High-quality home insulation will not only make the building more comfortable to live in and reduce heating costs, but will also help extend the life of other building materials, preventing their premature deterioration due to freezing. At the same time, it is important to choose the right insulation: only if this condition is met, the thermal insulation of the house will be reliable and effective.
How to choose insulation
When choosing insulation for a home, take into account the following basic factors:
- type of thermally insulated structure: walls (external or internal), roof, ceiling, base, facade, balcony, etc.;
- features of the insulated structure: for walls - material of manufacture, thickness, for roofing - its type, for floors and facades - type finishing materials, which will be laid on the insulation;
- technical requirements: home insulation must be environmentally friendly. In some cases, conditions are also put forward in terms of fire safety, vapor permeability, low weight, etc.
The budget allocated for thermal insulation work. It is natural that every buyer strives to save money. But when choosing insulation, you should still not give preference to cheap materials of dubious quality and without specialized certificates. Their use can lead to ineffectiveness and/or fragility of the thermal insulation of the house, and consequently to additional costs associated with replacing the insulation in the near future.
Pay attention to the thermal conductivity of the material. The lower this value, the greater the thermal insulation performance of the home insulation. The level of thermal insulation is also affected by the thickness of the material.
Another important factor choosing insulation - the method of its installation. Depending on the type of material and the form of its release, this may be:
- laying with fastening, gluing - for mats, slabs;
- spraying - for sprayed polyurethane foam and other similar materials;
- application with painting tools - for liquid formulations;
- pouring - for expanded clay and other similar materials.
The choice of application method often depends on the type of structure. For example, it is convenient to fill the attic with expanded clay and cover the walls with mats.
Popular home insulation materials
Mineral wool (basalt). The material is made from molten rocks, blast furnace slag and consists of many microfibers. The advantages of such insulation are its durability, which is due to mechanical strength, resistance to mold and moisture, as well as non-flammability. Mineral wool is often used for external insulation (ventilated, plaster facades), thermal insulation of flat roofs, walls and pipelines. When choosing such insulation for your home, pay attention to the composition. It is not advisable to use materials with phenol-formaldehyde resins as a binder in residential premises.
Fiberglass. This is a type of mineral wool consisting of glass fibers. The advantage of the material is increased chemical resistance, strength and elasticity. The main disadvantage of this insulation is the significant fragility of the fibers. Broken glass wool microfragments cause skin irritation, are dangerous if they get into the eyes, and are difficult to remove from clothing.
Expanded polystyrene (foam). This is a synthetic insulation for the home, which combines extremely affordable cost with good thermal insulation properties, which determines its popularity. 98% of this material consists of air in closed cells, which is related to its effectiveness in terms of insulation. The advantages also include hygroscopicity, light weight, and preservation of its thermal insulation properties in any climate zone. Disadvantages: low strength, ability to oxidize in air, release of harmful substances when heated.
Spray polyurethane foam. This is one of the modern insulation materials that appeared on the market relatively recently. The material is a plastic with a foamy cellular structure. It is characterized by elasticity, breathability, good noise-absorbing properties, chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption. Application by spraying makes it possible to create a high-quality thermal insulation layer even on structures with complex configurations. Disadvantages are high price, sensitivity to ultraviolet light and the ability to degrade due to exposure to high temperatures.
Ecowool. Such home insulation is made from recycled cellulose (more than 80%) and additional additives (antiseptics and fire retardants, usually used for these purposes boric acid and sodium tetraborate, respectively). The material is considered environmentally friendly. If ventilation is possible, ecowool can be used in damp rooms (for the home these are basements, plinths, bathrooms), including those in which condensation may form on surfaces. The disadvantages of the material are a decrease in volume during operation (usually by 20%) and fragility of properties (over time, the thermal insulation characteristics decrease).
Penoizol. This material is liquid foam, produced in cylinders. The foam substance fills well the cracks and gaps in the structure, which provides reliable thermal insulation. No need to perform preliminary preparation surface, there are no seams. Penoizol is produced on the basis of a polymer resin, into which various additives are added. Foam insulation insulation for residential and non-residential premises. The former have a more environmentally friendly composition (usually they are made on the basis of urea-formaldehyde resins), the latter often have better performance indicators, although they are not environmentally friendly. After hardening, the foam insulation layer has good vapor permeability, which ensures a normal microclimate in the room. But such insulation can temporarily emit bad smell, is highly hygroscopic and exhibits linear shrinkage.
Polyester fiber. Environmentally friendly insulation for the home. Does not contain glue and does not smell. The fibers do not break during installation and do not generate dust. The advantages of the material also include biological stability and minimal water absorption. It is not recommended to lay polyester fiber on areas that are under constant pressure.
Floor insulation
Up to 20% of heat loss occurs through the floor (for comparison: up to 30% is lost through windows and doors). Insulation placed underneath will help reduce heat loss. decorative coating. Most often used for floors following materials:
- foamed materials (foam plastic, expanded polystyrene, etc.) with one foil side;
- wood materials (plywood, fiberboard, sawdust, cork insulation);
- mineral wool.
When choosing, you need to consider:
- load on the floor. The insulation should not be deformed under its influence;
- requirements for vapor permeability, hygroscopicity, noise insulation and fire safety.
The latter requirements are usually determined by the type of flooring material and the conditions of use. For example, waterproof foam is suitable for concrete, but not for wood floors. Glass wool dampens noise well, but due to its high moisture absorption it is not suitable for use in damp rooms.
Types of wall insulation
First of all, it matters where exactly the insulation will be used.
- Outside the building. It is important that the material is resistant to atmospheric factors, including high humidity and temperature changes. For external work, polystyrene foam, basalt insulation, and heat-insulating plaster are often used.
- Inside the building. The environmental friendliness of the material is of paramount importance. In some cases, there is also a requirement for a small thickness so that the insulation layer does not greatly reduce inner space premises. You can use mineral wool, expanded polystyrene (foam), polyester fiber.
It is also necessary to analyze the compatibility thermal insulation materials with wall and finishing: the insulation must be well attached to them.
Ceiling insulation
Ceiling insulation can be:
- top - the insulation is laid, poured or glued in the attic;
- lower (internal) - the material is glued to the ceiling from inside the room.
Most often, mineral wool, polystyrene foam, and foil-coated polyethylene foam are used to insulate the ceiling. The choice depends on the installation method and technical requirements for thermal insulation.
Conclusion
Due to the large range of thermal insulation materials, many homeowners find it difficult to choose the right means for insulation, especially since each option has both advantages and disadvantages. In such cases, it is advisable to contact a company that sells thermal insulation materials. Experts will provide detailed advice on the characteristics of each insulation material and help you choose best option taking into account operating conditions, type of construction, technical requirements for thermal insulation.
In a capricious, damp, cold climate, room insulation is one of the most important construction procedures. Which insulation to choose? Where to start?
Important! It is best to pay attention to modern materials - they are high-quality, durable, and environmentally friendly. The “correct” insulation will help reduce heating costs. The main thing is that it does not shrink after construction, is not susceptible to insects and small rodents, and is also adapted to an aggressive weather environment (if there is such a need). Then you should start assessing the value for money.
Manufacturers of modern building materials have done everything possible to make sure that in the store your eyes run wild and your hands don’t know what exactly to grab onto. Kinds insulation materials and their purpose remain a mystery shrouded in darkness for most inexperienced people. Well, let's try to figure everything out in order.
Types of insulation, characteristics and application
There are two types of insulation: reflective (organic, inorganic) and preventive.
Preventive type insulation
This thermal insulation helps reduce heat consumption by reducing the degree of infrared radiation.
Preventive type insulation (inorganic base)
Arbolite - made from shavings, small sawdust, straw and finely chopped reeds. As a strong base, the insulation contains cement and a small content of chemical additives (calcium or soluble glass). At the end of production, such a product is treated with a solution with a high mineral content.
Properties of wood concrete:
- Density - 450-700 kg per cubic meter;
- Thermal conductivity 0.06-0.14 Watt per meter;
- Compressive strength is 0.2-1 megapascal.
Polyvinyl chloride foam (PPVC)- made from PVC resins. The resins are given a foamy structure by industrial porousization. Such insulation can be both soft and hard. In essence, it is a universal heat insulator (for roofs, walls, floors, windows and entrance doors). Its density is about 0.1 kg per cubic meter.
Based on fine chips. Wood shavings make up 90% of its composition. The remaining 10% is: synthetic resin, antiseptics and water repellent.
Chipboard properties:
- Density - 400-1000 kg per cubic meter;
- Tensile strength - 0.2-0.7 megapascal;
- The tensile strength when bending the material is 10-30 megapascals;
- Humidity - 4-12%;
- Hygroscopicity - 5-30 percent.
Wood fiber insulation board. Made from scrap wood, straw or corn stalks, and even old paper. Resins are used as the basis for binding materials. DVIP also contains antiseptics and water-repellent substances. This is one type of insulation used in country houses.
DVIP properties:
- Density - up to 250 kg per cubic meter;
- The tensile strength when bending the material is up to 12 megapascals;
- Thermal conductivity - up to 0.08 Watt per meter.
Made on the basis of polyester with the addition of water, diisocyanate, emulsifiers.
Polyurethane foam is an excellent sound absorber. It is also resistant to wet environments. It is convenient in construction - it is applied by spraying. This makes it possible to process surfaces of complex configurations.
Properties of polyurethane foam:
- Density - 35-75 kg per cubic meter;
- Thermal conductivity - 0.017-0.027 Watt per meter. This is the maximum and best value for thermal insulation today;
Mipora. It is also called penoizol. Mipora is produced by beating urea-formaldehyde resin. To make the material stronger, glycerin is added to it. The foamed structure is obtained due to the content of sulfonic acids. Organic acid is used as a hardening catalyst. Mipora is sold both in the form of crumbs and in blocks, and in the form ready solution. This is another type of insulation that is popular in wooden houses.
Properties of mipora:
- Density - within 20 kg per cubic meter;
- Thermal conductivity - 0.03 Watt per meter;
- Mipora is fireproof (burns only at 500 degrees), but is subject to deformation in extreme heat;
- Minus - deformed under the influence of aggressive chemicals. Too hygroscopic.
(PPS). 98% of the insulation composition is air. The remaining 2% is polystyrene. Fire retardants may also be found in EPS.
Properties of expanded polystyrene:
- Thermal conductivity - 0.038-0.044 Watts per meter;
- Does not absorb moisture;
- Corrosion resistant;
- Unaffected by microflora and bioagents;
- Almost non-flammable. Even if it catches fire, it will emit significantly less heat than burning wood.
Consists of polyethylene and its foaming agent. Perfectly protects against steam and any external noise due to its small pores.
Features of foamed polyethylene:
- Density - 20-55 kg per cubic meter;
- Thermal conductivity - 0.042-0.050 Watt per meter;
- Used at temperatures from 40 degrees below zero to 100 degrees above zero;
- Poorly absorbs moisture;
- Practically resistant to chemical and biological effects.
Fiberboard insulation- based on thin wood shavings combined with cement and a magnesium component. Available in slab form. Ideal for wet areas.
Properties of fiberboard insulation:
- Density - 200-500 kg per cubic meter;
- Thermal conductivity - 0.06-0.1 Watt per meter;
- Fireproof.
Honeycomb insulation- consists of cells resembling a honeycomb. But this is not necessary; cells sometimes come in other shapes. This insulation is filled with special fabric or paper based on organic fibers and resins. The outside insulation is covered with thin sheets of plastic.
Made from paper production waste (defective books, cardboard, newspapers, magazines, etc.). For lower cost ecowool, waste paper is also used.
Properties of ecowool:
- Excellent sound insulation;
- High thermal insulation. Gradually, ecowool decreases in volume and its properties deteriorate;
- High hygroscopicity;
- No visible joints after installation.
Preventive type insulation (organic base)
It can be slag or stone. Slag is made from waste from metal production (both non-ferrous and ferrous). Stone is made on the basis of rocks (limestone, basalt, etc.). Phenol or urea is used to bind the components.
Properties of mineral wool:
- Does not burn;
- Perfectly absorbs noise;
- Resistant to chemicals;
- Does not absorb water well;
- Almost does not shrink over time;
- Lets out steam. Therefore, mineral wool needs insulation.
Made from glass and glass production waste. Its fibers are thicker and longer. It does not burn, absorbs sound and is not subject to the destructive effects of chemical compounds.
Properties of glass wool:
- Density - up to 130 kg per cubic meter;
- Thermal conductivity - 0.02-0.053 Watt per square meter;
- Withstands temperatures up to 450 degrees Celsius;
- Poorly absorbs moisture;
- Does not corrode.
Ceramic wool is based on aluminum and silicon oxide. It is produced in a special centrifuge. Not afraid of chemicals and resistant to high temperatures.
Properties of ceramic wool:
- Withstands temperatures of more than 1000 degrees Celsius;
- Thermal conductivity - 0.12-0.17 Watt per meter;
- Density - up to 350 kg per cubic meter.
On the building materials market today there are many different types materials for insulation of various types of houses.
These insulation materials differ in their characteristics, types (slabs, mats, etc.) and places of application. They insulate walls, roofs, pipes (technical insulation), foundations, partitions and other elements of building structures.
By choosing the right insulation for your home or cottage, you can reduce your home heating costs in winter and keep your home cool in summer.
Which insulation is better, what characteristics should it have?
Which insulation is better, and what characteristics it should have, is the question of everyone who is going to insulate their home.
When selecting insulation for a particular surface, many are mistaken that the maximum density and thickness of the insulation will preserve more heat in the house. But this is not so, because. all materials can be the same density, but different in thermal conductivity, water absorption, mechanical strength and other parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing insulation. Below are also the main characteristics of insulation materials that you should pay attention to when insulating your home.
Main characteristics of insulation:
- thermal conductivity coefficient of a material (the amount of thermal energy passing through units of area, thickness, time and temperature difference)
- density
- mechanical strength
- water absorption
- vapor permeability
- fire resistance
- low caking over a long period of time
- harmlessness to humans (ecological qualities)
- ease and convenience in working with the material
Main types of insulation for home
In most cases, to insulate a house they use:
Mineral wool
Mineral wool- This different kinds insulation materials made from mineral substances, which are divided into two groups:
Mineral wool
To obtain mineral wool, slags from metallurgical production are used, the melts of which are blown through an extruder, forming wool fibers, which are produced in the form of rolls, mats and slabs.
Mineral wool in rolls , as a rule, used for pipe insulation, industrial equipment and roofs, and mineral slabs and mats for insulation of facades, walls, floors, roofs and ceilings.
This insulation, like any other, has its pros and cons.
Pros of mineral wool
- the ability to use it inside residential premises
- non-flammability
- low thermal conductivity
- excellent sound absorption
- Environmental friendliness
- application temperature from -60 to 500 degrees
- cheap cost compared to basalt insulation.
Cons of mineral wool
High water absorption and caking properties. These two indicators greatly reduce its service life.
Manufacturers of mineral wool
In the building materials market, a large amount of mineral wool is currently produced, with which you can solve various types of problems for insulating the facade, walls, floors, roofs and other structures of the house.
At the moment, the most famous leaders in the production of mineral wool are the following companies: TeploKnauf, ISOVER and Ursa.
Basalt or stone wool
Basalt and gabbro group rocks are the strongest in the world. From their melt is made stone wool , which is produced in mats and slabs, using binding resins that are harmless to human health, and therefore it is used for insulating houses in all structural elements.
Advantages of basalt insulation
- Does not conduct heat
- Permits steam and does not absorb moisture
- Does not burn
- Not poisonous
- Doesn't cake
- Much denser and stronger than mineral wool
- Application temperature from -160 to 1000 degrees
Disadvantages of basalt insulation
The only drawback of stone wool is its increased cost compared to other insulation materials.
Stone wool manufacturers
Today there are many manufacturers of stone wool, which produce it in a fairly large assortment, with the help of which you can solve any problems related to the insulation of a house, industrial equipment, ventilation and pipes.
The most famous brands of stone wool are ROCKWOOL, PAROC and TECHNONICOL.
In most cases, when choosing stone wool, they choose the brand ROCKWOOL, because this stone wool is the cheapest Among others, the manufacturer has a fairly large line of basalt mats and slabs, which can be produced in foil and wire, which is very convenient for insulating the technical insulation of pipes and chimneys.
Foam plastic (expanded polystyrene)
Insulation in the form of plates various sizes and thicknesses are produced on the basis of polystyrene. They are marked PSB-S
, which means self-extinguishing self-extinguishing polystyrene foam (EPS).
Using a special technology, polystyrene granules are foamed and pressed into slabs, which are usually used for insulation of walls, foundations and attic floors with further plastering, because This material is fire hazardous and is not exposed to direct rays of the sun.
Pros of polystyrene foam
- Low thermal conductivity
- Ease of material and installation
- Good strength
- Does not allow steam to pass through (therefore it is not recommended for insulating the facade of residential buildings)
- Doesn't rot
- Does not deform or cake
- Not destroyed by ultraviolet light
- Cheap cost
Disadvantages of polystyrene foam
- Flammability, although it self-extinguishes in the absence of a fire source
- When burned, it emits a toxic odor that is hazardous to human health.
- Poor noise absorption
Manufacturers of expanded polystyrene PSB-S
The largest manufacturer of expanded polystyrene today is the KNAUF company, which produces a large range of foam plastic under the KNAUF Therm brand, of various thicknesses, densities and sizes, with which you can insulate lightly loaded surfaces.
Extruded polystyrene foam
Special production technologies make it possible to obtain extruded polystyrene foam
(EPS or XPS), which has all the same properties as polystyrene foam, only it is much stronger, has vapor permeability, low water absorption and does not burn, so it is perfect for insulating plastered facades, basements, flat roofs and floors.
Disadvantages of extruded polystyrene foam
- Poor noise absorption
- when melting, it emits a toxic odor hazardous to human health
EPS Manufacturers
The leaders in EP production today are PENOPLEX and URSA XPS. They produce a fairly large line of extruded polystyrene foam of various thicknesses, densities and sizes, which help solve the problems of insulating surfaces with increased load.
Expanded clay
Expanded clay- this is one of the types of traditional insulation for horizontal surfaces, which consists of small porous balls of baked clay. Typically this material is used to insulate attic floors, foundations, basements and floors.
Expanded clay has an affordable price and has all the positive properties. It conducts heat poorly, does not burn and is not poisonous.
Thermal insulation works not only in winter, but also in summer. If done correctly, the house will be much warmer in cold weather and cooler in hot weather. Manufacturers today offer a huge range. There are not only traditional products, but also new modern materials. Construction insulation materials They come in rolls, in mats, in granules, in the form of powder, cylinders, like blocks and bricks, like slabs.
Types of thermal insulation
The most important characteristic of a thermal insulation material is thermal conductivity. The lower it is, the better. Essentially, this indicator determines how much heat the material can transmit through itself.
The main classification of insulation materials divides them into two groups:
- Reflective type. Reducing heat losses when installing this type occurs due to a decrease in infrared radiation.
- Prevention type. Their main quality is their low thermal conductivity coefficient.
Thermal insulation of the preventive type is the broadest category. Let's look at the most popular samples and analyze their characteristics.
It is made from polyethylene granules, to which a foaming agent is added when heated. The result is a porous material with good soundproofing and vapor barrier properties.
The characteristics include:
- thermal conductivity of the material – 0.043-0.05 W/m K;
- 25-50 kg/m³;
- withstands temperatures ranging from -40 °C to +100 °C;
- the degree of water absorption is low;
- resists biological and chemical stress well.
Some manufacturers produce foamed polyethylene with a foil outer layer (a new modern analogue); this option already belongs to the second category. And another product made of polyethylene foam - heat-insulating cylinders for insulating pipes.
Many people confuse expanded polystyrene with polystyrene foam. These are two different insulation materials, where the first has completely replaced the second, which was used in construction for many years. Distinctive characteristic foamed polystyrene - its porosity. So 98% are pores filled with gas. And only 2% is the material itself. But at the same time, the insulation itself is very dense.
Here are its characteristics:
- thermal conductivity – 0.024-0.041 W/m K;
- vapor permeability (water absorption) – 0.017;
- bending strength 0.5-1.1 kg/m² (comparable to foam plastic - 0.03-1.9 kg/m²);
- in construction, material with a density of 15-35 kg/m³ is most often used.
Let us add that this insulation is used for all types of building structures: floors, facades, roofing, foundations. They can be insulated from the inside or outside.
The Penoplex brand is especially popular today. Foamed polystyrene is also used to produce cylinders for pipe insulation.
This material is a mixture of water, polyester, emulsifiers, diisocyanate. Catalysts are added to this mixture, a chemical reaction occurs and polyurethane foam is obtained. This is a foam-like liquid substance that is applied to building structures by spraying.
Characteristics:
- density – 40-80 kg/m³ (above 50 kg/m³ the insulation becomes moisture resistant);
- thermal conductivity – 0.018-0.027 W/m K;
- water absorption up to 0.05.
In private construction, polyurethane foam is rarely used, but for large volumes of work it is a popular material.
This insulation belongs to the group of inorganic heat-insulating materials. It is made either from slag or from rocks. The second option is more common. The raw materials for production are basalt, limestone, dolomite and others. The binder is either urea or phenol. By the way, phenolic mineral wool is used in construction. It has a high coefficient of moisture resistance.
Characteristics:
- thermal conductivity – 0.031-0.05 W/m K;
- density – 75-150 kg/m³;
- withstands temperatures up to +600 °C;
- moisture resistance is not very high.
Let us add that this is an excellent sound insulator. Insulation is produced in rolls and mats. Manufacturers also offer cylinders made of this material. This non-flammable material.
It is made from the same raw materials as glass itself. Compared to mineral wool, this insulation has higher strength due to elongated fibers. Doesn't light up chemicals passive
Characteristics:
- density – 130 kg/m³, no more;
- thermal conductivity of insulation – 0.028-0.52 W/m K;
- withstands temperatures up to +450 °C;
- high water absorption.
This material is made from waste paper and cardboard. Waste paper is also used, but in this case the quality drops significantly. This insulation is most often used to insulate crowns in wood construction.
Characteristics:
- thermal conductivity of ecowool – 0.031-0.042 W/m K;
- material density – 30-75 kg/m³;
- vapor permeability – 0.3;
- insulation belongs to the group of moderately flammable materials;
- sound absorption with a layer thickness of 50 mm 63 dB.
Felt
Construction felt is an insulation material of animal origin. Most often it is used in wooden construction, where external walls, window and door openings are lined with this material. It is often used as a heat-insulating layer under plastering wooden ceilings, and also, when mixed with clay, as insulation for chimneys.
To prevent felt from becoming a breeding ground for moths and other insects, manufacturers treat it with a three percent solution of sodium fluoride.
Characteristics:
- thermal conductivity of the material is 0.06 W/m K;
- density – 150 kg/m³;
- tensile strength – 2-5 kg/cm².
This is a new thermal insulation material, the production of which is based on sawdust or shavings, finely chopped reeds or straw. Cement acts as a binder. Chemical additives (liquid glass, alumina sulfate and calcium chloride) are required, which increase the technical qualities of the material. The finished insulation in the form of blocks is treated with a mineralizer.
Characteristics:
- wood concrete density – 500 -700 kg/m³;
- thermal conductivity of the insulator – 0.09-0.13 W/m K;
- compression pressure – 0.6-3.6 MPa;
- bending – 0.5-1.2 MPa.
This fibreboard insulation board is very similar to chipboard. But not only wood is used in its production. Instead, you can use straw, corn cobs with the addition of waste paper. Synthetic resins are added as a binder, plus antiseptic and anti-foam solutions, as well as water repellents. Manufacturing form: plate.
Characteristics:
- density – 250 kg/m³;
- thermal conductivity – 0.07 W/m K;
- bending strength no more than 12 MPa.
Insulation is usually done by installing slabs on the sheathing. Most often used for interior work.
This insulation is called differently. One of the names of mipore. Why? Because in the process of making insulation there is an intermediate stage, this is when an aqueous solution of urea-formaldehyde resin is strongly beaten with the addition of sulfonic acid. This foamed solution is mipora. Then glycerin is added to it, which gives the material strength and organic acid, which acts as a catalyst for hardening the mass.
Penoizol is sold in the form of blocks or powder. The powder must be diluted with water and poured into the cavities. At room temperature hardening occurs.
Characteristics:
- density – 20 kg/³;
- thermal conductivity – 0.04 W/m K;
- starts to burn at a temperature of +500 °C;
- high water absorption;
- low passivity to chemicals.
Comparative analysis
With such a variety of thermal insulation materials, it is difficult to choose the one that will be needed specifically for certain purposes. We must pay tribute to the manufacturers who began to separate products by model. For example, insulation made of expanded polystyrene brand Penoplex. Models available only for internal use, for facades, for roofs and so on. As indicated on the packaging.
Let's compare some insulation materials with each other, after which it will become clear which one is best to choose for thermal insulation.
For example, let's take the famous brand Penofol - this is insulation made of foamed polyethylene. Let's start with the fact that the manufacturer supplies this heat insulator with a double-sided foil layer. Penofol 4 mm thick can replace 80 mm of rolled mineral wool, 30 mm of expanded polystyrene board. In addition, there is no need to install hydro- and vapor barriers.
But it cannot be used under plaster. In this plan polystyrene foam boards win. You just need to apply it to them plaster mesh and alignment can be carried out.
Mineral wool is the cheapest insulation on the market. But its cheapness is imaginary, because for installation you will have to build a wooden frame, which must be treated with an antiseptic. That is, all these expenses will negate its cheapness.
Plus, mineral wool is afraid of moisture, and this means two more layers of protective materials. And yet, together with polystyrene foam boards, it is a leader in the category of modern insulation materials.
PPU
As for polyurethane foam, it is rarely used in private housing construction. This pleasure is too expensive. It is impossible to apply it with your own hands. Special equipment and permission to carry out work are required.
Arbolit and penoizol
These materials are most often used for insulating balconies and loggias. Both insulation materials today compete with cellular concrete blocks.
Unfortunately, they are still losing due to the lack of promotion of the brand. Although the thermal insulation characteristics of foam blocks are not inferior. But for thermal insulation of facades, wood concrete is a good option.
Conclusion
These are the most popular thermal insulation materials in private housing construction. Of course, the insulation market has not exhausted its range of products. There are completely new materials, for example, from foamed polyvinyl chloride.
There are long-used ones, for example, the same chipboard or fiberboard. Or combined option- honeycomb insulation, the shell of which is layered plastic in the form of hexagonal honeycombs (hence the name), and paper, fabrics, fiberglass, cellulose, and so on are used as fillers.
For any temperature conditions Thermal insulation won't hurt. If implemented correctly, the rooms will become noticeably warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Insulating walls allows you to create a comfortable microclimate, which applies not only to residential apartments and houses, but also to work spaces. By visiting the store, you can see that modern manufacturers offer a wide range of thermal insulation for sale. It comes in the form of strands, rolls, granules, powders, and perlite sand. In addition, thermal insulation can be represented by slabs, blocks, bricks and cylinders.
If you understand the characteristics, you can choose the insulation option that is necessary. The main property of thermal insulation is its thermal conductivity; it indicates how much heat passes through a given material. Today, two types of thermal insulation are known:
The first type allows you to reduce heat consumption, which is ensured by a decrease in infrared radiation. Preventative thermal insulation is used in most cases and involves the use of insulation with low thermal conductivity. The following materials can be used in this capacity:
Organic based thermal insulation
When considering the types of insulation, you should pay attention to those that are made on an organic basis. They are widely represented on modern market, and for their production natural raw materials are used, such as waste from woodworking and agricultural industries. The composition of such insulation includes cement and plastic.
The material is highly resistant to fire, it does not react to biological influences and does not get wet. It is used where the surface does not heat above 150 °C. Organic insulation is used as an inner layer in the construction of multilayer structures. This includes plastered facades or triple panels.
Characteristics of arbolite insulation
Organic-based thermal insulation is precisely arbolite insulation, which is a new building material made from:
The base contains chemical elements and cement. The additives are:
- soluble glass;
- alumina sulfate;
- calcium chloride.
At the final stage of manufacturing arbolite thermal insulation, the material is treated with a mineralizer. This type of insulation has a density ranging from 500 to 700 kg/m3. The compressive strength reaches 3.5 MPa. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.12 W/(m K) maximum. It is also important to know the bending strength, it reaches 1 MPa.
Purpose and use of wood concrete
When considering the type of insulation described above, you should become more familiar with its purpose. It is used for the construction of partitions and walls in private low-rise construction. Products can be presented:
- floor slabs;
- panels;
- blocks.
The former are used to insulate floors and roofs. As for the floor slabs, they are reinforced reinforced concrete structures. For monolithic construction arbolite solution is used. Today, another type of this insulation is known - bone concrete, the filler of which is hemp fire.
Arbolite blocks for thermal insulation are laid after applying a layer of the mixture for installation. Next, the block is installed, which should first be moistened with water. The product is pressed against the previous one, its position can be adjusted relative to the main masonry using a hammer with a rubber attachment. Excess mixture will need to be removed with a trowel. Work can only be carried out at an air temperature of at least +6 °C. The solution should be quite thick, because if its consistency turns out to be liquid, the material will shrink.
Characteristics of chipboard insulation
When considering the types of insulation, it is worth paying attention to thermal insulation made from chipboard, which is based on small shavings. It makes up 9/10 of the volume of the material, but the rest is an antiseptic substance, synthetic resins, a water repellent and antiprene. The density of this material is 1000 kg/m3 maximum. The minimum value is 500.
You may also be interested in humidity; for this thermal insulation it varies from 5 to 12%. The tensile strength reaches 0.5 MPa. Material absorption reaches 30% of the volume. The minimum value is 5%. You may also be interested in the tensile strength, it reaches 0.5 MPa.
Characteristics of polyurethane foam
Before choosing one solution or another, you should consider the types and characteristics of insulation. Among other options, polyurethane foam thermal insulation, which is based on polyester, should be highlighted. Added ingredients:
The components, under the influence of the catalyst, enter into a chemical reaction, and a new substance appears. It's different high level noise absorption, not afraid of moisture and chemically inert. Polyurethane foam thermal insulation is an excellent insulation material, because it is applied by spraying, so the craftsman has the opportunity to process ceilings and walls with complex configurations. Cold bridges are excluded.
This sprayed insulation has a density that reaches 80 kg/m3. When this figure reaches 50 kg/m3, polyurethane foam becomes moisture resistant. You may also be interested in the thermal conductivity coefficient, it reaches 0.028 W/(m K). This parameter is the best among modern thermal insulation materials.
Purpose of polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam has unique properties due to which it is widely used in different areas human activity. This thermal insulation is used for insulation of internal and external walls, window openings, etc. This material can be found on construction sites capital residential buildings, cottages, individual houses, warehouse hangars, potato storage facilities and vegetable storage facilities.
This spray-on insulation has quite important advantages, which are expressed in load-bearing and heat-insulating abilities. Efficiency increases when polyurethane foam forms the basis of sandwich panels used in the construction of prefabricated buildings. civilian objects. The latter may have industrial use. The cold resistance of the material is quite high, as is its waterproofing ability.
Characteristics of fiberboard
When choosing insulation for your home, you should pay attention to fiberboard, which is thin and narrow wood shavings called wood wool. Cement or a magnesite component is added to them, which ultimately makes it possible to obtain fiberboard. It is offered for sale in the form of slabs.
The material is resistant to biological and chemical influences, provides excellent noise protection and can be used in wet conditions, such as swimming pools. This home insulation has a density reaching 500 kg/m3. The fire resistance of thermal insulation is quite high. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.1 W/(m K).
Purpose and use of fiberboard
Fiberboard is used for thermal insulation of coatings and walls, and structural - for frame walls, partitions and ceilings, but only in dry conditions. Today, the main use of fiberboard is in the installation of permanent formwork during construction.
The slabs are not removed, according to the principle of some other types of formwork, they perform a constructive function and become a component of the wall or ceiling. As for the features of use, the slabs are installed parallel at a certain distance, which will determine the thickness of the wall. After fastening, the foundation is filled with mortar, most often concrete. Then the system of liquid mixture and formwork is left until it hardens.
Characteristics of ecowool
Ecowool is made from waste from paper and cardboard production. If you use waste paper for this, the material will not have as much high quality. It will become dirty faster, and will also be heterogeneous. Among other important characteristics, sound insulation should be highlighted, which in this case very high. A layer 1.5 cm thick will absorb 9 dB of extraneous noise.
The thermal insulation ability is also impressive, but the downside is that it decreases during operation. Over time, ecowool loses up to 1/5 of its volume. It absorbs moisture well, this parameter can reach 15% of the volume. When laying using the continuous spraying method, there are no seams, which is a definite advantage.
Purpose and use of ecowool
The coating is widely used for sound and thermal insulation of various premises, which can have industrial, residential and public purposes. The material can be used for thermal insulation of facades, insulation of walls, roofs and attics. Mostly the work is carried out using the dry blowing method, but the material can be applied over existing insulation.
This roof insulation provides a seamless coating that solves the problem of icicles. Blowing involves the use of a special installation in which the cotton wool is loosened in a hopper and then fed through a hose with a nozzle. This method of application allows the material to penetrate into hard-to-reach areas, closing all cracks and gaps.
Cellulose roof insulation can be used during repair work of existing facilities and during the construction of new ones. Open blowing is used to insulate horizontal and inclined surfaces, among them the following should be highlighted:
Inorganic heat insulators: mineral wool
Mineral wool can be stone or slag. To produce the latter, slags formed during the casting of non-ferrous and ferrous metals are used. Stone wool is based on rocks, and a component based on phenol or urea is used to bind them. The first one is most suitable, because mineral wool in this case is less afraid of water than the one containing urea. Flammability of this material zero.
It is able to resist the spread of fire, so it can be used as a means of fire protection. Chemical passivity is high, but hygroscopicity is low. The material is characterized by excellent sound absorption, so mineral wool is used very often as a sound insulator.
Some characteristics and purpose of insulation from the manufacturer "Rockwool"
When choosing Rockwool insulation, you will need to understand its varieties. Among others, LIGHT BUTTS SCANDIC should be highlighted. This material is best product in your class. It has a new level of quality and is used for private housing construction.
The price per square meter ranges from 81.59 to 244.72 rubles. The cost varies depending on the size of the slabs. In the first case, the product parameters are 800 x 600 x 50 mm, while in the second they are 1200 x 600 x 150 mm. Basalt insulation is lightweight hydrophobized stone wool slabs based on basalt rocks.
The product is unique, and its compression reaches 70%. Rockwool insulation has excellent recoverability. It retains its original characteristics in all respects. Another advantage of basalt insulation is the use of a unique technology, which provides for the ability of the slabs to be compressed on one side, providing springiness. Thanks to this, it is much easier to install the material on a metal or wooden frame.
Thermal insulation with foil coating: purpose and application
Foil insulation can be based on different materials. The use of this insulation depends on the properties of the place where the work will be carried out; The characteristics of the material itself also matter. When laying such a layer on the floor, it is possible to increase heat transfer from radiators and insulate air ducts and pipelines. An excellent effect can be achieved if you install foil insulation on entrance doors, balconies, verandas and in the entryway. Before installing such material, you should prepare small nails, a nail puller, a hammer and construction stapler. Among other things, you will also need foil construction tape. The foil should be located inside. It is a reflector and will return thermal radiation inside. Sometimes thermal insulation is laid on the other side, but this effect can no longer be achieved.
Purpose of insulation brand "Izover"
Izover insulation is a material made of mineral wool. It is sold in slabs and rolls, and is also made from high-quality stone fiber. Thermal insulation is made from natural materials, including:
Using Izover insulation, you can achieve excellent thermal and sound insulation of buildings. This solution is used to insulate house facades, roofs and walls, and also acts as excellent thermal insulation for floors. Insulation roll insulation allows you to obtain a low coefficient of thermal conductivity of the surface. The material has a special fiber structure, which provides excellent acoustic properties and reduces noise levels.
Thermal insulation for pipes
Many materials are used for pipes today, among which foamed polyethylene should be highlighted. This solution is highly resistant to aggressive environments and has impressive strength. This type of insulation for pipes is produced in the form of tubes of different diameters. The pores have a closed structure, which guarantees no moisture absorption from external environment.
Some brands of such insulation are foil-coated and are used to minimize heat loss. Insulation for pipes can also be represented by foamed polyurethane foam. This insulation is one of the most common today and is installed by spraying onto the surface, which ensures a tight fit to the surface. Polyurethane foam can withstand extremely high and low temperatures, while the properties are not reduced, and each cell remains sealed.
Thermal insulation from the manufacturer Technonikol
TechnoNIKOL insulation is represented by a material based on rocks of the gabbro-basalt group. By purchasing this thermal insulation, you buy stone wool, which is a non-flammable material, and the melting of the fibers occurs only at a temperature of 1000 °C and above. This thermal insulation provides sound-absorbing and acoustic properties of surfaces. Mineral thermal insulation includes:
This TechnoNIKOL insulation in different types differs in the raw materials that are used in the production process.
The use of siding with thermal insulation
Siding with a layer of thermal insulation is installed in several stages. First, it is necessary to strengthen corner and side planks to the surface. Before starting this work, you need to make markings, draw lines that you will be guided by during the work process. After this, you can begin installing siding with insulation.
For this you need to use self-tapping screws, which will be located along the entire perimeter of the window and doorways. As for the latter, they are framed with planks so that installation of the cladding is not accompanied by difficulties. Afterwards you can start attaching the panels. You need to start from the bottom corner of the load-bearing wall.
Thermal insulation under plaster
Under plaster you can use a variety of different materials for thermal insulation of walls. Mineral wool, which has been popular for many years, is suitable for this. Foam plastic also acts as insulation for walls under plaster. However, it has a number of restrictions on use. This is expressed in low resistance to high temperatures. This applies even to the most modern species polystyrene foam, which contain special fire retardants.
Conclusion
In the modern market of building materials for thermal insulation different surfaces There are a huge variety of solutions available. Before making a choice, you must evaluate several factors, among others and the most important, you need to highlight the technical characteristics. The purpose and operating features of thermal insulation depend on them. If you do not comply with the requirements for the external environment when installing insulation, you may encounter low efficiency and the need to replace the thermal insulation layer.
Insulation: types, characteristics, purpose and application
At any temperature, thermal insulation will not hurt. If implemented correctly, the rooms will become noticeably warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Insulating walls allows you to create a comfortable microclimate, which applies not only to residential apartments and houses, but also to work spaces.
Review of types and characteristics of insulation materials, their areas of application
Today the market offers consumers various types of insulation, differing 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 of the correct use of thermal insulation when building a house.
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. Flooded from above concrete screed 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.
Correctly selected insulation according to its characteristics will create comfortable living conditions inside the room.
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.
Another name for the material is wood concrete. It is made from sawdust, chopped straw or reeds with the addition of cement, as well as chemical hardeners. It has a density of up to 800 kg/m3 and a thermal conductivity coefficient of up to 0.12 W/m/K. Arbolite is divided into two types:
- Structural - contains most of the cement, which is reflected high density- 800 kg/m3. Designed for wall construction.
- Thermal insulation - has a lower density of 500 kg/m3 and a higher proportion of wood filler. Used as a heat insulator load-bearing walls, as well as for the construction of partitions.
According to the release form:
- Ready-made blocks of different sizes.
- Monolithic production takes place directly on the construction site. The material is immediately used to insulate walls or floors.
If we talk about the shape of the finished product, it is represented by smooth blocks of different sizes, blocks with a recess and slabs combined with concrete. The average cost of wood concrete from different manufacturers ranges from 4 to 6 thousand rubles/m3.
Another name for the material is cellulose insulation. Made from recycled paper or wood waste. The addition of antiseptics protects ecowool from being eaten by rodents and insects. Antipyrines create a self-extinguishing effect, which increases resistance to heating up to +232 °C. Ecowool has a high moisture absorption rate of up to 15%, and a 1.5 cm layer absorbs up to 9 dB of extraneous noise.
The approximate cost is about 30 rubles/kg.
This material is considered the best insulation gender, as well as inner surface walls of the house. It is made only from natural raw materials without chemical additives in the form of rolls or slabs. The basis of the insulation is cork oak bark. The natural glue suberin contained in it allows you to abandon artificial adhesives. Cork is not edible by insects and is rot resistant. The material is divided into two types:
- 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 just a 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%.
The use of chipboard as insulation 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
The fiberboard board looks like 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.
Polyurethane foam
Lightweight thermal insulation has a unique closed-cell structure, which creates the lowest thermal conductivity compared to other insulation materials. PUF 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 to insulate the roof and wooden walls of a house. The cost of the material along with the spraying work is quite high and can reach $200/m3.
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.
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.
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.
Insulation - types and characteristics, application, price of materials
Review of insulation materials used for thermal insulation of buildings. Their characteristics, types, application features and prices.
Types of insulation for houses and walls of wooden and frame houses
Wide selection 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! Properly carried out thermal insulation will not be superfluous in any climatic conditions.
- What types of insulation and what to use?
When it is done correctly, then under its “protection” the house will not only be warmer in winter, but also noticeably cooler in summer.
In addition, saving heat means obvious financial savings. It is completely unreasonable to heat the street, despite the fact that the technologies used today provide an opportunity to start saving energy resources already at initial stage construction work. Most of all, those parts of the building that are most adjacent to the external environment - the floor, walls and roof - need to use insulation.
What types of insulation and what to use?
Main types of insulation
Today there is a division of materials of this group directly at their destination. They also differ in appearance and shape.
There are fairly rigid piece insulations on sale (plates, segments, cylinders, etc.), flexible products (cords, wide and narrow mats, strands), as well as loose ones (perlite sand, vermiculite and cotton wool).
Based on their structure, they can be divided into fibrous, granular and cellular.
Based on the nature of the main raw materials, materials for thermal insulation are traditionally divided into organic and inorganic.
How to choose insulation?
Floor insulation
The decision to insulate the floor is sometimes driven by the desire to have a more constant temperature at home. Choosing floor insulation, comparing characteristics various materials, preference is given to the one who can withstand the considerable pressure exerted on him. In this case, its compression performance will be important.
Well, an indispensable requirement is the ability to maintain insulating qualities, even when exposed to heavy loads and moisture.
Types of wall insulation
Insulation for house walls
Thermal insulation for this category is completely different, moreover, its type depends on the specific place of application - outside or inside the house.
For outdoor use, it is considered ideal to use basalt mineral wool, which is characterized by its ability to hold its shape and durability. Even during long-term use, it does not thin out, does not cake or become compacted.
Insulation from the inside of the structure is carried out based on the possible insulating layer: the layout features do not always allow it to be made sufficiently voluminous.
A more modern way– use of paint with a ceramic base. Its layer can be small, and the tightness conditions are much easier to maintain.
Ceiling and its insulation
Mineral wool for ceiling insulation
Mineral wool is in constant high demand for ceiling insulation..
This is not at all surprising: it can be quite simply laid out in the interfloor ceilings or in the rafter frame, in the quantity required for this. During operation there, nothing threatens it, thereby ensuring the initially high quality of insulation.
If we neglect the unique qualities of wool and the ease of its installation, then other suitable means for thermal insulation could be sawdust with clay or ordinary slag. However, these substances have not found widespread use due to their high cost and rather complex installation process.
Mineral wool
This name combines several different subtypes of thermal insulation materials of this type. These are slag, stone and glass wool. This insulator is made by processing metallurgical alloys or melts of various rocks: a special synthetic binder is introduced into the resulting glassy fiber. 
The material produced in this way has excellent sound and heat insulation qualities, 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
This is a fibrous material that is sold in the form of rolls and portioned slabs, and has an extremely low thermal conductivity.
The highest quality product is 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 allow it to be used even in boiler rooms, baths and saunas, where high humidity and high temperature are combined. Strength in this case is not directly dependent on the density of the material.
This is a fairly soft material, but at the same time has a sufficient margin of strength. 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 various kinds of chemical reactions. High biological stability provides it with immunity to various biological pests: damage by insects and rodents, the occurrence of fungal diseases, the development of rot and mold.
The basalt insulation passed the combustion test, but the organic insulation burned out
Basalt rock is the main raw material for the production of this type of wool.. Treatment with formaldehyde resins gives the material a sufficient level of strength, and the materials used modern technologies guarantee the complete elimination of harmful phenols at the production stage of the material.
The final product reaching the consumer is a 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.
Glass wool
This fibrous material is made from a mass of molten glass. Based on it, two types of insulation can be found on sale - soft mats rolled into rolls and hard slabs.
The product is characterized by high strength and excellent elasticity. As in the previous case, recycled formaldehyde resins are used as a coupling or binding agent.
Although not all the wonderful properties of basalt wool are inherent in its glass counterpart, it has its own special qualities. It has high plasticity, which significantly facilitates the stages of working with it, and allows you to significantly compress the material when laying it. But during operation, glass wool can cake and lose its original shape. Glass fiber is highly hygroscopic and can accumulate moisture from the external environment, accumulating it in its thickness.
We insulate frame house foam plastic
Polystyrene foam is a fairly hard, shape-holding board material widely used for thermal insulation of roofs, walls, floors and ceilings: both outside and inside. It is based on foamed polystyrene foam granules.
It goes on sale in slabs 1 by 2 meters, with different thicknesses: from two centimeters to half a meter. Its characteristics can vary noticeably, which is why the material is selected strictly individually in each specific case.
Depending on the manufacturing process, two different types of foam can be obtained using virtually the same raw materials:
- A porous plastic is a porous substance whose individual cavities communicate with each other. They are further divided into mipore, polyvinyl chloride foam, polyurethane foam and polystyrene foam;
- foam directly - the contents of individual granules in it do not come into contact with the environment and neighboring cavities.
Expanded polystyrene
Expanded polystyrene in the form of bricks
Expanded polystyrene is a material related to plastics with a cellular structure, it has almost all the qualities necessary for thermal insulation, it:
- easy;
- hard;
- not afraid of water;
- biological infections.
- But due to its low fire resistance, it is recommended to use it at temperatures no higher than 150 degrees.
To improve this quality, special flame retardants are added to the insulation at the production stage. The name of such material is appended symbol"C" and it is called self-extinguishing. The performance qualities of polystyrene foam have made it a fairly popular material.
Sprayed polyurethane foam
Spray on the wall
It is a foam material that can be applied by spraying through a special apparatus. It contains polyisocyanate, polyester polyol and various additives.
The adhesive properties of the material allow it to be safely applied even to vertical surfaces. It has excellent adhesion to concrete, plaster, roofing felt, metal, and gas silicate blocks.
The material is quite successfully used for insulation:
- internal;
- external walls;
- flat and pitched roofs;
- ground floors;
- foundations;
- basements;
- joints between structures.
This cellulose insulation is made from cardboard and paper waste. Its properties are actually determined by the substances included in its composition. In addition to the usual recycled cellulose, some foreign manufacturers also use hay, cotton waste, and sawdust. 81% of the material consists of carefully processed cellulose, while 12% is a mandatory antiseptic.
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.
Ecowool can retain approximately 20% moisture while maintaining its performance properties. 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.
Another name for the material is urea foam. This modern material with high sound and heat insulating characteristics, which is a cheap insulation material. This is a cellular organic foam with particularly low density and low thermal conductivity. The material has high fire resistance, resistance to microorganisms, low price. It is easy to process, its air content reaches 90%.
Insulating the attic with foam insulation
The tests carried out demonstrated the capabilities of the material. It turned out that the time of its operation, as the middle layer of a frame structure, is actually unlimited. Tests of its fire resistance showed that the material can be safely classified as low-flammable.
This is the only thermal insulation material of a polymer nature that is not at all suitable for self-combustion. Its fire resistance index places it in the G2 flammability subgroup.
This is a special foil material (on both sides or only one). It is made of polyethylene foam fabric, covered on the outside with highly polished aluminum foil. This is a multilayer vapor-sound- and heat-insulating material that combines completely different qualities.
Isocom insulation with foil
With a minimum thickness of the insulating layer, it provides excellent properties for reflecting heat flow, successfully combined with the highest (almost maximum) thermal resistance indicators. Correctly installed material is characterized exclusively by effective thermal insulation buildings along its entire contour.
It's harmless environmentally friendly material, which does not pose a threat to the ozone layer. It does not contain glass or other fibers that are unsafe for the health of people and animals.
Without changing its exceptional properties, it serves for about 50 years, without deforming or being damaged during all this time.
Installation is quite simple and very convenient: it does not require special equipment. Excellent protection against steam and moisture. It is used almost everywhere.
What types of insulation are there and which one to choose for your home?
How to choose insulation? Review of all types of insulation for walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, attics. Wooden and frame house. Let's consider cheap options, find out!
