Preface. In this article we will look at how to independently insulate a foam block house from the outside under siding and under plaster. For many owners of foam block houses, the thermal insulation of the room comes to the fore. We will tell you about the technology of using mineral wool, polystyrene foam or penoplex when insulating a foam block facade; at the end of the article, watch the video instructions for insulating the facade of a foam block house with mineral wool.
By the term “foam block”, private developers mean blocks made of foam concrete or gas silicate. This material is used today for the construction of low-rise buildings. The foam block itself is a thermal insulation layer. Previously, we told you how to insulate a house made of gas silicate with your own hands. Today we will look at the question self-insulation foam block façade on the outside.
Due to their porous structure, foam concrete blocks provide excellent grip with any finishing material (plaster, putty). Many owners of country houses made of foam concrete blocks often resort to insulation. Is it worth it to insulate a foam block from the outside and how to properly insulate a foam block house for the winter? Read this article about the best materials to use when carrying out work.
Is it necessary to insulate a foam block house from the outside?
Many will ask, is it advisable to insulate a house from foam block? Because foam concrete was invented for the construction of buildings without additional thermal insulation, as they have a minimally low heat transfer coefficient. In this case, the problem of condensation formation between the insulation and the foam block wall naturally disappears. However, during Russian winters, a lot of money will be spent on heating the house.
Insulation of foam block with polystyrene foam with lining
For the high heat-saving qualities of the foam block, you have to pay for the low strength of the walls. Walls made of of this material quite fragile and will not be able to withstand the heavy load of “wet” or “ventilated” facades. In addition, the foam block is afraid of moisture and freezing; polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam and mineral wool are often used to insulate the outside of a foam block house.
Experts do not recommend insulating a foam block house yourself from the inside, from the side of the heated room. However, if it is simply impossible to finish the walls from the street, and in winter a lot of money is spent on heating the room, then thermal insulation of the house is simply necessary. A layer of thermal insulation can maintain a warm and pleasant microclimate in the room.
How to insulate a foam block house from the outside
What is the best material to choose for external thermal insulation of foam blocks? The ideal option for this is slab material: Isover mineral wool mats, polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam. When using mineral wool, the material should be protected with waterproofing and a ventilated gap should be provided, which will remove excess moisture and possible condensation from the surface of the film.
Mineral wool is an environmentally friendly, vapor-permeable material that can shrink if not installed correctly. Expanded polystyrene and polystyrene foam are moisture-resistant and vapor-proof materials with a low heat transfer coefficient. When laying foam plastic or penoplex slabs on the facade, the heat-insulating material should be protected with a decorative layer from mechanical damage and ultraviolet.
How to insulate a foam block house from the outside
Advantages of insulating foam blocks from the outside:
1. when insulating the walls from the outside, living space is saved;
2. insulation on the outside of the house will prevent the walls from freezing in winter;
3. insulation in the room, shifts the dew point to the heated room;
4. Thermal insulation on the outside of the building will significantly extend the service life of the block walls.
How to insulate a foam block with polystyrene foam from the outside
Stages of insulating a foam block house with polystyrene foam with your own hands:
2. the façade is primed to level out the absorbency of the foam block surface;
5. The plates are glued to the facade of the house in a checkerboard pattern relative to each other;
6. We fix each polystyrene foam slab with a disc-shaped dowel in the center and at the corners of the slab;
7. A reinforcing mesh is glued to the insulation to give the necessary strength;
8. Finally, the insulation is finished with façade putty or sheathed with siding.
How to insulate a foam block with penoplex from the outside
Stages of insulating a foam block house with penoplex with your own hands:
1. the surface of the wall is cleaned of dirt and dust, sagging or excess cement mortar on the facade is removed;
2. the facade is treated with a primer, which will ensure better adhesion of the glue to the surface;
3. a starting profile is attached to the bottom of the wall, protecting the insulation from the penetration of rodents;
4. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, glue for polystyrene foam is prepared;
5. glue is applied to the slabs with a spatula, and they are laid on the facade in a checkerboard pattern;
6. Each slab is additionally fixed with a disc-shaped dowel in the center and in the corners;
7. a reinforcing mesh is glued onto the sheathed façade to impart strength to the surface;
8. A layer of facade plaster is applied over the mesh; after drying, the facade is painted.
How to insulate a foam block with mineral wool from the outside
Stages of insulating a foam block house with mineral wool with your own hands:
1. the surface is cleaned of dirt and dust, if necessary it is additionally leveled;
2. the wall is covered with a waterproofing film to protect the thermal insulation from getting wet;
3. a starting profile is fixed on the wall, on which the first row will be mounted;
4. Next, guides made of bars are attached to the façade, between which mineral wool is attached;
5. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, basalt wool is installed between the bars;
6. then the entire structure is covered with a vapor barrier or superdiffusion membrane;
7. bars are fixed on top of the vapor barrier to create a ventilation gap of 20-30 millimeters;
8. The facade is covered with siding, PVC panels are fixed to the bars with self-tapping screws.
Preface. Today we’ll tell you how to insulate a house made of foam blocks from the inside for the winter with your own hands, and what materials are best used for the job. Let's consider independent thermal insulation of foam block walls with polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam and mineral wool. The video instructions at the end of this article from professional builders will reveal in more detail such an important topic as internal insulation foam concrete walls.
The foam block is porous material, which makes this material quite warm for wall construction. But, often when building walls, the blocks are laid with a small thickness, which is why heating costs country house in winter they increase significantly. Often this issue is resolved by insulating the foam block from the outside, after which additional cladding of the house facade is done with vinyl siding.
Is it necessary to insulate the foam block from the inside for the winter?
When erecting walls, you should adhere to the main rule - if the vapor barrier properties are reduced, the materials should be located from the inside out. If the insulation is inside warm room, then this rule will be grossly violated. Due to high humidity in the house, the walls will become damp, and fungus and mold may appear in the space between the wall and the insulation.
It is possible to insulate a foam block from the inside, but it would be better to insulate a house from a foam block from the outside. The insulation of foam concrete from the inside consists of high-quality vapor barrier of the thermal insulation layer; it is worthwhile to provide a high-quality ventilation and air conditioning system in the house. But keep in mind that you may encounter the problem of reducing the service life of foam concrete due to freezing of the walls of a country house in winter.
How to insulate a foam block from the inside with your own hands
Internal thermal insulation of any premises should include good vapor barrier of basalt wool on both sides. In addition, it will be necessary to protect the insulation from mechanical damage by making a false wall from plasterboard. For interior works Not only fibrous materials made from URSA PureOne glass wool or mineral wool are suitable, but also polystyrene foam boards (penoplex or polystyrene foam).
When using any thermal insulation material You should avoid joints during installation (cold bridges in the wall), through which cold will penetrate into the room. Insulating the foam block from the inside with polyurethane foam will solve the problem of cold bridges. Spraying polyurethane foam creates a continuous coating on the surface of the wall, however, this is an expensive procedure that requires a lot of experience and special equipment.
How to insulate a foam block from the inside with your own hands
When carrying out work, it is not advisable to use metal carcass, it will provoke the appearance of cold bridges in the structure. When the wall surface is treated with waterproofing, the guides should be secured from wooden slats. After self-installation thermal insulation in the room, the structure is completely covered with a vapor barrier.
How to insulate a foam block with polystyrene foam from the inside
Expanded polystyrene boards are not very suitable for use in residential premises due to their high flammability and phenol release during operation. The joints between the foam boards will allow cold and moisture to penetrate. Despite the fact that the slabs are even, it will still not be possible to join them perfectly. Joints should be sealed polyurethane foam and lay the insulation in two overlapping layers.
Work should be carried out in the warm season in order to dry the room before work. It is better to insulate a house made of foam concrete with polystyrene foam not from the inside, but from the outside under plaster or siding. Whatever option you choose, it is important to have smooth walls; you may need to further level them before thermal insulation, as in the case of insulating the bathhouse ceiling yourself with foam plastic.
How to insulate a foam block with penoplex from the inside
When insulating a house made of foam block with penoplex, no voids should form between the wall and the slabs of extruded polystyrene foam, otherwise condensation will begin to accumulate in them, which will eventually lead to the appearance of mold. Applying polystyrene foam adhesive evenly over the entire surface of the wall will allow you to avoid the appearance of voids and possible problems in future.
Extruded polystyrene foam sheets also have smooth edges, as well as edges for a tight fit. But you won’t be able to lay the foam boards perfectly without gaps. Therefore, you should stock up on a can of polyurethane foam to seal all the joints between the slabs. For more information about the technology of working with penoplex slabs, see the video at the end of the article.
How to insulate a foam block with mineral wool from the inside
When insulating a house made of foam concrete from the inside mineral wool, a rolled vapor barrier is laid on the surface to be treated. Next, a frame of wooden beams is constructed on the wall. The thickness of the bars should be equal to the thickness of the thermal insulation layer, and the distance between the guides should be equal to the width of the mineral wool slabs, minus 1-1.5 cm for more dense placement of basalt slabs in the structure.
The entire structure on the wall is covered with a vapor barrier film, and a frame of bars is mounted to create a ventilation gap. Next, the wall is sheathed with sheets of plasterboard or clapboard. Thus, the insulation will be protected from moisture and mechanical damage. All that remains is to think about a high-quality attic ventilation system in the house.
Video. How to insulate a foam block house from the inside
Foam block is so beautiful construction material It perfectly retains heat in the room, is characterized by a long service life, and is characterized by its absolutely harmless composition. These advantages of cellular concrete have been appreciated by many consumers. As a result, in last years the material has gained great popularity. Lightweight and voluminous parts of such samples make it possible to erect any structure in a short time. How to insulate a house made of foam blocks from the outside? Many owners who have a similar structure want to get an answer to this question. The majority of professionals believe that it is advisable to carry out such activities if the wall thickness is 30 cm or less. The work does not require special skills and abilities, so anyone can do it.
Foam block houses require additional insulation.
Nowadays, the modern industry offers so many insulating materials that choosing a worthy one does not seem difficult.
Attention! When erecting buildings from foam blocks, the climatic features of the area should be taken into account: relatively mild conditions make it possible to create light insulation in the form of plastering the surface.
A foam block house can be finished with plaster.
How to insulate a house with plaster? For this we take the usual cement mortar, it is placed on the base in 2 layers, the thickness of each of them corresponds to 3-4 cm. Coating the external walls with a deep-action primer noticeably strengthens the outer layer of the walls and forms a layer on the surface that promotes good adhesion to the base.
In order for plastering to go smoothly and correctly, you should follow the recommendations of specialists. The quality of the prepared plastering solution affects the finishing and insulation of surfaces. To properly dilute the composition, you should study the instructions on the package.
Advice! You can understand the correct dilution of the solution in this way: take a small part using a trowel and place the tool in a vertical position. The composition, which will last on weight for 20 seconds, is of good quality.
Use of appropriate devices, in particular beacons, for leveling the surface. They are installed when the thickness of the plaster is 2.5 cm or more. The permissible distance between them will be 15 cm.
“Pie” of insulating a house made of foam blocks using mineral wool
The difference is in the technology of laying the plaster layer. It is known that on brick surfaces the solution is applied by throwing, which cannot be said about foam concrete walls. This requires spreading the layer with a special machine or an ordinary trowel. The height of such a layer should be less than 4 cm; after applying it, the solution should set and dry.
The outer layer of the plastered surface is usually slightly rough to the touch. The surface is covered with a second layer when the previous layer has dried. The beacons are removed the next day, the holes that appear on the surface are covered with the same composition using a spatula or trowel.
To insulate aerated concrete walls, materials such as mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, surface plastering, PVC siding, facing ceramic bricks, and waterproof paint are used.
Return to contents
Expanded polystyrene is a great option
You can insulate a house made of cellular concrete with expanded polystyrene. It is also actively used for finishing walls made of brick and concrete.
Advice! Choosing suitable material to insulate a house, you should take a closer look at options such as polystyrene foam or special foam insulation. These samples will perfectly protect the external walls from frost and create comfort in the house.
The material in question is susceptible to adverse weather influences, so it needs appropriate protection. Outside surface covered with a layer of façade putty.
Expanded polystyrene sheets are easy to install, so they can be installed even at heights. They are distinguished by affordable prices.
Such layers are fixed to the surface with special dowels or glue.
The work of installing such material involves going through the following stages:
- The surface of the external walls is being primed.
- Fixation of polystyrene foam sheets. You can choose the fastening method yourself: it is an adhesive solution or special screws, having the appearance of fungi. When choosing fasteners, it is best to use plastic samples, because metal ones are not so practical and can be susceptible to corrosion.
- Placing a reinforcing mesh on the surface allows for good retention Decoration Materials in the form of plaster. The insulation is covered special glue, this retaining component is fixed onto it. The mesh has the form of a roll; it is applied in such a way that the next layer is located on the previous one with a distance of 10 cm. Then the surface is dried.
- Treating the base with plaster or putty. Such actions are characterized by maximum simplicity, so anyone familiar with installation technology can organize them.
Foam block is a rather fragile raw material, so you should make holes in it and hammer in nails very carefully. Gluing the boards should be carried out in dry weather at air temperatures above +5°C.
The height of the expanded polystyrene sheet for walls made of such blocks should be 5 cm.
Return to contents
Mineral wool
When insulating houses made of foam blocks, such material is used quite often. The cost of such a sample is low, but the cladding of the facade will result in a much larger sum. To work you will need facade materials in the form of slabs or blocks: these are lining, siding, facing bricks, tiles.
Mineral wool insulation is characterized by a number of properties:
Scheme for insulating foam block walls using plaster.
- Wool and panels have good thermal conductivity and retain heat well in the room. They are successfully used for finishing the external walls of houses made of foam blocks.
- Such material requires the installation of a waterproofing layer and compliance with certain installation steps. It is actively used in places where walls are covered with clapboard, siding and other sources.
- The material requires a significant investment Money, the high cost consists of the price of the material and the finishing work.
As a result of such influences, sheets may lose their initial properties. In addition, strengthening the layers requires the construction of a frame, which will entail a significant waste of money.
Giving preference to this material for insulating the external walls of houses made of foam blocks, it is necessary to make lathing based on iron profiles. They may well be replaced wooden beams, however, they are pre-treated with antiseptics.
Mineral wool insulation requires the installation of a waterproofing layer, installed by placing layers on top of each other maintaining a distance of 10 cm. The space between the thermal insulation layer and the facing layer will serve as ventilation. To do this, another crate is made, which will allow you to lay mineral wool tiles on it.
You should choose a specific type of insulation taking into account the characteristics and comparison of specific construction conditions.
Stones made from this type of cellular concrete, due to their low cost and ease of working with them, are widely used in low-rise construction. Opinions differ greatly on whether it is worthwhile to insulate a house made of foam concrete from the outside. This material is characterized by high thermal insulation properties, and many consider additional finishing to be a waste of money. For those who have decided that this stage of general construction work should not be neglected, this article is recommended.
General information about the material
Before we begin a short review of the materials most suitable for external insulation, it is useful to recall some of the features of foam blocks. If they are not taken into account, then do optimal choice Not sure it's going to happen.
Firstly, foam concrete stones have a porous structure. And here there is a relationship between their density and thermal insulation properties, and the opposite. Consequently, if better insulation of the house is needed, then the thickness of the walls will have to be increased, and therefore the width of the foundation strip.
Secondly, the porosity of foam blocks dictates the need to minimize the risk of condensation. From this point of view best solutions– “wet” or ventilated façade. Although when choosing insulation that is glued or sprayed on the outside (foam, polyurethane foam), there are other options. In any case, this must be taken into account.
Thirdly, the porous structure of foam blocks makes it difficult to fix on external walls supporting frame, and also limits the choice of insulation materials based on the total weight of the entire structure. Therefore, any material, such as, for example, a brick building, is not suitable for thermal insulation of a house.
The reasons when a decision is made to insulate a house are different - local climatic conditions, insufficient thickness of foam block walls, the desire to save more on heating, and so on. But thermal insulation is always installed only on the outside. It is not advisable to install it from the inside, since it will reduce (sometimes significantly) the usable area of the building. Plus, it will complicate the installation of anything mounted on the walls of a house made of foam blocks.
Brief overview of insulation
I. Foam plastic
One of good options. As a rule, when insulating buildings from the outside, a type of polystyrene foam is used.
- It is quite easy to work with these slabs, since they have strict geometry and, if necessary, are easy to cut.
- To mount it on the wall of a house made of foam blocks, you do not have to mount a supporting frame. The insulation is fixed on adhesive composition, in some cases, with “fastening” with special dowels.
- The high moisture-repellent properties of the material provide additional waterproofing of foam concrete blocks.
It is perhaps the only one in polystyrene foam, but it is significant. Feature Such thermal insulation has low vapor permeability. If you do not provide for high-quality air exchange, then there is no need to talk about a good microclimate in a house made of foam blocks. Reviews from owners indicate that when high temperature outside inside the building it becomes stuffy.
Many note that natural ventilation not enough, so you have to install a hood. And this is additional costs, including for the project, since it is unlikely to be possible to make complex engineering calculations on your own. In the case of using polystyrene foam for insulation under siding, this problem is partially eliminated. There are several ways. For example, by installing ventilation/ducts at the joints of foam blocks.
It remains to add that the external finishing of such insulation is usually done by plastering.
II. Minvata
In relation to foam concrete, many consider it almost ideal option, although not everything is so simple here. In addition, mineral wool comes in several modifications.
- Good vapor permeability of insulation.
- Convenience of laying mineral wool due to its elasticity.
- High degree of thermal insulation of foam blocks.
III. Polyurethane foam
They provide insulation only under the siding.
- High speed of insulation work.
- Maximum protection of foam blocks from atmospheric influences.
No matter what the apologists of this technology claim, there are quite a few disadvantages of such insulation of the house from the outside.
- Spraying polyurethane foam results in it completely insulating the base. She stops breathing. Moreover, the insulation partially penetrates deep into the structure, filling the pores of the foam blocks, and problems will arise with ventilation that cannot be solved on your own.
- The high cost of this method of thermal insulation. Such insulation is possible only with the use of special equipment. In addition, before applying to foam concrete blocks the composition still needs to be prepared, and correctly. The services of professionals will definitely be needed, and you will have to pay for it.
- Poor maintainability of the thermal insulation layer. You can dismantle the insulation in a separate area yourself, but in order to restore the integrity of the coating, you will have to again invite craftsmen to apply a “portion” of polyurethane foam. In addition, since it fits under the siding, it will need to be disassembled external cladding over a large area.
IV. Insulation with plaster
In this case, the use of special compounds is implied, which themselves differ in thermal insulation properties. Dry mixtures for finishing foam blocks are commercially available.
- High rate of insulation from the outside.
- The ability to change the appearance of a building and update walls at low cost.
- High maintainability.
- Good protection of foam concrete from external factors.
1. It is necessary to choose a mixture specifically for finishing foam concrete. One of the main criteria is good vapor permeability of the layer.
2. Before you start insulating walls made of foam blocks, you will have to seriously practice. The peculiarity of the work is that it must be performed at high speed. The plaster “sets” quite quickly, so there is a high risk of the formation of joints in individual areas that will be noticeable.
3. Exact adherence to technology. This insulating composition is laid on foam blocks in at least 2 layers. The thickness of the outer one should be approximately half that of the inner one. It is important! The recommended ratio (in cm) is 0.5 to 1.
4. Mixtures for foam blocks differ not only in manufacturer, but also in composition. Consequently, they are characterized by different degrees of adhesion. Therefore, you need to take into account the manufacturing technology of the purchased stones - whether they are cast or sawn.
Well, which method of insulating foam blocks to choose is up to you, dear reader, to decide.
stroitel-list.ru
What is the best way to insulate the outside of a house made of foam blocks?
A foam block house is never left unfinished. This is due to the unpresentable appearance walls Together with the facade cladding, thermal insulation is often performed, which should protect the building from heat loss in winter and maintain normal temperature and humidity conditions in the premises. It would be more correct to insulate a house made of foam blocks from the outside.
Why is it better to insulate from the outside?
Thermal insulation can be placed on both sides, but if possible, choose the right solution for insulation from the outside. This is justified by the following facts:
- When thermal insulation is placed from the inside, the free area of the room is reduced; insulation of the walls from the outside does not affect inner dimensions.
- The external location of thermal protection allows you to increase the service life of load-bearing structures. They are reliably protected from freezing and external adverse influences. Placing the material from the inside does not give such an effect; protection is provided only for the room; the surface of the walls remains cold.
- The next fact follows from the previous one. If thermal insulation is carried out from the inside, then outer wall stays cold. In this case, the dew point (condensation, moisture from steam) gets inside the supporting structure and can lead to its destruction. When the thermal insulation material is located outside, moisture does not form inside the wall.
House without insulation and with insulation inside/outside It makes sense to protect walls from the inside only under special circumstances:
- work is carried out at a high altitude (this is practically not applicable for a house made of foam concrete, since the strength characteristics of the material do not allow the construction of high walls);
- The finishing of the facade has been completed (without insulation), performing the work correctly (from the outside) will require serious financial and time costs.
If you decide to thermally insulate walls from the inside, you need to especially carefully monitor the quality and safety of materials and adherence to technology (laying vapor barriers, waterproofing). It is better to give preference to more natural types of insulation, such as ecowool or insulated plaster.
You can insulate the walls from the inside with mineral wool. It is effective in terms of protection and will not block the passage of air through the enclosing structures.
Insulation options on the cold air side
Protection of the walls of a foam block house in general case for all insulation options it is performed the same way. Before starting work, you need to make two decisions:
- choice of insulation;
- choice of finishing method.
Insulating a house made of foam blocks with warm plaster If the house is located in areas that are quite favorable from a climatic point of view, you can combine these two solutions by choosing “warm” plaster. The material simultaneously performs two functions. To increase the strength characteristics, the layer is laid on a reinforcing mesh made of fiberglass. The work is carried out in the following order:
- cleaning hard surfaces from dirt, dust and grease;
- applying a layer of primer;
- first layer of plaster;
- securing the reinforcing mesh;
- Next you need to apply the required number of layers of plaster;
- The finishing layer can be paint based on silicone.
Choice of insulation
There are several options here, which are among the most common:
- mineral wool;
- Styrofoam;
- extruded polystyrene foam;
- ecowool;
- polyurethane foam.
It is best to choose a material that will not block the movement of air through the walls of a foam block house.
The most economical material that meets this requirement is mineral wool. It is important to carry out insulation with mineral wool taking into account the characteristics of the material.
Insulating a house made of foam blocks using mineral wool The following activities are required:
- vapor barrier from the side warm air(the cheapest option is polyethylene film, but it will not allow the walls to “breathe”; it is better to opt for more technologically advanced vapor barrier membranes);
- waterproofing from the cold air side (again, in this case it is worth choosing a waterproofing or vapor diffusion membrane);
- an air-ventilated layer to remove moisture from the surface of the material is placed between the thermal insulation and the sheathing and is assumed to be at least 50 mm thick.
Selection of sheathing material
At this stage you need to choose the appearance of the house. Suitable for cladding a house made of foam blocks following materials:
- siding;
- lining;
- block house;
- brick.
Siding is the most economical and common option. If you have sufficient funds, it is worth considering other options. The lining will allow you to finish it as a timber, and the block house as a log.
In general, installation of thermal insulation and sheathing is carried out in the following order:
Scheme of covering a house made of foam block with siding - surface cleaning;
- securing vapor barrier;
- assembly of a frame from wooden blocks (section depending on the thickness of the insulation) or metal profile;
- installation of insulation with fastening it to disc-shaped dowels;
- fastening the waterproofing (if the frame is made of wood, you can fasten construction stapler with the obligatory sizing of joints with tape, this is also true for vapor barriers);
- installation of sheathing, method of fastening is selected depending on the selected material.
Another option for exterior decoration of the house is the construction of a mile of brick. In this case, it is necessary to provide metal or plastic connections between the two parts of the wall. Thermal insulation is installed before the brick wall is erected and is protected from external influences.
domzastroika.ru
Insulating a house made of foam blocks from the outside: choosing insulation
Many people believe that houses built from foam blocks do not need additional insulation walls Such adherents refer to the porous structure, which allows steam to pass out well, but at the same time leaves heat inside the house.
But the insulating layer is still used when the building is located in such climatic zone, where the thickness of the walls is not enough to retain heat. Moreover, it is recommended to insulate the house from foam blocks from the outside.
Why outside
This method of installing insulation has many positive aspects before using internal insulating finishing:
- Firstly, the porous structure of foam blocks needs protection from negative influence external environment. If you install insulation and decorative finishing on top of it, this will greatly extend the life of such a wall.
- Secondly, the internal insulating layer increases the possibility of condensation in the foam concrete structure, which can lead to the destruction of the wall. Exterior finishing, if you follow all the recommendations, it will protect against moisture.
- Thirdly, the use of thermal insulation from the outside does not in any way affect the area of the rooms.
But if external Finishing work are already completed, but the house needs to be insulated, then, of course, you will have to do it inside, or remove the finishing and redo it all over again.
Which insulation to choose
There are several options on the construction market that may be suitable. But before you insulate a house made of foam blocks with the first cheap material you come across, you need to evaluate its capabilities and consider all the pros and cons.
Styrofoam
This is a lightweight material that is very easy to work with. It retains heat well inside and prevents atmospheric moisture from entering the walls from the environment. It is installed with glue, so there is no need to mount an additional frame.
Important! There is no need to feed pharmacies so that hemorrhoids go away once and for all, use a very effective cream...
But polystyrene foam does not allow steam to pass through at all. This can cause condensation to build up on interior wall surfaces, causing mold and mildew to grow inside your home. To prevent this situation from happening, it is necessary to install hoods and additional ventilated ducts. In this case using cheap material, you will need to pay extra for quality ventilation.
For decorative finishing Styrofoam is most often used as plaster.
Polyurethane foam
The insulation is applied very quickly and perfectly protects the house from negative influences. But you won’t be able to apply it yourself; you need special devices and the ability to work with them.
In this case, the walls do not breathe at all, and the composition can penetrate into the pores of the base. The price of this insulation is very high, and at the same time it is very difficult to replace part of the thermal insulation. Most often it is used for siding, which means that a large area will have to be dismantled to carry out repairs.
Mineral wool
Most professionals believe that this is the most best option for insulating a house made of foam blocks. It is better to choose a basalt-based option because:
- The vapor permeability of this material is at high level.
- It is easy to work with, very elastic and soft.
- It isolates the foam block well from negative factors.
But this also has its downsides. It will be necessary to install a vapor-permeable membrane and waterproofing, since the material is hygroscopic - it absorbs moisture. Installation will require a frame, the installation of which may cause problems. Foam block is a very fragile material and must be drilled carefully, and to install the frame you will need holes for dowels.
Plaster
Also a very good option. This layer does not create additional loads on load-bearing walls, you can quickly update the appearance of your home, performs protective functions well, and of course you can do it yourself.
And you can’t do without minuses here either. You need to choose special compounds that are suitable for working on foam blocks. So-called breathable plasters. Not everyone can handle this type of finishing, since you have to work quickly so that the seams at the joints are not visible. It is also necessary to adhere to a special application technology.
After installing any of the insulation, you can use siding, block house, lining or brickwork to decorate the facade.
As you can see, each insulation has its pros and cons. The main thing is that the thermal insulation allows you to maintain a good microclimate inside the house, and which insulation to choose is up to everyone.
1pofasadu.ru
Insulation of the outside of a house made of foam blocks, process and materials
The frame of the house made of foam concrete has been built, the roof has been erected, communications have been laid, interior decoration. Can I move in? Can. The thermal conductivity of the foam block used in construction will ensure the creation of a comfortable microclimate. Is it necessary to insulate such a structure? What benefit will the owner receive by spending money on additional work and purchasing materials? Does she exist?
Foam block house insulation diagram Foam block as a basis
Foam blocks are actively used in the construction of buildings and structures in low-rise construction. The popularity of this material for the construction of vertical enclosing structures is due to the fact that the material has a low thermal conductivity coefficient (about 0.036 units, which is comparable to the characteristics of some insulating materials).
The use of blocks, subject to technology, allows:
- create optimal temperature comfort inside, both in winter and summer;
- prevent the appearance of dampness, the spread of fungus and mold in building structures;
- reduce energy consumption for heating;
- reduce acquisition costs necessary materials and masonry walls;
- ensure high speed of construction.
Porosity, lightness, big sizes blocks significantly reduce the mechanical strength of the walls being built. Designers recommend taking additional measures to protect foam blocks from external environmental influences.
Violation of technology, dishonesty of workers, and personal inexperience can lead to a decrease in the level of heat conservation.
Whether it is necessary to insulate a house made of foam blocks can be determined by monitoring the readings of external and internal thermometers and analyzing heating costs.
Design and research organizations do not recommend insulating a house from the outside using stone panels, due to a significant increase in the load on the walls.
We improve it by insulating it from the outside
For a house made of foam blocks, insulation from the outside is the most acceptable option. This method has a number of undeniable advantages:
- additional protection of wall material from the damaging effects of wind and moisture;
- removal of the dew point outside the enclosing structure, which prevents freezing and premature destruction of the blocks.
Insulating a house made of foam blocks from the inside significantly reduces the usable area. There is a certain feasibility of carrying out internal work in the event that the cost of money and time is significantly less than when carrying out external work or insulation is carried out on an already functioning facility with expensive finishing.
Insulating a house from a foam block from the inside is not the most practical option Before insulating a house from foam blocks from the inside, carefully weigh all the pros and cons of this method of thermal insulation.
When insulating a block house located in areas with a warm climate, it is enough to plaster the walls with cement-sand mortar.
Basic thermal insulators
What is the best way to insulate a house made of foam blocks from the outside? The insulation material should be light in weight, convenient and easy to install, have high heat-holding capacity, and have a decent service life.
According to most parameters, the following can be considered optimal heat insulators:
- fibrous materials;
- expanded polystyrene (for example, penoplex).
It is possible to use polyurethane foam.
Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages when insulating foam blocks.
Basalt fiber
The use of thermal insulators based on individual fibers of different origins is based on the formation of a stationary air layer inside the slab or fabric. It is this that provides high heat-saving ability. For external insulation, it is recommended to use mineral insulation materials made from basalt. They have:
- long service life;
- absolute resistance to biological and chemical influences;
- zero fire hazard;
- good vapor permeability.
The disadvantages include their high hygroscopicity, rapid destruction under the influence of wind loads, and the possibility of shrinkage if the installation procedure is not followed.
To protect the heat insulator, use:
- masonry;
- ventilated and “wet” facades.
Expanded polystyrene
To decorate the facade of a house made of foam blocks, polystyrene foam is used: foamed (foam plastic) and extruded (penoplex). Various technologies manufacturing make it possible to obtain materials similar in their technical specifications at different prices. Polystyrene foam is much cheaper than its “relative”.
The main user characteristics are as follows:
- unsurpassed thermal protection;
- almost zero moisture saturation and vapor permeability;
- long term services,
- biological passivity.
The negative properties of these materials are a high fire hazard, destruction of the structure under the influence of chemically active substances and sunlight.
To level out deficiencies, it is possible to use protection made of stone materials, plaster, sheet (panel, lamella) materials. Due to the high fire hazard of penoplex, it would be most preferable to install insulation using the “wet” facade technology.
Installing brick protection requires expanding the width of the foundation.
Polyurethane foam
Despite all its valuable performance qualities, insulation with polyurethane foam has a significant drawback for common man. To apply it, you need special equipment and the involvement of outside specialists. It has almost the same qualities as expanded polystyrene. Its advantage is a durable, single insulating coating over the entire surface. But this creates additional difficulties when it is necessary to carry out restoration and repair work.
Protecting the thermal insulator
Any insulation requires protection to one degree or another. Mineral mats they are afraid of water and wind, polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam are afraid of fire and sun. It is necessary to provide them with shelter so that everything does not have to be redone in a very short time.
The procedure for insulating walls depends not on the choice of thermal insulator, but on the choice of material used for protection.
Masonry
One of the most expensive, but most durable methods of insulating walls from the outside. First of all, the foundation is expanded to the thickness of the insulation layer, taking into account decorative plastering.
To avoid the cost of gluing insulation, it is necessary to carry out two operations in parallel: installing an insulator and laying bricks (blocks). When using blocks, you subsequently have to apply plaster. The costs of this work are more than compensated by the low cost of foam concrete and the high speed of work due to their large geometric dimensions.
"Wet" facade
The production technology of such a facade is equally successfully used when using basalt and polystyrene foam insulation.
The walls are pre-cleaned of layers, mortar residues, and dust. Cracks, block defects, and uneven masonry are sealed with mortar. The surface is primed. Using special compounds, thermal insulation slabs are attached to it close to the wall over the entire surface.
Adhesive compositions for fibrous and polystyrene foam boards have different composition. Buy glue recommended for a specific material. How to prepare the composition correctly is written in the instructions.
After the time required for complete fixation and indicated on the packaging, it is necessary to secure the slabs using umbrella dowels. It is recommended to level the deepening areas of the fasteners using an adhesive composition.
After this, a reinforcing mesh is applied to the surface of the heat insulator using glue and plastered. After drying, decorative facade plaster painted in accordance with the developed project.
Ventilated facade
The most labor-intensive insulation protection is made of sheets, lamellas, and panels. To install it, it is necessary to provide sheathing with ventilation gaps.
Boards are laid vertically on a cleaned and leveled surface to create an air gap. A vapor barrier membrane is fixed on top of them (when using polystyrene foam, its installation is not necessary). Logs up to 300 mm high are packed (depending on the calculated thickness of the thermal insulator). Insulation is placed in the gaps. A waterproofing film is installed on top (if using mineral insulation perform a windproof function; when installing polystyrene foam, it is not necessary).
To create a ventilation gap, counter slats are sewn vertically onto which the selected facing material is subsequently installed.
Insulation of walls made of foam blocks is necessary. This will increase living comfort, reduce heating costs, and extend the life of external enclosing structures.
Foam blocks called blocks of foamed concrete obtained by cold pouring concrete mortar into molds or by heating it in molds in an autoclave.
The result is cellular concrete different brands, differing significantly in their properties. However, the common property of these building materials is thermal conductivity, which is 1.2–4.3 times lower than that of hollow ceramic bricks (depending on density).
According to this indicator, foam concrete blocks are close to wood, which makes them good heat insulators. For this reason, houses built from such materials are often not insulated at all.
However, modern insulating materials are several times superior to cellular concrete in terms of thermal insulation properties. Thus, polystyrene foam with a density of 33 kg/m³ with the same layer thickness conducts heat approximately 2.5 times worse than foam concrete with a density of 300 kg/m³. This means that it makes sense to insulate buildings made of cellular concrete.
Important! Foam concrete is a vapor-permeable building material. Its vapor permeability is 2–5 times greater than that of wood, so it must be protected from the penetration of vapors and drops. If this is not done, the water accumulated in the pores will destroy the blocks when freezing.
The outside of the foam concrete wall is plastered, closing the pores from moisture. This coating protects cellular concrete from destruction. There is another method of protection– insulate the wall and only then finish it. In this case, the dew point will move from the porous wall into the thickness of the heat insulator. In this case, the foam concrete will not freeze and collapse.
Typically, thermal insulation is laid on the outside. However this not always possible, so buildings are sometimes insulated from the inside. If you have to do this, read the article "". And here we will look at the insulation of a house made of foam blocks from the outside.
In order for thermal insulation to be effective and last a long time, you need to choose the right insulation. For external thermal insulation Foam concrete walls most often use the following materials:
- Mineral wool. Basalt wool and glass wool in slabs are suitable for outdoor work. This insulation allows steam to pass through and slightly absorbs moisture, reducing its thermal insulation properties. For this reason, mineral wool requires waterproofing. Glass wool and basalt wool do not burn and do not support combustion. These materials must be handled with gloves, protecting the respiratory system with a respirator, as they irritate the skin and respiratory tract.
- Expanded polystyrene in slabs. This insulation is available in the form of large-cell and fine-cell. It is advisable to choose penoplex, since it is more resistant to fracture and does not crumble like polystyrene foam. Both materials do not allow steam to pass through and absorb water very poorly, so they do not need a vapor barrier. In terms of thermal insulation properties, polystyrene foam is approximately 1.5 times better than mineral wool. Another important advantage expanded polystyrene – low density. Thanks to this property, it practically does not create a load on the wall, which is very important for cellular concrete that does not have high strength.
Other heat insulators for laying on cellular concrete used much less often.
For fixing slabs You will have to select fasteners on the wall. To secure the insulation to gas and foam blocks, choose dowels made of impact-resistant plastic or metal with a thermal head. In this case, the anchors (the expanding part with notches) of such dowels must be at least 100 mm long. Dowels with short anchors (50 mm) are only suitable for monolithic concrete or solid brick.
For styling on a wall made of cellular concrete, use basalt wool or glass wool of minimum density (50 kg/m³).
In this case, as a rule, one layer of slabs is enough 50 mm thick even for areas with harsh climates, since the main thermal insulation is the cellular concrete itself.
Styling do in this order:
- The wall is cleaned of excess mortar and leveled. If there are elements sticking out of the wall that cannot be removed, the material will be laid around them. In this case, slots are made in the slabs in the right place.
- Mineral wool slabs are laid directly on the wall end-to-end, securing them with dowels. It must be remembered that aerated concrete is a fragile material. The holes in the insulation and blocks are drilled carefully and the dowels are driven in carefully so as not to crumble the blocks.
- If the insulation is laid in two layers, the second layer of slabs is placed in such a way that the outer slabs cover the joints of the inner ones. With single-layer insulation, the joints of the plates are sealed with polyurethane foam.
- From the outside, mineral wool is covered with facing bricks. This brick has smooth surface, practically does not absorb water and is frost-resistant. The facing brick is placed on the foundation, and above the window and doorways- on reinforced concrete lintels, but in no case on aerated concrete. Cellular concrete cannot withstand such heavy cladding.
- Openings are left at the bottom of the facing masonry, closed with plastic grilles. The same barred openings are made in the upper part of the wall. These holes are needed to ventilate the mineral wool. Steam penetrating through foam concrete walls passes freely through the mineral wool and evaporates through the upper vents.
Insulating a house with polystyrene foam
(penoplex) differs in properties from mineral wool. Thanks to this difference its installation technology is simplified:
- Wall alignment. This stage is the same as in the case of mineral wool, but with one difference: after cleaning and leveling, the wall is primed. This is necessary in order to close the pores on the surface of the blocks. In this case, the glue will not be absorbed into the blocks and will only be used for gluing the polystyrene foam to the wall.
- After the primer has dried, coat the wall with thoroughly mixed glue., and then the insulation boards are laid end-to-end on it. For single-layer installation, the joints are carefully sealed construction foam. This foam can also be used as an adhesive by applying it to inner surface slabs When laying two layers, the outer slabs are laid, covering the joints of the inner ones. At the same time, we must remember that winter foam containing toluene cannot be used for working with polystyrene foam and penoplex.
- Glued polystyrene foam boards additionally attached to the wall with dowels so that the distance between adjacent dowels does not exceed 50 cm.
- By securing the reinforcing mesh with dowels over the insulation, plaster is applied to it, and then finished with facade putty.
When insulated with polystyrene foam, the thermal insulation layer does not allow water vapor to pass through. So that the wall does not get damp due to the penetration of vapors from the inside, the inner surface of the wall is also primed and then finished.
Excess water vapor is removed from the premises using ventilation.
Thermal insulating properties of foam blocks not always enough to keep the house warm. If you have to insulate a house made of cellular concrete, this can be done with mineral wool or expanded polystyrene.
Insulating foam and aerated concrete walls, need to be taken into account that they cannot withstand heavy loads. For this reason curtain facades They cannot be mounted on such walls. The facing masonry is made with support only on the foundation.
Wall insulation not enough to keep warm. To make the house comfortable even in harsh winter, you also need to take care of the insulation of the roof, ceiling and floor. Only with such comprehensive thermal insulation will the house be a comfortable home, and a minimum of fuel will be consumed to heat it.
For recommendations from specialists on insulating a house made of foam blocks with penoplex from the outside and inside, watch the video:
