Can polystyrene concrete be used in bathroom decoration?
Floor slabs, bathroom 3 at 2.20. It is planned to pour polystyrene concrete over the plates without waterproofing and substrates. A layer of 4 cm, before this, carefully primed the plates so that they do not absorb water during the maturation of polystyrene concrete. After - installation of the pipe. In the reinforcing mesh, I see no reason, because floor slabs are already reinforced. Then the screed 2.5 cm, above the pipe 1 cm. Then I realized about the zebra effect, but not scary. Damper tape around the perimeter. In conclusion, tile.
Questions:
- How will polystyrene concrete behave in monolithic adhesion with a screed with the maximum possible heating?
- How will polystyrene concrete behave in monolithic adhesion with floor slabs?
- Is such an option suitable for implementation?
I understand that there are better options. Please just answer the questions and explain.
Alexander
Expert Answer
Alexander, polystyrene concrete is a relatively new building compound, which, unfortunately, was not subjected to such fundamental studies as it was during the Soviet era. That is why, in contrast to cement screed or concrete, information on the linear thermal deformations of lightweight polystyrene cement mixtures is presented only in the form of complex formulas. Of course, if you wish, you can perform the calculation, but you will need complete information about the properties of all the fillers of lightweight concrete of this type.
Nevertheless, based on my own experience, I can say that the technology you described has the right to life. The fact is that even with a significant difference in the coefficients of linear thermal expansion, polystyrene concrete levels deformations due to its ductility, so you can safely use it as a heat insulator for your underfloor heating.
In the end, I would like to recommend you not to refuse to equip the armored belt. As you rightly noted, it is not necessary in a cellular concrete environment. But for fastening metal-plastic pipes for a water-heated floor, there is nothing better than a 4-mm building mesh with a cell of 10 cm and plastic screeds. In this case, the metal structure will facilitate the laying of the circuit and further strengthen the final cement-sand layer.
