At any temperature, thermal insulation will not hurt. If implemented correctly, the rooms will become noticeably warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Insulating walls allows you to create a comfortable microclimate, which applies not only to residential apartments and houses, but also to work spaces. By visiting the store, you can see that modern manufacturers offer a wide range of thermal insulation for sale. It comes in the form of strands, rolls, granules, powders, and perlite sand. In addition, thermal insulation can be represented by slabs, blocks, bricks and cylinders.
If you understand the characteristics, you can choose the insulation option that is necessary. The main property of thermal insulation is its thermal conductivity; it indicates how much heat passes through a given material. Today, two types of thermal insulation are known:
- reflective;
- preventing.
The first type allows you to reduce heat consumption, which is ensured by a decrease in infrared radiation. Preventative thermal insulation is used in most cases and involves the use of insulation with low thermal conductivity. The following materials can be used in this capacity:
- mixed;
- organic;
- inorganic.
Organic based thermal insulation
When considering the types of insulation, you should pay attention to those that are made on an organic basis. They are widely represented on the modern market, and for their production natural raw materials are used, such as waste from wood processing and agricultural industries. The composition of such insulation includes cement and plastic.
The material is highly resistant to fire, it does not react to biological influences and does not get wet. It is used where the surface does not heat above 150 °C. Organic insulation is used as an inner layer in the construction of multilayer structures. This includes plastered facades or triple panels.
Characteristics of arbolite insulation
Organic-based thermal insulation is precisely arbolite insulation, which is a new building material made from:
- shavings;
- sawdust;
- chopped straw;
- reeds
The base contains chemical elements and cement. The additives are:
- soluble glass;
- alumina sulfate;
- calcium chloride.
On final stage For the production of arbolite thermal insulation, the material is treated with a mineralizer. This type of insulation has a density ranging from 500 to 700 kg/m3. The compressive strength reaches 3.5 MPa. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.12 W/(m K) maximum. It is also important to know the bending strength, it reaches 1 MPa.
Purpose and use of wood concrete
When considering the type of insulation described above, you should become more familiar with its purpose. It is used for the construction of partitions and walls in private low-rise construction. Products can be presented:
- floor slabs;
- panels;
- blocks.
The former are used to insulate floors and roofs. As for the floor slabs, they are reinforced reinforced concrete structures. For monolithic construction, wood concrete mortar is used. Today, another type of this insulation is known - bone concrete, the filler of which is hemp fire.
Arbolite blocks for thermal insulation are laid after applying a layer of the mixture for installation. Next, the block is installed, which should first be moistened with water. The product is pressed against the previous one, its position can be adjusted relative to the main masonry using a hammer with a rubber attachment. Excess mixture will need to be removed with a trowel. Work can only be carried out at an air temperature of at least +6 °C. The solution should be quite thick, because if its consistency turns out to be liquid, the material will shrink.
Characteristics of chipboard insulation
When considering the types of insulation, it is worth paying attention to thermal insulation made from chipboard, which is based on small shavings. It makes up 9/10 of the volume of the material, but the rest is an antiseptic substance, synthetic resins, a water repellent and antiprene. The density of this material is 1000 kg/m3 maximum. The minimum value is 500.
You may also be interested in humidity; for this thermal insulation it varies from 5 to 12%. The tensile strength reaches 0.5 MPa. Material absorption reaches 30% of the volume. The minimum value is 5%. You may also be interested in the tensile strength, it reaches 0.5 MPa.
Characteristics of polyurethane foam
Before choosing one solution or another, you should consider the types and characteristics of insulation. Among other options, polyurethane foam thermal insulation, which is based on polyester, should be highlighted. Added ingredients:
- diisocyanate;
- emulsifiers;
- water.
The components, under the influence of the catalyst, enter into a chemical reaction, and a new substance appears. It's different high level noise absorption, not afraid of moisture and chemically inert. Polyurethane foam thermal insulation is an excellent insulation material, because it is applied by spraying, so the craftsman has the opportunity to process ceilings and walls with complex configurations. Cold bridges are excluded.
This sprayed insulation has a density that reaches 80 kg/m3. When this figure reaches 50 kg/m3, polyurethane foam becomes moisture resistant. You may also be interested in the thermal conductivity coefficient, it reaches 0.028 W/(m K). This parameter is the best among modern thermal insulation materials.
Purpose of polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam has unique properties, thanks to which it is widely used in various fields of human activity. This thermal insulation is used for insulation of internal and external walls, window openings etc. This material can be found on construction sites of permanent residential buildings, cottages, individual houses, warehouse hangars, potato storages and vegetable storages.
This spray-on insulation has quite important advantages, which are expressed in load-bearing and heat-insulating abilities. Efficiency increases when polyurethane foam forms the basis of sandwich panels used in the construction of prefabricated civil structures. The latter may also have industrial purposes. The cold resistance of the material is quite high, as is its waterproofing ability.
Characteristics of fiberboard
When choosing insulation for your home, you should pay attention to fiberboard, which is thin and narrow wood shavings called wood wool. Cement or a magnesite component is added to them, which ultimately makes it possible to obtain fiberboard. It is offered for sale in the form of slabs.
The material is resistant to biological and chemical influences, provides excellent noise protection and can be used in wet conditions, such as swimming pools. This home insulation has a density reaching 500 kg/m3. The fire resistance of thermal insulation is quite high. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.1 W/(m K).
Purpose and use of fiberboard
Fiberboard is used for thermal insulation of coatings and walls, and structural - for frame walls, partitions and ceilings, but only in dry conditions. Today, the main use of fiberboard is in the installation of permanent formwork during construction.
The slabs are not removed, according to the principle of some other types of formwork, they perform a constructive function and become a component of the wall or ceiling. As for the features of use, the slabs are installed parallel at a certain distance, which will determine the thickness of the wall. After fastening, the foundation is filled with mortar, most often concrete. Then the system from liquid mixture and the formwork is left until it hardens.
Characteristics of ecowool
Ecowool is made from waste from paper and cardboard production. If you use waste paper for this, the material will not be of such high quality. It will become dirty faster, and will also be heterogeneous. Among other important characteristics, sound insulation should be highlighted, which in this case is very high. A layer 1.5 cm thick will absorb 9 dB of extraneous noise.
The thermal insulation ability is also impressive, but the downside is that it decreases during operation. Over time, ecowool loses up to 1/5 of its volume. It absorbs moisture well, this parameter can reach 15% of the volume. When laying using the continuous spraying method, there are no seams, which is a definite advantage.
Purpose and use of ecowool
The coating is widely used for sound and thermal insulation different rooms, which can have industrial, residential and public purposes. The material can be used for thermal insulation of facades, insulation of walls, roofs and attics. Mostly the work is carried out using the dry blowing method, but the material can be applied over existing insulation.
This roof insulation provides a seamless coating that solves the problem of icicles. Blowing involves the use special installation, in the hopper of which the cotton wool is loosened and then fed through a hose with a nozzle. This method of application allows the material to penetrate into hard-to-reach areas, closing all cracks and gaps.
Cellulose roof insulation can be used during repair work of existing facilities and during the construction of new ones. Open blowing is used to insulate horizontal and inclined surfaces, among them the following should be highlighted:
- floors;
- attics;
- interfloor ceilings;
- ground floor.
Inorganic heat insulators: mineral wool
Mineral wool can be stone or slag. To produce the latter, slags formed during the casting of non-ferrous and ferrous metals are used. Stone wool is based on rocks, and a component based on phenol or urea is used to bind them. The first one is most suitable, because mineral wool in this case is less afraid of water than the one containing urea. The flammability of this material is zero.
It is able to resist the spread of fire, so it can be used as a means of fire protection. Chemical passivity is high, but hygroscopicity is low. The material is characterized by excellent sound absorption, so mineral wool is used very often as a sound insulator.
Some characteristics and purpose of insulation from the manufacturer "Rockwool"
When choosing Rockwool insulation, you will need to understand its varieties. Among others, LIGHT BUTTS SCANDIC should be highlighted. This material represents the best product in its class. It has a new level of quality and is used for private housing construction.
The price per square meter ranges from 81.59 to 244.72 rubles. The cost varies depending on the size of the slabs. In the first case, the product parameters are 800 x 600 x 50 mm, while in the second they are 1200 x 600 x 150 mm. Basalt insulation is lightweight hydrophobized slabs made of stone wool based on basalt rocks.
The product is unique, and its compression reaches 70%. Rockwool insulation has excellent recoverability. It retains its original characteristics in all respects. Another advantage of basalt insulation is the use of a unique technology, which provides for the ability of the slabs to be compressed on one side, providing springiness. Due to this, the material on metal or wooden frame much easier to install.
Thermal insulation with foil coating: purpose and application
Foil insulation can be based on different materials. The use of this insulation depends on the properties of the place where the work will be carried out; The characteristics of the material itself also matter. When laying such a layer on the floor, it is possible to increase heat transfer from radiators and insulate air ducts and pipelines. An excellent effect can be achieved if you install foil insulation on entrance doors, balconies, verandas and in the canopy. Before installing such material, you should prepare small nails, a nail puller, a hammer and construction stapler. Among other things, you will also need foil construction tape. The foil should be located inside. It is a reflector and will return thermal radiation inside. Sometimes thermal insulation is laid on the other side, but this effect can no longer be achieved.
Purpose of insulation brand "Izover"
Izover insulation is a material made of mineral wool. It is sold in slabs and rolls, and is also made from high-quality stone fiber. Thermal insulation is made from natural materials, including:
- soda;
- sand;
- rocks;
- limestone.
Using Izover insulation, you can achieve excellent thermal and sound insulation of buildings. This solution is used to insulate house facades, roofs and walls, and also acts as excellent thermal insulation for floors. Insulation with roll insulation allows you to obtain a low coefficient of thermal conductivity of the surface. The material has a special fiber structure, which provides excellent acoustic properties and reduces noise levels.
Thermal insulation for pipes
Many materials are used for pipes today, among which foamed polyethylene should be highlighted. This solution is highly resistant to aggressive environments and has impressive strength. This type of insulation for pipes is produced in the form of tubes of different diameters. The pores have a closed structure, which ensures that there is no absorption of moisture from the external environment.
Some brands of such insulation are foil-coated and are used to minimize heat loss. Insulation for pipes can also be represented by foamed polyurethane foam. This insulation is one of the most common today and is installed by spraying onto the surface, which ensures a tight fit to the surface. Polyurethane foam can withstand extremely high and low temperatures, while the properties are not reduced, and each cell remains sealed.
Thermal insulation from the manufacturer Technonikol
TechnoNIKOL insulation is represented by a material based on rocks of the gabbro-basalt group. By purchasing this thermal insulation, you are buying stone wool, which is a non-flammable material, and the fibers melt only at a temperature of 1000 °C and above. This thermal insulation provides sound-absorbing and acoustic properties of surfaces. Mineral thermal insulation includes:
- glass wool;
- stone wool;
- slag wool
This insulation "TechnoNIKOL" in different types differs in the raw materials that are used in the production process.
The use of siding with thermal insulation
Siding with a layer of thermal insulation is installed in several stages. First, it is necessary to strengthen corner and side planks to the surface. Before starting this work, you need to make markings, draw lines that you will be guided by during the work process. After this, you can begin installing siding with insulation.
To do this, you need to use self-tapping screws that will be located around the entire perimeter of window and door openings. As for the latter, they are framed with planks so that installation of the cladding is not accompanied by difficulties. Afterwards you can start attaching the panels. You need to start from the bottom corner load-bearing wall.
Thermal insulation under plaster
Under plaster you can use a variety of different materials for thermal insulation of walls. Mineral wool, which has been popular for many years, is suitable for this. Foam plastic also acts as insulation for walls under plaster. However, it has a number of restrictions on use. This is expressed in low resistance to high temperatures. This applies even to the most modern species polystyrene foam, which contain special fire retardants.
Conclusion
In the modern market of building materials for thermal insulation different surfaces There are a huge variety of solutions available. Before making a choice, you must evaluate several factors, among others and the most important, you need to highlight specifications. The purpose and operating features of thermal insulation depend on them. If you do not comply with the requirements for the external environment when installing insulation, you may encounter low efficiency and the need to replace the thermal insulation layer.
Thermal insulation is an important and responsible process with which you can make your home warm and save on heating costs. Walls, roofs, and pipes can be insulated. But for each case there is its own option, the technological features of which must be taken into account when choosing them.
For external walls
External walls are an important element of every home, because they are entrusted with a load-bearing function and protection of the house from the negative influence of the environment.
Mineral wool
This material is considered one of the most popular for insulating walls both outside and inside. It's connected with . Installation of wool is carried out without a preliminary layer of vapor barrier between plasterboard slabs.
In the photo - mineral wool for insulation
For external walls it is worth using mineral wool in roll format. And although the material is low cost, it is very effective in terms of heat retention, durability and strength. The disadvantage of mineral wool is its ability to “breathe”. does not carry any harm and is completely safe.
Expanded polystyrene
This material is not inferior in popularity to mineral wool and is actively used for external thermal insulation. The popularity of this material lies in its high thermal and performance data. You can read more about it in our article.
In the photo - polystyrene foam for wall insulation
The advantages of insulation include:
- low thermal conductivity;
- low steam and moisture throughput;
- ease of installation;
- light weight.
Polyurethane foam
This material for external insulation can be classified as universal. This is due to the fact that polyurethane foam has a cellular structure. The material can be used to insulate internal and external walls. The insulation has a thermal conductivity of 0.0125 W/mK. Polyurethane cells contain air or inert gas. They are hermetically sealed, due to which the material has excellent waterproofing capabilities.
The photo shows polyurethane foam for wall insulation
Foamed foil polyethylene
But what is the best insulation for facades under siding and how to choose it is described in this article:
But what kind of insulation for facade plaster is the most popular and how it is used will help you understand the information
Liquid ceramics
And although this insulation option is considered modern today, many developers are wary of it. Although the characteristics of the liquid heat insulator look impressive. Thermal conductivity is 0.01 W, and when the material dries, a single layer is formed that does not contain joints or crevices.
The photo shows liquid ceramics for insulating walls from the inside
The main advantage of liquid ceramics is that after its application there is no need to apply a finish. The resulting surface looks beautiful, thin and at the same time performs all the functions assigned to insulation. The only disadvantage of the material is that it has a high price. And you can read about which ones are used in the article.
For roofing
When erecting a roof, it is imperative to provide a layer of insulation. But now we’ll determine which one is most suitable.
Expanded polystyrene
This material has excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation qualities. But it cannot be used if there is a flat or soft roof.
In the photo - polystyrene foam for roofing
This is due to the fact that the material is vapor permeable and flammable. By using polystyrene foam, you can create excellent roof ventilation. But the information from this article will help you understand how to use it.
Polyurethane foam
The main advantage of this material is that it perfectly protects the roof from the penetration of cold. In addition, it is not affected by fire. Polyurethane foam can be applied to the roof in the most inaccessible places.
The photo shows polyurethane foam for roofing
In addition, with the help of this roofing insulation you can forget about joints and gaps. But what a shell for polyurethane foam pipes is, in detail with a photo, is described in this
Foam glass
This material is considered unique, because glass production waste is used in combination with carbon for its production.
The photo shows foam glass for roof insulation
The main advantages of insulation include:
- non-flammability,
- not afraid of steam and water,
- not affected by rodents and microorganisms,
- long term services;
- excellent thermal insulation qualities,
- resistance to deformation.
Which one is better to use for a wooden house?
Today on the modern market there are many thermal insulation materials that can be used for insulation wooden house. When choosing, you need to take into account that wooden surface I was able to “breathe.” Otherwise, it will lead to the development of mold and mildew.
The following materials can be used to insulate wood:
- Jute.
- Tape tow.
- Expanded polystyrene.
- Mineral wool.
- Styrofoam.
A large selection of mineral wool makes you wonder which one is better: glass wool, stone wool or others.
Non-flammable types
If you need to choose a material that is not subject to combustion, but will still perform all the functions of a heat insulator, then you should pay attention to the following types:
- Glass wool. This material is characterized by high strength and elasticity. It is actively used when insulating heating pipelines. Glass wool is not negatively affected by UV rays.
In the photo there is non-flammable glass wool:
- Expanded clay. The heat insulator is obtained by firing clay. It can be used when insulating complex or hard-to-reach surfaces. Has excellent thermal insulation properties. But which one is described in great detail in this article.
In the photo, non-flammable expanded clay:
- Foam glass. This material belongs to inorganic insulation. It has a structure that resembles soap foam. In the production of heat insulators, coal and glass are used. Thanks to this, foam glass is able to withstand high temperatures. But what is GOST for expanded clay concrete wall panels, information from
In the photo, non-flammable foam glass material:
Foil types
Today you can purchase the following insulation with a foil layer:
- Minvata. This material is excellent for insulating surfaces that are constantly heated to high temperatures. Mineral wool is often used when laying pipes. But what technical characteristics of mineral wool currently exist and where it is used are described in this
In the photo there is foil mineral wool:
- Foamed polyurethane foam. On one side it has a layer of aluminum. The material has excellent thermal insulation properties, despite the thin layer. It is much more effective than mineral wool.
For photo-foiled polyurethane foam:
- Foil insulator. On one side it has a foil layer, and on the other there is a self-adhesive surface. The material is used as a vapor and waterproofing agent.
For photo-foil insulation for insulation:
Basalt species
Basalt insulation- This is stone wool. Stands out good. The material is environmentally friendly and practical. It can be used when insulating the following surfaces:
Basalt insulation is classified based on density and form of release. Each of them has its own pros and cons. Basalt is produced in the form of a roll, mat or scattering.
Uninsulated walls mean a huge amount of heat loss! And in this situation, expecting comfortable living conditions in the house is simply naive, especially in regions with harsh winters. No matter what power the boiler equipment operates at, or no matter how often and how hot the stove is fired, the “lion’s share” of thermal energy will simply “heat the street.” Naturally, at the expense of the careless owners of the house. So, effective thermal insulation of your home should always be among the issues of primary importance during construction or renovation.
In this publication, according to the general plan, the reader is offered information about what types of insulation for the walls of a house from the inside can be used, and with what success. But we cannot help but touch upon the problem that thermal insulation of walls on the premises side is far from the most the best option. He has a lot of negative qualities, and you should think carefully before making such a decision. This is probably where we should start the article.
Is it worth getting involved with internal wall insulation?
Let's first slowly go through the advantages and disadvantages of such technology.
« Pro &Contra" internal wall insulation
It would seem that insulating walls from the inside wins in all respects: let’s name just a few obvious ones advantages :
- Work can be carried out at any time of the year, and even without regard to the current weather.
- Even if the work is carried out in a multi-storey building, this still does not affect its complexity. That is - not required scaffolding, there is no need to resort to the services of specialists in the field of industrial mountaineering. And in general, almost everything can be done independently.
- A layer of thermal insulation on the inside will well muffle the spread of noise, including shock.
- There is no need to do everything at once - the work can be done sequentially, from room to room.
- Thermal insulation materials are guaranteed to be protected from all external influences - ultraviolet rays, any precipitation, wind, sudden temperature changes, etc.
Indeed, a very impressive list of “pluses”. And, nevertheless, any competent specialist in construction matters will still advise finding opportunities to perform thermal insulation on the outside of the wall. By the way, he will be supported by other “specialists”, including a doctor and a fire inspector.
And why? Because there are disadvantages, and their importance outweighs the listed pros.
- Whatever one may say, a layer of thermal insulation, and even with subsequent finishing, “eat up” the space of the room.
This seems to many to be a “ridiculous loss” that does not deserve attention. And completely in vain. For high-quality insulation of a wall, sometimes a layer of about 100 mm is needed, and in some regions even more. Plus to this - add at least 15 millimeters for finishing (plasterboard in one layer with putty, wallpaper or painting).
Doubts are easily dispelled by demonstration simple example. Let's say there is corner room dimensions 3.5 × 4.3 meters. That is, its area is 15.05 m².
Two walls are insulated - calculations show that a layer of 100 mm is needed, and with finishing this results in an additional thickness of 115 mm.
What nonsense, it seems, these 115 mm, at first glance. Let’s translate into area what these losses resulted in:
3.385 × 4.185 = 14.166 m².
15.05 – 14.166 = 0.88 m²
So, in an already not particularly spacious room, the loss amounted to about one “square”!
Moreover, this is only a “geometric” loss for now. Add to this the need to replace window sills with wider ones and move heating radiators - not a very “rosy” prospect...
- Carrying out insulation inevitably leads to a subsequent update of the room’s decoration, that is, it smoothly flows into a fairly large-scale renovation. And at the same time this room becomes practically uninhabitable. Such repairs also affect the overall level of comfort of living in an apartment or house - moving furniture, relocating household members, dirt being pulled apart and flying into dust, etc. The end result is quite long, expensive and tedious.
- The close proximity of a person to some thermal insulation materials, if not strictly prohibited, is at least not encouraged.
- Internal insulation very often requires dramatic changes in the room ventilation system.
- This is not the most important thing. The very location of the insulation on inside walls are extremely unfavorable for, so to speak, the overall thermal picture, for the distribution of temperature zones in load-bearing structures. All this may be accompanied by the appearance of areas of high humidity, which negatively affects both the environmental situation (the appearance of fungus, mold, damp spots) and the durability of wall materials and their finishing, both inside and outside.
It’s probably worth starting with the main drawback, since it probably outweighs all the others. But first, you still need to understand the basics of building heating engineering.
Useful information from the field of construction heating engineering
How does insulation actually work?
To understand the essence of the problem, it is necessary to “immerse” somewhat into the issues of building heating engineering. By the way, at the same time it will be calculated required thickness thermal insulation for complete wall insulation.
Any building material has certain thermal conductivity properties. Some transmit (and, by the way, also take away) heat very quickly and almost without loss (metals), others, as is often said, have “natural heat,” that is, heat loss through them is not so great (for example, wood), while others can talk about a markedly high resistance to heat transfer - these materials are precisely used as thermal insulation.
For each material, a special coefficient of its thermal conductivity is calculated and experimentally tested. It is usually denoted by the letter λ and is calculated in W/(m×℃).
So, the thermal transfer resistance of a layer of some material is determined by the following formula:
Rt =h/λ
h- the thickness of this layer.
λ - coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material.
The wall can be a multilayer structure, one of the layers of which becomes insulation material. That is, the total thermal resistance of the wall is formed from the sum of the resistances of all layers.
From here we come to the following conclusion - it is quite possible to calculate what thickness of insulation will be required to create comfortable living conditions in the room. To do this, you need to have information about the structure of the wall - what materials it is made of, and what the thickness of the layers is. And, of course, what total resistance to heat transfer of the wall should one strive for.
Well, the owner should know the design of his wall, and the thickness can be measured simply. The values of the thermal conductivity coefficient are also not a problem: there are as many tables with similar information on the network as you like.
And the total resistance to heat transfer depends on the climate of the region, more precisely, on the lowest temperatures in the coldest decade of winter. There are quite cumbersome formulas that allow you to calculate this parameter. But doing this is not necessary. You can find tables with normalized values for all regions Russian Federation– the specialists have already done everything for us. We offer an even simpler option - based on the mentioned tables, a diagram map has been compiled, according to which, without worrying about some loss of accuracy (it is insignificant), we can find the value of the normalized heat transfer resistance that interests us. Moreover, please note that it differs for different types building structures: walls, ceilings and coverings. In our case, naturally, the value “for walls” is taken.
All that remains is to enter all the known values into the formula - and calculate what thickness of the selected insulation will fully ensure “covering the deficit” up to the normalized value.
Below, the reader is offered an online calculator that allows you to quickly and accurately calculate the required thermal insulation thickness for internal insulation. A few explanations on working with it.
- The first step is to choose the thermo insulating material, which will be used for internal insulation. The presented list shows those insulation materials that are most often used in such cases. Which of them are better or worse for a given insulation scheme – we’ll talk about this a little below.
The values of thermal conductivity coefficients, of course, have already been entered into the calculation program.
- The second step is to use the diagram map to clarify the normalized value of heat transfer resistance for walls (these are purple numbers), and indicate it in the calculator field (on the slider).
- Next, enter the parameters of the main, load-bearing wall. The two adjacent fields indicate its thickness (on the slider) and the material (from the drop-down list) from which it is built.
- Often, internal thermal insulation is installed because the existing external insulation, in the opinion of the owners, does not fully cope with its task. In this case, of course, the existing insulation material should be taken into account.
When you select this calculation path, two additional fields will appear in which, according to the already familiar principle (slider + drop-down list), the thickness and type of material are indicated.
- External and interior decoration walls also sometimes influence its overall thermal characteristics. If desired, they can also be included in the calculation - this possibility is implemented separately for external and internal. The scheme is the same - after selecting this path, additional fields open to indicate the material and thickness.
If, in the user’s opinion, this can be neglected, everything is simply left as is. And these sections of the calculator will be ignored by the program.
The result is shown in millimeters - this is the thickness of the selected insulation, which will ensure a total value of heat transfer resistance equal to the normalized one. It is, of course, rounded up, usually resulting in standard thicknesses insulation materials.
By the way, if there is external insulation, the calculation can also give negative meaning. This suggests that additional thermal insulation is simply not required. And the reasons for uncomfortable temperatures should be looked for elsewhere - insufficient insulation of the ceiling or floor, leaky windows or doors, improperly organized ventilation, etc. That is, an additional layer of insulation on the walls will have absolutely no effect.
One of the primary tasks that is solved at the stage of construction or renovation of commercial and private housing is its insulation. Today it is a question not so much of comfort as of saving on expensive energy resources. Therefore, all kinds of wall insulation materials that are used inside and outside buildings are more relevant than ever.
Market of thermal insulation materials
The modern market of thermal insulation materials demonstrates high growth rates. The reason is the proven effectiveness of using energy-saving technologies, which allows saving on heating resources up to 40%. This problem is usually solved comprehensively, but one of the important stages is invariably the thermal insulation of walls and facades with the following materials:
- mineral and glass wool;
- cellulose insulation;
- expanded polystyrene (foam);
- fiberboard;
- liquid ceramic insulation;
- cork and other materials.
When choosing insulation for walls, buyers pay attention to thermal conductivity, cost per unit area, complexity of installation and performance characteristics.
Mineral wool is an affordable and popular insulation material. It is a material with a chaotic fibrous structure obtained by melting igneous and metamorphic rocks. Mineral wool is used for insulation frame structures and walls designed for different degrees of load, contours of structures and structures. Its advantages:
- high resistance to fire;
- low thermal conductivity;
- biological and chemical stability;
- soundproofing of premises;
- the ability to repel moisture without becoming saturated with it (hydrophobicity);
- mechanical strength;
- resistance to temperature deformation;
- ease of installation.
And now about the disadvantages of mineral wool. This insulation contains harmful components that negatively affect the human body. The respiratory organs, skin and mucous membranes are especially susceptible to them. Phenol in mineral wool, which is used to insulate walls, causes nausea, weakness and headaches. To prevent the harmful effects of this building material, it is isolated from direct contact with the air circulating in the room.
Properties and characteristics of glass wool
Glass wool is a type mineral insulation. Glass industry waste is used in its production. Glass wool consists entirely of fibrous inclusions and is characterized by high elasticity, strength and vibration resistance. Its thermal conductivity varies from 0.030 to 0.052 W/(m K).
Glass wool is available for sale in the form of mats and rolls. Thanks to the pressing technology, when rolled or compressed, it occupies a small volume, which simplifies its transportation, storage and installation at a construction site. Properties of glass wool:
- high sound insulation ability;
- mechanical strength;
- flexibility and elasticity;
- resistance to mold and mildew;
- environmental Safety.
The main disadvantage of glass wool is the need to strictly observe personal safety precautions when working with it. Thin and sharp fibers are prone to fragility, and when they get on the skin or mucous membranes, they cause irritation, injuring them. Therefore, it is necessary to treat glass wool walls in special clothing that does not leave exposed areas of the body (the use of gloves is mandatory!).
Properties and characteristics of cellulose insulation
Ecowool, or cellulose insulation, is a loose and lightweight insulating material that covers walls, roofs, partitions and individual structures. 80% of its composition is made up of paper waste (recycled waste paper), the rest is boric acid or borax, which provides low combustion ability.
The popularity of cellulose as insulation is due to its affordable cost and environmental friendliness (it gives a second life to waste that litters the planet). Its main characteristics:
- density - 30-65 kg/m3;
- thermal conductivity - 0.032-0.041 W/(m K);
- vapor permeability - 0.3 mg/(m h Pa);
- sound absorption - 36-45 dB.
Cellulose does not cause corrosion of metals in contact with it, has low air permeability, is hypoallergenic and hygienic. During installation, it fills the available hollow spaces, forming a seamless covering on the wall. When laying using the dry method, you can work with sub-zero temperature.
Advantages of expanded polystyrene
Expanded polystyrene is a synthetic gas-filled material based on polystyrene, which is foamed with vapors of low-boiling liquids. It looks like a huge amount of fine-cellular granules sintered together. The higher the density of the material, the more durable it is. Other properties of polystyrene foam for wall insulation:
- low thermal conductivity - 0.028-0.034 W/(m K);
- mechanical strength;
- chemical and biological resistance;
- low vapor and moisture permeability;
- sound absorption ability;
- long service life (up to 30 years).
Extruded polystyrene foam: properties and characteristics
Extruded polystyrene foam for walls has the same structure as pressed polystyrene, but the closed pores are smaller - 0.1-0.2 mm. The main thing that distinguishes these two materials is the technology for making granules. Because of this, extruded polystyrene foam received less flexibility and safety margin than the foamed variety, a different vapor permeability - 0.013 mg/(m h Pa), but retained high thermal conductivity - 0.029-0.034 W/(m K).
Properties and characteristics of fiberboard
Fibrolite is insulation in the form of slabs made from wood fibers and binders. The cut shows a base made of natural fibers and a layer of Portland cement (60 and 40%, respectively). Characteristics of fiberboard for walls:
- thermal conductivity - 0.08-0.1 W/(m K);
- humidity - up to 20%;
- water absorption - 35-40%;
- bending strength - 0.5-1.3 MPa.
Fibrolite is a non-flammable insulation, provides excellent sound insulation, does not rot, is not affected by fungus and mold, and has a service life of up to 60 years.
Eco-friendly cork materials
If you choose environmental insulation for walls, you should pay attention to cork materials. They are 100% natural, as they are extracted from oak bark. The structure of the cork sheet resembles micro-cells that are filled with gases.
The heat transfer coefficient of cork is 0.043-0.050 W/(m K). The insulation does not burn, does not rot and does not absorb foreign odors. It withstands temperature changes, absorbs sounds and vibration, and can be easily installed on the wall without special knowledge or tools.
Liquid ceramic insulation: properties and characteristics
Liquid ceramic insulation is a modern insulation in the form of a liquid suspension-foam. This is an innovative product that replaces classic solutions to reduce heat loss through walls. The coating is flexible and dense, evenly filling accessible cavities. Maximum effect thermal insulation is achieved due to vacuum in the microcavities of the substance.
Advantages of liquid ceramic insulation as wall insulation:
- high anti-corrosion properties;
- durability (up to 15 years);
- wide range of operating temperatures;
- flexibility during thermal expansion;
- ease of application;
- environmental friendliness.
Liquid foam made from a polymer resin that hardens in air. To apply it, you must use special equipment. This is a practical and inexpensive option to reduce heat loss through walls, roofing or foundations. Liquid foam has the following properties:
- excellent adhesion to any surfaces and materials;
- minimal preparation of the base (cleaning and drying the wall);
- high vapor permeability;
- absence overpressure after drying;
- Easy application and removal of excess.
Liquid foam is ideal as insulation for horizontal and inclined surfaces, but has also proven itself in wall insulation.
The modern construction market offers many beautiful, durable, environmentally friendly finishing materials. Nowadays, thanks to new technologies, it is possible to realize almost any fantasy in terms of repair or design work. But as for the economics of maintaining a home, it also needs to be carefully calculated.
Unfortunately, not every material, even the most beautiful or unusual, is capable of retaining heat well in a room. Therefore, often the issue of wall insulation at the time of repair has to be raised quite often. And even without planning repair work, insulation is a hot topic for our country.
On the shelves of construction hypermarkets are presented different kinds insulation materials. Puzzled by the choice of this material, every unprepared buyer will probably be confused when he sees what a huge assortment the manufacturers offer us! Therefore, before you go shopping, let's figure out what kind of insulation is needed in each specific case and how to choose it correctly.
Insulation will bring several important advantages not only to your budget, but also to the quality of your home - this is clear even without special calculations. Some homeowners find it convenient to install insulation inside the room, however, this is not entirely convenient: firstly, it reduces the living space, and secondly, it does not allow the heat inside the room to warm up the walls and thus maintains dampness inside the building.
Therefore, it is definitely necessary to insulate the walls outside the house - it does not matter whether it is a detached household or an apartment. Properly selected and laid insulation allows the room to warm up evenly due to the free circulation of warm air. The outer layer of insulation retains heat and allows the walls to remain dry, which means it prevents their destruction.
As an additional bonus from the insulation, there is also sound insulation of the room, this is an important property, especially if the housing is located near a highway or a busy part of the city.
As for the aesthetics of finishing walls with insulation, modern Decoration Materials perfectly adapted to implement various design solutions.
What types of wall insulation are there?
Conventionally, insulation materials can be divided into 2 types: organic and inorganic. What it is?
Organic insulation
These are materials that are produced from raw materials from natural components. They do not contain synthetic ingredients. Some organic materials contain cement and plastic.
Organic insulation materials are easy to use because they do not get wet, are not prone to fire, and are not susceptible to fungus, mold, or any bacteria. It is convenient to use organics as internal insulation or in multilayer structures, in the form of the first, inner layer.
There are quite a few examples of insulation materials of organic origin:
- Arbolite insulation– made on the basis of cement and kaolin. Additionally, it contains heat-saving substances - straw, sawdust, shavings, etc.
- Polyvinyl chloride foam insulation– based on polyvinyl chloride resins. The technology of its production is such that the resins acquire a porous structure; it can be hard or soft, and, accordingly, has a wide range of uses.
- Chipboard. Insulation based on wood chips, to which resins and antiseptics are added.
- Polyurethane foam is a new generation heat insulator. It is made on the basis of polyester by complex chemical reaction. It has excellent insulating properties and is not afraid of moisture, pests and temperature changes.
- Penoizol, also called mipora. Material based on a natural emulsion of urea-formaldehyde resin. Mipora is a universal material; it is sold in dry form, in the form of blocks. If necessary, it can also be used in liquid form, poured into specially prepared containers, where it hardens over time.
- Expanded polystyrene, or, more simply, polystyrene foam.
- Foamed polyethylene. It is obtained by adding special foaming additives to the liquid polyethylene mass. The result is a material with a large number of pores - which allows it to retain heat well and provide sound insulation.
- Fibrolite. A completely organic material consisting of fine wood shavings. Cement or magnesite is used as a binder. The material perfectly withstands wet operating conditions and can be used for insulation of saunas, swimming pools and similar premises.
- Sotoplast. Unusual insulation modern type. Its porous structure consists of cells that visually resemble a honeycomb - hence its name. It consists of cellulose or fabric fibers, wrapped in film, and the outer part of each panel is made of soft plastic.
- Ecowool. Made from waste from cardboard or book production. The basis for it is scrap or second grade cellulose cardboard or paper. It is also possible to produce from waste paper, however, the quality in this case will be much lower.
Inorganic insulation materials
Made from minerals, slag, asbestos or glass. These materials have been known to everyone for many years - glass wool, cellular concrete, foam glass and the like. They showed their operational properties, work at any temperature, suitable for any design.
Inorganic insulation materials are available for sale in a variety of forms: wool, panels, slabs, rolls, and even loose. This is an additional plus, since it is possible to choose the most convenient installation method.
There are also quite a few varieties of inorganic heat insulators:
Probably the most common insulation. Can be made from slag waste from steel production or rocks. Based on the type of raw material from which it is made, mineral wool is divided into two types: stone and slag.
The process of its production is almost identical to glass production, although glass production waste is often used for production. It differs from mineral wool in its structure and properties.
3. Ceramic wool. It is made on the basis of silicon, aluminum or zirconium oxides. For production we use high temperature conditions and centrifuge. Ceramic wool is practically not subject to deformation, does not burn and has excellent heat and sound insulation properties.
Reflective Thermal Insulators
As you know, classic insulation acts directionally - they slow down the process of heat passage. That is, from a heated room, be it a residential building or a public building, heat goes outside. If you conduct a study of infrared radiation, you will see rays, especially strong radiation where Construction Materials They transmit heat well. Therefore, trying to insulate a room, it is sheathed with various types of insulation that retains heat or prevents the free passage of infrared rays.
However, there is another approach to increasing the thermal insulation of buildings. This is the use of materials that reflect heat. The most popular among these is aluminium foil , its surface is capable of reflecting up to 97% of the heat falling on it.
At the same time, aluminum foil is laid in one or two layers, which are subsequently covered with a layer of polyethylene - such covering is very thin and takes up practically no space. And in terms of its thermal insulation it can compete with the highest quality insulation that retains heat. In addition, it is also an excellent vapor barrier material, therefore, for buildings with high humidity- saunas, baths - such thermal insulation will be just a godsend. In other cases, it is best to consider it as an auxiliary material, for example, for finishing walls and ceilings indoors.
Choosing insulation for walls
Among the huge range of insulation materials, it can be difficult to choose just one. Let's look at the most common heat insulators:
For many years it has been used as insulation on all kinds of private and industrial facilities. It can be made from stone or basalt raw materials, which gives it fire resistance and fire safety. Modern ones are made from volcanic fossils using special equipment, reaching high temperatures. It has a specific porous structure, which determines its main advantages:
- Excellent thermal insulation of the room. Thanks to its fibrous structure, mineral wool retains the temperature inside the building well; in winter the house will remain warm, and in summer it will be cool.
- Soundproofing. Also, due to the random structure of cotton wool fibers, it is capable of retaining at least 50% of sound vibrations passing through it.
- Wear resistance. Made from volcanic rocks, mineral wool is not prone to destruction and can last long time without needing replacement.
- Tightness. Provided that the correct technology for laying mineral wool is followed, this type of thermal insulation can maintain the tightness of the coating for many years.
- Mineral wool is environmentally safe for health.
Laying this type of insulation is not particularly difficult, but, as already mentioned, it is important to observe correct sequence operations:
- Preparing the wall. Clear from old decoration, dirt, putty cracks and chips.
- Laying a vapor-permeable membrane. This needs to be done directly on the wall, in one layer.
- Installation of a frame made of wooden planks or metal profiles.
- Laying mineral wool. It is usually sold in sheets of various sizes.
- Cover the layer of cotton wool with another layer of film.
- Façade cladding with finishing material. Usually in this case it would be correct to install a ventilated façade.
- Installation of slopes, window sills. The old ones will have to be replaced due to a significant increase in the thickness of the walls.
Styrofoam
Polystyrene foam, or its more modern analogue - polystyrene, is a very popular material for external insulation of a building. This is a common type of organic insulation, consisting of 90% air, the remaining ten percent are substances produced from petroleum products. At their core, these are medium and small air bubbles enclosed in a polystyrene shell.
Advantages:
- Low cost. Sheathing a house with polystyrene foam is available to anyone.
- Excellent retention of heat indoors.
- It is not afraid of moisture, dampness and temperature fluctuations.
- Good soundproofing material.
- Suitable for various types of exterior, it can be either plastered or covered with wall panels.
Flaws:
- Small mammals love polystyrene foam. Rodents make their burrows in it - it’s easy and convenient for them. To avoid such incidents, foam wall coverings must be immediately covered with a top, decorative layer. Moreover, this must be done efficiently, without leaving gaps.
- Foam styrene is not a flammable material, however, when exposed to open fire, it will catch fire. This disadvantage is not significant, since this insulation is capable of self-extinguishing in the absence of strong gusts of wind.
The process of attaching polystyrene foam is not particularly complicated; you can insulate a house with it yourself, without involving specialists. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- Prepare the walls. Preparation includes standard cleaning of dust, dirt and old finishes. If there are large cracks or potholes, it is necessary to take measures to eliminate them.
- Set up a starting profile. In general, such a procedure is not necessary, but this measure will guarantee accurate alignment of the cladding over the entire area of the facade. Starting from the starting profile, your work will be much faster and easier.
- Prepare foam sheets as necessary: we are talking about dimensions, that is, if there are windows, doors, or other elements on the wall that are not planned to be insulated, then you need to cut them taking into account these objects. Cutting it is not difficult using a construction knife or even an ordinary knife of a suitable size.
- Apply special glue to the foam. This can be done with a spatula, following a certain application pattern: it is important to coat well not only the corners and perimeter of each plate, but also the ends, which will subsequently join with the adjacent ends of the material.
- Additionally, secure the foam panels with dowel fasteners. Recommended consumption of fasteners: at least five pieces per sheet.
- Application of a reinforcing layer. This is usually a synthetic mesh that is attached using adhesive or cement mortar directly onto the foam. This measure will strengthen the insulating layer and prevent it from settling or destruction.
- Finishing work. This type of cladding is most suitable for plaster, followed by the application of textures – “”, “lamb”, and other relief coatings that will fit well on the foam insulation.
Polyurethane foam
This material is a kind of plastic, 90% of its structure is in a gaseous state. The structure is porous, with pronounced cells. In modern industry, it is successfully used not only as insulation for facades, but also as a seat filler in sofas, armchairs and the like. Visually and tactilely it looks like an ordinary one.
This material used as insulation due to the following positive characteristics:
- Good thermal insulation.
- It also works as a noise absorber.
- Not exposed to aggressive chemicals.
- Practically does not absorb moisture and does not dampen.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Long service life - up to thirty years.
Why is this material bad as insulation:
- Due to its soft surface, polyurethane foam is not suitable for finishing. Can only be used under panels.
- This insulation is fire hazardous, and moreover, when ignited, it is capable of releasing substances that are dangerous to human life.
For laying polyurethane foam on walls, machine application of polyurethane foam is also used.
Penoplex
This material is also called. This type of insulation is relatively new, developed not so long ago, and therefore fully takes into account modern needs for thermal insulation of housing. Penoplex has a porous structure, which determines its main positive characteristics: high heat resistance, lightness, and accessibility to subsequent processing.
It actually has a lot of advantages:
- High thermal insulation performance. Has the highest thermal insulation characteristics of all popular materials,
- Wear-resistant. Withstands moderate loads,
- Durable. The service life of penoplex insulation is forty years or more,
- Does not attract rodents and other pests, not prone to the formation of fungus or mold,
- Easy. This circumstance makes it possible to work with it independently, without hiring professional builders, and also to carry out installation work even for one person.
This type of polystyrene has shown itself to be excellent in use both for private households and for insulating public buildings.
Among the disadvantages, you need to remember:
- Flammability. Penoplex is not a fire-resistant material and for fire-fighting purposes, it is necessary to apply protective measures.
- Quite a high cost.
As for the price, given the characteristics of the material and its service life, its cost is completely worth it and justified.
Installation of penoplex is identical to installation foam panels, it is also attached to special polymer adhesive compositions– please note – they must be without acetone. But in addition to glue, of course, it is advisable to secure the insulation with anchor fasteners in order to avoid annoying troubles after some time.
Extruded polystyrene lends itself perfectly to decoration, it can be plastered, and reliefs of a wide variety of structures can be created.
Manufacturers
Due to the constantly increasing demand for thermal insulation materials, along with the import of imported materials - European, less often American, production, domestic manufacturers began to unfold and develop. Today, on the shelves of construction hypermarkets there are both European and Russian brands. Here are the most popular ones:
Ursa– one of the leaders in this field of building materials. This is a subsidiary of the large Spanish concern Uralita. In fact, Ursa insulation products are regularly supplied to both the Russian and European markets, where they are also very popular.
Thermal insulation of this brand is produced in different variations, but the most popular type is insulation slabs or mats small sizes. They are convenient to use for installing ventilated building facades, insulating roofs, floors, and partitions. But it is also possible to insulate heating mains and high-rise buildings for private and industrial purposes.
- Armacell
Well-known manufacturer of insulation materials from Germany. Insulation materials of this brand are known for the fact that they are produced by foaming synthetic raw materials based on rubber. This method is patented by Armacell and any other materials of similar design are analogues or replicas of this type of insulation. The modern Russian insulation market has several standard types of Armacell insulation. They are, in particular, convenient to use for heating systems, refrigerators, ventilation shafts, as well as standard heating systems with not too high temperatures heating
- Partex
A well-known Finnish company in the world construction markets, its production facilities are located in the cities of Poland, Lithuania and Finland. On Russian market This brand is represented under the Paroc brand - on its basis there is a wide range of stone wool insulation materials. This heat insulator is available in the form of slabs, mats and rolls of soft and rigid construction.
This insulation is popular among private buyers; it is convenient to sheathe detached households and multi-storey residential buildings with it. Properties of Paros heat insulators: high vapor permeability, excellent thermal insulation properties, durability and lack of deformation, make this material convenient and versatile for use in civil engineering.
- Isover
The widely known Finnish brand is actually a subsidiary of a large French concern. Their insulation is made on the basis of fiberglass, widespread both in Europe and in Russia and has remained popular for many years.
- Rolls Isomarket
One of the largest domestic companies producing insulation materials. Founded in 1994, since then it has been actively developing and mastering new technologies. Under the Energoflex brand, this manufacturer offers on the Russian market a wide range of various insulation materials based on polyethylene foam.
- JSC "Chemical Plant"
Located in the Sverdlovsk region, also large Russian manufacturer. The Extrapen brand, produced by this plant from polystyrene foam raw materials, confidently occupies its niche among the thermal insulation materials presented on the Russian construction market.
Video: the best way to insulate walls
Wall insulation – important stage, it should not be missed or produced poorly. The benefits of properly insulated walls are obvious: you will protect inner part at home from condensation and freezing, retain heat indoors, significantly saving energy resources. Nowadays, insulation is not an unnecessary precaution, but right choice for any home, no matter what it is built of or how well it is heated.
Modern building materials allow you to select insulation to match any finish, hide it securely, leaving the façade of the building visually attractive. It is also important that to comply the right technology Laying insulation is not difficult, even if you do it yourself. Thus, you can save significantly on construction work, without involving professionals for cladding.
Insulation materials serve for a long time without needing replacement; one day, you will forget about heat loss for many years to come. Take care of your home by installing good thermal insulation!
