Wall insulation material. How to insulate the walls of the house from the outside: the best insulation

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What are the types of insulation - 4 groups of thermal insulation materials for housing construction

Solving the problem of energy saving and the most efficient use of thermal energy is one of the highest priority tasks in individual housing construction today. For this reason, it is very important for the future owner of private housing to know which modern types of insulation are best used in this or that case, in the process of building or reconstructing your own home.

Criteria for the selection of thermal insulation materials

Currently, in building hypermarkets you can find a huge number of different thermal insulation materials, which differ significantly from each other not only in price, but also in their technical properties and performance characteristics.

In order to make it easier for the reader to understand the whole variety of such products, I have compiled an overview instruction in which I will talk about the main distinguishing properties and main technical characteristics of the most popular types of insulation.

First of all, I would like to dwell in detail on the description of the main consumer and operational qualities, which ideally should correspond to materials for external and internal insulation of housing:

1. It is probably easy to guess that The most important quality of any thermal insulation material is its low thermal conductivity.. In most cases, this is achieved due to the low specific gravity and the large number of small pores capable of holding atmospheric air, which in itself has a very low heat transfer coefficient;

1. Since the thermal insulation material is installed from the side of the street, it should not absorb moisture from the surrounding air, and should not collapse or change its properties when exposed to direct water. Despite the fact that almost all types of insulation are considered moisture resistant, some materials with a fibrous structure or open pores partially lose their heat-insulating qualities when wet;
2. An important condition for ensuring a normal indoor microclimate is the ability of insulated walls to pass air and water vapor through them, therefore, the outer insulation must be vapor-permeable. The best vapor permeability is just possessed by materials with open pores and a fibrous structure;

1. The insulation is located in close proximity to building structures, and in some cases is installed indoors, therefore, for fire safety purposes, it must be made of non-combustible or self-extinguishing material, which does not support combustion by itself.
2. In conditions of low temperature, poor ventilation and high humidity, favorable conditions are created for the development of mold fungus and putrefactive bacteria. For this reason, I do not recommend outdoor materials based on vegetable fibers or with the addition of organic components, as they can become a hotbed for the formation of mold, as well as food for mice, rats and other rodents or pests;

Summary table comparing the technical characteristics of thermal insulation materials.

In addition to all of the above, when choosing materials for thermal insulation, I advise you to pay attention to their cost, manufacturer's guarantees, as well as the complexity and convenience of doing their own laying and installation work, since their durability and quality of the final result of work will depend on this.

Group 1. Rigid porous mineral insulation

Modern projects of low-rise buildings for individual housing construction are initially developed taking into account the use of energy-saving technologies. For this reason, external load-bearing walls and internal interior partitions in such houses are built from ready-made building blocks made of lightweight porous foam and aerated concrete.

These materials have sufficient bearing capacity, pass air and water vapor well, and at the same time they themselves have good heat and sound insulation properties:

1. Foam concrete is a hardened foamed cement-sand mixture, from which, in the process of solidification, ready-made blocks or slabs of the required size are formed. Due to the large number of small air bubbles, which are evenly distributed over the entire thickness of the material, it has a fine-mesh structure with open pores, therefore it passes air well and has low thermal conductivity.

To correctly determine which foam concrete to choose, it should be borne in mind that all products from it are divided into two groups:

• Heat-insulating grades of foam concrete can have a density of 200 to 500 kg/m³, depending on the number and volume of gas bubbles in the thickness of the material. Products of this group are not very durable, but they have good thermal insulation properties, therefore they are used exclusively as insulation for floors, flat roofs or exterior walls of a building;
• Structural and heat-insulating concrete grades have a density of 500 to 900 kg/m³, therefore, they have a higher bearing capacity, and in addition to insulation, they can be used to erect walls or other structural elements of a building;

1. Aerated concrete outwardly does not differ in any way from foam concrete, and the main difference between these materials lies only in manufacturing technology, therefore their operational properties can conditionally be considered similar to each other. Before choosing aerated concrete, you should study the main features of the application:

• Blocks and slabs of foam and aerated concrete can be installed on the foundation in the form of a separate self-supporting structure, therefore, they do not require the installation of an additional supporting frame, and do not exert a weight load on the main facade of the building;
• With an increase in the density of aerated concrete, its thermal insulation properties deteriorate, and with a decrease in density, on the contrary, they improve;
• Due to open pores on the surface of the material, aerated concrete actively absorbs moisture., therefore it cannot be used outdoors without an external waterproofing coating;
• Foam concrete does not burn and does not support combustion, it is unsuitable for rodents and pests, but over time it can crack and collapse as a result of direct contact with water and subsequent freezing.

1. Expanded clay is a moisture-resistant bulk heat-insulating material, which is produced in the form of round pellets of a reddish-brown color, with a diameter of individual particles from 5 to 40 mm. The expanded clay manufacturing technology involves the use of special types of clay, which are rolled into balls, and then dried and fired in a kiln at a temperature of 1200 ° C.

After such treatment, each pellet acquires a closed, finely porous internal structure with a strong and hard outer shell.

• Most often, expanded clay is used for warming flat roofs, interfloor and attic floors and wooden floors on the ground.
• The main advantages of this material include light weight, low degree of water absorption, absolute incombustibility and fire safety, high resistance to moisture, as well as high and low temperatures;

When choosing the cheapest floor insulation on the ground, I advise you to pay attention to coal slag, which can be purchased inexpensively, or even dialed for free at any coal boiler. Slag can be used as an analogue of more expensive expanded clay, since its particles have a similar porous internal structure.

Group 2. Fibrous mineral wool insulation

Unlike previous types of insulation, these materials have a flexible fibrous structure, therefore they do not have sufficient rigidity, but they are distinguished by a significantly lower specific gravity and much better heat-insulating properties. Such a heater is non-combustible, and can withstand exposure to very high temperatures for a long time, so it is often used for thermal insulation of furnaces, heating boilers and furnace chimneys.

1. Basalt wool is made from thin, randomly intertwined fibers of molten gabbro-basalt rocks, and is produced in the form of sheet or roll material of various thicknesses. Rigid mats or flexible rolls of basalt wool are considered a universal heat-insulating material, therefore they are widely used for insulating roofs, attics, ceiling and interfloor ceilings, ventilated facades, utilities, as well as boiler and furnace equipment.

• Basalt wool is absolutely non-flammable and can withstand temperatures up to 1000° C, therefore, it is used for insulating chimneys and arranging a fireproof seal when chimneys pass through walls, roofs and ceilings;

• Mineral wool fibers practically do not absorb moisture, do not break or wrinkle under the influence of external load, and after wetting they do not lose their heat-insulating properties, therefore such a moisture-resistant and non-combustible material is best suited for outdoor use;
• Sheets and slabs of mineral wool pass air and water vapor well through themselves, do not rot, do not become moldy and do not deteriorate over time. Due to the unpleasant, piercing structure, they do not dig holes in them and do not build their own mouse nests, therefore, in my opinion, this is the best insulation for a ventilated facade system;
• Among other things, mineral wool is an environmentally friendly and non-corrosive material, therefore, it does not adversely affect other building structures, and can be used for external and internal insulation of residential buildings.

1. Glass wool, more popularly known as glass wool, is made from glass waste in the form of coarser and thicker fibers of ordinary silicate glass, therefore it is considered the cheapest option. In fact, I can say that glass wool has almost the same properties as basalt wool, however, there are some limitations for its use in construction:

• Glass fibers are quite hygroscopic, therefore, on the street or in damp rooms, they quickly absorb moisture, and after getting wet, they lose their heat-insulating properties by 30-50%;
• Sheets of ordinary glass wool are easily crushed under the influence of external load., and during operation, shrink over time and decrease in size, as a result of which their heat-insulating properties also deteriorate;
• The maximum operating temperature of glass wool is no more than 450 ° C, therefore, it cannot be used as a winding of a flame tube, in the immediate vicinity of a furnace or heating boiler;
• Glass wool fibers are more brittle than basalt wool, therefore, as a result of deformation, they can break into small pieces and penetrate the human skin, causing severe itching and irritation on the body.
• If you need a heater that rodents do not eat and mice do not settle in, then glass wool in this case will be the most suitable option.

1. Ceramic wool has similar characteristics, but it is considered a rather specific insulation, therefore it is rarely found on sale and is much more expensive than other materials. Ceramic wool fibers have all the positive properties of basalt wool, but they are able to withstand higher temperatures (up to 1200 ° C), so it is used exclusively for thermal insulation of heating boilers, chimneys and fire tubes.

In the manufacture of rigid mineral wool boards, toxic phenol-formaldehyde resins are used as a binder. I do not recommend using such materials for thermal insulation of floors, walls and interior partitions inside residential and sleeping quarters, as they are not very safe for human health.

Group 3. Foamed polymer insulation

Polymer heat-insulating materials have a number of fundamental differences from mineral heaters. They have a lower specific gravity, do not soak in water and have a very low degree of water absorption, so they do not require additional waterproofing. Most often they are produced in the form of rigid panels of various thicknesses, therefore, in some cases, they are more convenient in installation and installation.

When choosing which insulation is best used for a particular case, it should be borne in mind that all polymeric materials have one significant drawback.

The fact is that under the influence of high temperature they themselves do not ignite, but at the same time they can melt with the release of acrid toxic smoke, therefore they cannot be used as insulation for heating boilers and stoves, chimneys, fire doors and external partitions.

1. Styrofoam is produced in the form of rigid sheets of various sizes, from 20 to 500 mm thick, which consist of many small granules of expanded polystyrene pressed and welded together. If you choose from polymeric heaters which one is cheaper, then I recommend opting for foam.

Despite the low cost, it meets almost all the criteria discussed in the first section of this article.

• Foam panels are characterized by low specific gravity, but have sufficient rigidity, therefore, they can be used not only for cladding walls and roofs, but also for warming a concrete screed on the ground;
• Rough foam surface has good adhesion, therefore, after installation, decorative plaster with a reinforcing mesh can be applied to it, facade tiles can be laid, or other types of decorative facade finishing can be performed;

• Chemically neutral foam does not emit harmful substances during operation, not suitable for food for small rodents and insects, does not rot over time and does not contribute to the development of mold.
• The pores of the foam have a closed structure, therefore it is the warmest, absolutely not afraid of water and practically does not absorb moisture, does not freeze and does not change its properties in conditions of direct rain and snow, or prolonged exposure to damp soil;
• The disadvantage of all closed cell materials is that they do not allow water vapor and air to pass through., therefore, I do not recommend using them for warming frame-panel and wooden houses made of logs or timber;

1. Extruded polystyrene foam, or in other words EPS, is a more progressive and high-quality variety of foam. It is also produced in the form of rigid expanded polystyrene panels, however, it does not have individual granules, and is distinguished by a uniform porous structure throughout the entire thickness of the material:

• Due to this manufacturing technology, it has all the listed properties of the foam, but is much more durable, rigid and resistant to external loads.
• Due to this, it can be used for the manufacture of fixed formwork for pouring load-bearing monolithic structures, as well as for insulating pool walls, deep foundations or other loaded building structures;
• In my opinion, this is the most effective and versatile heat-insulating material, but its main drawback is its rather high price, which significantly exceeds the cost of conventional foam.

1. Sprayed polyurethane insulation is fundamentally different from the materials presented above, since produced in the form of a liquid plastic polymer composition. It is sprayed onto the surface to be insulated using a pressure pump, and foamed under the influence of ambient humidity, directly at the installation site.

At first glance, polyurethane insulation may seem more complicated, but this technology has its advantages and disadvantages compared to panel types of insulation:

• Liquid polyurethane mass has very good adhesion to almost all building materials., therefore, quickly and firmly seizes on any surface, even without pre-treatment;
• The spraying technology makes it possible to insulate vertical and horizontal walls, roofs, attics, closed underground spaces, interpanel joints and other hidden cavities, without dismantling the outer finishing cladding;

• Do-it-yourself polyurethane spraying is good to use on complex areas of the facade or roof, with a large number of internal corners or protrusions, as well as on areas with a radius curved surface;
• After hardening, the layer of foamed polyurethane does not allow air to pass through, so I do not recommend using it on wood or wood fiber surfaces. Otherwise, the polymer film will block the access of air for ventilation and evaporation of moisture, as a result of which the wood will rot and gradually collapse;
• The disadvantages of this application method include the high cost of consumables, as well as the need to use special injection equipment, which is also quite expensive.

1. Foamed polyethylene is produced in the form of a rolled heat-insulating material with a thickness of 3 to 10 mm. It is a flexible base made of extruded polyethylene with a large number of large closed pores containing air bubbles. To improve heat reflectivity, polyethylene is covered with very thin aluminum foil on one or both sides. So that the reader can understand what types of these products are, I can name the most common brands, for example, Isocom, Isofol, Penofol, etc.

• Polyethylene does not contain toxic additives and volatile substances, therefore, it is an environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic material, and, accordingly, can be used without restriction in residential and sleeping quarters;

• Aluminum foil reflects infrared heat radiation, therefore, in combination with a foam base, it is a heat shield that effectively reflects heat from domestic radiators or other heating devices.
• In addition to heat preservation, polyethylene film can be used as waterproofing and wind protection, so "Penofol" is well suited for external protection of building structures and insulation of residential buildings;
• When installing a floor heating system, such a film is laid on a concrete screed, foil up. Firstly, it does not allow moisture from the concrete to penetrate into the flooring, and secondly, it reflects heat rays and directs them into the room.

• For internal insulation of housing, it is better to use one-sided foil-foamed polyethylene film. It must be fixed to the wall, with foil inside the room, and then at a distance of 20-30 mm from it, install sheets on the guide profiles.
• When using plastic sheeting inside a dwelling, care must be taken because it absolutely does not breathe and does not let water vapor through. This can lead to condensation and dampness on the outside cold walls, which in turn can cause mold.

All polymer thermal insulation materials described in this section may degrade and lose their properties over time under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. If they are used for outdoor work, then after installation, I recommend not leaving them for a long time in direct sunlight, and immediately proceed with the installation of the exterior fine finish.

Group 4. Thermal insulation from organic materials

Currently, many adherents of environmentally friendly housing are trying to use all kinds of building, finishing and thermal insulation materials made exclusively on an organic basis. On the one hand, there is nothing wrong with this, but I must warn you that the raw materials for the production of organic materials are made using natural cellulose and plant fibers.

1. I want to say right away that these materials are very capricious: when wet, they can swell and increase in size, and when dried, on the contrary, they can shrink significantly. Moreover, in both cases, their thermal insulation properties will deteriorate;
2. Even with minor changes in the temperature and humidity conditions, mold development foci can occur on the surface of organic materials. After drying, at first glance it may seem that it has disappeared, but in fact, its roots are deep, so after moisturizing and lowering the temperature, it will appear again;

1. Natural cellulose fibers, wood chips and sawdust, chopped straw stalks, reeds and corn tops are considered a favorite food for rodents, mice, rats and various insects, so it will be very difficult to get rid of their presence in such a house;
2. It's no secret that all these materials burn very well., therefore, there can be no question of any compliance with fire safety rules in this case.
3. If you still decide to insulate your home using organic materials, then I recommend a thorough antiseptic treatment and flame retardant impregnation, and also think about how best to prevent the appearance of rodents.

From personal experience, I categorically do not recommend using sunflower husks or straw and cake of cereal plants as insulation for the attic, because in this case, mice are guaranteed to settle there with whole families and constantly dig their holes.

Conclusion

Taking into account the numerous types of insulation that I wrote about above, several important factors should be taken into account when choosing the final option. First, you need to understand the climatic features of the region, and know the minimum and maximum average annual air temperatures. Secondly, the choice of insulation depends on the building materials from which the walls, floor and roof of a residential building are made.

And thirdly, you need to focus on ensuring that this heat-insulating material is affordable and that it is convenient for you to work with it. You can learn about the technological features of the use of the described heaters from the video presented in this article, and if you have any questions, ask them in the comment form.

September 7, 2016

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There is a wide variety on the market of building materials intended for thermal insulation. Choosing a suitable heater among them can be difficult. To purchase the best products, it is necessary to take into account its main characteristics and application features.

What you need to know about heaters

The main task of thermal insulation is to reduce heat loss in winter and reduce the heating of the building in summer. Also, thanks to the insulation, the supporting structures will be protected from negative external factors. This will help to avoid deformation of the elements of the building, which will favorably affect the service life.

It is important to remember that all types of heaters must have certain characteristics.

• Thermal conductivity. If this coefficient is small, then the room will be quite warm. Thanks to appropriate materials, heat losses can be almost completely eliminated. It must be remembered that different types of heaters have a different coefficient. If it is minimal, a small layer of thermal insulation will be required.
• Moisture resistance. Due to the thermal insulation characteristics, the material will not absorb moisture.
• Fire resistance. This property ensures that the product does not undergo combustion.
• Vapor permeability. Using a layer of thermal insulation helps to remove water vapor.
• Retention of dimensions, as well as strength. Due to the absence of shrinkage, the performance properties of the selected insulation will remain for quite a long time. Moreover, there will be no cold bridges at the joints.
• Environmental friendliness. All heat-insulating materials must be environmentally friendly, so that during the execution of work and operation of the structure, the release of harmful substances will not be observed.

Modern thermal insulation materials conditionally are divided into several groups:

• cotton - mineral and glass wool, as well as mineral wool blocks and slabs;
• sheet - extruded polystyrene foam and polystyrene;
• foam - all materials that are customarily sprayed onto the surface using appropriate equipment;
• others - we are talking about such rare exotic heaters as cellulose, linen, etc.

Mineral wool insulation

It is customary to attribute mineral and glass wool to such soft heaters. Such materials are very popular due to their affordable price and good quality. Products are produced in slabs or rolls. In this case, the products can be cut using a regular knife.

The main disadvantage is insufficient moisture resistance, due to which the heat-shielding characteristics deteriorate. Accordingly, such heaters are used for thermal insulation of structures where a waterproofing layer is provided.

Most often, glass wool is used to insulate pitched roofs. For this, a material with a density of 35 kg / m³ is suitable. Modern manufacturers do not always indicate this parameter on the packaging. Usually they write that the material is intended for pitched roofs. Using such products for roof insulation, it is important to remember that during a leak, moisture will even get on the wooden rafters. For this reason it is necessary take care of reliable waterproofing. Mineral wool is not suitable for a flat roof, because waterproofing can be difficult on such a surface.

Other applications:

• using glass wool, you can insulate walls for cladding or plastering;
• for floors, thermal insulation with a minimum density is suitable.

Foam glass

Such a heater is produced based on broken glass and quartz sand, as well as a foaming agent. Thanks to the use of an appropriate installation, a durable porous material with increased thermal protection is obtained. The product is not afraid of fire and moisture. It can be cut with a simple hacksaw. Important characteristics include frost resistance and the ability to withstand high pressure. The material is produced in blocks and granules.

Most often, such products are used as bulk insulation during well masonry walls. But if the frame technology is observed, foam glass will not work because of the large weight.

With the help of such material, the facades of brick houses are insulated. The material is fixed on tile adhesive, and the process itself resembles bricklaying. After that, the coating is plastered or tiled.

Other applications:

• since the material is moisture resistant and tolerates increased loads, it can be used to insulate flat roofs, but it is not suitable for pitched roofs;
• with the help of foam glass, the interfloor ceilings are insulated, as well as the floors of the first floor;
• foam glass is a good option for thermal insulation of blind areas, foundations and basements, since the material has a high density.

foamed perlite

This building material appeared on the market recently. For its formation, frozen volcanic lava is used. First, perlite is crushed and then impregnated with special protective compounds. Products available in slabs. For this purpose, the finished granules are mixed with cellulose and subjected to compression. The properties of the finished material are similar to those of foam glass. In general, foamed perlite is easy to process, resistant to mold, moisture, and high pressure.

Application area:

• the material is intended for warming flat roofs, and in the case of thermal insulation of pitched structures, a significant load will be placed on the rafters;
• when decorating walls, foamed perlite acts as a bulk insulation;
• perlite in the form of granules is suitable for floors, as well as foundations and blind areas.

Styrofoam

There is a lot of controversy around this type of thermal insulation. Some believe that the material is harmful because it emits toxic substances, while others recognize modern types of expanded polystyrene as more environmentally friendly.

Naturally, technology is constantly evolving, and manufacturers want to improve product quality. It is for this reason that modern varieties of material are often used for external insulation of housing.

Application area:

• most often with the help of polystyrene, walls are trimmed;
• heat-insulating material is suitable for flooring on concrete or soil, while it is necessary to choose the right density;
• a good option for using expanded polystyrene is the thermal insulation of the foundation, but you should first take care of the availability of reliable waterproofing.

In the building materials market, you can find many heat-insulating materials that lose their relevance or appeared not so long ago.

Today, a large selection of heaters is on sale. All of them have advantages and disadvantages. To determine the desired option, it is necessary to take into account the features of the application. So, for roofs, lightweight insulation, including ecowool or extruded polystyrene foam, will be optimal. The latter option is also suitable for thermal insulation of the foundation, but almost any materials can be used for wall decoration.

Heat-insulating material is applied to warming of various designs. It has the property of low heat transfer, so its use can increase the thermal resistance of objects.

What tasks does thermal insulation material solve?

Thermal insulation is one of the priority areas in construction, since its use can significantly increase the performance of buildings. A building with a sufficient amount of insulation freezes much less in winter, which reduces the cost of heating it. It is also less prone to overheating in summer, keeping a comfortable temperature inside, which saves resources.

The presence of thermal insulation makes it possible to avoid sudden changes in temperature in the room. This is very important if a finishing material sensitive to this parameter is used indoors, for example, wood or certain types of plastic, including PVC used for the production of stretch ceilings. The absence of significant temperature fluctuations makes it possible to remove favorable conditions for the formation of condensate. It is the use of thermal insulation that eliminates the appearance of dampness and the development of mold. Of course, provided that moisture does not form too intensively inside the room from other factors or accumulate as a result of the lack of waterproofing between the foundation and facade walls.

Dampness on the walls leads to peeling of finishing materials. As a result, there is a tearing of wallpaper, as well as heavy ceramic tiles. An excess of moisture from a lack of sufficient thermal insulation also leads to the expansion of wood products. As a result, there is warping of the flooring, deformation of the doors, from which they do not fit tightly into the door frame, and so on.

It is also worth noting that heat-insulating materials, in addition to their direct purpose, have sound-proofing properties. Of course, their efficiency is not as high as that of coatings specialized for this purpose, but it is quite sufficient to reduce the transmission of loud sounds.

Applied thermal insulation materials

There is a fairly wide range of materials on the market that can be used as a successful insulation. Among them, the optimal balance between cost and efficiency is:

• Mineral wool.
• Styrofoam.
• Styrofoam.
• Penoplex.
• Expanded polyethylene foam.
• Polyurethane foam.

Mineral wool

This is a cheap, yet fairly high-quality heat-insulating material that can be used to insulate ceilings, roofs, floors and walls. Mineral wool compresses when pressed, so when working with it, you must first create a crate, and then lay it between the lags. On top of it, facing, roofing or flooring material is used. The undoubted advantage of cotton wool in addition to thermal insulation properties is the sound-stopping effect. Mineral wool does not burn, so its use improves fire safety.

A major disadvantage of mineral wool is the tendency to caking. If it is used on the ceiling or floor, then it lasts a really long time, but the plates fixed on the walls begin to gradually shrink. As a result, open gaps form at the top, the so-called cold bridges. In this regard, mineral wool manufacturers often recommend changing it literally every 7 years, otherwise the thermal insulation will gradually work worse and worse.

Styrofoam

It is also a budget thermal insulation material that can be used in any insulation. It should be noted that the foam can be mounted wet and dry. Since it tends to compress under pressure, it is best to work with the facade if it is used for thermal insulation of walls. Plastered foam reinforced with fiberglass mesh will cope with the loads that may be placed on it on the facade. But indoors, such a wall will not last long, because they will constantly rely on it, hang cabinets, shelves, paintings, photographs, and so on.

The density of the foam is quite low, therefore, when carrying out thermal insulation, sheets with a thickness of 5-10 cm are usually used. The undeniable advantages of using this material is the ability to cut ordinary ones without the need to use a saw. The main disadvantage of foam plastic is its tendency to destruction. With mechanical action, foamed bubbles easily fall out of it.

Expanded polystyrene and foam

These two materials are almost identical in their properties. They can be compared with polystyrene, but having a very dense structure. Expanded polystyrene and penoplex can be used for wet floor insulation. Their sheets are laid out, after which a concrete screed is poured on top. These materials are easily cut with a mounting knife, electric jigsaw or.

Expanded polystyrene and foam plastic are better than polystyrene due to their higher density, so they are less prone to destruction during mechanical stress. In addition, they stop heat transfer more effectively, so such a heat-insulating material can be used using sheets of smaller thickness. When working with foam, you need to take into account that it has a very low adhesion. In this regard, if it is used for wall insulation, then it will be difficult to make further plaster. To increase the adhesion of the sheets, they will have to be treated with a concrete contact primer. Plastering work will have to be carried out using fiberglass mesh around the entire perimeter, and not just along the joint lines.

These materials have low fire resistance, and when ignited, they emit toxic combustion products. They require careful handling during operation, as they are very fragile.

Foamed polyethylene foam

This is a modern material, which is a porous structure made of polyethylene. Often one side is covered with aluminum foil. Often it is used as a substrate when laying floor coverings, in particular laminate and linoleum. This material has a small thickness with really excellent thermal insulation properties. Its effectiveness is 20 times higher than that of mineral wool. Thus, with a thickness of 1 cm, it will have the same properties as 20 cm of cotton wool.

The indisputable advantage of foamed polyethylene foam is a good vapor barrier. Such material is laid out on the surface, and its joints are glued together with a special reinforced adhesive tape with a reflective surface. Foamed polyethylene foam can be used for any thermal insulation work, as well as wound on pipes for their insulation.

polyurethane foam

This heat-insulating material, unlike the previous types, is offered not in the form of rolls or plates, but in a liquid state. It is blown to the surface, after which it quickly increases in volume and solidifies. Thanks to these properties, it can be applied to any surface, even in hard-to-reach places. Polyurethane insulation is usually sprayed between the joists of the floor, roof, and so on. After that, finishing materials are fixed on top.

Polyurethane foam has a huge resource, has noise-insulating properties and high adhesion to any surfaces. Seamless application technology prevents the formation of cold bridges. Such a solution, with strict observance of the installation technology, can be called the most effective. Unfortunately, working with polyurethane foam requires the use of specialized equipment, the cost of which is very high. As a result, it will not be possible to work independently with him. You will need to contact companies that provide similar thermal insulation services.

Where is insulation applied?

Thermal insulation material is used to provide insulation of various surfaces:

• Stan.
• Roofs.
• Basement and floor.
• Ceiling.

Wall insulation

Quite often, the materials used for the construction of walls have the disadvantage of being prone to freezing in winter, as well as transferring heat to the inside of the room in summer. To eliminate this problem, thermal insulation is used. It can be carried out both indoors and outdoors. Naturally, it is much more efficient to do it on the facade wall. Most materials are usually at least 4-5 cm thick, so by attaching them to an interior wall, the room will shrink. The issue of wall insulation is very important, since it is through them that up to 40% of the heat leaving the building is lost.

On the walls, the insulation material can be fixed wet or dry. Wet involves gluing using specialized solutions in the form of adhesives or cement mixtures. The dry method is also called ventilated. A crate is mounted on the surface of the wall, and the heat-insulating material is laid between it, after which the cladding is carried out with covering materials. Inside the room, drywall is used, and metal profiles on the facades, and so on.

Roof insulation

Up to 20% of heat can escape through the roof. Insulation is especially important when constructing a mansard roof, when the under-roof space is used as an operating room. By applying heat-insulating material on the roof, it is possible to reduce the overheating of the building in summer. This is especially true if metal sheets in the form of profiled sheets, metal tiles, and so on are used as roofing material. When constructing roofs, the insulation is fixed between the lags.

Basement and floor insulation

This is primarily true for single-storey buildings, as well as premises on the ground floors of multi-storey buildings. The thermal insulation materials used in this case are laid between the concrete screed and the facing floor covering. Certain types of thermal insulation solutions can be applied before pouring the screed. If the floor board is laid along the logs, then the insulation spreads between them.

Ceiling insulation

In one-story buildings, as well as on the last floors of multi-storey buildings, thermal insulation of ceilings is carried out. In most cases, it is easier to carry out in the attic, using the same method as used for floor insulation. Thus, it will be possible to save on materials and get by with a simpler technology. Also, when you need to work specifically with the ceiling, you can fix the heat-insulating material in a wet way or fix it on the crate, later hiding it with a suspended or stretch ceiling.

In some cases, it is even better to carry out thermal insulation of the ceiling, and not the floor of the attic, especially if the height of the room is excessively large. The laid thermal insulation material will allow you to take a little height of the ceilings, thereby reducing the actual volume of the room for heating.

Today, the market offers the consumer various types of heaters that differ in cost, installation and thermal conductivity. In addition to these indicators, it is necessary to pay attention to other characteristics in order to have an idea of ​​​​the correct application of thermal insulation in the construction of a house.

A comprehensive assessment of the material will help you choose the right insulation for your home. The use of different types of thermal insulation depends not only on their properties, but also on the architectural features of the building, the thermal conductivity of individual structural elements, as well as the proposed cold bridges. The insulation of each node of the house is performed with different materials.
External insulation of the loggia, balcony, basement is made with foam. Due to the fact that it can withstand loads up to 0.5 MPa and is resistant to moisture, the insulation is optimally suited for exterior decoration of basements. Penoplex, being under the ground, is protected from fire and retains all its properties.
Heat insulators for exterior wall decoration of the house are selected depending on the material from which the structural element is built. Wooden houses are best blown with penoizol. The high-pressure foam fills all cracks and its structure allows the wood to breathe. The high price does not always allow the use of penoizol. As a replacement option, you can lay mineral wool. Walls made of concrete, gas blocks and other similar materials are insulated with foam or glass wool. Although, in government building, they are more inclined to use glass wool because of its resistance to fire.
Inside the house, the walls and ceiling are insulated with non-combustible materials. Usually these are mineral wool mats laid in a frame. From above they are closed with a vapor barrier, which prevents the penetration of moisture to the mats and fleecy fiber into the room. If there is a lag, the overlap is blown with ecowool. To insulate the floor, a 100 mm expanded clay backfill is made, plus foam slabs are laid. A concrete screed poured from above prevents the insulation from igniting, and a reinforcing mesh gives strength to the floors.
A modern and very practical insulation for the roof is polyurethane foam. It is applied by spraying. But its high price is not affordable for everyone. Most often, traditional insulation is used for roofing - mineral wool. It is produced in different sizes in the form of mats and rolls.
Properly selected according to its characteristics, the insulation will create comfortable living conditions inside the room.

Overview of thermal insulation materials

Preventive types of insulation are most often used to finish various elements of the house structure. They have a low thermal conductivity.
Organic-based insulation is made from wood and agricultural waste. To improve the properties, cement and plastic are added to natural raw materials. The result is insulation that is resistant to fire and moisture. It can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees. The scope is extensive, but mainly used as an internal insulation of a multi-layer roof or facade structure.

• white agglomerate is made from the bark of oak branches;
• black agglomerate is made from bark taken from a tree trunk.

Cork can be used as a base for wallpaper or as a finish. Thin rolled material has found its application as a substrate for a laminate. The price of such natural material is quite high. Depending on the modifications, the cost ranges from 800 to 4 thousand rubles. rub./m2.

Honeycomb heat insulator

The structure of the material consists of hexagonal cells like a honeycomb. Inside they are filled with fabric or paper filler, bonded with epoxy resin. Phenolic resins can be used as a fixative. In appearance, honeycomb panels resemble plastic. The characteristic of the material depends on the raw materials used in the production of the base. For example, the density of the sheet may be from 230 to 500 kg/m2.

Foam-polyvinyl chloride

PPVC heat insulator is made from foamed resins. This structure is given to them by the porousization method. The material is made soft and hard, which gives it versatility. PPVC is suitable for roof, floor and wall insulation. Its density is 0.1 kg/m3.

Many people think that chipboard is just a building material. But as a heater, the plates have proven themselves on the good side. Their base is small sawdust bonded with synthetic resin. The density of the plates varies from 500 to 1 thousand kg/m3, and the water absorption is 5–30%.
The use of chipboard as a heater is justified for floors, walls and ceilings. The cost of the sheets is quite low, suitable for every developer. Depending on the size, a sheet can be bought for 400–900 rubles. Plates are used as the basis for the installation of a soft roof.

fibreboard

The fiberboard board looks like chipboard. Its base consists of fibers of straw, corn or any wood. It is even possible to use waste paper. Synthetic resins are added as an adhesive. The density of fiberboard is small compared to chipboard, only up to 250 kg / m3, and the thermal conductivity is 0.07 W / m / K, plus low strength.
The scope is the same as for chipboard. Low cost ranges up to 800 rubles. per sheet.

Lightweight insulation has a unique closed cell structure, which creates the lowest thermal conductivity compared to other heaters. PPU is formed from the interaction of liquid components, polyester and MDI. The action of catalysts creates a chemical reaction, the result of which is the formation of a new substance. The density of the insulation is 40-80 kg / m3, and the thermal conductivity of PPU is about 0.028 W / m / K.
PPU is applied to the insulated surface by spraying, which allows you to process any difficult areas. The optimal use of polyurethane foam is the insulation of the roof and wooden walls of the house. The cost of the material, together with the spraying work, is quite high and can reach $200/m3.

Penoizol

Another name for insulation is mipora. It is obtained on the basis of a whipped aqueous emulsion of urea-formaldehyde resin. Glycerin and sulfonic acid are used as additives. Mipora comes to the consumer in blocks or crumbs. Liquid it is used at a construction site. The mipora poured into the prepared cavities hardens at a positive temperature.
Low density up to 20 kg/m3 contributes to strong water absorption. The thermal conductivity index is 0.03 W/m/K. Not afraid of fire.

Styrofoam and extruded polystyrene foam

These two insulations consist of 2% polystyrene and 98% air. The thermal conductivity index is 0.037–0.042 W/m/K. They differ from each other in structure. Styrofoam consists of small balls, and polystyrene foam resembles foam rubber when broken.
Polystyrene is flammable and emits toxic smoke. Styrofoam is afraid of moisture, so it is more used for facade insulation. Extruded polystyrene foam can be in wet ground for a long time, so it is more suitable for external basement insulation. The cost of the material is low.

mineral wool

A common insulation for walls and roofs is mineral wool. It is of two types:

• slag wool is made from casting waste of dissimilar metal;
• Stone wool is made from rocks such as basalt, limestone, etc.

The material is not combustible, resistant to chemical attack, has a low cost. Produced in slabs and rolls.

glass wool

The material differs from mineral wool in larger fibers. The basis of production is the raw material used for the manufacture of glass. The thermal conductivity index is from 0.03 to 0.052 W / m / K, and the density is not more than 130 kg / m3. Glass wool is also popular for insulating roofs and walls.

ceramic wool

Produced by blowing zirconium, silicon or aluminum oxide. Cotton wool is resistant to high temperatures and does not deform. The thermal conductivity index at +600°C is from 0.13 to 0.16 W/m/K, and the density is not more than 350 kg/m3. It is used for insulation of facades and roofs of buildings.

Mixed heater

Materials are produced from asbestos mixtures with the addition of perlite, dolomite and other components. The initial state of the material resembles dough. They cover the surface prepared for insulation and leave to dry completely.

Asbestos is resistant to fire and can withstand heating up to 900 ° C, but it is afraid of moisture, so this thermal insulation requires mandatory waterproofing.

An example of a mixed type material is vulcanite and sovelite. Their thermal conductivity is 0.2 W/m/K. The cost of insulation is low, but it is dangerous to human health.

Reflective materials

Foil is used as a reflector, and foamed polyethylene creates a thermal barrier. The material has a thin structure up to 25 mm thick, but its effectiveness is equal to 100 mm thick fibrous insulation. One popular example is penofol.
Reflective thermal insulation simultaneously plays the role of a vapor barrier, so it is convenient to use it in baths and saunas. The cost of the material is low and accessible to everyone.
The main types of insulation considered today and their characteristics will help you make the right choice of material for certain building needs.
In the next video, you can get acquainted with the characteristics of some types of heaters.

External thermal insulation gives a much better effect than warming the house from the inside. In addition to the main functions, the insulation protects the walls from precipitation, mechanical damage, weathering and thus prolongs the life of the entire building. Installation of insulation does not require special knowledge or skills, and most homeowners can easily cope with this task on their own. But in order to do everything as efficiently as possible, you need to know what materials there are for insulating walls from the outside, and how to fix them correctly.

Despite the fact that the operating conditions outside and inside the house are strikingly different, in both cases the same materials can be used. However, when choosing a heater, preference should be given to those options that best meet the following requirements:

• increased resistance to shrinkage;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• resistance to ultraviolet;
• durability;
• ease of installation;
• resistance to insects and microorganisms.

For wooden houses, the vapor transmission capacity of the insulation is also important, because wooden walls must "breathe". As a rule, finishing coatings for facades are designed for long-term operation, and it is too troublesome and not always advisable to remove them every few years to replace the thermal insulation that has become unusable. At the same time, if the insulation under the finish is compressed, cracked, starts to rot or mice gnaw it, it will no longer be able to retain heat, which means that it will not be possible to do without repair. That is why it is so important that the selected material fully meets the specified criteria.

Types of thermal insulation materials

At the moment, the construction market offers the following materials for home insulation:

All of them differ in technical characteristics, installation technology, have different service life. Moreover, each of them is suitable for outdoor use and has its own advantages. Let's consider these materials in more detail.

Mineral wool is made from fine fibers obtained by melting and pulverizing glass, blast-furnace slag or rocks. Depending on the location of the fibers, the structure of the insulation can be corrugated, vertically layered and horizontally layered, have different density and thickness. Each type of mineral wool has its own characteristics:

Mineral wool is produced in slabs and mats with various coating options - kraft paper, aluminum foil, fiberglass. In terms of cost, basalt insulation is the most expensive, and the higher its density, the more expensive it is.

Benefits of mineral wool:

• the fine-fiber structure promotes the free passage of air and water vapor, so the risk of condensation on the insulated surface is minimal;
• due to the mineral base, the material is not subject to combustion, which means that it is an additional protection for the walls from fire;
• the insulation has a relatively high moisture resistance, and therefore effectively prevents the penetration of dampness into the house;
• mineral wool perfectly absorbs sounds and vibrations, and street noise almost does not penetrate into the insulated room;
• the insulation is lightweight, easy to process, thanks to its elasticity, it quickly restores its shape after crushing during installation;
• in mineral wool microorganisms, insects do not develop, rodents do not like it.

Disadvantages:

• mineral wool has a tendency to shrink, and the lower the density of the material, the faster the deformation occurs. Rigid basalt slabs are the least susceptible to shrinkage, but due to the high cost, not everyone can afford such thermal insulation;
• when wet for a long time, the insulation is saturated with moisture and loses its thermal insulation qualities;
• microscopic fibers are easily destroyed when squeezing and cutting the material, and then settle on the skin, causing irritation, and can enter the eyes and lungs. Glass wool is considered the most dangerous in this regard, but with other types of mineral wool, at least gloves and a respirator should be used.

Popular brands of mineral wool.

Name	Brief characteristics
	Basalt insulation with increased rigidity, produced in the form of plates with a thickness of 25 to 180 mm. Suitable for all types of facades, can serve as a basis for applying plaster. Differs in resistance to deformations and shrinkage, water tightness, low heat conductivity, is absolutely not combustible. Fastening is carried out with dowels and glue
	A type of glass wool with various additives that improve the performance of the insulation. It is produced in plates and rolls, there are options with a foil coating. It is widely used for insulation of facades of any type, frame structures, internal partitions, roofing systems.
	Fiberglass insulation that does not contain formaldehyde additives. It is produced in plates and rolls, it is distinguished by biological and chemical resistance, elasticity, good vapor permeability. Material thickness - from 5 to 10 cm
	Glass wool insulation with a high content of water repellents. It is produced in the form of rolls, mats, rigid and semi-rigid plates, 50-100 mm thick. Suitable for all types of surfaces, ventilated facades, frame structures

Prices for mineral wool

Styrofoam and XPS

Expanded polystyrene insulations are excellent thermal insulators due to their closed cell structure. Almost 98% of the material is air or an inert gas enclosed in sealed cells, so the insulation weighs very little. Both polystyrene and extruded polystyrene foam practically do not absorb moisture, which means they are excellent for insulating foundations, plinths, basements. When thermally insulating facades, these materials serve as the basis for applying plaster.

Advantages:

• polystyrene foam insulation weighs little and is easy to process during installation, so even a beginner can handle it. In addition, such thermal insulation does not exert a large load on the base, which means that there is no need for additional reinforcement of the supporting structures;
• microorganisms cannot develop in expanded polystyrene, therefore fungi and mold are not afraid of the insulation;
• with proper installation, these materials serve for a long time, especially XPS - up to 50 years;
• polystyrene and EPPS are resistant to soap and saline solutions, alkalis, bleach and other chemically aggressive substances;
• installation does not require the use of protective equipment in the form of a respirator or gloves, since the insulation does not emit toxic fumes or small particles, and does not cause irritation.

Disadvantages:

• expanded polystyrene refers to vapor-tight materials, and therefore cannot be used for insulating wooden walls;
• the insulation is destroyed upon contact with solvents, drying oil, some types of varnishes, as well as under the influence of sunlight;
• soundproofing properties are much lower than those of mineral wool insulation;
• already at + 30 degrees, polystyrene foam begins to emit harmful substances - toluene, styrene, formaldehyde and others. When burning, the amount of toxic emissions increases significantly.

In the domestic market, EPPS of domestic production - Penoplex and Tepleks, as well as polystyrene foam insulation of the Ursa, GREENPLEX, PRIMAPLEX brands are in great demand.

Styrofoam prices

Styrofoam

Cellulose insulation

Cellulose insulation, which is also called ecowool, is made from paper waste and waste paper. Ecowool consists of 80% cellulose fibers, the remaining 20% ​​are antiseptics and flame retardants. The material is densely stuffed into all irregularities and voids and forms a dense seamless coating with high vapor permeability. Installation of insulation is carried out in two ways - dry and wet-adhesive, and both options can be performed both manually and using a special installation.

The dry method allows you to perform thermal insulation in a short time and immediately proceed to the finishing. But at the same time, the coating density will not be high enough, which will lead to shrinkage and the appearance of cold bridges. In addition, with dry blowing, a large amount of fine dust is formed and you have to work in a respirator.

The wet-glue method provides better adhesion of the insulation to the base, the layer is much denser and more resistant to shrinkage, which guarantees the durability of the thermal insulation. True, it takes time for the material to dry - from 2 to 3 days, and even more in cold or wet weather. And until the layer is completely dry, you can not start finishing.

Advantages:

• environmental Safety;
• excellent heat and sound insulation properties;
• resistance to bacteria, fungi, insects;
• fire resistance;
• long service life;
• affordable price.

• tendency to shrink;
• high hygroscopicity;
• the complexity of doing the work manually.

polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam, or PPU, belongs to a new generation of insulation and has improved characteristics compared to traditional materials. It is a liquid polymer mixture, which, after application to the surface, hardens and forms a durable coating with a cellular structure. The components are mixed immediately before starting work, and the finished solution is applied by spraying using a special installation.

Advantages:

• the liquid mixture easily fills all the bumps, cracks, recesses, is conveniently applied in hard-to-reach places;
• the material perfectly retains heat and muffles sounds;
• PPU is resistant to chemically aggressive substances, practically does not absorb water, withstands sudden changes in temperature;
• can be applied to any type of surface - wood, concrete, brick, metal;
• the insulation is very light, therefore it does not require strengthening of the supporting bases;
• the average service life is 25-30 years.

• polyurethane foam is destroyed under the influence of sunlight;
• spraying requires equipment and skills to work with it;
• PPU can not be used in areas that are very hot;
• high cost of material and services of specialists.

wall insulation technology

Thermal insulation of the facade can be performed in different ways, depending on the type of insulation. But for all options, a prerequisite is high-quality preparation of the base, because not a single insulation can stop the processes of destruction of wall materials. Consider the methods of insulation with mineral wool and polystyrene foam boards, as the most popular in frequent construction.

Warming with mineral wool

Exterior walls are cleaned of dirt, peeling plaster or paint. They repair cracks and problem areas, be sure to treat the places affected by the fungus. Small irregularities do not need to be eliminated - the mineral wool insulation is mounted using a frame, so all defects will hide inside. Finally, the walls are covered with a waterproof primer with antiseptic properties so that mold does not develop under the thermal insulation layer.

Step 1. The bars for the frame are cut to the desired length, treated on all sides with antiseptic impregnation and dried in air.

Advice. The cross section of the bars should be selected taking into account the thickness of the heat-insulating layer. That is, if plates with a thickness of 50 mm are laid in one row, the thickness of the frame should be 5-6 cm, with two-layer laying - at least 11 cm. on the rib.

Step 2 On the walls, markings are made for the frame guides strictly according to the level, holes are drilled for fasteners and bars are installed. The distance between the posts should be 10-15 mm less than the width of the insulation board. During the installation process, the location of the elements is controlled by the building level, if necessary, wooden linings are used under the beam so that all the racks are in the same plane.

Step 3. Insulation is inserted into the cells of the frame. To do this, the plates are slightly squeezed along the edges, pressed between the racks and released. The material spreads out on its own and densely fills the space. The insulation must be inserted so that there are no gaps between the plates.

Step 4 After filling all the cells from above, the insulation must be closed with a windproof moisture-proof membrane. The membrane is laid with the marked side outward, the sheets are arranged horizontally, starting from the bottom. A construction stapler is used to fix the membrane. The top sheet is overlapped by 8-10 cm, and it is recommended to glue the joints with adhesive tape.

Step 5. On top of the membrane, wooden slats of a counter-lattice 30-40 mm thick are stuffed to provide an air gap. If this is not done, condensation will accumulate on the insulation, moisture will nourish the wooden frame and the structure will quickly become unusable.

After that, it remains only to mount the finish coating, for example, siding or corrugated board. The finish must completely cover the heat-insulating layer so that precipitation does not fall on the plates. Only under such conditions the material will last long and effectively.

The last step - decorative facade decoration

Insulation with expanded polystyrene

This method of insulation is noticeably different from the previous one. First, the base must be leveled so that the material fits snugly against the surface. Secondly, the installation is carried out without a crate, the plates are attached to the glue and dowels-fungi.

Step 1. Prepared walls are primed with quartz sand, for example, Betokontakt. If the base is porous, the primer is applied in 2 layers.

Step 2 The lower boundary of the thermal insulation is determined and a horizontal line is drawn along the perimeter of the house. Holes for dowels are drilled according to the marking in increments of 20-30 cm and the starting bar is fixed.

Starter bar fixed

Step 3 To fix the insulation, you need a special glue. You can use canned mounting adhesive, such as TYTAN STYRO 753, or a dry adhesive mix (Ceresit CT 83). The mixture is diluted in clean water according to the manufacturer's instructions, mixed until smooth with a mixer at low speed.

They take the first sheet, apply glue on the back side with a continuous strip along the perimeter and in the center. Next, they apply a heater to the wall, resting the bottom edge on the starting profile, check the location with a level, firmly press it to the base.

Step 4 Fix the entire row, tightly joining the sheets together. The next row starts with half a sheet to offset the vertical seams. Excess glue that has come out at the joints is carefully removed with a spatula.

Step 5 When the glue has hardened, each sheet must be fixed with dish-shaped dowels. To do this, carefully drill holes in the wall through the insulation, insert dowels and carefully hammer them with a hammer. 5 fasteners are required per sheet - in each corner and in the center.

Step 6 Next, the adhesive solution is kneaded, applied in a continuous layer on the insulation, a reinforcing fiberglass mesh is laid on top and recessed in the solution. Openings and corners are additionally reinforced with corner profiles.

When the solution dries, the surface is sanded, dusted and plastered with a thin layer. Now it remains only to paint the facade or apply decorative plaster.

Prices for Ceresit glue

Glue Ceresit

Video - Materials for wall insulation outside

Video - Insulation of the facade with foam plastic