Insulating the floor of the first floor worries many owners of private houses, because a room can lose a significant amount of heat through the floor. To minimize heat loss, and at the same time reduce the cost of heating a house, you need to perform high-quality and proper insulation surfaces.

There are several ways to implement the task under consideration. At the same time, to create a reliable thermal insulation layer, you can use different insulation materials. Familiarize yourself with the features of the most popular materials, choose the most suitable method and begin installing thermal insulation.

Popular thermal insulation materials and their features

On modern construction market presented big choice materials whose characteristics and properties make it possible to use them for insulating the floor of the first floor. Each insulator has both a number of advantages and a certain list of weak qualities.

Mineral wool

Those. characteristics of mineral wool	Indicators
Density	115 kg/m3
Water absorption at full immersion, no more	1%
Average fiber diameter, no more	0.2 µm
Content of non-fibrous inclusions in the mass, no more	4,5%
Thermal conductivity at 283+1 K, no more	0.044 W/m*K
Shear strength, not less	50 kPa
Compressive strength, not less	100 kPa
Tensile strength, not less	150 kPa

The most popular material for insulation various designs is mineral wool. Among its main advantages are:

The main disadvantage is poor resistance to moisture, against which there is a need to install a high-quality waterproofing layer, otherwise the insulation will collapse very quickly.

Mineral wool is produced in the form of slabs and mats, which makes it possible to choose the most convenient option for a specific situation.

find out detailed information, from our new article.

Styrofoam

No less popular thermal insulation material. Advantages:

• low thermal conductivity;
• small thickness and relatively light weight;
• strength;
• durability;
• resistance to mechanical damage.

Unlike mineral wool, polystyrene foam does not require such serious moisture protection.

If you have a sufficient budget, you can even buy foamed polyethylene. During the production process of this material, its surface is covered with aluminum foil, eliminating the need for additional waterproofing.

It is a cellulose-based insulation with various additives that help improve its fire-resistant and environmentally friendly characteristics. The structure is a bulk material. Ecowool is very easy to install - just pour it into a pre-assembled sheathing and cover it with flooring.

A significant disadvantage of ecowool is its low resistance to moisture. Under its influence, the material very quickly loses its performance properties and collapses.

This insulation is rapidly gaining popularity. Basic performance characteristics fiberglass is beyond praise. The material is excellent for insulating the floors of rooms located on the ground floor. Also among the advantages of fiberglass is its affordable price.

Choosing a method for arranging a thermal insulation layer

Before starting thermal insulation measures, you need to study not only the properties of the most popular insulation materials, but also become familiar with the features of their arrangement. Depending on the structure, materials are classified into:

• bulk;
• solid. This category includes roll insulation, as well as thermal insulation materials in the form of mats and slabs;
• liquid.

It is performed using the already mentioned ecowool, as well as the following materials:

• slag;
• crushed foam;
• sawdust

Bulk materials are convenient because they can be used to insulate even the most hard to reach places. The method is equally effective both in private houses and in apartments on the ground floor.

However, despite its effectiveness, bulk thermal insulation is not widely used, because more modern and easy-to-use insulation materials are available on the market.

Solid thermal insulation

Rolls, slabs and mats are most often used for insulation. Such materials have a relatively small thickness - on average up to 100 mm, so the living space when using them is reduced insignificantly.

Typical representatives of the category are mineral wool and polystyrene foam. Mats made from natural plant fibers are also gaining wide popularity.

Liquid thermal insulation

Not very common, but very effective method. The following materials are used:

The quality is in no way inferior to slabs, mats and rolled materials. However, to spray the compositions it is necessary to use special equipment, which is not in the best possible way is reflected in the cost of work.

Prices for thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation materials

Options for floor insulation and instructions for their implementation

The procedure for insulating the floor of the first floor will vary depending on whether there is a basement or basement below.

If there is a basement

If there is either in the house or basement thermal insulation work must begin with them. First, you must insulate the walls and ceiling of the basement. Secondly, before insulation, surfaces must be properly waterproofed. Otherwise groundwater leak through the walls and destroy the insulation.

If you do not want to dismantle the floor or intend to create the highest quality thermal insulation, use a method whose essence boils down to insulating the basement ceiling.

First step. Lay out and secure the moisture-proof film. Lay strips of film with a 10-15 cm overlap. Be sure to seal the joints with tape.

Second step. Nail the sheathing strips to the waterproofed surface. Select the width of the slats and the spacing of their placement in accordance with the parameters of the insulation used.

Third step. Lay slab or roll insulation into the space between the slats. To fix the thermal insulation, use wire or stuff cross slats.

Fourth step. Nail the flooring elements (boards or OSB) to the slats.

After insulating the basement, you can proceed directly to insulating the floor.

First step. Lay and attach the skull blocks to them.

Place on fixed bars wooden boards or OSB. The flooring should be such that there are no even minor gaps at the joints of the elements.

Second step. Cover the flooring with waterproofing film.

Third step. Place the selected insulation on top of the film. Nail the support joists to the base.

Fourth step. Make another deck from OSB or boards. The gap between the flooring and the insulation should be about 10 mm.

If there is no basement

If there is no basement or plinth, the work of insulating the floor will be easier and faster. If there are no mentioned premises, then the floor, as a rule, is located directly on the ground or on the foundation.

In such a situation, the insulation sequence will be as follows.

First step. Remove flooring, if present, to gain access to the foundation or soil. If the floor is made on the ground, carefully level the ground.

Second step. Spread a 10-15 cm layer on the base. This backfill will provide additional thermal insulation.

Third step. We lay the reinforcing layer. An ordinary chain-link mesh will provide the necessary rigidity. Place it on the base.

Fourth step. Make a new tie.

Fifth step. Cover the hardened screed with moisture-proofing film.

Sixth step. Nail the sheathing battens to the base.

Seventh step. Place the selected thermal insulation material in the space between the slats.

Eighth step. Install the deck boards and complete the finish to your liking.

Insulation option using a floor heating system

This technique is not insulation in the literal sense of the word, but it allows you to make the room much warmer. The system can be (film, cable) and water.

The easiest to install is a film infrared heated floor. To install it, you simply need to level the base, lay out the film in the required places and connect the system to electricity. The screed is not poured. The key advantages of such a system are the ability to install it under any finishing coating and ease of installation. The disadvantage is the relatively high cost.

It is also relatively easy to install and can be combined with most varieties of existing floor coverings. There is no need to make a screed. The main disadvantage is the high cost of operation.

This system is the most economical and is the most popular. It requires preliminary arrangement of waterproofing of the base, laying special mats (it is best to use slabs with so-called bosses, since in this case you will not have to use additional fasteners) and subsequent pouring of the screed.

Thus, a wide variety of materials and techniques can be used to insulate the floor of the first floor. Now you are aware of the features of each affordable option and you can make the best choice.

Good luck!

Prices for heating cable and components

Heating cable and accessories

Video - insulating the floor above a cold basement

Video - Insulating the floor of the first floor

The most common option for constructing a foundation for small private houses, when a non-buried strip foundation(there is no basement), and the base of the floor is created directly on the existing soil. This is done where there is no threat of high groundwater levels, and the terrain of the area is homogeneous, lying at approximately the same horizon level. If the soil is located at a large slope and the soil moisture is excessive throughout the year, it makes sense to make the base of the floor of the first floor of the house at a distance from the ground, leaving a ventilated space between them. We will look at the features of both flooring options in private homes in this article.

Features of the foundation structure

The advantage of floors that rest directly on the underlying soil layers is that they do not carry additional load on the foundation of a private house. The floors of the first floor, which are not in contact with the soil, provide for the construction of a kind of floor slab that rests on the foundation. Therefore, the second option requires taking these features into account when designing and calculating the required width of the base.

If the base of the ground floor floor is reinforced concrete slab, you should definitely take care of waterproofing the foundation itself and the place of its contact with the overlapping structure, especially if this option is chosen due to high humidity soil. A slab that is not insulated with a water barrier will draw moisture from the foundation, which will lead to its premature destruction and loss of strength, as well as the penetration of dampness into the house. In addition, care should be taken to ventilate the space between the ceiling and the soil, thereby reducing the level of humidity here.

Construction of the first floor floor on the ground

This method of arranging floors in a private house where there is no basement is considered the simplest in terms of execution and inexpensive in terms of materials costs. There are two main options that apply in this case:

• device concrete base floor (screed);
• installation wooden floors by lags.

Each of the presented options has its own characteristics, both in the sense of a complex necessary work, and in terms of the final result. The choice often depends on which building material is the main one when constructing the house itself. If the walls are made of logs or timber, a wooden floor will be more organic. In a stone or brick building would be better suited screed But this is not an absolute pattern, so there may be other combinations.

Insulated concrete screed

A foundation made of concrete, which is poured over the ground, has long been used in all kinds of economic and technical buildings such as garages, sheds, warehouses. On the first floors of private houses without a basement, concrete screeds are used as the basis for the finishing flooring began to be used relatively recently. Several factors influenced the popularization of this method, such as:

• the need to create smooth horizontal surfaces, which is required by some types of modern floor coverings;
• the emergence of accessible materials for effective thermal insulation;
• installation of water systems heated floors for heating.

Now let's take a step-by-step look at how to correctly create concrete screed on the ground on the ground floor of private houses.

Preparation and rough filling

Preparatory work begin with compacting the soil and adding a cushion for the rough screed. You can compact the soil either manually, using a simple device in the form of a piece of log with an attached double-sided handle, or using mechanical devices that exist for these purposes. In order for the compaction process to be most effective, the soil surface is abundantly moistened with water.

The initial layer of bedding is selected based on its total thickness. If the distance from the soil to the level of the intended floor is significant (more than 25-30 cm), first use the most available material. It could be construction garbage or clay.

Next, the pillow is formed by a layer of coarse crushed stone, the thickness of which should be about 10 cm. The gravel creates a rigid base, roughly levels the surface and prevents possible capillary rise of moisture from the underlying layers. A sand (or small crushed stone) cushion about 5-7 cm thick is formed on top of the gravel. The quality of the sand does not play a role here, so a clay-rich quarry option is quite suitable. sand cushion is leveled as much as possible, after which a durable polyethylene film is laid. The latter performs two functions:

• first layer of waterproofing;
• an obstacle to water contained in concrete.

The film is laid completely, extending up to 15 cm onto the walls. Now you can pour the rough layer of concrete. For these purposes, a lean solution is usually prepared, where the ratio of fillers (sand and crushed stone) and cement is approximately 9:1. Here, instead of crushed stone, if possible, you can use expanded clay. A pillow made of expanded clay concrete will provide additional insulation floor bases. Rough screed is formed in a layer of about 10 cm. Despite the fact that the initial filling should not have perfect surface, it is advisable to level it more carefully. This will facilitate further waterproofing and installation of insulation.

Important! Sand of any kind is not suitable for preparing concrete. The quarry material contains a lot of clay, which will sharply reduce the strength of the concrete slab and lead to its cracking. For these purposes, you need river sand or washed sand, including for the preparation of expanded clay concrete composition.

The rough layer is usually not reinforced, since the load on it is small. After pouring, a break in work is necessary to allow the concrete to gain strength. Although the material completely crystallizes within 26-28 days, it is enough to wait a week. During this time, concrete with sufficient moisture gains about 70% strength. During this period, you need to ensure that the concrete surface is properly moistened, especially if the work is carried out during the hot season. To do this, you should generously wet the maturing concrete 1-2 times a day.

How to waterproof and insulate a floor?

For the main waterproofing layer, it is better to use not polyethylene fabric, but a full-fledged, reliable material. Here it will be sufficient to treat the rough concrete base with bitumen followed by laying the rolled material. Roofing felt or hydroglass insulation will do. The rolls are rolled out with an overlap of adjacent strips by 10-15 cm. In this case, hot gluing can be omitted, but the joints can be processed bituminous material Necessarily. The rolled material is laid to the surface of the wall above the level of the intended finishing screed.

You can insulate the floor with dense polystyrene foam (it is cheaper) or extruded polystyrene foam. The second is preferable for these purposes, since it is much stronger, absolutely hydrophobic, and its slabs usually have tongue/groove joining elements at the edges, which greatly simplifies its installation. The seams between the insulation sheets can be filled with polyurethane foam or treated special glue. Foam also needs to go through the gaps around the perimeter of the room between the wall and polystyrene foam.

Finishing fill

For these purposes, a solution is prepared with a normal ratio of 4:2:1, or 3:3:1, where crushed stone, sand, and cement are respectively. Before finishing fill concrete, it is necessary to lay a mesh for reinforcement and install beacons, thanks to which it will be possible to achieve a strictly horizontal surface.

Reinforcing mesh can be used metal with a cell of 100 mm, or rigid plastic. The reinforcing elements are laid with an overlap (1-2 cells), not reaching the wall by about 1.5 cm. Here, a damper tape is glued around the perimeter, which is designed to compensate for temperature changes linear dimensions screeds. The mesh should not lie on the insulation, but should be located approximately in the center of the concrete layer. To do this, use special stands or improvised means (bottle caps, brick fragments, etc.).

After installing the final subfloor and carefully leveling it (grinding or self-leveling solutions), all that remains is to wait for it to fully mature and begin laying the final floor covering.

Installation of wooden floors

Despite the wide variety of modern floor coverings, wooden floors have a lot of adherents among consumers. This can be understood considering that wood is the most environmentally friendly material, which is capable of creating a favorable microclimate in a residential area. Especially modern board, which is used for flooring, allows you to create an ideal surface without cracks, which in appearance is in no way inferior to parquet.

The classic method of laying floor boards involves the presence of logs - wooden beams that are arranged in parallel with a certain step, which depends on the thickness of the floor wooden layer. On the ground floor of a private house, when the installation of floors is carried out on the underlying soil, the preparatory and intermediate work before creating a rough foundation and its waterproofing is no different from that described above. That is, to install a high-quality wooden floor, you also need a reliable, leveled concrete base.

After installing the load-bearing beams, the floor should be insulated. The use of expanded polystyrene here is undesirable, since these materials do not allow steam to pass through, which can cause water condensation to form, which will adversely affect the wood. In addition, foam plastic, for example, can be favored by rodents, which will lead to some discomfort.

For a wooden floor on the joists of the first floor of a private house, it is better to use mineral wool, or rather one of its varieties. However, when laying mineral wool, you should take care of the moisture insulation of the insulation. If a hydraulic barrier has already been created from below (on top of the rough screed), then all that remains is to arrange upper layer hydrobarrier film.

Concrete remains one of the most popular and used materials in multi-story construction. Possessing many characteristics necessary for such construction, concrete remains an indispensable material, but in some cases its properties are not very suitable for residential premises. Thus, high thermal conductivity leads to the fact that concrete floors, especially on the first floors of high-rise buildings, are usually very cold.

In this regard, additional insulation of the concrete floor of the first floor is often required. Thanks to the availability of a variety of modern construction and repair materials and insulation materials, there are many ways to insulate such a floor. When considering certain floor insulation materials, you need to take into account various factors and characteristics of the room.

Selection of insulation and materials

When choosing insulation, you need to consider several factors:

• quantity financial resources that the apartment owner is willing to spend on this type works;
• the condition of the basement or basement under the apartment (temperature, humidity, the ability to carry out independent work there);
• the height of the ceiling in the apartment itself (any option for floor insulation involves lowering the ceiling height).

When making a decision on the insulation material itself, you can consider the following options, which are the most used and convenient today:

1. Styrofoam. A cheap and easy-to-use material that can be used both from the basement and in the apartment itself. Inferior to more modern options insulation is that when used in an apartment it will take up a lot of space due to its thickness, which is necessary to achieve a good effect.
2. Extruded polystyrene foam. Excellent insulation, which, like polystyrene foam, can be used in any room and is very easily attached to any surface. Much stronger than polystyrene foam and has lower thermal conductivity. It differs unfavorably from polystyrene foam only in price, but its other properties fully compensate for this disadvantage.
3. Mineral wool (basalt, glass wool, slag wool). Enough a good option insulation of the concrete floor while ensuring the required level of waterproofing and ventilation of the underground space.
4. Expanded clay and others bulk materials. Inexpensive option, used in different insulation options. The disadvantage is that when using it, a significant part of the height of the room is “eaten up”.
5. Gypsum fiber sheet (GVL); isolon. These two materials are used to provide a certain level of insulation for concrete floors in apartments with low ceilings.

When using different options insulation, of course, will be needed Additional materials, as well as tools. Here is their standard list:

• when arranging floor joists you will need wooden beams, the width of which will have to correspond to the width of the heat-insulating layer. In addition, you will need fastening materials (screws, dowels, anchors) and a hammer drill;
• for fastening sheet materials, for example polystyrene foam, you will need construction adhesive or mastic;
• should be used in almost any insulation option waterproofing layer, for which dense polyethylene is quite suitable;
• may need construction foam, for example, to fill gaps between sheets of foam when used in a basement.

Popular thermal insulation options

Next you need to decide on the most suitable option work on insulating the concrete floor of an apartment on the first floor. Of the methods proposed below, it is best to choose the one that will combine the required level of efficiency, permissible level financial costs and the ability to complete all the work independently and quickly.

Basement

It is best to install insulation material from the basement side when the ceilings in the apartment are low.

With this option, foam panels are best suited, because in the basement the appearance and thickness of the insulation are not so important. The work is carried out in several stages:

• in case of high humidity in the basement (especially if there are leaks sewer pipes or liquid accumulates in the basement for other reasons), a penetrating waterproofing compound can be used. The procedure for applying it is quite lengthy, but with its help you can completely protect yourself from dampness of the floors;
• The foam itself is very simply glued to the concrete surface of the basement ceiling. To do this, you can use any assembly and construction adhesive mixture;
• cracks and gaps that may form between sheets of foam plastic are filled with construction foam.

Thus, with free access to the basement under the apartment, it is possible to quite simply and inexpensively provide hydro- and thermal insulation of the concrete floor throughout the entire apartment located on the ground floor.

Concrete floor with joists

The most common option today is floor insulation using joists, in which different insulation materials can be effectively used. Such insulation is carried out in the following stages:

1. Installation of lag. If necessary, you need to lay the floor first waterproofing material, and then, using self-tapping screws and dowels, attach wooden beams in increments of 40-60 cm. The pitch and height of the beams depend on the selected insulation, which can be used as any option - polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam, mineral wool and expanded clay, etc.
2. Laying insulation. It is laid between the joists insulation material, on top of which you need to lay a waterproofing layer of polyethylene.
3. Laying rough or finishing flooring. Boards, chipboard, plywood and other materials can be used here. It is important to leave ventilation gaps at the edges of the room, which will then be covered with baseboards.

The only drawback of this method of insulating the concrete floor of an apartment on the first floor is that it reduces the height of the living space, which, depending on the chosen material, can range from 8 to 15 cm.

Insulation in low rooms

If it is not possible to allocate so much space due to low ceilings, then you can use a less effective, but more suitable for low rooms, method of floor insulation using GVL:

1. Having leveled the floor concrete base, we lay a waterproofing layer overlapping the walls.
2. Next, we lay the first layer of gypsum fiber board sheets, which should be 12 mm thick.
3. We lay the second layer of gypsum plasterboard on mastic, placing the sheets so that their joints do not coincide with the joints of the sheets of the first layer.
4. Similarly, we lay the third layer, on top of which the flooring is mounted.

In low rooms this type can be used quite effectively. modern material, like isolon. If you purchase it with foil on both sides, you can simply lay it on a leveled concrete surface floor without waterproofing. The joints between the isolon strips are glued together with construction tape, after which the floor covering can be laid.

Thus, thanks to the availability of a variety of materials, you can choose good option insulation of concrete floors for any room. It is important not to forget with each insulation method to create a waterproofing layer, as well as to ensure ventilation of the underground space where the insulation will be located. Ventilation is achieved very simply: gaps are left along the walls, which are then covered with baseboards, leaving ventilation holes.

Insulating the floors of the house on the first floor is a mandatory task. She can't be the only solution to achieve complete comfort in the home and is often only a stage in a whole range of measures to ensure heat. It's about about insulation of walls, ceilings, entrance groups And window openings. But the most logical place to start taking care of thermal insulation is from the floor. The article will discuss the insulation of the floor of the first floor.

First floor floor installation

To begin with, it is worth deciding what type of surface insulation will be carried out from the widest range of materials. Most in demand on this moment are:

• Styrofoam;
• expanded polystyrene;
• dry expanded clay screed;
• glass wool;
• mineral (stone) wool.

They differ not only in cost, but also in a number of characteristics that are worth considering in more detail. Since some of the materials offered are of similar origin or are mistakenly accepted as analogues, then Comparative characteristics will help you make your choice.

Insulation for the first floor floor

Polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam

• If we talk about kinship, then these two insulation products undoubtedly have it. Polystyrene foam is somewhat older, polystyrene foam is rather an improved version of it.

• The differences begin already at the production stage. Polystyrene granules are used as raw materials. To obtain polystyrene foam, they are treated with a stream of hot air, and they expand and join together. A product with a porous structure is formed. The extrusion method is more progressive, and as a result of its use granules source material melt. The output is a material with a single structure, denser than the above-described specimen. At the same time, the cellular structure, which helps retain heat, is preserved in it.
• Foamed polystyrene is 5-6 times stronger than its “brother” in bending, and it will not crumble if conditions change external environment. In addition, expanded polystyrene absorbs moisture less well, and thanks to its improved density, it absorbs noise much more effectively.
• Both materials are lightweight and non-toxic (provided that high-quality construction products from proven brands). They are also not susceptible to rotting and mold does not form on them. Fireproof performance is good for both products. It is more expedient to use polystyrene foam for insulating floors in those rooms where little traffic is expected, and the surface will not experience additional loads from, for example, massive furniture. It is also suitable for those who want to save money. However, as follows from the above technical characteristics, such a desire is not always appropriate.

Glass wool or mineral wool

Another difficult task is choosing between glass wool and mineral wool.

• The latter has very impressive fire resistance characteristics, so it is most often used when insulating wooden floors. The natural inorganic origin of stone wool gives the right to talk about its environmental friendliness and resistance to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
• The thermal insulation properties of mineral wool are not questioned. We can say with confidence that its use will reduce the cost of heating rooms. She will also provide high level soundproofing. All these wonderful properties will not “work” if the installation technology is violated when insulating the floor. Therefore, when giving preference to rockwool, you should strictly follow the installation recommendations.
• Glass wool differs in that it is produced on the basis of broken glass, that is, it is essentially not related to mineral wool. At the same time, it loses (slightly) in terms of thermal insulation and also in the ability to shrink over time. In addition, working with it is not as comfortable as with rockwool due to the formation of fine “glass” dust, which irritates the respiratory tract and hands if they are not protected. But it will cost much less than its “stone” counterpart. So those who are willing to experience some discomfort when laying the material and want to save money can opt for glass wool.

Advantages of expanded clay

• This porous material is essentially clay. It is formed into granules and processed at high temperatures. The result is excellent insulation; its flowability makes it easy to fill all voids.

It is good in several respects:

• durability;
• environmental friendliness;
• non-flammability;
• complete resistance to the development of microorganisms, does not cause interest among rodents and other pests;
• cheapness.

• Due to its porous structure, it is quite lightweight material, but is inferior in this indicator to other insulation materials, including those described earlier. Expanded clay also creates an excellent layer that promotes natural ventilation. The sound insulation achieved after its use is considered one of the best.
• The thickness of the floor of the first floor can also play against expanded clay, since in order to organize a high-quality layer of thermal insulation, a significant headroom will be required. The minimum recommended bedding layer is 20 cm, and 40 cm is considered optimal. And again, do not forget to add the height of the screed.

• To finally decide on the material for insulation, you will need to take into account many factors. In terms of cost, glass wool, polystyrene foam or expanded clay are the most preferable options.
• If time is of the essence, then laying foam is the easiest and fastest way.
• When it is necessary to perform a procedure in accordance with all rules and requirements fire safety, then mineral wool will be the best choice.

• And also important criterion there were and remain the needs and capabilities of the building owners. But in any case, any home craftsman can do all the work on his own.

Thermal insulation of the first floor floor using expanded clay

Expanded clay absorbs moisture very well. This is the main disadvantage of this material. Therefore, the construction of a high-quality waterproofing layer becomes the first and very priority stage. Next, a detailed pie of the first floor floor using expanded clay will be painted.

• Moisture protection. The material most often used for these purposes is polyethylene film. You need to take the most durable one. Naturally, one canvas cannot be used, so the joints are carefully taped with construction tape. The calculation when creating a waterproofing sheet should be based on the fact that its edges should be higher in level than the entire intended backfill along with the screed. The extra centimeters can then be trimmed.
• Preparing the insulation. The maximum effect will be achieved by preparing a mixture of material from different fractions. The use of expanded clay with sizes from 5 to 20 mm will serve to better distribute the granules and create a base more suitable for adhesion to concrete.
• Lighthouses. Their alignment is necessary to create a perfectly flat surface without drops or slopes. The first is located a few centimeters away from the walls. Fixation is carried out on small piles of fairly thick cement mortar. Next, the beacons are placed parallel to the first. The installation distance corresponds to the length of the rule. It will be used for subsequent leveling of the screed. Typically used for guides metallic profile. If floor insulation and subsequent pouring is carried out independently for the first time, then it is better not to “save” on the number of beacons.

• Prepared expanded clay can be poured. It is evenly distributed and lightly compacted. The fill level needs to be constantly monitored to avoid slopes. Then you will need to saturate the bedding with a solution of liquid cement. This “cement laitance” will give strength to the insulation layer and allow it to remain in its original position during further pouring. Reinforcing layer made of metal mesh will be the final step at this stage.
• Filling. The prepared solution is evenly distributed from the wall along the level of the beacons. Smooth out using the rule. So they gradually move towards the entrance to the room.
• You can walk on the screed no earlier than after 7 days, but the coating will completely harden and be ready for use. finishing a month later. While the drying process is underway, to avoid cracking, the future floor should be moistened with water. You can check for “readiness” in this way: place the neck down glass jar. If condensation forms on its walls, it means there is a lot of moisture in the floor and proceed with installation finishing coating it is too early.
• The result is durable and warm. Smooth surface, on which tiles, laminate or any other type of flooring will look ideal.

As an option, you can consider a “dry” screed using expanded clay and gypsum fiber sheets (gypsum fiber sheets).

• Creation of a waterproofing layer. It is mounted, as in the first case, the joints are overlapped by about 20 cm, and a margin of 6-7 cm is made on the walls.
• Along the entire perimeter of the room, the places where the film comes into contact with the wall are covered with damper tape.
• Beacons are displayed.
• Expanded clay is poured in portions. It is leveled and lightly compacted. After this, be sure to check that the height is level. This operation is carried out gradually in separate areas. As soon as one piece of floor is prepared, it is immediately covered GVL slab. It is laid in two layers, gluing together and additionally fastened with self-tapping screws.

• The seams at the joints of the gypsum plasterboard are puttied; you can go over them with a layer of bitumen waterproofing.
• The remains of the film and damper tape are cut off, and the base is ready for finishing.

Insulation of the ground floor floor using mineral or glass wool

If the desire to insulate the floor arose already during the operation of the building, then first you will need to get rid of the old flooring material. When boards are dismantled and later planned to be returned to their place, they can be numbered for ease of assembly.

• The condition of the joists and rough flooring is assessed. If there are rotten elements, then work is first carried out to replace them.
• Waterproofing. It is better to choose polyethylene with a density of 100 microns or higher. It is laid with an overlap of 10 cm. Near the walls in height, it is necessary to leave a reserve of about 10 - 15 cm. If the groundwater lies too close to the surface, then it is preferable to choose roofing felt or glassine as a vapor barrier.
• Between the finished floor joists the selected insulation is laid. It is covered with another layer of insulating material on top.

• A counter-lattice is constructed with a thickness of 2 cm. Its function is to provide ventilation gap.
• A new flooring is being built or the old boards are being installed back.

If you need to insulate the concrete floor of the first floor with mineral wool, then logs are installed first. Vapor barrier films are not required.

Do-it-yourself insulation of the house floor with polystyrene foam

• Waterproofing layer created using the technologies described earlier. It is assumed that it is laid on a leveled surface.
• Beacons are placed on top.
• A cement screed is in progress. Its thickness is 4 cm.
• On her in a checkerboard pattern foam boards are installed, which fit tightly to each other when laid. After this, the screed is left alone for a couple of days.
• After the first layer has dried, performed finishing screed . The beacons for it are attached to the insulation boards. The thickness of the cement layer is 70 mm. It is filled using reinforcing mesh. After leveling and drying the solution, the floor is ready for finishing with any coating.

Proper use of extruded polystyrene when creating floor insulation

• If polystyrene foam is placed inside the logs, they should be located at a distance of 60 cm from each other.
• Initially, a waterproofing layer is laid, and then insulation is tightly laid between the joists.

• By using construction stapler Another layer of vapor barrier is fixed on top. The top of this layered structure is covered with sheets of plywood or boards.
• A prerequisite is a ventilation gap, which is left around the perimeter of the entire room (approximately 0.5 cm). It will not be noticeable after installing the skirting boards.
• At a relatively high cost, foamed polystyrene creates a high-quality and warm layer that will last a long time. However, experts recommend taking into account the following point when using it: if polystyrene foam was used to insulate floors, then in a similar procedure with the ceiling and walls it is better to give preference to more “breathable” materials so as not to create a greenhouse effect in the home.

Insulation of a concrete floor is very important for creating comfort and warmth in the house, especially if the apartment is located on the ground floor.

But wooden floors sometimes also require insulation.

For example, in a private house, no matter how well the coating is made, it does not provide a complete guarantee of heat retention, which means it will not be possible to save on heating.

The systemic heat exchange of a house or apartment largely depends on the floors, since they are the place of large heat loss.

Concrete is durable and has excellent performance qualities, it is popular for flooring, but it has one serious drawback - the material is very cold. If it is installed in a residential area, then high-quality thermal insulation is required, otherwise any heating will not be effective.

A cold floor means uncomfortable indoor conditions and significant waste of energy for heating.

In addition, in the absence of insulation, dampness can form in a ground-floor apartment, which is usually located above an unheated basement, and as a result, mold can form on the walls.

All this can be avoided with a high-quality insulating structure.

The job of insulating a floor is not impossible. In the presence of necessary materials and tools, any owner can handle it independently.

Which insulation is better to choose?

There are several types of insulation, produced in the form of blocks, bulk materials, rolls and even in liquid form. Each of them is quite suitable for insulating the cold floor of the first floor.

Mats and slabs

Insulation of this type has low thermal conductivity and light weight; they are ideally suited for insulating the concrete floor of the first floor.

They can be used in conjunction with thin roll materials, which increases overall thermal insulation.

Insulation in the form of mats and slabs is made from foam plastic, mineral wool, basalt fiber, based on polystyrene foam and other composite materials.

Since ancient times, mats made from plant fibers, such as straw, have been used to insulate floors in private homes, which is an excellent environmentally friendly insulation material. The only negative is that organic matter decomposes over time.

Bulk insulation materials

TO bulk materials may include sawdust, foam chips, slag and others.

They are used for insulating floors in ground floor apartments, as well as in private houses.

The advantage of bulk insulation is that it completely fills the space between the sheathing bars.

This the material is suitable how to place on open ground under the floor in a private house, and in apartments with an unheated basement below.

Roll materials

Foamed polystyrene, mineral wool, cork or cork-based composite mats, multilayer foil insulation, etc. are produced in the form of rolls.

Some of them have a small thickness, and therefore will not fully cope with the task of retaining heat - they are good to use in addition to thicker insulation.

Rolled mineral wool, 7-10 cm thick, is an excellent thermal insulator, so it is quite suitable for insulation.

Liquid insulation

Cement mortars mixed with foam chips, wood shavings, expanded clay and others are used as liquid insulation materials. light air materials.

A modern version of liquid insulation is a polymer with a foamed structure - penoizol. To work with it, special equipment is used, with the help of which the cavities between the sheathing guides are filled with material.

How to properly insulate a concrete floor?

When calculating floor insulation, it is necessary to take into account the significant load to which all layers of the structure will be subjected.

For different types floor insulation material is slightly different from each other, but the insulation system common to all floors consists of laying materials in the following sequence:

1. The base is a concrete slab.
2. Waterproofing layer.
3. Wooden sheathing.
4. Insulation placed between the sheathing guides
5. (its sheets are spread overlapping by 15-25 cm and glued with special tape).
6. If the insulation has the thickness of the sheathing, a counter batten is nailed to it, which will create a gap between the insulation and the subfloor, allowing ventilation.
7. Subfloor (thick plywood or board).
8. Additionally, under the rough floor, rolled thin insulation can be used, which is spread over the sheathing.

The method of insulating floors is easy to understand by looking at the graphic diagram below.

Features of insulation of the concrete floor of the first floor in a private house and apartment

The insulation of concrete floors in a private house and apartment differs in some nuances, but the principle of insulation is basically the same.

If you are insulating the concrete floors of a private house that does not have a basement, you will have to resort to using several materials.

Naturally, it is better to calculate the thickness of the insulation in advance, during the construction of the house, but if the insulation is carried out in a finished room, it is necessary to prepare the base. The same thing is done in the apartment:

1. To do this, the decorative coating is removed and a thorough inspection of the concrete slab is carried out for cracks and chips.
2. The slab is cleaned, and all identified defects are eliminated using concrete or ready-made repair mortar.
3. After it hardens, it is advisable to treat the surface with a strengthening impregnation - sealing.
4. Next comes the installation of waterproofing - this process is important both for the floor of the first floor of an apartment and a private house.

The waterproofing layer may consist of polyethylene film, which should be 15-20 cm on the walls, or a special deep penetration water-repellent primer applied to the floors and lower parts of the walls.

If in an apartment the sheathing (joists) can be laid directly on the waterproofing, then in a private house it is better to raise it by 5-7 cm.

Raised above concrete slab the floors will allow you to lay a thicker layer of insulating material.

To do this, pieces of timber 5x5x15 cm are laid on the waterproofing, under which it is necessary to lay small pieces of roofing material.

1. Logs are laid on the bars and the entire structure is secured to the concrete base.
2. Next, in a layer of 12-15 cm, you can lay loose insulation, for example, expanded clay in dry form or with the addition of liquid cement mortar. In the latter case, after filling the space, you must wait until the layer hardens.
3. Slabs or a rolled version of mineral wool, which has low thermal conductivity, are laid on top of it, and is ideal insulation floors for both private houses and apartments. In addition to it, you can use polystyrene foam or liquid insulation - penoizol.
4. The top layer of insulation should be approximately 5 mm below the joist level.
5. The mineral wool is covered on top with a vapor barrier film, which is attached to the joists using staples.
6. The last stage of insulation is the installation of a subfloor, which can consist of boards or thick plywood - this will depend on what finishing coating is chosen.

It is worth noting that if it is assumed, then rough coating may consist of two layers: boards and plywood.

How best to insulate the wooden floor of the first floor

Wooden floors in modern multi-storey buildings are no longer suitable, but they are often found in old buildings and in the private sector.

The tree itself warm material, but has the peculiarity of drying out over time, as a result of which cracks form in the floors through which drafts penetrate into the apartment or house.

Such floors require insulation work:

• To do this, it is necessary to lift the existing old covering. If it is in good condition, it can be installed back after the insulation process.
• After removing the boards, the logs are inspected and, if necessary, replaced with new ones. Then they are treated with antiseptic antifungal agents and given time to dry.
• Insulation is laid or poured onto the base of the floor.

  If the logs are high enough, you can arrange two layers of insulation, the bottom of which will be bulk, and the top will be made of foam plastic or mineral wool slabs.

• The next step is to cover the insulation with a vapor barrier film, and lay a floorboard on top.

When building a house, it is better to insulate wooden floors immediately, observing all technological rules. The diagram clearly shows the layers of insulated wooden floor, going in the following sequence:

1. House foundation.
2. Floor beams (joists).
3. Timber for subfloor.
4. Vapor barrier.
5. Rough floor.
6. Insulation.
7. On top of it is a waterproofing film.
8. Batten.

Insulation from the basement

If the apartment is located above a basement, it is possible to insulate the floor on its side.

Insulation can be installed on the ceiling of the basement under the apartment.

Polystyrene foam, penoflex or mineral wool are suitable for this procedure.

• The foam is glued to the basement ceiling using special glue. After it dries, all cracks between the slabs are sealed. polyurethane foam.

You can also insulate basement floors using mineral wool, but this will be more difficult and more expensive.

• The bars are fixed to the ceiling at a distance of the width of the mineral wool, minus 5 cm. This is necessary so that the insulation mats fit tightly between them.
• In order for the insulation to hold securely, fiberboard or fiberboard is reinforced on top of it on the beams. thin plywood. Along the edge of the structure, along the walls, all gaps formed are sealed with polyurethane foam.

For insulation work to be effective, you need to know several nuances on which the desired result will depend.

1. The first thing you need to do when starting to insulate the floor in an apartment on the first floor is to examine the walls of the basement.

If cracks, chips, and possibly even holes are found on them, they must be repaired with cement-based solutions, polyurethane foam, or, if necessary, using brickwork.

Basement ventilation holes on winter period You can cover them, but you cannot cover them completely.

1. If insulation is being done in a private house, under which there is a basement, the floor should be additionally insulated and outside, i.e. attach the insulation to the ceiling of the basement.
2. Need to know what's high thermal insulation properties has low density foam due to its porous air structure.
3. We must not forget about installing a vapor barrier, which must be installed correctly, and be sure to glue the joints with special tape.
4. Do not completely close the holes ventilating the subfloor, otherwise condensation may form under the floor covering or on the insulation itself.

In order not to make any mistakes, before starting work, you need to study its technology, calculate all the necessary parameters in accordance with the chosen method of thermal insulation and the type of insulation material.

If your apartment is located on the ground floor, there is no need to postpone work on floor insulation. Sooner or later, cold and dampness will settle in the room, and along with them, fungus and mold will appear on the walls of the premises, and it will be very difficult to get rid of them.