The heat loss of a building through the floor can reach 20% and depends on how correctly the insulation of both the floor itself and the entire foundation of the house is done. On normal soils, for the sake of economy, columnar foundations are often installed. This type of foundation costs about 1.5-2 times less than a strip foundation. At correct calculations Such a foundation is not inferior in strength and reliability to a strip foundation, and sometimes even surpasses it.

Why insulate a columnar foundation?

Insulation columnar foundation pursues two goals. First and overriding goal– protection of the foundation itself from thermodynamic damage. The second is reducing the overall heat loss of the house.

Does not exist universal formula foundation insulation. In each specific case, insulation methods are selected individually. This is the work of an architect-designer. Therefore, this article does not provide step by step instructions on the insulation of a columnar foundation, but the main factors influencing the decision are named.

First of all, it’s worth taking a closer look at the question: does a columnar foundation need insulation at all? Surely there will be builders who are inclined to believe that the foundation need not be insulated. However, when such an opinion is expressed, one should say what kind of foundation we are talking about, or rather, the foundation of which house. If this is the case, then the answer is obvious.

So, let's return to our first question: why insulate a columnar foundation? When they talk about insulating a columnar foundation, they mean insulating the resulting underground space. If left unprotected, the ground under the building will freeze. In a protected underground even in the most harsh winters the ground temperature does not fall below 0°C. This has a beneficial effect not only on the energy efficiency of the cottage, but also on the foundation itself, because the soil at positive temperatures does not swell and does not squeeze out the columns.

In its design, a columnar foundation is very similar to a pile foundation. The only difference is the depth of the supports. Piles, as a rule, are lowered to great depths. The posts are installed on a sand cushion, which is located below the freezing depth of the soil. There is a certain distance between the posts, as well as between the piles. Typically, posts are laid at corners and intersection points of walls, as well as in intermediate areas if the wall is heavy or long.

When the columnar foundation is ready and the builders begin to build the frame of the house, the need to fill the space between the columns is visible. A house without such filling looks unfinished. In addition, debris collects under it, the ground freezes, and the blowing wind cools the floor, constantly carrying away heat.

Obviously, insulation of a columnar foundation is simply necessary. Especially today, when energy efficiency becomes the main condition of construction.

When should you insulate a columnar foundation?

By insulation of a columnar foundation we mean insulation using thermal insulation materials, and simple sealing of spans between columns, i.e. collection device. In the vast majority of cases, a house on a columnar foundation also has a fence. It is carried out different ways, depending on the material of the columns; their heights above the ground; from architectural preferences, in the end.

An example of a collection device.

Unfortunately, it should be noted that modern energy efficient house cannot be built on a columnar foundation. Such houses are placed on monolithic slabs, completely isolated from the ground by a thick layer of rigid insulation. All other types of foundations (including columnar) require so-called cold bridges. If it were technically possible to establish an effective thermal break between the support and the wall, then a columnar foundation would be one of the most economical and energy efficient at the same time. However, none of the existing insulation materials today is capable of withstanding concentrated compressive loads, such as the force exerted by the weight of the building.

Now let's do something small, but important digression concerning financial side. Reduce construction estimate and it is not possible to increase the energy efficiency of a building at the same time. These articles are directly opposite in essence. Theoretically, it is possible to insulate all the building envelopes so well that several hundred watts will be enough for heating. But will there be any material benefit from this? Insulation also costs money. In addition, it has its own service life. If The payback period of insulation is equal to its service life, then such insulation cannot be called cost-effective. Insulation is considered appropriate if it pays off in at least half the time allotted to it.

However, there is another opinion. Some experts consider insulation as a kind of investment project. It is believed that young and energetic people have the opportunity to spend money on serious insulation, and this will insure them against serious operating costs in old age, when they will no longer be able to earn much.

Economists would consider this not the most profitable investment, because the funds can be deposited in the bank, and the interest will probably be enough to pay the energy bills. Moreover, this will already be the so-called compound interest.

If you put $1,000 in the bank at 10% per annum, then after 20 years your account will have $6,727. This is taking into account the fact that interest on the deposit will be accrued on interest and with the condition that the deposit will not be withdrawn. And that's only a thousand. And when insulating a house with a layer of 10-15 cm, you may need ten thousand. Accordingly, when investing such an amount, the profit will increase by an order of magnitude.

In general, you need to count everything. True, there is one unknown in this task - the cost of energy in the future. In addition, money is depreciating, life is becoming more expensive, and there is no stability. So people come to the conclusion that it is better to insulate now than to pay fabulous bills all their lives and at the same time heat the atmosphere with their own money.

How to insulate a columnar foundation

Let's return to the main topic. It's unlikely that anyone will count today good idea leave the columnar foundation completely open. Usually, at a minimum, a cold pick is performed.

Pickup- This is a fence that fills the gap between the corner supports of a columnar foundation. The construction regulations describe the design of the fence in sufficient detail. In this case, first of all, they are guided by SNiP 2.02.01-83.

To construct a fence, various Construction Materials. It can be brick, stone, cinder blocks, boards or beams, sheet materials(plywood, OSB). It is not recommended to use blocks made of cellular concrete and other materials with high water absorption. It’s not difficult to guess why: the collection is subject to moisture (capillary, rain/snow). Since the pick-up does not carry any loads other than itself, there are no requirements for the strength of its material. The collection can be made from lightweight large-format ceramic blocks. Such a fence will be both durable and heat-insulating.

Brick fence.

Often the fence is made of brick or stone. In this case, it requires a solid foundation. Under wooden house the pick-up is buried 20-30 cm into the ground. This is recommended to be done, first of all, if the house is built on heaving soils. Narrow trenches are dug under the intake, at the bottom of which it is necessary to cast screed on sand cushion .

Sometimes a stone fence is erected directly on a sand bed. But on a screed it will still be more correct, since it evenly distributes the load from the masonry. The screed in this case is a guarantee that the masonry of the fence will not crack under its own weight.

Insulation of the fence and blind area.

Now let's talk about whether the fence is worth additional insulation. The most authoritative experts strongly recommend doing this. Insulating a columnar foundation together with a fence is relatively inexpensive, but provides many benefits. An insulated foundation guarantees a positive temperature in the underground; In addition, the insulated columns themselves will not freeze. If you also insulate the blind area, then the columns can be laid not to the depth of soil freezing, but half as shallow. This will force you to spend a little on insulation, but will save money on earthworks oh and actually on the building material.

It is best to insulate a columnar foundation outside so that the posts and the fence themselves are insulated from the cold. Insulation should be done in a continuous line without breaks. Since both the foundation and the filling are in contact with the ground and are subject to moistening by capillary moisture and precipitation, you should choose materials with zero water absorption. These include extruded polystyrene foam, foam glass, polypropylene foam and other closed-cell polymer insulation materials.

Insulation of a columnar foundation with polystyrene covered with decorative panels.

The best option both in terms of quality and cost is, perhaps, extruded polystyrene foam (EPS). Unlike conventional polystyrene foam, EPS does not absorb moisture and, accordingly, does not accumulate it. Conventional (non-extruded) polystyrene foam has significant water absorption, so it is not the most suitable material for insulating a basement, much less a foundation. If you have a question about choosing insulation, the following article can help:.

After the construction of the fence, the columnar foundation looks like a strip foundation. Accordingly, the issue of ventilation becomes internal space. As in the case of a strip foundation, you will need vents. If the fence is constructed of brick or stone, then the vents are left in the form of gaps.

To protect against rodents and birds, the vents are covered with metal mesh.

Vents should be located on each side of the base of the house. IN brickwork It’s more convenient to make square vents. The recommended size is 10-15 cm. The products are distributed so that they are opposite each other. Their meaning is to let the wind blow Fresh air underground from whichever direction it blows. Then “excess” air will come out from the remaining vents. Thus, ventilation of the underground space is carried out.

Conventional columnar foundations do not have a grillage in its technical sense. The pick-up is laid only on the outer contour. Inside the perimeter of the house, the columns are not connected by solid walls, so there is no need to make internal vents, as is the case with a strip foundation.

The number of vents theoretically depends on the volume of the underground. If the height of the column above the ground is within 30-40 cm, then one vent per 3-4 m horizontally is enough. These numbers are taken from practice and they are most likely correct. If you make too many vents or their cross-section is too large, then the underground begins to overcool. At the same time, no matter how much ventilation is done (within reason), the soil under the house will still not freeze. But everything needs moderation.

Lack of perfume is also bad. The soil contains moisture, and it eventually ends up in the insulated underground. This is not too much of a problem, especially if the posts and fence are made of high grade concrete. However, moisture always remains the enemy of any structure. The reinforcement in reinforced concrete columns is highly corroded by moisture. Rust increases in volume and literally tears apart the concrete. And weakening the support of a building is an unpleasant thing.

Finally. Guided by the considerations expressed in this article, you can make your own decisions when developing insulation for a columnar foundation. Understanding the principle of foundation insulation, knowledge of thermal insulation materials makes it possible to find, based on building regulations, the best way thermal insulation.

Preface. Is it necessary to insulate the columnar foundation of a house? We will definitely say what is needed. Proper insulation Building a pillar foundation with your own hands will help save heat, which means money for heating the house. Let's look at the diagrams for self-insulation, materials for insulating a pillar foundation, and will also show a video, how to insulate a columnar foundation with your own hands.

A columnar foundation consists of pillars of wood, concrete, brick or rubble. The pillars are placed below the freezing depth of the soil. The pillars run along the entire perimeter of the building every 1.5 - 2.5 m. They must be placed in corners and intersections interior walls. The pillars usually rise from the ground by 0.25-1 m. Reinforced material is poured along the upper ends for structural rigidity. strip foundation or install strapping beams.

Types of columnar foundations

If the columnar foundation is made of rubble or concrete, then after stripping outer surface The pillars are independently waterproofed with bitumen in two layers with a roofing material layer. Instead of bitumen, it is better to use penetrating waterproofing, for example, Penetron. It is also necessary to treat the strip foundation or grillage (tiring beams) from high humidity soil.

How to insulate a columnar foundation of a house

Insulation of a columnar foundation is often done using extruded polystyrene foam ( trademark– Penoplex). Also, when insulating, foaming polyurethane foam is sprayed. In order to choose the right insulation for a pillar foundation, it is necessary to briefly consider the main types of insulation, their technical and thermal insulation characteristics.

Materials for foundation insulation

Styrofoam more suitable for internal insulation pillar foundation, but many, due to the low cost of the material, use it for external thermal insulation foundations. But better foam replace with insulation materials that have higher strength and are not afraid of increased humidity from the soil.

Expanded clay It is also an inexpensive insulation for pillar foundations; developers use it using the following method: with inside For a columnar foundation, formwork is made from boards and covered with expanded clay to a depth of 30-40 cm.

Mineral wool, like polystyrene foam, is used to insulate a columnar foundation from the inside; mineral wool is supplied in rolls and slabs. It has high water absorption and compressibility. Therefore, when using it, the insulation should be carefully protected from moisture with a vapor barrier.

Penoplex is characterized by high strength and durability. The insulation is not afraid of moisture, rodents do not grow in it. Penoplex is used not only for insulating a columnar foundation, but also for insulating the blind area of ​​a house around the perimeter, insulating a strip foundation, and is produced in slabs with a thickness of 20 - 100 mm.

Thermal insulation of a columnar foundation with foam plastic or other insulation is done immediately after the completion of waterproofing, covering the grillage and part of the wall of the house by 25 - 40 cm. When insulating the foundation from the outside, it is plastered cement-sand mortar or mixtures, this procedure can be done with your own hands, since it does not require special skill or extensive experience in construction.

Do-it-yourself insulation scheme for a columnar foundation

The pillars of a columnar foundation are sheathed with bars or boards to the full depth. It is necessary to make a non-load-bearing base; the insulation scheme is similar to the insulation of a screw foundation with mineral wool, since their design is in many ways similar. Insulation (expanded polystyrene, resistant to humidity and mechanical damage) about 400 - 500 mm wide is laid on the backfill to cover the cold coming from the ground.

If there is no base between the pillars, then only the grillage from below is fully insulated. It is difficult to install such a system yourself, so it is easier to make an insulated three-layer floor from mineral wool on the ground floor with a thick thermal insulation layer, a similar method is used by builders when insulating the basement of a house or cesspool with your own hands.

How to insulate a columnar foundation of a house

How to insulate a pillar foundation

To insulate a columnar foundation with polystyrene foam, the sheets are secured with dowels with fungus or glued with adhesive compositions on the plinth. Penoplex is frost-resistant, moisture-resistant, with high mechanical strength, environmentally friendly, retains its properties in wet soil and guarantees insulation of the foundation for many years

Penoplex seams are sealed with foam or sheets with an edge are used. Externally, polystyrene foam protects from solar ultraviolet radiation cement plaster or PVC panels. To prevent moisture and water from rising from the ground, the base and soil under the house are covered with a layer of waterproofing. Next we will show the video, how to insulate a columnar foundation with penoplex with your own hands.

How to insulate a columnar foundation. Video lesson

Many people build country houses and bathhouses on columnar and screw foundations because of high level groundwater. Why insulate a columnar foundation? Proper thermal insulation will help conserve heat in winter and save on heating costs country house. Let's look at a scheme for insulating a foundation made of pillars, materials for insulation, and at the end of the article we will show a video on how to insulate the columnar foundation of a bathhouse or private house on your own.

Pillars for of this type The foundation is made of logs, bricks, concrete or rubble. The pillars are located below the freezing depth of the soil so that the structure is not affected by possible heaving of the soil in winter period. Poles must be installed in the corners of the house, at the intersections of walls, as well as around the entire perimeter external walls at home every 1.5 - 2 meters. Let's look at all the stages in detail.

Unlike, a pillar foundation is not greatly affected by soil heaving. If shallow foundation may suffer when the soil freezes, then columnar when correct device located below the soil freezing depth. But, nevertheless, it is necessary to insulate the foundation in order to reduce heat loss in the house through the floor of the first floor.

Heat losses in winter through the floors of the first floor can reach 20% if the foundation is not properly insulated.

Thermal insulation of the columnar foundation of a bathhouse or house is done using polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, or polyurethane foam (PPU) is sprayed onto the structure. To select insulation, it is necessary to consider the main types of modern insulation, their purpose and specifications. But, when choosing, preference should be given to moisture-resistant and durable materials.

How to insulate a columnar foundation of a house

Mineral wool It is used more often to insulate the floor in a house on a columnar foundation from the inside. Mineral wool is supplied in slabs and rolls; for horizontal surfaces it is better to purchase rolled thermal insulation. Mineral wool and URSA fiberglass have high water absorption, so the insulation must be protected from moisture with rolled hydro- and vapor barrier.

Styrofoam would be better suited for insulating the columnar foundation of a bathhouse from the inside, since the material has a low density and cannot withstand strong mechanical loads. But many builders use polystyrene foam for external insulation due to the low cost of the material. When choosing polystyrene foam, use denser and more durable PPS boards.

Extruded polystyrene foam It is characterized by high strength and low water absorption, and is produced in slabs with a thickness of 20 to 100 mm. Extrusion insulation retains its characteristics even in wet soil. Penoplex, like Technoplex, should be used not only for thermal insulation of the foundation, but also for independent insulation of the perimeter blind area of ​​the house.

Expanded clay is an inexpensive natural insulation material. Developers use this material for insulation. attic floors and when installing heated floors Knauf. To protect the foundation from freezing, formwork is made from boards 30–40 cm wide on the inside of the structure and filled with mm. In addition to expanded clay, you can use sawdust mixed with soil.

Insulation scheme for a columnar foundation

The foundation pillars are left at an elevation of 0.25 - 1 meter from the ground level. The ends of the pillars are tied with beams for rigidity or a shallow strip foundation is poured. If the pillars are made of rubble or concrete, then the surface of the pillars is treated with mastic or bitumen. It is also necessary to waterproof the foundation, including the grillage and façade of the building.

If the structure is made of concrete, then use the penetrating composition Penetron, made in Russia, for waterproofing.

Thermal insulation is carried out immediately upon completion. If you only insulate the floor on the first floor, and there is no thermal insulation between the pillars, then only the grillage is treated with thermal insulation. It is worth remembering that with this method, the basement of the house will be cold. If you plan to make the underground warm, then you need to insulate the basement of the house, watch the video at the end of the article on this topic.

How to insulate a columnar foundation of a house

The foundation pillars are sheathed around the perimeter wooden blocks, boards or profile at full height (see photo above). A load-bearing base is necessary when insulating a columnar foundation with mineral wool and expanded polystyrene. We recommend using polystyrene foam, since the structure borders the ground and will be constantly exposed to moisture from the ground and precipitation.

When self-insulating a columnar foundation with polystyrene foam, insulation sheets are attached to a base made of bars or a profile on the base of the house. , like extrusion from other manufacturers, is frost-resistant, has a high mechanical strength and moisture resistance. Seams and gaps between sheets of extruded polystyrene foam are carefully sealed polyurethane foam.

On the outside, expanded polystyrene sheets protect from solar ultraviolet radiation and precipitation basement siding or PVC panels. To prevent moisture from the soil from rising into the house, the underground of the house is covered with a layer roll waterproofing and fill the foundation.

The foundation is the foundation of the house; the stability of the entire structure depends on its strength and reliability. Keep it away from exposure for a long time external environment will allow insulation in parallel with waterproofing. Available technology for installing thermal insulation materials allows you to do the work yourself.

Concrete or pile foundation is regularly exposed to moisture, low temperatures, dynamic loads moving soil. Through it the cold enters basement and inside the house. External foundation insulation has advantages over internal insulation:

• The formation of condensation on the walls is excluded.
• The foundation surface is protected from moisture and loose soil.
• External thermal insulation allows you to maintain a positive temperature in the basement and prevents the walls from freezing.
• The waterproofing layer protects the base from the penetration of groundwater.
• House heating costs are reduced.

Materials for thermal insulation of foundations

Exterior work requires special properties and characteristics from thermal insulation materials:

• moisture resistance;
• durability;
• low thermal conductivity;
• strength.

You can insulate the foundation of a house from the outside with polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam and expanded clay.

Foam plastic - the material is popular for thermal insulation of foundations on initial stage construction and when cladding the finished building. Among its advantages: durability, low cost, moisture resistance, high degree of thermal insulation. The plates are easily fixed using special glue, so installation is easy to do yourself.

Extruded polystyrene foam does not absorb moisture and is not afraid of frost; it is used in any climate. It is stronger than foam plastic, does not crumble when cutting, and has a groove for tight joining. A slab 5 cm thick is sufficient to provide effective thermal insulation. Expanded polystyrene is durable, resistant to external loads, and not afraid of rodents.

Polyurethane foam is a two-component sprayable composition with high thermal insulation qualities. It creates a monolithic surface without joints or cold bridges. Special equipment is used to apply the mixture. Excellent moisture resistance does not require additional waterproofing of the base. Polyurethane foam is applied to any type of surface and creates a protective barrier for 30 years. The composition decomposes under the influence of UV rays, so it must be protected from radiation. The disadvantage of insulation is its high cost.

Expanded clay is an inexpensive bulk insulation material that has been used for long time to insulate the base. In front of everyone positive properties the material is sensitive to moisture, so careful waterproofing will be required. Unlike synthetic slabs with a thickness of 5-10 cm, expanded clay is poured into a trench up to 50 cm wide.

External polystyrene foam insulation technology

1. A trench is dug along the perimeter of the building to the depth of the base, its width ranges from 0.5 to 1 meter.
2. The surface of the foundation is cleaned and inspected, any cracks found are covered with cement mortar.
3. The base is being waterproofed. To do this, you can use penetrating insulation, bitumen mastic and built-up roll covering. Liquid rubber is applied to the surface with a spatula, roll material heated by a burner and glued to the foundation.
4. For thermal insulation, foam or polystyrene foam boards 5 cm thick are used. They are fixed to the waterproofing layer with mastic or polyurethane glue. The insulation should not be attached to hot bitumen or solvents should be used in the adhesive. In order not to damage the tightness of the layer that protects from moisture, the slabs are not additionally fixed with plastic dowels.
5. The first row of polystyrene foam is laid from the corner of the house, the second and subsequent rows are mounted offset. The joints of the plates are covered with polyurethane foam. The thickness of the wall insulation is twice the size of the material for thermal insulation of the base; this forms a drip line that protects the foundation from precipitation.
6. The outer part of expanded polystyrene is covered with a layer of roofing felt and geotextile. You can finish it using glue used for fixation and a reinforcing mesh embedded in it.
7. After the thermal insulation is completed, sand in a layer of 15-20 cm and gravel up to 50 cm are poured onto the bottom of the trench, and the excavated soil is poured to the top.

Described technology best option for thermal insulation of strip foundations.

Construction of a blind area for soil insulation

To prevent freezing of the soil near the house, formwork is installed for installing a concrete blind area with your own hands.

• A trench is dug from 60 to 100 cm wide and 15-20 cm deep.
• A 10-15 cm layer of sand is poured onto the bottom and compacted.
• Expanded polystyrene slabs are placed on top.
• The insulation is covered with a waterproofing sheet extending 15 cm onto the base.
• The surface of the film is covered with a metal reinforcing mesh.
• Formwork made from boards is installed with a slope; near the house its height is 8-10 cm, and drops down to 5 cm at the edge.
• Concrete is poured and leveled.
• The junction of the wall and the blind area is covered with a second layer of basement insulation.

Using expanded clay for thermal insulation

Insulation bulk material begins with excavation work. A trench is prepared with a depth of at least 1 m and a width of up to 1.5 m. The base is waterproofed with bitumen mastic or sludge. liquid rubber. The surface of the trench is covered plastic film or roofing felt, the ends of the canvas are brought up. Expanded clay is poured inside, and insulation is wrapped on its surface. Performed on top of the trench concrete blind area, having a slope from the wall to the edge.

Spraying polyurethane foam on the foundation

The synthetic composition is suitable for insulating any type of foundation: shallow, monolithic and strip. Polyurethane foam is applied to the surface in several layers until it reaches a thickness of 5 cm. When working with a toxic substance, a protective suit is required. Benefits of coverage:

• lack of joints;
• moisture resistance;
• strength;
• speed of application;
• durability.

The finished surface is treated with a special primer and plastered using reinforcing mesh. After the finishing dries, the trench is filled with soil.

Insulation of a columnar foundation

The base design in the form of pillars or piles leaves free space between the soil and the foundation. Thermal insulation in this case has its own characteristics; it is necessary to make a fence.

• A trench 30-40 cm deep is dug between the supports.
• A cushion of crushed stone and sand is poured at one third of the height.
• Bars are attached to the pillars, between which boards are stuffed. This is a pick-up.
• Waterproofing and insulation are laid on the board structure and grillage. Decorative finishing is being carried out.
• The lower part of the building is covered with expanded clay.

Integrated insulation of the foundation and soil enhances the effectiveness of external thermal insulation.

During construction residential buildings And country dachas, as well as garages and outbuildings with their own hands, they often give preference to the construction of columnar foundations with a wide base, which are built from wood, stone or reinforced concrete. Columnar foundations are installed only on homogeneous, stable soils. To decrease heat losses and reduce building heating costs, carry out the complex special works– insulation of the columnar foundation.

Positive aspects of foundation insulation

Insulation has a beneficial effect on maintaining heat in the room, and also provides reliable waterproofing foundation belt.

When performing insulation work with your own hands, you can save significant funds allocated for heating the building (usually the reduction in consumption is from 30 to 50%).

Foundation insulation design

There is a reduction or complete elimination of the impact on the structure of soil heaving forces that develop during frosty, severe winters.

The internal temperature in a building with insulated foundations is significantly stabilized - night and day changes are eliminated, which also has a beneficial effect on the safety of the foundation and the entire structure of the house.

Insulation prevents the formation of condensation on buried structures and ceilings, which is guaranteed to reduce the possibility of the spread of rot and mold. The insulation layer performs the function of protecting the waterproofing from mechanical damage.

When insulating foundations, their strength increases and the service life of the structure increases without the need for repair work.

Materials for performing work on insulation of columnar foundations

Concrete foundation structures, or those lined with rubble stone, are insulated during construction - when removing the formwork, coating waterproofing all outer walls of the grillage (banding beams) 2 times with bitumen compounds.

The following materials are used for insulation work:

1. Foam plastic - has low strength, so it is used only for insulation internal surfaces foundations.
2. Mineral wool - an insulating material available in rolls and slabs (mats), wool has a high degree of water absorption. When using mineral wool for insulation work, especially in wet soils, it is necessary to provide an additional layer of insulation from film materials.
3. Expanded clay - the use of the material is economical profitable option to perform insulation, but requires production additional work(installation of a box of boards on the inside of the foundations, followed by backfilling with a layer of expanded clay - up to 40 cm).
4. Penoplex – modern insulation with high technical and economic indicators. The material has high strength, durability and reliability, is not damaged in conditions of high humidity and low temperatures in winter. Penoplex is not damaged by rodents, and insects do not breed in it. Currently, penoplex is the most suitable material for insulation buried structures. The material is produced in slabs, the thickness of which varies from 20 to 100 mm.

Penoplex: technology for insulating columnar foundations

How to insulate a columnar foundation using penoplex yourself? Let's consider the stages of work on insulating columnar foundation structures with penoplex.

Penoplex (extruded polystyrene foam) consists of air bubbles and foamed polystyrene, thanks to air gap in insulating material, its thermal insulation qualities are significantly increased.

Insulation of the foundation with penoplex is carried out according to the following scheme, which is common to all types of foundation:

To begin with, you should dig a trench around the perimeter of the building; the bottom of the trench is made with a slope in the direction from the house, which will help remove groundwater from foundation structures.

The surface of the foundation should be cleaned of dirt, uneven surfaces should be smoothed out and existing chips should be repaired. It is necessary to dry the foundation outdoors so that the absorbed moisture can evaporate as much as possible.

All structural parts of the foundation should be covered with bitumen mastic 2 times. This work can be easily done with your own hands using brushes or a roller.

Penoplex insulation process

Waterproofing layer bitumen mastic will provide reliable protection structures from soil moisture.

Polystyrene slabs are glued over a dried layer of coating bitumen waterproofing with a special glue, which is applied to the sheets pointwise. Insulation of a columnar foundation with foam sheets begins from the bottom tier, gradually rising upward. The gap between adjacent slabs should be minimal; the resulting gaps should be sealed with polyurethane foam.

When performing penoplex insulation work, the question often arises: “How many layers of insulation should be done?” Opinion experienced builders unanimously - most reliable insulation can be achieved by laying penoplex with your own hands in 2 layers.

For reliability, the plates are secured with special dowels along the edge of each.

The laid out insulation sheets are treated with an adhesive composition, then a reinforcing mesh is laid and a fixing layer of glue is reapplied.

Dried extruded polystyrene foam insulation is trimmed decorative plaster or covered with ceramic tiles.

Blind area device

The top of the trench is covered with coarse sand, maintaining a slope from the walls of the house, then a layer of expanded clay is laid, compacted and covered with earth. In the video you can see how the blind area is insulated with penoplex.

For additional insulation structures, you can arrange a warm blind area. This operation will provide reliable protection of the building from the cold at sub-zero temperatures.

Features of insulation columnar base is the need to carry out work on grillages, which are first isolated with roofing felt. It is especially important to provide reliable waterproofing in the areas where the grillage meets the piles. After completing the work on waterproofing the grillage, work on fixing the penoplex is carried out using the technology described above.

Columns of a columnar foundation are insulated in special cases; usually it is enough to insulate the grillage.