Today the market offers consumers different kinds insulation materials that differ in cost, installation and thermal conductivity. In addition to these indicators, it is necessary to pay attention to other characteristics in order to have an idea correct application thermal insulation during house construction.

A comprehensive assessment of the material will help you choose the right insulation for your home. The use of different types of thermal insulation depends not only on their properties, but also on the architectural features of the building, the thermal conductivity of individual structural elements, as well as the expected cold bridges. The insulation of each component of the house is carried out with different materials.
External insulation of a loggia, balcony, basement is made with penoplex. Due to the fact that it can withstand loads of up to 0.5 MPa and is resistant to moisture, the insulation is optimally suited for exterior finishing basements. Penoplex, being under the ground, is protected from fire and retains all its properties.
Thermal insulators for exterior finishing The walls of the house are chosen depending on the material from which the structural element is built. Wooden houses It is best to blow it with penoizol. Applied under high pressure the foam fills all the cracks, and its structure allows the wood to breathe. The high price does not always allow the use of penoizol. As a replacement option, you can lay mineral wool. Walls made of concrete, gas blocks and other similar materials are insulated with penoplex or glass wool. Although, in government construction, they are more inclined to use glass wool due to its resistance to fire.
Inside the house, the walls and ceiling are insulated with non-combustible materials. Usually these are mineral wool mats laid in a frame. They are covered with a vapor barrier on top, which prevents moisture from penetrating the mats and fleecy fibers into the room. If there are lags, the ceiling is covered with ecowool. To insulate the floor, a 100 mm layer of expanded clay is filled, plus foam boards are laid. The concrete screed poured on top prevents the insulation from burning, and the reinforcing mesh gives strength to the floors.
A modern and very practical insulation for roofing is polyurethane foam. It is applied by spraying. But its high price is not affordable for everyone. Most often, traditional insulation - mineral wool - is used for roofing. It is produced different sizes in the form of mats and rolls.
Insulation that is correctly selected according to its characteristics will create a comfortable conditions accommodation.

Review of thermal insulation materials

Preventative types of insulation are most often used for finishing different elements house designs. They have a low thermal conductivity.
Organic-based insulation materials are made from wood and agricultural waste. To improve properties, cement and plastic are added to natural raw materials. The result is insulation that is resistant to fire and moisture. It can withstand heat up to 150 degrees. The scope of application is wide, but is mainly used as internal insulation of a multi-layer roof or facade structure.

• white agglomerate is made from the bark of oak branches;
• black agglomerate is made from bark removed from a tree trunk.

Cork can be used as a base for wallpaper or as a finish. Thin roll material has found its application as a substrate for laminate flooring. The price of this natural material quite high. Depending on the modifications, the cost ranges from 800 to 4 thousand. rub./m2.

Honeycomb plastic heat insulator

The structure of the material consists of hexagonal cells like a honeycomb. Inside they are filled with fabric or paper filling, held together epoxy resin. Phenolic resins can be used as a fixative. In appearance, honeycomb panels resemble plastic. The characteristics of the material depend on the raw materials used in the production of the base. For example, the sheet density can be from 230 to 500 kg/m2.

Foam-polyvinyl chloride

PPVC heat insulator is made from foamed resins. The porousization method gives them this structure. The material is produced soft and hard, which gives it versatility. PVC is suitable for insulating roofs, floors and walls. Its density is 0.1 kg/m3.

Many people believe that chipboard is simply building material. But as insulation, the slabs have proven themselves to be good. Their base is small sawdust bonded with synthetic resin. The density of the slabs ranges from 500 to 1 thousand kg/m3, and water absorption is 5–30%.
Application of chipboard as insulation it is justified for floors, walls and ceilings. The cost of the sheets is quite low and is affordable for every developer. Depending on the size, the sheet can be purchased for 400–900 rubles. The slabs are used as a base for installing soft roofs.

Fiberboard

Fibreboard board appearance resembles chipboard. Its base consists of fibers of straw, corn or any wood. It is even possible to use waste paper. Synthetic resins are added as an adhesive. The density of fiberboard compared to chipboard is small, only up to 250 kg/m3, and the thermal conductivity is 0.07 W/m/K, plus low strength.
The scope of application is similar to that for chipboard. Low cost ranges up to 800 rubles. per sheet.

Lightweight thermal insulation has a unique closed-cell structure, which creates the lowest thermal conductivity compared to other insulation materials. PPU is formed from the interaction of liquid components, polyester and MDI. Exposure to catalysts creates a chemical reaction that results in the formation of a new substance. The density of the insulation is 40–80 kg/m3, and the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam is about 0.028 W/m/K.
Polyurethane foam is applied to the insulated surface using the spraying method, which allows you to treat any difficult areas. The optimal use of polyurethane foam is roof insulation and wooden walls Houses. The cost of the material along with the spraying work is quite high and can reach $200/m3.

Penoizol

Another name for insulation is mipora. It is obtained on the basis of a whipped water emulsion of urea-formaldehyde resin. Glycerin and sulfonic acid are used as additives. Mipore is delivered to the consumer in blocks or crumbs. It is used in liquid form at construction sites. Mipora poured into prepared cavities hardens at a positive temperature.
Low density up to 20 kg/m3 promotes strong water absorption. The thermal conductivity index is 0.03 W/m/K. Not afraid of fire.

Polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam

These two insulation materials consist of 2% polystyrene and 98% air. The thermal conductivity index is 0.037–0.042 W/m/K. They differ from each other in structure. Polystyrene foam consists of small balls, and expanded polystyrene, when broken, resembles foam rubber.
Polystyrene is flammable and emits toxic smoke. Polystyrene foam is afraid of moisture, so it is more often used for insulating facades. Extruded polystyrene foam can remain in wet soil for a long time, so it is more suitable for external insulation of basements. The cost of the material is low.

Minvata

A common insulation material for walls and roofs is mineral wool. It comes in two types:

• slag wool is made from dissimilar metal casting waste;
• stone wool is made from rocks, for example, basalt, limestone, etc.

The material is non-flammable, resistant to chemical attack, and has a low cost. Produced in slabs and rolls.

Glass wool

The material differs from mineral wool in fibers bigger size. The basis of production is the raw materials used to make glass. The thermal conductivity index is from 0.03 to 0.052 W/m/K, and the density is no more than 130 kg/m3. Glass wool is also popular for insulating roofs and walls.

Ceramic wool

Produced by blowing zirconium, silicon or aluminum oxide. Cotton wool is resistant to high temperatures and does not deform. The thermal conductivity index at +600°C is from 0.13 to 0.16 W/m/K, and the density is no more than 350 kg/m3. It is used for insulation of facades and roofs of buildings.

Mixed type insulation

Materials are produced from asbestos mixtures with the addition of perlite, dolomite and other components. The initial state of the material resembles dough. They cover the surface prepared for insulation and leave it until completely dry.

Asbestos is resistant to fire and can withstand heat up to 900 °C, but it is afraid of moisture, so such thermal insulation requires mandatory waterproofing.

An example of a mixed type material is vulcanite and sovelite. Their thermal conductivity is 0.2 W/m/K. The cost of insulation is low, but it is dangerous to human health.

Reflective materials

Foil is used as a reflector, and foamed polyethylene creates a thermal barrier. The material has a thin structure up to 25 mm thick, but its effectiveness is equivalent to 100 mm thick fiber insulation. One popular example is penofol.
Reflective thermal insulation simultaneously acts as a vapor barrier, so it is convenient to use in baths and saunas. The cost of the material is low and accessible to everyone.
The main types of insulation materials discussed today and their characteristics will help to make right choice material for specific construction needs.
In the following video you can get acquainted with the characteristics of some types of insulation.

There is a wide choice of insulation materials for wooden houses; they can be used to insulate a house outside, and some even inside the house. What types are suitable for a frame house? Which is the best, let's look at their characteristics in this article! If carried out correctly, it will not be superfluous in any climatic conditions.

When it is done correctly, then under its “protection” the house will not only be warmer in winter, but also noticeably cooler in summer.

Installation of insulation will create a comfortable microclimate in a room for any purpose - in a residential building, office or production workshop.

In addition, saving heat means obvious financial savings. It is completely unreasonable to heat the street, given that the technologies used today provide an opportunity to save energy resources already at the initial stage of construction work. Most of all, those parts of the building that are most adjacent to the external environment need to use insulation -, and.

The material produced in this way has excellent properties; moreover, it is not flammable and therefore does not pose a fire hazard. But a huge part of the wonderful qualities of insulation can be irretrievably lost when it gets wet. This should be taken into account.

Stone wool

Stone wool

This is a fibrous material that is sold in the form of rolls and portioned slabs, and has an extremely low thermal conductivity.

Most quality product made from rocks called gabbro-basalt. This non-flammable material is used with equal success in the construction of private facilities and the construction of various industrial facilities. The wide range of uses is also explained by the possibility of its use at extremely high temperatures, reaching one thousand degrees.

The insulation's complete immunity to fire is complemented by its excellent resistance to moisture. This is a hydrophobic material, the peculiarity of which is that it does not absorb water, but repels it.

This ensures that the insulation remains dry even after a long period of time. This, in turn, will allow her to maintain her high performance qualities. Unique properties basalt wool allows it to be used even in boiler rooms, baths and saunas, where both high humidity and heat. Strength in this case is not directly dependent on the density of the material.

It's pretty soft material, having at the same time a sufficient margin of safety. Its structural stability is determined by the special arrangement of the individual component fibers - chaotic and vertical. The material has high anti-corrosion properties.

It can coexist quite peacefully with concrete and metal, without the occurrence of all sorts of chemical reactions. High biological stability provides it with immunity to various biological pests: damage by insects and rodents, the emergence fungal diseases,

The basalt insulation passed the combustion test, but the organic insulation burned out

Basalt rock is the main raw material for production of this type cotton wool. Treatment with formaldehyde resins gives the material a sufficient level of strength, and the modern technologies used guarantee the complete elimination of harmful phenols at the stage of material production.

The final product reaching the consumer is harmless and environmentally friendly material with high insulating qualities.

It is actively used for insulating floors of residential and production premises, for thermal insulation of roofs and facades, including as external insulation.

He found wide application and in rooms with extreme humidity and temperature. The best basalt insulation, stone wool made from rocks, is the key to quality for a long time.

Glass wool

The missing 7% comes from specially added flame retardants. Insulation fibers contain lignin, which becomes sticky when humidity increases. All elements included in the insulation are non-toxic, absolutely non-volatile and harmless to health. Cellulose insulation is resistant to combustion and rotting, and has excellent sound and heat insulation properties.

Can hold approximately 20% humidity while maintaining its performance. The material releases moisture to the outside and dries quickly, maintaining all its performance qualities. The disadvantage of ecowool can be considered its difficulty manual application to the surface, as well as the impossibility of arranging a “floating floor” due to its inherent softness.

The need to insulate walls is a consequence of the wrong choice of materials, non-compliance with technology during construction work, or errors in calculations during design.

One way or another, the problems that have arisen must be solved, and this should be done as soon as possible, before the processes of swelling and destruction of walls from exposure to moisture have gone too far. The first step should be to study the problem, understand the impacts that need to be stopped (ideally eliminated).

Only after this it is necessary to carry out the necessary operations that can resolve the issues that have arisen and regulate the heat exchange at home, eliminate processes that destroy wall material.

The choice between external and internal insulation, with equal capabilities of both methods, should definitely be made in favor of the external one. From a physical point of view, only it can be designated by the term “insulation”, internal insulation is, rather, cutting off walls from contact with warm, moist air.

Moreover, if the insulation is located, then the wall receives heat from the inside, which is why it cools less and does not have a temperature conducive to the condensation of water vapor. When placed internally, the insulation becomes a barrier that prevents heat from passing out.

In this case, the wall is able to cool down to almost complete equalization of temperatures on both sides, losing its thermal insulation properties and remaining only a mechanical barrier to external influences.

Dew point

Such use external walls unproductive, besides The dew point moves to the line of contact between the insulation and the wall, causing abundant moisture condensation. Such a drawback is a frequent consequence of illiterate actions during internal insulation, and the consequences are not immediately noticeable.

Internal insulation is done for two reasons:

• In addition to external.
• If it is impossible to carry out work from outside, there is no access, they do not allow technical specifications or rules, etc.

If there is no other way out and work can only be done from the inside, you need to understand the reasons for the occurrence of condensation and eliminate them with maximum efficiency. First of all, you should remember the basic rule internal insulation:

The vapor permeability of materials, regardless of the number of layers in the cake, should be in descending order.

This means that the insulation material must present a more serious barrier to vapor than the wall material. This condition makes it possible to remove steam that has passed through the thickness of the insulation to the outside.

Otherwise, the steam will condense on the wall surface (which happens most often). The problem is that the presence of insulation does not allow the wall to come into contact with warm internal air, it does not heat up and steam upon contact with cold wall immediately begins to condense.

Comparison of thermal insulation characteristics of materials

No measures other than effective vapor protection work here, and the density of the vapor barrier layer should tend to absolute. No matter how gradual the accumulation of moisture, sooner or later there will be enough of it to start destructive processes - several cycles of freezing and thawing can turn the most durable material into dust.

This leads to the conclusion - To enhance vapor protection, you need to use the most suitable insulation.

Materials for thermal insulation of walls from the inside

Not every insulation material is suitable for internal insulation. It must have a set of properties that ensure the fulfillment of the assigned tasks:

• Low vapor permeability.
• Lack of ability to absorb moisture.
• No emissions harmful to human health.
• Ability to keep shape, rigidity.

These properties are more characteristic of these types of insulation:

• Glass wool.
• Ecowool, cellulose.

The materials are not listed in random order, but by degree of effectiveness and frequency of use.

Styrofoam

The record holder for use by a large margin is polystyrene foam (PPS). Has the following positive qualities:

• Light weight.
• Low vapor permeability.
• Rigid structure, the slabs have clear dimensions.
• Easy to process.
• Practically does not absorb water.
• The cheapest insulation.

The combination of such properties rightfully distinguishes it among the leaders. Unfortunately, the material crumbles a lot and is afraid of fire.

Styrofoam

Extruded polystyrene foam

Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) - chemically similar to polystyrene foam, but structurally different due to manufacturing method.

It even surpasses foam in its properties:

• Absolutely impermeable to steam and water.
• More rigid, does not crumble.
• High heat resistance.

At the same time, it costs significantly more than regular teaching staff, which reduces its competitiveness.

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is a material that has all the necessary qualities for internal insulation:

• Close contact with the wall.
• Does not allow moisture or steam to pass through.
• It has no organic matter - does not rot, does not emit hazardous substances.

Wherein, the use of polyurethane foam is limited, since its application requires special equipment and qualified workers, plus, when applied, polyurethane foam emits toxic fumes. In addition, the price of the insulation itself plus the cost of work sharply reduces its demand.

Polyurethane foam

Mineral wool

Mineral wool, glass wool, ecowool, cellulose - traditional materials are of little use for internal insulation. However, they are used quite often, which is due to the lack of theoretical preparedness of users and adherence to stereotypes.

The qualities of these materials, good in other cases, lose their effect - any type of cotton wool has a fibrous structure, which promotes moisture absorption. No required rigidity, high vapor permeability. Such materials are not recommended for internal insulation.

Wetting of the insulation can be stopped by installing a special vapor barrier film, which will not only protect the material from the penetration of water vapor, but will not allow harmful mineral dust to enter the room.

Mineral wool

Which insulation is best suited for insulating walls from the inside?

NOTE!

The most effective insulation materials are: polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam. They combine all the most valuable properties both for insulating materials in general and for the specific specifics under consideration.

The most useful property is vapor permeability. Polystyrene foam consists of welded granules, each of which is a sealed capsule with gas bubbles. A small absorption of water is possible only through the capillaries between the granules, but its magnitude is very small.

What's better?

EPPS is a foam material consisting of a single mass of substance. It is impenetrable to either steam or water; there is absolutely no absorption. If the size of the insulated surface is not too large, then EPS will be the best choice.

How to avoid internal insulation problems?

In order to avoid internal problems insulation, it is necessary to determine the operating mode of the wall pie and find the location of the dew point.

Ideally, it should be located either inside the wall, or, which is somewhat worse, inside the insulation.

If the dew point is at the boundary of two materials, then condensation will sooner or later appear due to the slight penetration of vapors through the side walls, through the insulation, leaky areas of vapor barrier, etc.

This situation becomes possible when large thickness insulation (a complete cut-off of the wall from internal heat) or with low vapor permeability (a consequence of incorrect choice of material).

To resolve the issue, you can give several recommendations:

• Thermal insulation thickness. Insulation thicker than 50 mm should not be used.
• Choose only vapor-proof materials, forming the most hermetically sealed layer.
• Organize effective ventilation premises. This point is desirable in any case, since the removal of air supersaturated with steam reduces the partial pressure and the intensity of the effect of steam on the wall and insulation materials. When there is nothing to condense, the issue is resolved automatically.
• When installing insulation, proceed carefully do not skip areas, do not create gaps. It is especially important to tightly wrap the window opening in the areas of slopes, window sill and upper edge. The side walls are also a source of steam; penetration through them, although to a lesser extent, still occurs. Ideally, the entire room would be insulated, but this is not always possible.

CAREFULLY!

Window block - source of steam penetration. It has a lot of cracks and gaps around the perimeter between the wall and the frame. Before installing the insulation, you should remove the slopes and window sill and carefully fill all doubtful places with polyurethane foam.

To equalize the steam load, you can prime all (not just external) walls with special compounds that reduce the passage of steam through the wall material. This is especially important for loose porous materials prone to moisture absorption.

Is internal vapor barrier necessary?

The need for internal vapor barrier is undeniable. Almost the whole point of internal insulation is to create an airtight boundary between steam-saturated air and the wall.

Moreover, if the insulation itself is a good vapor barrier (like EPS or EPS), then the presence of a separate layer of rolled vapor barrier is not necessary, especially if there is effective supply and exhaust ventilation.

However, to insure against possible microscopic cracks, gaps or other cavities in the insulation, as well as to cut off adjacent walls, an additional vapor barrier layer is often installed.

If a looser material that allows steam to pass through is used as insulation, then a complete vapor barrier is required. Attempts to do without it will negate the whole idea of ​​insulating the wall - it will get wet, condensation will saturate the insulation, causing it to stop retaining heat and turn into a moisture accumulator. At this time, the wall material will get wet, freeze and, as a result, actively collapse.

Internal insulation is significantly less effective than the external method, and is used only as an additional measure. As an independent measure, such a technique is questionable and requires an understanding of the dynamics of the processes occurring in the wall cake at different temperatures and in different time of the year.

wall pie

The effect of such a technique often requires a lot of experimentation and change, which in practice means constant repair. Therefore, you should act very carefully and carefully to try to achieve the desired result on the first try.

In contact with

Among the variety of materials for home insulation, choosing the right option can be quite difficult. Each of them is often divided into several types with its own characteristics. unique characteristics. A comparative analysis can take a long time, so an idea of ​​the general properties of a particular insulation will help, if not make a final choice, then at least tell you in which direction to move. The article will focus on building thermal insulation materials.

Thermal insulation materials types and properties

Styrofoam

One of the most popular thermal insulation materials for walls is polystyrene foam. It belongs to the category of inexpensive insulation and firmly occupies a leading position in it. I must say that this is completely justified. Its effectiveness has been confirmed sufficient quantity buildings for both residential and industrial purposes.

So, among him positive characteristics especially stands out:

• price. Production costs are minimal. Material consumption (in comparison with popular mineral wool) is one and a half times less;
• ease of installation. Polystyrene foam will not require the construction of lathing and guides. It is mounted on the wall by gluing;
• versatility. A correctly selected type of insulation will allow you to create a reliable heat-protective barrier for the floor, facade, walls, floors between floors, roof, and ceiling.

It effectively protects residents from the cold frame houses, laid inside hollow brick walls.

It is most convenient to view the indicators depending on the classification in the table. The division is based on an indicator such as density.

Characteristics	Foam brands				Notes
	PSB S 50	PSB S 35	PSB S 25	PSB S 15
Density (kg/m³)	35	25	15	8	Types PS - 4, PS - 1 have increased density
Fracture resistance (MPa)	0,30	0,25	0,018	0,06
Compressive Strength (MPa)	0,16	0,16	0,08	0,04
Moisture absorption capacity (%)	1	2	3	4	At full immersion for a period of 24 hours
Thermal conductivity (W/μ)	0,041	0,037	0,039	0,043
Self-extinguishing time (sec.) / flammability class	3	1	1	4	Provided there is no direct contact with open flame Normally flammable
Vapor permeability coefficient (mg)	0,05	0,05	0,05	0,05

All described types can be used at temperatures from - 60 to + 80°C.

PS class material is produced using pressing, which gives it increased density (from 100 to 600 kg/m³). It is successfully used as insulation for cement floors and where significant loads are expected on the base. Rest specifications generally coincide with the above data for other types of foam.

Of course, according to some figures and coefficients, polystyrene foam has discrepancies, for example, with more modern foamed polystyrene or penofol, but the difference is so insignificant that it will be absolutely not noticeable to the residents of the house.

Therefore, the strengths of polystyrene foam are rightfully considered:

• a small coefficient of thermal conductivity, which allows you to retain heat in buildings made of any type of material from brick to gas silicate blocks;

• The cell structure of polystyrene foam is closed, so it absorbs liquid extremely poorly. For insulation, this is an extremely important indicator, because when water is added, it loses its heat-saving properties. Cellars, ground floors those having direct contact (or the threat of it) with groundwater are successfully insulated using polystyrene foam;
• sound insulation comes as a pleasant addition to the function of reducing heat loss. The air hidden in the sealed cells of the material successfully dampens even the most intense sound waves transmitted in space. In order to create a barrier to impact noise, foam plastic alone will not work;
• resistance to alcohol, alkaline and saline solutions, water-based paints in this material is “developed” to high level. In addition, it is not chosen as a worthy habitat for fungi and mold. It is worth noting that rodents, on the contrary, are very fond of polystyrene foam and often prefer to live in it. Fight them any way available means will not allow uninvited neighbors to spoil the insulation;
• environmental Safety. None harmful substances Styrofoam does not stand out from itself. The modern standard of this insulation is full compliance with sanitary standards;
• as additional protection from combustion, at the production stage, fire retardants are added to the main ingredients, designed to increase the fire resistance of the foam. And if there is no direct contact with the fire, then it goes out on its own in a short period of time. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that it is still considered a flammable material;
• loss of the above properties will not occur, even if there is short-term contact with a heat source up to 110°, but prolonged exposure to more than 80° C will lead to deformation and loss of characteristics.

Described temperature conditions are classified as anomalies and do not occur with regular frequency, so making them the main reason for refusing to use polystyrene foam is inappropriate.

Penoplex plates

Foamed polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene - all this is the name of the same material sold in construction stores as penoplex insulation. It is a “relative” of the familiar polystyrene foam, but is considered a material one step higher.

The main difference begins already at the production stage, where extrusion plants are used. As a result, the fine-cell structure of the material has greater strength than its “brother” foam. It is also distinguished by excellent hydrophobic properties. Air is securely sealed in the scarlet cells, preventing warm air leave the room, and cold, on the contrary, penetrate inside.

Main properties of thermal insulation material:

• strength. It is achieved due to a unique homogeneous structure. Under heavy loads, the slab does not deform, distributing the weight efficiently, but is easy to cut construction knife into pieces of the required size;
• environmental friendliness The material has been proven by multiple studies, it is resistant to the formation of fungus and mold, and rodents do not like it. Some types of organic solvents can soften penoplex and disrupt the shape and structure of the slab. Therefore, when working with this insulation, it is recommended to avoid contact with such liquids;
• low vapor permeability requires strict adherence to installation technology and recommendations for use so as not to create a greenhouse effect in the room;

• lifetime for penoplex slabs the lifespan is at least 50 years. This is a guaranteed period of time during which the material will have its original characteristics;
• coefficient of thermal conductivity- the main indicator by which foamed polystyrene is considered good insulation. Low values ​​of this indicator indicate that the house will be reliably protected from heat loss.
• The types of thermal insulation material penoplex and the directions for their use are quite diverse (previously used and modern names material).
• Insulation of facades (PENOPLEX 31 or “Wall”). It is made with the addition of fire retardants. Well applicable for plinths, internal and external walls, partitions, facades. Its density is 25-32 kg/m³, compressive strength is 0.20 MPa.
• Foundation ( PENOPLEX 35 without additives for fire resistance or “foundation”). In addition to the application option implied by the name, this type is widely used in the arrangement of basements, blind areas and plinths. Density is expressed in terms of 29-33 kg/m³, and compressive strength is 0.27 MPa.
• Roofs. ( PENOPLEX 35 or “Roof”). Pitched or flat roof any type can be insulated using this type of polystyrene foam. It is dense enough (28 - 33 kg/m³) to create a usable roof.
• Country cottages, saunas, houses. ( PENOPLEX 31 C or “Comfort”). Universal insulation. Houses, roofing, walls and plinths in small private buildings - this is the scope of its application. Density indicators - 25-35 kg/m³, strength - 0.20 MPa.

Foamed polystyrene occupies a worthy position in popularity due to its good performance indicators.

Thermal insulation material glass wool

Insulation, known to more than one generation of builders, has today undergone some modifications. But, in essence, it remained the same material made from molten glass. Sand and recycled glass materials are drawn at temperatures above 1400 °C into thin fibers, which are formed into small bundles (with the participation of binding components), and then heated and pressed into a felt-like product. Glass wool reaches the consumer in mats or rolls and is intended for insulation of both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

It belongs to the category of mineral materials and is still produced in large volumes, which indicates that it is in demand and has a significant number of positive characteristics that are worth getting to know a little closer.

• Fragility refers rather to significant shortcomings. To prevent glass wool from scattering into its component parts during operation, mats and canvases are stitched. But no reinforcement can save you from small particles flying in all directions. Therefore, the equipment of a person working with glass wool must be serious: clothing that covers the body well, a respirator mask, goggles and gloves.
• The thermal conductivity of the material is low, but in comparison with other materials for similar purposes, it is considered high.
• The cost of glass wool remains competitive. Due to its availability, it is in demand, especially since it really reduces heat loss.
• Ease of transportation and use. Rolls and mats of material weigh little and the packaging is compact enough to bring the entire volume for home insulation in one go. Laying it out is also easy. The only caveat is that when insulating vertical bases, it can fall out of the frame, because it is quite flexible and low-elastic. The problem is solved by constructing guides with a smaller distance than the width of the mat. It is easy to cut the material to size.
• Safety. Glass wool can cause certain inconveniences and harm to health only at the installation stage. But when proper organization labor troubles will not happen. And after the material is laid in the base and covered with drywall, chipboard sheets or other finishing materials, it will not cause any harm to humans.
• No rodents. Due to the specific nature of the material, mice and rats will not choose this insulation to create cozy burrows in it.
• Glass wool is a non-flammable material.
• Sound insulation when used is also ensured.

Thus, it is most convenient to use glass wool for insulating floors and ceilings. You can also show skill when decorating walls. The main disadvantage remains the harmful dust that is inevitable when cutting and rolling, but for some consumers the low cost more than offsets this disadvantage.

Slag

Continuing the conversation about mineral insulation, it is worth mentioning slag wool. It is produced from blast furnace slag. Since this is a kind of production waste (when cast iron is smelted in blast furnaces, a glassy mass remains), the costs of its production are low, and therefore the price of the finished insulation is quite affordable.

Slag wool is capable of blocking heat well in rooms, but it has enough disadvantages and limitations on use to negate its low cost and good thermal insulation.

• So, slag wool is afraid of moisture. It is not justified to use it in bathrooms or on facades. At the same time, it is capable of oxidizing various metal parts and structures with which it comes into direct and prolonged contact.
• To top it all off, it is scratchy and requires the use of special protection during operation. Against this background, glass wool looks much more attractive, so slag wool is modern construction used extremely rarely.

Mineral thermal insulation material

Basalt, stone, mineral wool, rockwool - these names most often hide the same material.

• Its fibers are the same size as slag wool, but they do not cause discomfort during installation. Safety in use is one of the first distinctive properties This insulation is from the mineral category.

• The thermal conductivity coefficient of this material is calculated from 0.077 to 0.12 W/meter-kelvin. Basalt wool is called the best in all respects. It does not contain additional harmful impurities and can withstand prolonged exposure to extremely high and low temperatures, easy to use.
• Both ordinary stone and basalt wool are resistant to combustion. The fibers will only melt and sinter together, but will not allow further spread of the fire.
• Any building can be insulated with stone wool, both when built from scratch and those that have been in operation for quite a long time. Basalt insulation does not interfere with air microcirculation, which means it can be used in buildings where forced ventilation not functioning properly.
• Certain inconveniences for some builders may arise with the need to erect a false wall. Without it, it will not be possible to install insulation. But in fact, the construction technology is very simple; not so much space is “eaten up”.
• The material is environmentally friendly and is also well suited for insulating wooden houses. It is strictly forbidden for him to get wet, therefore waterproofing layer must meet all requirements.
• Recommended thickness of thermal insulation material for middle zone is 15-20 cm, in the southern regions a 10 cm layer is sufficient.

• Stone wool absorbs sound well. This is achieved due to the fact that its fibers are arranged chaotically, and air accumulates in large quantities between them. This structure perfectly dampens sounds.
• The described insulation is chemically passive. Even if it is in close contact with a metal surface, no traces of corrosion will appear on it. Rotting and infection by fungi or mold stone wool also not typical. Rodents and other pests are not attracted to the material.
• The only one really negative point Its application is quite expensive.

Characteristics of thermal insulation materials

Ecowool

Ecowool is insulation made from waste paper and various residues from the production of paper and cardboard. In addition to these components, antiseptics and a fairly powerful fire retardant are added to the composition. It is extremely necessary, because judging by the fact that 80% of the material is flammable cellulose, the level of flammability of such a heat-insulating product is quite high.

Ecowool is not without its drawbacks.

• One of them is hers natural decrease in volume. It is capable of settling, losing up to 20% of the original filling level. To prevent this, ecowool is used in excess. Creating a “reserve” will replenish the volume that decreases during operation.
• The insulation absorbs moisture quite well. This directly affects the ability to retain heat. The material needs the ability to release moisture to the external environment, so the thermal insulation layer must be ventilated.
• In order to carry out installation, special equipment will be required. It is a device that pumps insulation with uniform density, eliminating its further shrinkage. In this regard, you will need the help of hired specialists with experience working with this type of insulation. The wet application method, which involves such difficulties, also opens up the prospect of a break in construction work while the ecowool dries (from two to three days).

There is, of course, a method of dry insulation, but the installation option described above still has a better result. If horizontal surfaces can be insulated without using special equipment, then creating a layer of thermal insulation on the walls will be difficult to do without. Risk appears uneven shrinkage material and the creation of uninsulated cavities.

• Features of the material itself do not imply its independent (frameless) use when insulation is carried out using a screed. Unlike polystyrene foam boards, ecowool does not have sufficient strength for this.
• Considerable precautions will be required during installation.:
  • carry out work away from open flames;
  • Avoid contact of the material with any heat source that could lead to smoldering. That is, when insulating a surface next to a fireplace chimney or chimney, they will need to be separated from the insulation with basalt mats coated with foil or asbestos-cement barriers.

It would seem that against the backdrop of such difficulties, one can immediately abandon the use of ecowool, but it positive sides for some people they can become a powerful incentive to use it.

• The material (even taking into account the increase in shrinkage) is quite economical.
• This insulation is environmentally friendly and safe for health. An exception may be material where boric acid or ammonium sulfates were used as a fire retardant. In this case, ecowool will have a sharp and unpleasant odor.
• It is a seamless insulation that does not have cold bridges. This means that heat loss in winter period will be reduced to a minimum.
• The material is inexpensive, while allowing for good thermal insulation.

As soundproofing material ecowool can compete with many of the materials described above.

Polyurethane foam (PPU)

Polyester with the addition of water, emulsifiers and active reagents, when exposed to a catalyst, form a substance with all the signs and indicators of a good heat-insulating material.

Polyurethane foam has the following characteristics:

• low thermal conductivity coefficient: 0.019 - 0.028 W/meter-kelvin;
• applied by spraying, creating a continuous coating without cold bridges;
• the light weight of the hardened foam does not put pressure on the structure;
• ease of use without any fasteners makes it possible to insulate surfaces with any configuration;
• long service life, including resistance to frost and heat, any precipitation, rotting;
• safety for humans and the environment;
• does not destroy metal structural elements, but on the contrary, creates anti-corrosion protection for them.

Walls, floors and ceilings - its application is available everywhere. Polyurethane foam will adhere to glass, wood, concrete, brick, metal and even painted surfaces. The only thing you should protect polyurethane foam from is exposure to direct rays of light.

Types of thermal insulation materials

Reflective thermal insulation materials

There is a group of heat-saving materials that work on the principle of reflectors. They function quite simply: they first absorb and then release the resulting heat.

• The surface of such insulation is able to reflect more than 97% of the heat that reaches its surface. This is available through one or a couple of layers of polished aluminum.
• It does not contain impurities, and is applied to a layer of foamed polyethylene for ease of use.

• The thin-looking material can surprise with its capabilities. One or two centimeters of reflective insulation creates an effect comparable to using a 10 to 27 cm thick fibrous thermal insulator. Among the most popular materials in this category are Ecofol, Penofol, Poriplex, Armofol.
• In addition to heat and sound insulation, such insulation creates vapor barrier protection (and is often used in this capacity).

The conclusion is quite simple: ideal insulation does not exist. Depending on the means, the goals pursued and personal preferences (including ease of use), everyone can choose for themselves optimal material to create a warm and truly cozy home. But we must remember that when using each of the above-described insulation on the roof, mandatory waterproofing of the heat-insulating material is required.

Thermal insulation material is used to insulate various structures. It has the property of low heat transfer, so its use allows you to increase the thermal resistance of objects.

What problems does thermal insulation material solve?

Thermal insulation is one of the priority areas in construction, since its use can greatly improve the performance characteristics of buildings. A building with a sufficient amount of insulation freezes much less in winter, which reduces the cost of heating it. It is also less prone to overheating in summer, keeping comfortable temperature which saves resources.

The presence of thermal insulation makes it possible to avoid sharp jumps room temperature. This is very important if finishing materials that are sensitive to this parameter are used indoors, for example, wood or certain types of plastic, including PVC used for production. suspended ceilings. The absence of significant temperature fluctuations makes it possible to remove favorable conditions for condensation to form. It is the use of thermal insulation that eliminates the appearance of dampness and mold development. Of course, provided that moisture does not form too intensively inside the room from other factors or accumulates as a result of the lack of waterproofing between the foundation and the facade walls.

Dampness on walls leads to peeling finishing materials. As a result, wallpaper and heavy ceramic tiles are torn off. Excess moisture from the lack of sufficient thermal insulation also leads to expansion of wood products. As a result, there is warping of the floor covering, deformation of the doors, causing them to fit loosely door frame, and so on.

It is also worth noting that thermal insulation materials in addition to their direct purpose, they have soundproofing properties. Of course, their efficiency is not as high as that of coatings specialized for this purpose, but it is quite sufficient to reduce the transmission of loud sounds.

Thermal insulation materials used

There is a fairly wide range of materials offered on the market that can be used as successful insulation. Among them, the optimal balance between cost and efficiency is:

• Mineral wool.
• Styrofoam.
• Expanded polystyrene.
• Penoplex.
• Foamed polyethylene foam.
• Polyurethane foam.

Mineral wool

This is a cheap, yet fairly high-quality thermal insulation material that can be used to insulate ceilings, roofs, floors and walls. Mineral wool shrinks when pressed, so when working with it you must first create a sheathing and then lay it between the joists. On top of it a facing, roofing or flooring material. An undoubted advantage of cotton wool, in addition to its thermal insulation properties, is its sound-stopping effect. Mineral wool does not burn, so its use improves fire safety.

A major drawback mineral wool is the tendency to track. If it is used on the ceiling or floor, it lasts a really long time, but the slabs fixed to the walls begin to gradually shrink. As a result, open gaps form at the top, so-called cold bridges. In this regard, mineral wool manufacturers often recommend changing it literally every 7 years, otherwise the thermal insulation will gradually work worse and worse.

Styrofoam

It is also a budget-friendly thermal insulation material that can be used in any insulation. It is worth noting that polystyrene foam can be installed wet or dry. Since it is prone to compression under pressure, if it is used for thermal insulation of walls, it is best to work with the facade. Plastered foam plastic, reinforced with fiberglass mesh, can fully cope with the loads that may be placed on it on the facade. But indoors, such a wall will not last long, since they will constantly lean on it, hang cabinets, shelves, paintings, photographs, and so on.

The density of polystyrene foam is quite low, so when carrying out thermal insulation, sheets with a thickness of 5-10 cm are usually used. The undeniable advantages of using this material is the possibility of ordinary cutting without the need to use a saw. The main disadvantage of polystyrene foam is its tendency to collapse. When subjected to mechanical action, foam bubbles easily fall out of it.

Expanded polystyrene and penoplex

These two materials are almost identical in their properties. They can be compared to foam plastic, but with a very dense structure. Expanded polystyrene and penoplex can be used for wet insulation floor. Their sheets are laid out, after which a concrete screed is poured on top. These materials are easy to cut using assembly knife, electric jigsaw or .

Expanded polystyrene and penoplex better than foam thanks more high density, therefore they are less prone to destruction under mechanical stress. In addition, they stop heat transfer more effectively, so this heat-insulating material can be used using sheets of smaller thickness. When working with penoplex, you need to take into account that it has very low adhesion. In this regard, if it is used to insulate walls, then further plastering will be difficult. To increase the adhesion of the sheets, they will have to be treated with a concrete contact primer. Plastering works will have to be carried out using fiberglass mesh along the entire perimeter, and not just along the joint lines.

These materials have low fire resistance, and when ignited, they emit toxic combustion products. They require careful handling when working because they are very fragile.

Foamed polyethylene foam

This is a modern material, which is a porous structure made of polyethylene. Often one side is covered with aluminum foil. It is often used as a substrate when laying floor coverings, in particular laminate and linoleum. This material has a small thickness with truly excellent thermal insulation properties. Its efficiency is 20 times higher than that of mineral wool. Thus, with a thickness of 1 cm, it will have the same properties as 20 cm of cotton wool.

The undeniable advantage of polyethylene foam is its good vapor barrier. This material is laid out on the surface, and its joints are glued together with special reinforced tape with a reflective surface. Foamed polyethylene foam can be used for any thermal insulation work, and can also be wound onto pipes to insulate them.

Polyurethane foam

This thermal insulation material, unlike previous types, is offered not in the form of rolls or slabs, but in a liquid state. It is blown onto the surface, after which it quickly increases in volume and hardens. Thanks to these properties, it can be applied to any surface, even in hard to reach places. Polyurethane insulation is usually sprayed between floor joists, roof joists, and so on. After this, finishing materials are fixed on top.

Polyurethane foam has a huge resource, has noise insulation properties and high adhesion to any surface. Jointless application technology prevents the formation of cold bridges. This solution, if the installation technology is strictly followed, can be called the most effective. Unfortunately, working with polyurethane foam requires the use of specialized equipment, the cost of which is very high. As a result, you will not be able to work with it yourself. You will need to contact companies that provide similar thermal insulation services.

Where is thermal insulation used?

Thermal insulation material is used to provide insulation of various surfaces:

• Stan.
• Roofs.
• Basement and floor.
• Ceiling.

Wall insulation

Quite often, the materials used for wall construction have the disadvantage of being prone to freezing in winter, as well as transferring heat inside the room in summer. To eliminate this problem, thermal insulation is used. It can be carried out both indoors and outdoors. Naturally, it is much more efficient to do it on façade wall. Most materials are usually at least 4-5 cm thick, so fixing them on interior wall, the room will shrink. The issue of wall insulation is very important, since it is through them that up to 40% of the heat leaving the building occurs.

Insulating material can be fixed on walls using a wet or dry method. Wet involves gluing using specialized solutions in the form of adhesives or cement mixtures. The dry method is also called ventilated. The sheathing is mounted on the surface of the wall, and the heat-insulating material is laid between it, after which it is lined with closing materials. Drywall is used inside the room, metal profiles are used on the facades, and so on.

Roof insulation

Up to 20% of heat can escape through the roof. Insulation is especially important when installing an attic roof, when the under-roof space is used as a service room. By using thermal insulation material on the roof, you can reduce the overheating of the building in the summer. This is especially true if roofing materials are used metal sheets in the form of corrugated sheets, metal tiles and so on. When installing roofs, the insulation is fixed between the joists.

Basement and floor insulation

This is primarily relevant for one-story buildings, as well as premises on the first floors of multi-story buildings. The heat-insulating materials used in this case are laid between the concrete screed and the facing floor covering. Certain types of thermal insulation solutions can be used before pouring the screed. If the floor board is laid along the joists, the insulation is distributed between them.

Insulation of ceilings

IN one-story buildings, as well as on the top floors multi-storey buildings Ceilings are insulated. In most cases, it is easier to carry out it in the attic, using the same method as used for floor insulation. This way you can save on materials and use simpler technology. Also, when you need to work specifically with the ceiling, you can fix the heat-insulating material wet method or fix it on the sheathing, subsequently hiding it with a suspended or suspended ceiling.

In some cases, it is even better to insulate the ceiling rather than the attic floor, especially if the height of the room is excessively large. The installed thermal insulation material will allow you to take away a little ceiling height, thereby reducing the actual volume of the room for heating.