What is the difference between insulation? Modern types of insulation

Wide selection of insulation materials for wooden houses, they can be used to insulate a house outside, and some even inside the house. What types are suitable for a frame house? Which is the best, let's look at their characteristics in this article! If carried out correctly, it will not be superfluous in any climatic conditions.

When it is done correctly, then under its “protection” the house will not only be warmer in winter, but also noticeably cooler in summer.

Installation of insulation will create a comfortable microclimate in a room for any purpose - in a residential building, office or production workshop.

In addition, saving heat means obvious financial savings. It is completely unreasonable to heat the street, given that the technologies used today provide an opportunity to save energy resources already at the initial stage of construction work. Most of all, those parts of the building that are most adjacent to the external environment need to use insulation -, and.

The material produced in this way has excellent properties; moreover, it is not flammable and therefore does not pose a fire hazard. But a huge part of the wonderful qualities of insulation can be irretrievably lost when it gets wet. This should be taken into account.

Stone wool

Stone wool

This fibrous material, which goes on sale in the form of rolls and portioned slabs, and has an extremely low thermal conductivity.

The highest quality product is made from rocks called gabbro-basalt. This non-flammable material is used with equal success in the construction of private facilities and the construction of various industrial facilities. The wide range of uses is also explained by the possibility of its use at extremely high temperatures, reaching one thousand degrees.

The insulation's complete immunity to fire is complemented by its excellent resistance to moisture. This is a hydrophobic material, the peculiarity of which is that it does not absorb water, but repels it.

This ensures that the insulation remains dry even after a long period time. This, in turn, will allow her to maintain her high performance qualities. Unique properties basalt wool allows it to be used even in boiler rooms, baths and saunas, where high humidity and high temperature are combined. Strength in in this case is not directly dependent on the density of the material.

It's pretty soft material, having at the same time a sufficient margin of safety. Its structural stability is determined by the special arrangement of the individual component fibers - chaotic and vertical. The material has high anti-corrosion properties.

It can coexist quite peacefully with concrete and metal, without causing various kinds chemical reactions. High biological stability provides it with immunity to various biological pests: damage by insects and rodents, the emergence fungal diseases,

The basalt insulation passed the combustion test, but the organic insulation burned out

Basalt rock is the main raw material for production of this type cotton wool. Treatment with formaldehyde resins gives the material a sufficient level of strength, and the materials used modern technologies guarantee the complete elimination of harmful phenols at the production stage of the material.

The final product reaching the consumer is a harmless and environmentally friendly material with high insulating qualities.

It is actively used for insulating floors of residential and production premises, for thermal insulation of roofs and facades, including as external insulation.

It has found wide application in rooms with extreme levels of humidity and temperature. The best basalt insulation, stone wool made from rocks, is the key to quality for a long time.

Glass wool

The missing 7% comes from specially added flame retardants. Insulation fibers contain lignin, which becomes sticky when humidity increases. All elements included in the insulation are non-toxic, absolutely non-volatile and harmless to health. Cellulose insulation is resistant to combustion and rotting, and has excellent sound and heat insulation properties.

Can hold approximately 20% humidity while maintaining its performance. The material releases moisture to the outside and dries quickly, retaining all its performance. The disadvantage of ecowool is the difficulty of manually applying it to the surface, as well as the impossibility of arranging a “floating floor” due to its inherent softness.

Penoizol

Another name for the material is urea foam. This is a modern material with high sound and thermal insulation characteristics, which is a cheap insulation material. This is a cellular organic foam with particularly low density and low thermal conductivity. The material has high fire resistance, resistance to microorganisms, low price. It is easy to process, its air content reaches 90%.

Insulating the attic with foam insulation

The tests carried out demonstrated the capabilities of the material. It turned out that the time of its operation, as the middle layer of a frame structure, is actually unlimited. Tests of its fire resistance showed that the material can be safely classified as low-flammable.

This is the only thermal insulation material of a polymer nature that is not at all suitable for self-combustion. Its fire resistance index places it in the G2 flammability subgroup.

Even if the highest temperature occurs during a fire, when the metal begins to melt, the carbide foam will simply evaporate, without releasing toxic or harmful substances.

Izokom

This is a special foil material (on both sides or only one). It is made of polyethylene foam fabric, covered on the outside with highly polished aluminum foil. This is a multilayer vapor-sound- and heat-insulating material that combines completely different qualities.

At minimum thickness insulating layer, it provides remarkable properties for reflecting heat flow, successfully combined with the highest (almost maximum) thermal resistance values. For right installed material characterized by exceptionally effective thermal insulation of the building along its entire contour.

It's harmless environmentally friendly material, which does not pose a threat to the ozone layer. It does not contain glass or other fibers that are unsafe for the health of people and animals.

Without changing its exceptional properties, it serves for about 50 years, without deforming or being damaged during all this time.

Installation is quite simple and very convenient: it does not require special equipment. Excellent protection against steam and moisture. It is used almost everywhere.

Choose from a variety of materials for home insulation the right option it can be quite difficult. Each of them is often divided into several types with its own unique characteristics. A comparative analysis can take a long time, so an idea of the general properties of a particular insulation will help, if not make a final choice, then at least tell you in which direction to move. The article will focus on building thermal insulation materials.

Thermal insulation materials types and properties

Styrofoam

One of the most popular thermal insulation materials for walls is polystyrene foam. It belongs to the category of inexpensive insulation and firmly occupies a leading position in it. I must say that this is completely justified. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by a sufficient number of buildings for both residential and industrial purposes.

So, among its positive characteristics the following stands out:

price. Production costs are minimal. Material consumption (in comparison with popular mineral wool) is one and a half times less;
ease of installation. Polystyrene foam will not require the construction of lathing and guides. It is mounted on the wall by gluing;
versatility. A correctly selected type of insulation will allow you to create a reliable heat-protective barrier for the floor, facade, walls, floors between floors, roof, and ceiling.

It effectively protects residents from the cold frame houses, laid inside hollow brick walls.

It is most convenient to view the indicators depending on the classification in the table. The division is based on an indicator such as density.

Characteristics	Foam brands				Notes
Characteristics	PSB S 50	PSB S 35	PSB S 25	PSB S 15	Notes
Density (kg/m³)	35	25	15	8	Types PS - 4, PS - 1 have increased density
Fracture resistance (MPa)	0,30	0,25	0,018	0,06
Compressive Strength (MPa)	0,16	0,16	0,08	0,04
Moisture absorption capacity (%)	1	2	3	4	Full immersion for 24 hours
Thermal conductivity (W/μ)	0,041	0,037	0,039	0,043
Self-extinguishing time (sec.) / flammability class	3	1	1	4	Provided there is no direct contact with open flame Normally flammable
Vapor permeability coefficient (mg)	0,05	0,05	0,05	0,05

All described types can be used at temperatures from - 60 to + 80°C.

PS class material is produced using pressing, which gives it increased density (from 100 to 600 kg/m³). It is successfully used as insulation for cement floors and where significant loads are expected on the base. Rest specifications generally coincide with the above data for other types of foam.

Of course, according to some figures and coefficients, polystyrene foam has discrepancies, for example, with more modern foamed polystyrene or penofol, but the difference is so insignificant that it will be absolutely not noticeable to the residents of the house.

That's why strengths foam plastic are rightfully considered:

a small coefficient of thermal conductivity, which allows you to retain heat in buildings made of any type of material from brick to gas silicate blocks;

The cell structure of polystyrene foam is closed, so it absorbs liquid extremely poorly. For insulation this is extremely important indicator, because when water is added, it loses its heat-saving properties. Basements and ground floors that have direct contact (or the threat of it) with groundwater are successfully insulated using polystyrene foam;
sound insulation comes as a pleasant addition to the function of reducing heat loss. The air hidden in the sealed cells of the material successfully dampens even the most intense sound waves transmitted in space. In order to create a barrier to impact noise, foam plastic alone will not work;
resistance to alcohol, alkaline and saline solutions, water-based paints this material is “developed” to high level. In addition, it is not chosen as a worthy habitat for fungi and mold. It is worth noting that rodents, on the contrary, are very fond of polystyrene foam and often prefer to live in it. Fighting them by any available means will not allow uninvited neighbors to spoil the insulation;
environmental Safety. Polystyrene foam does not emit any harmful substances. The modern standard of this insulation is full compliance with sanitary standards;
as additional protection from combustion, at the production stage, fire retardants are added to the main ingredients, designed to increase the fire resistance of the foam. And if there is no direct contact with the fire, then it goes out on its own in a short period of time. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that it is still considered a flammable material;
loss of the above properties will not occur, even if there is short-term contact with a heat source up to 110°, but prolonged exposure to more than 80° C will lead to deformation and loss of characteristics.

The described temperature regimes belong to the category of anomalies and do not occur with regular frequency, so making them the main reason for refusing to use polystyrene foam is inappropriate.

Penoplex plates

Foamed polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene - all this is the name of the same material, sold in construction stores as penoplex insulation. It is a “relative” of the familiar polystyrene foam, but is considered a material one step higher.

The main difference begins already at the production stage, where extrusion plants are used. As a result, the fine-cell structure of the material has greater strength than its “brother” foam. It is also distinguished by excellent hydrophobic properties. The air is securely sealed in the scarlet cells, preventing warm air from leaving the room, and cold air, on the contrary, penetrating inside.

Main properties of thermal insulation material:

strength. It is achieved due to a unique homogeneous structure. Under heavy loads, the slab does not deform, distributing the weight efficiently, but at the same time can be easily cut with a construction knife into pieces of the required size;
environmental friendliness The material has been proven by multiple studies, it is resistant to the formation of fungus and mold, and rodents do not like it. Some types organic solvents can soften penoplex and disrupt the shape and structure of the slab. Therefore, when working with this insulation, it is recommended to avoid contact with such liquids;
low vapor permeability involves strict adherence to installation technology and recommendations for use so as not to create greenhouse effect in room;

lifetime for penoplex slabs the lifespan is at least 50 years. This is a guaranteed period of time during which the material will have its original characteristics;
coefficient of thermal conductivity- the main indicator by which foamed polystyrene is considered good insulation. Low values this indicator they say that the house will be reliably protected from heat loss.
The types of thermal insulation material penoplex and the directions of their use are quite diverse (previously used and modern names of the material are given in parentheses).
Insulation of facades (PENOPLEX 31 or “Wall”). It is made with the addition of fire retardants. Well applicable for plinths, internal and external walls, partitions, facades. Its density is 25-32 kg/m³, compressive strength is 0.20 MPa.
Foundation ( PENOPLEX 35 without additives for fire resistance or “foundation”). In addition to the application option implied by the name, this type is widely used in the arrangement of basements, blind areas and plinths. Density is expressed in terms of 29-33 kg/m³, and compressive strength is 0.27 MPa.
Roofs. ( PENOPLEX 35 or “Roof”). Pitched or flat roof any type can be insulated using this type of polystyrene foam. It is dense enough (28 - 33 kg/m³) to create a usable roof.
Country cottages, saunas, houses. ( PENOPLEX 31 C or “Comfort”). Universal insulation. Houses, roofing, walls and plinths in small private buildings - this is the scope of its application. Density indicators - 25-35 kg/m³, strength - 0.20 MPa.

Foamed polystyrene occupies a worthy position in popularity due to its good performance indicators.

Thermal insulation material glass wool

Insulation, known to more than one generation of builders, has today undergone some modifications. But, in essence, it remained the same material made from molten glass. Sand and recycled glass materials are drawn at temperatures above 1400 °C into thin fibers, which are formed into small bundles (with the participation of binding components), and then heated and pressed into a felt-like product. Glass wool reaches the consumer in mats or rolls and is intended for insulation of both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

She belongs to the category mineral materials and is still produced in large volumes, and this indicates the demand and the presence of a significant number of positive characteristics that are worth getting to know a little closer.

Fragility refers rather to significant shortcomings. To prevent glass wool from scattering into its component parts during operation, mats and canvases are stitched. But no reinforcement can save you from small particles flying in all directions. Therefore, the equipment of a person working with glass wool must be serious: clothing that covers the body well, a respirator mask, goggles and gloves.
The thermal conductivity of the material is low, but in comparison with other materials for similar purposes, it is considered high.
The cost of glass wool remains competitive. Due to its availability, it is in demand, especially since it really reduces heat loss.
Ease of transportation and use. Rolls and mats of material weigh little and the packaging is compact enough to bring the entire volume for home insulation in one go. Laying it out is also easy. The only caveat is that when insulating vertical bases, it can fall out of the frame, because it is quite flexible and low-elastic. The problem is solved by constructing guides with a smaller distance than the width of the mat. It is easy to cut the material to size.
Safety. Glass wool can cause certain inconveniences and harm to health only at the installation stage. But when proper organization labor troubles will not happen. And after the material is laid in the base and covered with plasterboard, chipboard sheets or other finishing materials, it will not cause any harm to humans.
No rodents. Due to the specific nature of the material, mice and rats will not choose this insulation to create cozy burrows in it.
Glass wool is a non-flammable material.
Sound insulation when used is also ensured.

Thus, it is most convenient to use glass wool for insulating floors and ceilings. You can also show skill when decorating walls. The main disadvantage remains the harmful dust that is inevitable when cutting and rolling, but for some consumers the low cost more than offsets this disadvantage.

Slag

Continuing the conversation about mineral insulation, it is worth mentioning slag wool. It is produced from blast furnace slag. Since this is a kind of production waste (when cast iron is smelted in blast furnaces, a glassy mass remains), the costs of its production are low, and therefore the price of the finished insulation is quite affordable.

Slag wool is capable of blocking heat well in rooms, but it has enough disadvantages and limitations on use to negate its low cost and good thermal insulation.

So, slag wool is afraid of moisture. It is not justified to use it in bathrooms or on facades. At the same time, it is capable of oxidizing various metal parts and structures with which it comes into direct and prolonged contact.
To top it all off, it is scratchy and requires the use of special protection during operation. Against this background, glass wool looks much more attractive, so slag wool is modern construction used extremely rarely.

Mineral thermal insulation material

Basalt, stone, mineral wool, rockwool - these names most often hide the same material.

Its fibers are the same size as slag wool, but they do not cause discomfort during installation. Safety in use is one of the first distinctive properties This insulation is from the mineral category.

The thermal conductivity coefficient of this material is calculated from 0.077 to 0.12 W/meter-kelvin. Basalt wool is called the best in all respects. It does not contain additional harmful impurities and can withstand prolonged exposure to extremely high and low temperatures, easy to use.
Both ordinary stone and basalt wool are resistant to combustion. The fibers will only melt and sinter together, but will not allow further spread of the fire.
Any building can be insulated with stone wool, both when built from scratch and those that have been in operation for quite a long time. Basalt insulation does not interfere with air microcirculation, which means it can be used in buildings where forced ventilation not functioning properly.
Certain inconveniences for some builders may arise with the need to erect a false wall. Without it, it will not be possible to install insulation. But in fact, the construction technology is very simple; not so much space is “eaten up”.
The material is environmentally friendly and is also well suited for insulating wooden houses. It is strictly forbidden for it to get wet, so the waterproofing layer must meet all requirements.
Recommended thickness of thermal insulation material for middle zone is 15-20 cm, in southern regions 10 cm layer is enough.

Stone wool absorbs sound well. This is achieved due to the fact that its fibers are located chaotically, and between them in large quantities air accumulates. This structure perfectly dampens sounds.
The described insulation is chemically passive. Even if it comes into close contact with metal surface, then no traces of corrosion will appear on it. Rotting and infection by fungi or mold are also not typical for stone wool. Rodents and other pests are not attracted to the material.
The only really negative aspect of its use is the rather high cost.

Characteristics of thermal insulation materials

Ecowool

Ecowool is insulation made from waste paper and various residues from the production of paper and cardboard. In addition to these components, antiseptics and a fairly powerful fire retardant are added to the composition. It is extremely necessary, because judging by the fact that 80% of the material is flammable cellulose, the level of flammability of such a heat-insulating product is quite high.

Ecowool is not without its drawbacks.

One of them is hers natural decrease in volume. It is capable of settling, losing up to 20% of the original filling level. To prevent this, ecowool is used in excess. Creating a “reserve” will replenish the volume that decreases during operation.
The insulation absorbs moisture quite well. This directly affects the ability to retain heat. The material needs the ability to release moisture to the external environment, so the thermal insulation layer must be ventilated.
In order to carry out installation, special equipment will be required. It is a device that pumps insulation with uniform density, eliminating its further shrinkage. Help will be needed for this hired specialists with experience working with this type of insulation. The wet application method, which involves such difficulties, also opens up the prospect of a break in construction work until the ecowool dries (from two to three days).

There is, of course, a method of dry insulation, but the installation option described above still has a better result. If horizontal surfaces can be insulated without using special equipment, then creating a layer of thermal insulation on the walls will be difficult to do without. There is a risk of uneven shrinkage of the material and the creation of uninsulated cavities.

Features of the material itself do not imply its independent (frameless) use when insulation is carried out using a screed. Unlike polystyrene foam boards, ecowool does not have sufficient strength for this.
Considerable precautions will be required during installation.:
- carry out work away from open flames;
- Avoid contact of the material with any heat source that could lead to smoldering. That is, when insulating a surface next to a fireplace chimney or chimney, they will need to be separated from the insulation with basalt mats coated with foil or asbestos-cement barriers.

It would seem that, against the backdrop of such difficulties, one can immediately refuse to use ecowool, but its positive aspects for someone can become a powerful incentive to use it.

The material (even taking into account the increase in shrinkage) is quite economical.
This insulation is environmentally friendly and safe for health. An exception may be material where it was used as a fire retardant. boric acid or ammonium sulfates. In this case, ecowool will have a sharp and unpleasant odor.
It is a seamless insulation that does not have cold bridges. This means that heat loss in winter period will be reduced to a minimum.
The material is inexpensive, while allowing for good thermal insulation.

As soundproofing material ecowool can compete with many of the materials described above.

Polyurethane foam (PPU)

Polyester with the addition of water, emulsifiers and active reagents, when exposed to a catalyst, form a substance with all the signs and indicators of a good heat-insulating material.

Polyurethane foam has the following characteristics:

low thermal conductivity coefficient: 0.019 - 0.028 W/meter-kelvin;
applied by spraying, creating a continuous coating without cold bridges;
the light weight of the hardened foam does not put pressure on the structure;
ease of use without any fasteners makes it possible to insulate surfaces with any configuration;
long service life, including resistance to frost and heat, any precipitation, rotting;
safety for humans and the environment;
does not destroy metal elements structures, but on the contrary, creates anti-corrosion protection for them.

Walls, floors and ceilings - its application is available everywhere. Polyurethane foam will adhere to glass, wood, concrete, brick, metal and even painted surfaces. The only thing you should protect polyurethane foam from is exposure to direct rays of light.

Types of thermal insulation materials

Reflective thermal insulation materials

There is a group of heat-saving materials that work on the principle of reflectors. They function quite simply: they first absorb and then release the resulting heat.

The surface of such insulation is able to reflect more than 97% of the heat that reaches its surface. This is available through one or a couple of layers of polished aluminum.
It does not contain impurities, and is applied to a layer of foamed polyethylene for ease of use.

The thin-looking material can surprise with its capabilities. One or two centimeters of reflective insulation creates an effect comparable to using a 10 to 27 cm thick fibrous thermal insulator. Among the most popular materials in this category are Ecofol, Penofol, Poriplex, Armofol.
In addition to heat and sound insulation, such insulation creates vapor barrier protection (and is often used in this capacity).

The conclusion is quite simple: ideal insulation does not exist. Depending on the means, the goals pursued and personal preferences (including ease of use), everyone can choose for themselves optimal material to create a warm and truly cozy home. But we must remember that when using each of the above-described insulation on the roof, mandatory waterproofing of the heat-insulating material is required.

Thermal insulation is an integral part of any house or apartment, in any climate and in any latitude. Even in very hot climates, when building a house, thermal insulation allows you to curb the heat from the street, making indoor conditions more comfortable. There are plenty of types of thermal insulation to please everyone.

The main criterion when choosing this type of material should be thermal conductivity. Such products are produced in various forms, but this is more likely to be needed for specific situations and should not play a decisive role in the purchase.

Conventionally, thermal insulation materials can be divided into two categories: reflective (reflect heat and IR radiation, preventing most of it from entering the premises) and preventing.

Prevention type thermal insulation

This type of insulation is made from various components. It is impossible to say for sure which insulation will consistently be better than others - it depends on the application. He can be the following types: from organic materials and from inorganic.

Made from organic materials

The main component is made from natural raw materials, mainly slag, but it can also be sawdust or shavings.

There are also variations with cement additions to organic raw materials. This insulation is very resistant to fire, more moisture resistant, and also weakly reacts with chemical and biologically active substances. The maximum temperature threshold of such insulation is 140 degrees.

There are several types of such insulation:

arbolite (wood - sawdust, straw, shavings with chemical components)
PPVC (foam type, main raw material – special resins)
Chipboard (the same wood chips, but with synthetic resins and additional sandics)
DVIP (similar to chipboard, only the base is made up of wood waste from paper and straw. Chemical reagents like septic tanks are also added)
foam insulation (the second name is mipora, it consists of an aqueous emulsion of a certain resin, glycerin, as well as petroleum products)
EPS (foam plastic, the main component is polystyrene (a petroleum product), the sheets themselves consist of only 2-3% of it, the rest is air)
ecowool (recycled paper, cardboard and other waste paper). The release form can be either in the form of mats or in the form of sprayed insulation.

From inorganic materials

The main materials in the manufacture of this type of insulation are various types of minerals, asbestos, slag, and in some cases glass. Glass-based insulation is probably known to everyone - glass wool. From rock minerals– mineral wool (from slag or stone).

Often materials are combined that were previously used in other compositions, which is how foam glass turned out (asbestos and ceramics, sometimes asbestos and glass, and it is better to look at photos of these types of insulation separately).

There are also types of concrete (cellular and lightweight). The form of release of such insulation can be either slabs (mats) or rolls.

Reflective type thermal insulation

This type of insulation is also called reflex. It works by slowing down the movement of warm waves. Any material is capable of absorbing and radiating heat, but the main loss is the exit of IR rays from the premises (as well as their entry).

Some materials can reflect heat almost completely, namely about 98-99%. We are talking about materials such as aluminum (pure), gold and silver. Of course, the last two are not cheap, but aluminum is used quite often; it can most often be found in saunas or baths.

Another distinctive feature is that the reflective material is also an excellent vapor barrier, which cannot be said about classic insulating materials.

Now such insulation is produced in the form of polished aluminum in several layers. Of course, visually this is thin insulation, about 1.5-3 cm. As for its functions, with such a thickness in terms of thermal insulation, it is comparable to the same mineral wool, 30 cm thick. The main manufacturers on the insulation market are Penofol, Ecofol.

Conclusion

In addition to its usual properties, thermal insulation materials They also isolate from steam, noise, excess dust and dirt. It is best not to settle on any particular type, but to do comprehensive insulation, using all best properties for the desired type of room.

Sometimes you can find ordinary thermal insulation material, but with a layer or coating of aluminum. It is also called foil insulation.

Photos of 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 without even planning repair work, insulation is a hot topic for our country.

There are various types of insulation materials on the shelves of construction hypermarkets. 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 indoors, however, this is not entirely convenient: firstly, it reduces living space, 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 thanks to free circulation warm air. The outer layer of insulation retains heat and allows the walls to remain dry, which means it prevents their destruction.

As additional bonus from the insulation comes the sound insulation of the room, this 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 on the base 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 through a 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 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 modern type insulation. 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 have shown excellent performance properties, work at any temperature, and are 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. High temperature conditions and a centrifuge are used for production. 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 do research infrared radiation, then rays will be visible, especially strong radiation where building materials 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 at 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. Clean off old finishes, 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 from 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.

Polyurethane foam is also used for laying on walls. machine method application of polyurethane foam

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, availability of 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.

The installation of penoplex is identical to the installation of foam panels; it is also mounted on 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, produced, domestic manufacturers began to expand 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: 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 Armacell insulation. They are, in particular, convenient to use for heating systems, refrigerators, ventilation shafts, as well as standard systems heating with not too high heating temperatures.

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, it is also a large Russian manufacturer. The Extrapen brand, produced by this plant from polystyrene foam raw materials, confidently occupies its niche among 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 the inside of the house from condensation and freezing, retain heat inside the room, 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 significantly save 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!

Today the market offers consumers various types of insulation, differing in cost, installation and thermal conductivity. In addition to these indicators, it is necessary to pay attention to other characteristics in order to have an idea of the correct use of thermal insulation when building a house.

A comprehensive assessment of the material will help you choose the right insulation for your home. The use of different types of thermal insulation depends not only on their properties, but also on architectural features buildings, thermal conductivity individual elements structures, as well as supposed cold bridges. Insulation of each component of the house is carried out different materials.
External insulation of a loggia, balcony, basement is made with penoplex. Due to the fact that it can withstand loads of up to 0.5 MPa and is resistant to moisture, the insulation is optimally suited for exterior finishing basements Penoplex, being under the ground, is protected from fire and retains all its properties.
Thermal insulators for exterior finishing The walls of the house are chosen depending on the material from which the structural element is built. It is best to inflate wooden houses with foam insulation. Applied under high pressure the foam fills all the cracks, and its structure allows the wood to breathe. The high price does not always allow the use of penoizol. As a replacement option, you can lay mineral wool. Walls made of concrete, gas blocks and other similar materials are insulated with penoplex or glass wool. Although, in government construction, they are more inclined to use glass wool due to its resistance to fire.
Inside the house, the walls and ceiling are insulated with non-combustible materials. Usually these are mineral wool mats laid in a frame. They are covered with a vapor barrier on top, which prevents moisture from penetrating the mats and fleecy fibers into the room. If there are lags, the ceiling is covered with ecowool. To insulate the floor, a 100 mm layer of expanded clay is filled, plus foam boards are laid. Flooded from above concrete screed prevents the insulation from burning, and the reinforcing mesh gives strength to the floors.
A modern and very practical insulation for roofing is polyurethane foam. It is applied by spraying. But him high price Not everyone can afford it. Most often, traditional insulation - mineral wool - is used for roofing. It is produced in different sizes in the form of mats and rolls.
Insulation that is correctly selected according to its characteristics will create a comfortable conditions accommodation.

Review of thermal insulation materials

Preventive types of insulation are most often used to finish various structural elements of a house. They have a low thermal conductivity.
Organic-based insulation materials are made from wood and agricultural waste. To improve properties, cement and plastic are added to natural raw materials. The result is insulation that is resistant to fire and moisture. It can withstand heat up to 150 degrees. The scope of application is wide, but is mainly used as internal insulation multilayer construction roof or facade.

white agglomerate is made from the bark of oak branches;
black agglomerate is made from bark removed from a tree trunk.

Cork can be used as a base for wallpaper or as a finish. Thin roll material found its application as a substrate for laminate flooring. The price of this natural material quite high. Depending on the modifications, the cost ranges from 800 to 4 thousand. rub./m2.

Honeycomb plastic heat insulator

The structure of the material consists of hexagonal cells like honeycomb. Inside they are filled with fabric or paper filling, held together epoxy resin. Phenolic resins can be used as a fixative. In appearance, honeycomb panels resemble plastic. The characteristics of the material depend on the raw materials used in the production of the base. For example, the sheet density can be from 230 to 500 kg/m2.

Foam-polyvinyl chloride

PPVC heat insulator is made from foamed resins. The porousization method gives them this structure. The material is produced soft and hard, which gives it versatility. PVC is suitable for insulating roofs, floors and walls. Its density is 0.1 kg/m3.

Many people believe that chipboard is just a building material. But as insulation, the slabs have proven themselves to be good. Their base is small sawdust bonded with synthetic resin. The density of the slabs ranges from 500 to 1 thousand kg/m3, and water absorption is 5–30%.
The use of chipboard as insulation is justified for floors, walls and ceilings. The cost of the sheets is quite low and is affordable for every developer. Depending on the size, the sheet can be purchased for 400–900 rubles. The slabs are used as a base for installing soft roofs.

Fiberboard

Fibreboard board appearance resembles chipboard. Its base consists of fibers of straw, corn or any wood. It is even possible to use waste paper. Synthetic resins are added as an adhesive. The density of fiberboard compared to chipboard is small, only up to 250 kg/m3, and the thermal conductivity is 0.07 W/m/K, plus low strength.
The scope of application is similar to that for chipboard. Low cost ranges up to 800 rubles. per sheet.

Lightweight thermal insulation has a unique closed-cell structure, which creates the lowest thermal conductivity compared to other insulation materials. PPU is formed

from the interaction of liquid components, polyester and MDI. Exposure to catalysts creates a chemical reaction that results in the formation of a new substance. The density of the insulation is 40–80 kg/m3, and the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam is about 0.028 W/m/K.
Polyurethane foam is applied to the insulated surface using the spraying method, which allows you to treat any difficult areas. The optimal use of polyurethane foam is to insulate the roof and wooden walls of a house. The cost of the material along with the spraying work is quite high and can reach $200/m3.

Penoizol

Another name for insulation is mipora. It is obtained on the basis of a whipped water emulsion of urea-formaldehyde resin. Glycerin and sulfonic acid are used as additives. Mipore is delivered to the consumer in blocks or crumbs. It is used in liquid form at construction sites. Mipora poured into prepared cavities hardens at a positive temperature.
Low density up to 20 kg/m3 promotes strong water absorption. The thermal conductivity index is 0.03 W/m/K. Not afraid of fire.

Polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam

These two insulation materials consist of 2% polystyrene and 98% air. The thermal conductivity index is 0.037–0.042 W/m/K. They differ from each other in structure. Polystyrene foam consists of small balls, and expanded polystyrene, when broken, resembles foam rubber.
Polystyrene is flammable and emits toxic smoke. Polystyrene foam is afraid of moisture, so it is more often used for insulating facades. Extruded polystyrene foam can for a long time located in wet soil, therefore it is more suitable for external insulation of basements. The cost of the material is low.

Minvata

A common insulation material for walls and roofs is mineral wool. It comes in two types:

slag wool is made from dissimilar metal casting waste;
stone wool is made from rocks, for example, basalt, limestone, etc.

The material is not flammable, resistant to chemical exposure, has a low cost. Produced in slabs and rolls.

Glass wool

The material differs from mineral wool in that it has larger fibers. The basis of production is the raw materials used to make glass. The thermal conductivity index is from 0.03 to 0.052 W/m/K, and the density is no more than 130 kg/m3. Glass wool is also popular for insulating roofs and walls.

Ceramic wool

Produced by blowing zirconium, silicon or aluminum oxide. Cotton wool is resistant to high temperatures and does not deform. The thermal conductivity index at +600°C is from 0.13 to 0.16 W/m/K, and the density is no more than 350 kg/m3. It is used for insulation of facades and roofs of buildings.

Mixed type insulation

Materials are produced from asbestos mixtures with the addition of perlite, dolomite and other components. The initial state of the material resembles dough. They cover the surface prepared for insulation and leave it until completely dry.

Asbestos is resistant to fire and can withstand heat up to 900 °C, but it is afraid of moisture, so such thermal insulation requires mandatory waterproofing.

Example of material mixed type is vulcanite and sovelite. Their thermal conductivity is 0.2 W/m/K. The cost of insulation is low, but it is dangerous to human health.

Reflective materials

Foil is used as a reflector, and foamed polyethylene creates a thermal barrier. The material has a thin structure up to 25 mm thick, but its effectiveness is equivalent to 100 mm thick fiber insulation. One popular example is penofol.
Reflective thermal insulation simultaneously acts as a vapor barrier, so it is convenient to use in baths and saunas. The cost of the material is low and accessible to everyone.
The main types of insulation materials discussed today and their characteristics will help you make the right choice of material for specific construction needs.
In the following video you can get acquainted with the characteristics of some types of insulation.