Are you planning to build a country house or a bathhouse yourself, but don’t know which insulation is best to choose for construction? In this article I will describe all the advantages and disadvantages of the most common thermal insulation materials. You can compare their main properties and choose for yourself suitable option.

What should high-quality insulation be like?

Modern insulation materials for house walls, floors, roofs and ceilings are made from different materials, so they can have completely different properties. Below I will give the main qualities characteristic of thermal insulation materials:

1. Thermal insulating properties:

• The warmest is considered a material with a heat transfer coefficient from 0.023 to 0.072 W/m*°C;
• If the thermal conductivity of the material is more than 0.4 W/m*°C, then the effectiveness of such insulation will be low.

1. Vapor permeability:

• To prevent moisture from condensing inside on the walls, the entire thermal insulation cake must freely allow water vapor with warm air to pass outside;
• If the insulation is used as waterproofing, then on the contrary, it must be impermeable to steam and air.

1. Mechanical strength:

• Due to the very low density, thermal insulation materials cannot be durable;
• At the same time, floor insulation must be rigid enough to withstand significant weight loads.

1. Moisture resistance:

• U quality materials the degree of water absorption is no more than 10%;
• In case of direct contact with water, their thermal insulation properties cannot deteriorate by more than 20%, and after drying they must be completely restored.

1. Temperature resistance:

• Materials for external and internal insulation must withstand very low and very high temperatures;
• When cooled or heated, they should not ignite, burn, smolder, collapse or change their properties.

1. Organic matter:

• Materials for outdoor use should not contain organic components;
• If they are still present, you need to perform an antiseptic treatment to prevent the appearance of rot, mold, rodents and insect pests.

Types of thermal insulation materials

Porous mineral insulation

The thermal insulation properties of any materials directly depend on their density: the lower the density, the lower the thermal conductivity. IN mineral insulation low thermal conductivity is ensured due to the porous structure:

1. Aerated concrete and foam concrete - building blocks from light grades of concrete, which during the production process is saturated with air or gas bubbles.

Scope of application:

• Construction of lightweight external walls and interior partitions;
• Thermal insulation of the attic floor.

1. Expanded clay- round pellets with a diameter of 15-25 mm, made by firing from special grades of red clay.

Advantages:

• Low water absorption. During firing outside surface the pellets are covered with a dense crust, which closes the pores and protects against moisture penetration;
• The loose structure allows the use of expanded clay balls to fill hidden cavities and hard-to-reach places.

Flaws:

• Not very good thermal insulation properties (0.16 W/m*°C);
• For effective thermal insulation, the thickness of the expanded clay layer should be no thicker than 180-200 mm.

Scope of application:

• Production of lightweight expanded clay concrete building blocks;
• Thermal insulation backfilling of floors on the ground and attic floors.

Polymer-based porous insulation

Foamed polymer materials for insulation, they also have a porous structure, but the pores in them are absolutely sealed and do not communicate with each other.

1. Styrofoam- made from polystyrene foam granules, which are pressed into slabs measuring 1000x1000 mm, with a thickness of 10 to 100 mm.

Advantages:

• Very low heat transfer coefficient (0.027–0.044 W/m*°C);
• Small specific gravity(25-35 kg/m³);
• The closed porous structure of expanded polystyrene allows it to be used without waterproofing;
• It practically does not absorb moisture, does not rot or collapse in water and at low temperatures.

Flaws:

• It does not allow air or water vapor to pass through, so I do not recommend using it indoors;
• Has low density and strength;
• At temperatures above +120 °C it begins to melt and irreversibly loses its insulating properties;
• It does not burn on its own, but when melted it emits acrid, suffocating smoke;
• It is destroyed by exposure to UV rays, so when used outdoors it must be protected from the sun.

Scope of application:

• Insulation of wooden and concrete floors on the ground;
• External thermal insulation of concrete and brick walls under plaster.

1. Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS)- made from the same raw materials, however, EPS boards have a uniform, non-granular structure throughout their entire thickness. The dimensions of the sheets are 1000x500 mm, and the thickness is from 20 to 100 mm.

Advantages:

• It has all the advantages of polystyrene foam, but extruded polystyrene foam sheets have greater rigidity;
• Due to the dense structure of extruded polystyrene foam, it can withstand significant compressive loads.

Flaws:

• Thermal conductivity is slightly higher than that of foam;
• In addition to higher strength, it has the same disadvantages as polystyrene foam.

Scope of application:

• EPS is the most best insulation for heavy concrete floors;
• It is also used for thermal insulation of external walls of buildings, basements, basements, foundations, blind areas, caissons, cellars and other buried building structures.

1. Penofol- rolled material with a thickness of 3 to 12 mm. It is made of foamed polyethylene film, covered on one or both sides with a layer of thin aluminum foil. Roll width - 1000 mm.

Advantages:

• Due to aluminum foil, it well reflects thermal radiation of the infrared spectrum;
• Absolutely impermeable to air, water and water vapor;
• With good flexibility and small thickness, it has good heat-insulating qualities.

Flaws:

• When heated to temperatures above 120 °C, it melts and irreversibly loses its insulating properties;
• Burns with the release of suffocating toxic smoke.

Scope of application:

• Heat-reflecting screen for internal wall insulation;
• Waterproofing and vapor barrier for thermal insulation of attic floors.

For better heat reflection, the factory instructions recommend installing Penofol with a foil layer inside the room.

Fibrous mineral insulation

From the name it is easy to guess that these materials have a fibrous structure. Accumulates between the fibers a large number of stationary air, which provides low thermal conductivity

1. Basalt wool- made from intertwined thin fibers of molten rocks. Sold in the form of rigid slabs or flexible rolls with a thickness of 20-100 mm.

Advantages:

• In dry form it has a low thermal conductivity coefficient (0.042–0.08 W/m*°C)
• Absolutely does not burn, does not smoke, does not melt and can withstand very high temperatures (up to 1000 °C);
• Low specific gravity;
• Freely allows air and water vapor to pass from the room;
• Rigid material in the form of plates can withstand significant loads;
• Soft rolled materials regain their shape after deformation.

Flaws:

• Absorbs water strongly, and when wet it loses up to 50% of its qualities, so it is better to use such insulation with additional waterproofing;

Scope of application:

• Materials based on basalt wool are considered universal, therefore these types of insulation have an almost unlimited scope of application;
• Due to good vapor permeability, mineral wool insulation is the best for ceilings and walls in wooden houses;

1. Glass wool- is produced using the same technology, but thin fibers of molten glass are used for its production.

Advantages:

• Glass wool has the same qualities as basalt wool, but has some limitations;

Flaws:

• Fragile glass fibers break when deformed, so after crushing it does not restore its original shape;
• Small glass fragments can penetrate the skin, causing severe irritation to the body.

Scope of application:

• External insulation for walls, ceilings, metal pipelines and other building structures;
• Not recommended for use inside bathhouses or residential premises.

Fiber insulation made from organic raw materials

These thermal insulation materials differ from the previous type in that they are made exclusively from natural raw materials, therefore they are considered absolutely harmless and environmentally friendly:

1. Ecowool- made from finely ground natural cellulose fibers. It is applied in a thick layer to building structures inside the building.

Advantages:

• The thermal insulation properties are not inferior to mineral wool (0.038–0.052 W/m*°C);
• Has very little weight;
• Environmentally safe and absolutely harmless to humans;

Flaws:

• Quite expensive;
• Application requires special equipment.

Scope of application:

• Ecowool is the right choice of insulation for living and sleeping quarters;

1. Sawdust pulp- made from wood processing waste and used as a heat-insulating coating mixed with liquid clay solution.

Advantages:

• Sawdust with clay is the cheapest insulation, and in some cases even free;
• The mixture can be easily prepared with your own hands right at the construction site.

Flaws:

• Insufficient thermal insulation qualities;
• Possibility of rot and mold or being eaten by rodents.

Scope of application:

• Thermal insulation of attic floors in a bathhouse or household buildings.

Conclusion

By comparing the technical characteristics of various thermal insulation materials, you can easily select the appropriate insulation for any stage of home construction. I advise you to pay attention to the video in this article, and you can write all your questions below in the comments.

Preservation of heat and indoor microclimate is one of the priorities in the construction and renovation of residential premises. A set of insulation measures, in particular insulation, helps to achieve this. For effective work, you need to choose the right insulation. To decide which insulation is better, we need to decide on the criteria by which we will navigate the market.

Criterias of choice

Firstly, this is the price. Some people need a budget option, while others can afford luxury insulation. Secondly, the features of the insulated room. The amount of material is influenced by the base of the walls, the number of windows, the degree of ventilation, etc.

Thirdly, most insulation materials perform additional functions. Along with heat retention, they also prevent the penetration of extraneous sounds or have a vapor barrier layer, which allows you to save on materials without losing quality.

Today, the most popular thermal insulation materials on the market are mineral (or basalt) wool, liquid insulation, extruded polystyrene, polystyrene foam and foil-based material. Today we will look at their qualities.

Mineral wool

Thermal conductivity and vapor permeability indicators make stone wool one of the most effective thermal insulation materials. At the same time, it is subject to strong influence of water. Long service is guaranteed only by reliable hydro- and vapor barrier.

Stone wool is a non-flammable thermal insulation made from basalt fibers, which are held together by binders during baking in a special oven. The material can withstand temperatures above 1000°C, which allows it to be used in hazardous facilities.

Mineral wool is available in different shapes and textures, which are convenient to use in construction. Slabs are suitable for cladding walls and roofs, mats are placed on the floor, and cylinders are used for technical insulation. Textures imitate natural ones Decoration Materials: sand, stone, shells, etc.

pros

The average service life is 30 years, but some manufacturers have managed to improve its components, extending the life of the cotton wool by one, or even a decade and a half. The main advantages of basalt insulation:

• environmental friendliness;
• increased sound insulation characteristics;
• withstands temperature range from -260 to +900°C;
• chemical neutrality towards alkali, acids;
• comfortable price for the consumer.

Minuses

The main disadvantages of a heat insulator are the fear of moisture and increased cost. Under the influence of water, the material shrinks and loses functionality.

Take care of high-quality waterproofing to protect it from liquids!

The design features of buildings sometimes require the use of heavy mineral wool. However, in such cases it is better to use extruded polystyrene.

The material consumption will be approximately the same, but extrusion is cheaper, resulting in savings on the construction budget.

Polystyrene foam has earned the title of “people's insulation.” Affordable price, high performance characteristics and resistance to loads have made its use almost universal in housing and public construction.

High heat transfer is achieved due to the structure of the material: gas is contained between the layers of polystyrene foam. Thanks to this, the density of the feedstock increases significantly.

Application

Polystyrene foam is used to insulate the interior walls of attics and other rooms sensitive to temperature changes. However, some owners want to insulate them interior walls houses that face outside. However, it should not be considered inappropriate to purchase more expensive insulation for one or two walls - this is fraught with serious consequences. As a result of such insulation, the wall is deprived of natural heating from the central heating.

The dew point moves into the interlayer space. Over time, moisture will not only change the properties of the wall, but also lead to its destruction. The house will gradually become uninhabitable. In some cases, for example, when insulating foundations, it is not allowed to use polystyrene foam without additional protection– brickwork or wooden formwork. This is due to seasonal changes in loads created by the soil.

pros

The main advantages of polystyrene foam:

• does not absorb moisture;
• resistance to the formation of fungus and mold;
• light weight;
• maintaining its properties regardless of the weather: in hot weather it creates coolness, and in winter it gives additional warmth.

This insulation cannot be chosen if the room to be insulated will have large mechanical loads or will be finished with nitro paints. In addition, it practically does not allow air to pass through.

Its counterpart differs from the polystyrene foam described above in its manufacturing method. The foaming consistency here is much higher. In addition, the material is subjected to additional processing through a die. Thanks to this, the result is a waterproof, durable insulation that can withstand higher loads than its direct competitors.

The operating temperature range from –500°С to +750°С allows its use in industrial, high-tech and scientific buildings. It is also used in road construction, thermal insulation of wells and roofs. Extruded polystyrene foam is indispensable in low-heating and hyper-humid rooms. When restoring such objects it is required optimal combination heat and waterproofing, which extrupenol can do.

However, it is banned in the European Union and the USA. The reason for this step was the main disadvantage of this material - high flammability. This factor has led to the death of newly renovated buildings in several EU countries. To protect their product, manufacturers began to add substances that prevent fire to the composition. This turned into even greater criticism - the smoldering began to release life-threatening toxins. Therefore, it is hardly appropriate to consider him the best.

Liquid insulation

Liquid thermal insulation appeared not so long ago, but has already conquered the market with its practicality, along with those familiar to us liquid nails And cold welding. Unlike other insulation materials, liquid heat insulation does not take up valuable room space.

Liquid ceramic thermal insulation is a paste-like substance, usually white, which consists of sclospheres. It is prepared depending on the temperature on a water-acrylic basis. The thermal insulation effect is achieved due to the porous structure of the product. The discharged internal space provides a decent heat transfer coefficient. And the staggered arrangement of the spheres blocks heat from escaping outward, reflecting it inward.

Application

Apply the mixture to the walls, previously cleaned of dirt, in 5-6 layers. The insulation should be of moderate consistency - not thick, but not liquid. For the procedure, a paint brush with thin soft bristles is used. Each layer should dry for up to 12 hours.

After completion of the work, the material will take on an elastic appearance. The service life of the gastrointestinal tract is at least 25 years. It serves as the basis for further wall finishing with any material.

pros

The main advantage of the material is its adhesion to the wall. It is so strong that no draft or moisture will damage it. Ceramics will also prevent the formation of corrosion and rust. And the environmental friendliness of the components increases combustion resistance and allows the use of liquid ceramics in poorly ventilated areas.

Equally important is the flexibility of liquid ceramics to the addition of dyes. The finished coating is bright and eye-catching. Therefore, in some cases, insulation can become a finishing touch.

Experts advise using spray guns with an outlet opening of at least 2 mm for quick application of the gastrointestinal tract. Otherwise, there is a risk of reduced productivity and even knocking down the coating from the walls by the generated air flow.

The peculiarity of this insulation is that it not only insulates heat, but also reflects it back. One of the sides of the insulator is highly polished foil. The reverse side is foamed polyethylene. Thanks to the properties of the components, the reflection quality reaches 60%.

A bonus of foil insulation will be their excellent water-repellent properties. In addition, the cellular structure ensures air circulation and at the same time prevents the walls from freezing during the cold period. Additionally, the insulation dampens sounds.

Installation

Most often, foil is glued behind batteries. Helps extend service life correct installation insulation. It should be level and not snag on nails or other obstacles on the wall.

Also, one of the important conditions is mandatory air gap between the wall and the foil covering. This will ensure internal ventilation and condensate drainage.

Additional varieties

In addition to the above-mentioned insulation with a polyethylene backing, there are the following types of heat insulator:

• environmentally friendly combination with mineral wool;
• expanded polystyrene for underfloor heating systems;
• basalt foil heat insulator.

conclusions

We looked at the advantages and disadvantages of the five most common types of insulation. It is impossible to choose the best among them; each of them is good in its own way. That's why the last word we will leave it up to the readers.

The most important condition for comfortable living in own home at any time of the year and with the lowest possible costs for energy resources used for heating and air conditioning needs, you are a reliable Moreover Almost all areas of the building must be insulated. Roofing is no exception, which, by the way, is not always remembered by inexperienced novice developers.

If you look at the percentage of heat losses of any building that does not have proper thermal insulation, you will see that the “lion’s share” of them falls precisely on attic floor and the roof. The specificity of this section of the overall structure of the house also imposes special requirements on the materials used for its insulation. Let's try to understand this issue to help the reader eliminate possible mistakes and make the right choice. So, what is the best roof insulation?

The need for roof insulation

First of all, it is necessary to dispel doubts about the need for roof insulation. Let's start with this.

The limited area of ​​land for building a house, and simply considerations of the most efficient construction with the lowest possible costs, often encourage owners to make useful use of the attic space. Attic “floors” are very popular these days, when the attic turns into a full-fledged living space, no different from other rooms in terms of convenience and comfort. You can also place a utility room in the attic, for example, a warm pantry, office or workshop.

It is clear that with this approach to beneficial use attic space There is no doubt about the insulation of the roof. Whatever type roofing neither was elected - none of them will provide the required protection from the winter cold. And in the hot summer, the roof slopes heat up to such an extent in the sun that staying in an uninsulated attic becomes not only uncomfortable, but even completely intolerable from the heat. This, by the way, should never be discounted - insulation, or more correctly, thermal insulation of the roof helps to ensure an optimal microclimate in the attic at any time of the year.

But what about those whose immediate construction plans do not include converting the attic into a useful space? Maybe we should limit ourselves only to high-quality thermal insulation of the attic floor?

How is the attic floor insulated?

The ceiling of a room bordering on top of an unheated and uninsulated attic becomes not a “bridge”, but an entire “highway” for heat losses. This can be eliminated by performing a whole range of thermal insulation works. – read in a special publication on our portal.

Of course, we can limit ourselves to this. But it would be better to listen to the arguments in favor of insulating the roof slopes, even if this is associated, of course, with additional costs:

• All details of the rafter system and the internal arrangement of the attic will be protected from the destructive effects of temperature and humidity changes. Therefore, the durability of the entire roof structure as a whole will increase.

• Energy efficiency increases sharply when considered on a building-wide scale. That is, the insulation of the roof, even with high-quality thermal insulation of the attic floor, will still make its “mite” in achieving the most comfortable conditions during minimum costs from an external energy source.
• Most modern insulation materials have the ability to effectively absorb sound vibrations. Insulated roof slopes will not become “resonators” when heavy rain or hail. This is especially true for roofing materials, traditionally considered “noisy” - metal or slate.

• Finally, what seems unnecessary or temporarily unfulfillable today may turn into a pressing need in the future. This means that current circumstances may lead the owners of the house to the idea of ​​​​the need to expand the usable area due to the attic space. It’s better to have a warm attic right away than to do it from scratch later, which can often involve reworking or replacing individual elements of the rafter system that have already suffered long-term negative impacts. external factors. Sometimes such work cannot be carried out without temporarily removing the roof covering. In short, it will be much more expensive. So it makes sense to think ahead in advance.

Criteria that roof insulation must meet

To make the right choice, you need to know the criteria by which this material should be evaluated. There are many of these criteria, and it should immediately be noted that not a single insulation material fully meets all of them. So you often have to choose which advantage to give preference to.

So, the “ideal” material for thermal insulation of a roof seems to be one that meets all the following requirements:

• Of course, thermal insulation qualities should be placed in the first position. The material must have low thermal conductivity, that is, create the maximum possible resistance to heat transfer under specific application conditions. This indicator can be assessed by looking at the thermal conductivity coefficient, which must be indicated in the list of thermal insulation characteristics. To insulate the roof, where you can’t really “scatter” with the thickness of the insulation and the weight of the thermal insulation structure, they try to use materials with a thermal conductivity coefficient of no more than 0.05 W/m×C°. And the lower this figure, the better.
• The second most important factor is the density of the material. Nobody needs unnecessary overloads on the rafter system. So the less the insulation layer that is sufficient to create comfortable conditions weighs, the better.
• The problem with many insulating materials is their excessive hygroscopicity, that is, the ability to absorb moisture literally from the air. And overmoistening always leads to at least a loss of thermal insulation qualities. This means that ideally the insulation should have a minimum moisture absorption, and even better – pronounced hydrophobicity. This is especially important in roof conditions, where exposure to moisture cannot be avoided.
• The insulation material must maintain its qualities over a wide temperature range. That is, thermal insulation should “work” equally well both in extreme frosts and in the peak of summer heat.

• The most important qualities of a material, especially used for roof insulation, are indicators fire safety. This concerns fire resistance, the ability to become a flame spreader, smoke generation, toxicity of combustion products. The ideal material appears completely non-flammable, but, alas, in this matter many insulation systems are far from doing well.
• The stability of the material, that is, its durability under real operating conditions. Ideal insulation should not change shape or volume, be resistant to chemical or biological decay, spontaneous or due to external negative influence of one type or another.
• The insulation should not serve as a breeding ground for microorganisms, nor should it be an attractive place for nests of insects, birds, and mice. And this, by the way, is also a very difficult problem to solve.
• Thermal insulating material during operation should not pose a danger in terms of the release of fumes harmful to human health or other environmental pollutants.
• For those who are going to carry out thermal insulation work on their own, the clarity and simplicity of working with the material is important, which does not require excessive effort, special experience, or special equipment.
• Finally, an important criterion for any building material, including for insulation materials, there was and remains affordable price.

As you can see, there are a lot of criteria for assessing the quality of thermal insulation materials. And now we will begin to “try on” them with insulation materials that are suitable for thermal insulation of a pitched roof.

What insulation can be considered the best for roofing?

This publication will mainly focus on the most widespread V private construction pitched roof. Flat roofs have their own specific thermal insulation properties, and the materials used for this purpose may be different. Thus, bulk insulation, special mortars with special filling, high-density mineral wool slabs and other materials are widely used. This issue requires a separate detailed consideration, so it will be omitted in this article.

And for pitched roofs, where on The insulation itself will not have a significant mechanical impact; they still try to use materials with a low specific gravity. They can be divided into three groups:

• Insulation with fiber structure.
• Rigid insulation with a gas-filled porous structure.
• Sprayed insulation.

These groups are also heterogeneous - materials can vary significantly in both basic composition and performance characteristics.

Insulation materials with fiber structure

This group of materials has one thing in common - they all represent an interweaving of thin fibers, due to which a layer of immobilized air is created enclosed in them. And this, in turn, becomes a thermal insulation layer. But the starting materials for the production of fibers can have serious differences, even down to their “nature” - mineral or organic. The first includes all types of mineral wool, the second subcategory includes cellulose-based ecowool.

Mineral wool

For thermal insulation of building structures in residential buildings, two types of mineral wool are used. In the first of them, fibers are formed from a melt quartz glass, in the second, the raw materials for production are rocks of the basalt group. Hence the names - glass wool and stone (basalt) wool.

There is another type of mineral wool - it is made from waste from metallurgical enterprises, slag. But it has not become widespread in residential construction, since it is inferior in both insulating qualities and durability. Yes and from the point of view of environmental safety Not everything is all right with her either. In a word, there is no particular point in focusing your attention on it.

Prices for mineral wool

mineral wool

But you should take a closer look at glass wool and basalt wool.

Mineral wool based on glass fibers

For the production of glass wool, broken glass and purified quartz sand are used as raw materials. After the mass is melted in ovens, thin fibers are drawn out of it using a special technology, which are then pressed into “carpets” using binding additives. At the final stage of production, the products are cut into blocks or mats of standard sizes.

The production process has been worked out for a long time, there is also no shortage of raw materials, and therefore the cost of glass wool is quite affordable, which predetermines its wide popularity. The inlet form is blocks (slabs), mats in rolls, and recently, easy-to-install slabs in rolls have also been practiced.

TO dignity m of glass wool include the following:

— The specific gravity of the insulation is small, and therefore its installation does not require much physical effort, and the thermal insulation system does not exert a significant load on the roof structure.

— Glass wool blocks or mats have good elasticity. That is, they can be laid in spaces that are somewhat smaller in size - after straightening, they fit quite tightly to each other and to the enclosing elements (in this case, most often to the rafter legs).

“The same quality allows us to significantly reduce the volume of material when packaging it on the production line. This property allows you to reduce overhead costs for transporting insulation. And after removing the packaging, the blocks or mats, expanding, take on the specified dimensions.

— The material is flexible, that is, it can be used for thermal insulation of complex, for example, curved or broken areas without additional cutting into smaller fragments.

At the same time, glass wool also has certain flaws which must not be forgotten:

— This insulation has a fairly high hygroscopicity. Therefore, when using it Special attention addresses the creation of a reliable vapor barrier from the attic side, and the possibility of free evaporation of moisture from the roof side. Otherwise, the insulation will quickly become damp and lose all its thermal insulation qualities.

— Glass fibers are quite fragile. This means that vibrating effects are completely contraindicated for glass wool. Small broken particles of fibers become a serious irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes of the respiratory system, that is, thermal insulation work should be carried out in compliance with special protective measures. Measures should be taken to completely eliminate the possibility of these particles entering the atmosphere of the living area of ​​the house during operation, as they cause allergic reactions.

— The emission of formaldehyde, which is part of the binders, is also one of the disadvantages of the material. But this is more typical for cheap insulation materials of unknown brands (or even those that do not have any brand name at all - this happens too!) Leading manufacturers are trying to reduce emission rates to nothing, and many modern types of glass wool are approved for use not only in residential and public premises , but even in educational and medical institutions.

A few more words can be added about the “branding” of glass wool. The fact is that construction market filled with inexpensive materials of very dubious origin. In the production of such glass wool, either outdated technologies or a process are used. technological control completely absent. Such mats are characterized by high fiber fragility and strong shrinkage, and glass wool can turn into dust in just a few years. Naturally, there can be no question of any quality of thermal insulation of the roof here. So the pursuit of cheapness often results in considerable additional costs.

If you have already decided to use glass wool for roof insulation, then you should pay attention to quality products, for example, from the companies Ursa or Isover.

For example, let's take a closer look at the insulation from the line « UrsaGeo". For roof insulation from this series are suitable « A private house» , "M -11" And "Pitched Roof", whose name speaks for itself.

The basis of all these materials is glass fiber with the addition of special mineral components that reduce the disadvantages characteristic of glass wool. Products from this range are considered completely safe for both humans and the environment.

The products of the Ursa company are characterized by a number of special advantages:

— The material belongs to the group completely non-flammable insulation materials. Not only does the insulation not ignite on its own, it can become a barrier to the spread of flame.

— The company’s technologists managed to reduce the emission of binding organic compounds to such a low level that it can not be taken into account at all - it does not in any way affect the cleanliness of indoor air.

“Thanks to special mineral additives, which are the company’s technological secret, the glass fibers received additional elasticity, that is, it was possible to reduce their characteristic fragility.

— Many types of Ursa Geo thermal insulation, in particular Pitched Roofing, use the interesting URSA Spannfilz technology. This expression can be literally translated as “elastic felt.” The special structure of the fiber board gives it increased elasticity, and the insulation blocks fit very well between the rafters, which makes it possible to do without even additional fastening. And the tight fit eliminates the formation of voids, unfilled with insulation.

— Insulation materials are produced in a form that is very convenient for installation. For example, the “Pitched Roof” material consists of slabs in a roll, which greatly simplifies cutting to the desired size, if necessary.

— The manufacturer guarantees a long period of correctly laid thermal insulation without loss of its insulating properties, without shrinkage and destructuring– at least 50 years.

The main characteristics of fiberglass insulation from the Ursa Geo line, which is excellent for thermal insulation of a pitched roof, are given in the table.

	A private house	M-11	Pitched roof
Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m×°С	0,045	0,044	0,040
Vapor permeability, mg/m×h×Pa	0,65	0,64	0,64
Fire safety class	KM0	KM0	KM0
Flammability group	NG	NG	NG
Operating temperature range, °C	60÷+220	60÷+220	60÷+220
Water absorption in 24 hours, kg/m², no more	1	1	1
Release form	mats on a roll	mats on a roll	slabs in roll
Dimensional parameters, mm
- length	8350	7000; 9000; 10000	3900; 3000
- width	1200	1200	1200
- thickness	50	50; 10	150;200
approximate cost	1100 rub/m³	roll 1200×10000×50 mm - 1220 rub.	980 rub. with a thickness of 150 mm; 1070 rub. with a thickness of 200 mm.

Basalt-based mineral wool

Fibers obtained from molten rocks gabbro-basalt groups have a number of advantages over glass ones. They become thinner and longer, they have more elasticity and much less fragility. All this gives mineral wool on this basis higher performance qualities. All the advantages inherent in glass wool are also inherent in basalt wool, and there are, in addition, a number of advantages.

Prices for basalt wool

basalt wool

It is even visually noticeable that high-quality basalt wool has a clearly homogeneous structure, it is given clear geometric shapes. It is much easier to work with such insulation - it is certainly not worth neglecting skin and respiratory protection, but it does not cause as much irritation as glass wool.

Basalt wool is also better at being hygroscopic - special treatment sharply reduces moisture absorption, and the products of some manufacturers even have properties close to hydrophobicity. But this still does not give grounds to refuse vapor barrier. Vapor permeability is high, that is, when the necessary conditions are created, even moisture that accidentally penetrates into the material will easily evaporate through the ventilation gaps of the roofing pie.

Products from well-known brands are also doing well with formaldehyde emission indicators - insulation materials have sanitary certificates with approval for safe use in any residential premises. By the way, it would never be a bad idea to check for a copy of such a certificate when purchasing any insulation material.

Basalt wool slabs are extremely easy to install - both due to their precise “geometry” and due to their pronounced elasticity. And besides, manufacturers provide other “chips”. For example, “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS SCANDIC” slabs, popular among builders, have an edge “spring-loaded” using a special technology, which ensures their precise and reliable fixation at the installation site - between rafters, beams,

Perfect solution for roof insulation - ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS SCANDIC slabs with a springy edge zone, which makes installation simple and very reliable

Basalt wool has few significant disadvantages (if we are talking about really high-quality products from well-known brands). Perhaps this can only be attributed to the higher cost of the material.

The range of basalt insulation materials is quite wide. Along with the “heavyweights” in this area of ​​​​production - the companies ROCKWOOL, PAROC, TechnoNIKOL, the companies Basvul, Isobel, Izovol and others offer quite worthy products. Before purchasing, it makes sense to take a closer look at the brand you like - trustworthy companies always have informative Internet portals, and a network of representative offices has been organized throughout Russia.

As an example to familiarize yourself with the physical and operational characteristics, you can take the already mentioned above insulation “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS”. By the way, another advantage is that during packaging in production it is compressed by more than half due to vacuum technology. But when the packaging is removed, the slabs take on the specified dimensions without any loss of their performance.

Name of the main operational parameters of the material	Indicators
Thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m×°C):	0,039
Specific gravity (kg/m³)	30
Flammability group	NG
Fire safety class	KM0
Vapor permeability (mg/(m×h×Pa), not less	0.03
Moisture absorption when partially immersed	no more than 1kg/m²
Dimensions	800 ×600 mm (XL slabs - 1200× 600 mm)
thickness	50 or 100 mm (XL slabs - 100 and 150 mm)
approximate cost	- with a thickness of 50 mm - 145 rub./m² - 100 mm - 285 RUR/m² - 150 mm - 430 rub/m²

The service life of such thermal insulation is estimated at no less than 50 years.

Organic-based fiber insulation – ecowool

This insulation appeared in widespread use not so long ago, and is even unknown to many. Meanwhile, it shows very good thermal insulation qualities.

The basis for the production of ecowool is ordinary cellulose fibers obtained from wood waste, paper and other waste raw materials. The total cellulose content in this insulation reaches 80 ÷ 85 percent. The rest is additives that ensure the biological resistance of the material (boric acid) and special flame retardants that increase the resistance of cellulose to fire.

Thermal performance indicators of ecowool are very decent: the thermal conductivity coefficient is approximately in the range from 0.038 to 0.043 W/m×° WITH, that is, quite comparable to mineral wool.

The material is famous for its environmental cleanliness (hence its name), and antiseptic treatment reliably protects it from decay and decay, and from damage by pathogenic microflora. Rodents and insects do not make nests in ecowool.

According to the degree of flammability, the material belongs to group G 2 - low-flammable, self-extinguishing. Combustion products do not contain toxic substances, which is typical, for example, of synthetic insulation.

Ecowool is quite hygroscopic, so issues of reliable hydro- and vapor barrier will definitely have to be thought through. But due to the capillary structure of natural fibers, moisture also easily evaporates from the material without disturbing its qualities. Interestingly, in this way, ecowool insulation stands are able to “automatically” maintain optimal humidity balance in the room.

Prices for ecowool

Ecowool is laid using “dry” and “wet” technologies. But application by the “wet” method, that is, by spraying, is not particularly justified on roof slopes that have a negative slope on the attic side - there will be too much waste. Therefore, most often this insulation is blown into cavities that are created using vapor barrier membranes or the internal lining of the attic.

Insulation of roof slopes with ecowool - the material is blown into the created cavities using a special installation

The density of the insulating layer, depending on the application method, ranges from 40 to 75 kg/m³.

TO shortcomings Similar insulation includes the following:

— Even the “dry method” of laying ecowool (with the exception of floor insulation) requires a special installation. In addition, to perform such work well, well-developed skills are needed.

— The process of laying ecowool is very dusty in any case. Without funds personal protection you can't start it.

The cost of ecowool ranges from 20 to 35 rubles per kilogram. Usually she comes on sale in sealed plastic bags, packaged in 15 or 20 kilograms.

It seems - not so much. But if you look at the price lists of services provided by manufacturers or distributors of such insulation, you will see that you will also have to pay approximately the same amount for installation. And without special equipment it is extremely difficult to do this. This, perhaps, is the most important “minus” of such thermal insulation.

Sprayed insulation

One of the most effective ways to insulate a roof is to spray foam insulation on the back side of the roof slopes. With this approach, the thermal insulation layer becomes almost seamless, that is, without leaving cold bridges.

There are several types of such materials. But the closest thing to “ideal” in terms of all criteria for thermal insulation quality is polyurethane foam.

Perhaps the most reliable and effective way of thermal insulation of a pitched roof is spraying polyurethane foam

The thermal conductivity coefficient of polyurethane foam is very low, estimated at less than 0.03 W/m×°C. The material shows excellent adhesion to almost all surfaces. The closed cell makes the insulation layer vapor-tight, that is, in some cases you can do without additional costs for vapor barrier.

However, all the advantages of the material are also combined with a rather high price. Moreover, polyurethane foam is synthesized directly on site from two initial components, for which special installations are used. That is, “lovers of independent creativity”, one way or another, will have to resort to calling a brigade. And this also costs a lot of money.

There is, however, a caveat - disposable mini-installations for spraying polyurethane foam have recently appeared in construction stores. However, their price is no lower than the cost of professional services.

If you look at the prices construction companies in the Central region of Russia, the cost of spraying polyurethane foam 100 mm thick on an area of ​​1 m² ranges from 1100 to 1400 rubles, depending on the manufacturer of the original components. Agree, it’s very expensive.

We can talk about polyurethane foam for a long time and a lot, but we will limit ourselves to the above brief information. The fact is that on our portal a special publication is devoted to this type of insulation. By the way, it also talks about another type of foam insulation - penoizol, which can also be used for thermal insulation of roofs.

Prices for polyurethane foam

polyurethane foam

Special thermal insulation technology - foam insulation

These differ from all other insulation materials, first of all, in their special application technology. Read about the advantages and disadvantages and the features of working with them in a special article on our portal.

Synthetic-based rigid insulation boards

Polystyrene based materials

This group of insulation materials includes the familiar white foam and extruded polystyrene foam. Despite the similarity in chemical composition, the difference in the performance qualities of these materials is very large.

• Let's start with foam. And here we will immediately express a categorical judgment, with which some may not agree. However, using foam plastic for thermal insulation of roof slopes is extremely undesirable.

There are no words - foam plastic captivates with its low price, quite decent thermal insulation characteristics, lightness, and ease of installation. What more could you want?

But let's take a closer look at its shortcomings:

— The production of polystyrene foam is a fairly simple process that does not require highly complex equipment. And they do this business everywhere, very often without observing any technical requirements. So talking about any quality standards is simply ridiculous.

— The main disadvantage of polystyrene foam is its flammability. And this material not only spreads flame very well, but also emits deadly toxic substances when burning. Literally a few breaths - and a person receives powerful poisoning, leading to the most tragic consequences. Statistics of fire tragedies show that if polystyrene foam catches fire, people have little chance of surviving even in a not very large fire. Is it worth planting such a “bomb” on such a vulnerable part of the building from the point of view of fire danger as the roof?

Prices for PIR boards

The main component of such boards is polyisocyanurate foam (abbreviated as PIR). It is a gas-filled rigid structure with isolated cells.

Thanks to the special production technology and the specifics of the polymer itself, insulation boards are still considered unsurpassed for its thermal insulation qualities. Thus, the manufacturer claims an absolutely fantastic thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.022 W/m×° WITH! In reality, in real conditions, it may, of course, be more, but even 0.025 is a very good indicator.

The material is highly mechanical strength– up to 120 kPa at 10% deformation. At the same time, the density of the slabs does not exceed 40 kg/m³

Wide temperature Range operation: from – 70 to + 110 °C.

Almost completely hydrophobic - a closed cell prevents moisture from penetrating inside.

PIR boards can be covered with foil, which gives them additional slickness against moisture. Other types of coatings are also practiced.

Many slab models have convenient tongue-and-groove locking connections, allowing you to cover large areas with a seamless coating.

One of the “pioneers” in the production of such thermal insulation was the Russian company Technonikol. Its product range includes slabs for insulating any areas of the building, including the roof. At the same time, the company also offers ready-made solutions - sets of materials for thermal insulation of the roof between the rafters, under them and on top of them - at the choice of the consumer.

Standard sizes watering - 600×1200 mm. The thickness is selected according to need - there is a range of slabs with a thickness from 25 to 150 mm.

There is no doubt - such thermal insulation materials have a great future. But so far they have not become widespread - simply because of the high cost. So, depending on the specific type, the type of external coating and the thickness of the slabs, the price for them varies from 11 to 15 thousand rubles per cubic meter.

TechnoNIKOL is not the only company that has mastered the production of these innovative materials. Watch a video about the insulation of a pitched roof with PIR boards from the company " PirroGroup."

Video: Insulation of roof slopes with innovative thermal insulation - PIR-boards “PirroGroup”

Appendix: How to determine what thickness of insulation is required?

If there is certainty with the choice of insulation, then the question will inevitably arise - what thickness of thermal insulation should be made to ensure comfortable conditions in the attic. We will need to make a small calculation, and a convenient online calculator will help us with this.

The calculation is not particularly complicated. The algorithm is based on the fact that the thermal insulation system being created must create a total resistance to heat transfer no less than that established by the standards for a particular region, taking into account its climatic characteristics. You can find out the normalized thermal resistance from the attached diagram map. Please note that in this case we are interested in the red numbers - for coatings. This figure in the “three” is always the largest.

The second quantity required for calculation is the thermal conductivity coefficient of the insulating material. The operational values ​​of these coefficients for insulation materials, about which discussed in this publication.

If desired, you can also take into account the lining of the attic space, if it is solid. The materials of such cladding also have certain thermal insulation qualities. And this can, although not particularly large, still reduce the required thickness of the insulation. However, this item is optional, and if the skin is not taken into account, simply leave its thickness at the default value of 0 mm.

The final result will be shown in millimeters. All that remains is to bring it to the standard thickness of the selected insulation, rounded up. For example, it turned out to be 132 mm. You can use two-layer insulation with slabs 100 and 40 mm thick, or use slabs 150 mm thick. Here you can already choose for reasons of cost-effectiveness of one or another possible option and according to the planned insulation installation scheme.

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 usable area indoor living space;
• 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 insulating 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 great way 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

For external thermal insulation Bulk materials can also be used.

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. It is used to insulate sewer and water pipes, floors, attics, and foundations. It can be produced in the form of slabs. There are technologies by which this material is added to concrete or mortars.

Vermiculite is a natural material that 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.

For insulation 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 the fractions, can be of different 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 the summer heat it 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 for 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.

In the layer between decorative and load-bearing wall expanded clay can be poured into 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. Ready mixture The empty space between the walls is filled.

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 represents the application finishing coating on 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, the 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 cladding layer can be made of various panels: wood, 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 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 diversity 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.

Would you like to talk about how you selected insulation for furnishing your own country house? Do you have information that will be useful to site visitors? Please write comments, ask questions on controversial or interesting points, post photos in the block below.

In recent years, frame construction is increasingly being chosen for the construction of houses, which is significantly cheaper in cost compared to the construction of brick, block, or log walls. In addition, the process of installing the frame takes much less time than raising main walls. However, without proper insulation it will be impossible to live in such a house. Therefore, the question of which insulation is best for frame house, becomes relevant for all potential owners of such housing.

Thermal insulation in frame buildings should not only ensure a comfortable temperature in the rooms, but also make the house quiet at the same time. Thus, insulation materials must also have good soundproofing qualities. In addition, there are a number of other important criteria, which must be taken into account when choosing materials for insulating the “frame”. All this will be discussed in this publication.

Basic criteria for choosing insulation for a frame house

The first step is to understand what properties the insulation must have in order for it to be effective for heat and sound insulation of the frame walls of a house and as safe as possible for the people living in the building.

So, it is necessary that the material meets the following requirements:

• It should go well with the frame material, that is, with a wooden beam.
• Optimal material – as clean as possible from an environmental point of view
• Insulation should be selected for the longest service life, which should be no less than the service life of the wood chosen for the construction of the frame.
• Moisture resistance, that is, the ability to resist the absorption of moisture (as a percentage of volume or mass), which can have a destructive effect on the material and sharply reduce its insulating qualities.
• Thermal conductivity coefficient - the lower it is, the better the insulation, since the main function of thermal insulation is to minimize heat loss.
• Vapor permeability. Ideally, the material should be “breathable”, that is, not prevent the escape of water vapor. Only in this case, moisture will not accumulate in its structure and at the boundary between it and the wall surface, which becomes a favorable environment for various microflora - fungus, mold, etc., which can cause serious harm to the structure.
• The insulation should not attract rodents, otherwise they will settle in it permanent place residence, making passages and arranging nests.
• For frame houses, fire safety is of particular importance. Ideally, the material should be non-flammable, or at least as resistant to fire as possible.

Thermal insulation materials can be divided into three types according to the method of application - these are backfill, sprayed and slab (roll), installed between frame racks.

• Loose-fill insulation materials include expanded clay, foam glass, ecowool and sawdust.
• Sprayed heat insulators - polyurethane foam and ecowool, applied using “wet” technology.
• Plate or roll insulation - various types of polystyrene foam, mineral wool, foam glass, linen, wood-fiber and cork boards.

Each of these materials has its own characteristics and differs in technical and operational characteristics. To make a choice, it is necessary to consider each of them in more detail, both in terms of its main qualities and from the standpoint of ease of use.

For thermal insulation of frame buildings they use modern materials and traditional ones, familiar to builders for decades. Since all insulation materials were classified above into three groups according to the method of their application, their characteristics will be discussed further in accordance with this division.

Loose-type insulation

This type of material is used in construction for thermal insulation of walls, ceilings and floors along joists. These include expanded clay, granulated foam glass, ecowool and sawdust.

Expanded clay

Expanded clay is natural material, which has been used to insulate various areas of the building for a very long time, and has fully justified its purpose. It is produced in the form of gravel (granules) of different fractions, sand and crushed stone.

Expanded clay is used in construction not only as fill-in insulation, but also in combination with concrete mortar. The latter option is called expanded clay concrete and is most often used as an insulating layer under the concrete screed of the first floor floors on the ground.

Expanded clay is produced from refractory clays, which undergo special heat treatment at high temperatures, bringing the material to melting, swelling and sintering. As a result of these processes, expanded clay granules acquire a porous structure, which provides the material with low thermal conductivity. Expanded clay has the following characteristics:

• High level of thermal insulation. Expanded clay is made from clay, which is one of the “warm” natural materials, and air structure granules helps reduce the thermal conductivity of clay.
• It has a low weight, which is ten times lower than the weight of concrete. Therefore, it is suitable for insulating light buildings, since it does not put a large load on the foundation and wooden formwork into which it is backfilled.
• The material is absolutely environmentally friendly - it does not contain any synthetic or toxic substances.
• Expanded clay is inert to chemical and biological influences.
• The material is vapor-permeable, that is, it is “breathable” and prevents the walls from becoming waterlogged.
• The moisture resistance of the material is important - it does not absorb or retain water.
• Expanded clay will not create any problems for people prone to allergic reactions.
• The material can easily withstand very low winter and high summer temperatures without losing its insulating properties.
• The insulation is not flammable. It does not support combustion and does not emit smoke, even if it gets into an open fire, so it can be called a fireproof material.
• Rodents and insects do not live in expanded clay, which makes this material indispensable for insulating a private home. Fine-grained expanded clay is even often used to make an embankment under a house, as it helps protect the structure from mice.
• Long service life. It’s difficult to talk about any specific time periods, but frame house such insulation will definitely survive.

Expanded clay has its own letter and number marking from M300 to M700, but unlike other building materials, it does not indicate strength, but the bulk density of the insulation, which depends on its fraction.

• Expanded clay sand has a grain fraction of 0.13÷5.0 mm; it is used for backfilling as insulation into walls of relatively small thickness, up to 50 mm.
• Expanded clay gravel has a fraction of 5÷50 mm, and it is excellent for the production of expanded clay concrete.
• Expanded clay crushed stone differs from gravel in that it has an angular shape. It is obtained by crushing or rejecting gravel mass. The crushed stone fraction size can vary from 5 to 40 mm.

The use of expanded clay for insulating frame walls can be considered a completely justified option, since this material combines excellent performance characteristics and ease of installation - it can be used to insulate structures of any shape. It should be noted that this material is suitable not only for filling into frames wooden walls, but also three-layer brick or reinforced concrete enclosing structures.

The disadvantage is that the thermal insulation performance is not very outstanding compared to other materials. If expanded clay is chosen as insulation, then in order to achieve the desired effect, the thickness of its layer must be at least 200÷300 mm, or it can be used in combination with other heat-insulating materials.

Foam glass in granules

In addition to the well-known expanded clay, foam glass produced in granules is used in approximately the same way.

Foam glass is not used as widely as expanded clay, although it has higher thermal insulation properties. Apparently, this is due to the lack of information about this material. This material has been produced at Russian enterprises since the 30s of the 20th century, and it is intended specifically for insulating buildings. Foam glass can be purchased in bulk or in the form of slabs. The loose material is used to insulate sections of the building structure - it is poured into the space of floors along joists, attic floors, and also into the cavities of frame walls.

In addition, granulated foam glass is mixed with concrete to provide insulation under the screed.

The material is an environmentally friendly product, as sand and broken glass are used for its production. The raw material is ground to a powder, then mixed with carbon. The last component promotes foaming of the mixture and gas formation - this process makes the material porous, air-filled and light. Granules are made in special ovens with rotating chambers, into which blanks - pellets - are poured in advance. The fraction of granules can be different - large, having a size of 8÷20 mm, medium - 5÷7 mm and small - 1.5÷5 mm. The main characteristics of this material are presented in the comparative table at the end of the publication.

Prices for expanded clay

expanded clay

Foam glass is resistant to chemical and biological influences, moisture resistant, hard material. In addition, it does not collect or emit dust, and does not contain substances to which allergy sufferers are sensitive. The hardness of the material and the absence of any nutrients protects it from rodents.

The only disadvantage of bulk foam glass is its high cost. True, if you carefully calculate the “accounting” of insulation and compare it with cheaper expanded clay, then it’s still worth looking at which material will be more profitable.

Loose foam glass is laid in the same way as expanded clay.

Ecowool (dry installation)

This material can be considered a relative novelty in the field of insulation, but it is gradually gaining popularity due to its advantages. To insulate frame structures, ecowool is used in two versions - in dry form, backfilled in a cavity, or using “wet” technology - sprayed on the surface. The second method requires the use of special equipment, while the first can be done on your own.

Ecowool is a mixture of paper production waste and cellulose fibers, which occupy about 80% of the volume. total mass insulation. In addition, the material contains a natural antiseptic - boric acid, which occupies up to 12%, as well as a fire retardant - sodium tetraborate - 8%. These substances increase the resistance of the insulation to external influences.

Ecowool goes on sale in hermetically sealed plastic bags, in loose form, so if you choose a dry method of wall insulation, it can be used immediately.

Ecowool has the following characteristic features:

• Low thermal conductivity coefficient. The cellulose from which this insulation is mainly composed has all the qualities of wood, which has been used for hundreds of years to build residential buildings precisely because of the natural warmth of the material.
• The lightness of the material, even when moistened, allows it to be used for thermal insulation of frame structures.
• This is an environmentally friendly insulation material that does not emit harmful fumes throughout the entire period of operation.
• Pronounced vapor permeability. Ecowool does not retain moisture in its structure, therefore it does not require vapor barrier, which allows you to save some money when building a house.
• Ecowool is resistant to biological influences, as it contains an antiseptic additive, as well as to chemicals.
• This insulation can absorb moisture even up to 20% of the total mass, but does not lose its heat-insulating qualities. Here it must be said that moisture is not retained in the structure, since the material is “breathable”.
• Resistance to low temperatures, that is, frost resistance of cotton wool.
• Despite the fire retardant included in the insulation, the material belongs to the G2 flammability group, that is, low-flammable and self-extinguishing. That is, the smoldering of the material cannot be ruled out, but it will not become a flame spreader.
• Ecowool does not harbor mice and insects, as it contains boric acid.
• What is attractive about it is its long service life and the possibility of recycling.

When dry laying ecowool into a wall, its consumption is 45÷70 kg/m³. Before carrying out work, the material is fluffed using an electric drill. It should be taken into account that over time, dry cotton wool will sag by approximately 15%, so the insulation must be compacted well. It is also important to know that when fluffing this material in the room there will be a large amount of dust and debris, so it is best to carry out the work outdoors or in outbuildings, and the respiratory tract must be protected by wearing a respirator.

Insulation of walls with dry ecowool is done in two ways - backfilling and blowing.

Backfilling is done manually, into a gradually erected formwork, and blowing is done into a space completely covered by sheathing fixed to the frame posts. In order to carry out blowing, you need special equipment into which ecowool is poured, fluffed, and then fed under pressure into the empty space of the frame sheathed on both sides through drilled holes.

The stages of work on backfilling ecowool will be discussed below.

Sawdust as backfill insulation for frame walls

Sawdust cannot be called a popular insulation material, although it has been used for this purpose for centuries. We can say that this natural material has been replaced by modern synthetic insulation. However, there are craftsmen who to this day do not refuse sawdust and shavings, successfully insulating the walls of frame houses with them.

It is believed that sawdust was first used for insulation frame buildings in Finland, where the climate is more severe than in most regions of Russia, and it should be noted that the material fully justified its purpose. But we must not forget that sawdust has not only advantages, but also its disadvantages, which you also need to know about.

To achieve the desired thermal insulation effect, it is necessary to choose hardwood sawdust - beech, maple, hornbeam, oak, alder and maybe pine, the moisture content of which should be no more than 20% of the total mass.

The disadvantages of sawdust used for insulation in its pure form, without treating it with special compounds, include the following features:

• Flammability. Dry sawdust quickly ignites and burns, spreading the fire to nearby combustible materials.
• Various insects and rodents feel good in the sawdust layer.
• At high humidity sawdust may begin to rot, and mold may also form on it.
• When moistened, sawdust can shrink significantly; in addition, its thermal conductivity increases, which reduces the thermal insulation effect.

Taking into account all the features of this natural insulating material, master builders have developed mixtures that contain additives that neutralize all the shortcomings of sawdust.

To make such an insulating mixture, in addition to sawdust, you will need the following materials:

• Cement, clay, lime or cement are the binding components of the mass.
• Boric acid or copper sulfate are antiseptic substances.

Clay or cement is used in the sawdust mass if it is prepared for insulating the attic floor; for floors, sawdust is mixed with lime, and for walls, a sawdust-gypsum mixture is usually used.

The process of making a mixture for insulating frame walls can be considered in following proportions, based on mixing it in a construction wheelbarrow with a volume of 150 liters:

• Sawdust is poured into the container, approximately ⅔ of the total volume, that is, about 100 liters. (0.1 m³).
• Gypsum is added to the sawdust; you will need two liter jars of it. If the attic floor is insulated, clay is used instead of gypsum, and lime is used for floors.
• Next, dilute 100 ml in a 10 liter bucket of water boric acid or copper sulfate.
• Then the prepared, well-mixed aqueous solution is poured into a wheelbarrow with sawdust and one of the selected binding additives, after which all components must be mixed well. Here you need to remember that when using gypsum as a binding additive, the mixture must be poured into the formwork immediately after mixing, since gypsum, when mixed with water, remains in working order for a matter of minutes. Therefore, large amounts of sawdust-gypsum mass cannot be mixed. The thickness of the insulating layer of this material must be at least 150÷180 mm. After filling the mixture, it needs to be compacted only lightly, since after the binder hardens, it should have an air-filled structure.

How the formwork is built will be discussed below, in the section on installation work.

This table presents a more precise composition of the sawdust-gypsum mixture laid 150 mm thick to insulate a house with a certain wall surface area.

Parameter name	Numerical indicators
Area of ​​the walls of the house, (m²)	80	90	100	120	150
Number of sawdust, (in bags)	176	198	220	264	330
Amount of gypsum, (kg)	264	297	330	396	495
Amount of copper sulfate or boric acid, (kg)	35.2	39.6	44	52.8	66

Laying loose type insulation

The method of insulating walls with any backfill insulation material is almost identical, however, for each of them there are some nuances. It should be noted that there is nothing complicated in insulation frame structure no, and you can easily do the job yourself:

• The first step is to cover the frame with plywood (OSB) or other material on the outside or inside. It is best to cover the structure from the street, especially in cases where it is planned to use wooden lining. Having secured the boards to the front side of the house, you can calmly, slowly, work from inside the room, without fear of rain.
• The next stage of the insulation process is to secure strips of plywood or boards from the inside of the room from the floor, first to a height of 500÷800 mm. The result will be a kind of formwork into which the insulation will be poured and then compacted.

• When the cavity is filled with ecowool, the lining from the inside is increased higher. The newly formed space is again filled with ecowool and this continues until the wall is completely insulated. Experts advise leaving the formwork fixed for two to three days. During this time, the cotton wool fibers will bind together well and shrink slightly, freeing up some of the space that must also be filled with cotton wool.

• If sawdust is used for insulation, then the lower part of the formwork is left in place, and its next elements are fixed on top of it - plywood or boards, after which the space is also filled with insulation.
• When insulating walls with ecowool, after filling everything with it free space, the plywood formwork is often removed, and the inside of the house can be covered with plasterboard or other facing material.
• If another backfill material is used, then drywall or finishing sheathing will have to be fixed on top of the formwork material.
• If necessary additional insulation walls, heat-insulating material, it is recommended to install it on the outside of the building, before the decorative cladding.
• On the facade side, the insulation material must be tightened with a waterproof and windproof membrane.
• When used to fill the wall frame with sawdust or ecowool, as waterproofing material It is recommended to use kraft paper. It is laid inside the formwork, spread on the bottom and walls. After filling the insulation to a height of approximately 200÷300 mm, the next sheet of waterproofing is laid on it, then the insulation - and so on.

Insulation applied by spraying

If you plan to use sprayed materials for insulation, then you must immediately prepare for the extra costs of their installation, since special equipment is used for it. Moreover, installations for spraying polyurethane foam differ from those intended for working with ecowool.

Ecowool (spraying)

Application of ecowool, in addition to backfilling in the cavity, is also carried out “wet” or glue method. The fact is that cellulose contains a natural adhesive substance - lignin, and when the raw material is moistened, ecowool fibers acquire adhesive ability.

Prices for ecowool

This quality of the material allows it to be used for insulation vertical surfaces. Wall insulation is done in two ways:

• Spraying the material between the racks of the frame after covering it on the outside or inside with plywood (OSB) or boards, and then leveling the wool along the racks using a special roller;

• The frame is sheathed on both sides with plywood (OSB), and then the empty space is filled with ecowool through holes drilled in the cladding, measuring 55÷60 mm.

Both spraying and blowing ecowool into the space between frame racks carried out under pressure, which is created using special equipment.

In the container of the apparatus there are special mechanical “stirrers” for fluffing, whipping ecowool and moistening it throughout the entire volume

Dry ecowool is poured into the bunker, where it is moistened and mixed, and then enters a corrugated sleeve, through which it is sprayed onto the surface under pressure or blown into a sheathed frame.

If the wall will be filled through a hole, it is first drilled into the plywood sheathing. Then, a rubber seal and a pipe are installed in the resulting hole, through which fluffed and moistened ecowool is supplied.

When cotton wool is sprayed onto the surface and after leveling it, the insulation is covered with windproof material, after which you can begin outer skin frame.

Today you can find simpler sets of equipment for blowing and spraying ecowool for independent use. However, when using such a device, the ecowool will have to be fluffed manually before filling it, which means additional time and a large amount of dust, which in a professional device is collected in a special dust bag.