Topics with the selection and description of the features of a particular type of insulation are deservedly popular on our portal. These questions become more relevant the higher the rise in energy costs and the desire of homeowners to save on heating. FORUMHOUSE has already talked about .

When choosing the best insulation for the walls of a house that is right for you, we suggest looking at the nuances of insulating a private house from a slightly different angle. To do this, consider the following questions:

• Where to start choosing material.
• What types of insulation are there?
• Is it possible to do without using it?
• Is it worth using eco-insulation materials?
• What is missing from modern means and methods of wall insulation?

Choosing material

The modern market of thermal insulation materials offers a lot of options and types. Conventionally, they can be divided into artificial (man-made) and natural. Artificial ones include: mineral wool (stone and glass wool) and polystyrene foam insulation (PPS, or polystyrene foam, EPS - extruded polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam), foam glass, sprayed polyurethane foam, ecowool, expanded clay, etc. Natural materials include sawdust, straw, moss, flax, hemp and other eco-friendly materials.

Materials of the second group are most often used by enthusiasts in the construction of environmentally friendly houses.

To decide on the type of material, you need to pay attention to the following parameters: thermal conductivity coefficient, hygroscopicity, density, flammability class, efficiency, environmental friendliness, durability. You also need to understand in advance what and how you are going to insulate. Those. – select the scope of application of the material. To do this, we ask ourselves the question in which structural unit of the house should it work. To materials that are used for foundation insulation (), etc. working in the ground, in conditions aggressive environment, there are certain requirements. These are resistance to moisture accumulation, rotting, high compressive strength, thermal efficiency, and durability.

The main (perhaps even the only) disadvantage of foam plastics is their flammability (under certain conditions) and limited thermal resistance. In the event of a fire, first of all, interior items (furniture, curtains, etc.) burn. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures in advance to protect polystyrene foam (if it is used for internal insulation) from an open source of fire. To do this, the foam must be covered with a good layer of concrete or plaster. It is better if PPS is used for external insulation. It must also be covered with non-combustible material (concrete, plaster), and not used as an element of a ventilated facade!

In civil housing construction, polystyrene foam is widely used for insulating foundations and flat roofs (EPS). House facades as foundations thin layer plaster, so-called " wet facade"(PPS).

• In a number of situations (especially in the field of low-rise housing construction), it is necessary to thermally insulate frame structures, where, instead of rigidity, elastic options mounted by surprise are more technologically advanced. Here, the most widely used ones are based on stone () or glass fibers - this material combines high manufacturability of installation (no special experience or special professional tools are required) with non-flammability (including fire resistance) and low production costs.

When using mineral wool materials, measures must be taken to prevent moisture from entering them. If water gets into the insulation, “pie” frame structure and the vapor transparency of the layers should ensure the release of excess moisture to the outside. Why should vapor and waterproofing films and membranes be used correctly?

The methods described above are far from the only effective option for insulating a room.

Alexey Melnikov

To a lesser extent, insulation methods such as poured (such as screeds made from polystyrene concrete mortar) and backfill options (expanded clay gravel, foam glass chips, discarded aerated concrete blocks, etc.) are now common. Because they, in my opinion, are more appropriate as additional sound insulation in horizontal structures.

44alex User FORUMHOUSE

I would choose perlite for floors and for backfilling stone walls, but not under the ground, because... This is an excellent material in terms of price/thermal conductivity/flammability/environmental friendliness/service life.

IN Lately Blown-in insulation options are also gaining popularity. A type of cellulose fiber (so-called ecowool) or its mineral analogue. According to Alexey Melnikova, These materials are advisable to use for thermal insulation hard to reach places.

Natural materials

It is also worth highlighting materials based on natural fibers (linen, sea grass), which are now being promoted under the ideology of eco-construction. Due to the limited selection and significant price tag, these materials have not yet become widespread.

The main disadvantages of natural materials:

• shrinkage;
• unpredictability of behavior in the long term;
• ​susceptibility to rodents.

Let's figure out how true this is.

Russian User FORUMHOUSE

Unexpectedly, the following experiment came up: in the summer, substandard linen insulation was placed in a corner, in a stack 1.5 meters high. In winter, the water supply pipe that ran nearby leaked. We noticed this only in the summer, i.e. the bottom layer of flax lay for at least 6 months in water. And here are the results:

• For a material 5 cm thick, only 1 cm shrank under the pressure of the upper layers;
• The material that had taken on water darkened and was left to dry until the morning. The next morning he regained his form, i.e. again became 5 cm thick;
• The breaking loads also did not change.

The flax insulation after drying has remained virtually unchanged, because the structure of the flax material is fixed by melted lavsan fibers. This structure can only be changed by heating to 160-190 °C or by destroying the flax. And flax, as you know, is still used in plumbing work when sealing water pipes.

Extensive experience in using this material has been accumulated abroad. Mice don’t eat it; they make passages in it and make their homes. To avoid this, appropriate measures are taken - in the form of installing a fine-mesh steel mesh, etc.

SCM User FORUMHOUSE

I believe that using sawdust is a very environmentally friendly way of insulation. The main thing is to follow the technology. It is better to fill the sawdust in layers, carefully compacting each layer with the handle of a shovel.

Both industrially produced materials and “folk” ones have pros and cons. “Commercial” materials are already finished product, with known properties and a certain installation technology, following which you can be confident in the final result. Eco-insulations are more of an experiment; with a possible lower cost (sawdust), you will have to work hard during installation. The construction itself may take time. Again, we cannot guarantee a 100% final result, because... We have still accumulated little experience in using such materials in different climatic zones.

Based on all of the above, we can conclude: any material has the right to life. It all depends on the area of ​​its application, the prevalence of this or that type of material in a particular area, its price, thermal characteristics, etc. Hence: when choosing insulation, first of all, it is necessary to start from economic calculations and the feasibility of its use in the long term.

You should also check your tasks with our questionnaire:

• where the material will be used;
• what is it for?
• what kind of structure needs to be insulated?

Having asked yourself such questions, you will understand which material is suitable specifically for your case and specifically for your building.

Is there a universal insulation?

If you dream and imagine the “ideal” insulation, with a set universal properties, then it will be a material whose various characteristics will not be stable - they must change flexibly depending on operating conditions. In one situation, the material needs strength, high density, rigidity, clear geometry, increased moisture resistance. In other conditions, it requires vapor transparency, low density (which means it will not work “in the ground”), ease of placement in hard-to-reach places, flexibility, and good environmental friendliness. With all this, the price that is affordable for the general public remains important. It turns out that the requirements are mutually exclusive. So it’s hardly worth chasing any special and new materials.

From our videos you will learn

Construction composition of the walls of multi-storey buildings or one-story houses, and also their thickness is not able to ensure 100% safety of thermal energy indoors. Monolithic concrete or stone are considered cold materials, but in terms of strength they occupy first place among all materials used in civil and industrial construction. To transform these materials into energy-saving and warm structures, multilayer thermal insulation technology for building structures of any type is used. Thermal insulation is provided for the walls both outside and inside. When performing insulation, all SNiPs and GOSTs are observed; these two points are very important in the construction process.

All houses, structures or buildings made of stone require additional thermal insulation. Stone includes such materials as: brick (solid, hollow, silicate, hollow porous), aerated concrete blocks, foam concrete and fortan blocks, rubble stone, shell rock, boiler and all types of cement and reinforced concrete products (monolithic slab structures, concrete panels and floors).

Insulation for walls, characteristics

There are the following types of wall insulation:

Styrofoam(wall insulation polystyrene foam) is a modern polymer insulation of the latest generation. This product is used in almost all areas of construction and even in industrial production processes. Foam plastic of grades PPT-25 and PPT-35 is used for insulation of walls (outside and inside), attic balconies, loggias and attics, as well as balcony floors. The dimensions of foam plastic boards are standard: 1000x500x50mm.

The material has the following qualities: low coefficient of water absorption, zero level of thermal conductivity, resistance to biological and chemical destruction, windproof and soundproofing properties, low weight, flexibility and ease of installation. The material belongs to the group of environmentally friendly products. Operational life is more than 50 years. Price of this product the most affordable, despite some disadvantages such as flammability class.

Mineral wool(stone wool or glass wool) is a heat and sound insulating material widely used in insulating buildings for any purpose, and especially walls (external and internal), balconies and loggias. Internal and external use of insulation has justified its quality due to its physical and technical characteristics:

In insulation work (for example, insulation of walls in a panel house), mineral wool with thermal conductivity: 0.034-0.037 W/mK and flammability class NG (non-flammable) is used. The material can be worked at temperatures from -60ºС to +220ºС. This roll insulation for walls has the following dimensions: 1000x600x50mm, 7000x1200x50mm, 9000x1200x50mm, 10000x1200x50mm, 10000x1200x100mm, in addition to rolls, cotton wool is produced in slabs.

Brands of mineral wool used for wall insulation: Ursa, Izovol, Knauf, Rockwool, TechnoNIKOL, etc.

Polyurethane foam– a type of plastic, has a cellular-foamy structure. The cell space is filled with air and occupies 90% of total mass product. Polyurethane foam has a high level of resistance to various chemicals, does not absorb water, is an excellent heat and sound insulator, is lightweight and has a high level of adhesion to all types of working surfaces: concrete, glass, wood, steel, brick, painted surfaces. The material can be worked at a temperature of 100 degrees. Operational life – up to 30 years.

PPU (polyurethane foam) is widely used in the process of insulating walls and frame balconies, as well as for insulating buildings with complex configurations. The zero level of conductivity and elasticity of the product is exactly what is needed for insulating walls, balconies, attics and attic spaces. The seamless process of using this product and its perfect adhesion creates a truly sealed finish. There is no need to ask the constant question: “which insulation is better for thermal insulation?” — PPU is an excellent coating for walls both outside and inside. This material is a guarantee of excellent vapor barrier and, above all, waterproofing. The only negative is the high cost.

Extruded polystyrene foam– a material of the latest generation, manufactured using a special technological process. For wall insulation, the brands of extruded polyurethane foam Penopllex and Technoplex are most often used. In the manufacture of Technoplex, graphite is used in the form of nano-sized particles. Nano-sized graphite increases the strength of the material and increases the energy efficiency of the product.

Penoplex (penoplex wall insulation) - has a high energy saving coefficient, zero heat loss, and an excellent sound insulator. In addition to insulating walls, this material is widely used in insulating balconies, loggias, floors, basements and other building structures. When installing a “warm floor”, penoplex is an essential material. Thermal conductivity index is 0.0029 W/(m°C). Comparing Penoplex with polystyrene foam panels, mineral basalt wool or glass wool, it surpasses them in terms of energy saving. Moisture resistance is 0.2%, strength coefficient is 200-500 kPa. Not subject to destruction by mold, chemical substances and rodents. The slabs are quickly installed due to their flexibility and low weight. The product corresponds to the flammability class - G1, G4. Almost all brands of extruded polystyrene foam are endowed with such characteristics.

Liquid thermal insulation. For example, Alfatek is a liquid-like thermal insulation of the latest technological progress in the field of insulation. The production technology of this material includes a polyacrylic system with the formation of many ceramic bubbles. The bubble system is filled with vacuum; it is this technical side that acts as an insulating component.

Material Features:

• heat insulator for external and internal use,
• ultra-thin insulation for pipes of any purpose and diameter,
• excellent material that prevents corrosion and other metal damage,
• energy-saving product with zero heat loss,
• the material prevents the formation of condensation,
• protection of premises from freezing,
• resistance to sudden temperature changes,
• reducing the weight of the structure,
• preservation of room footage,
• In addition to elasticity and energy saving, the product is aesthetically pleasing.

“Thermal mirror effect” Alfatek - consists of reflecting the heat flow received from the coolant or heat reflector and retaining the heat energy in itself. This ultra-thin insulation interrupts the contact of the base with the flow of cold entering the room from the outside, that is, from the street. The thermal conductivity of the material is 0.001 W/m°K.

Thermal insulation Alfatek (liquid insulation for walls) anti-corrosion protection of all metal surfaces with coverage of all hard-to-reach places that cannot be covered with other types of thermal insulators. The applied insulation layer is not subject to destruction by atmospheric phenomena and chemicals. The paint concentration does not affect the reduction in the degree of insulation, the main thing is uniform application and the absence of cold bridges.

The appearance of the Alfatek product is similar to conventional water-based paint and acrylic polymers. In addition to pipe systems and metal structures insulation is used to insulate all types of surfaces: brick, stone, concrete, etc. Before application, thorough surface treatment is necessary: ​​dust removal, degreasing and drying. To work on metal, priming or other treatment with anti-corrosion agents is not required; the insulator paint acts as a corrosion preservative.

Other insulation materials are also used: ecowool, warm plaster, polyethylene foam (penofol, thermoflex, isolon, energyflex), foam glass and others.

How to insulate walls?

There are three options for thermal insulation of such materials:

• Option I - insulation for the walls of the house is installed along the entire perimeter of the interior, including the attic, balcony and loggias (walls, floor, stream, and on the balcony, in addition to the above, there is also a parapet);
• Option II - the insulation is placed in the thickness of the construction pie (when pouring concrete, thermal insulation such as polystyrene foam, BSA or polystyrene concrete is placed right in the middle of the pour);
• Option III - insulation of the structure from the outside (hinged ventilated facades as wall insulation foam, extruded polystyrene foam, stone wool or glass wool, polystyrene foam concrete and others).

All options have their pros and cons; for internal insulation, the disadvantage is the formation of condensation; this is a clear and pressing problem of modern construction and thermal insulation.

Pie-shaped masonry

The construction “pie” consists of the following layers: the first layer is load-bearing walls, the second layer is cement or mixed plaster and heat-insulating material, the third layer is the finishing cladding of the facades, consisting of: primer, glue, construction cladding mesh, finishing plaster and decorative finishing material .

Load-bearing walls are made of durable masonry or cast material, additional connecting and reinforcing elements. Stone or concrete are two durable building and masonry materials used in the construction of houses from the base or foundation to the attic. Load-bearing walls account for the entire mass of the building; the service life of the house and the strength to withstand additional weight added through other materials and devices depend on their strength: reinforced concrete stairs and flights of stairs, roof structure with its constituent materials, plumbing network, heating equipment and all contents of residential premises (furniture, Appliances and plumbing equipment, etc.). When planning a future building, all these nuances are calculated down to the smallest detail.

As for thermal insulation, here you can list a whole list of insulation materials: polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, mineral (stone) basalt wool, fiberglass wool, polyurethane foam (PPU), liquid thermal insulation, warm plaster, cellulose boards, sandwich panels and other thermal insulation materials. According to the technology, the insulation is applied to an even layer of plaster, that is, before insulating the walls, the surface is plastered.

The final or finishing layer is performed to seal the previous layers - load-bearing wall and insulation, as well as to perform decorative design walls from the outside of the building. Insulation of walls from the inside is carried out using a similar technology, with the exception of finishing plastering.

Insulation materials have almost the same thermal conductivity coefficient, due to this the thickness of all types is the same; the calculation of the thickness of insulation for walls is carried out from the point of view the right choice material with a high level of energy saving inside the building. If construction is carried out in an area with a harsh climate, a double layer of insulation is used, regardless of whether it is mineral wool or polystyrene foam. In comparison with basalt wool, extruded polystyrene foam or simple polystyrene foam fits tightly to the base without the formation of cold bridges, but is inferior in flexibility to stone wool.

Vapor permeability plays an important role in the thermal insulation of walls; the higher this coefficient, the less likely it is for condensation to form. Condensation leads to the destruction of all composite components of the layered masonry, thus shortening the service life of the building.

Fire safety ranks first among the technical requirements for construction and insulation. Despite the importance of this point, foam plastic is still widely used due to its cost and ease of installation. Polystyrene foam is 5 times cheaper than mineral basalt wool, which is why it is accepted into the thermal insulation process.

According to the agreement SP 23-101-2004 “Design of thermal protection of buildings”, using polystyrene foam (the technology of insulating walls with polystyrene foam), all window openings and areas surrounding the windows are insulated with non-combustible materials - mineral wool, glass wool and other non-combustible materials. This technology“rescued flammable” polystyrene foam from the list of prohibited products for thermal insulation of buildings and houses.

Fastening elements are plastic dowels or basalt-plastic tapes. The tapes are mounted in increments of 60 x 50 cm from each other. The fastening system or fastening of the insulation to the wall is quite durable, with a service life of up to 50 years. The entire finishing layer rests only on the foundation of the building.

Attention! When performing work on insulating walls from the outside, it is necessary to properly close the lower space in the area of ​​the foundation and three-layer cake.

To avoid the destructive consequences of the thermal insulation process, the walls are ventilated or ventilated facades are installed. Due to the space between the insulation and outer wall, as well as the installation of ventilation holes, creates an obstacle to the formation and settling of moisture inside the construction “pie”. In this way, the constantly ventilated layer cake will serve for many years without complaints from consumers.

After completion of construction, it is already known what material to insulate the walls with, because these facts are included in the project plan, and in case of secondary housing, what insulation materials are needed for the walls, how to choose them?! A construction engineer, together with a technologist, when examining such structures after a full examination, will be able to give an accurate technical answer to this painful question. There is nothing complicated here - the main thing is to repair the building, and then everything is done according to the specified scheme external thermal insulation.

Mineral basalt wool is an ideal insulation for walls under siding; in this case, it is necessary to carry out phased installation and proper ventilation of the facade. IN panel houses The walls from the inside are very cold, even when the external insulation is 100% complete, the need for insulation arises. It is urgent to install wall insulation under the wallpaper, then the walls will become warm and dry when touched.

The use of thermal insulation systems in building structures can significantly reduce heating costs. The use of all kinds of insulation makes it possible to speed up the pace of construction and reduce the budget for building a house. In order for them to cope with their responsibilities, you need to know how to choose them. Do you agree?

We will tell you how to choose the right insulation for the exterior walls of your home. The article we presented describes all types of thermal insulation materials used in practice and their operating features. Independent owners of country estates will find facade insulation technology here.

Heat loss through walls averages about 40%, depending on the integrity of the structure and the thickness of the wall. With rising prices for gas and electricity, it becomes unacceptable to spend money on heating the street.

Therefore, it is necessary to insulate the walls from the outside, which provides the following advantages:

• thermal insulation of the house from the outside does not take away the useful area of ​​the living space indoors;
• the insulation layer performs decorative and protective functions for the walls, extending their service life;
• walls insulated from the outside do not freeze and are not saturated with moisture from steam, as with internal insulation;
• Thermal insulation materials also perform a soundproofing function.

But the main reason for insulating the facade of a house is still economic, because this simple procedure can almost halve the amount in receipts for heating.

To correctly select a material designed to reduce heat loss, you need. Our recommended article will introduce you to its examples and formulas.

Types of insulation materials

So what is the best way to insulate a house from the outside to reduce heat loss? Manufacturers offer many materials suitable for these purposes. But there are several main types. These include: polystyrene foam, basalt wool, glass wool, extruded expanded polystyrene, mineral wool and others.

Less effective way Insulation is considered to be the application of a layer of plaster to the outer part of the walls. This inexpensive way reducing heat loss, but it requires experience and certain skills - just desire will not be enough.

External wall insulation requires certain professional skills from the performer. They will be useful both when choosing a material and during its installation.

Wooden houses are often insulated using a double frame. In this case, any of the listed materials is attached to the walls, and cladding is done on top. At the same time, an air “cushion” remains between the insulation and the decorative layers for air ventilation.

Option No. 1 - polystyrene foam

Expanded polystyrene has gained the greatest popularity among thermal insulation materials. First of all, this is due to its low cost. Distinctive feature The insulation is also low weight.

Other advantages of the material:

• low thermal conductivity;
• affordable price;
• long service life.

One of the disadvantages is that foam does not allow steam to pass through. This feature does not allow it to be used for insulation. wooden houses.

Among other disadvantages, the most significant is that polystyrene foam is a flammable material that emits substances harmful to humans during combustion. In addition, the fragility of the material, which leads to damage to the insulation even with minor mechanical stress, significantly complicates its installation.

Foam insulation is an excellent way to reduce heat loss, both in a private house and in an apartment or industrial enterprise, and for quite little money

Option No. 2 – mineral wool

This material also enjoys well-deserved popularity among owners of residential and non-residential premises.

Advantages of mineral wool:

• high vapor permeability that doesn't let you rot wooden structures, and the bricks are not saturated with moisture, which prevents the appearance of mold and fungi on the surface of the walls;
• low cost;
• light weight of the mats, which makes it easier to work with them and reduces transportation costs;
• the material is not flammable, there are no toxic odors;
• long service life.

There are three types of mineral wool: slag wool, glass wool and stone wool (also known as basalt). Each material has its own characteristics.

Basalt wool is considered the most suitable for residential buildings, since it is made from safe raw materials, unlike glass wool. At the same time, the material is stronger and more durable than slag wool. But the high cost of basalt wool is its disadvantage.

Mineral wool, made in the form of mats, is the most practical option for insulating low walls and small rooms. And anyone who has at least a little knowledge of construction can handle its installation.

Modern glass wool is considered safe to use. Unlike the material of the same name, manufactured ten years ago, it does not irritate the respiratory tract. It can be used to insulate not only external, but also internal walls and ceilings.

It is easy to install and lightweight. Can be purchased in rolls or slabs. Roll material It is more advisable to buy for insulation of long walls. Glass wool slabs are suitable for small walls.

The following advantages of the material are highlighted:

• does not absorb moisture from the air;
• no toxic odors;
• does not ignite;
• does not change shape during use;
• high performance vapor permeability;
• good sound insulation properties;
• does not interact with chemicals;
• can be used in all climatic zones of the planet.

In some cases, rolled glass wool will cost less than that made in the form of slabs. To cut it, you can use ordinary sharpened knives.

The material does not have many disadvantages. Among them:

• when insulating walls with glass wool, you need to wear protective gloves and goggles;
• the fragility of the fibers of the material, which is why a lot of synthetic substances are in the air during installation and interfere with safe breathing.

Despite the fact that modern insulation material is an order of magnitude more environmentally friendly and safer for humans, if there is a significant amount of polymer particles in the air, it is better to use a respirator.

In some cases, rolled glass wool will cost less than that made in the form of slabs. To cut it, you can use regular sharpened knives.

Option #3 – uh extruded expanded polystyrene

This material is made from ordinary polystyrene foam.

After special processing, it receives the following benefits:

• increased compressive strength;
• low moisture absorption;
• low flammability or its complete impossibility, which depends on the amount of fire retardant substance;
• reduced thermal conductivity.

For such material you will need to pay a higher price than for regular foam. But more durable and reliable.

Another disadvantage is the smooth surface of the material slab. Because of this, solutions do not “set” with it, so without preliminary preparation surfaces such foam cannot be used in a “wet façade” design.

Will need to be processed smooth side fine sandpaper to give it a rough surface. Additionally, you can apply a layer of adhesive primer, which will increase the penetration of the solution into the insulating material.

Option No. 4 - bulk insulation

Bulk materials can also be used for external thermal insulation.

Among them, the most popular are:

• vermiculite;
• perlite crushed stone;
• expanded clay

Vermiculite can be used not only to insulate walls outside the room, but also from the inside. They insulate sewer and water pipes, floors, attics, foundation. It can be produced in the form of slabs. There are technologies by which this material is added to concrete or mortars.

Vermiculite – natural material, does not emit harmful toxic odors. Its advantages are: durability, lightness, fire resistance, low thermal conductivity and sound absorption. It also does not absorb moisture.

To insulate the outer wall, bulk material can be added to building mixture or fall asleep between the main wall and a decorative one, built on a foundation made of facing bricks. This method is more expensive, as it requires expanding the foundation. An additional load on the foundation slab is also expected.

Vermiculite is sold in paper bags, usually 25 kg. This is very convenient during transportation, because for delivery you can use your own passenger transport.

Perlite, depending on factions, maybe various sizes. It is also used to insulate roofs and floors. It is a volcanic glass-like rock that has no odor. Widely used not only in construction, but also in metallurgy and agriculture.

Advantages of the material:

• porous structure;
• low cost;
• easily absorbs and releases moisture without losing its qualities;
• fire resistance;
• low thermal conductivity.

A perlite layer of just 3 cm has the same thermal insulation efficiency as brickwork 25 cm wide.

Expanded clay– granular porous material obtained artificially. When several components are burned (peat, intumescent clay, diesel oil, sawdust, sulfate-alcohol stillage), fusible raw materials are obtained. It is foamed and heat treated to give it its final shape.

To save on purchasing expanded clay, you need to buy it from the manufacturer. Of course, this is not always convenient, but there is a guarantee that the material is really high quality

The material is sold in fractions from 2 mm to 40 mm. Expanded clay from 10 mm to 20 mm is considered the most popular. They are the ones who need to fill the space between the walls – the main and decorative ones.

A layer of only 100 mm replaces 1000 mm of brickwork in terms of thermal conductivity. In frosty weather, insulation will prevent the house from losing a lot of heat, and in summer heat– will keep the room cool due to its extremely low thermal conductivity.

Advantages of wall insulation with expanded clay:

• this is one of the cheapest insulation materials;
• reduction in heat loss reaches 75%;
• can be used at any outside temperature and humidity;
• long service life;
• there is no burning or rotting of the material;
• expanded clay does not attract insects and rodents;
• You can insulate a house yourself, as it does not require high technical skills or special tools.

Expanded clay can be poured into the layer between the decorative and load-bearing walls in its pure form, or mixed with cement. The proportion is 1:10 - one part cement and ten parts expanded clay. You will need a concrete mixer and water to dissolve the cement. The prepared mixture is poured into the empty space between the walls.

This is what a cement mixture with expanded clay looks like, which can be poured as insulation between two walls. Of course, insulation with cement mixture is a rather lengthy process, but it’s worth it

You can also do it differently: first pour expanded clay to a height of 300 mm, and then saturate it with the prepared cement “milk”. Then add insulation again. And repeat this until the height of the insulation reaches the desired level.

Any of the methods will not worsen the thermal insulation properties of the material.

Facade insulation technologies

There are three main technologies for facade insulation:

• "well" method- construction of a multilayer wall;
• "wet" method- under covering with plaster;
• "dry" method- “ventilated facade” technology.

Depending on what you choose, you should select thermal insulation materials suitable for implementation.

"Wet" method is the application of a finishing coating to a layer of insulation in the form plaster mixture. Since the mixture is rich in moisture, it is necessary to use only materials that do not absorb water. Polystyrene foam is best suited for this, but mineral wool can also be used.

Depending on the strength of the wall and the integrity of the brickwork, the plaster system can be “light” or “heavy”. In the first case main goal is to reduce the weight of the thermal insulation layer.

The insulation is fixed to the wall with glue and dowels. From the outside it is protected by a metal profile made of thin aluminum. Only a thin decorative layer of plaster is applied to it to level the surface of the wall and give it a finished visual appearance.

In a “heavy” system, the insulation is fixed with metal anchors and pressed down with reinforcing mesh. A 5-5.5 cm layer of plaster is applied on top. This design is reliably protected from temperature changes and moisture.

With the “dry” method Insulation plaster is not used at all. The insulation is fixed to the wall with glue and mounting umbrellas. In this case, it is ideal, for which telescopic fasteners with wide caps and other mounting elements are specially produced.

WITH outside the insulation is protected by a membrane layer, the main task which is to provide protection from atmospheric water. The membrane is fixed with spaced metal or wooden slats, forming ventilation gap between thermal insulation and sheathing.

The gap width is up to 5 cm. The covering layer can be made of various panels: wooden, steel. It can also be half-brick masonry, tiles or siding. This method of insulation is more durable, unlike the “wet” one, and can reach a service life of half a century.

Using multilayer technology the surface is insulated with two more layers: insulation and an outer wall made of brick. This method of insulation was described above. Various bulk materials that are resistant to steam, condensation and moisture (expanded clay, perlite, etc.) are suitable for it.

To choose the right insulation, you need to take into account several more factors that may affect the quality of the work performed.

Condition of walls and foundation. If the house is old, and the foundation or brickwork is already cracked, then it is necessary to abandon heavy insulating structures. In this case, it is best to install lightweight and durable materials. It is better to attach them using special adhesives.

Architectural complexity of the building. Polystyrene foam and mineral wool are well processed and make it possible to provide reliable insulation of walls with recesses, patterns and other decorative elements.

Resistance to insects and rodents. Often, small rodents and insects, such as mice or ants, can make nests under a layer of thermal insulation.

If there is such a problem on the site, then it would be advisable to carry out insulation using bulk materials. Expanded clay is good because it does not attract animals.

It is also necessary to take into account other factors, such as the price of insulation, features of its installation, wall material, impact on the environment, fire resistance, etc.

If you plan to install a thermal insulation system from the inside of the house, it is worth reading, which describes in detail the materials and methods of their use.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

To avoid common mistakes when choosing materials for insulation, we recommend watching the following videos:

With all the variety of available materials and insulation methods, you can always choose the most suitable one. Despite the fact that some work seems easy to perform, it is still better to entrust it to experienced builders and heating engineers.

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For owners of country houses and especially country houses with year-round residence ensuring permanent comfortable temperature in all rooms is always very important. No matter how effective various heating systems are, the main factor is always the ability of the house structure to retain heat inside the building. First of all, this applies to the walls that have the largest surface area of ​​the house and, accordingly, produce the maximum heat loss of the building. The simplest and most effective method is to insulate the walls from the outside. What materials are the most effective for insulating the walls of a house, and you can also learn about the technology for performing such work by studying this article.

Heat loss through the wall

The goal of any insulation is to minimize heat exchange with the environment.

Based on this, we can safely say that external insulation of the walls of a house is very important stage construction work:

• Reducing heating costs in winter and air conditioning in summer.
• Comfort and coziness in the house not only at the peak of frost and heat, but also in the off-season with minimal use of household heating appliances.

Even quality construction houses from any building materials cannot completely solve the problem of heat conservation inside them. There are always invisible gaps between rows of logs or wooden beams, heterogeneity and voids in brick or block masonry, lack of insulation, air cavities, expansion joints in panel and monolithic housing construction.

All wall defects can be clearly identified only with the use of thermal imaging technology. This service is provided by some specialized and construction organizations to assess heat loss during heating of buildings and develop solutions to eliminate them.

The traditional solution to eliminate heat loss is various ways external insulation of walls of a private house:

• Plaster using various fillers.
• Wall cladding with lumber.
• External single-row masonry with brick or stone for wooden buildings with filling of the resulting gap with heat-insulating materials.
• Facing sheet materials() using insulation.
• Application of modern curtain facades.

Sometimes do-it-yourself insulation of the walls of a private house is also done from the inside of the premises using sheet or roll thermal insulation materials, cladding, plasterboard sheathing, etc.

The materials and substances used to reduce heat loss are characterized by both their own low thermal conductivity and additional heat retention when used due to the multilayer structure (hydro-, sound- and thermal insulation) of wall insulation. After all, such a structure contains air layers that conduct heat poorly.

Advantages of external insulation

Structurally, there are three possibilities for insulating the external load-bearing walls of any building:

1. Placing insulation elements inside the wall. Possibly at the stage of construction or reconstruction of the building. Most often it requires design solutions to ensure load-bearing capacity, structural and thermal calculations.
2. From inside the premises. This type insulation reduces the area and volume of the room, and also creates certain difficulties in carrying out work under cramped conditions in a populated residential building.
3. Outside walls. This method is usually not limited by space for work, delivery and storage necessary materials, devices scaffolding and use lifting mechanisms. Depending on the materials used for insulation and finishing, it is possible to carry out work at almost any time of the year.

• Important! When externally insulating the walls of a house, moisture condensation due to the temperature difference between the outside and inside the building occurs not inside the room or wall structure, but outside. This not only solves the problem of sweating and the inevitable formation of fungus when walls freeze, but also significantly slows down the process of wall destruction due to the cessation of the regular formation of moisture and ice crystals inside structures. For reliable protection walls outside the house from exposure external factors, it would not be superfluous to use a hinged ventilated facade.

In addition, by insulating the walls from the outside, you will simultaneously solve at least two more problems - improving sound insulation and appearance building, which is often equally important for the owner and family members. Thermal insulation perfectly absorbs background noise and harsh sounds, and a variety of facing materials of different textures and colors can protect walls from external influences and radically change the appearance of the house.

This method of insulation with optimal investments will help to significantly reduce heating costs, which is important taking into account heating costs with constantly rising prices for any energy source: firewood, coal, gas and electricity.

You can qualitatively insulate the walls of your house using liquid polyurethane foam. To do this, using special equipment, it is pumped through external holes into the air gap between the wall of the house and internal lining premises.

Wall materials and methods of their insulation

For the construction of load-bearing walls of buildings, various materials and ready-made structures will be used, as well as different ways and masonry, assembly and fastening methods, adhesives and fastening elements. The physical properties of these substances and materials directly shape the dynamics of temperature changes inside the house under the influence of external and internal factors.

Brick and wood, foam and reinforced concrete, cement mixture blocks with various fillers, prefabricated layered wall structures have different thermal conductivity, thermal inertia, density and strength. The worst thermal insulation properties factory-made building structures made of reinforced concrete have, which is most often aggravated by shortcomings and disruptions in the technological process at all stages of the construction of buildings made from it. This also applies to buildings made of monolithic reinforced concrete. All this is important for the correct choice of material and method of external wall insulation.

Materials used for construction and insulation of house walls

Name of material	Density	Thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m*K)
Concrete block	2100-2200	0,8-1,74
Brick (red)	1700-1900	0,55-0,96
Wood (pine, spruce)	450-550	0,10-0,18
Polystyrene concrete	900-1100	0,25-0,39
Minvata	50-100-200	0.045-0.055-0.06 (respectively)
Styrofoam	30	0,04
Expanded polystyrene	100-125-150	0.039-0.051-0.055 (respectively)
Polyurethane foam (PPU)	50	0,033

The main task of external insulation of a house is protection building structures walls from contact with too hot or cold external air and precipitation. In practice, this range varies from traditional cladding with planed boards and clapboards to the installation of ventilated facade systems.

Wall facade

Sheathing and cladding of external walls of buildings for wind protection and insulation using lumber, roofing felt, technical cardboard, profiled metal sheet, various types siding with laying mats of mineral wool or foam sheets is the most common method of external insulation.

No less common and also used today is decorative plaster using various mixtures followed by painting the surface. The disadvantages of this type of insulation have always been the high labor intensity and fragility of work without constant supervision, routine repair of the coating, which is quickly destroyed by temperature changes and precipitation. The effectiveness of insulation using this method also leaves much to be desired.

The lower the density of the heat-insulating material (the more closed air cells it contains), the better insulation properties it has.

The most popular and used types of wall insulation today are various mineral wool in rolls or ready-made mats different sizes, expanded polystyrene sheets, more commonly called polystyrene foam, fiberglass materials.

More rare are foil polyethylene foam, wood fiberboard, various liquid polymer compositions, foaming in the filled volume, silicone heat-resistant paints, cellulose insulation, called ecowool, sprayed polyurethane foam.

On top of the layers of insulation and waterproofing, the walls are faced with sheet and tile materials:

Profiled sheet;
Siding;
Curtain facades.

Good to know! Corrugated sheets and siding are the most sold and used facing materials. In addition to their excellent appearance, they qualitatively protect the insulation located between them and the wall of the building from all external influences.

External wall insulation technology

To insulate the surface of the walls of buildings from the outside, several methods and technological techniques are used:

1. Fastening heat-insulating materials to the facade using glue or mechanical fixation. This is followed by reinforcing mesh, a layer of plaster and final painting. This method is called a wet facade.
2. Thermal insulation is attached to the wall in the same way as the first method. Then it is built with air gap a one-brick wall made of facing or ordinary bricks, followed by painting.
3. Fastening alternately the waterproofing layer, insulation, and wind protection. On the frame from the mounting metal profile or wooden block decorative cladding made of corrugated sheets, siding, and ceramic tiles are attached.

The choice of wall insulation method depends on many factors:

• Type and height of the building;
• Wall material and area;
• Degrees of freezing and heat loss;
• Finance allocated for these works.

The owner, family members and friends can insulate the walls of a country house or country house with their own hands, but the work on insulating a multi-storey building should be entrusted to a specialized construction organization.

The best option for performing external insulation work:

It is better to carry out the whole range of work when there are design solutions, thermal and structural calculations, as well as specifications for building materials and fasteners. You can do them yourself or order documentation from specialists construction organization engaged in insulation of buildings.

This approach will eliminate a lot of problems: choosing a suitable certified material, its delivery, execution installation work, especially at height, which requires mandatory qualifications and permits for such work.

If the owner of a private house is confident in his abilities and construction skills, then he can choose the most acceptable method from his point of view, buy materials available everywhere today and insulate the walls outside the house himself. This way you can not only save money, but also enjoy the results.

External thermal insulation of a residential building includes insulation of walls, roof, door and window openings, as well as foundation and sewer pipes. If insulation is carried out partially, it will not give the expected effect and significant savings. Only full complex work will allow you to create maximum comfort in your home, even in the most severe frosts. Thanks to modern technologies, it is becoming increasingly easier to insulate a house from the outside with your own hands.

External thermal insulation of the roof is carried out during the construction stage. If the house is already in use, then it is more advisable to insulate the attic and the inside of the rafters. For external work you will need very little: insulation, waterproofing film and lumber for sheathing. Foam plastic, polystyrene foam boards or mineral wool can be used as insulation.

Step 1. Attaching waterproofing

A film is laid on top of the rafter system for waterproofing. Work begins from the eaves: the film is secured along the roof with a horizontal strip, fixing its edges with staplers to the wood. The second strip is laid overlapping, and construction tape is glued along the seam. The film is laid loosely, with sagging up to 2 cm between the rafter beams.

Step 2. Installation of wooden sheathing

A sheathing is made from 10x10 cm timber and cross slats on top of the film. The beams are nailed at a distance of 30-50 cm, depending on the type roofing. The vertical rows should align with and attach to the rafter beams. All wooden elements must first be treated with a deep penetration primer.

Step 3. Laying thermal insulation

Insulation is tightly laid in the cells of the sheathing. For cold regions, laying in 2 layers is recommended, and the insulation should not protrude above the beams. All gaps that formed during installation must be thoroughly foamed, otherwise warm air will escape through them.

Step 4. Installation of roofing

Sheathing boards are nailed onto the beams protruding from the heat-insulating layer. Then, if polystyrene foam boards are chosen as insulation, proceed to the installation of the roof. If the insulation was carried out with mineral wool, cover it first protective film and then apply the finishing coat.

The procedure for insulating walls

The process of insulating walls is the longest, because the working area is quite large. The whole process is divided into three stages - surface preparation, laying insulation and finishing. The facade can be tiled, decorative plaster or made ventilated.

For insulation you will need:

• thermal insulation material;
• beams or aluminum profiles;
• building level;
• drill;
• self-tapping screws;
• primer;
• vapor barrier membrane;
• cement mortar;
• finishing material.

Step 1. Preparatory work

The walls are cleaned of peeling paint, plaster, whitewash, wires and external switches are removed, lighting- anything that can interfere with work. Brick and concrete surfaces are checked using a level, and unevenness and cracks are sealed with mortar. Before insulating the walls, it is advisable to replace or insulate the windows and seal the joints around the perimeter of the openings. Wooden walls must be cleaned of dust and moss, and then covered with 1-2 layers of antiseptic primer.

Step 2. Installation of the sheathing

The next step is performed if the insulation is mineral wool. For polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam boards and polystyrene foam, the sheathing is not installed. Assemble the sheathing frame from 60x80 mm timber or special aluminum profiles. The timber must be well dried, without dents, bends, or traces of mold. Before installation, it is impregnated with an antiseptic primer mixture.

The beams are nailed to wooden walls; they are secured to concrete or brick walls using anchor dowels. The distance between the sheathing posts should be less than the width of the insulation by a couple of centimeters. This will allow you to insert the material as tightly as possible and avoid the formation of cracks.

Step 3. Attaching the thermal insulation layer

Mineral wool slabs are inserted between the beams, being careful not to deform the corners. The thickness of the thermal insulation layer should not exceed the thickness of the beams. In cold regions, it is recommended to install a double layer of insulation, selecting the appropriate thickness of the timber.

Polyurethane foam boards and polystyrene foam are fastened differently. First, a stop bar is screwed along the wall, 10-15 cm away from the ground. The planks are overlapped together and connected at the corners with a special profile. Foam boards are applied to the wall, resting the bottom edge against the bar. Each plate is fixed to the wall with fasteners with caps. In the second row of insulation, the slabs must be shifted so that the seam falls in the middle of the bottom sheet.

Step 4. Finishing work

A fiberglass reinforcing mesh is glued onto polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam sheets. After this, decorative plaster is mixed and the walls are finished. Instead of plaster, you can tile the walls. The use of mineral wool implies the arrangement of a ventilated facade, although certain types of mineral wool can also be plastered.

A polyethylene film or a special windproof membrane is fixed on top of the mineral wool. Fix it to the wall surface using a stapler. Then a horizontal sheathing of boards is nailed onto the timber sheathing. You need to leave a small gap between the boards. After this, an end strip is installed along the outer perimeter of the house and the walls are sheathed with siding.

Insulating the outer part of the foundation prevents heat leakage in the basement, reduces the formation of condensation on the basement walls, and protects against dampness and mold development. Perlite bitumen slabs, sheets of polyurethane foam and expanded polystyrene, foam glass, as well as sand and expanded clay are used as insulation.

Step 1. Waterproofing the foundation

It is most convenient to waterproof the foundation during the construction of the house, otherwise you will have to dig a trench around the perimeter of the building. The foundation area is cleared of soil, a primer with high adhesion is applied, and the surface is allowed to dry. Next, the foundation needs to be covered with two layers liquid waterproofing. To do this, use either a polymer mastic or a two-component cement mortar with a rapid hardening effect. The layers should be uniform, without gaps.

Video - Foundation waterproofing

Step 2. Attaching the insulation

The next stage is performed 5-7 days after applying the waterproofing. To attach the thermal insulation layer, glue is used, bitumen mastic or mushroom dowels. Insulation boards are lubricated with an adhesive solution and applied to the surface of the foundation. The seams are made as tight as possible, and excess glue is removed immediately. After covering the entire area, a reinforcing mesh is glued on top of the insulation.

Step 3. Filling the foundation

Cement plaster is applied to the reinforcing mesh and the surface is leveled. On the protruding part of the foundation you can make decorative finishing, for example, a “fur coat” from the same solution. After this, the trench is covered with sand, expanded clay or small slag, sprinkled with earth on top and compacted. To avoid erosion, it is recommended to make a blind area with a width of 1 to 1.2 m. In areas where the groundwater level is too high, it is additionally required to equip a drainage system.

When thoroughly insulating a residential building, you cannot ignore the veranda and other extensions. The wall and adjacent structures are unprotected, so a significant part of the heat escapes outside. Many verandas are built on columnar foundations, leaving space between the base of the extension and the ground, which also increases heat loss.

Thermal insulation closed veranda is in many ways similar to insulating a balcony or loggia. First, the outer walls of the extension are cleaned and leveled. A trench 40-50 cm deep is dug along the perimeter, the space between the support pillars is covered with brickwork or slate sheets. Foam plastic is glued to the slate, covered with a reinforcing mesh and plastered with cement mortar. After the plaster has dried, the trench is filled in and compacted.

Then the surface of the walls is primed and the insulating material is attached using glue or disc dowels. Areas adjacent to doors and window openings coated with sealant. The thermal insulation is covered from above either with a sheathing of boards or a reinforcing mesh, and then the walls of the veranda are finished.

Thermal insulation of pipelines

Every house has water supply, sewerage and heating pipes. Many of them are located outside the house and require mandatory insulation. The following materials are used for their thermal insulation:

• foiled mineral wool;
• foamed polyethylene;
• basalt cylinders;
• penoizol;
• polyurethane foam.

It is especially important to properly insulate the sections of pipes at the exit from the soil and the entrance to the wall of the house.

There are two ways to do this.

1. Option one: install a protective box around the pipeline and fill it with insulation.
2. Option two: cover the pipes thermal insulation material, and wrap the top with plastic wrap. The film should be secured at the joints with construction tape.

When insulating walls and pipelines entering them, it is necessary to ensure a tight and reliable fit of the surfaces; it is best to foam the insertion point.

If all surfaces are insulated according to the rules, the effect will be noticeable almost immediately. Usually, external thermal insulation is enough to keep the house warm and comfortable. Internal insulation is carried out only when for some reason it is not possible to do it from the outside.

Video - How to insulate a house with polystyrene foam