In any temperature regime, thermal insulation will not hurt. If it is carried out correctly, then in winter the rooms will become noticeably warmer, and in summer - cooler. Wall insulation allows you to create a comfortable microclimate, which applies not only to residential apartments and houses, but also to work premises. Having visited the store, you can be sure that modern manufacturers offer a wide range of thermal insulation for sale. It has the form of bundles, rolls, granules, powders, as well as perlite sand. In addition, thermal insulation can be represented by slabs, blocks, bricks and cylinders.
If you understand the characteristics, then you can choose the option of insulation that is needed. The main property of thermal insulation is its thermal conductivity, it indicates how much heat passes through this material. To date, 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. Preventive 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 preventive thermal insulation
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 natural raw materials are used for their manufacture, such as waste from woodworking and the agricultural industry. The composition of such heaters includes cement and plastic.
The material is highly resistant to fire, it does not react to biological influences and does not get wet. Use it where the surface does not heat up 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 wood concrete insulation
Thermal insulation on an organic basis is just wood concrete insulation, which is a new building material from:
- shavings;
- sawdust;
- chopped straw;
- reeds.
It is based on chemical elements and cement. The additives are:
- soluble glass;
- sulfate alumina;
- calcium chloride.
On final stage for the manufacture of arbolite thermal insulation, the material is processed by a mineralizer. This type of insulation has a density ranging from 500 to 700 kg / m 3. 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 ultimate bending strength, it reaches 1 MPa.
Appointment and use of wood concrete
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 for floor and roof insulation. As for floor slabs, they are reinforced reinforced concrete structures. For monolithic construction, an arbolite solution is used. To date, another type of this insulation is known - hemp concrete, the filler of which is hemp fire.
Arbolite blocks for thermal insulation are laid after applying a layer of mixture for installation. Next, a block is installed, which must 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 nozzle. 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 is liquid, then the material will shrink.
Characteristics of insulation from chipboard
Considering the types of insulation, you should pay attention to the thermal insulation of chipboard, which is based on small chips. It is 9/10 of the volume of the material, but the rest is an antiseptic, synthetic resins, water repellent and antiprene. The density of this material is 1000 kg/m 3 maximum. The minimum value is 500.
You may also be interested in humidity, it varies from 5 to 12% for this thermal insulation. The tensile strength reaches 0.5 MPa. Absorption of the material reaches 30% of the volume. The minimum value is 5%. You may also be interested in tensile strength, it reaches 0.5 MPa.
Characteristics of polyurethane foam
Before choosing one or another solution, you should consider the types and characteristics of heaters. Among other options, polyurethane foam thermal insulation, which is based on polyester, should be highlighted. The ingredients are added:
- 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, is not afraid of moisture and is chemically inert. Polyurethane foam insulation is an excellent insulation, because it is applied by spraying, so the master has the opportunity to process the ceiling and walls with a complex configuration. Cold bridges are excluded.
This sprayed insulation has a density that reaches 80 kg / m 3. When this figure reaches 50 kg / m 3, polyurethane foam becomes moisture resistant. You may also be interested in the coefficient of thermal conductivity, it reaches 0.028 W / (m K). This parameter is the best among modern thermal insulation materials.
Appointment of polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam has unique properties due 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 the construction sites of capital residential buildings, cottages, individual houses, warehouse hangars, potato storages and vegetable storages.
This sprayed insulation has quite important benefits, which are expressed in the bearing and heat-insulating abilities. Efficiency is enhanced when polyurethane foam forms the basis of sandwich panels used in the construction of prefabricated civil facilities. The latter may also have an industrial purpose. The cold resistance of the material is quite high, as is the waterproofing ability.
Fiberboard characteristics
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 fibrolite. It is offered for sale in the form of plates.
The material is not afraid of biological and chemical influences, perfectly protects against noise and can be used in humid conditions, such as in swimming pools. This insulation for the house has a density reaching 500 kg / m 3. The fire resistance of thermal insulation is quite high. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.1 W/(m K).
Appointment 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 expressed in the installation of fixed 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 part of the wall or ceiling. As for the features of use, the plates are installed in parallel at a certain distance, which will determine the thickness of the wall. After fastening, pouring with a solution, most often with concrete, is carried out. Then the system from liquid mixture and the formwork is left until it hardens.
Characteristics of ecowool
Ecowool is made from waste paper and cardboard production. If you use waste paper for this, then the material will not be of such high quality. It will become contaminated faster, in addition, it will be heterogeneous. Among other important characteristics, sound insulation should be highlighted, which in this case is very high. A layer with a thickness of 1.5 cm will absorb 9 dB of extraneous noise.
The ability for thermal insulation is also impressive, but the minus is its decrease 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 according to the continuous spraying method, there are no seams, which is an undoubted advantage.
Appointment and application of ecowool
The coating is widely used for sound and thermal insulation of various premises, which may have industrial, residential and public purposes. And you can use the material for thermal insulation of the facade, insulation of walls, roofs and attics. Mostly the work is carried out by dry blowing, but the material can be applied over existing insulation.
This roof insulation allows you to get a seamless coating that solves the problem of icicles. Blowing involves the use special installation, in the bunker of which cotton wool is loosened, and then fed through a hose with a nozzle. This application method allows the material to penetrate into hard-to-reach areas, closing all cracks and gaps.
Cellulose insulation for the roof can be used in the repair of operated facilities and in the construction of new ones. Open blowing is used to isolate horizontal and inclined surfaces, among them are:
- floors;
- attics;
- interfloor ceilings;
- ground floor.
Inorganic heat insulators: mineral wool
Mineral wool can be stone or slag. For the production of 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 is the most suitable, because the mineral wool in this case is less afraid of water than the one that contains urea. Flammability of this material is zero.
It is able to counteract the spread of fire, so it can be used as a fire protection agent. Chemical passivity is high, but hygroscopicity is low. The material is characterized by excellent sound absorption, therefore 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 BATTS 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 plates. In the first case, the parameters of the product are 800 x 600 x 50 mm, while in the second they are 1200 x 600 x 150 mm. Basalt insulation is a lightweight hydrophobized slabs 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 that provides for the ability of the plates to be compressed from one side, providing springiness. Thanks to this, the material on the 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 the heat transfer from radiators, to isolate 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, 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 on the inside. It is a reflector and will return heat radiation to the inside. Sometimes thermal insulation is laid on the other side, but this effect can no longer be achieved.
The purpose of the insulation brand "Izover"
Insulation "Izover" is a material made of mineral wool. It is sold in slabs and rolls, and is also made on the basis of high quality stone fiber. Thermal insulation is made from natural materials, including:
- soda;
- sand;
- rocks;
- limestone.
With the help of insulation "Izover" you can achieve excellent heat and sound insulation of buildings. This solution is used to insulate the facades of houses, roofs and walls, and also acts as an excellent thermal insulation for the floor. Insulation with roll insulation allows you to get a low coefficient of thermal conductivity of the surface. The material has a special fiber structure that provides excellent acoustic properties and reduces noise levels.
Thermal insulation for pipes
Today, many materials are used for pipes, among which polyethylene foam should be distinguished. This solution is characterized by high resistance to aggressive environments and impressive strength. Such a heater for pipes is produced in the form of tubes of different diameters. The pores have a closed structure, which guarantees no absorption of moisture from the external environment.
Some brands of such heaters 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 snug fit to the surface. Polyurethane foam withstands extremely high and low temperatures, while the properties do not decrease, and each cell remains sealed.
Thermal insulation from the manufacturer "TechnoNIKOL"
Insulation "TechnoNIKOL" 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-combustible material, and the melting of the fibers occurs only at a temperature of 1000 ° C and above. This thermal insulation provides sound-absorbing and acoustic properties of surfaces. Mineral thermal insulation includes:
- glass wool;
- stone wool;
- slag.
This TechnoNIKOL insulation in different forms is distinguished by 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. On the first, it is necessary to strengthen the corner and side type strips to the surface. Before starting these works, it is necessary to carry out markup, draw lines that you will be guided by during the workflow. After that, you can proceed with the installation of siding with insulation.
For this, it is necessary to use self-tapping screws, which will be located around the entire perimeter of window and door openings. As for the latter, they are framed with planks so that the installation of the cladding is not accompanied by difficulties. After that, you can proceed to fixing the panels. Start from the bottom corner bearing wall.
Thermal insulation under plaster
Many can be used under plaster different materials for wall insulation. Mineral wool, which has been popular for many years, is suitable for this. Styrofoam also acts as a heater for walls under plaster. However, it has a number of restrictions on its use. This is expressed in low resistance to high temperatures. This applies even to the most modern species polyfoam, which have special flame retardants in their composition.
Conclusion
In the modern market of building materials for thermal insulation different surfaces a wide variety of solutions are presented. Before making a choice, you must evaluate several factors, among others and the most important, it is necessary to highlight specifications. The purpose and features of the operation of thermal insulation depend on them. If you do not comply with the requirements that apply to the external environment when installing insulation, then you may encounter its low efficiency and the need to replace the heat-insulating layer.
Thermal insulation is an important and responsible process by which you can make the house warm and save on heating. Walls, roofs, pipes can be insulated. But for each case there is a variant, the technological features of which must be taken into account when choosing them.
For external walls
Exterior walls are an important element of every home, because they have a load-bearing function and protect the house from the negative effects of the environment.
Mineral wool
This material is considered one of the most popular for wall insulation, both outside and inside. It's connected with . Installation of wool is carried out without a preliminary layer of vapor barrier between gypsum boards.
In the photo - mineral wool for insulation
For external walls, it is worth using mineral wool in a roll format. And although the material has a 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 anything and is completely safe.
Styrofoam
This material is not inferior in popularity to mineral wool and is actively used for thermal insulation from the outside. The popularity of this material lies in its high thermal and operational data. You can read more about it in our article.
In the photo - expanded polystyrene for wall insulation
The benefits of a heater include:
- low thermal conductivity;
- low throughput of steam and moisture;
- 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 for insulation of internal and external walls. The insulation has a thermal conductivity of 0.0125 W/mK. Polyurethane cells contain air or an inert gas. They are hermetically sealed, so that the material has excellent water resistance.
In the photo - polyurethane foam for wall insulation
Foamed foil polyethylene
But what kind of insulation for the facade for siding is the best and how to choose it, is described in this article:
But what kind of insulation for facade plastering is the most popular and how it is used, the information will help to understand
liquid ceramics
And although this option of insulation is considered modern today, many developers are wary of it. Although the characteristics of a liquid heat insulator look impressive. The thermal conductivity is 0.01 W, and when the material dries, a single layer is formed, which does not contain joints and cracks.
In the photo, liquid ceramics for wall insulation from the inside
The main advantage of liquid ceramics is that after its application it is not necessary to apply a finish. The resulting surface looks beautiful, thin and at the same time performs all the functions that are assigned to the insulation. The only drawback 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 building a roof, it is imperative to provide a layer of insulation. But which one is the most suitable, we will now determine.
Styrofoam
This material has excellent heat-insulating and sound-proofing qualities. But it cannot be used if there is a flat or soft roof.
In the photo - polystyrene foam for the roof
This is due to the fact that the material is vapor permeable and combustible. Using foam, you can create excellent roof ventilation. But how to use, the information from this article will help you understand.
polyurethane foam
The main advantage of this material is that it perfectly protects the roof from the penetration of cold. In addition, he is not affected by fire. Polyurethane foam can be applied to the roof in the most inaccessible places.
In the photo - polyurethane foam for the roof
In addition, with the help of this roofing insulation, you can forget about joints and gaps. But what is a shell for pipes made of polyurethane foam, in detail with a photo, is described in this
foamed glass
This material is considered unique, because glass waste in combination with carbon is used for its production.
In the photo, foamed glass for roof insulation
The main advantages of a heater include:
- incombustibility,
- not afraid of steam and water,
- not affected by rodents and microorganisms,
- long term services;
- excellent thermal insulation qualities,
- deformation resistance.
Which is better to use for a wooden house
Today on the modern market there are many thermal insulation materials that can be used to insulate a wooden house. When choosing, you need to take into account that the wooden surface can "breathe". Otherwise, it will lead to the development of mold and fungi.
The following materials can be used to insulate wood:
- Jute.
- Tape tow.
- Styrofoam.
- Mineral wool.
- Styrofoam.
A large selection of mineral wool makes you wonder which one is better: glass wool, stone wool or others.
Non-combustible types
If you need to choose a material that does not undergo combustion, but at the same time will 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 involved in the insulation of heating pipelines. Glass wool is not affected by UV rays.
In the photo - non-combustible glass wool:
- Expanded clay. A heat insulator is obtained as a result of firing clay. It can be used when insulating complex or hard-to-reach surfaces. It has excellent thermal insulation properties. But which one is described in great detail in this article.
In the photo, non-combustible expanded clay:
- Foam glass. This material belongs to inorganic heaters. It has a structure that resembles soap foam. In the production of a heat insulator, coal and glass are used. Thanks to this, foam glass is able to withstand high temperatures. But what is the GOST of expanded clay concrete wall panels, will help to understand the information from
In the photo, non-combustible foam glass material:
Foil types
Today you can purchase the following insulation with a foil layer:
- mineral wool. This material is great for insulating surfaces that are constantly heated to high temperatures. Often, mineral wool is used when laying pipes. But what technical characteristics of mineral wool currently exist and where it is used is described in this
On the photo-foil mineral wool:
- Expanded polyurethane foam. On one side it has a layer of aluminum. The material has excellent thermal insulation performance, despite the thin layer. It is much more effective than mineral wool.
On the photo-foiled polyurethane foam:
- Foil heat insulator. It has a foil layer on one side and a self-adhesive surface on the other. The material is used as a vapor and water insulator.
In the photo - a foil heat insulator for insulation:
Basalt species
Basalt insulation 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 according to the density and form of release. Each of them has its pros and cons. Basalt is produced in the form of a roll, mat or placer.
Uninsulated walls are just a huge amount of heat loss! And in this situation, it is simply naive to expect comfortable living conditions in the house, especially in regions with harsh winters. No matter how powerful the boiler equipment is, or no matter how often and hot the stove is heated, the “lion's share” of thermal energy will simply “heat the street”. Naturally, due to negligent owners of the house. So effective thermal insulation of your home should always be among the issues of paramount importance when building or making repairs.
In this publication, the reader, according to the general plan, is offered information about what types of insulation for the walls of the house from the inside can be used, and with what success. But it is impossible not to touch on the problem that the thermal insulation of walls from the side of the premises 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. With this, perhaps, the article should begin.
Is it worth messing with internal wall insulation?
Let's first slowly go over the advantages and disadvantages of such a technology.
« Pro &Contra" internal wall insulation
It would seem that the insulation of walls from the inside wins in all respects: we will name only a few obvious ones. virtues :
- 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, it still does not affect their 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 "pros". And, nevertheless, any competent construction specialist will advise you to still find ways to perform thermal insulation on the outside of the wall. By the way, he will be supported by other "specialists", including a physician and a fire inspector.
And why? Because there are shortcomings, and in their importance they outweigh 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 absolutely in vain. For high-quality wall insulation, a layer of about 100 mm is sometimes needed, and in some regions even more. Plus, add at least 15 millimeters to the finish (drywall in one layer with putty, wallpaper or painting).
Doubts are easily dispelled by a demonstration a simple example. Let's say there is corner room measuring 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. And let's translate into the area in which these losses resulted:
3.385 × 4.185 = 14.166 m².
15.05 - 14.166 = 0.88 m²
So, in the already not very spacious room, the loss was about one "square"!
Moreover, this is only a “geometric” loss so far. Add here the need to replace window sills with wider ones, transfer heating radiators - not a very “rosy” prospect ...
- Conducting insulation inevitably leads to a subsequent update of the room, that is, it smoothly flows into a rather large-scale repair. And at the same time, this room becomes almost uninhabitable. Such repairs also affect the general level of comfort of living in an apartment or house - moving furniture, relocating household members, dirt spreading on their feet and scattering dust, etc. As a result, it turns out to be quite long, expensive and tedious.
- The close proximity of a person to some thermal insulation materials, if not strictly prohibited, then in any case, is not welcome.
- Internal insulation very often requires fundamental changes in the ventilation system.
- The most important thing is not this. The very location of the insulation on the inside of the wall is extremely unfavorable for, so to speak, the overall thermal picture, for the distribution of temperature zones in the supporting structures. All this may be accompanied by the appearance of areas of high humidity, which negatively affects the environmental situation (the appearance of fungus, mold, damp spots), and the durability of wall materials and their finishes both inside and out.
Probably, it is worth starting with the main drawback, since it probably outweighs all the others. But first, you still need to understand the basics of building heat engineering.
Useful information from the field of building heat engineering
How does a heater actually work?
To understand the essence of the problem, it is necessary to “plunge” into the issues of building heat engineering. By the way, at the same time will be calculated and required thickness thermal insulation for complete wall insulation.
Any of the building materials has certain heat-conducting qualities. Some transmit (and, by the way, also take away) heating very quickly and almost without loss (metals), others, as they often say, have “natural heat”, that is, heat losses through them are not so great (for example, wood), others can talk about a pronouncedly high resistance to heat transfer - these materials are just used as thermal insulation.
For each of the materials, a special coefficient of its thermal conductivity is calculated and experimentally verified. It is usually denoted by the letter λ and is calculated in W/(m×℃).
So, the resistance to thermal transfer of a layer of some material is determined by the following formula:
Rt =h/λ
h is 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 just 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 the insulation will be required to create comfortable living conditions in the room. To do this, you need to have information about the design of the wall - what materials it is made of, and what are the thicknesses of the layers. And, of course, what total resistance to heat transfer of the wall should be aimed at.
Well, the owner must know the design of his wall, and the thicknesses can be tritely measured. The values of the coefficient of thermal conductivity are also not a problem: there are as many tables with similar information on the network.
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 rather cumbersome formulas that allow you to calculate this parameter. But doing so is optional. You can find tables with normalized values for all regions Russian Federation The experts have already done everything for us. We offer an even simpler option - on the basis of the tables mentioned above, a map-scheme was compiled, according to which, without worrying about some loss of accuracy (it is insignificant), we can find the value of the normalized resistance to heat transfer that interests us. Moreover, note that it differs for different types building structures: walls, ceilings and coatings. In our case, naturally, the value “for walls” is taken.
It remains to enter all known values into the formula - and calculate what thickness of the selected insulation will fully provide "deficit coverage" to the normalized value.
Below the reader is offered an online calculator that allows you to quickly and accurately calculate the required thickness of thermal insulation for internal insulation. A few explanations for working with it.
- The first step is to choose the thermal insulation material that will be used for internal insulation. The list below shows those heaters that are most often used in such cases. Which of them is better or worse with this insulation scheme - we'll talk about this a little lower.
The values of the thermal conductivity coefficients, of course, have already been entered into the calculation program.
- The second step is to clarify the normalized value of heat transfer resistance for walls according to the map-scheme (these are purple numbers), and indicate it in the calculator field (on the slider).
- Next, the parameters of the main, load-bearing wall are entered. In two adjacent fields, its thickness (on the slider) and the material (from the drop-down list) from which it was built are indicated.
- Often, internal thermal insulation is mounted due to the fact that the existing external one, according to the owners, does not fully cope with its task. In this case, of course, the existing insulation material should be taken into account.
When choosing 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 affect its total 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 choosing this path, additional fields are opened for specifying the material and thickness.
If, according to the user, 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 provide access to the total value of the heat transfer resistance, equal to the normalized one. It is certainly rounded up, usually resulting in standard thicknesses insulating materials.
By the way, in the presence of external insulation, the calculation can give a negative value. This suggests that additional thermal insulation is simply not required. And the causes of uncomfortable temperatures should be sought elsewhere - insufficient insulation of the ceiling or floor, through 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 repair of commercial and private housing is its insulation. Today it is a question not so much of comfort, how much economy on expensive energy carriers. Therefore, all kinds of insulation for walls, which are used inside and outside buildings, are more relevant than ever.
Market of heat-insulating materials
The modern market of heat-insulating materials demonstrates high growth rates. The reason is the proven efficiency of using energy-saving technologies, which allows saving up to 40% on heating resources. This problem is usually solved in a complex way, but one of the important stages is invariably the thermal insulation of walls and facades with such materials:
- mineral and glass wool;
- cellulose insulation;
- expanded polystyrene (polystyrene);
- fibrolite;
- liquid ceramic insulation;
- cork and other materials.
When choosing insulation for walls, buyers pay attention to thermal conductivity, the cost per unit area, the complexity of installation and performance.
Mineral wool is an affordable and popular insulation. This 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 resistance;
- soundproofing of premises;
- the ability to repel moisture without saturation with it (hydrophobicity);
- mechanical strength;
- resistance to temperature deformation;
- ease of installation.
And now about the minuses of mineral wool. This insulation contains in its composition harmful components that adversely affect the human body. 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. In order 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. In its production, waste from the glass industry is used. 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 commercially available in the form of mats and rolls. Thanks to the rolled or compressed form pressing technology, it takes up a small volume, which simplifies its transportation, storage and installation on a construction site. Glass wool properties:
- high soundproofing ability;
- mechanical strength;
- flexibility and elasticity;
- resistance to mold and mildew;
- environmental Safety.
The main drawback of glass wool is the need to strictly observe personal safety precautions when working with it. Thin and sharp fibers are prone to brittleness, and when they get on the skin or mucous membranes, they cause irritation, injuring them. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the walls with glass wool in overalls that do not leave open 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 occupied by paper waste (recycled waste paper), the rest is boric acid or borax, which provides a low burning ability.
The popularity of cellulose as a heater is due to its affordable cost and environmental friendliness (it gives a second life to the waste that litters the planet). Its main characteristics:
- density - 30-65 kg / m 3;
- 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 with a dry method, you can work with sub-zero temperature.
Benefits of Styrofoam
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-mesh granules sintered together. The higher the density of the material, the more durable it is. Other properties of Styrofoam for wall insulation:
- low thermal conductivity - 0.028-0.034 W / (m K);
- mechanical strength;
- chemical and biological stability;
- low vapor and moisture permeability;
- ability to sound absorption;
- long service life (up to 30 years).
Extruded polystyrene foam: properties and characteristics
Extruded polystyrene foam for walls has the same structure as pressed one, but at the same time, closed pores are smaller - 0.1-0.2 mm. The main thing that distinguishes these two materials is the manufacturing technology of the pellets. Because of it, extruded polystyrene foam received less flexibility and a margin of safety 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 fibrolite
Fibrolit - a heater in the form of plates made of wood fibers and binders. The section 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.
Fiberboard is a non-combustible insulation, provides excellent sound insulation, does not rot, it is not affected by fungus and mold, and its service life is up to 60 years.
Environmentally friendly cork materials
If you choose an ecological 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 microcells that are filled with gases.
The heat transfer coefficient of the 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 vibrations, easily fits on the wall without special knowledge and 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 fills the available cavities. Maximum effect thermal insulation is achieved due to the vacuum in the micro-cavities of the substance.
Advantages of liquid ceramic insulation as wall insulation:
- high anti-corrosion properties;
- durability (up to 15 years);
- wide operating temperature range;
- thermal expansion flexibility;
- ease of application;
- environmental friendliness.
liquid foam Made from a polymer resin that hardens in air. For its application it is necessary to use special equipment. This is a practical and inexpensive option to reduce heat loss through walls, roofs or foundations. Liquid foam has the following properties:
- excellent adhesion with any surfaces and materials;
- minimal preparation of the base (cleaning and draining the wall);
- high vapor permeability;
- absence overpressure after drying;
- easy application and removal of excess.
Liquid Styrofoam is ideal as insulation for horizontal and sloping surfaces, but also works well in wall insulation.
The modern construction market offers a variety of beautiful, durable, environmentally friendly finishing materials. Nowadays, thanks to new technologies, almost any fantasy in terms of repair or design work can be realized. But as for the economics of maintaining homeownership, it must also be carefully calculated.
Unfortunately, not every material, even the most beautiful or unusual, is able to retain heat well in the room. Therefore, often the issue of wall insulation at the time of repair has to be raised quite often. And even without planning to carry out repairs, insulation is a hot topic for our country.
On the shelves of building hypermarkets are presented different kinds heaters. Puzzled by the choice of this material, for sure every unprepared buyer will be confused when he sees what a huge range of manufacturers offer us! Therefore, before going shopping, let's figure out what kind of insulation is needed in each 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 lay insulation inside the premises, however, this is not very 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 unequivocal that it is necessary to insulate the walls outside the house - it does not matter whether it is a separate 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 soundproofing 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 wall decoration with insulation, modern finishing materials are perfectly suited for various design solutions.
What are wall insulation?
Conventionally, heaters can be divided into 2 types: organic and inorganic. What it is?
organic heaters
These are materials that are produced on the basis of raw materials from natural components. They do not contain synthetic ingredients. Cement and plastic are added to some organic materials.
Organic heaters are easy to use, because they do not get wet, are not prone to fire, are not susceptible to fungus, mold and any bacteria. It is convenient to use organic matter as an internal insulation or in multilayer structures, in the form of the first, inner layer.
There are quite a few examples of heaters of organic origin:
- Wood concrete 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 shavings, 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, is not afraid of moisture, pests and temperature extremes.
- 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.
- Foamed polyethylene. 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.
- Fiberboard. Completely organic material consisting of fine wood shavings. Cement or magnesite is used as a binder. The material perfectly tolerates wet operating conditions and can be used for warming saunas, swimming pools and similar premises.
- Honeycomb. Unusual heater of modern type. Its porous structure consists of cells visually resembling a honeycomb - hence its name. It consists of cellulose or fabric fibers, wrapped in a film, the outer part of each panel is made of soft plastic.
- Ecowool. Produced from waste cardboard or book production. The basis for it is marriage or the second grade of cellulose cardboard or paper. Production from waste paper is also possible, however, the quality in this case will be an order of magnitude lower.
Inorganic heaters
Made on the basis of mountain 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, are suitable for any design.
Inorganic heaters are on sale in a variety of forms: wool, panels, plates, rolls, and even loose. This is an additional plus, as it is possible to choose the most convenient way of laying.
There are also quite a few varieties of inorganic heat insulators:
Probably the most common heater. It can be made from slag waste from steel production or from rocks. According to the type of raw materials from which it is made, mineral wool is divided into two types: stone and slag.
The process of its production is almost identical to the production of glass, although glass production waste is often used for manufacturing. It differs from mineral wool in its structure and properties.
3. Ceramic wool. It is made on the basis of oxides of silicon, aluminum or zirconium. For production, high temperature conditions and a centrifuge are used. Ceramic wool is practically not subject to deformation, does not burn and has excellent heat and sound insulation properties.
Reflective heat insulators
As you know, classic heaters act directionally - they slow down the process of heat transfer. That is, from a heated room, whether it is a residential building or a public building, heat comes out. If you conduct a study of infrared radiation, then rays will be visible, especially strong radiation where building materials pass heat well through themselves. Therefore, trying to insulate the 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 of these is aluminium foil , its surface is capable of reflecting up to 97% of the heat that falls 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 a sheathing is very thin and practically does not take up 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 wall insulation
Among the huge range of heaters, it can be difficult to choose one. Consider the most common heat insulators:
For many years it has been used as a heater in all kinds of private and industrial facilities. It can be made on stone or basalt raw materials, which gives it fire resistance and fire safety. The modern one is made from volcanic fossils with the help of special equipment, reaching high temperatures. It has a specific porous structure, which determines its main advantages:
- Excellent room insulation. Due to the fibrous structure, mineral wool keeps the temperature inside the object well, in winter the house will remain warm, in summer it will be cool.
- Soundproofing. Also, due to the random structure of cotton wool fibers, it is able to retain at least 50% of the sound vibrations passing through it.
- wear resistance. Produced from volcanic rocks, mineral wool is not prone to destruction and is able to last long time without needing to be replaced.
- tightness. Subject to the correct technology for laying mineral wool, this type of thermal insulation is able to maintain the tightness of the coating for many years.
- Mineral wool is environmentally friendly for health.
Laying this type of insulation is not particularly difficult, but, as already mentioned, it is important to observe correct sequence operations:
- Wall preparation. Clear from old finish, dirt, putty cracks and chips.
- Laying a vapor-permeable membrane. You need to do this directly on the wall, in one layer.
- Installation of a frame made of wooden planks or metal profiles.
- Mineral wool lining. Usually it is sold in the form of layers of various sizes.
- Close the layer of cotton wool with another layer of film.
- Facade cladding with finishing material. Usually in this case it will be correct to arrange a ventilated facade.
- 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
Styrofoam, or its more modern counterpart - polystyrene, is a very popular material for the exterior insulation of a building. This is a common type of organic insulation, 90% air, the remaining ten percent are substances produced from petroleum products. At its core, these are air bubbles of medium and small size, enclosed in a polystyrene shell.
Advantages:
- Low cost. Sheathing a house with foam plastic is available to anyone.
- Excellent heat retention inside the room.
- He is not afraid of moisture, dampness and temperature fluctuations.
- Good soundproof material.
- Suitable for various types of outdoor, it can be both plastered and sewn up with wall panels.
Flaws:
- Styrofoam is very fond of small mammals. Rodents arrange their holes in it - it is easy and convenient for them. To avoid such incidents, the foam wall sheathing must be immediately sewn up with the top, decorative layer. Moreover, this must be done qualitatively, without leaving gaps.
- Expanded styrene is not a combustible material, however, when exposed to open fire, it ignites. This minus does not have scale values, since this insulation is capable of self-extinguishing in the absence of strong gusts of wind.
The process of fixing the foam is not particularly complicated; you can insulate the 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. In the presence of large cracks or potholes, it is necessary to take measures to eliminate them.
- Set start profile. In general, such a procedure is not necessary, but this measure will guarantee accurate alignment of the skin over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe facade. Starting from the starting profile, it will be much faster and easier to work.
- Styrofoam sheets to be prepared 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 out taking into account these objects. It is not difficult to cut it, using a construction or even the most ordinary knife of a suitable size.
- Apply special glue to the foam. This can be done with a spatula, following a certain application scheme: it is important to coat well not only the corners and perimeter of each plate, but also the ends, which will later be joined to adjacent ends of the material.
- Additionally, fix the foam panels with dowel fasteners. Recommended consumption of fasteners: at least five pieces per sheet.
- Applying a reinforcing layer. This is usually a synthetic mesh, which is attached with adhesive or cement mortar right on the foam. Such a measure will strengthen the insulation layer and prevent it from settling or destruction.
- Finishing work. Such a sheathing is most successfully suitable for plaster, followed by the application of textures - "", "lamb", and other relief coatings will lie well on the foam insulation.
polyurethane foam
This material, a kind of plastic, is 90% of its structure in a gaseous state. The structure is porous, with pronounced cells. In modern industry, it is successfully used not only as a heater 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 a heater, due to the following positive characteristics:
- Good thermal insulation.
- It also works as a noise absorber.
- Unaffected by aggressive chemicals.
- Practically does not absorb moisture and does not become damp.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Long service life - up to thirty years.
What is bad about this material as a heater:
- Due to its soft surface, polyurethane foam is not suitable for finishing. Can only be used under panels.
- This insulation is flammable, and moreover, when ignited, it is able to release substances that are dangerous to human life.
For laying polyurethane foam on walls, the machine method of applying polyurethane foam is also used.
Penoplex
Also this material is 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, availability of subsequent processing.
It actually has a lot of advantages:
- High thermal insulation performance. It has the highest thermal insulation characteristics of all popular materials,
- Wear resistant. Withstands moderate loads
- Durable. The service life of foam plastic 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 on your own, without hiring professional builders, and also to perform installation work maybe even one person.
This type of polystyrene proved to be excellent both in use for private households and for the insulation of public buildings.
Of the shortcomings, you need to remember:
- Flammability. Penoplex is not a refractory material and for fire-fighting purposes, it is necessary to apply protective measures.
- Pretty high cost.
As for the price, given the characteristics of the material and its service life, its cost is fully recouped and justified.
Installation of penoplex is identical to installation foam panels, it is also mounted on special polymer adhesive compositions- note - they must be without acetone. But in addition to glue, of course, it is desirable to fix the insulation with anchor fasteners in order to avoid annoying troubles after a while.
Extruded polystyrene lends itself perfectly to decoration, it can be plastered, reliefs of various structures can be made.
Manufacturers
Due to the ever-increasing demand for heat-insulating 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 is one of the leaders in this field of building materials. This is a subsidiary of the large Spanish concern Uralita. In fact, Ursa heaters are regularly supplied to both the Russian and European markets, where they are also very popular.
The thermal insulation of this brand is produced in different variations, but the most popular variety: slabs or insulation mats small sizes. It is convenient to use them for the device of ventilated facades of buildings, insulation of roofs, floors, partition walls. But it is also possible to insulate heating mains, high-rise buildings for private and industrial purposes.
- Armacell
Well-known manufacturer of insulation materials from Germany. Heaters 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 a 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 especially suitable for heating systems, refrigerators, ventilation shafts, as well as standard heating systems with not too high heating temperatures.
- Partex
Known in the world construction markets, the Finnish company, whose production facilities are located in the cities of Poland, Lithuania and Finland. On Russian market this brand is presented under the Paros brand - on its basis the widest range of stone wool insulation is presented. This heat insulator is available in the form of plates, 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. 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
A well-known Finnish brand, in fact, is a subsidiary of a large French concern. Their insulation is made on the basis of fiberglass and is widely distributed both in Europe and in Russia and has remained popular for many years.
- Rolls Isomarket
One of the largest domestic companies for the production of heaters. Founded in 1994, since then it has been actively developing and mastering new technologies. Under the brand name Energoflex, this manufacturer offers a wide range of different heaters based on polyethylene foam on the Russian market.
- CJSC "Chemical Plant"
Located in the Sverdlovsk region, also a large Russian manufacturer. The trade brand Extrapen, produced by this plant from expanded polystyrene raw materials, confidently occupies its niche in a number of thermal insulation materials presented on the Russian construction market.
Video the better to insulate the walls
Wall insulation - milestone, it should not be missed or produced poorly. From properly insulated walls, the benefit is obvious: you protect inner part at home from condensation and freezing, keep the heat indoors, significantly saving energy resources. At present, insulation is not an oversight, but the right choice for any home, no matter what it is built from and how well it is heated.
Modern building materials allow you to choose a heater for any finish, securely hide it, leaving the facade of the building outwardly attractive. It is also important that the compliance the right technology laying insulation is not difficult, even doing it yourself. Thus, significant savings can be made on construction work, without involving professionals for sheathing.
Insulators serve for a long time without needing to be replaced, once you forget about heat loss for many years to come. Take care of your home with good thermal insulation!
