a floor screed or a filler for lightweight concrete - in this respect it is completely similar to expanded clay.

Whatever one may say, it is almost impossible to find heat-insulating material better than foam glass today.

What is foam glass, how is it produced, types of material, technical characteristics, pros and cons, features of the choice of high-quality insulation, installation technology.

Description and features of the production of foam glass

For the first time this material was obtained experimentally in the 30s of the last century in Russia. However, it began to be used as a heat insulator much later.

Foam glass has two main forms: granules and blocks (slabs). The technology for the production of foam glass of different types is slightly different.

In all cases, the main raw material is finished glass - bottle glass, window glass and other types. Thus, in addition to the production of a heat insulator, there is also a process of recycling a part of municipal solid waste. It is known that glass is practically not subject to decomposition over time, and therefore accumulates in the environment.

After cleaning from dirt and debris, the glass is sent for drying and then for grinding to a powder state. The fraction size is less than 100 µm. In order for the glass charge to foam, it is mixed with a special blowing agent (carbon) and heated to a temperature of about 850 degrees Celsius. In this case, gas is released, and the soft glass mass foams.

When heated, the glass mass is a viscous mixture with a uniform content of the gas-forming substance. The gas creates a dense, stable foam. It hardens quickly after being removed from the oven. In addition, foam glass is fired to remove thermal stresses in the thickness of the material.

Granulated foam glass is foamed in special rotary kilns using pre-rounded blanks. Block or tile foam glass is formed in continuous tunnel furnaces using special metal molds, after exiting from them, the material is cooled and processed on a sawing machine, giving the desired shape.

Foam glass exceeds the original raw material by 15 times. The finished material is like a honeycomb.

It is necessary to distinguish the real foam glass insulation from the foaming products of soluble glass. The so-called "liquid glass" foams at a temperature not exceeding 200 degrees Celsius in the process of rapid removal of water and a solution that becomes viscous. Such a product is absolutely unstable to even plain water. Foam glass, produced in compliance with all technological rules, is comparable in chemical resistance to container or sheet glass.

The main types of foam glass

The main varieties of this material used in the field of thermal insulation are granular and block foam glass.

Not only the production technology differs, but also the scope of these heaters:

• Block (tiled) foam glass. May be in the form of plates, shells. It has a closed cell structure. This material is optimally suited for thermal insulation of building facades, plinths, blind areas, foundations, ceilings, interfloor ceilings, pipelines. It withstands even the harshest operating conditions. And since the insulation does not shrink, it is also used as the main building material. Plates have a size of 450x600 millimeters. Thickness of foam glass - from 60 to 120 millimeters.
• . It has the appearance of microporous spherical granules. In form, it can be crumb, sand, crushed stone (gravel). The size of the fractions is different - 1-5 millimeters, 5-7 millimeters, 7-20 millimeters. Used for thermal insulation of floors and ceilings, interior walls.

In general, it does not matter how the foam glass was obtained and what shape it has. And plates, and blocks, and granules allow you to create a reliable heat-insulating barrier. The technical characteristics of these varieties are exactly the same.

Technical characteristics of foam glass

There is an opinion that the harder the insulation, the lower its thermal insulation qualities. However, foam glass refutes this idea. This is a rigid material that can withstand severe loads, while its thermal conductivity is quite low.

Consider the main technical characteristics of this heater:

1. Thermal conductivity of foam glass. This indicator for the material is 0.04 W / m * s. If we compare foam glass with wood, then the latter protects twice as bad from the cold. And mineral wool loses in this regard by 20-30%. This level of thermal conductivity is explained by the fact that the structure of the insulation is a huge number of closed cells, which are separated by thin partitions.
2. Foam glass strength. One square meter of foam glass can withstand a pressure of 40-100 tons. In other words, this figure is 0.5-1.2 MPa. This is a very durable material in compression, and this quality does not deteriorate with time and during operation. As for the impact strength, this indicator for foam glass is much lower. It can be broken by applying a strong mechanical impact, which imposes certain restrictions on its use.
3. Resistant to low and high temperatures. A standard insulation block is able to withstand +300 degrees Celsius without collapsing or melting. If special additives were added to the material during the production process, then the heat resistance increases to 1000 degrees above zero. Also, foam glass is not afraid of extremely low temperatures. Contact with liquid nitrogen up to -200 degrees does not harm the heat insulator.
4. Soundproofing. Foam glass is able to dampen sound waves no worse than mineral wool. In numbers, this figure is 45-56 decibels.
5. Foam glass density. Initially, this material was tried to be used as a floating substance. This is due to its low density - only 100-250 kilograms per cubic meter. If compared with the density of a dry tree, then the latter has this indicator equal to 550-750 kg / m 3.
6. moisture resistance. Foam glass blocks absorb up to two percent of water from their own volume. This means that they almost do not absorb moisture. The substance does not come into contact with water and does not change its properties in any way under its influence.
7. Vapor permeability. This rigid heat insulator can also act as a vapor barrier, since the vapor permeability of foam glass is close to zero. Only 0.005 mg/(m*h*Pa).
8. Chemical resistance. Foam glass is practically a chemically inert material. Alkali, acid, aggressive gas, oil products, individually or in combination, are not capable of harming this insulation. Also, this heat insulator does not react with most building mixtures. The only threat to foam glass is hydrofluoric acid.
9. Biological stability. Foam glass has incomparably better resistance to microorganisms, rodents and insects than most organic heat insulators. Since the insulation does not absorb water, fungi and mold cannot start in it. And this material is simply too tough for rodents because of its hardness and strength.
10. Environmental friendliness. Foam glass is chemically inert, which guarantees its high level of environmental cleanliness. Unlike polymer compositions, this insulation does not burn, does not emit toxic gases and compounds that poison the environment. Over time, foam glass does not collapse, which means that it also does not produce decay products.

Advantages of foam glass

Foam glass "inherited" many of its advantages from silicate glass. Others received due to the presence of gas microcapsules.

The main advantages of this heater are:

• Excellent thermal insulation performance. This almost universal material well insulates walls, foundations, roofs and pipes. It is actively used to isolate objects with increased fire hazard and where high temperatures occur.
• Durability. Most manufacturers of this material indicate at least one hundred years of operation without loss of insulating qualities. Temperature fluctuations will not cause destruction of foam glass. Its operating ranges are from +650 to -250 degrees. Also, the insulation is not subject to deformation, shrinkage and other changes in dimensions during operation.
• Good sound insulation. A block or layer of foam glass granules 100 millimeters thick is able to drown out the rumble of a tractor under the house. With such isolation, you can not be afraid of the penetration of extraneous sounds from the outside.
• Incombustibility. This material is practically incapable of burning. At high temperatures, foam glass will only melt, without emitting any harmful compounds and smoke.
• Ease of installation. Installing blocks or slabs of foam glass is similar to laying foam concrete. This material is cut with a conventional hacksaw. It is also easy to work with due to its light weight. A cubic meter of insulation weighs approximately 160 kilograms.
• Sanitary safety. Foam glass will not become a place for pests, and also does not produce any harmful volatile compounds. It can be used in public premises, child care facilities and hospitals.

Disadvantages of foam glass

There are few drawbacks to this heater. But they, of course, must be taken into account when choosing a material as a heat insulator:

1. Big cost. Foam glass is by far the most expensive insulation among all existing ones. The high price of foam glass is explained by the fact that its production is associated with high energy costs. Material annealing is a technologically complex process that requires a lot of energy and modern expensive equipment.
2. Low impact strength. Despite its rigidity and good compressive strength, foam glass is a brittle material and can easily crack under strong impacts. In addition, cracked blocks are unsuitable as a heater, since their thermal insulation qualities deteriorate.
3. Low steam conductivity. Under certain conditions, the almost zero vapor permeability of the insulation can be a disadvantage. If the foam glass itself is not affected by mold and fungus, then the wall it covers can be infected.

Criteria for choosing foam glass

The choice of this insulation is still a rather difficult procedure, since it is not very widespread in the domestic construction market, and its quality criteria have not been fully studied. However, there are certain recommendations that should be followed when buying foam glass:

• Slabs or blocks must be the same size. Examine the structure of the material - the cells should be separate and not touch each other.
• Specify the value of vapor permeability when buying granulated foam glass. Technologies for the production of insulation from different companies may differ, which will affect this indicator. If this data is not available in the documentation, then it is better to refrain from buying such a product altogether.
• Before buying foam glass, it is recommended to carry out a calculation showing the optimal thickness of the material so that the dew point is located in it, and the outer wall does not cool below 5 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, condensation may form.
• Purchase products only from trusted foam glass manufacturers. Savings in this case can result in even greater financial losses. After all, the material is expensive, and it is better to buy a quality product for this money, and not a fake.

We also note that it is better to insulate buildings that are under construction with foam glass than those that have already been erected. This is explained by the fact that insulation has already been included in the project of the house under construction, so the walls can be made thin and cold (for example, one and a half bricks).

If the thickness of the brickwork is greater or foam or gas silicate blocks with thermal insulation characteristics were used during construction, then a thicker layer of foam glass will need to be installed. The reason for this is the dew point, which needs to be shifted into the insulation layer.

Price and manufacturers of foam glass

For the first time, foam glass was produced in Russia, but at present it is produced in many countries of the world. The following manufacturers enjoy the greatest authority:

1. Pittsburgh Corning. This is the American leader in the production of foam glass. The plant began to work in the 40s of the last century. Now the representative offices and production facilities of the company are located in many countries of the world, including Russia. Foam glass is produced under the FOAMGLASS brand. It is used in industrial and civil construction. The composition of foam glass from this manufacturer is distinguished by the complete absence of harmful additives and impurities. This is an environmentally friendly material, the quality of which is confirmed by numerous certificates.
2. SAITAX. Russian company, which is considered one of the largest in the country for the production of foam glass in blocks and granules. The manufacturer constantly improves technologies, expands the range of products. Foam glass from SAITAX was used to insulate government facilities, sports complexes and administrative buildings.
3. Gomelglass. A company from Belarus, which has been operating since the beginning of the 40s of the last century. During this time, it has entered the international level, supplying its products to many countries of the world. The manufacturer makes publicly available all certificates and documents confirming the high quality of foam glass in granules and blocks.
4. Factory of building heat-insulating materials. This is a Ukrainian manufacturer that produces foam glass using its own unique technology. Research centers of Ukraine and foreign experts worked on it. Currently, the company produces tile and block material. In the near future, it is planned to produce granulated foam glass.

As for the prices for this insulation, they are approximately the same for all of the above manufacturers. A shaped and block heat insulator costs the most - 9-16 thousand rubles per cubic meter. The crumb and crushed stone from foam glass is cheaper - about 5 thousand rubles.

Brief instructions for the installation of foam glass

Foam glass slabs and blocks are excellent for outdoor thermal insulation. Granular material is often used to insulate floors and foundations. Installation of foam glass is similar to aerated concrete masonry - an adhesive composition is used in the process.

The work is carried out according to the following scheme:

• We clean and level the wall. We check the verticality with a building level.
• We distribute a special mounting adhesive on the surface of the foam glass.
• We press the product firmly and tightly against the wall.
• If necessary, you can attach the blocks to the walls with additional dowels. However, you must be very careful not to split the material.
• We cover the foam glass with a layer of plaster.
• If you are laying foam glass plates on the floor, under the screed, then they do not need to be fixed with glue. It is enough to join tightly, and seal the seams with mounting foam.
• You can also pour granular material under the screed. It is enough to pour in an even layer and smooth the foam glass over the surface.

Be careful when cutting slabs if necessary. Make sure they don't split or crack.

Watch the video review of foam glass:

Foamed glass is the thermal insulation material of the future. The characteristics of foam glass are close to ideal, in addition, there are varieties of heat insulator that allow it to be used in different situations and for various purposes. A significant drawback of the material at the moment is its high cost.