Concrete floors are the most practical option for a private home, due to its strength, durability and low manufacturing costs. But concrete is a cold material, and without high-quality thermal insulation in the winter it is not very comfortable in the house. In addition to high heat loss, condensation, which forms due to the large temperature difference on the inside and outside of the concrete base, also creates problems. There are several ways to insulate a concrete floor in a private house, and even a novice master can do all of them.
Concrete floors can be insulated in three different ways:
- simplest - lay the insulation on the concrete surface in a continuous layer. To do this, the base is cleaned of dust, unevenness is eliminated, and, if necessary, filled with leveling mixtures. The insulation can be attached with glue, dowels, or a combined method, after which installation is carried out finishing coating. Individual insulation materials themselves act as finished flooring, which allows you to reduce installation time and save a little money;
- frame method - on concrete base First, logs are installed, then the space between them is filled with insulation, and the finished floor is laid. The method is more labor-intensive, but allows the use of materials with a lower density that cannot withstand high loads;
- laying insulation under the screed - install a layer of thermal insulation on the concrete floor and pour it on top cement-sand mortar , resulting in the formation of a monolithic, solid base. The method is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming, but this base is perfect for any floor covering - from linoleum to tiles. Besides, this option used in the installation of electric and water heated floors, which ensures uniform heat transfer over the entire area of the room.
When choosing, the determining criterion is the type of flooring and the method of its installation. For example, soft and roll materials, since they are not designed for high loads. The same applies to insulation materials laid directly under the finishing coating: they must have good density and rigidity so as not to be pressed through during operation. It is also worth considering that logs and insulated screed take up to 15 cm in height, so for rooms with low ceilings the first installation method is preferable.
Selection of insulation materials for concrete
The insulation market now provides a wide selection of materials, both domestic and foreign. For thermal insulation of concrete floors, particle boards, fiber materials, and foam polymer boards are most often used. Sprayed insulation, which is applied using special equipment, is also gaining popularity. Among the inexpensive options for a private home, it is worth noting expanded clay - a natural, environmentally friendly material with excellent heat-insulating properties.
The key characteristics of insulation are:
- density– the higher this indicator, the large quantity heat will be retained;
- strength– determined by bending and compression. The higher the expected loads, the stronger the insulation should be;
- thermal conductivity– the efficiency of heat conservation in the room depends on this indicator. Preference should be given to materials with the lowest thermal conductivity coefficient;
- moisture permeability– the higher the indicator, the faster the thermal insulation properties of the material deteriorate. Insulation saturated with water is not able to retain heat, so it will have to be replaced;
- durability– in order to save money, it is worth choosing a material with the longest service life, because frequent replacement of insulation and accompanying repairs are expensive;
- environmental friendliness– in residential premises it is necessary to use only environmentally friendly insulation, since the floor covering is not a good protection against toxic fumes.
The weight of the material does not play a big role, because, unlike a city apartment, there is no need to worry about increased loads on the floors between floors.
So, let's look at popular insulation materials, their properties, pros and cons.
| Material | Main characteristics |
|---|---|
| It has low thermal conductivity and perfectly muffles sounds. Available in rolls and slabs, differing in density. It does not burn, but has high moisture permeability, and therefore requires high-quality waterproofing during installation. The service life, subject to installation technology, is 25-30 years. Insulation with mineral wool is carried out only along logs, since the material cannot withstand high loads |
| They have good strength and heat capacity, have soundproofing characteristics, and can be laid directly on concrete or on logs. For floor insulation, slabs with a thickness of at least 20 mm are suitable. Moisture resistance is average, so waterproofing is required on damp substrates. In dry rooms, the material can be laid directly on concrete, pre-treated with a primer |
| This group includes polystyrene foam and EPS. They are lightweight, easy to install, and have very low thermal conductivity. They can be laid under a screed or between joists, and EPS can also be laid on the concrete floor itself. Polystyrene foam is cheaper, but less durable, so if there are increased requirements for floor construction, it is better to use extruded polystyrene foam. Foam insulation is resistant to moisture and lasts on average from 20 to 30 years |
| They form a seamless durable coating with low thermal conductivity and moisture resistance. They are used for insulating concrete along joists. Such thermal insulation is one of the most reliable and durable, but it is also much more expensive than other materials. This is due to the need to use a special installation, with the help of which spraying is carried out |
| The most environmentally friendly insulation at an affordable price. Used for insulation along joists and under screeds. To ensure maximum thermal insulation, the material must be covered in a thick layer - from 10 to 20 cm. Expanded clay does not burn, has a long service life, but is very fragile and loses its thermal insulation properties due to damage to the structure |
| Lightweight, environmentally friendly insulation with water-repellent properties. Cork has a very low thermal conductivity, it is always warm to the touch, so it is ideal not only as a substrate, but also as an independent floor covering. It can be laid directly on a concrete floor, painted or varnished. The only disadvantage of insulation is the high price |
There is another type of insulation that appeared not so long ago and has not yet gained widespread popularity. This is liquid thermal insulation - a new generation material with unique properties. It looks like thick white paint, and is applied in the same way, forming an elastic, durable coating. A layer of 1 mm can replace roll thermal insulation 50 mm thick, in addition, this coating is impervious to moisture, chemical exposure, does not burn and does not emit toxic substances. This paint is used not only for insulating concrete floors, but also for walls, slopes, pipelines, facades, and various containers. The coating lasts for about 15 years if applied correctly.
Liquid thermal insulation coating "Astratek"
We insulate a concrete floor with our own hands
Before insulation, the concrete surface must be inspected and all defects eliminated. This applies to potholes, cracks, and crumbled areas. Small differences in height are leveled with leveling mixtures. This preparation is a mandatory step and ensures the reliability and durability of the floor. Now let’s look separately at the most popular methods of insulating a concrete floor in a private house.
Insulation with polystyrene foam
To work you should prepare:
- Eps boards;
- waterproofing film;
- damper tape;
- vapor barrier membrane;
- construction tape;
- gypsum fiber sheets;
- GVL glue;
- tools and fasteners.
The surface of the concrete floor must be clean, absolutely dry and not have differences in height of more than 5 mm.
Step 1. The floor is covered with a waterproofing film, the sheets of which are overlapped by 10-15 cm, and the joints are secured with tape. To increase sound insulation, you can lay a second layer of geotextile fabric with a density of 300 g/m2.
Advice. Waterproofing is mandatory for bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms with high humidity; in other rooms, insulation can be laid directly on a concrete base.
Step 2. A damper tape is laid around the perimeter of the room so that its bend falls exactly at the junction between the wall and the floor.
Step 3. The first row of polystyrene foam is laid. The slabs fit tightly together using grooves and ridges on the side edges. The last slab in the row is trimmed if necessary.
Step 4. The insulation must be laid with offset seams, staggered, so the second row begins with a cut slab. Everything else is exactly the same: EPPS is laid joint-to-joint, leveled, making sure that all the slabs are located in the same plane.
Step 5. A vapor barrier membrane is laid on top of the polystyrene foam. Its canvases are also overlapped, the edges are placed on the wall to a height of 10 cm, all joints are sealed with tape.
Step 6. A prefabricated screed is installed. Gypsum sheets are laid on the floor joint to joint in a checkerboard pattern. Next, glue is applied along the seams between the rows in continuous wavy strips and a second layer of gypsum fiber board is laid so that the seams are completely covered by the sheets.
Step 7 When the glue hardens, both layers are mechanically fixed to each other. Self-tapping screws are screwed into each sheet in the corners and in the center, slightly recessing the fastener heads into the material.
After this, you can lay any finishing coating and even install a warm floor under the tiles. Heating elements can be located both in the screed layer and in the tile adhesive layer.
Insulation with mineral wool on joists
To work you will need:
- mineral wool in slabs or rolls;
- waterproofing film;
- wooden beam for logs;
- plywood or chipboard for flooring with a thickness of 18 mm;
- dowels and screws;
- tape measure, level and mounting knife;
- drill and hammer drill.
Step 1. The concrete base is covered with a layer of waterproofing film. Adjacent canvases should be overlapped by 15-200 cm, the joints taped.
Step 2. Logs with a cross-section of at least 110x60 mm are installed on top of the film. The distance between the joists depends on the thickness of the floor covering, in in this case It is recommended to take a step of about 300 cm. Place the beam on its edge, be sure to control the plane with a level, and also make sure that the logs are positioned strictly parallel to each other.
Step 3. Screw the logs to the base. To do this, drill them through and go deep into the base by 50-60 mm. Next, insert the dowels and screw in the screws. The fastening pitch is 40-50 cm.
Advice. To fix the joists to the floor, experienced craftsmen recommend using screws whose threads do not reach the head. Such fasteners allow you to tighten the beam more tightly to the base.
Step 4. Install insulation. Roll mineral wool roll out along the joists, after which the insulation is cut into strips so that each of them tightly fills the space between the beams. If used slab insulation, the slabs are alternately inserted between the lags, spaced apart, and, if necessary, cut to width. The joists should protrude above the insulation by approximately 20 mm.
Step 5. The next stage is laying the subfloor. The plywood is cut out and the sheets are laid end to end in a continuous layer. You can use tongue and groove slabs with a protective moisture-resistant coating. The material is laid with its long side perpendicular to the joists and attached to the frame with self-tapping screws at 20 cm intervals. The rows of slabs are laid with offset seams, and the joining of the seams in the row is carried out along the longitudinal axis of the joists.
Before laying the slabs, the adhesive is applied to the ends with a brush, which ensures a high degree of moisture resistance.
To provide greater protection to the insulation from moisture, before installing the flooring, it is recommended to lay a vapor barrier membrane with an overlap of strips of at least 10 cm. You can also glue the joints of the slabs during installation, ensuring complete tightness of the subfloor. After this, all that remains is to lay the finishing coating and secure the baseboards.
Prices for Rockwool mineral wool
rockwool mineral wool
Prepare everything you need in advance:
- polystyrene foam boards;
- reinforcing mesh;
- profile for beacons;
- rule;
- glue;
- damper tape;
- cement and sand for mortar.
Step 1. The concrete floor is thoroughly cleaned of dust and debris. Damper tape is glued around the perimeter of the room.
Step 2. Take the first insulation board, apply glue with a spatula in the center and in the corners, lay it on the floor and press it with your hands over the entire surface. The next plate is fastened end-to-end with the first, pressing tightly along the seam. In the same way, lay the whole thing to the end, if necessary, trimming the outer slab.
Step 3. The first slab of the second row is cut to create an offset joint installation. Further installation is carried out in the manner described above. If a second layer of insulation is required, the top slabs are placed so that they completely overlap the seams in the bottom layer.
Step 4. A reinforcing mesh of metal rods is laid on top of the insulation. There should be a distance of 20-30 mm between the edges of the mesh and the walls.
Advice. Before laying the mesh, it is recommended to cover the insulation with thick polyethylene film, gluing the joints of the strips with tape. This is necessary not to protect the insulation from moisture (expanded polystyrene is a moisture-resistant material), but to avoid the solution from seeping into the joints between the plates and the formation of air voids in the screed.
Step 5. Profile beacons are laid on the reinforcing mesh and fixed with a small amount of solution. Here it is very important to set the beacons at the level, because the evenness of the floor depends on this. All beacons must be strictly horizontal and in the same plane.
Step 6. Mix the solution and pour it between the beacons. Next, using the rule, the mixture is stretched along the beacons and leveled. If grooves form, more mortar must be added. The thickness of the screed is made within 4-6 cm.
After leveling the surface, the screed is left to dry. When the solution has set well, you should carefully remove the beacons and seal the grooves with fresh cement mixture.
While the floor is drying, it must be protected from direct sun rays and drafts, and periodically moisten the first 10 days so that the screed does not crack.
Cold air comes from the ground, which is not able to hold the floor covering. And, as a result, 20% of the heat leaves the room through an uninsulated floor. Owners of their own homes, caring about creating a comfortable microclimate in them, often ask the question: how to insulate the floor in a private house?
Technological methods for thermal protection of floors laid on a concrete base
The procedure is quite simple, so you don’t have to be a great craftsman. Insulating the floor in a private house with your own hands can be done by an ordinary man if he is not lazy.
First, let's decide how to insulate the floors in a private house on a concrete base.
Do-it-yourself floor insulation from inside the room is carried out using the following thermal insulation materials:
- Foam plastic;
- extruded polystyrene foam;
The concrete base is cleaned of dust, dirt and impregnated with a deep penetration primer. The top is covered with a waterproofing layer. A good waterproofing material is isospan, which is placed with the white side facing the insulation and the shiny side facing the concrete.
Then the floor is thermally insulated with polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam. Sheets of insulation must be laid close to each other, connecting with tongue-and-groove ends. The gaps are filled special glue with pieces of insulation. The insulating layer is covered on top with a vapor barrier membrane.
As a vapor barrier layer, roofing material, polyethylene or foil film is used, the sheets of which are overlapped. To ensure tightness, the joints are taped with reinforced tape. The next stage of floor insulation in the house is laying reinforced mesh and pouring a 100 mm thick cement mortar or concrete screed. Next perform decorative finishing linoleum, laminate or parquet.
Thermal protection of a wooden floor from the room side
Wood retains heat well. But this warmth of wooden floors is not enough if there is a basement under the house. Insulation of a wooden floor in a private house can be done from the inside of the room using heat-insulating building materials based on natural components:
- Mineral wool;
- basalt wool.
First, they dismantle the existing finished floor in the house and check the condition of the joists. If necessary, they are replaced or repaired. Then the logs are impregnated with bio and fire retardant compounds. Between them, bars are nailed, on which the cranial flooring of edged boards is laid. Before laying the insulation, overlapping sheets are laid on top of the flooring and joists. waterproofing material- plastic film or roofing felt, secured with construction stapler. The joints are sealed with adhesive reinforced tape. Next, between the logs, insulation is laid with a layer thickness 2 cm less than the height of the logs. This gap is necessary for ventilation.
If the height of the joists is not enough, then a counter batten is nailed along them, thus ensuring required clearance. Then the vapor barrier material is spread overlapping on the floor, with the joints sealed with tape. Finished wooden floors are laid on top of the insulating “pie”, secured to the joists with nails.
Thermal protection of a wooden floor from the basement side
If height allows basement, then from its side you can perform thermal insulation of a wooden floor in a private house.
The technology for insulating the floor in a house from the basement side consists of:
- Preparation of wooden beams. They are inspected, repaired if necessary, and impregnated with fire retardant and antiseptic compounds for wood.
- Waterproofing devices. Sheets of polyethylene or foil film are attached with a construction stapler to the beams with an overlap.
- Installation of insulation. Mineral or basalt wool mats are placed against existing beams and secured with wooden slats or wire. You can insulate it with a cheaper synthetic material - polystyrene foam. It is light in weight and easy to use.
- Vapor barrier devices. The vapor barrier membrane is attached to the beams with a stapler, sealing all joints with reinforced adhesive tape. Glassine, isospan, foil or polyethylene film are used as vapor barrier materials.
- Installation of rough flooring. Edged board a subfloor is installed underneath, nailing it across the beams.
It is not difficult to insulate a wooden floor in a private house from the basement side. All work can be done with your own hands.
Thermal protection of the floor located above the ground
How to properly insulate the floor in rooms that do not have a basement, without reducing the height of the ceiling?
If there is no subfloor under the floor, then it should be insulated from the outside at the construction stage. Under the part of the house area located above the ground, the bottom of the pit is leveled and compacted. A crushed stone base 25 - 30 cm thick is placed on top, on top of which a sand cushion (5 -10 cm) is poured.
The made layer of sand is covered with overlapping sheets of polyethylene film, the seams are taped with reinforced tape. The installation of a sealed waterproofing layer is necessary to prevent groundwater from seeping into the thermal protection. Then lay bulk insulation - expanded clay or slab - extruded polystyrene foam (penoplex).
The thickness of the thermal insulation layer must be at least 15 cm. Penoplex slabs are laid as tightly as possible to each other, the seams are filled with sealant, expanded clay is compacted. If we insulate with penoplex, then a waterproofing layer must be laid on top of the thermal insulation layer. Then the insulating layer is covered reinforced mesh and fill the screed cement mortar or M200 concrete. After the rough flooring has dried, you can begin installing the finishing coating.
Insulation of floors above an unheated room
For rooms located above an unheated room, you can insulate the floor of the house from inside the room.
What is the best and cheaper way to perform thermal insulation on the interfloor ceiling? It is better to insulate with lightweight building material - polystyrene foam, which has a low thermal conductivity coefficient and does not accumulate moisture. Thermal insulation of the floor begins with the dismantling of the existing floor coverings before the ceiling. Then the ceiling is cleaned of dust and construction debris, leveled with a cement screed and coated with a primer with high adhesion. A wooden lattice frame is mounted on the surface of the floors. The cells are lined with polyethylene or foil film, the edges of which should extend onto the side surface of the beam. Polystyrene foam 50 mm thick is laid on the floor in the compartments of the frame, sealing the gaps with silicone glue and pieces of insulation.
The top is covered with a layer of vapor barrier membrane, using methods to achieve tightness when laying its sheets. Next, a reinforced concrete screed is produced for finishing the floor of a private house.
Polystyrene foam 50 mm thick is laid on the floor in the compartments of the frame, sealing the gaps with silicone glue and pieces of insulation.
With easy-to-use polystyrene foam, you can cheaply insulate the floor with your own hands.
Thermal insulation of attic floors
By properly insulating the attic floor, you can prevent heat loss through the ceiling without lowering its height indoors.
To insulate the attic floor in a private home, natural-based insulation is used - mineral or fiberglass wool. By attic floor install a timber frame. The compartments are filled with a layer of waterproofing. Cloths of polyethylene film, glassine, foil or roofing felt are laid overlapping, attached to the frame with a construction stapler and the joints are sealed with double-sided adhesive tape. The insulation is placed on top at odds with the elements of the frame cell.
A vapor barrier is installed on top. To construct a vapor barrier layer, isospan, glassine, foil and polyethylene film are used. A vapor barrier membrane having one mirror surface, lay the white side to the insulation, reflecting towards the room. There should be a gap of 3-5 cm between the insulation and the vapor barrier. The frame compartments are covered from above with wood-fiber boards or a reinforced cement screed can be used.
To construct a vapor barrier layer, isospan, glassine, foil and polyethylene film are used.
The attic floor can be protected from heat loss with bulk building materials. Bulk insulation - expanded clay or ecowool - is poured into the compartments, completing the necessary hydro- and vapor barrier.
How to make an insulated attic floor with liquid thermal insulation building material? Liquid insulation, polyurethane foam creates a continuous layer, without cracks or gaps. It is easily sprayed with a special tool and dries instantly. Installation of hydro and vapor barrier layers is not required under the laid polyurethane insulation.
Many owners who have their own home, trying to make the floor warm with their own hands, are not familiar with the norms and rules of thermal insulation work. Therefore, if you do not know how to properly insulate a floor, contact a specialist.
Video about floor insulation:
Heat loss, especially in winter time, negatively affects the health of apartment residents. 30% of the heat escapes through cracks in window and door openings, and 20% is lost through the floors, mainly on the first floor, where the heated room comes into contact with the ground, if there is no thermal insulation layer. Floor insulation makes your life more comfortable: you can walk on the floor barefoot at any time without fear of catching a cold. The heat in the apartment is maintained thanks to the thermal insulation of the floor. The question arises: “Which floor insulation should you choose?”
Today we will tell you about what types of floor insulation exist, what are their advantages and disadvantages. We will introduce you to the criteria for choosing a thermal insulation layer, tell you which insulation is best for retaining heat in the house, and how to install it correctly in a particular room.
Criteria for choosing floor insulation
To choose the right material for floor insulation, you should pay attention to the following criteria.
The insulation must be:
Types of floor insulation
To choose the right thermal insulation material, you need to know what types the industry offers and what their advantages and disadvantages are.
There are several types of insulation:
- mineral;
- polymer;
- wood-chip.
Expanded clay
Expanded clay is baked clay in granules.
Despite its advantages, there are also minor disadvantages.
Expanded clay takes a long time to dry and slowly releases absorbed moisture. Expanded clay produces dust, so you need to wear a respirator when working with it.
Otherwise, expanded clay is a convenient and high-quality insulation material. Expanded clay is used to insulate walls, floors, and roofs of houses.
Polymer house insulation
These include:
- expanded polystyrene foam;
- polyurethane foam;
- foamed polyethylene on a foil base;
- penoizol-liquid foam.
Expanded polystyrene
One of polymer insulation The floor is polystyrene foam. This is a foamed plastic mass. Consists of individual granular cells.
- This is a durable material that, despite its a light weight, can withstand high loads.
- Due to its low weight, foam itself creates minimal load on the walls and foundation.
- It is moisture resistant, so it can be used in places with high humidity on the balcony.
- Polystyrene foam retains heat for a long time, almost without absorbing it. It surpasses many insulation materials in terms of thermal insulation.
- When insulating floors, you can get by with a small thickness of polystyrene foam.
- The price of expanded polystyrene is low, which is an important advantage of this material and attracts the attention of buyers.
An important disadvantage of polystyrene foam is that when burned it releases harmful substances that are poisonous and dangerous.
Extruded polystyrene foam
Extruded polystyrene foam differs from polystyrene foam in its manufacturing method and characteristics. Polystyrene foam is produced by exposing the granules to steam. At high temperature the cells increase in size and fill the entire form. A foam element is added to extruded polystyrene foam at elevated pressure and temperature, which is extruded through an extruder.
The thermal insulation properties of extruded polystyrene are much better than conventional polystyrene foam. But extruded polystyrene foam has lower vapor permeability. Another disadvantage is high flammability.
Foamed polyethylene on a foil base
Foamed polyethylene on a foil base is one of the best floor insulation materials. It is obtained by melting polyethylene in a special container with the addition of liquefied gas, which acts as a foamed reagent. A foil film is applied to one side of the polyethylene foam, which reflects heat. Foil-coated polyethylene is supplied in rolls, sheets, and slabs.
- The closedness of the cells contributes to high hygroscopicity. The water resistance of the material allows you to insulate floors and walls in baths and saunas.
- The material is resilient and elastic, durable: it can withstand significant loads and does not deform.
- Caustic acids, alkalis, gasoline and other petroleum products do not affect polyethylene.
- Laying foil polyethylene is easy and simple by hand, because it weighs little and is quite thin. Foil insulation is designed in such a way that it reflects heat back into the room. In external environment does not transfer heat. Therefore, it should be laid with the reflective side up.
Penoizol
Penoizol-liquid foam.
It is good because it is poured into all the cracks and hard to reach places.
Insulation is especially necessary when building a house, because it fills all the air voids and thereby retains heat.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is one of the best floor insulation materials of our time.
Wood-based insulation materials include:
- plywood;
- cellulose wadding;
- sawdust.
Ecowool
Ecowool is a loose material made from cellulose. It is filled automatically or manually, covering the most inaccessible places. The cotton wool is poured into special pumps, and it passes into the room through thick pipes. Ecowool is not liquid.
The disadvantage of ecowool is its fear of moisture, so it is not recommended to use this material in rooms with excessive humidity.
Sawdust materials
Sawdust itself is not used for insulation because it does not meet fire safety requirements. Mainly used for insulation:
- sawdust pellets;
- wood concrete;
- wood blocks.
Wood blocks are sawdust with the addition of copper sulfate and cement.
Sawdust granules are obtained by adding antiseptics to them, making them resistant to the appearance of microorganisms. Sawdust granules have low thermal conductivity and high sound insulation properties.
Arbolit-wood concrete. It is fire resistant. It has increased strength and can quickly restore its shape after excessive loads. Absorbs sound waves perfectly and retains heat.
Its disadvantage is low moisture resistance. If you want to make insulation from wood concrete, then the humidity in the apartment should not exceed 75%. A finishing protective layer should be laid on top of the wood concrete.
One of the popular insulation materials is cork. This is the best insulation for linoleum, but also the most expensive. Cork fiber is obtained by processing oak wood. The wood is crushed, the particles are glued together with suberin, which is part of oak. They are steamed and pressed to form cork fiber. The material is completely natural and does not contain any polymer additives. The material is durable, moisture-resistant, lightweight. Due to its structure (consists of cells, each of which is filled gaseous substance) is considered the best heat insulator.
Cork fiber can be used as a substrate and as an independent floor covering.
How to lay insulation on the floor
Different insulation materials need to be installed differently.
Mineral wool is laid between the joists. But the glass wool should be properly insulated so that when it wears out, dust does not get into the apartment. It is very important to leave a ventilation gap.
Laying ecowool
Ecowool is laid mechanically or manually. Small particles of ecowool pass through the hose, and the operator uses air to direct the material with glue added to it onto the wall or floor. Sticking. ecowool particles create a thermal insulation layer. Cotton wool is applied to the floors manually, both liquid and dry. It just falls asleep between the lags. A vapor barrier membrane is placed on top, and then wooden floors. The price of ecowool insulation along with work is 2200 per cubic meter using the dry method and 2800 per cubic meter using the wet method.
Laying expanded clay
There are 3 options for laying insulation such as expanded clay:
First you need to sweep the floor and remove construction debris. Need to make a bed PVC film or a special vapor barrier layer. Mark the level of the screed. Then apply 10cm wide edge tape to leave a gap from the walls. Fill the floor with expanded clay, level it, and fill it with screed on top. You can separate the screed with a waterproofing layer;
Laying foam
Expanded polystyrene is laid and then filled with cement or concrete. This is a floating screed.
Logs are placed under wooden floors, and foam plastic is laid between them.
The third way to lay polystyrene foam is to lay it on a concrete floor, and on top of them are sheets of plywood.
Polyurethane foam application technology
First you need to prepare the base: remove debris. Unevenness of the base does not matter when laying polyurethane foam. The main thing is that there are no oil stains on the surface, otherwise there will be no reliable adhesion of the insulation to the base in this place. You should pay attention to the humidity of the floor; it should not exceed 5%. The air temperature must be maintained at least +10 degrees. Polyurethane foam is applied through a special nozzle. Components A and B are mixed and sprayed. The material must be evenly distributed using special equipment over the surface of the base. The specialist himself regulates the thickness of the polyurethane foam layer. The insulation dries within 24-48 hours. If the insulation is laid between wooden joists, then after the material has dried, the finishing coating can be installed. If polyurethane foam is placed on a concrete base, then it needs to be poured on top cement-sand screed, which will protect the thermal insulation layer.
Today we told you about floor insulation. We revealed the advantages of each of them and reported on the features of their installation. And which one is better is up to you to choose. We hope you make the right choice.
The floor is an enclosing structure, the strength of which is subject to increased demands, therefore, even non-loaded floor slabs are made of concrete of a grade not lower than M 250. The high density of such concrete causes low porosity and good thermal conductivity of structures made from it, which necessitates their insulation, especially basement and attic floors.
The most important factors ensuring the success of thermal protection of floor slabs are the correctly selected floor insulation and the technology for its installation.
Thermal insulation of the floor with stone wool on top
Therefore, when planning thermal insulation, it is better to know in detail how you can insulate the floor effectively, but economically - with an optimal price/quality ratio.
Justification for the need for floor insulation
Covering and ceiling structures participate in the heat exchange between rooms and with the outside environment. In addition, residents constantly come into contact with the floor surface, unlike walls and ceilings, when walking. Taking these circumstances into account, the cold floor is insulated, resulting in the following benefits:
- reduction of heat loss in housing during the heating season;
- prevention of condensation on floor surfaces;
- increasing the durability of wooden structures;
- comfort of human contact with a warm base.
Thermal protection of floors: foam plastic, expanded clay The listed factors are serious, and most of them appear immediately after the floor insulation is completed. Therefore, the feasibility of installing thermal insulation for floors is more than justified.
Requirements for floor insulation
The main function performed by a thermal insulator laid on the floor is to create a barrier to the transfer of heat from the warmer indoor environment to the cold outdoor environment. Therefore, for floor insulation must be used materials that have sufficient thermal insulation properties - like all insulation materials. But, in addition to this, the thermal insulation material must meet other requirements for home insulation:
Important! The strength of the insulating material is a preferable, but not mandatory, characteristic when choosing insulation, since there are installation technologies that allow the use soft materials under conditions of exposure to mechanical loads.
Thermal protection of the floor with mineral wool
In addition to those listed, there is one more characteristic that is not directly related to the effectiveness of thermal protection, but is important - the cost of the material. The analysis of this parameter should be approached thoughtfully, since more expensive material does not always live up to expectations.
Natural insulation: coconut fiber (Bauplit Cocos), linen (Izolna) Important! Screaming cheapness is fraught with low quality insulating materials, and the purchase of expensive exotic materials must be justified by the need for their unique qualities.
Insulating materials used for floor insulation
By and large, all known insulation materials are suitable to one degree or another for floor thermal insulation. The effectiveness of their use will depend on the individual characteristics of the thermal protection material, the correctness of its installation and specific operating conditions. Let's take a closer look at the types of insulation, effective For applications on floors that are the most popular.
Mineral wool insulation
Materials of this group have a porous fibrous structure, which causes low specific gravity and good thermal insulation properties. Available in the form of rolled strips or mats of a certain width and thickness,
Rolled and in the form of a mat mineral wool insulation used for insulation of vertical and horizontal bases, they require additional protection from external factors.
Stone wool
It is produced from repeated melts of igneous rocks, mainly basalt. Hot steam or air is blown through a stream of molten raw material, resulting in the formation of soft thin fibers that are processed hydrophobic compounds and binding resins, then subjected to heat treatment at a temperature of 180-230 0 C and molded to obtain a porous canvas of a given density and thickness. The resulting “carpet” is cut into products of the required format, from which rolls or mats are formed.
Basalt wool in roll form and in the form of mats Stone wool is not flammable material, the fibers of which can withstand temperatures of 850-880 0 C without melting, but upon reaching 600-700 0 C they begin to collapse with the formation of dust.
The ability to withstand a distributed load is determined by the density of the insulation, according to which basalt wool is divided into 3 groups:
- soft (rolls and mats) – 10-50 kg/m 3 ;
- semi-rigid (mats) – 50-80 kg/m3;
- hard (slabs) – 80-220 kg/m3.
Stone wool is the best mineral wool insulator, which is confirmed by the following advantages:
- high thermal insulation and sound-absorbing properties - thermal conductivity coefficient 0.033-0.046 W/m 0 K, sound absorption coefficient - 0.87-0.95;
- good vapor permeability - 0.25-0.35 mg/m² h Pa;
- low water absorption - no more than 2% by volume;
- wide range of specific gravity - 10-220 kg/m3;
- high operating temperature – up to 700 0 C;
- biostability;
- fire safety;
- durability.
Non-flammability of basalt wool Improved modifications are being made stone wool– coated with aluminum foil, kraft paper, fiberglass.
Disadvantages of basalt wool :
- high price relative to other mineral wool insulation;
- the binder contains phenol-formaldehyde resins, although only 2% of the total mass.
For floor insulation and sound insulation, this insulating material is laid over joists or floor slabs with the possibility of subsequent screeding.
Important! The fibers of basalt wool are soft and non-prickly, but in order to prevent stone dust from entering the respiratory tract, it is necessary to work with this insulation in a respirator.
Glass wool
This insulation is also produced in the form of rolls and slabs, the price of which, due to the use of up to 80% glass cullet as a raw material in production, is much lower than basalt wool.
Glass wool in rolls and slabs In many characteristics, including thermal insulation, this insulation is not inferior to stone wool:
- low density – 11-25 kg/m3;
- low thermal conductivity – 0.03 – 0.055 W/m·0 K;
- non-flammability (class NG);
- wide operating temperature range (from -50 to +450 0 C);
- sound absorption – 0.8-0.92.
Glass wool even has an advantage over basalt insulation– its fibrous structure does not contain other inclusions, is elastic and therefore resistant to compaction under the influence of vibration. Glass wool is produced, covered on one side with aluminum foil or fiberglass, which gives the material tensile strength and windproof properties.
Foil glass wool Glass wool is suitable for insulating floors, while also being a good sound insulator, but due to its low rigidity it is used only when laying between joists. It should be taken into account that this insulation becomes denser when wet and takes a long time to dry. In addition, due to the thorniness and fragility of the fibers, it is necessary to work with it in a respirator, gloves, safety glasses and thick clothing, which creates difficulties during installation, especially in warm weather. The listed disadvantages reduce the popularity of using glass wool for home improvement.
Slag wool
This mineral wool insulation is made from waste from the metallurgical industry - blast furnace slag, which leads to a widely affordable price with many advantages:
- low thermal conductivity - 0.046-0.08 W/(m 0 K);
- noise absorption coefficient 0.75-0.82;
- non-flammability (NG);
- operating temperature – up to 250 0 C;
- fire resistance – 450 0 C;
- volumetric weight – 75-400 kg/m3.
Rolled slag wool: regular and coated with aluminum foil Slag wool is suitable for insulating floors on joists and concrete, but, depending on the installation method, its rigidity should be taken into account - on concrete plates lay insulation with a density of at least 150 kg/m3.
Taking into account the listed characteristics, from slag wool by adding 15-20% bitumen to it, an artificial, so-called “mineral plug” is produced - a moisture-absorbing (up to 50% by weight), but non-hygroscopic nailing material in the form of slabs with a low specific gravity (250 -400 kg/m 3).
Sheet of artificial cork made from slag wool Despite the existing advantages, this insulator has more disadvantages than other materials in the group:
- in the absence of hygroscopicity, the ability to absorb water by suction;
- the presence of residual acidity of slag in the fibers, causing corrosion of metals and rotting of wood upon contact with this insulation;
- fragility and thorniness of fibers, like glass wool;
- low resistance to temperature changes;
- lack of resistance to vibration;
- the presence of phenol-formaldehyde resins in the binder.
Based on the listed “disadvantages”, slag wool is not often used for home improvement, while trying to buy insulation modified with special additives and impregnations. But such thermal insulation is more expensive than usual, and the preference given to slag wool loses its meaning.
Polymer heat-shielding materials
From this group, solid sheet and elastic roll insulation is used for floor insulation, the specific choice of which depends on the installation method.
The cheapest insulation made from solid materials is expanded polystyrene – a lightweight sheet polymer with high thermal insulation properties, but low hardness.
Foamed polystyrene The softness of this insulation determines its installation either between the joists, followed by installation on top of the flooring, or on the side of the ceiling, where there are no compressive loads. Laying expanded polystyrene on a concrete floor is possible, but will require a load-bearing reinforced screed on top, which will entail additional costs.
For insulating a concrete floor base from above it is more suitable penoplex - a material produced by extrusion of polystyrene and therefore being an improved version of it.
Penoplex in packaging and at the installation site The density of this insulation, depending on the brand (S - wall, F - foundation, K - roofing, "45", "Comfort"), ranges from 25 to 50 kg/m 3, and the compressive strength depends on the density - from 0 .2 to 0.6 MPa.
Important! To insulate the top of concrete floors without joists, use penoplex grades “F” and “45”. When laying insulation of lesser strength, a screed will be required.
The cost of penoplex is 3-4 times higher than expanded polystyrene, which is due to its advantages, but this durable insulation needs to be used where its high characteristics will be in demand, where the rejection of conventional polystyrene foam is objectively justified.
An example of a rolled polymer heat-protective material is isolon – domestic elastic insulation, the full name of which is “polyethylene foam” (foamed polyethylene). It goes on sale in the form of canvases of a certain size or rolled strips.
Regular and foil isolon Two types of isolon are produced - cross-linked (PPE) and extruded (NPE). Visually, the first differs from the second in smaller pores, greater elasticity and strength, due to the presence of additional bonds between the polymer molecules.
Comparative table of characteristics of PPE and NPE isolons
A self-adhesive version of isolon is also produced - isolontape (splen), used in the automotive industry for insulation and soundproofing of the interior, but also successfully used in home renovation.
Splen - regular and reinforced The disadvantages of isolon include low vapor permeability, but this factor is rather a feature of this isolant.
Spray insulation
Insulation applied in this way includes spraying a layer of ecowool or polyurethane foam onto the base.
Insulated floors – ecowool and polyurethane foam Ecowool - This is insulation made from waste paper and waste from the pulp and paper industry, that is, from natural cellulose, with the addition of antiseptics and fire retardants. When ready for use, the material is a loose mass of fibers up to 4 mm long.
Ecowool: before and after use The insulation is applied to the surface using pneumatic equipment: a stream of air throws dry fibers out of the nozzle on the hose, moistening the outlet with water from the built-in nozzles.
Advantages of ecowool :
- high heat and sound insulation properties of the formed cellulose “coat”;
- low volumetric weight;
- environmental friendliness;
- affordable cost of material.
Disadvantages of ecowool:
- gradual decrease in thermal insulation properties (by 20-25%) due to natural compaction;
- the need for special equipment, the cost of using which is high, and applying the “coat” manually is a labor-intensive process, with a result of poor quality;
- the need to install a load-bearing coating on top of the insulation due to the low rigidity of the “fur coat”.
For insulation of structures by spraying polyurethane foam two types of polymer are used - elastic and rigid, applied using special equipment. Floor insulation is done using a rigid composition.
Advantages of thermal protection made of polyurethane foam :
- low thermal conductivity - 0.0235 W/(m 0 K);
- strength when exposed to a distributed load;
- no seams in the coating;
- high water resistance;
- ease of application to the surface at any angle, high adhesion to all materials;
- UV and solvent resistance;
- durability (30-50 years).
Flaws :
- need for special equipment;
- the need for experience in performing this type of work;
- lack of adhesion to polyethylene.
Bulk heat-protective materials
Many materials (shavings, sawdust, straw) can be included in this group, but let’s consider the most common bulk thermal insulation for the floor -.
This bulk insulation is produced by swelling a hot solution of natural clay, followed by firing of the resulting clay granules of various fractions:
- sand – up to 5 mm;
- gravel - 5-10, 10-20, 20-40 mm.
For thermal insulation of floors, expanded clay of fractions 10-20 and 20-40 mm is used.
Various fractions of expanded clay products Advantages of expanded clay :
- high thermal insulation characteristics;
- comparatively small volumetric weight for a clay material;
- environmentally friendly - made entirely from natural materials;
- non-flammability;
- ease of installation;
- affordable price;
- durability (100 years is not the limit).
Disadvantages of expanded clay :
- dust formation - the need for a substrate when laying on wood interfloor covering;
- use only on horizontal or slightly sloping bases;
- significant thickness of the effective layer – from 15 cm.
Cork insulation
Cork insulation is an effective heat-protective material in the form of slabs or rolls, due to its environmental friendliness, suitable for use in residential premises for any purpose. The production technology of this insulation is called agglomeration and consists of molding crumbs from crushed cork tree bark, to which an organic binder is added.
Cork thermal insulation: roll and sheet versions Based on the name of the technology, the insulation received a second name - cork agglomerate , which is produced in two types:
- white — rolled or in the form of plates thermal protection with decorative function, which does not require finishing, is made from the bark of branches;
White cork agglomerate - black – cork insulation, suitable for mounting on floor, in the form of panels made from crumbs of tree trunk bark, subjected to heat treatment during the manufacturing process.
Black cork agglomerate Cork insulation boards are produced, into which they are already pressed wooden joists for installation on them finishing.
In addition to the listed coatings, floor cladding with heat-shielding properties is produced, which also does not require finishing - cork-veneered laminate and Cork board made of solid veneer with protective varnish coatings, laid on special substrates.
Decorative board and cork laminate Advantages of cork insulation :
- environmental friendliness;
- low specific gravity (200-230 kg/m3);
- strength with elasticity and low weight;
- high thermal insulation and sound-absorbing characteristics;
- antistatic;
- low flammability (class M3);
- low water absorption - less than 2%;
- ease of installation;
- biostability;
- declared durability is at least 50 years.
Flaws :
- vulnerability to damage from sharp objects;
- difficulty in performing cosmetic repairs;
- lack of resistance to temperature changes (begins to crumble);
- loses color when exposed to sunlight.
Decorative floor covering with cork However, despite the presence of shortcomings, the popularity of cork in the line of luxury materials does not fall.
Thermal protection on the floor slab
Thermally insulate concrete floor without lags of both the first and on the second floor from the side of the room you can use hard types of stone or slag wool, as well as penoplex, expanded clay, and isolon.
These materials are effective for use not only in interior rooms, but also on open verandas - it is necessary to insulate the floor there to increase the service life of structures.
When installing insulation from any of these materials the subfloor is repaired (cracks and sinkholes are sealed), after which 2-3 layers of waterproofing are installed on it.
Mineral wool insulation (mats, slabs) is laid tightly on the floor, spread out, and 2 layers of waterproofing are also placed on top of it. Then you can lay 2 layers of DSP ( cement bonded particle board) or thick plywood on which the finishing cladding will be laid. Instead of DSP sheets or plywood, you can make a leveling screed 3-5 cm thick, preferably with mesh reinforcement.
Penoplex is laid on the concrete floor just as tightly, in one or two layers, sealing the cracks polyurethane foam. After removing excess dried foam over the insulation, you can also mount DSP or plywood, on top of which the finishing will then be done.
Penoplex laid on a concrete floor Expanded clay is poured onto the concrete floor and leveled with the layer structure required thickness. A 5 cm thick screed is made on top of the expanded clay, reinforced with a mesh of metal or fiberglass reinforcement.
Thermal insulation of the subfloor with expanded clay Insulation concrete gender can be done and isolon, if the region of residence is not further north middle zone, and the floor is not the first. Isolon is laid end-to-end in strips or sheets, after which the seams are taped with special tape. A laminate can be laid on top of such thermal insulation without using another substrate. But, if you lay linoleum, you need to install a rigid base (chipboard, fiberboard, plywood) on top of the insulation, otherwise the finishing will be pressed even when walking, not to mention the loads from the installed furniture.
Laying Isolon on a concrete floor In the northern regions, this insulation can be used in combination with another insulator - as a waterproofing coating.
This video will help you have a better idea of how to perform thermal protection of the floor with polystyrene foam or penoplex:
Insulation of the floor from below
Installing thermal insulation on the ceiling base of a lower floor room is not convenient, but this arrangement of insulation does not require a hard covering on top of the insulating material.
Insulate concrete slabs from below You can use mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, isolon, sprayed ecowool or polyurethane foam. The ceiling is waterproofed with impregnation, after which, except in the case of isolon, it is better to install bars with the required spacing (you can do without them), between which thermal insulation slabs are tightly inserted. Then a sheathing is installed on top of the bars, the design of which is carried out in accordance with the selected finish.
Insulation of a concrete floor from below: polystyrene foam and mineral wool Izolon on concrete ceiling can be glued - after preparing the base, and then mount slats, bars or a CD profile on top of it for subsequent attachment of PVC panels, drywall, etc. to them.
Floor insulated from below with isolon Execute insulation any The easiest way to install floors from below is by spraying insulating material. To bring the thermal protection layer into one plane, you need to first mount bars of the required cross-section on the base, fill the niches between them with insulation, and then cut off all the excess from the “fur coat” that protrudes beyond the bars in height. Using these “beacons” you can then mount the base for finishing or the decorative cladding itself.
The costs of this technology are justified by simplifying the performance of work at height.
Thermal insulation of the floor on the ground
The ground floor is a multi-layer “pie”, which necessarily includes insulation, often of several types.
Sectional view of a ground-insulated floor Of the common insulation materials in this case optimal choice there will be penoplex - hard and resistant to temperature changes. After execution preparatory work floor insulation penoplex on the ground is identical to its installation on the interfloor ceiling. If the floor of the room does not experience significant loads, this rather expensive material can be replaced with ordinary polystyrene foam, but a reinforced screed will need to be placed on top of it.
Thermal insulation of floors on the ground with penoplex Conclusion
Insulation of floors in private houses is necessary operation, and even in high-rise apartments with sufficient ceiling heights, it is advisable to perform this procedure. The range of modern thermal insulation materials allows you to choose an insulator from an affordable price segment, and, moreover, it can be installed independently. All that remains is to study the installation technology and avoid rushing during execution.
The main point of the article
- The floor is an enclosing structure at the bottom of a room that is in contact with cold layers of air or the outside environment and therefore requires insulation. In addition, the floor experiences loads from the interior, which leads to increased demands on the strength of the floor insulation.
- When choosing an insulator for a floor, you need to know not only the main characteristics of insulation, but also the advantages of their use and the individual disadvantages of each type of material.
- Thermal protection should be purchased based on the existing conditions - region, building characteristics, selected insulation technology.
- Correctly insulate the floor maybe on your own, so like most technologies, it does not require the use of special equipment or special professional skills.
The reason for cold floors in an apartment is concrete floors between floors in multi-apartment residential buildings. Concrete has good thermal conductivity, which is why warm air, located in the apartment, quickly cools, giving away its thermal energy overlap. Concrete quickly releases the energy it receives to the cold air outside the building. Additional insulation of the floor in the apartment will help eliminate the problem.
Insulation methods
Thanks to modern technologies, it is possible to insulate the floor in any apartment, and for this you need to use certain building materials. Each insulation material has its own installation technology. When choosing Special attention you need to pay attention to the gap between the concrete partition and the level at which the front surface of the floor covering is located.
All floor insulation in an apartment is divided into three large groups:
- Mineral thermal insulation materials: mineral wool, expanded clay, cement mixtures.
- Wood-shaving insulation. They are of high quality and simplicity. Materials in this group include basalt wool, chipboard panels, plywood, sawdust. All of them do an excellent job with their main function - floor insulation.
- Polymers. These materials appeared relatively recently, but are becoming more popular every year. Their main advantages are high quality, low price, a wide variety of species. These include penoizol, polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, and polyurethane foam.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which material is better, because the effectiveness of each of them largely depends on the floor covering itself. When making a choice, you must take into account the purpose of the room and financial capabilities.
In this video you will learn how to insulate a floor:
Wood and concrete floors
A wooden floor is usually insulated like this: the selected insulation material is laid between the joists.
The work itself on insulating floors in an apartment takes place in several stages:
- Removing old coating.
- Opening the floor.
- Laying vapor barrier material. Its role can be played by polyethylene or polypropylene. The sheets should overlap by a couple of tens of centimeters, and the resulting joints should be insulated with tape.
- Laying the insulation itself. If rolls or sheets are used, they should simply be laid close to the joists. In this case, it is necessary to try to prevent the formation of cracks. If a bulk substance is used, it is poured between the lags, and then the surface is leveled using the rule.
- Creating another layer of vapor barrier. This is not necessary, but it is advisable, especially if mineral wool or glass wool was chosen as insulation.
- Finish flooring.
In the vast majority of cases, floors in apartments of multi-storey buildings are made of reinforced concrete slabs. They themselves are cold, and therefore without them additional insulation very difficult to get by. In addition, numerous gaps formed between reinforced concrete slabs contribute to heat loss. There are several options for insulating a concrete floor. Each professional builder uses his own method.
The thermal insulation of a concrete floor can be increased by laying a layer of insulating material between the base and a screed made of cement.
Insulation of a concrete floor has its own nuances In this case It is better to insulate the floor in the apartment, performing the work in the following order:
- Dismantling the old coating and removing the screed.
- Cleaning the base from various contaminants and eliminating irregularities formed after removing the screed.
- Installation of a vapor barrier layer. Polyethylene or polypropylene is also usually used for this. They should be overlapped by approximately 20 cm.
- Laying foam plastic, mineral wool or expanded polystyrene with a thickness of at least 5 cm. Sheets of insulating material should fit as closely as possible to each other.
- Laying another vapor barrier layer. If using polystyrene foam, this step is optional.
- Laying reinforcing mesh with cells in the shape of a square with sides from 5 to 10 cm.
- Pouring cement screed. It is important to make it thick enough. If its thickness is less than 5 cm, then the structure will soon begin to collapse.
- Coating the top layer of the created cement screed with a primer.
- Laying decorative material.
Floor insulation work must be carried out in stages Another option would be:
- Contaminants on the screed are removed.
- A waterproofing layer is installed. For this purpose, special bitumen-based substances are usually used.
- Installation of lag. It is important to ensure that the distance between them does not exceed 90 cm. If you plan to use bulk insulation, then you can do without lag. Instead, you can install metal beacons on a concrete base.
- Laying the heat insulator itself. If it is in the form of rolls or sheets, you should strive to ensure that wide gaps do not appear at the joints. Bulk insulation material after backfilling is leveled using the rule.
- The covering is being installed. For this you can use chipboard, plywood, OSB. For greater reliability, it is recommended to lay several layers at once, and then there will be no seams through which cold air can penetrate into the room.
- Installation of facing floor covering.
If the insulation is done correctly, the floor temperature will noticeably increase by several degrees. The discomfort that you experience when stepping on a cold floor will no longer bother you.
Common Methods
There are several methods of floor insulation. The most common is the so-called wet method, which involves creating concrete screed. Another popular method of floor insulation is called, on the contrary, dry, since it no longer requires the creation of a screed. In this case, dry bulk materials such as, for example, expanded clay are used as insulation. main feature Such materials have low density.
If you can perform thermal insulation using a “wet” or “dry” method yourself, then such a technology as “spraying” can only be done by specialists. The fact is that when spraying, the insulating material must be evenly applied to the base. This requires specialized equipment and high craftsmanship.
The role of insulation during spraying is usually played by polyurethane. If you urgently need to insulate the floor, but you are chronically short of money for installation, you can use less expensive, but also less effective methods.
One of the low-budget insulation options is the use of carpet or carpet made from natural yarn. However, it is worth remembering that such materials require special care.
Before you start insulating the floor, you need to choose the right building material. Before making a choice in favor of one or another heat insulator, it is necessary to carefully study the characteristics not only the material, but also the building itself in which the floor insulation will be carried out:
- It is imperative to take into account the materials from which the supporting structures are made, and also do not forget about the features of the finishing coating.
- If polystyrene foam is used as a heat insulator, then the gaps formed between the plates should be sealed with polyurethane foam.
- When using mineral wool, you must follow safety rules and remember that this material can cause harm to the skin, respiratory system and mucous membranes. You need to wear special protective equipment when working with it.
- Don't think that wooden elements floors, being under a layer of insulation, will be reliably protected from the harmful effects of the main enemy of wood - water. On the contrary, under the layer vapor barrier materials prevails high humidity. That is why all wooden structures must first be treated with special protective compounds.
- When creating a layer of expanded clay insulation, care must be taken to ensure that it is protected from the wind on all sides. The fact is that moving air will reduce the effectiveness of thermal insulation.
If you choose the right material for thermal insulation of the floor in your apartment and correctly install the thermal insulation, you can not only increase the level of comfort in your home, but also reduce financial costs during the heating season.
