Do-it-yourself insulation of a balcony with mineral wool. Insulating loggias and balconies with mineral wool from the inside: step-by-step instructions. The stages of installing wool are presented in more detail in the diagram.

Almost every modern city apartment has the opportunity to expand the living space by using additional balcony or loggia space. To do this, you will need to carry out work to insulate cold glazing, floors and ceilings. It will be useful for anyone who is faced with the need to solve this problem to learn about the technologies, methods, stages, and materials that will be required for this.

Insulating the balcony expands the living space in a city apartment

Polystyrene foam and mineral wool

Two technologies are used for preparing cold and glazed rooms in the apartment:

• Balcony insulation mineral wool.
• Using polystyrene foam () for the same purpose.

Both approaches pursue one goal - creating a thermally insulating and hermetically sealed shell on the loggia or balcony, which, like the walls of a thermos, prevents heat loss. To achieve this, several related problems are solved:

• Installation of vapor barrier.
• Protection from atmospheric moisture.
• Ensuring the durability of the protective layer.
• Maximum saving of usable area.
• Finishing.

Similar goals and objectives determine the similarity of their technical solutions.

The problem of choice: what is better to insulate a balcony or loggia, with polystyrene foam or mineral wool?

Mineral wool - universal insulation

In terms of costs and labor costs, both methods have insignificant differences that can be neglected. The difference will be noticeable only after achieving the result. Thermal insulation made on the basis of foam plastic will completely block the access of air. If the balcony is on the sunny side, then with the windows and doors closed, in clear weather it will turn into a hot greenhouse and stale air and condensation will accumulate there all the time. The stuffy room will have to be ventilated periodically. ensures minimal “breathing” of the internal space, therefore when correct installation Insulation based on it, the microclimate in the room will be more favorable.

Advantages and disadvantages

Despite all the advantages of modern foam-based insulation, professionals still advise using mineral wool to insulate balconies. This is due to the following advantages of this material:

• Better isolates the room from street noise.
• Does not require ideal smooth surface walls that need to be insulated.
• Combines with breathable materials such as wood. That's why open balcony Before installing it, you can cover it with clapboard.
• Resistant to high temperatures and does not burn when in contact with an open flame.
• When installed correctly, it reduces the likelihood of random cold bridges to a minimum.
• Provides weak convection and prevents long-term accumulation of stale air.

Mineral wool also has disadvantages compared to penoplex and similar foam-based materials:

• Thermal insulation properties are 10-15% less. Therefore, for similar indicators it will be necessary to install a slightly thicker layer of material, which negatively affects the reduction of usable space.
• The total mass of the thermal insulation coating is 2 times greater.
• The installation process is more demanding in terms of experience and skills.
• The installation technology requires an additional operation of installing a vapor barrier film.
• The material is a source of dust harmful to breathing, so to work with it it becomes necessary to use a respirator.
• More stringent technological requirements, since their violation can lead to irreversible loss of thermal insulation properties and the entry of harmful dust into the living space.

Features of work when insulating balconies

Insulation of a balcony or loggia with mineral wool - step by step process

All work on mineral wool insulation can be divided into several stages:

• Insulation of side walls, floor and ceiling.
• Installation of flooring.
• Replacing cold glazing (if any) with warm one.
• Finish decorative finishing.

Before carrying out work, it is necessary to immediately resolve the issue with warm glazing. The fact is that now balconies and loggias in new buildings in most cases have cold glazing. On the upper floors, most often there is a complete finishing of the façade with aluminum profiles. On the lower floors such structures are installed at half the height of the balcony.

How to insulate aluminum windows with partial or full glazing on a balcony?

Insulation aluminum windows on the balcony

The most cost-effective way to insulate an aluminum balcony in a new building is to install multilayer plastic double-glazed windows on the existing profile. If the aluminum structure is installed from floor to ceiling, then in order to save money, instead of the bottom row of double-glazed windows, façade panels, which are insulated from the inside in the same way as the side walls and ceiling - with mineral wool or polystyrene foam. Pasting a cold single-layer structure will only be insufficient for both heat retention and good insulation from street noise. The junctions of new multi-layer double-glazed windows with the aluminum profile are filled silicone sealant and vilatherm.

Features of insulation of aluminum windows

Insulation of aluminum profile

After installing the warm frames, all junctions and cracks are treated with polyurethane foam:

• The sealing process is carried out especially carefully in the junction area aluminum construction to the wall, floor and ceiling.
• For additional protection In these areas, plastic or metal strips are installed.
• Before foaming, the gaps between the profile and the wall can be filled with Vilatherm.
• On the outside, a vapor barrier is glued to the treated joints reinforced tape, one of the layers of which is aluminum foil.
• If the lower part of the aluminum structure is covered with sheets of glass magnesite, then it can be covered with a stenophone or similar means. It is well held with double-sided tape and provides high level heat and sound insulation.
• The inner surface of the aluminum profile is covered with wide strips of vilaform, on which the ceiling profile is installed as clamps.
• When installing clamps, flashings and Vilaform tapes, it is necessary to take into account the distance that the insulation of the walls, floor and ceiling will occupy.

Insulation with mineral wool yourself

Calculation of material before carrying out work on balcony insulation

Read on topic -. How to fasten, lay and glue.

• Wooden beam 60 cm. Its quantity depends on how many layers the protective layer is planned to be made.
• To lay a layer 10 cm thick, it is recommended to use 5 cm thick cotton slabs and form a second layer from them, where the blocks are located perpendicular to the direction of laying the first layer.
• Glue for gluing protective blocks and vapor barrier film are purchased based on the total area of ​​the insulated surface.

Preparation for installation of mineral wool slabs

Installation of sheathing for laying mineral wool

The floor, side walls, ceiling and parapet (if any) are covered with mineral wool slabs. Blocks insulating material stacked inside wooden sheathing. Its installation has the following features:

• The thickness of the wooden beam is 50-60 mm.
• The vertical or horizontal arrangement of the timber is determined by the design and shape of the decorative finishing panels and the method of their installation.
• Wooden elements are attached using self-tapping screws and dowels to concrete or a brick wall.
• The gaps between the frame elements for the mineral wool blocks should be 1-2 cm smaller than the size of these blocks for a tighter fit.
• With a two-layer method of laying thermal insulation, the frame beams of the second layer are laid perpendicular to the sheathing of the first layer.

Mineral wool adhesive

The use of a special cement-based adhesive allows you to completely block the movement of air between the insulated surface and the insulation. Full gluing of the two-layer protection, when the blocks are laid perpendicular to each other, allows you to create a dense monolithic barrier without random cold bridges. Additional fasteners for blocks can be fungi - dowel nails with wide washers.

Vapor barrier

Installing a vapor barrier when insulating a balcony with mineral wool

A roll of vapor barrier material is unrolled along the insulated surface over a layer with stone wool. The material is attached using a furniture stapler to wooden elements frame. The butt overlap must be at least 10 cm. The joints are additionally sealed with double-sided tape. The junctions of the vapor barrier film to the ceiling, walls, floor and window profile are covered with sealing, moisture-proof tape.

Installation of counter beam

The counter beam is used to fix the decorative trim panels. Before installation, double-sided tape is applied to its surface, which should be adjacent to the vapor barrier coating. Fixation is carried out using self-tapping screws to the sheathing elements located behind the vapor barrier layer.

Insulation on the floor

Insulating the floor with mineral wool on the loggia

To install the frame under the floor insulation, a wider beam of 50X100 mm is used. It is recommended to make the step between the lags the same as that used when installing wall and ceiling cladding. For slabs with a width of 60 cm, it is necessary to take a step of 58-59 cm for a tighter fit. The flooring can also be done in 2 layers. For installing 100 mm thick mineral wool insulation. It is allowed to place 2 layers of 50 mm each with mutually perpendicular arrangement of blocks. Before installing plywood or fiberboard, a vapor barrier film is applied to the thermal insulation layer and attached using staplers. All joints of the vapor barrier material are overlapped and glued using double-sided tape.

Finishing the floor

On the frame logs, covered with a vapor barrier film, they are laid plywood sheets, or boards and are fastened with self-tapping screws. It is recommended to make the flooring two-layer, when the elements of the second layer are laid across the elements of the first. Only after this will the linoleum, laminate or parquet laid on top last a long time.

Internal cladding of walls, ceilings and parapets

The choice of decorative panels for finishing an insulated balcony is very wide:

• Drywall.
• Siding.
• Lining.
• Decorative plastic panels.

If the insulation and vapor barrier layer were installed correctly, then no facing coating will suffer from temperature changes, moisture penetration, or ice. Interior an insulated balcony becomes completely habitable and can be used as such all year round, which increases the total living space of the apartment.

Interior finishing of insulated glazing

Metal clamps on aluminum profile covering the layer of vilaform or other insulation is lined with plastic decorative panels with the desired shades, or for painting. Multilayer double-glazed windows become full-fledged apartment windows, so the balcony doors do not need to be closed.

Types of mineral wool and their features

Completely insulating a balcony with mineral wool does not always help make a new room warm and cozy. Stone or basalt wool is better suited for this purpose for interior decoration. Its fibers are created from molten rocks and are held together with a special synthetic composition that does not emit harmful substances in dangerous quantities. The thermal insulation properties of this material are the highest, compared to cheaper options - glass wool and slag wool.

Is it possible to use glass wool to insulate a balcony? Despite the low cost of this product, insulation based on it will not be able to make a new room completely residential. Even a thick layer will still let cold air in, and glass dust will definitely get into the atmosphere.

Available technology

Finishing the loggia with clapboard after insulation with mineral wool

Transforming a balcony or loggia into a full-fledged living room using mineral wool insulation does not require special skills and is done with ordinary household tools:

• Hammer drill.
• Screwdriver.
• Bulgarian.
• Hacksaw for wood and metal.
• Pliers and side cutters.
• Screwdriver Set, furniture stapler and a stationery knife.

For accurate work you will need a tape measure and a level. To protect against harmful dust, you can use not only a professional respirator, but also an ordinary cotton-gauze bandage. It is best to work with mineralized wool while wearing construction gloves. After its blocks touch open areas skin, it is enough to wash off all traces of it with soap in time to avoid allergies and skin itching.

The loggia has an area that is winter time It is desirable to make it comfortable for living. To do this, it is necessary to insulate it. One longitudinal side of the loggia borders your apartment, the second goes out onto the street, the sides adjoin the neighbors’ walls. Based on this, Special attention should be given open side, on which the windows will be located.

Glazing

Most of the heat escapes through the window space. Taking this into account, it is necessary to install high-quality windows. Best to choose plastic windows with two double glazed windows. They are durable, practical, and have good soundproofing. Their only drawback is that they do not allow air into the room, which can lead to increased condensation. To avoid this, you need to ventilate the loggia more often.

Choosing a method of insulation

It is necessary to decide on the method of insulation: from the outside or from the inside. When choosing an option, you should consider where the dew point will be. The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor precipitates as condensation on the colder side. With external insulation, the wall remains warm and the living space inside the room is not lost. External method much more efficient than internal. But this option is fraught with technical difficulties, since it can only be performed by industrial climbers. When insulating from the inside, the thickness of the selected material should be increased, and the work itself should be done with your own hands.

Material selection

The choice of materials for insulation is very large. This can be various types of polystyrene foam, mineral wool, polyethylene foam. Most cheap way— insulation of the loggia with mineral wool. Wool is a fibrous material obtained by melting various types raw materials. This could be glass, volcanic rocks, or blast furnace slag. In this regard, there are several types of this insulation: glass wool, stone or basalt wool and slag wool. These materials are good insulation materials, have good sound absorption, are lightweight and easy to install, but are susceptible to moisture.

Glass wool

Glass wool has greater creasing when wet, increased fragility of fibers. The smallest fragments of glass wool can penetrate the lungs, eyes, and get on the skin, so this material should be tightly packed in plastic bags. When working with it, for safety reasons, you must use gloves, goggles, a respirator, and overalls. Cotton wool can be produced in rolls, mats and slabs.

Stone wool

Stone or basalt wool is the highest quality. It is non-flammable, durable, resistant to deformation, easy to install, and more dense. Its shrinkage is no more than 5%. Mainly produced in slabs. It is advisable to choose her. Use slabs with a thickness of 50-100 mm.

Slag wool

Slag wool is good for insulation, but it is very hygroscopic and has low vibration resistance, which is why its durability is low. Therefore it is in less demand.

Floor insulation

The floor slab is first of all cleared of debris. Waterproofing is placed on the cleaned floor. It can be thick polyethylene or roofing felt. A lathing made of wooden beams of the same thickness as the material is attached to the top of the waterproofing layer. It needs to be processed
antiseptic. The sheathing is attached to the floor slab with dowels. Then insulation is placed in it, between the bars. It must be taken into account that mineral wool with low density will shrink. Therefore, the dimensions of its sheets should be larger in area than the space where it is inserted. The inserted insulation is covered with polyethylene, which is stapled to the beams.
The floor covering can be made: - with a floorboard, treating it with penotex, which will preserve its characteristics. It is advisable to use a tongue and groove board that has grooves and protrusions; - OSB board. We nail the slab or attach it with self-tapping screws to the sheathing. We lay laminate on it. You can cover it with linoleum or carpet after insulating the walls and ceiling.

Insulation of ceilings and walls

If the floor of your neighbor above on the loggia is insulated, then insulating the ceiling of your loggia is no longer necessary, but it is better to cover it. The wall adjacent to the living room does not need to be insulated, since it is warm. It is better to carry out electrical wiring on it to install sockets and a switch.
To insulate the ceiling and walls, it is necessary to make a lathing from a bar with a section of 50x40 mm in increments of approximately 500 mm. The installation of the bars should begin from the corners of the loggia. Attach the bars to the ceiling and walls with self-tapping screws and treat with an antiseptic. Then start the insulation itself. Cut sheets of mineral wool are glued with special glue to the wall and ceiling of the loggia. The glue should have the consistency of sour cream. They need to generously lubricate the gluing surface. Additionally, you can attach the insulation sheets with dowels “fungi”.
The next stage of insulation is vapor barrier. It can be done with dense polyethylene, but it is better to use foil-foamed polyethylene foam. The foil should be facing the inside of the loggia to retain heat in it. After insulation we carry out the final work. We nail it to the beams of the ceiling and walls finishing coat. It can be PVC lining, wooden lining or other materials. We fix plinths to the floor, and install special corners to the corners of the walls and between the walls and ceiling.
The insulation of the loggia with mineral wool has been successfully completed and your loggia is ready for use in the cold season.

The insulation process involves installing a heat insulator between the sheathing. The procedure is not complicated, but requires maintaining the tightness of the installation. Gaps, cracks and gaps should not be allowed to appear between the mineral wool slabs.

To eliminate shortcomings, you need to keep a cylinder on hand polyurethane foam, which immediately fills all detected irregularities.

The gaps between the insulation boards form cold bridges, areas with active condensation formation. The surface becomes wet, materials and structures in contact with the cold bridge are destroyed. If they are not eliminated in time, the work will have to be redone after 2-3 seasons.

Particular attention should be paid to insulating the slopes of window and door openings, designing corners and junctions with glazing. In these places, cracks may appear, so you need to install the insulator as carefully and tightly as possible

Installation of mineral wool on the ceiling slab is carried out in the same way. To support the mineral wool, it is recommended to fix it with a thin wire stretched across the sheathing on top of the mineral wool.

How to insulate a balcony with your own hands step by step instructions

• Clearing the premises. It is impossible to do quality work if you have to constantly move things from place to place.

• Sealing cracks. We assume that high-quality double-glazed windows are installed on the windows. In any case, there are gaps between the balcony and the wall, where the ceiling and floor meet. So they need to be sealed using foam, sealants or solutions. Large gaps are sealed with pieces of polystyrene foam.

• Waterproofing of balcony/loggia. It is necessary to prevent water from getting inside. Moreover, it can enter through micropores in concrete. For this purpose, you can use a deeply penetrating primer.

• If cotton wool is used, it is necessary to install a waterproofing film. It is overlapped and secured with tape.

• Installation of insulation. There are two methods here:

• Frame method. In this case, you must first arrange a frame made of antiseptic-treated wooden planks or galvanized profiles. Boards are more popular because they are cheaper and allow you to adjust the thickness of the frame. The most commonly used timber is 50x50. Insulation is inserted into the resulting cells.

• Frameless method. More preferable, but suitable only for rigid insulation. This is due to the fact that the frame material with the frame method remains uncovered with insulation. Those. wood or metal serve as bridges of cold and conduct heat well. Therefore, in the vast majority of cases, rigid insulation is installed without constructing a frame.

• Laying penofol, vapor barrier film or superdiffusion membrane.

• The floor is insulated.

• The final stage is decorative finishing of the balcony wooden clapboard or drywall.

Which retains heat better: mineral wool or polystyrene foam?

To summarize, it is important to note such a factor as thermal conductivity. Polystyrene foam has a higher thermal conductivity coefficient compared to mineral wool

Polystyrene foam is a cellular structure, which is filled with air inside. Thanks to this design, the foam retains heat much better, resulting in warm air stays indoors.

Mineral wool, due to the absence of insulated cells, is capable of transmitting warm air. The air moves from the warm side to the cold side, so the wall cools faster. But thanks to mineral wool, the walls of the house can “breathe” without forming condensation, which leads to destruction. Polystyrene foam, and especially polystyrene foam, does not allow steam to pass through, so condensation forms on the walls, leading to destruction.

As a result, it can be noted that mineral wool is better to choose for insulation wooden walls, attics, frame structures, pipes and pipelines. This will ensure not only effective, but also proper insulation. Polystyrene foam is recommended for insulation:

• walls of houses made of brick, concrete, cinder block;
• basements;
• foundation;
• unventilated roofs;
• floor.

It is also worth noting that polystyrene foam should be used for residential premises, and polystyrene foam for industrial unheated premises.

Stone wool

Stone wool is produced from molten rocks of volcanic origin. The thickness of the fibers is identical to slag wool. The thermal conductivity is 0.077-0.12 Watt/m K°, melting point is from 600 to 1000° C.

Mineral wool is currently the most popular of the three types, since it has the highest resistance to fire - it practically does not burn and does not support combustion, and also has an undeniable advantage when insulating a loggia or balcony with your own hands - it does not prick. You can work with it in a regular suit, not a protective suit, and with your bare hands.

Stone wool has the same disadvantages as the other two types of mineral wool - it is very hygroscopic and retains moisture for a long time, especially when insulating the floor.

All of the listed types of mineral wool are produced in rolls or mats. Dense types of wool with a density of 175-200 kg/m3 are produced in the form of slabs and are convenient for insulating ceilings and floors of balconies.

Depending on the brand of mineral wool, the weight of 1 m3 can vary from 75 to 200 kg. This is by no means a lightweight heat-insulating material, so to hold it on the walls or ceiling, it is necessary to install a lathing attached to the wall or floor slab.

Domestic manufacturers producing mineral wool are guided by GOST and SNiPs, which allow them to maintain equal parameters for products from different manufacturers. Foreign analogues do not have any significant advantages in thermal conductivity or fire resistance; they are no better than domestic materials, but are much more expensive.

Installation of sheathing

It is needed to support the insulation and install the sheathing. It is a series of vertically located strips, the distance between which is carefully adjusted and corresponds to the width of the heat insulator.

When the width of the mineral wool slabs is 60 cm, the lathing pitch should be reduced by 0.5-1 cm to ensure installation density.

The material used is wooden blocks or metal guides for drywall. The second option is considered optimal, since the guides have an ideal geometry, are not prone to rot and cracks, and do not burn. Installation is much simpler, since all the necessary elements are on sale - direct hangers, screws.

The first stage is marking the walls and installing direct hangers along the axes of the future planks. The sheathing is built by installing the outer planks. They are carefully aligned vertically, the distance to the wall should be equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the mineral wool. Then cords are stretched between the slats, serving as guides for installing the intermediate slats. This is faster than checking the position of each bar individually.

Choosing mineral wool insulation

When working with glass wool, you must protect your skin and respiratory tract.

Mineral wool is presented in three main types:

1. Glass wool is one of the best options in terms of price and quality ratio. It has low thermal conductivity and good sound insulation. But there is also a negative side. It is necessary to work with it in a respirator, goggles and rubberized gloves.
2. Slag wool has found its application in industry. This is the cheapest type of mineral wool. Only the highest quality products can meet environmental standards. It is not recommended to use this type of mineral wool to insulate a balcony.
3. Stone wool, also known as basalt wool, repels water well. This indicator of stone wool is the best among other types, which means that this material will absorb moisture and collapse to a lesser extent. Environmentally friendly types for indoor use are available. finishing works.

The choice of mineral wool is impossible without understanding required thickness and material density. Thickness varies depending on climate zone, in which the work is carried out, and can range from 50 to 150 mm.

Mineral wool with a low density is suitable for walls and ceilings, and when choosing mineral wool for floor screed, the stiffest one is needed. So its density can be in the range from 30 to 220 kg/m3.

Main characteristics of various brands of mineral wool and prices on the Moscow market

Provider	Trade mark of mineral wool	Density, kg/cubic. m	Product unit	Volume of material in packaging, cubic meters. m	dimensions of one sheet/plate, mm	Product unit cost, rub.	Cost per cubic meter. m, rub.	Thermal conductivity, W/(m*K)
Isolux Group Wholesale prices	TECHNONICOL ROCKLITE	30kg/m3	Package	0,288	1200*600*50	398,41	1383	0,04
TECHNONICOL TECHNOLITE Extra	30kg/m3	0,432	1200*600*100	716,67	1659	0,036
TECHNONICOL TECHNOVENT Standard	80kg/m3	0,2016	1200*600*70	575,75	2856	0,034
TECHNONICOL TECHNOBLOCK Standard	45kg/m3	0,3168	1200*600*110	600,4	1895	0,034
TECHNONICOL TECHNOFAS	145kg/m3	0,1512	1200*600*70	752,95	4980	0,036
TECHNONICOL TECHNORUF 45	140kg/m3	0,18	1200*600*50	901,95	5011	0,030
ROCKWOOL Light BUTTS	0,37	0,3	1000*600*100	517	1723	0,033
ROCKWOOL Venti BUTTS	90	0,18	1000*600*100	675.9	3755	0,034
ROCKWOOL Cavity BUTT	45	0,3	1000*600*100	640.35	2134,5	0,033
ROCKWOOL Poster BUTTS		0,18	1000*600*150	781.6	4342	0,034
ROCKWOOL Facade BUTTS	145	0,12	1000*600*50	729.85	6082	0,035
ROCKWOOL Roof BUTTS	160	0,12	1000*600*100	784.8	6540	0,034
PAROC Extra		0,504	1200*600*50	920.5	1826
ISOROC ISOLIGHT-L	40	0,2	1000*500*100mm	293.01	1465
ISOROC ISOVENT	90	0,18	1000*600*150mm	578.89	3216	0,032
ISOROC ISOFAS 90	90	0,18	1000*600*150	585.6	3253	0,033
ISOROC ISORUF	150	0,12	1000*500*30	596.34	4969,5	0,034
IZOBEL P-75		0,30	1000*600*50	521.05	1737
IZOVOL L-35	35	0,30	1000*600*50	500	1667	0,035
mineral wool "BELTEP"	Light Extra	35					1470
Light	50					1720
Station wagon	65					1990
Facade	85					2640
Facade T	110					3350
Ruf 70	170					4900
Flor 125	125					3650
	ISOVER OPTIMAL		Package	0.20	1000*500* 50	399.17	995.84	0,035
ISOVER LIGHT		0.29	1200*600* 50	634.80	2 204.16	0,035
ISOVER STANDARD		0.17	1200*600*50	774.90	2 690.64	0,035
ISOVER FACADE 2.88 4 UPK 327.02		0.14	1200*600* 50	941.82	6 540.45	0,037
ISOVER RUF N OPTIMAL		0.18	1200*600* 50	756.95	4 205.25	0,036
	Technonickel (Russia) "Rocklight"			0,432	1200*600* 50	550	1279
Isoroc (Russia) “Izolight”			0,2	1000*500*50	390	1950
Rockwool Light Butts			0,3	1000*600*50	520	1733
PAROC eXtra			0,576	1200*600*100	1094,4	1900
	Rockwool Light Butts	37	package	0,3	1000*600*50	560	1867	0,04

Insulation with mineral wool without lathing

Of course, the table above is not exhaustive. It gives the consumer an idea of ​​the main properties of the types of mineral wool available on the Moscow market, their price and quality.

Regarding the prices at which you can order insulation of a balcony with mineral wool using the contractor’s material, they are relatively low. Together with the installation of lathing (or another method of fastening), this type of insulation will cost you approximately 1,500 rubles / sq. m. m.

The balcony is insulated and ready for cladding: a layer of glass fiber glued to the insulation is visible

But this service is performed in a complex - with cladding, cladding, laying vapor and waterproofing. Therefore, in reality, determining the exact price for it will not be so easy, and it will significantly depend on the specific contractor.

A video on the topic of insulating a balcony with mineral wool can be viewed here.

Advantages and disadvantages of mineral wool as a material for insulation

The name “mineral wool” combines several materials that are almost identical to each other both in structure and production technology. The properties of these materials are also similar, so they can be described as one whole.

Positive aspects of using mineral wool:

• excellent sound insulation, which will especially appeal to people living near noisy roads or in houses with large yards;
• insulation with this material can be done at any time of the year;
• The installation method is quite simple, so even a non-professional can handle it;
• good thermal insulation qualities;
• this material is not subject to fire;
• light weight, which is convenient both for transporting material and for carrying out work.

In addition to a number of advantages, this material also has its disadvantages, which you should definitely familiarize yourself with before starting repair work on the balcony.

Here are the main disadvantages of mineral wool:

• instability to moisture. When liquid gets in, the material simply deforms and crumples;
• Cotton wool tends to crumble when working with it, so you need to be careful. In addition, after completion of the work, a lot of small debris will remain, and additional time will be required for cleaning;
• You can work with this material only with special clothing, as well as goggles, gloves and a respiratory mask. And after installation is completed, you must immediately thoroughly clean the balcony using a vacuum cleaner.

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The better way to insulate a balcony with penoplex, polystyrene foam or mineral wool

The most common heat-insulating materials for insulating balconies are mineral wool, polystyrene foam and penoplex.

• Penoplex - thanks internal structure the material retains heat well and has minimal water absorption. The material is excellent for external insulation of balconies.
• Polystyrene foam - it is made by foaming polystyrene granules, which are then foamed with hot steam. To obtain a lighter material, the procedure is performed several times, this significantly reduces its weight and density.
• Mineral wool is a material obtained by melting rocks with randomly arranged fibers. The insulation retains heat well, does not rot and is highly resistant to fire. The main disadvantage of mineral wool is low strength. When solving the problem of how to properly insulate a balcony with mineral wool, the main thing is to provide it with reliable protection.

Before insulating the balcony, it is necessary to seal the discovered cracks well, and only then begin other work. It is better to carry out the main insulation from the outside, this will save usable internal space and protect against condensation in cold weather.

Novice builders are wondering how best to insulate a balcony, for example, what is the best way to insulate a balcony with polystyrene foam or mineral wool. So, foam plastic is good because it is much easier to install; in most cases, it is simply glued to the walls, or if gluing is impossible, it is attached using fungi, this is also inexpensive. But you need to take into account that foam plastic is much less permeable to water vapor, unlike mineral wool. Conclusion - it is necessary to at least insulate the ceiling with mineral wool, creating the possibility of removing damp air. If the question is: what is better than penoplex or mineral wool for a balcony, then we can say that the main advantage of penoplex is that this insulation does not allow moisture to pass through and practically does not shrink, while mineral wool shrinks up to 15%. As a result, after some time, even with a small load on the insulation, mineral wool thermal insulation will become less effective.

Mineral wool is good because, unlike the listed materials, it does not burn at all, and can withstand temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees; at elevated temperatures, only the connecting fibers burn, and the structure of the material remains unchanged, thus creating additional fire protection.

Disadvantages of mineral wool and polystyrene foam

Polystyrene foam has the following disadvantages:

• deteriorates when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, so the material needs additional protection;
• low resistance to chemical media, so the foam cannot be opened with paints and varnishes (with the exception of water-based paints and varnishes);
• flammability. Polystyrene foam not only burns well, but also emits hazardous substances. To reduce the flammability of polystyrene foam, fire retardants are added to it during production, which also release toxic substances;
• polystyrene foam is a very fragile material, so sometimes it is replaced with a stronger derivative insulation - extruded polystyrene foam.

Another important disadvantage of polystyrene foam is that it attracts various rodents. If a mouse gets inside a wall that is insulated with foam plastic, it will damage the entire insulation.

Mineral wool has the following disadvantages:

• insecurity. Mineral wool contains many tiny particles that can spread in the air and enter the human respiratory system. Human inhalation of formaldehyde resins, which poison the body with phenol, is also unsafe;
• the weight of mineral wool is much greater than the weight of foam boards;
• high cost of the material, which is due to the production process of the material;
• is afraid of water, so if it gets wet once, this insulation loses its heat-protective properties and becomes useless.

Among all the disadvantages, it is important to highlight mineral wool and its unsafety. Although mineral wool is not afraid of ultraviolet rays, it still needs to be protected with various decorative materials to reduce the likelihood of dust particles and constituent substances entering the atmosphere

The spraying method stands apart in this group. A thermal insulation material such as polyurethane foam is applied to the wall by spraying. A relatively new material on the market, it is quickly gaining its fans among professionals and amateurs. Because it allows for insulation without additional preparation of the base. The high speed of work completion - less than one day - also speaks in favor of PPU. Disadvantages include high cost and the inability to do the work yourself without special equipment.

Preparing the balcony for polyurethane foam insulation Spraying polyurethane foam on the balcony Ceiling insulation with polyurethane foam on the balcony Insulation of balconies and loggias with polyurethane

We cover the ceiling and walls with insulation

Before you begin insulation work, you need to check all walls and corners for cracks and cracks, and if there are any, they should be sealed with sealant, if they are small, or with polyurethane foam. After drying, cut off the remaining foam and cover everything cement mortar or sealed with sealant tape. Do the same thing, walk along the walls, see if the plaster is crumbling.

If neighbors live above you, you need to find out from them whether their floor is insulated; if so, there’s no need to bother too much. For your peace of mind that the heat will be retained in the room, experts recommend covering the balcony on your side.

The walls of the balcony are mainly covered with double-glazed windows, which are not subject to insulation. The insulation from windows will depend on their thickness. The lower part is mainly made by builders using either concrete or iron.

Do-it-yourself insulation of balcony walls with mineral wool

Now let's start insulating the walls and ceiling. On them it is necessary to attach a wooden beam measuring 50 x 40 mm from the ceiling border. After which we attach the beam to the wall along its entire length in increments of 50 cm. If you plan to install wiring and sockets, then all electrical work must be carried out at this stage of work.

Important! All switches and sockets should be installed only externally. . To lay mineral wool between the beams, it must be cut into pieces the size of the areas between the beams

It is, of course, better to insulate from the ceiling. To attach the mineral wool sheets, use a special glue. It must be applied carefully. After applying the glue, the sheets must be pressed lightly to the surface to avoid pressing through the insulation. After you have completed all the thermal insulation work, you can safely begin insulating the walls.

To lay mineral wool between the beams, it must be cut into pieces the size of the areas between the beams. It is, of course, better to insulate from the ceiling. To attach the mineral wool sheets, use a special glue. It must be applied carefully. After applying the glue, the sheets must be pressed lightly to the surface to avoid pressing through the insulation. After you have completed all the thermal insulation work, you can safely begin insulating the walls.

If the loggia wall has sufficient thickness, you can install additional fasteners in it, which will not only securely secure the entire system, but also extend its service life.

Depending on the climatic conditions, you determine what the thickness of the material should be (50-150 mm). All additional elements For fastening, it should be installed after the glue has dried. Since mineral wool does not have high strength, but performs all its functions, all work with it should be done carefully so as not to damage it.

Important! When working with insulation, it is necessary to wear a respiratory mask, as small particles can fly off the sheets, causing allergic reactions.

Mineral wool slabs are laid end to end. The glue used should be the same on all sheets. After completing the installation of the insulation, you can safely proceed to installing the reinforcing layer. Upon completion of the latter, begin finishing work.

Insulating the balcony ceiling with mineral wool

When making glue for installing mineral wool, it is necessary to make it of a thick, uniform consistency. If you make the glue too thick, you will have a hard time getting a good adhesion to the surface. Too liquid will also add to the hassle, as it will not have the necessary density for adhesion. Therefore, make sure that the consistency of the glue is not liquid, so thick that it does not flow off the spatula.

Remember, do not press mineral wool under any circumstances when attaching it to the surface; work with insulation carefully, as it is a rather fragile material. . For better adhesion, fasten the mineral wool using a binding wire; fasten the mineral wool using a construction stapler

For better adhesion, fasten the mineral wool using a binding wire; fasten the mineral wool using a construction stapler.

As for the wall separating the balcony area from the room, it does not need to be insulated, since it is already warm. You can connect and attach lamps, sockets, and switches to it.

Which insulation is suitable for a balcony: polystyrene foam or mineral wool

The question of choosing one or another type of insulation arises in several cases: either with a large volume of work, they choose an insulation on which they can save money, or they select an insulation that, in its own way, physical properties can be used specifically in this room. Balconies and loggias are small in terms of floor area, so it is hardly worth talking about serious savings on the difference in cost of different types of insulation. Another thing is when the question arises about what is better to insulate balconies with mineral wool or polystyrene foam - it has more to do with the physical and consumer properties of these types of insulation than with price.

Requirements for insulation materials

• Weight. The smaller it is, the less heavy the balcony structures will become after construction work is completed.
• Thickness. Thin materials will leave more internal free space in the loggia or on the balcony.
• Thermal conductivity. At lower values ​​of this indicator, more heat will be retained in the room.
• Moisture permeability. When its values ​​are small, the effect of moisture on the material is reduced and its thermal conductivity is reduced.
• Soundproofing. Large values this parameter will protect the room from excess noise.
• Fire safety. The material used must not be flammable or emit toxic fumes when exposed to fire.
• Environmental friendliness. Its high performance will preserve human health and not harm the environment.
• Cost-effectiveness, which is characterized by cost (the purchase of material should be affordable to a wide range of consumers).
• Durability. The larger it is, the cheaper the insulation becomes for the buyer.
• Easy installation, which is especially important for those who are going to do the repairs themselves.

Foam plastics

This heat-insulating material is familiar to everyone since childhood. Boards were made from it for teaching swimming. The balls that make up the foam were often used to create artificial snow at children's parties. The technology for producing polystyrene foam is reminiscent of making popcorn. Only polystyrene foam granules do not explode under high temperature, but are saturated with air at high pressure.

Foam plastic is the most common and cheapest heat-insulating material.

It has excellent heat-insulating properties, second only to penoplex. Lightweight, easy to install, easy to cut.

There are two production technologies - non-press - in which the balls adhere to each other as a result of the residual stickiness of the uncooled polymer, and press - the most dense and heaviest grades of foam plastics used for insulating floors or road surfaces, underground parts of foundations.

The most common brands in residential construction are PSB-S 15, PSB-S 25, PSB-S 35. They differ in density - 8/15/25 kg/m3, respectively, and different coefficients resistance to compression and fracture force. The larger the number in the designation of the foam brand, the more durable it is and resistant to mechanical damage.

Polystyrene foam is flammable, which makes it significantly different from practically non-flammable mineral wool. When burned, it releases deadly dioxide gas. According to the degree of fire hazard, foam plastics belong to flammability category 3. Therefore, it is better not to use foam insulation in rooms and buildings in which a large number of of people. Polystyrene foam, unlike mineral wool, is slightly hygroscopic. When completely immersed in water for 24 hours, PSB-S 15 absorbs 4% of the dry weight, and PSB-S 35 – 2% of water.

The temperature range in which foam plastic can be used varies from -60° to +80° C.

It is believed that polystyrene foam is not dangerous to human health. But it is better not to use it for indoor insulation. Polystyrene foam is vapor-proof. In rooms insulated with foam plastic, it is difficult to breathe humid and stale air. Therefore, as insulation, it is most often used outside the room or in those rooms where there is good ventilation in particular on loggias and balconies.

Preparatory work

1. Before insulating a balcony, it is advisable to assess its condition - whether it is, in principle, able to withstand the weight of additional structures. At this stage, it is possible to determine the weight of the structure (windows + frame for insulation + insulation + waterproofing + finishing) that can be added without the risk of the balcony collapsing. Based on the calculation, the degree of insulation and materials are selected.
2. Assess the condition of the parapet - it may need to be replaced or duplicated. It is the parapet that turns out to be the supporting structure when installing glazing. If the parapet is bad, it can be cut off, leaving small fragments of fasteners embedded in the slab and walls; a new parapet can then be attached to them.
3. Remove everything unnecessary from the balcony, clean, repair and prime all surfaces; large potholes can be filled with foam.
4. Install a new or repair the old frame of the room (parapet, walls and roof).
5. Glazing the balcony (for the balcony it is necessary to choose the lightest double-glazed windows, the best options There will be aluminum, which is also the frame of the walls, aluminum or lightweight plastic for the frames).
6. Repair any potholes that have appeared, clear the balcony of debris that arose during the installation of windows, and prime the areas of new repairs.

Preparatory work

Preparatory work includes not only the process of preparing the surface for installation mineral wool slabs, but also a large complex of activities preceding this work.

First, the balcony is completely freed of all things. Then the roof, window units, parapet and floors are inspected for the need for repair, replacement or installation. Without high-quality performance of these works, thermal insulation will not be carried out properly. Only after absolute reliability and tightness of all elements of the balcony have been ensured, can we proceed to the stage of its insulation.

Preparatory work is completed only when the interior of the balcony is completely protected from wind and rain, and its enclosing and load-bearing capabilities are not in doubt or have been restored.

At this point, you need to make your choice of insulation that will be installed on the balcony to protect against the cold.

Criterias of choice

Basic specifications, which you need to pay attention to when choosing thermal insulation materials for balconies and loggias:

• heat transfer coefficient - the higher the indicator, the smaller the layer of insulation you need to use, which saves precious space and reduces the load on the slab;
• resistance to mechanical stress - it is easier to apply a layer of finishing material to durable materials;
• vapor and hydraulic permeability - the microclimate in the room and the need to use additional materials depend on these indicators.

It is also worth considering the installation features - the simplicity of the process is especially important if the work is planned to be carried out independently without the involvement of specialists.

Advantages of mineral wool

The main excellent properties are the thermal insulation properties. A layer of mineral wool with a density of 100 kg/cubic. m 10 cm thick retains heat as well as a two-meter wall made of silicate brick;

Insulation materials

An article on our website “How to insulate the inside of a balcony will help you navigate the choice of material for insulating a balcony? We choose the best insulation!” The technology for installing the balcony sheathing, into which you will subsequently lay mineral wool, is also described on our website
You can read about what problems may arise after insulating balconies at: http://oknanagoda.com/balkony-lodzhii/utepleniye/problemy-uteplennykh-balconov.html

Absolute fire safety. Mineral wool is obtained from rock melts - such as basalt, granite, etc., or blast furnace slag melts by saturating the melt with compressed air or water vapor, or by centrifugally drawing a mineral thread from the melt.

Insulation of balcony walls with mineral wool

In industry, mineral wool is used for thermal insulation of smelting furnaces, furnaces, etc. Withstands temperatures that are living conditions unattainable even in the event of a strong fire;

Ease of use. Mineral wool is supplied to the market in the form of mats that can be easily cut with a knife, or slabs that can be easily cut with a hacksaw;

Decent soundproofing properties. Sound absorption coefficient up to 0.95 (that is, sound during passage is weakened by 95%);

Non-hygroscopicity combined with good vapor conductivity. The level of moisture absorption is only 0.5%. These properties make it possible to maintain a microclimate in an isolated room;

Mineral wool for balcony insulation in rolls

No thermal shrinkage; stability of size over time. Thanks to this, seams, cracks, etc. do not form in the insulating layer. “cold bridges”;

Lack of chemical activity. There is no need to fear that the metal will corrode from contact with mineral wool;

Good biological stability. You don’t have to be afraid that fungus will grow in the mineral wool or mice will settle in.

Advantages of mineral wool

Mineral wool: excellent heat retention

It is generally accepted that mineral wool, or as it is also called stone wool, is a good insulation material.

Let's pay attention to some of its advantages: . good heat retention properties

Stone wool insulation with a density of 100 kg/cu.m. m. and a thickness of 100 mm retains heat no worse than a silicate wall about 2 m thick;
complete fire safety. The material is obtained by melting certain types of rocks (granite, basalt and others), slag waste, which is later saturated with air supplied under pressure, water vapor or through a centrifuge, followed by extraction of a thin thread from the molten mass;
ease of use. The material is sold in the form of mats, effortlessly cut with a sharp object, or slabs, sawed with a simple hacksaw blade;
soundproofing properties. The weakening of the strength of sound waves when they overcome a layer of mineral wool insulation can reach 95%;
lack of hygroscopicity and good vapor permeability. The moisture absorption rate is 0.5%. This properties materials are advantageously used to maintain comfortable conditions in isolated rooms;
There is no thermal shrinkage, so the size of the slabs remains unchanged. This helps prevent ruptures and the subsequent formation of cold bridges due to this;
resistance to reagents. This allows you not to worry about damage and destruction;

• good heat retention performance. Stone wool insulation with a density of 100 kg/cu.m. m. and a thickness of 100 mm retains heat no worse than a silicate wall about 2 m thick;
• complete fire safety. The material is obtained by melting certain types of rocks (granite, basalt and others), slag waste, which is later saturated with air supplied under pressure, water vapor or through a centrifuge, followed by extraction of a thin thread from the molten mass;
• ease of use. The material is sold in the form of mats, effortlessly cut with a sharp object, or slabs, sawed with a simple hacksaw blade;
• soundproofing properties. The weakening of the strength of sound waves when they overcome a layer of mineral wool insulation can reach 95%;
• lack of hygroscopicity and good vapor permeability. The moisture absorption rate is 0.5%. These properties of the material are advantageously used to maintain comfortable conditions in isolated rooms;
• There is no thermal shrinkage, so the size of the slabs remains unchanged. This helps prevent ruptures and the subsequent formation of cold bridges due to this;
• resistance to reagents. This allows you not to worry about damage and destruction;

On a note: Mineral wool has excellent biostability: rodents do not grow in its thickness and fungal formations do not develop.

Advantages of mineral wool

Mineral wool is a group of thermal insulation materials made from a melt of various rocks and minerals.

• Glass wool;
• Slag;
• Basalt or stone wool.

Despite the diversity of composition, the term “mineral wool” usually means basalt or stone . It is the safest material for home insulation. The characteristics of the heat insulator set it apart from the list of other similar materials. Mineral wool has important advantages:

• High heat-saving qualities;
• Mineral wool is a reliable sound insulator;
• Light weight;
• Does not burn and does not support combustion;
• Does not rot, does not contribute to the formation of mold and mildew;
• Available in rolls and slabs, this helps facilitate installation.
• Relatively low price.

The only drawback of the insulator is its ability to absorb moisture, losing its performance. The problem is solved by installing a protective membrane. Suitable choice- insulation with stone wool produced in slabs and mats. They are quite rigid, easier to install, and do not lose their shape over time.

Work order

To insulate a balcony or loggia from the inside, you will need to prepare fasteners in advance.

The best choice would be anchor bolts or dowel nails. The fasteners are passed through mineral wool.

The stages of insulation are performed in the following sequence:

1. It is necessary to find all the cracks and eliminate them. To do this efficiently, you need to use polyurethane foam, the excess of which, after drying, is cut off with a stationery knife. Good choice is “Moment Montage” or “Macroflex”.
2. We insulate the floor. Quick installation does not provide sufficient thermal insulation. A sheathing is installed in which the insulation is laid, a load-bearing flooring made of boards, chipboard or plywood is sewn on, and a flooring made of laminate, linoleum or parquet is laid on top.
3. We carry out wall insulation. In this case, you will need to take several steps - installing the sheathing, filling it with mineral wool and laying film for hydro- and vapor barrier, cladding and finishing.
4. We insulate the ceiling. The steps of the previous stage are repeated.

Preparation and styling

Warming is preceded by a series preparatory stages, the sequence of which depends on the general condition of the balcony, the chosen technology of work and the type of materials used:

• strengthening concrete slab grounds;
• dismantling or replacing metal handrails in old houses;
• erection of a parapet from foam blocks in its absence.

  Strengthening the parapet with foam blocks

Roll materials (penofol, isolon) are attached directly to the wall. Laying tile insulation (foam plastic, penoplex or mineral wool) can be done in two ways:

• on the wall using glue or dowels - this method allows you to save space on small balconies and avoid additional load on the base;
• on a wooden (metal) sheathing; the material is cut to the size of the sheathing cells (usually about 60*60cm), laid between the beams; It is convenient to fix finishing materials (lining, plasterboard or panels) onto the sheathing.

  We fill the cracks with polyurethane foam

Important information

It is very important to carefully consider the insulation of all areas of the balcony, only in this case will it fulfill its role fully. If there are clearings or gaps in some places, then mineral wool will no longer give the expected effect.

It is necessary to understand that the balcony is insulated in order to retain heat, and not to create it. Therefore, during the cold season, you can install a heater on the balcony or open the balcony door, allowing heat from the room to enter there. You can also place an air conditioner or battery there.

Such an insulated and heated balcony will help expand the area of ​​the apartment: it can be turned into a full-fledged small room. Depending on the size, it can accommodate a couple of chairs and a table. Get a cozy place to relax. True, in this case you will also have to take care of lighting.

Also, the insulated balcony melts great place for, and with the proper level of heating and sufficient area, you can make additional sleeping area. This solution will be especially relevant for small-sized and one-room apartments.

Insulation with rolled mineral wool is more difficult - but still possible, see how this is done in our video:

Penofol

This is a universal material with moisture, sound and heat insulating properties. It is a thin layer of polyurethane foam with an aluminum coating that has the ability to reflect heat. Available in roll form, it is easy to install.

Usually used in combination with other materials.

To ensure the level of thermal insulation required for residential premises, the use of penofol alone is not enough! Depending on the purpose, several varieties are available:

• type "A"– has a one-sided reflective layer, used for internal combined insulation;
• type "B"– material with two reflective surfaces for arranging a substrate under a screed or heated floor;
• type "C"– self-adhesive appearance, easy to install and minimum requirements to surfaces; enough to concrete walls were smooth and clean.

Installation of insulation materials

After applying the glue, the mineral wool slabs are placed on the insulated surface between the sheathing guides, pressing lightly. Each element of mineral wool should be laid adjacent to the previously installed one.

If there are cracks and gaps, they are filled with small pieces of insulation. Styling thermal insulation material they start from the ceiling, and after that they move on to the wall surfaces.

If the thickness of the loggia walls allows, then it is better to use additional fasteners.

The more securely the system is reinforced, the longer it will last. After the glue has dried, the cotton wool is secured with dowels.

Vapor barrier

Upon completion of installation insulation materials install a vapor barrier membrane. Place it with the foil side inside the room to reflect heat. The edges of the material are joined without overlap. The joints are taped with metallized tape.

Advantages and disadvantages of mineral wool

The advantages of mineral wool include the characteristics that an ideal insulation should have. Namely:

• Absolutely harmless to humans (no toxins are released, safe in contact with the body).
• It has an optimal ratio of light weight and thermal protection.
• Fire resistant.
• Easy to install.
• Creates sound insulation.
• Unpretentious to climatic conditions (insulation work can be carried out in the winter season).

With regard to the shortcomings of the material, the list includes such characteristics as minimal moisture resistance, pliability when wet and a high degree of crumbling

Therefore, when working with mineral wool, it is important to ensure high-quality waterproofing, as well as control the pressure on the material during installation in order to avoid deformation and destruction.

Basic parameters of mineral wool

Rice. 3 Insulation of the loggia with mineral wool in rolls

The industry produces several types of mineral wool for insulating building facades and interior walls premises:

Glass wool

Made from thin glass threads 5 - 15 microns. length 15 - 50 mm., has a thermal conductivity of 0.038-0.052 W./m.*K., resistant to high temperatures up to 450 C, does not burn. Currently, it is obsolete and is not used for household insulation due to its harmful properties - volatile, corrosive glass (a respirator and protective clothing are required for work.)

Slag

It is obtained by processing blast furnace slag into thin fibers 16 mm long. and with a diameter of 4 – 12 microns. The material absorbs moisture well and is caustic, is not flammable, and emits harmful substances, therefore it is not used for external insulation and in residential premises. It has a thermal conductivity of 0.46 - 0.48 W./(m.*K.) and can withstand temperatures up to 250 C, forms acid when exposed to moisture, corroding metal structures.

Basalt (stone) wool

The insulation made from mountain basalt from thin BTV (thickness 5 - 15 microns) or super-thin BSTV (thickness 1 - 3 microns) fiber is designed for use inside residential premises (insulation of floors, walls and ceilings), available in the form of rolls, mats or slabs

Rice. 4 Thermal insulation of the balcony floor with stone wool in sheets

To insulate balconies, it is more practical to use 50 mm thick slabs, which are easily mounted on umbrellas or glue and are easier to exterior decoration Unlike roll types requiring a frame to be installed.

Main technical characteristics of fine-fiber basalt slabs:

Thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity coefficient of the stone slab is 0.46 – 0.48 W/(m*K).

Soundproofing. Fine fiber stone slabs have a maximum sound absorption coefficient of 0.80 - 0.95%.

Hydrophobicity. The structure of the board allows it to absorb moisture, which fills the air voids between the fibers without being absorbed into the material.

Flammability. The material is not flammable; the melting point of basalt fiber is about 1000 C.

Vapor permeability. Basalt mineral wool allows air to pass through well.

Biological and chemical stability. Basalt does not contain organic matter, which contributes to the formation of fungus and mold. The material is not affected by acids.

Treatment. The slabs are easy to cut with a hacksaw and adhere well to the walls; their surface, when applied with a mesh, perfectly holds plaster solutions.

Physical characteristics. Stone wool slabs have a density of up to 400 kg/cm. cubic, due to which they retain their geometry and are not subject to stalling and shrinkage.

Environmental friendliness. Like all natural materials basalt is harmless to human health.

We carry out vapor barrier

After installing mineral wool, the next step in thermal insulation of the balcony is vapor barrier. This stage of work is necessary to ensure that the insulation does not deteriorate from moisture, and the beams do not rot. As a vapor barrier, you can use polyethylene, which is first applied to the ceiling, and then to the walls and overlapped at the joints. In places where sockets and switches are installed, the film should be cut to easily insert electrical products.

Balcony cladding with foil insulation

This option with a vapor barrier can also be done on the floor. Moreover, in addition to film, the construction market offers isolon and penofol for vapor barriers. After completing the vapor barrier work, you can safely begin finishing the loggia.

As finishing materials, you can choose lining and drywall for painting or wallpapering, and decorative plaster, it all depends on your taste preferences and funds. Afterwards, you can lay laminate, linoleum, tiles, and, if you want, carpet on the floor. If you plan to install a “warm floor” system, then it is placed on thermal insulation, after which you can proceed to floor covering.

Wall finishing should be done last. After finishing the walls, you can attach the baseboards.

An excellent solution for heating a room would be to install a “warm floor” system, as described above. If you do not accept this solution, then an alternative may be an air conditioner with winter mode– heating or a convector, thanks to which a comfortable temperature will be maintained in winter.

Do-it-yourself insulation of the loggia floor with penofol

Advantages of mineral wool insulation

After all the insulation and finishing work, the room is suitable for permanent spending time on it. You can equip it as a place to relax, for example. But it is better to develop the interior design in advance in order to know how to arrange the furniture or zone the room, and also to make it convenient to use the lighting.

Option for designing a relaxation area on the balcony

If the size of the loggia allows, it can be converted into a dining room, where you can admire the surroundings during meals, or it can be arranged as a winter Garden, office, summer bedroom or even a children's playroom. There are many options, it all depends solely on the quality of the insulation work. And if all the standards are met and everything is done correctly, which will allow you to maintain comfortable temperature and do not waste heat in the room. Therefore, so that on a balcony or loggia you can implement the most bold ideas, before starting work, decide for yourself what function the additional zone will perform in order to correctly select and perform thermal insulation work. If you still don’t quite understand the technology of insulating a loggia with mineral wool with your own hands, the video presented at the bottom of this article will help you watch the work process step by step.

Insulating the balcony ceiling with mineral wool Insulating the walls on the balcony with your own hands using mineral wool Insulating the walls with mineral wool with your own hands Insulating the ceiling with mineral wool Insulating the floor with mineral wool Insulating the walls of the balcony with mineral wool with your own hands Attaching mineral wool to the walls of the balcony Insulating the balcony with penofol We do it the floor on the balcony is mineral wool Insulating the floor on the balcony with mineral wool we insulate the balcony before finishing

Stone wool

Rocks of volcanic origin are used to produce stone wool. The structure of the fibers fully corresponds to slag fibers. The degree of thermal conductivity is 0.077–0.12 Watt/m∙K^0, temperature for melting is 6000–10000C. This is one of the most stable insulation materials, as it practically does not burn, has a high degree of thermal insulation and is easy to install. Unlike glass wool, it does not prick and you can work with it without protection. But it still has the same drawback as the previous two types. Not resistant to moisture.

It has the form of slabs, which facilitates work during insulation of ceilings and floors.

When purchasing mineral wool, be sure to pay attention to the location of the fibers. Their vertical direction indicates good thermal insulation characteristics, and horizontal – the ability to withstand loads

The video below talks very well about the technology of insulating a balcony:

Pros and cons of mineral wool

When choosing a material for insulating a balcony, you can consider the second option of building material. It is a mineral, or it is a fibrous material that is obtained during the melting of igneous rocks.

What is better - polystyrene foam or mineral wool for insulating a balcony? In order to make a choice, it is necessary to study the basic properties of this material. Mineral wool has a number of advantages that are predetermined by the characteristics of the feedstock. The undoubted advantage of such insulation is its fire resistance.

Mineral wool can melt at temperatures of 800 degrees and above. In the event of a fire, it will not only retain its properties, but will also become an obstacle to the spread of fire.

What is better - polystyrene foam or mineral wool for insulating a balcony? As for the fibrous material, in terms of its thermal conductivity it ranks second after expanded polystyrene. However, mineral wool has higher hygroscopicity rates. This sharply reduces the heat-shielding properties of this material when it is in a humid environment.

Which is better - mineral wool or polystyrene foam in terms of vapor permeability characteristics? The results of laboratory studies convincingly prove that condensation falling in a room easily passes through fibrous material. And this is its clear advantage.

When answering the question of what is better for sound insulation - polystyrene foam or mineral wool, you should pay attention to the second material. An undoubted advantage is its ability to create a reliable barrier to various types of noise.

Cotton wool made from stone serves as a reliable barrier to sound waves.

For those who have not yet decided what is better for insulation - foam plastic or mineral wool, it is worth familiarizing yourself with such characteristics of the material as its weight. Stone wool is significantly inferior to expanded polystyrene in this indicator. In this regard, when purchasing it, the cost of delivery will increase, as well as the volume of loading and unloading work. The weight of the insulation must also be taken into account when calculating the endurance of the structure.

What is better - polystyrene foam or mineral wool for insulation from an environmental point of view? This question can only be answered by laboratory tests of the material. There is evidence that a certain fraction of stone wool fibers has carcinogenic properties. In addition, one of the materials used to produce this insulation emits a very harmful, highly toxic substance, formaldehyde, which is very dangerous to humans.

Insulation of the loggia with mineral wool is carried out if it is connected to a room.

One of the most common materials for insulation is mineral wool. It is used for thermal insulation of attics, walls and other elements of residential buildings. Mineral wool is an absolutely harmless material that is not afraid of fire and does not emit any toxic substances. When choosing this material for covering a balcony, you can reduce heat loss. Therefore, insulating the loggia with mineral wool will create a fairly comfortable atmosphere.

Scheme of actions for covering the loggia with mineral wool:

• cleaning the loggia from all sorts of things and debris;
• glazing;
• floor finishing work;
• headliner;
• wall insulation;
• electric installation work;
• installation of flooring;
• interior decoration.

Preparatory stage for insulating the loggia with your own hands

At the first stage, you need to clear the balcony room of all things. It is also necessary to remove old wooden frames (if they were installed a long time ago) with single glazing and replace them with more modern ones. To have a warm loggia, it is advisable to install new double-glazed windows with two or three glasses.

The loggia can be insulated with inside and from the outside. To avoid condensation and moisture accumulation, it is recommended to insulate the balcony only from the outside, but there are cases when this is not possible (for example, so as not to spoil the architectural appearance of the building). Then insulation from the inside is assumed.

To do the work yourself, in addition to mineral wool, you will need roofing felt, special glue, a building level, and a stapler.

Insulating the loggia floor with mineral wool

To insulate the floor with mineral wool, wooden logs are first installed.

After clearing the floor surface of various debris, roofing felt is placed in one layer. The connection of the sheets can be sealed with sealant tape. Logs are installed on top of the roofing material in increments of 50 cm. The thickness of the beam is calculated as the height from the floor to balcony door minus the thickness of the floor covering, rough material and roofing felt. The joists are installed using building level, and are connected by bars.

Important! Before installation, the joists must be impregnated with a rot-resistant compound.

Do-it-yourself mineral wool is placed between the logs, which must first be cut into pieces equal to the size of the parts between the logs. When cutting cotton wool, it is advisable to wear a bandage so that its small particles do not enter the respiratory system.

Having laid out the mineral wool, a subfloor is placed on the joists, which is secured with self-tapping screws. At this point, the insulation of the floor temporarily stops, and work begins on the walls and ceiling of the loggia.

Ceiling and wall covering

The surface is carefully inspected to eliminate the possibility of cracks or crumbling plaster. All cracks are treated with polyurethane foam and sealed with sealant tape on top.

If the balcony ceiling forms a joint slab from the upper floor, then it is advisable to inquire whether the floor of the neighbor above is insulated. In the case of an insulated loggia floor, there is no need to insulate the ceiling. But, in order to be completely sure that the heat will not escape, you can still do the cladding work on your part.

The walls of the loggia are mostly double-glazed windows, which, of course, do not need to be insulated. But the lower part can be made of concrete or sheet iron. In this case, insulation is required.

A wooden beam 50x40 mm is attached to the walls and ceiling with your own hands. Installation should begin at the border of the ceiling and walls, after which, in increments of 50 cm, the beam is attached over the entire surface.

In case of installation of electrical equipment in the premises, it must be carried out at this stage.

Important! Switches and sockets installed on the loggia must be exclusively external.

Mineral wool is attached to the wall and ceiling using special glue.

Mineral wool, just like in the floor version, is cut into pieces equal to the size of the areas between the beams. Insulation with material begins from the ceiling. Mineral wool sheets are glued with special glue. The glue is applied very carefully, after which the sheets are pressed to the surface.

When preparing glue, it is important to make it of a certain uniformity and thickness. After all, very thick glue is not able to provide good adhesion to the surface. Liquid adhesive composition, on the contrary, can make work difficult because it has a low density. Therefore, the glue must be of such a consistency that when applied to a spatula, it does not drip.

Advice! Since mineral wool is a fairly fragile material, when gluing it is important not to push it through.

In the same way, mineral wool is attached to the walls. For the best adhesion, using a knitting wire, the mineral wool is secured with the staples of a construction stapler.

And you don’t have to make a room, since it’s already warm, so you can install all the sockets and switches on it.

After insulation, the walls can be covered with eurolining or plasterboard.

Having installed the insulation, you do the vapor barrier of the room yourself. It is necessary so that the mineral wool does not deteriorate under the influence of moisture, and the timber does not begin to rot. To do this, you can take polyethylene and apply it first to the ceiling, then to the walls. At the junction of the ceiling and the wall, polyethylene is overlapped. In places where sockets and switches are installed, the vapor barrier film must be cut slightly in order to insert electrical products into it.

After installing the vapor barrier, you can begin the final work.

At this stage, the ceiling is covered with clapboard or plasterboard with your own hands. Next, you can move on to the flooring. The walls are finished in the very last place, and in finishing material It is necessary to make holes for sockets and switches. At the end of the finishing, baseboards are installed.

The best insulation can be achieved by installing a convector in the room. Thus, not only will the heat not escape, but the optimal temperature will also be maintained.

Advantages of an insulated mineral wool loggia

In the new warm room you can make both a place to relax and a study. But in this case, it is necessary to plan the arrangement of furniture in advance in order to take care of the correct installation of sockets and switches.
Also, depending on the size of the loggia, you can arrange a dining room with a beautiful view of the surrounding area, or turn it into a flower garden. Therefore, proper insulation with your own hands will allow the owner to fulfill all his desires.

It makes no sense to talk about the benefits of insulating balconies and loggias. The opportunity to reduce heat loss, the cost of heating an apartment and gain additional space is attractive to the owners of any apartment.

The process is not particularly difficult. You need to choose a time to complete the work and allocate money to purchase materials.

It is necessary to pay attention to studying the technology, the procedure and some features of insulation.

Advantages of mineral wool

Mineral wool is a group of thermal insulation materials made from a melt of various rocks and minerals.

• Glass wool;
• Slag;
• Basalt or stone wool.

Despite the diversity of composition, the term “mineral wool” usually means basalt or stone . It is the safest material for home insulation. The characteristics of the heat insulator set it apart from the list of other similar materials. Mineral wool has important advantages:

• High heat-saving qualities;
• Mineral wool is a reliable sound insulator;
• Light weight;
• Does not burn and does not support combustion;
• Does not rot, does not contribute to the formation of mold and mildew;
• Available in rolls and slabs, this helps facilitate installation.
• Relatively low price.

The only drawback of the insulator is its ability to absorb moisture, losing its performance. The problem is solved by installing a protective membrane. A suitable choice is insulation with stone wool produced in slabs and mats. They are quite rigid, easier to install, and do not lose their shape over time.

Preparing for work

Before work, it is necessary to clear the balcony of all foreign objects, remove lamps, brackets, and flower stands from the walls. Thoroughly clean surfaces from dust, residues old paint and other coatings.

Crumbling and peeling areas are completely removed, regardless of the depth of the destruction.

Detected cracks, potholes and other defects should be filled with putty, and in difficult cases - plastered. After the putty has dried, the walls are covered with a double layer of primer - a deep penetration primer.

Balcony vapor barrier

Insulation is done from the inside, so it is necessary to install. It cuts off the heat insulation from the wall material, eliminating the penetration of water vapor. A regular polyethylene sleeve will do, but you can buy a special vapor barrier, which will be a little more expensive.

The film is installed in horizontal rows starting from the bottom. Each subsequent row is overlapped by at least 10 cm, the joint is taped with adhesive tape.

The film is attached to the wall using mastic purchased from hardware store. There is no need to doubt the reliability of the glue, since it is only needed for a while.

Installation of sheathing

It is needed to support the insulation and install the sheathing. It is a series of vertically located strips, the distance between which is carefully adjusted and corresponds to the width of the heat insulator.

When the width of the mineral wool slabs is 60 cm, the lathing pitch should be reduced by 0.5-1 cm to ensure installation density.

The material used is wooden blocks or metal guides for drywall. The second option is considered optimal, since the guides have an ideal geometry, are not prone to rot and cracks, and do not burn. Installation is much simpler, since all the necessary elements are on sale - direct hangers, screws.

The first stage is marking the walls and installing direct hangers along the axes of the future planks. The sheathing is built by installing the outer planks. They are carefully aligned vertically, the distance to the wall should be equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the mineral wool. Then cords are stretched between the slats, serving as guides for installing the intermediate slats. This is faster than checking the position of each bar individually.

Insulation of walls and ceilings

The insulation process involves installing a heat insulator between the sheathing. The procedure is not complicated, but requires maintaining the tightness of the installation. Gaps, cracks and gaps should not be allowed to appear between the mineral wool slabs.

To eliminate the shortcomings, you need to keep a bottle of polyurethane foam on hand, which immediately fills all detected irregularities.

The gaps between the insulation boards form cold bridges, areas with active condensation formation. The surface becomes wet, materials and structures in contact with the cold bridge are destroyed. If they are not eliminated in time, the work will have to be redone after 2-3 seasons.

Particular attention should be paid to insulating the slopes of window and door openings, designing corners and junctions with glazing. In these places, cracks may appear, so you need to install the insulator as carefully and tightly as possible.

Installation of mineral wool on the ceiling slab is carried out in the same way. To support the mineral wool, it is recommended to fix it with a thin wire stretched across the sheathing on top of the mineral wool.

Floor insulation

The principle is not much different from general technology, but instead of lathing, logs are used. A layer of waterproofing is laid in front of them with an overlap of about 20 cm on the walls. A vapor barrier is spread over it.

Then the logs are laid and fastened, with a step convenient for laying the insulation. The mineral wool is tightly and carefully inserted between the joists, and another layer of vapor barrier is laid on top of it. A subfloor is laid from boards or sheet materials(chipboard, plywood, etc.). After this, the finished floor covering can be laid.

Balcony finishing

Finishing work is carried out after installation of the sheathing, which is attached to the sheathing strips on top of the insulation.

A vapor barrier must be installed on top of the mineral wool to prevent the insulator from getting wet, causing it to lose its properties.

The easiest way to use plywood, gypsum board, chipboard, MDF and other sheets as cladding Construction Materials. The joints between individual sheets and recessed screws are puttied, the surface of the sheathing is primed, then the finishing layer is applied - paint, wallpaper or textured plaster.

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Some owners prefer installing lining, which combines cladding and finishing and only needs a coat of varnish.