Foil in the bath. Myths and legends. Rules for choosing foil for insulating a bath: material characteristics and tips Is foil needed in a steam room

An ideal bath involves quick heating of the steam room and long-term heat retention. To achieve this, you have to either install a log house with thick walls, or additionally insulate the walls and ceiling. The second method is cheaper, but not every thermal insulation material can withstand bath conditions. Traditional insulation materials will not work, but aluminum foil for a bathhouse is exactly what you need. However, there are pitfalls here.

What is the use of foil in a steam room: a scam or an undeniable benefit

Some argue that foil insulation in a bathhouse is of zero use, while others claim that it is an ideal heat insulator. Some craftsmen simply use foil, while others prefer to combine it with heat-insulating material. These discussions are endless, but a choice must be made.

Foil in a bathhouse will only be useful if it is laid according to all the rules

Principle of operation of the material

Heat in the steam room is transferred due to:

  • convection;
  • thermal conductivity;
  • IR radiation.

On the one hand, aluminum foil has high thermal conductivity, but on the other hand, it reflects almost all infrared radiation that hits it.

The first point is often mentioned by opponents of this material. But they forget to say that the foil can only heat up from the lining or walls of the bathhouse. First, the lining must heat up, and only then will it transfer some of the heat to the aluminum. The foil surface itself will transfer thermal energy to the walls.

Important! The high thermal conductivity of the foil will play a negative role only if the area of ​​its contact with the casing is large. Lathing for lining is not capable of releasing a significant amount of heat due to minimal contact between these two building materials.

With infrared radiation it’s quite the opposite, and this is where the fun begins. This is what the hot stones and stove emit in the bathhouse. However, due to its properties, IR rays are almost completely reflected back into the room by foil. Therefore, it is more correct to call it a heat reflector rather than insulation.

More than half of the heat in the sauna is transmitted through infrared radiation, which aluminum reflects 95–97% back into the steam room

There is one more nuance - a hermetically sealed layer of foil is an excellent vapor barrier. As a result, the heated steam remains inside the room, increasing the temperature of the bath air. The bathhouse heats up faster, and after the wood burns out, it cools down more slowly.

Benefits of use

Among the advantages of using foil in baths it is worth mentioning:

  1. No harmful emissions and hygienic.
  2. Preservation of the coating during prolonged exposure to excess moisture and high temperatures.
  3. Easy installation.
  4. Impervious to rotting.
  5. Increased sound insulation.
  6. Fire resistance and heat reflection of the material.

However, if the foil layer has holes, then its usefulness will sharply decline. It's all about condensation. It will fall out not on the outside of the foil inside the bath, but on the inside, facing the wall. The accumulation of moisture will certainly lead to mold and wood rotting.

Which foil material is better to choose for a bath?

In addition to the usual rolled foil, there are a lot of different foil materials designed for wall insulation. But not all of them are applicable in a bathhouse where the temperature and humidity are high. Here it is extremely important to choose the right and harmless heat insulator, otherwise visiting the steam room can lead to health problems. An additional layer makes the foil more durable or increases its thermal insulation characteristics.
You can insulate a bathhouse:

  • kraft foil (on paper based);
  • foil fabric (on fiberglass);
  • folgoizolone (on polyethylene foam).

The first option is a complete analogue of standard aluminum foil, only with a reinforcing layer of paper. The second is the most durable and fire-resistant of all, and the third, thanks to foamed polyethylene, creates an additional layer of classic thermal insulation.

Advice! Near the stove, sheathe the walls and ceiling of the bathhouse experienced craftsmen It is recommended to use foil on fiberglass exclusively. It is durable, harmless and can withstand temperatures up to several hundred degrees.

The polyethylene backing calmly tolerates the heat of the steam room. But near the firebox, this foil material should not be sewn onto the walls. In the heat of a hot stove, it will inevitably begin to melt.

Foil fabric (folar, foil on fiberglass) – ideal insulation for a bath

There are also mineral wool-based foil insulation on sale, but it is not recommended to use them in a bathhouse. Some of them contain formaldehydes, which begin to be released when the temperature of the material increases, while others, when wet, lose all their thermal insulation properties.

Even thick aluminum foil without a backing can be easily damaged during installation. It should be used in a bath only as a last resort. It is best to choose the fiberglass option, available in three types:

  1. “A” with one-sided foil (operating temperature from -40 to +150° C).
  2. “B” with foil on both sides (operating temperature from -40 to +300° C).
  3. “C” with an adhesive base and one layer of foil (operating temperature from -40 to +80° C).

All of the above materials are sold in rolls of various sizes and thicknesses. They are easily cut to the required sizes. And their fastening in the bathhouse is done with galvanized nails or staplers.

The nuances of installing foil and foil insulation in a sauna

The choice of foil heat insulator depends on the material from which the bathhouse is built. In some cases, just aluminum foil is sufficient, while in others it is recommended to use only insulation for sheathing.

Option #1: Insulating the log house

If the walls of the bathhouse are made of thick logs, then covering them with foil is a waste of money. Here quality is more important caulking, and additional insulation of the log house is simply pointless. In this case, the thermal insulation layer will have little positive effect.

In a log sauna, foil insulation should only be used when covering the ceiling. Upstairs it will be of at least some use, especially if the ceiling is made thin and without an insulating layer on top.

You can also cover the walls around the stove with aluminum foil without a backing. Such a screen will reflect heat in the form of infrared radiation into the steam room, instead of wasting it on useless heating of the wall behind the heater.

Thick foil makes an excellent screen for a sauna stove

When covering the ceiling, foil insulation is laid with a reflective layer down, overlapping and with a slight overlap of 5–10 cm on the walls. The joints must be taped with special aluminum tape. It is very important to create a sealed layer without the slightest loopholes for steam.

After installation, the foil can be left as is. This way condensation will definitely not accumulate on it. But from an aesthetic point of view, it is better to cover it with clapboard. To do this, you will need to fill a sheathing of 40x40 mm bars, to which the wooden planks will be nailed.

Option #2: Cladding a brick or frame structure

If the walls of the sauna are made of brick or frame technology, then it will be necessary to insulate them with foil heat-insulating material. Otherwise, the heat in such a bath will not stay long.

Installation diagram of foil insulation on walls and ceiling in a bathhouse

The sequence of work in this case is absolutely identical to the technology used in log house. Only covering with foil is done in a circular manner over the entire area of ​​the walls and ceiling to create a thermos. You need everything possible ways block heat output as much as possible.

Advice! When thermally insulating a bath using aluminum foil, special attention must be paid to windows and doors. The material to be laid should be securely nailed to the jambs and sealed with tape.

Ideally, the sheathing for the lining should be made independent, with a gap between the frame and the foil. The larger the space, the better ventilation and less condensation. And this is the most important point in insulating the steam room.

Video: interior decoration of a bathhouse using kraft foil

According to the technology, foil-lined walls with a ceiling in the bathhouse receive reliable protection from moisture, and the foil coating works as a thermal mirror, helping to maintain comfortable temperatures. You can insulate a bathhouse yourself; there is nothing complicated about this issue; you just need to consult with a specialist in choosing an insulating substrate.

We will send the material to you by e-mail

To ensure that the generated heat from the boiler remains in the steam room, sauna foil is necessarily used for insulation. The HomeMyHome editors will tell you how to choose it, what its performance characteristics are and much more in today’s publication. You will also learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this material.

Can use regular foil or backed foil
PHOTO: banya-expert.com

Would-be builders have always believed that foil is of no use. However, this opinion is erroneous, and, when the right approach By installing it, you can achieve a special effect.

In fact, foil is a thin layer of aluminum. When mounting it on the walls under wood paneling, all the heat that the boiler produces reaches the surface and is reflected back. Thus, all thermal energy stays indoors. This layer is used together with insulation or separately. The corresponding material is capable of reflecting about 97% of the heat that is generated.


PHOTO: skif53.ru

Related article:

Finishing the bathhouse inside. Photos and examples. In a separate publication you will find interesting ideas for finishing steam rooms and relaxation rooms, and also learn the main stages of installation.

Types of reflector and its performance characteristics

There are several options for foil reflectors, which are usually used when arranging a modern steam room. Let's consider which of them are used in practice, which ones have operational features.



PHOTO: alibaba.com

Kraft foil “Izolar”: what kind of material, its characteristics

Kraft foil is a type of aluminum sheet. It is made with a seal, which makes its structure simpler. Differs in the following technical features:

  • environmentally friendly material;
  • insulator thickness - 0.03-1.0 mm;
  • operating temperature - 100ºС;
  • reflectivity - 95%.

This variation of material is very convenient for installation. It is characterized by increased strength compared to ordinary foil, which does not have a base.


PHOTO: m.bud.inforico.com.ua

Foil fabric as a thermal insulation option

Foil fabric is a special structured foil. It is intended for installation in the ceiling area of ​​the steam room. The material is based on thermal fabric and aluminum foil. Characteristics include:

  • width - 100 cm;
  • foil thickness - 11-35 microns;
  • operating temperature - up to 500ºС;
  • Suitable for replacing fiberglass.

When heated, this material does not emit toxic substances or unpleasant odors.



PHOTO: russian.alibaba.com

What is rolled foil?

As a rule, rolled foil does not have a reinforcing base. This is enough thin material, which is easily torn and deformed. Its technical characteristics are:

  • thickness - 0.007-0.2 mm;
  • width - 100-150 mm;
  • operating temperature - 650ºС;
  • thermal radiation - up to 97%.

Does not emit toxic substances and also resists corrosion.


PHOTO: sanpol.ua

Foil polyethylene foam

The basis of this raw material is foamed polyethylene. They try to use it to retain thermal energy in homemade baths and saunas made of wooden log house. Occasionally used for soundproofing cars. The main technical characteristics are as follows:

  • coating thickness - up to 15 microns;
  • has low dynamic resistance;
  • laying method - 10 cm overlap;
  • operating temperature maintenance - 300ºС.

To fix this material, special metallized tape and wooden slats are used.


PHOTO: russian.alibaba.com

Foiled polystyrene foam

Material equipped with foil on both sides. This coating can prevent heat from leaving the room and prevents moisture from entering. Its features are:

  • porous or corrugated structure;
  • high resistance to external loads;
  • ease of installation and operation;
  • ease of care.

However, you should not nail the canvas with nails with a cross-section that is too large, as this may cause the insulating material to be damaged and lose its qualities.


PHOTO: stroy-podskazka.ru

Foil mineral mat in mats and rolls

It is produced in the form of slabs and rolls. It has increased thermal insulation properties. Suitable for baths, saunas and industrial steam rooms due to its ability to withstand high temperatures. The characteristics of the material are as follows:

  • thickness - 5-100 mm;
  • variable length and width;
  • heat reflection - up to 97%;
  • operating temperature range - from -60ºС to 300ºС.
On a note! Foil materials exist a large number of, one of the most expensive is the “ISOVER Sauna” heat insulator. It is suitable for use in specific conditions, as it has all the necessary characteristics.


PHOTO: uteplenieplus.ru

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Foil usually always comes complete with another type of insulation. It is rational to install it in combination with glass wool and other denser materials. If these conditions are met, the material will have the following advantages:

  • Vapor barrier and thermal insulation- thanks to this, hot steam does not pass into the middle of the insulating material, thereby preserving its properties, as well as the heat inside the room.
  • Fire safety. The material can withstand high temperatures and is not flammable. Prevents fire from spreading to other walls.
  • Possesses good sound insulation properties. Suppresses noise from the street and inside the steam room by almost 70%.
  • Reducing bath heating time. Thanks to properly equipped insulation interior walls, heat will quickly fill the steam room and be retained in it.


PHOTO: potolok-exp.ru


PHOTO: v-banyu.ru

Despite the large number of advantages, this material is not without disadvantages. These include:

  • constant formation of condensation;
  • you can’t do without ventilation equipment;
  • air does not penetrate well, which can cause dampness and mold;
  • poisonous properties of aluminum (this metal can glow in the body).

Proper care of the room and regular ventilation can reduce all the disadvantages to a minimum. Therefore, after each bath, you should not forget to open doors, windows and vents.


PHOTO: deluxemm.ru

Which foil manufacturer can you trust?

Present on the building materials market sufficient quantity brands specializing in the production of foil insulation. Among all, three manufacturers can be distinguished.

  1. Izolon. The concern is located in Izhevsk. Specializes in the production of foil and plastic. For the production of insulation they use special technologies. The material is available in stitched and unstitched form.
  2. Penofol. This manufacturer produces thin material with no backing. At the same time, the structure is quite strong and reliable.
  3. URSA. One of the leading manufacturers in Spain. It produces high quality insulation materials different thicknesses and structures. This insulator is also sold in Russia.

When choosing a brand, attention is paid to those brands that promise high quality and compliance with all GOSTs.


PHOTO: klevo.net

Rules for choosing foil for a bath

Having studied everything possible options and characteristics of foil materials, you can make the right choice. To do this, you need to take into account a few simple criteria.

As for the thickness of the material, it all depends on how much insulation the bathhouse needs. If the room needs to be insulated from loss of thermal energy, then you can get by with ordinary thin heat-resistant foil.


PHOTO: proraboff.rf

Foil for a brick bath

Brick walls do not have good thermal insulation, as they have gaps between the seams. For such premises, foil fabric is used over the entire area. Mounted directly on partitions. A small space is left, after which the sheathing and sheathing are done. Therefore, it is better to buy material with a thick backing.


PHOTO: expertbani.ru

In a steam room with concrete walls

Here the usual aluminum modification is not suitable. In this case, it is better to use options with some kind of substrate. This allows you to achieve effective vapor barrier and reduce the risk of dampness in the walls.


PHOTO: proraboff.rf


PHOTO: m-strana.ru

Popular Insulating Foil Models

Many people prefer not so much the brand as the material they like. It is often chosen based on its external features and performance characteristics. HomeMyHome editors offer a review worthy models.

IllustrationModelCharacteristicPrice as of October 2019, rub.
ELTETE (reinforced foil)· roll;

· dimensions 1.25×24 m;

· area 20;

reflectivity 97%

1900
Bath foil 100 microns· roll 100 m²;

· reflectivity 97%;

· not a heater

1200
Alucraft - foil· creates a vapor-tight barrier;

· density 0.12 kg/m³;

· reflectivity up to 97%.

417
Paper based foil· dimensions 1.2×25 m;

· area 32 m²;

· suitable for installation on walls and insulation

1100
Mosfol type A insulation - foil· one-sided foil and insulation;

· dimensions: 1.2×25 m²;

· thickness 3 mm;

· operating temperature -60ºС - +100ºС;

· foamed polyethylene

35

It is clear how to attach foil to the walls of the steam room. However, do not neglect the following tips.

  1. To install insulation, it is necessary to install a separate sheathing.
  2. Sufficiently thick foil sheets are best glued joint to joint using aluminum tape.
  3. Damaged canvases must be sealed with the same tape.
  4. Insulation and sheathing cannot be done closely. It is important to leave a distance between materials of at least 3 cm.
  5. The insulation near the windows must be measured closely, and after installation it must be covered with sealing tape around the perimeter of the frame.


PHOTO: kakpotolok.ru


PHOTO: uteplix.com


PHOTO: kubankrovmontag.ru

Follow the installation requirements and be guided by the performance characteristics of the material when using it. Also ask questions about the topic of publication and do not forget to rate the article.

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Use allows you to warm up the room in the shortest possible time and maintain it for a long time desired temperature. You can make thermal insulation yourself by choosing a suitable layer of foil for the bath. Previously, they were insulated with moss, which provided quite decent thermal insulation. Today, bath foil is used for these purposes. How to choose and use this one effectively insulation material, the editors of HouseChief will tell you.


PHOTO: stroisam2.ru

Read in the article

Why do you need a foil layer for a bath?

main feature flexible cladding for a bath with an aluminum layer - heat retention and rapid heating of the room. If you use foil correctly, it will serve as a mirror shield between the walls of the bath and the infrared radiation emanating from. The cladding allows you to preserve the energy effect.



PHOTO: construction.bani.rf

A few years ago, installation of baths was carried out using simple wooden log houses and moss. At the same time, it was impossible to achieve the effect of a thermos; the heat evaporated quite quickly, and it was necessary to reheat the bathhouse again after just a few hours. Today this is not necessary. During construction, high-quality insulation and vapor insulation films are used, due to which the room not only heats up faster, but also remains suitable for its intended use for a long time.


PHOTO: thermodom54.rf

Operating principle of the protective layer

The foil layer is a combined type of insulation for a bathhouse. One side of such a product is made of foamed polyethylene, and the other is made of polished foil. It is important to ensure that aluminum is present in the composition, since it achieves preserving and reflective properties.

The main tasks of foil insulation: water-repellent functions, protection of wooden structures from dampness and exposure natural factors– low temperature, strong winds.



PHOTO: banyabest.ru

Types of foil layers and their characteristics

Paper or film insulation is very thin and consists of a base layer and aluminum foil. However, other, thicker and denser products are used for insulation - foil wool.

This material also contains two layers - one, larger in size, is cotton wool, and a second, thin one is aluminum foil. Such layers are laid out on the bath floor and walls to protect against moisture and prevent heat loss.



PHOTO: static-eu.insales.ru

Foil in the form of rolls

Soft foil, designed to maintain high temperatures in the bathhouse, is sold in construction stores in the form of rolls.

Average characteristics of one roll:

  • material thickness – from 0.05 to 0.1 mm;
  • roll height – 1 m;
  • The area of ​​protective material in one roll is from 6 to 25 m².

The price for one roll starts from 450 rubles.



PHOTO: st5.stblizko.ru

Paper base

To keep the bathhouse warm, you can also use kraft paper with a foil layer applied to it. This method gives good result, but lasts a shorter period of time, unlike polyethylene and polystyrene foam products.

A paper roll gets wet faster if indoors, so it is more effective to use it in a dressing room or in a rest room.


PHOTO: td-sm35.ru

Before buying a paper-foil protection for a bath, you need to bend the edge of the product and look at the fold. If a seam has formed, it is not recommended to take such a product; it will quickly lose its appearance and deteriorate.

Foil layer made of polystyrene foam and polyethylene foam

A film made of polystyrene foam or polyethylene protects the room from moisture for much longer, as it does not tear or crack. Film made of polyethylene and polypropylene can even serve as insulation for the external walls of a bathhouse. It is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and other aggressive natural factors.



PHOTO: vse-postroim-sami.ru

The price for such films is low. Today you can find different options on sale, including those based on cellulose and viscose. A high-quality layer should be slightly rough to the touch.

Mineral wool in mats and rolls

To insulate a bath, you can use several types of mineral wool, but the best option is considered to be a material with a protective layer of foil. It not only protects the room from moisture, but is also fireproof. However, the temperature limit for operation is 80ºС, so this insulation is not suitable for a Finnish sauna.



PHOTO: st0.isolux.ru

The use of mineral wool allows you to increase the service life of the bath itself due to the presence of a protective foil layer, as well as maintain optimal temperature conditions for a long time, and reduce the cost of heating the room.

Advantages and disadvantages

Foil insulation, like any other material, has a number of pros and cons.

The advantages include:

  • environmental friendliness;
  • good sound insulation properties;
  • absence of dangerous and toxic emissions during the heating process of the material;
  • high elasticity, simplified installation.


PHOTO: st0.isolux.ru

Despite many advantages, foil thermal insulation has some disadvantages:

  • over time, the foil still corrodes;
  • to avoid ignition of the material, excessive overheating of the room must be avoided;
  • the opposite heating effect is possible, when aluminum, heating up, gives heat first to the room, and then towards the street.


PHOTO: stroyfora.ru

You can avoid some problems by leaving a gap between the inner wall of the bath and the foil. In this case, the aluminum layer will not overheat too much and release heat in the other direction.

Bath foil manufacturers

In any hardware store you can find several options for films and sheets with mineral wool for insulating a bath. During the selection process, attention is paid to what functions the material should perform: corrosion protection, insulation or sound insulation.



PHOTO: reliz-remont.ru

The most popular bath materials

Before purchasing, you need to study offers from different manufacturers and choose suitable option.



PHOTO: images.ru.prom.st

Mat from the “Isover Sauna 50” series

One of the most popular insulation for baths is the “Isover” mat, which is made in a special oven using mineral wool. The fiberglass in this mat is of very high quality. All foil layers are additionally reinforced with a mesh with small cells, which allows to extend the service life. When developing the material, the manufacturer sought to create protective covering, in which the foil will not crack or tear.



PHOTO: images.ru.prom.st

The insulation can be used both as insulation for the internal walls of a building and for thermal insulation of a sauna. Thanks to the presence of an aluminum layer, much more thermal energy is retained. The material can be used not only for insulating walls, but also for ceilings.

Advantages of Isover mats:

  • low thermal conductivity coefficient and good thermal protection;
  • the mat acts as a steam barrier;
  • sound insulation is also at the highest level;
  • mats are made only from safe, low-flammable materials of class G1;
  • throughout the entire service life, all functions and characteristics of the material remain unchanged;
  • Mats of different sizes are available for sale;
  • when heated, no toxic substances are released that are dangerous to people and animals;
  • easy installation using a stapler.

The high quality of the thermal insulation material is confirmed by quality standards EN 13162.



PHOTO: teplota.guru

Mat from the “Isover Sauna 50” series

Rockwool Lamella MAT

In order to completely cover the bathhouse and prevent moisture from penetrating into individual corners, you need to use a coating with a thickness of 50 mm or more. One of the quality mineral wools on the market is Rockwoll Lamella MAT.

This is foil stone wool made from natural materials. The main feature is that the fibers are located perpendicular to the coating, which allows the material to retain its flexibility and strength longer.



PHOTO: shop.rockwool.ru

Rockwool Lamella MAT

Knauf Insulation LMF Alur

Mineral wool from Knauf can withstand temperatures up to 600ºC when used to protect bath walls. However, it is important to comply temperature indicator for air – no more than 100ºС.



PHOTO: st34.stpulscen.ru

Knauf Insulation LMF Alur

Ursa M-11F

The coating is used to insulate walls and maintain indoor temperature. Also, mineral wool with a foil layer Ursa has a layer designed for vapor barrier in saunas and baths.



PHOTO: teplotek24.ru

Features of choosing a foil layer

When choosing a material to protect bath walls from high humidity, several features need to be taken into account. Insulation most often occurs due to the presence of a layer of mineral wool, and the foil retains moisture and does not let heat into the street.

Brick layer

Thermal insulation will retain all its properties if it is stuffed onto brickwork, however, several installation features must be taken into account. The foil acts as a screen that prevents heat from passing out through the holes in the bricks.



PHOTO: legkovmeste.ru

Concrete layer

Baths and saunas are always built from wood, so the concrete layer of the building can only be located at the bottom, as a cushion for the entire structure.

Placed on top of a layer of concrete wooden structure, the cracks in which are first clogged with mineral wool and then covered with foil film.



PHOTO: legkovmeste.ru

Wood layer

On wooden walls It's easiest to apply insulation. Special recesses are formed into which glass wool or foil paper will be laid, after which the entire space is covered with boards.



PHOTO: legkovmeste.ru

PHOTO: legkovmeste.ru

To successfully insulate a bathhouse and protect the wood from high temperatures and humidity, you need to use several simple tips and rules:

  1. The most important thing is to make sure at the time of purchase that aluminum foil is applied to the base layer, and not a simple foil coating. To do this, you need to study the characteristics of the product on the label and bend the tip of the sheet. There should be no creases left on it.
  2. To reduce convection in the gaps between the bathhouse structures, it is necessary to use additional slats that are applied horizontally.
  3. It is not necessary to use the same material for the floor and ceiling. You can combine a dense layer with mineral wool and a thin paper layer with foil.
  4. Brick walls are pre-treated with a primer.


PHOTO: a-saun.kiev.ua

PHOTO: images.kz.prom.st

PHOTO: remontik.org

Finally

Foil insulation – The best decision for any bath or sauna. This material is non-toxic and retains heat well in the room, so there is no need to heat the bathhouse several times a day.

What insulation did you choose for your bathhouse? Did you use a combination of several materials for the walls, floors and ceilings?

The problem of choosing a suitable insulation confronts the owner of a bathhouse both on the eve of its renovation and even during its preliminary design. The insulation must meet several basic requirements: have low heat transfer, be environmentally friendly, at the same time resistant to mold and high moisture, and, finally, have a price corresponding to its quality. Foil insulation rightfully claims to be such a material.

Structure of foil insulation

Foil insulation is a modern environmentally friendly material, used as insulation. Most often it is used in the construction of baths, which is due to the increased moisture resistance of the material and its excellent vapor barrier properties. The main feature of insulation is its resistance to temperature changes. In addition, foil insulation for a bathhouse is easy to install, process, strong, practical and durable. In addition to the above qualities, penofol reliably protects the building from wind, prevents drafts and reduces exposure to radiation.

The technical characteristics of this type of insulation suggest the presence of several layers - foil and insulator - which can be purchased separately and then assembled on site.

There is a ready-made combined type of foil insulating material available for sale, which is a polyethylene layer foamed using a special technology. The presence of bubble cavities helps trap hot air inside the material and creates a so-called temperature shield that prevents heat and moisture from passing through the insulator further into the wall.

An example of such a combined material is penofol. This insulation is rolled, 10 mm thick, perfect for both the floor and walls of the sauna.

Along with penofol, on store shelves you can see isolon, which also has heat and sound insulating properties, but has a slightly larger thickness from 1-5 mm to 16 mm.

The third representative of foil insulating material, the use of which in saunas significantly extends the life of walls and ceilings, as well as saving the owners’ effort and money, are polyethylene foil mats of the Ursa brand. Mats and sheets have dimensions specific to each brand of insulator; their thickness ranges from 50 mm to 200 mm.

Do-it-yourself installation of foil insulation

There are two options for installing foil insulating material for a bath, corresponding to two types of the material itself:

  1. Installation of individual layers of foil and insulation occurs in several stages:
  • A) A ceiling or wall frame is mounted, which is a wooden mesh;
  • B) Next, a layer of inorganic insulation is laid or attached, on top of which a light plank frame is placed;
  • C) Foil is fixed to the insulation frame, the joints and cracks of which are sealed with special tape. Next, the insulation is sheathed with clapboard, plasterboard or plywood at a distance of 20 mm from the foil layer to create a dynamic temperature shield.

2. In the case of working with ready-made combined polyethylene insulation, its installation on the walls and ceiling of the bathhouse is as follows:

To carry out this installation, you will need tools such as nails with a large head, a construction stapler, a hammer, a nail puller and foil construction tape.

At a distance of 20 mm from the finishing of the wall or ceiling, a sheathing is erected onto which heat insulation sheets (mats) are glued or otherwise secured. If there is no adhesive surface on the sheets, they are placed on spot-applied rubber or acrylic glue.

Sheets (mats) are laid exclusively end-to-end, close to each other, and the gaps between them are sealed with tape.

Foil insulation is attached only to the internal surfaces of the sauna and is not a universal insulating material - for this purpose, the walls of the room are sheathed on the outside with siding.

When installing a heat insulator, the foil layer must be on the side of the roll opposite the wall, since in order to fulfill its purpose - reflecting IR radiation - it must be in contact with the air temperature inside the room.

If the foil insulation is equipped with a self-adhesive side, you can do without additional fixation of the insulator.

In addition to its many advantages, foil insulation also has a number of significant disadvantages. Firstly, the foil is subject to corrosion - this is what concerns foil insulation. But the metallized coating is not subject to these processes. This allows it to be used as a material for the construction of walls and floors in baths and saunas. However, there are pitfalls here too. For example, the aluminum layer tends to overheat, which should be avoided. This is why there is a growing need to ensure a distance between the insulation and the surface of the floor or walls in the bathhouse.

The foil side enters the interior of the room, the gap is designed to prevent overheating of the aluminum surface and reduce heat transfer when reflecting infrared radiation that hits the foil surface of the insulation.

Knowing about the disadvantages of foil insulation, with proper installation it is possible to avoid negative consequences during the construction of baths and saunas using this material.

Foil insulation for baths - DIY installation


Foil insulation for baths - main advantages of this type insulation, its characteristics and installation instructions.

Foil insulation for a bath: installation rules

The bathhouse is characterized by a fairly high level of humidity, so it requires responsible approach to the choice of thermal insulation material.

The most optimal solution is foil insulation for a bath, which is a combined product, covered with special foil on one side and foamed polyethylene on the other.

Due to the combination of materials with different properties, foil insulation is characterized by the following parameters, which include:

  • Increased moisture resistance;
  • Good sound and heat insulation;
  • Relatively thin layer of material;
  • Reflection effect, which allows you to better retain heat in the room;
  • Lack of dampness and humidity, as well as frost resistance of foil.

Due to the properties of this material, it is ideal for baths and is considered the best insulator among similar analogues.

The main advantages of foil insulation

The main advantages of such insulation are a fairly simple and labor-intensive installation method, safety and environmental friendliness of the material, as well as reasonable cost.

For ease of work, it is manufactured and sold in rolls of different widths and footage. Unlike other thermal insulation materials, it is not capable of releasing harmful and dangerous substances, which is an important point for insulating a bathhouse, in which there is a constant change and increase in temperature.

Another advantage of this roll covering is the ease of gluing, which anyone can handle; all you need to do is study the simple instructions and prepare the adhesive composition.

Disadvantages of foil insulator

Foil insulation for a bath, in addition to its advantages, also has disadvantages, which include:

  • Susceptibility to corrosion;
  • An aluminum-coated insulator can overheat, so when using it in a bath, it should not be allowed to overheat;
  • It is mandatory to install a ventilation hole in order to prevent overheating of the foil due to increased temperature.

In order to prevent corrosion processes, it is for bath rooms It is recommended to use thermal insulation roll material with a metallized film layer.

Before purchasing this material, it is recommended to focus on its coating, which must necessarily be aluminum for a bathhouse, since it is this coating that better transmits infrared rays and, therefore, more effectively retains heat in the room.

Scope of application of foil insulation

Due to its good ability to reflect heat, this insulator is widely used for insulating bathhouses, residential buildings, as well as partitions and walls.

The technological process consists of gluing the material with the foil side up, while the joints and joints are glued with special aluminum tape.

For a bathhouse, a prerequisite is the installation of an air hole between the steam room and the heat-insulating layer, the thickness of which should be approximately 1-1.5 cm. Such a system will ensure the absence of condensation and maintain normal conditions in the room.

Main types of foil-based insulators

Today, depending on the scope of use, appearance And technical characteristics, there are several types of foil insulation for baths, which include:

  • Foamed polyethylene covered with an aluminum layer. It is produced, as a rule, in rolls and is intended for insulation of partitions and ventilation systems;
  • Mineral wool with foil coating. It is produced mainly in rolls and is used for insulating bathhouses, chimneys and pipes;
  • Foiled polystyrene foam. It is used for floor insulation and is sold in the form of thick sheets;
  • Basalt insulation based on foil. Due to increased resistance to high temperatures and chemical aggressive substances, it is widely used in construction, as well as at industrial facilities and gas stations.

Rules for choosing foil material

In order for the thermal insulation material to meet its characteristics and intended purpose, it is necessary to choose only high-quality products and buy them in official construction stores.

However, you should not only choose the right material for the bath, but also lay it out efficiently. Due to the excellent property of reflecting infrared rays, not only does heat retention in the steam room increase, but in combination with other insulation materials this effect can be increased several times.

But in this case, additional financial costs will be required.

Features of insulating a bath with foil insulation

This foil-based heat insulator is practical and universal material in order to insulate not only the walls, but also the ceiling and even the doors to the steam room.

It is quite simply glued to the surface with the foil side facing out. On next stage directly onto the thermal insulation layer of the insulator wooden sheathing, on which the lining is mounted, perfect for finishing a bathhouse.

A prerequisite for insulating a bathhouse is hydro- and vapor barrier of the premises. Why are small holes made in the insulation for ventilation and to prevent the formation of condensation?

Foil insulation for a bath: selection and application

Thermal insulation is an important point in the construction of a bathhouse, therefore the choice of material for this process should be given Special attention. If previously log houses were mainly built and insulated with caulk, now the building materials market offers various options for heat insulators - slabs and rolls, synthetic and mineral. A special group consists of bath insulation with foil, which is becoming increasingly popular. They provide a “thermos” effect in the room, reliably protecting against heat loss.

Properties of foil insulation for a bath

In addition to retaining heat in the bath and reflecting effect, the material has high performance characteristics:

  • Quick installation. With the help of such a heat insulator you can hide imperfections in walls and ceilings. It is convenient to install even in hard-to-reach places.

In addition, the market offers a wide variety of such insulation materials. You can choose the one most suitable for your bath.

Types of insulation with foil for baths

Depending on the purpose and performance characteristics The following types of materials are distinguished:

  1. Rolled foil insulation. Available in different widths. The thickness of the foil layer is from 30 to 300 microns, and the heat-insulating material is from 2 to 40 mm. The price is from 30 rubles per square meter.

If desired, materials can be combined. For example, cover the ceiling with fabric-based foil, and the walls with roll or basalt insulation.

Preparation for thermal insulation of a bath with foil material

In order to make the most effective use of the heat-saving properties of insulation with foil, it must not only be installed correctly, but also correctly selected in accordance with the expected operating conditions and calculated required amount material for work.

Insulation of the bathhouse ceiling with foil materials

The ceiling is insulated first. As you know, hot air rises, and therefore the temperature under the ceiling of the steam room is always higher than below. For this reason, it is imperative to insulate it to minimize heat loss. For this, it is better to choose roll insulation.

Thermal insulation of walls in a bathhouse with foil insulation

  1. We fill the sheathing with slats, the thickness corresponding to the insulation layer.

External insulation of a bathhouse with foil heat insulators

For external use, heat insulators with a foil layer are used extremely rarely. They are mainly intended for brick and frame structures.

  • If the bathhouse is made of brick, then we treat the surface with a primer in two layers, applying the next one after the previous one has dried.

Competent selection of foil insulation and correct installation will allow you to significantly reduce heat loss and efficiently insulate the bathhouse. In addition, the cost of such material is quite affordable, and you can carry out thermal insulation work yourself.

How to choose foil insulation for a bath


Foil-coated thermal insulation materials are the best solution for insulating a bathhouse. The reflective surface can return up to 70% of heat, which significantly reduces fuel costs and heating time

Foil insulation for a bath: requirements for insulation. Organic, inorganic, foil materials

Baths and saunas are rooms with a very specific temperature regime, which is why during their construction and reconstruction the closest attention must be paid to thermal insulation. A variety of materials are used for this purpose, but according to experts, the most effective type is sauna insulation with foil.

In our article we will talk about the choice of material for thermal insulation of a sauna, as well as the features of using foil insulation.

Foil is very effective as a “thermal mirror”

Selection of thermal insulation material

Requirements for insulation for a sauna

Self-repair of a bathhouse, accompanied by replacement of the thermal insulation layer, is a rather difficult task. At the same time, the main question, which sometimes confuses inexperienced craftsmen, is the selection of the most effective thermal insulation material.

This is due to the fact that today we have access to the most different insulation materials for a bathhouse, and choosing one model is very difficult.

Not any material is suitable for a room with high humidity and temperature.

To make the choice easier, let's try to formulate the requirements that insulation for baths and saunas must meet:

  • Firstly, the material must have high heat transfer resistance. The higher this number, the less heat the finishing layer will transmit.
  • Secondly, baths are characterized by high humidity, and therefore the heat insulator used should not lose its heat-saving properties when wet. Directly related to this is the resistance of the insulation to damage by fungi and bacteria, because they are known to prefer a warm and humid environment.
  • Heat resistance is another important indicator. What good is a thermal insulation layer if it begins to deform when the temperature rises?

It is also very important that when heated (and indeed during operation), the material does not emit volatile toxic substances. Other requirements include light weight and ease of processing, since we plan to insulate the sauna with our own hands.

A parameter such as price also needs to be taken into account. However, it is worth noting that in the cheapest segment it is difficult to find high-quality insulation in accordance with such rather specific requirements. Therefore, we recommend that you focus on the average price category in advance.

Thermal insulation materials of organic nature

An extensive list of insulating materials used in saunas and baths is opened by organic insulation. These include substances of plant and animal nature.

The most commonly used:

  • Reed mats.
  • Wood-shaving and peat panels.
  • Cellulose insulation.
  • Bulk wood chips, etc.

Photo of reed mats - a popular organic insulation material

The main advantage of these substances is their naturalness, because many of us, when building a bathhouse, strive to minimize the use of synthetic materials. However, the performance characteristics of these insulation materials are low, and therefore they should only be used if you absolutely do not want to deal with “chemistry”.

Inorganic insulation materials

Inorganic thermal insulation materials are products of mineral processing.

  • Mineral wool (may differ both in composition and characteristics).
  • Glass wool insulation (works well everywhere except steam rooms).
  • Polyurethane foam insulation.
  • Materials based on polystyrene (foamed or extruded).

Structure of basalt wool

Sometimes it is recommended to use foam plastic for thermal insulation of baths, as the lightest and at the same time cheapest material. This should not be done, since under the influence of high temperatures, some brands of foam release toxic phenolic compounds.

Foam boards are used for thermal insulation of floors that are not in contact with the steam room.

Foam plastic is also used when insulation is carried out plastic windows: strips of material are laid under the slopes.

Foil insulators

And yet for the baths best choice when insulating from the inside, materials are coated with thin aluminum foil. The metal layer reflects infrared radiation, preventing heat from leaving the bathhouse, and a “thermos” effect is created in the room. In addition, the structure of foil insulation is such that they provide fairly high-quality vapor barrier - and for a room with high humidity this is an important plus.

Thermal insulation materials with a foil layer can be used not only in baths and saunas.

With their help, loggia insulation, thermal insulation of pipelines, interior finishing of roofs, etc. can also be carried out.

Mineral wool with aluminum coating

Foil materials is a group name.

  • Mineral wool with aluminum coating. Examples of such materials are URSA M-11F, Isover Sauna and others. They can be produced both in slabs and in rolls. These materials are resistant to high temperatures and moisture, can be easily cut into pieces of the required configuration, and do not emit toxic substances.

The aluminum coating is sufficiently durable and allows the mats to be installed in almost any structure.

  • Polymer foil sheets. Unlike mineral wool-based materials, they are thin and are produced exclusively in rolls.

The base layer is made of polystyrene foam or polyethylene foam, and a thin layer of aluminum foil is applied on top of it.

The main advantage of materials with a foil layer is that the metal acts as a thermal mirror, thereby minimizing the heating of the walls in the steam room and dressing room. As a result, significantly less fuel is required to achieve the required air temperature.

Features of the use of foil materials

Insulation of a bathhouse with foil is carried out practically according to the same scheme as with the use of other materials.

At the same time, to achieve the maximum heat-accumulating effect, you should follow fairly simple recommendations:

  • Plates and rolls of insulation are attached to the base using special disc-shaped dowels. Contact of the foil layer with metal parts of the fastener should be avoided to avoid the formation of “cold bridges”.
  • Installation of thermal insulation elements is carried out end-to-end. The seams are filled with polyurethane foam and sealed with metallized tape. Usually, detailed information The instructions for the material contain instructions on how to connect the panels.

The gap between the casing and the foil will reduce heat loss

Insulation with foil for a bath is one of the most effective heat-saving materials. When used correctly, you can not only prevent the steam room from cooling down quickly, but also significantly reduce the cost of heating the bath to the desired temperature.

Foil insulation for a bathhouse: video instructions for DIY installation, price, photo


Foil insulation for a bathhouse: video instructions for DIY installation, price, photo

Insulation materials

Modern technologies production facilities provide the opportunity to produce thermal insulation materials of a wide variety of types and structures. Of course, the use of each is determined by a number of requirements both for the environment of the future location and for the methods of installation and operation. Loyal pricing policy provides the opportunity to purchase heat insulators for everyone, regardless of their financial solvency. This article will talk about foil insulation for a bathhouse.

The importance of foil insulation in a bathhouse

  • The bathhouse belongs to the category of structures where a certain level of humidity is assumed to be constantly present. This, in turn, limits the choice of not only building materials, but also insulation. Experts strongly recommend using thermal insulation material with foil or metallized film, which is based on polyethylene foam.

  • Excellent performance characteristics provide the opportunity to create a kind of thermos indoors. Thanks to the reflective effect, all the heat is retained in the room without passing through existing cracks in the walls.
  • Fastening slabs of foil insulation for walls allows you to hide existing imperfections on surfaces. It can be not only walls, but also the floor, and even the ceiling. Because the design features When building baths, they provide for the presence of hard-to-reach places; installation of this type of heat insulator will come in very handy.
  • It would seem that the bathhouse construction project should already provide for all the nuances that allow maximum heat retention in the room. However, insulation with foil material has its advantages compared to analogues.
  • As a rule, a bathhouse is a stationary single structure made using wooden beams. If the building is not properly insulated, it can take quite a lot of time and energy to warm it up. It is necessary to maintain optimal temperature conditions in the Priora. And this can waste a lot of energy. At the same time, there is a certain pattern - the higher the air temperature in the room, the greater the amount of heat evaporates through the cracks and cracks formed as a result of poorly performed wall finishing work or natural aging and cracking of the material under the influence of constant changes in air temperature.
  • Even if the bathhouse is a continuation residential building, then you should not neglect this method of insulation. After all, penetrating vapors can negatively affect other materials from which the structure is constructed. This, in turn, can cause rotting of individual elements and partial destruction of the surface, as well as contribute to the proliferation of various fungi and microorganisms. As a result, the decorative finish in the room may suffer.
  • By improving the operating conditions of the bathhouse, you can thereby extend the overall service life. The presence of a vapor barrier will allow warm, humid air to condense exactly where it is needed.

  • There are many opinions about what exactly needs to be insulated in a bathhouse. Some believe that warm air rises up and the foil layer of material should be attached to the ceiling. Others believe that almost everything needs to be insulated.
  • In order to prevent heat loss from the air, it is important to place insulation on all available surfaces in the room. However, do not forget to leave a gap, the dimensions of which can vary within 15-25 mm between the treated surface and the foil material.

Selection of foil material

Insulation with foil is available for sale in a wide range:

  • foil roll insulation– has a fairly large roll width spread. The thickness of the foil can vary within 30-300 microns, which allows the material to be used in these conditions. You can buy insulation with foil in the price range from 20 to 200 rubles/m2, depending on the thickness of the material (2-40mm);
  • paper or fabric base with foil layer applied, an excellent insulation option that is resistant to air temperatures above 300 C. By retaining heat inside the room, the likelihood of the formation of traces of mold and the smell of dampness is eliminated;
  • foil basalt insulation has the property of resistance to fire (fireproof), which allows you to raise the temperature to a limit of 150-160 0 C.

Of course, each type has its own characteristics not only in terms of fasteners, but also operational characteristics. At the same time, the possibility of use in certain conditions is regulated by the manufacturer. The thickness of the foil insulation does not matter. It is important what kind of base structure it has.

  • The formation of pricing is influenced by the thickness of the heat insulator, so the price of insulation with basalt-based foil is 800-1200 rubles/roll.
  • This indicates that this material is available to almost all segments of the population for insulating not only a bathhouse, but also, for example, a balcony.
  • The wide range of insulation options can be the main reason for the difficulty of choosing. Someone, relying solely on their own intuition, buys foil material. Others carefully study the characteristics, listen to the opinions of friends or specialists. The main thing is that both of them carry out the only correct solution, allowing you to purchase high-quality insulation. Visually assessing the amount of work, it is important to remove exact dimensions rooms where thermal insulation is supposed to be carried out. This will allow you to purchase the required amount of material with maximum savings.

Rules for choosing insulation for a sauna with foil

  • Each manufacturer adheres to its own nuances of manufacturing heat-insulating materials. However, in general technology The production is the same for everyone, which allows us to assert the high quality of the products. The approximate value of the heat transfer resistance must be indicated on the packaging.

  • When choosing a material for insulating a bath, you must carefully study the expected operating conditions. In addition, the range range is indicated, the thermal conductivity coefficient in which may vary, this may be evidence that this type of material is of low quality, since this value in this case indicates instability of characteristics. Experts say that based on the results of numerous experiments, the following pattern was established: the lower the thermal conductivity coefficient, the better material will retain heat inside the room.
  • I would like to focus special attention on the information that is written on the labels. As a rule, manufacturers indicate approximate data regarding the operating conditions of the heat insulator. You should be extremely careful, since the resistance values ​​are not indicated for a specific material, but its characteristics under the overall dimensions of a specific structure where it was used during testing.
  • Many Construction Materials, which have an organic base, when heated to high temperatures, release toxic substances, which is simply unacceptable, given that people relax and restore their health in a bathhouse or sauna. Inhaling toxic fumes for a long time can cause irreparable damage to health.
  • Self-adhesive insulation with foil can simply melt when exposed to heat. Therefore, you should choose heat insulators with a minimum flammability rating. Fire safety comes first.

Main characteristics of thermal insulation material with foil

The undeniable advantages of using this type of insulation in a steam room include the following factors:

  • high resistance to temperature changes (from 00C to +1500C);
  • thanks to the mirror surface, thermal air flows are reflected;
  • excellent indicator of water resistance, which expands the range of use of foil insulation (walls, ceiling, floor);
  • has the properties of heat, hydro and vapor barrier. This indicates that the material can be used for insulation of any real estate, regardless of its further use (residential, industrial);
  • ease of installation makes it possible to carry out all fastening work with your own hands without involving outside help.

Insulation with foil application

  • Unlike other heat insulators, foil insulation is a priority material in construction and is popular when carrying out repair work in bathhouses and saunas. In addition to achieving a high rate of insulation of steam and heat indoors, there is also excellent sound insulation of individual rooms. This is important if there are both industrial premises, and leisure rooms.
  • Quite often this material is used for insulating floors in multi-storey buildings, where the floors are concrete plates. In addition, when laying communication systems, many construction crews This insulation is used to eliminate the possibility of heat loss even if the pipes are located deep underground. In places where ground freezing has been recorded, the foil material will prevent frost from capturing, for example, water.

Features of installation of foil insulation

Before proceeding with the installation of insulation with foil, it is necessary to carry out a number of measures, namely:

  • treat the surface of the walls with a special product that will prevent the formation of mold and dampness;
  • wooden planks should be installed at certain intervals around the entire perimeter of the room;
  • Insulation is attached to this frame. It doesn’t matter at all what type it has – rolled or tiled;
  • the joints are subsequently taped with special tape, which prevents moisture from getting under the insulation layer;

  • the foil material must be covered with clapboard. However, you need to leave a small gap to avoid contact between the heated lining and the foil. The mirror surface will fully reflect the incoming hot air flows;

  • It is not recommended to use foil insulation for the floor in a bathhouse, since the floor system implies concrete screed, on top of which a wooden flooring is mounted;
  • in addition to insulating the walls, ceiling and floor, it is also important to insulate the entrance doors;
  • External walls should be insulated with special care than interior walls.
  • To fasten the foil material in the bathhouse, you will need a certain list of tools and construction supplies:
  • planks of a certain size, made of wood and pre-finished by special means protecting the material from moisture;
  • in fact, the thermal insulation material itself;
  • construction stapler or regular nails;
  • special tape (aluminum or vapor-tight) for masking insulation joints.

Having studied the proposed material and purchased all the necessary building materials, you can safely begin insulating both the entire bathhouse building and individual rooms. If any questions arise during the process of fastening the foil material, then having a certain amount of knowledge, you can solve all the problems without any problems. In case in own strength If you are not sure, you can use the services of qualified specialists who will fully or partially complete the task assigned to them.

Insulation for a bath with foil: installation features, Construction portal


Insulation materials Modern production technologies make it possible to produce heat-insulating materials of a wide variety of types and structures. Of course, the use of each is determined

An ideal bathhouse building should warm up as quickly as possible and retain thermal energy for a long time. For this purpose, the walls and ceiling are insulated. A heat insulator such as aluminum foil for a bath is one of the most popular materials, as it is resistant to high temperatures and humidity.

Foil properties

Among the characteristics that bath and sauna foil has, the most important is the ability to reflect about 97% of infrared rays. If this material is used to cover the steam room continuously, the thermal energy will be retained as much as possible. The fact is that IR rays are not absorbed by the walls, but are reflected towards the room.

Foil is ideal for a steam room because:

  • the material can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees and even higher - this property depends on its type;
  • does not emit substances harmful to the human body;
  • has a small specific gravity.


In addition, aluminum foil has the following advantages:

  • moisture resistance;
  • plasticity;
  • durability;
  • vapor tightness;
  • resistance to corrosive processes.

When using this material, almost all the heat remains in the steam room, while the insulation for the bath with foil on the walls will be reliably protected from condensation. The fastening process is simple, the main thing in the work is to avoid deformation and not leave gaps between the panels.

To achieve a greater effect, foil insulation for a bathhouse is sheathed not only on the walls, but also on the ceiling surface, since steam and hot air first rise upward.

Rolled aluminum foil

Foil is produced in both rolls and sheets. Roll material can have a thickness from 0.007 to 0.2 millimeters, a width of 10–1500 millimeters. The percentage of aluminum content in it is up to 99.5%.

Depending on the type of surface, foil is:

  • smooth, without additional finishing;
  • for finishing;
  • finishing

According to the scope of application, the material is divided into canvas:

  • food;
  • technical;
  • tape


Depending on the manufacturing method, foil is distinguished:

  • soft (annealed), marked “M”;
  • solid (unannealed) – it is assigned the letter “T”.

A quality product is a fabric that has no folds, stains, tears or other inclusions on the surface. When viewing a thin fabric against the light, it should have no tears or tiny holes. Thick foil is allowed to have a small number of holes, which is regulated by the technical parameters of the equipment used.

Thin fabric is wound on bushings with different diameter. Thick foil is produced in sheets.

Before starting insulation work, developers are interested in how much foil for a bathhouse costs. Domestic roll products will cost less than imported material. With a roll length of 25-30 meters, the price will be approximately 20-30 dollars.

Using foil to insulate baths

To determine which foil to use for a bathhouse is better, you need to take into account what material the structure is built from and the conditions of its operation. If the building is made of logs with carefully caulked walls, then it does not require foil insulation.

In the case where the bathhouse is built of natural wood, but is large in area and does not heat up well, experts recommend lining the ceiling and walls from the inside with thin foil, and then covering it with clapboard. You can apply a foil sheet to the surface for heating unit, as a result of which the steam room will warm up faster.


Despite the fact that a bathhouse made of foam concrete is considered warm, it requires high-quality vapor barrier, so the use of foil will be justified, but it is better to opt for laminated products.

Frame and brick buildings must be insulated. Bath insulation with foil based on polystyrene foam and mineral wool is ideal for this (read: " "). The type of this material is selected for ceilings taking into account the thickness of the ceiling and the absence/presence of thermal insulation in the attic.

In addition, operating conditions matter. If the bathhouse is used infrequently and the procedures are not carried out for long, there is no need to insulate it with foil. When the steam room is used frequently and is kept in it for a long time, high-quality thermal insulation will save fuel, and the room will quickly warm up and cool down for a long time.

Performing a simple bath lining

When covering the walls of bath buildings, the foil sheet is attached to the surface or on top of a layer of thermal insulation. This work will take little time and will not require much effort.

The process looks like this:

  1. Before covering the bathhouse with foil, a frame made of wooden planks is fixed to the wall.
  2. Insulation is placed between the slats.
  3. The top of the heat-insulating material is covered with overlapping foil, the joints between the strips are glued using aluminum tape.
  4. The foil is sheathed with clapboard and a 15-20 cm air gap is required between it and the surface of the foil. This required condition for efficient heat transfer.


The air gap will reduce the thermal conductivity of aluminum, and since the hot lining will not come into contact with the foil, due to the insulating properties of the air, direct heat transfer will become impossible. At the same time, infrared rays hitting the surface of the foil sheet will be reflected towards the steam room.

Types of insulation with foil for baths

During operation, a thin, soft foil sheet is easily wrinkled and torn, which is why new technologies for its use have emerged.

Currently on sale:

  • foil paper;
  • textile;
  • insulation.

Foil paper

Its other name is laminated foil on a paper base for a bath. It is an elastic and dense material and has excellent vapor barrier characteristics. It is produced in two types: foil plus kraft paper and foil plus paper plus polyethylene.


Foil paper can withstand 130-degree heat. Resists compressive loads. It holds its shape and is easy to cut. Standard width stripes are 120 centimeters. Self-tapping screws, construction staples and nails are used to secure it. The material is used for lining the inside of baths. It is not recommended to use laminated foil on the surface of walls adjacent to the stove.

Foil fabric (foil fabric)

This soft two-layer material is made from fiberglass and foil. The thickness of the foil fabric is in the range of 0.12–3 millimeters. The panels need to be fastened end-to-end. Foil fabric is used to insulate bathhouses; it can be used to sheathe walls near the heating unit.

Its main characteristics:

  • ability to withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees;
  • resistance to mold and other harmful microorganisms;
  • good moisture resistance.

Foiled polystyrene foam

The insulation is made from expanded polystyrene and covered with a thin layer of aluminum foil. The material is produced in sheets measuring 1.2 x 0.6 meters with a thickness of 2-10 centimeters. They are used to insulate the premises of a bathhouse building from the inside. The sheets are equipped with stepped locks that prevent the formation of cold bridges.


Foiled polystyrene foam has the following qualities:

  • does not absorb moisture;
  • reflects about 98% of thermal energy;
  • differs in vapor barrier properties;
  • resistant to chemical influences;
  • safe for health;
  • It has long term operation.

Foil polyethylene foam

This roll insulation with a thickness of 2 to 10 centimeters has a one-sided or double-sided foil coating. It is used in thermal insulation interior spaces baths

This material can withstand temperatures of no more than 100 degrees. It is not used for covering surfaces near the stove.



Foil mineral wool

It is produced in rolls or in the form of mats of different thicknesses. Has excellent thermal insulation qualities. Ideal for insulating frame bath buildings. Using rolls or mats with foil makes holding finishing works lighter and more convenient.

The best material for insulating a bath

Since the cost of energy is constantly rising, owners of baths and saunas are forced to look for ways to save costs on operating a steam room. When constructing a new building, it is necessary to use materials that have heat-saving characteristics. IN additional protection Baths built from bricks, foam concrete, cinder blocks and other building materials, except natural wood, need heat loss protection.

When arranging a steam room, you should be especially careful when deciding which foil is best for a bath, since the material must be environmentally friendly and reflect heat well. All these requirements are met by insulation materials with aluminum foil coating.


Advantages of foil insulation:

  1. The material is universal because it is used for walls, ceiling and the floor of the bathhouse.
  2. Insulation with foil coating has good light reflection.
  3. Products are produced in a wide range.
  4. They are used in damp areas and do not require treatment with fungicidal compounds.
  5. They have high hygienic indicators. The properties inherent in aluminum do not create a breeding ground for the growth of fungus and mold.
  6. They do not deform and do not melt in the steam room at elevated temperatures.
  7. The material is convenient to work with. It is easy to mount and fix on different planes: vertical, horizontal and inclined.

Tips for insulating baths:

  1. If the bathhouse building does not have a commercial purpose, finishing the walls with 3 mm foil in rolls will be sufficient.
  2. For commercial enterprises, the solution to the problem of which foil to choose for a bath is the use of laminated products on a basalt mineral base.


When insulating a bathhouse located inside a permanent building, you need to take into account the functioning of central heating, since it additionally heats the air.