Insulating materials for walls and floors. Roll insulation: insulation for walls and other surfaces

The problem of insulation outside and inside a living space is acute in any climate zone. The main task is to choose the right thermal insulation material. And this is not as simple as it seems. It is necessary to know such properties of insulation as thermal conductivity, water absorption, strength, service life, as well as installation details.

The insulation process usually affects all structures of a living space - walls, floor, ceiling. External or combined insulation (inside + outside) is preferable. Thermal insulation only from the inside of a living space is undesirable, since the dew point will move even deeper into the wall or move to the boundary of the wall and insulation.

Thus, it is not enough to choose the optimal thermal insulation material; it is necessary to install it correctly.

Important. The stove (inside) and chimney (outside) also need insulation. If this is not done, the walls located close to the stove will crack. An uninsulated chimney becomes covered inside with condensate, which, when mixed with exhaust gases, turns into acid. It quickly corrodes the walls of the chimney, rendering it unusable.

What types of insulation are there?

Modern thermal insulation materials are varied. In private housing construction, along with high-tech insulation (polyurethane foam, penoizol), natural insulation materials are still used. This is due to their availability and low cost.

The following thermal insulation materials are used indoors and outdoors to insulate walls, ceilings and floors:

• expanded clay (concrete attic and interfloor ceilings are insulated with this material from the inside, expanded clay is also poured into the cavity between the walls);
• cork (insulation of walls and floors from the inside);
• ecowool (walls, floors, attic - it is preferable to insulate from the inside due to the property of the material such as hygroscopicity);
• mineral wool (walls, floors, attic floor– suitable for insulation both inside and outside);
• polystyrene foam (outside walls, concrete screed);
• penoplex (due to such properties as low water absorption, it is possible to insulate walls from the inside and outside, concrete screed, roofing, interfloor and attic floors);
• penoizol (walls and floors - it is preferable to insulate from the inside; the property of penoizol to absorb water well requires care when insulating externally);
• polyurethane foam (any surface, including metal and plastic pipes hot and cold water supply - insulation inside and outside).

Mineral wool is a non-flammable insulation material, so it is used for thermal insulation of stoves and chimneys.

Thermal insulating materials for walls

It is best to insulate walls from the outside during the construction stage. Wall thermal insulation materials are divided into natural and artificial. There is also a division into bulk, slab/mat, roll and foil rolls.

Natural insulation materials include:

• mats and roll insulation made from hemp and algae (rare and expensive insulation, suitable for thermal insulation of walls);
• clay plaster (adobe);

Artificial thermal insulation materials for walls are:

• expanded polystyrene (regular and extruded);
• polyurethane foam (sprayed thermal insulation);
• penoizol (poured into cavities);
• ecowool (cellulose bulk insulation);
• mineral wool (stone/basalt) in rolls, slabs, mats;
• thin roll insulation with or without foil.

The characteristics of thermal insulation materials (comparative) can be seen below.

This parameter is measured in W/m*K. The lower the thermal conductivity, the better the material retains heat in the living room.

This parameter is directly related to the density of the insulation. Loose thermal insulation has much lower thermal conductivity than solid insulation:

Foam plastic 0.045

Penoplex 0.032

Polyurethane foam 0.019 – 0.035

Penoizol 0.028 – 0.038

Ecowool 0.038 – 0.045

Mineral wool 0.045 – 0.07

Measured in %/day. An important technical characteristic showing the speed at which thermal insulation materials absorb water. A high rate is not a reason to stop using it. Insulation with high water absorption capacity requires careful double-sided waterproofing.

Comparative characteristics of materials:

Mineral wool 2

Measured in mg/(m.h.Pa). The characteristic shows how breathable the material is. All breathable insulation materials can be used to insulate wooden walls. According to experts, the vapor permeability of insulation is not always useful. Often, completely clogging the pores and organizing micro-ventilation are much more effective.

Comparative characteristics of vapor permeability:

Foam plastic 0.018

Polyurethane foam 0.04 – 0.05

Penoizol 0.21 – 0.24

Mineral wool and ecowool 0.3

Durability

This parameter is very important for thermal insulation. If the other characteristics of several insulation materials are the same, then it is this parameter that tips the scales in favor of choosing the most durable insulation material.

Foam ≤ 13

Penoplex up to 40

Polyurethane foam up to 50

Penoizol up to 75

Ecowool no less than 50

Mineral wool for at least 70 years

After analyzing these data, you can form your own opinion about different insulation materials and choose the ones that best suit your purposes.

Important. Natural thermal insulation materials made from hemp and algae have low thermal conductivity, but absorb water well, which, coupled with their high cost, makes them unpopular for insulating walls from the outside and inside.

The exception is expanded clay and cork. The first is poured between the walls in the well masonry and spilled with cement laitance. This prevents the material from settling and increases its strength. This wall insulation is cheap, and buying it is also not a problem. To reduce the thermal conductivity of insulated walls, you need to mix expanded clay of different fractions.

Cork is an excellent thermal insulator. Its properties are such that cold cannot penetrate into the insulated room, and heat cannot escape from it. In addition, it does not absorb water and has an attractive appearance. True, the cost of such insulation is significant, so it is often used for finishing walls with additional thermal insulation properties.

Floor insulation

Of the many insulation materials, expanded clay and polystyrene foam are often used for floor insulation (less often penoplex, since it is significantly more expensive than polystyrene foam). Cork can also be used to insulate the floor (as a substrate for linoleum or carpet covering, as well as finishing). The properties of this material are unique. It does not absorb water spilled on the floor, perfectly dampens noise, and has a velvety texture to the touch. Its surface is never cold.

Expanded clay is used to insulate the floor in the attic. It strongly absorbs moisture, so it is necessary to do double-sided waterproofing. Because of this characteristic, it is not recommended to insulate a wooden sheathed attic floor with expanded clay (material that accidentally picks up moisture significantly adds weight).

High-density foam is ideal for insulating floors in cement screeds. The same can be said about penoplex, although it is more expensive and therefore is used much less frequently for floor insulation.

Mineral wool is another insulation material that can be used to insulate both floors between floors and the attic. Due to its hygroscopicity, mineral wool requires double-sided waterproofing.

The technology of floor insulation with foam plastic includes several stages:

1. Preparation of the base (cleaning of debris and dust).
2. Treating the floor with deep penetration primers.
3. Laying a waterproofing film (necessarily extending onto the walls, the joints are taped with construction tape).
4. The foam is fixed to the floor with glue, the joints are coated with sealant.
5. Be sure to leave a gap between the walls and the insulation.
6. A special reinforcing mesh is installed on the insulated floor (it is mounted on racks and located at a distance of 2.5 - 3 cm above the insulation level).
7. All that remains is to fill the floor with a self-leveling mixture.

Ceiling insulation

It is possible to insulate the ceiling from the inside only if the height of the room allows it. Good for these purposes aerated concrete slabs. They weigh very little and are easily attached using foam board adhesive. The joints are sealed with sealant. Additionally, you can lay foil thermal insulation.

Polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam, as well as mineral wool, are used only from the attic side (as described above).

Thermal insulating roll materials

Thin roll thermal insulation made of foamed polyethylene is a weak obstacle to cold air entering the room through micropores and cracks. However, foil roll materials are an excellent addition to the insulation pie.

Foil thermal insulation (penofol, foil-isolon) laid on top of any insulation will play a dual role - repellent thermal insulation and waterproofing. In this case, there is no need to purchase separately waterproofing materials.

Advice. Rolled foil insulation is demanding to install. They will not work if, for example, clapboard is laid directly on them. A working gap between the foil and the finishing is required. Therefore, a lathing with a thickness of bars of at least 3 cm is always made on top of rolled foil insulation.

Various types of thermal insulation materials (bulk, roll, slab) allow for insulation various surfaces– walls, ceilings, floors. Fireproof thermal insulation (non-flammable) is suitable for insulating stoves (it is not the stove itself that is insulated, but the nearby walls).

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A positive factor in modern construction is the use of new tools and technologies. Currently, some insulating materials have proven themselves to be excellent.

Thermo Reflex insulation overview

Thermo Reflex is a new generation construction product. It is used to insulate ventilated roofs, floors, walls, attics and attics. Thermo Reflex consists of reflective multi-layer thermal insulation sheets. The layers of these fabrics are polyethylene foam, polyester wadding or sheep wool. The layers are separated from each other by metallized films made of polyester material.

As a result of thermal radiation, overheating occurs in rooms in summer, and a significant part of the heat is lost in winter. With Thermo Reflex insulation material, these transfers are largely eliminated, as the principle of reflecting heat waves works. Thus, the comfort of housing is maintained throughout the year.

When constructing ventilated roofs of new buildings, as well as when reconstructing old ones, the use of insulating material helps to reflect heat radiation and protects against convection and heat loss. Thermo Reflex is used in a heated floor system. The aluminum contained in the material is an effective vapor barrier. If insulation is used for a non-heated floor, a protective screen is created that prevents radon gas from entering the room.

Application of insulating material in attic spaces and attics prevents heat transfer from the roof. Thermo Reflex is installed quickly and easily. There is no need to remove tiles or slates, and no plastering work is required. In this case, good finishing material will be plasterboard slabs or wooden lining. In order to more effectively use the reflective ability of the insulating material, during finishing work you need to leave a small air gap.

Isolation interior walls around the perimeter of the house provides maximum heat retention in the room in winter, and maintains optimal temperature in summer without the use of air conditioners. Spacer strips are mounted on the walls, onto which Thermo Reflex sheets are fixed. The panels are connected to each other using special glue. The insulating material is secured with plasterboard. In this case, air gaps of at least 2 cm are also left.

This material is effective at any time of the year. It can be used on all bases and shapes. Thermo Reflex is waterproof, fire-resistant, non-irritant and non-toxic. It has a small thickness, which almost does not affect the loss of internal space in the living room. Thermo Reflex is durable in use.

Another effective insulation product for large-scale construction is Tefond. This material is a high-density polyethylene membrane. Tefond reduces the deformation of the road surface, reduces the thickness of the layers of the road “pie”, and reduces the mechanical effect on the road base. This material is safe to use, provides reliable protection, tightness and insulation of construction sites.

Tefond insulation review

Tefond can be installed vertically, with a waterproofing joint, using a two-lock waterproofing system and using standard system. Tefond is the first insulating membrane that can be installed vertically during operation. According to this system, the material is fixed only in the upper part. Drilling holes in walls is not allowed. Tefond can be used without horizontal joints on walls of any height.

A mechanical sealing system is used if Tefond is used for protection only. The end seal is sealed, making the seams watertight. This system is the best protection against water and steam.

The material has a precise joining point, thanks to which it is possible to obtain excellent sealing by simply overlapping the edges. Even if the membrane is subjected to strong tension, there is virtually no possibility of the material rupturing. Tefond is available in rolls of standard sizes. Their height is 2.07 m. This reduces material costs during installation.

The insulation membrane is used to protect walls, foundations and roofs. This material covers surfaces in contact with the ground. Tefond is used in the construction of tunnels, roads and railways, in hydraulic work. The use of insulating materials in construction is a requirement of today.

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Mineral wool
Expanded polystyrene or penoplex

Gypsum fiber
Cork
Expanded clay
Polyurethane foam
Cellulose wool

1. Roll materials and plates;
2. Bulk and other materials.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is an excellent thermal insulation material with many positive qualities. Mineral wool is available in two types - roll insulation for floors and slabs.

Bulk insulation: types and scope of application

This material is best suited for insulation wooden floors– it fits very well onto the base and into the joists.

• Non-flammability;
• Long service life;

• Low strength indicators;

Expanded polystyrene or penoplex

• Affordable price;

• Flammability;
• Fragility;

• Long service life;
• Low thermal conductivity.

The disadvantages of extruded polystyrene foam include the inability to “breathe” and good flammability, which will not allow creating a fireproof structure. Read also: “Which insulation for floors under linoleum to choose and how to install.”

Gypsum fiber

Cork

• Environmental Safety;
• Light weight;
• High strength;
• Good ductility;

Expanded clay

Polyurethane foam

• Quick installation;
• No joints;
• Excellent elasticity;

Cellulose wool

• Integrity of the coating;
• Low cost;

• Flammability;
• Difficult to install.

Conclusion

Insulation of walls inside the house: advantages and disadvantages

You can come across quite a lot of statements against insulating the walls of a house inside. They say that with such insulation, problems arise with wet corners, dampness appears in the walls, as a result, fungus and unpleasant odors... The purpose of this article is to figure out why the listed problems arise and, most importantly, how they can be avoided and still insulate the walls home from the inside. Well, because such insulation has a number of advantages.

Advantages of internal wall insulation

Insulating walls inside the house has the following advantages:

• You can insulate at any time of the year, regardless of the weather.
• there is no need to build too high scaffolds (unless, of course, we are talking about insulating a residential building, and not some kind of “convention palace” :))
• If you need to insulate not in a private building, but in some high-rise building, then for external insulation you need to coordinate a project to change the facade. Not to mention the fact that this is expensive in itself - you can’t do it without hired specialists. Well, inside your apartment...

What are the disadvantages of internal wall insulation and how to avoid them?

Internal wall insulation also has disadvantages.

When insulating from the inside, the area of ​​the room is reduced

The first disadvantage of insulating a house from the inside is that the thickness of the wall will increase inward, causing the area of ​​the room to decrease.

This cannot be avoided at all, since the insulation is thick in any case. But it can be minimized if the insulation layer is not very thick. I am hinting at choosing insulation with the best thermal insulation properties... For now I am only hinting, but I will say specifically below.

Internal insulation worsens the indoor microclimate

The second disadvantage: internal insulation of the house can lead to a deterioration of the indoor microclimate. This is exactly what all opponents of such insulation are talking about. What are we talking about?

The wall behind the insulation is cold. Therefore, in winter, water vapor formed in the room, passing through the layers interior decoration and insulation, condenses on the inner surface of the wall. The result is that the wall gradually accumulates moisture, which does not have time to evaporate, which is why on the walls - at temperatures from +10 and above! - fungus and mold settle in, the house smells damp, appears on clothes, furniture, books white coating... not enough pleasant things.

The described problem can be avoided if you avoid mistakes during construction and choose the right material for insulation. What kind of mistakes are these and what is the best way to insulate the house inside, read on.

When insulating indoors, cold bridges remain

The third disadvantage of insulating walls inside the house: at the junction of interfloor/attic floors with outer wall Cold bridges remain, through which heat leaks still occur (orange arrows):

We have this minus only if we did not treat the insulation conscientiously enough: for example, we insulated the walls, but covered the floors and ceilings. But what does technology have to do with it if you haven’t cooked your own “pot”? To avoid this disadvantage, you need to create a continuous thermal insulation circuit from the inside of the entire room:

That's all.

How to avoid the disadvantages of internal insulation?

So, what tips can you find to smooth out the disadvantages of internal insulation? And are all the tips worthwhile?

Tip 1. A vapor barrier with one-way conductivity is placed between the wall finishing and the insulation. This is what they recommend doing when insulating the inside with mineral wool.

But let's look at the picture:

With internal insulation, the dew point shifts to the inner surface of the wall, and the insulation, mineral wool, begins to absorb moisture from the wall. And then, after a month or two, it appears bad smell, bacteria begin to develop in the mineral wool... we don’t see it, but we feel the smell, but we can’t understand where it comes from.

But how can this be: after all, there is a vapor barrier that should not allow moisture to reach the insulation! Theoretically, this is true. But in practice it is not possible to ensure 100% sealing. Why? Let's remember how the vapor barrier and further cladding are attached? They install a profile for drywall, stretch the film... then they screw the drywall, GOING WITH SCREWS THROUGH THE FILM - and where is the sealed vapor barrier? And it’s impossible to ensure 100% sealing around the perimeter of the wall.

And the air in the wool itself has moisture, which condenses as soon as the wall has cooled sufficiently.

Conclusion: any insulation that allows steam to pass through is not suitable for internal insulation!

Tip 2. When designing insulation inside a house, you need to take into account the process of moisture transfer through the building envelope. That is, the vapor permeability of materials in the “pie” of the structure should decrease from room to street.

Difficult said? Simpler: a non-vapor-permeable material should be in the room, behind it should be a material with less vapor permeability, behind it with even less, etc.

For example, you need to do wall insulation panel house from the inside. Question: what? Mineral wool? Steam passes through mineral wool much better than through concrete (I must say: steam practically does not pass through concrete).

Conclusion: do not insulate panel (brick, gas-block, etc.) walls from the inside with mineral wool, but choose another insulation. Non-vapor permeable. For example, polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam. (Actually, mineral wool for internal insulation is only suitable frame houses and attics, which also have mineral wool inside the frame.)

Comment! The author believes that polystyrene foam for insulating the walls of a house inside is BAD! For good health. But if your opinion is different, then at least do this insulation correctly: the walls must be level (!) and the insulation sheet must fit tightly (without gaps!) to this flat surface (i.e., if we attach the insulation with glue, then the sheet must be spread over the entire surface, rather than putting several dots and/or stripes on it).

Tip 3. In any case, good ventilation should be provided. No comments here, because this is correct.

Requirements for insulation for internal insulation

Internal insulation places the following requirements on the insulation:

• durability,
• don't be afraid of fire,
• aging resistance,
• environmental Safety,
• biological resistance (not edible for mice, moths, mold...),
• ability to maintain shape,
• sufficient thermal insulation properties.

It is advisable, before buying insulation, to check the availability of various fire and sanitary safety certificates. But if the conclusion about fire safety You can still trust, but about sanitary - not always: many modern materials are not at all environmentally friendly, even if the certificates state their purity.

Conclusion: it is better to focus not only (and not so much) on certificates, but on common sense, reason, practical experience, time-tested.

And now the question is: what is the best way to insulate the walls of a house from the inside?

What insulation materials should be used to insulate a house from the inside?

I’ve already said a couple of times why mineral wool is not suitable, I hope that’s enough. So what to insulate with? There are materials that perfectly solve all problems. These are materials that absolutely vapor-impermeable.

First, extruded polystyrene foam. We use only the one that has a “groove-ridge”. Extruded polystyrene foam has very good thermal resistance, so the thickness of the sheet for internal insulation is only 20...30 mm. Result: the wall is healthy and the minimum area is taken.

If the issue of ecology is important to you, then we pay attention to another material: foam glass. There is a question of sealing joints here: while polystyrene can fit tightly sheet to sheet, foam glass has rougher edges.

Types of insulation for house walls: outside and inside for wooden and frame houses +Video

Therefore, foam glass is often placed on bitumen mastic, which again raises an environmental issue. Then it is better to seal the joints with silicone sealant or liquid rubber. The foam glass itself can be glued to polyurethane foam glue, or, in extreme cases, to polyurethane foam.

The third material often used for internal insulation is ordinary white foam. The problem with this material is that it has pores. Foam plastic with a density of less than 35 kg/m3 has a large number of technological pores, which is why it leaks steam! The lower the density of the foam, the more vapor permeable it is. And the older the foam, the larger the pores, the greater the vapor permeability of the foam - even with the promised density of more than 35 kg/m3. Therefore, for internal insulation it is better to buy quality material. Again, it’s a question of ecology, i.e. health.

If all of the above does not scare you away from insulating the walls inside the house (or you simply have nowhere to go), then in the next article we will look at ways to insulate walls from the inside. See you.

insulation of house walls inside

Mineral wool
Expanded polystyrene or penoplex
Extruded polystyrene foam
Gypsum fiber
Cork
Expanded clay
Polyurethane foam
Cellulose wool

Insulation is used to prevent heat loss in the house or individual rooms. Arrangement of insulation is a rather serious process, and one of the leading roles in this matter is played by the choice of suitable thermal insulation material. What types of floor insulation there are will be discussed in this article.

Insulation materials are available in two formats:

1. Roll materials and plates;
2. Bulk and other materials.

Both categories include a fairly wide range of materials with a wide variety of properties and characteristics. The most popular thermal insulation materials for floors will be discussed below.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is an excellent thermal insulation material with many positive qualities. Mineral wool is available in two types - roll insulation for floors and slabs. This material is best suited for insulating wooden floors - it fits very well on the base and in the joists.

The list of positive qualities of mineral wool looks like this:

• Good resistance to low temperatures;
• Non-flammability;
• Long service life;
• Chemical resistance;
• Stable physical indicators.

There are some drawbacks - mineral wool has the following negative qualities:

• Considerable dimensions, due to which the thermal insulation layer occupies a large volume;
• Low strength indicators;
• Poor resistance to moisture.

Mineral wool, when moisture comes into contact with it, immediately decreases in volume, and even if it is dried, the heat-insulating properties of the material will deteriorate many times over. To prevent this phenomenon, it is necessary to install a waterproofing layer when installing insulation.

A good solution to the problem of moisture would be to use fiberglass - this material can absorb liquid and does not lose its characteristics after drying. However, the choice will not be easy - mineral wool is well suited for ensuring fire safety.

Expanded polystyrene or penoplex

Expanded polystyrene is a material consisting of small balls connected to each other. The production of expanded polystyrene is carried out using two technologies - pressed and pressless, and the difference between the resulting materials is small. However, most often pressed polystyrene foam labeled PS is used for floor insulation.

Typically, expanded polystyrene is used for thermal insulation of concrete floors. If you need to decide which insulation to choose for a floor with water or electrically heated, then profile slabs, for the manufacture of which dense polystyrene foam is used, are much better suited - this material has a relief surface that prevents damage heating elements and improves traction.

Expanded polystyrene has many advantages:

• Excellent strength properties;
• Good thermal insulation characteristics;
• Affordable price;
• Ability to prevent moisture penetration;
• Excellent resistance to low temperatures;
• Simple installation, which is determined by the format of the produced material.

Expanded polystyrene also has disadvantages:

• Flammability;
• Destruction of the material due to prolonged exposure to sunlight;
• Inability to pass air;
• Fragility;
• When a small amount of water gets inside the slabs and then freezes, the structure of the polystyrene foam is destroyed, so during installation it will be necessary to install a layer of waterproofing;
• During the installation process, seams appear between the slabs, which then need to be sealed using polyurethane foam or sealant.

Extruded polystyrene foam

This material is made by extrusion, which explains its name. The production technology of extruded polystyrene foam makes it possible to create floor insulation with a monolithic microstructure consisting of sealed cells filled with air. There are no pores in these cells, so moisture and steam cannot get inside the material. Read also: “Which insulation is better to install under laminate.”

The list of advantages of such material looks like this:

• High strength compared to foam;
• Long service life;
• Good resistance to precipitation and ultraviolet rays;
• High resistance to aggressive chemicals;
• No toxic emissions;
• Low thermal conductivity.

The disadvantages of extruded polystyrene foam include the inability to “breathe” and good flammability, which will not allow creating a fireproof structure.

Electrical, sound and noise insulation materials

Read also: “Which insulation for floors under linoleum to choose and how to install.”

Gypsum fiber

Gypsum fiber is best option for insulation of any floor covering. The versatility of this material is its main advantage, allowing it to insulate even structures with electrically heated floors.

To install a dry screed, as the technology of insulation using gypsum fiber is called, a minimum of knowledge and time is required - it is enough to follow the correct operating algorithm. In addition, it is worth knowing that gypsum fiber is very poorly resistant to moisture, and the cost of the material is quite high.

Cork

To make such thermal insulation, cork oak bark is used. As a rule, cork insulation is produced in the format of slabs, the thickness of which varies from 25 to 50 cm. The slabs can be based on cork granules connected with resin, or pre-crushed pressed cork bark.

Cork insulation has many advantages:

• Environmental Safety;
• Light weight;
• High strength;
• Good ductility;
• Excellent resistance to dampness and mold;
• Easy to install and work with the material;
• Non-flammability and absence of toxic emissions during smoldering;
• Long service life - cork can last more than 50 years.

Among the disadvantages of cork insulation, we can only highlight high cost material.

Expanded clay

Expanded clay belongs to the category of bulk insulation materials. Thermal insulation using expanded clay has been used for a very long time - this material has become popular for its good thermal insulation characteristics and ability to absorb moisture without consequences.

Most main problem When installing such insulation, it is necessary to create a layer of thermal insulation with a thickness of at least 15 cm - this is far from the thinnest floor insulation. However, there will not be any particular difficulties with this - the work can be easily done with your own hands and, for the most part, only requires time.

Polyurethane foam

A good insulation option for any surface is polyurethane foam spraying. Polyurethane foam is a small capsule filled with air. To use this material, no hydro or vapor barrier is required. In addition, polyurethane foam applied to the floor practically does not absorb moisture.

This material has many advantages, among which are:

• Undemanding to surface leveling;
• Quick installation;
• No joints;
• Excellent elasticity;
• Neutral reaction to mold and microorganisms.

The main disadvantage of polyurethane foam insulation is the difficulty of spraying - it is impossible to carry out this work yourself without the proper skills.

Cellulose wool

Cellulose wool is a material made from wood fibers with a fine-grained structure. Laying this material can be carried out using two technologies - wet and dry. When using the wet method, the cotton wool is blown out moistened, which allows you to create a monolithic coating. Dry installation looks somewhat simpler - for this you need to fill the cotton wool and compact it.

The advantages of cellulose wool include the following qualities:

• Integrity of the coating;
• Low cost;
• Good thermal insulation performance;
• There is no need to install a vapor barrier.

The main disadvantages of cotton wool are:

• Flammability;
• Weak ductility and poor compressive strength;
• Difficult to install.

Conclusion

The insulation materials presented are the most popular and are used quite often. To choose which insulation to use for the floor, you need to understand the characteristics of all thermal insulation materials and choose the best option for a particular situation.

Insulation of a private house

If your country house is not able to retain heat at the proper level, and you constantly freeze in it in winter, then you should think about insulating it. Of course, you can light the fireplace, turn on an electric heater in each room and thus spend the cold winter evenings. But in order to solve this problem once and for all and not spend fabulous sums on gas and electricity bills during the cold season, it is better to insulate your country cottage. After this, you will not only live in warmth, peace and comfort in winter, but will also save energy.

Stages of insulation

Insulation process country house consists of a number of stages:

• foundation insulation,
• floor insulation,
• wall insulation (internal and external),
• ceiling insulation,
• roof insulation.

Below in the article we will look at some of these stages in detail.

In order to achieve maximum effect from the insulation carried out, the house should be insulated comprehensively. It is very important to use only high-quality materials.

Thermal imaging

Many people believe that insulating a building with the help of professionals is much better. This is explained by the specifics of the specialist’s work. As a rule, a built cottage loses heat due to its design flaws. It is best to identify these shortcomings and identify all weak spots at home using thermal imaging. Having identified weak points, the specialist will be able to pay maximum attention to them. And only a professional with his own special equipment can take such a photo.

Wall insulation

As mentioned above, insulation of the house should be carried out as a whole. Very often, the heat loss distribution diagram shows that most of the heat is lost through the walls of the house. Therefore, it is better to start insulating a house from the walls.

Wall insulation can be:

There are a number of features that need to be taken into account.

When combining internal and external wall insulation, certain proportions must be observed - the level of thermal resistance external insulation should be three times the internal level.

Internal walls

As a result of internal insulation of the walls, the enclosing structure does not accumulate heat. Over time, fungus may appear on the walls inside the house, as condensation will occur between the wall and the insulation layer.

Another significant drawback of using only this type of insulation is the fact that the walls will be in the sub-zero temperature zone in winter.

External walls

If external wall insulation is used, then all of the above disadvantages are absent. In addition, this type of wall insulation will provide the house with a much longer service life. This is explained by the fact that with external insulation, the possibility of the formation of various fungi on the walls and the house with outside it turns out to be additionally protected from the negative effects of environmental factors.

The only drawback of external wall insulation is the seasonality of the work, since this insulation can be carried out only in the warm season.

Conventionally, external wall insulation is divided into three main methods:

• laying insulation with inside enclosing structures,
• laying insulation inside building envelopes,
• laying insulation on the outside of the building envelope (this system is called a wet-type system).

Choice of insulation

After you have chosen a method of insulation for your home, you need to choose the right material for future work. Various materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion, which must be taken into account when choosing a material. If this has not been taken into account, the material may deform over time and cracks will appear on it.

When using wet-type insulation, an important parameter is vapor permeability, as well as calculation of moisture transfer. That is, the moisture that will accumulate in winter as a result of temperature changes must be summer period completely removed. Such calculations should be carried out taking into account the level of average temperatures in your area. If this factor is neglected, then excess moisture will lead to the appearance of fungi.

Insulation of floors

Insulation of floors in the house should be carried out comprehensively. This is the only way to achieve a good result. Since concrete has a high level of thermal conductivity, during construction country houses It is recommended to insulate foundations from the outside.

Before you start insulating the floor of the house, if there is a basement or basement, first insulate them. When insulating, the floor should not be raised higher than the waterproofing layer between the foundation and the brick.

Stages of work

Typically, floor insulation is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Place crushed stone on the ground (layer thickness should be 10cm).
2. A layer of sand is poured over the crushed stone (the thickness of the layer should also be 10 cm).
3. Thermal insulation boards are laid.
4. Lay a layer of waterproofing.
5. Concrete screed is made.
6. Lay the floor covering.

This floor insulation algorithm is the simplest, but there are others. They are selected in accordance with the functional properties of the future floor.

The most common schemes for installing floor insulation in country cottages are the following:

• Above the underground.
• Floors in wet conditions.
• Floors in a cold attic.
• Floors laid with heating cables.
• Floors above the basement.

  Thermal insulation of the house

Ceiling insulation

Heat loss from ceilings is about ten percent. And although at first glance this figure does not seem so significant, we are considering the insulation of a house as a whole.

To insulate ceilings, it is very important to choose good material. Preference should be given to safe and environmentally friendly materials. In the event of a fire, fire and hot air tend to rise, so it is very important that the materials chosen are not flammable and do not emit choking smoke.

The following materials are suitable for insulating the ceiling:

• ecowool,
• mineral wool,
• polyethylene films,
• polypropylene films.

The listed materials are inexpensive and meet all the above requirements.

Insulating the floor in the attic

If in country house If there is an attic, then the ceiling insulation is carried out in two stages. First, it is necessary to insulate the floor in the attic, and only then the ceiling itself.

First attached to the ceiling vapor barrier material, then lay insulation (for example, sheets of mineral wool). A layer of waterproofing - a waterproofing film - is placed on top of the insulation. After last stage The insulation of the ceilings in the house can be considered complete. Next, the ceilings can be sheathed with clapboards, or a suspended ceiling system can be installed.

Video. Proper insulation of house walls. Outside or inside? Physics of the process

Video. Insulation of the facade of a private residential building

Thermal insulation, insulation

How to insulate floors in a private house with your own hands?

A well-insulated house is always more comfortable. And heating costs are much lower. In this article we will tell you about how you can properly insulate a house, both during the construction process and when it has already been built. You will learn what materials are used and, most importantly, how to do it yourself, without resorting to the services of professionals.

What can you do if the house is cold despite heating?

When building a house, special attention should be paid to insulation, especially floor insulation. If this is not done, the house will always be cold and damp. It will be necessary to increase the heating power, therefore, you will face additional material costs. Isn't it easier to make high-quality insulation? Below we will talk about how you can do this relatively easily with your own hands. Well, if you hired builders, then based on the material in the article, you can always monitor their work.

It all starts with the foundation

Insulation of a shallow strip foundation

Yes, even at the very initial stage of construction, care should be taken to insulate and waterproof the foundation. For example, you are building a small house on a shallow strip foundation - the simplest and least expensive way to build a foundation for a building. In this case, it is recommended to stick cheap insulation, for example, foam plastic, on the sides of the finished concrete strip, and lay roofing material on top. Both polystyrene foam and roofing felt can be glued to bitumen mastic. The roofing felt strips are overlapped and the seams are sealed with a blowtorch.

Before erecting the walls, waterproofing of 2 layers of roofing material is laid on the upper part of the foundation.

Only these fairly simple measures will not allow dampness to penetrate into the concrete, it will not freeze in winter, which means that it will become much more comfortable to live in such a house, because there will be no heat leakage. And the service life of the foundation will increase many times.

Insulation of slab foundations

In private construction on heterogeneous soils, a monolithic reinforced concrete slab is often used as a foundation. It is insulated in the same way, only the insulation and waterproofing are laid over the entire upper surface of the base, except for those places where the walls will be erected. Only waterproofing is attached in these places.

Basement insulation

If it is planned to build a basement under the house, then a recessed one is built strip foundation. Insulation and waterproofing during the construction of such a foundation is carried out both from the outside and from the inside. Both the floor and ceiling of the basement must be insulated. From the inside, the basement is often insulated with a material called “liquid rubber”. Insulation is glued onto it, and the finishing cladding is mounted on top of the sheathing.

Important! Insulation should always be done together with waterproofing.

What to do if the house has already been built?

Here, of course, there will be more work, but insulation is still possible, you just have to dig trenches around the perimeter of the building to the depth of the foundation and insulate it from the sides. If the house already has floors, then they will have to be dismantled, if they are wooden, remove linoleum or other covering, if a cement screed is used as the floor. To insulate the floor inside the house, you can use both cheap materials and higher quality ones, for example, penoplex. It costs, of course, more than foam plastic or mineral wool, but has many advantages :

• insulation sheets have different sizes and thicknesses, which allows you to choose the most suitable for a given room;

• Each sheet has a tenon joint, which avoids gaps during installation.

If, after all, foam plastic is chosen as insulation, then all the cracks need to be “blown out” polyurethane foam. If this is not done, cold “bridges” will form.

When insulating with penoplex or other similar material, the joints are taped. When insulating the floor inside the house, it is recommended to lay a vapor barrier made of foil polyethylene over the insulation. It is attached on top of the insulation with double-sided tape. It is necessary to provide a gap around the perimeter of the room 1 cm wide. It will not allow the screed to crack due to temperature changes. This seam can be covered with foam vinyl.

Floor installation

Well, the insulation is done, now you can start installing the floor. If you want to pour a cement screed, it is recommended to lay a metal mesh over the surface of the insulation. It will make the screed more durable and prevent it from cracking and crumbling over time. It is recommended to lay high-quality insulated linoleum or carpet on the screed.

If possible, it is best to use a wooden floor rather than a screed.

Thermal insulation materials: types and properties

To do this, logs are laid on top of the insulation, onto which the floorboards are attached. In this case, the air space between the insulation and the floor surface will create additional insulation. Floorboards should be selected good quality and install them according to all the rules, that is, fit them tightly tenon joints using wedges. This will prevent gaps from forming between the floor boards.

Advantages of insulation

• dampness will disappear in the house, therefore, comfort will increase;

• even in winter cement floor you will be able to walk barefoot, which is important if there are small children in the house, because they play on the floor;

• heating costs will be significantly reduced.

Some nuances

When insulating an already built house, be prepared for the fact that you will have to rehang the doors, as the floor will rise. Of course, such work, like all other insulation work, requires a certain investment of money and time, but it pays off handsomely. In addition, you can do everything yourself, which will save you a lot.

Video: Insulating the floor in a private house - tips and tricks

How to level the walls in a private house yourself?

How to insulate a facade wooden house? Instructions

What is the best way to insulate a wooden house from the inside and what are the disadvantages of internal insulation? Materials for walls, floors and ceilings

Insulating a wooden house from the inside is advisable, unless the owner does not want to spoil the natural beauty of the natural material from the outside.

It is a pity to cover a log house or a facade made of timber with other finishing material, and in this case it is necessary to insulate the walls from the inside. Interior work include insulation of walls, floors, ceilings, taking into account the number of floors and the attic and roof.

Only environmentally friendly materials are suitable for insulating a house from the inside in order to keep the indoor microclimate healthy.

Review of types and characteristics of insulation materials, their areas of application

It is allowed to use safer penofol, as well as universal material for insulation of any buildings and structures with mineral wool.

Advantages of insulating a wooden house from the inside

The main advantage has already been mentioned above. This is an opportunity to leave the facade of the house in in kind. In addition, the floors inside the house can be insulated, which is very important for maintaining a healthy indoor microclimate.

Why can’t you insulate a wooden house from the inside?

Of course, you can do this, but external insulation has a number of advantages over internal insulation.

Experts advise using this insulation method in isolated cases when external insulation is actually impossible. This is explained by a number of shortcomings, which should be mentioned in more detail.

The main disadvantage of internal thermal insulation in a wooden house is the shift of the dew point deeper into the wall. This will further lead to the formation of mold there and rotting of the wood.

Among other disadvantages, the following are important:

• lack of natural ventilation of the walls;
• violation of the indoor microclimate;
• reduction usable area Houses.

In addition, none of the insulation materials, except jute and felt, can be considered 100% environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is better to insulate the house from the outside. But if this is not possible, you need to choose the most suitable materials for internal insulation.

How can you insulate a wooden house from the inside?

Warm seam

Special sealant for log cabins. Used indoors to insulate seams between logs on the facade and ceiling. Relevant if the owner wants to keep the log house in its original form, without covering it with finishing materials.

Warm seam for insulation inside a wooden house

To maintain complete environmental friendliness, you can replace sealants with jute, felt or linen tape and caulk the seams with them.

The cost of caulking seams inside a house ranges from 120 to 250 rubles per linear meter. This is a very affordable price even for families with a small budget. Therefore, it is recommended to invite specialists to insulate the log house; only they can guarantee high quality of work.

Mineral wool

A universal insulation material that is most often used outside. Affordable cost and high thermal insulation performance make this material the most popular among developers.

The insulation technology is the same for both walls and ceilings.

Positive properties of mineral wool:

• high environmental friendliness, especially in modern materials where formaldehyde is replaced with safer components;
• affordable cost the material is considered the cheapest option for insulation inside a wooden house;
• good thermal insulation and noise insulation properties;
• non-flammability;
• durability the material does not rot and is not susceptible to fungal diseases;
• good vapor permeability indicators, which, by the way, is both an advantage and a disadvantage.

TO negative properties can be attributed:

• the same vapor permeability, due to which a microclimate unfavorable for human lungs can be created indoors;
• shrinkage when wet;
• the need to cover the walls with facing material (to create a false wall).

Features of mineral wool insulation of walls and ceilings of a wooden house

Unlike external insulation, inside the material is glued directly to the wall, then it is sheathed with a vapor barrier.

It is best to use a special vapor barrier that allows air from the room to pass outside. This will create additional natural ventilation insulation. Even if it gets wet, the cotton wool will be able to dry due to the permeability properties of the vapor barrier.

A sheathing, timber or metallic profile, on which it is already attached facing material, drywall, board, lining, imitation timber and so on.

Expanded polystyrene

Polymer material based on foam, but without chemically harmful components. Suitable for insulation inside a wooden house.

The photo shows extruded polystyrene foam Penoplex

The advantages include good thermal insulation properties, light weight, durability and moisture resistance.

Features of polystyrene foam insulation

When choosing this material, you may encounter concepts such as foamed and extruded polystyrene foam. Essentially, this is the same material, the only difference is in the methods of its manufacture.

The main features of polystyrene foam insulation are the need to carefully level the surface and seal the seams between the sheets. Old boards need to be cleaned of unevenness and roughness, and the material is not suitable at all for a log house.

The joints between the sheets of material are foamed and cleaned after the foam has dried. Just like mineral wool, expanded polystyrene is suitable for insulating not only walls, but also ceilings.

Polyurethane foam

The material of the future, which is applied in liquid form using a special apparatus. To insulate with polyurethane foam, it is necessary to install a frame, which is filled with foam under pressure. It hardens quickly and forms a monolithic protective layer insulation.

Spraying polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam will reliably protect the house not only from cold and external noise, but will also provide additional guarantees of safety in case of fire.

The disadvantages include the complexity of finishing work after insulation with this material. It needs to be plastered using a special mesh.

Insulation of floors in a wooden house

In addition to the listed methods of insulation, which, as an option, are also suitable for floors, there are several more.

Warm floor

The Warm Floor system using IR film is expensive, but at the moment it is the most optimal energy-saving option, which also creates special coziness and comfort.

Backfill and poured floors

Insulation with expanded clay and pouring concrete are relevant for the floors of the first and basement floors. The advantages include good thermal insulation properties and affordable cost of materials.

There are also options for water and electric floors:

Before starting work on internal insulation, it is recommended to consult with specialists. Perhaps there will be a way to insulate the facade externally, and then the only work left inside will be to insulate the floors.

First you need to consider the benefits of high-quality sound insulation. Sound-absorbing materials should ideally provide:

• the opportunity to relax and unwind;
• absence of extraneous sounds that interfere with concentration on a specific activity;
• full sleep.

It is impossible to achieve complete 100% noise isolation, and besides, there is no such need for this. It is enough to reduce extraneous sounds to a level where they do not cause irritation and do not interfere with proper rest. Sound insulation materials will cope with this task perfectly.

It is known that noise is the sound vibrations of air. They are capable of influencing a person, most often negatively.

Sounds that cause irritation include:

• loud conversations behind the wall of neighbors in the apartment;
• sounds of power tools during construction and repair work;
• activities of household appliances;
• extraneous noise from the street;
• operation of communication systems;
• many other actions that are unpleasant for our hearing.

Sound insulation materials that can be used to ensure high-quality sound insulation of walls and partitions in a new building or a residential building built long ago are varied. These include polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, mineral wool and cork. You will learn about them in this article.

Polystyrene foam is a modern product for soundproofing an apartment or house. This is a foamed plastic gas-filled mass of white color.

Its main volume is occupied by gas, the density of which is much lower than the density of the polymer - the main raw material of the product. This is due to the high heat and sound insulation properties of polystyrene foam.

Technical characteristics and properties of polystyrene foam

Polystyrene foam is produced both domestically and foreign manufacturers. The Knauf Corporation produces it using a non-press method from foamed polystyrene. Each cell is composed of dense cells, and each cell contains 98% air and 2% polystyrene.

If you need foam plastic, then as an example you can use products that are made from environmentally friendly raw materials. A fire retardant is added to the composition, so this material:

• does not burn;
• not subject to rotting;
• not afraid of exposure to microorganisms;
• has a high service life.

Polystyrene foam is one of the most popular materials for insulating partitions in apartments. First of all, this is due to its physical and chemical properties, safety and operational characteristics.

The table below describes the main parameters.

Thanks to modern technologies and equipment, it is currently possible to produce foam plastic of various mechanical strength, density, and resistance to all kinds of influences. Products made from it are safe for humans, therefore they are widely used in the food industry; goods and products intended for our nutrition are packaged in it.

Polystyrene foam is widely used in other industries and has the following advantages:

• resistant to moisture and aging;
• microorganisms cannot influence it;
• it's easy to work with, it cuts hand saw or with a knife;
• easily glues with other materials intended for partitions and walls in an apartment or outside the house;
• easy to install.

Polystyrene foam is a waterproof material, but at the same time it has a high level of breathability. The temperature in which it is located is not capable of exerting negative impact on the properties of the material. For example, at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius, the foam will not change its properties over a long period.

Many developers, when choosing materials for sound insulation in a residential area, opt for foam plastic. First of all, it is necessary to note its operational technical properties:

1. Low thermal conductivity, due to which the air is evenly distributed inside the material.
2. Durability. Subject to all operating conditions, the foam will last a long time. Even over time, it is not able to change its properties.
3. Resistance to various damages - weak acids, alkalis, moisture. It is important that the material is chemically neutral.

The industry produces GOST 15588-86 foam grades listed in the table.

And the indicators for physical and mechanical properties must comply with GOST standards, which are indicated in the table below.

In order to install polystyrene foam on the wall, use special glue or a dowel with a wide head.

Let's consider the first option. Some experts prefer dry mixtures to cement based, which are distinguished by their durability, reliability and high level of adhesion.

But you can also use aerosol polyurethane types in your work. The laying technology consists of the following stages:

1. The slabs are laid on a starting strip, which is secured around the perimeter of the surface to be treated. This is done using dowels, the pitch is 300-400 mm.
2. The surface must be clean, free of dust and dirt.
3. Dissolve the glue. The packaging contains precise instructions: cold water pour in the mixture and stir using a construction mixer. Then the composition is left for 5 minutes to mature and mixed again.
4. Using a spatula, glue is applied to the slabs, spreading it evenly around the perimeter and with a few slaps in the middle.
5. The foam is placed on the bar and pressed firmly in the places where the glue is located.
6. Care must be taken to ensure that the slab does not become distorted. You can control this process using a level. Inaccuracies are corrected by lightly tapping the plate with your hand or a hammer. But do not forget to do this through a wooden block so as not to destroy the foam.
7. The slabs are laid horizontally from below. The next row is already performed in a checkerboard pattern, so that a bandage of joints is formed.
8. The seams are filled with glue, and any excess is removed using a spatula. Next, the glue is allowed to dry, sometimes it takes 2-3 days.

The second option makes it possible to fix the foam using a special dowel. It has a wide cap, which makes its contact with the surface significantly increased and it reliably presses the slab against the wall. A hole of the required depth is drilled in the wall using a hammer drill. There should be 5 such holes per sheet - in the corners and in the middle.

The dowel should sink into the foam and not protrude from it. Otherwise, when puttingty you will have to waste a lot of material. Just don’t press too hard, otherwise the foam will crack.

Sometimes, for reliability, professionals stick polystyrene foam onto the wall and secure each sheet with dowels. This method is common in cases where the wall surface is uneven. Then the glue is applied in the corners and in the center of the slab. The foam is then pressed onto the base. And then at the same points it is attracted by plastic dowels - “fungi”, adjusting the evenness of the sheet along the plane and fixing it in a given position.

Many experts believe that polystyrene foam is better suited for soundproofing partitions and walls. It is easy to install, does not require any special skills, is easy to cut with a knife and lasts a long time.

Before we begin a descriptive description of expanded polystyrene, it is necessary to distinguish between it and polystyrene foam. There is an opinion that this is the same sound-absorbing material, since the composition is identical - air and styrene (hydrogen + carbon).

So, the differences between expanded polystyrene and polystyrene foam are as follows:

1. Different manufacturing technologies - the first is produced by dry steam treatment, the second by melting polystyrene foam granules.
2. Differences in the characteristics of production methods.

Technical characteristics and properties of polystyrene foam

This product is as well known in construction as polystyrene foam. Many people choose expanded polystyrene because it has:

1. High strength - the material never crumbles, bending resistance is 5-6 times higher than polystyrene foam. That is why it is better to use it in places that are sometimes subject to mechanical stress, for example, for partitions in an apartment.
2. High sound insulation rate due to the presence of many voids in the polymer.
3. The density is several times higher than the parameters of foam plastic, so its weight is greater.

Expanded polystyrene is a material whose characteristics in some cases exceed those of foam plastic. Despite this, the latter polymer is recommended for use in cases with light loads, where the use of expensive materials is not required.

In accordance with GOST 30244-94, the fire hazard of untreated polystyrene foam has a flammability class of G4. This means that its ignition can occur from:

• match flame;
• blowtorch;
• autogenous welding sparks.

The material stores energy from the heat source, spreads the fire, and initiates flame intensification. The fire safety rating depends on the additives used in the production of the material. The ignition temperature regime is determined by the certification class.

Regular polystyrene foam (G4) for a short time reaches 1200 °C, and having special additives (fire retardants) in its composition, it reduces the combustion temperature and corresponds to the G1 flammability class.

When polystyrene foam burns, it produces toxic smoke. In ordinary material, it is 36 times larger in volume than wood, in particular, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen bromide and other substances are released. And depending on the impurities that are part of the polystyrene foam, the smoke acquires varying intensity and degree of release of harmful substances.

Products made of expanded polystyrene with flammability class G4 are not allowed for use in construction. We use only material modified with special additives. It is called self-extinguishing and has a flammability class of G1. Domestic manufacturers mark it with the letter “S” (PSB-S).

To ensure high-quality sound insulation of partitions in rooms, it is recommended to pay attention to a polymer whose thickness is 2-3 cm. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account that as the thickness increases, the sound insulating qualities will increase. Before purchasing, break off a piece of material; if at the break site it has granules in the shape of regular polyhedra, then the polymer is of high quality.

Consider in the table below the dimensions, volume and weight of polystyrene foam sheets produced by Knauf Corporation:

Expanded polystyrene boards are considered one of the most affordable sound insulators on the construction market. They can withstand loads of 6 t/m2, are easy to install and durable.

Polyurethane foam

Soundproofing materials include materials such as polyurethane foam. This is a type of plastic with a cellular foam structure. The composition of the material is dominated by a gaseous substance, the content of which varies from 85% to 90% of the total mass. The polymer consists of many thousands of cells, each of which is isolated from the others.

There are two types of polyurethane foam:

1. Foam rubber is an elastic type of polymer, the density of which reaches from 5-35% per 1 m 3.
2. Rigid polyurethane foam, available in more than thirty grades (suitable for insulating indoor partitions).

The characteristics of rigid polyurethane foam used for soundproofing walls and partitions in rooms include:

• low thermal conductivity;
• light weight;
• high level of strength;
• no need to use fastening elements;
• high anti-corrosion protection of metal structures;
• there are no cold bridges in this polymer;
• insulation can take different forms;
• Confirmed environmental friendliness - in accordance with hygienic standards, it can be used in the refrigerator for food.

Spraying of polymer is possible on many materials (which is where its versatility is demonstrated) - on wood, glass surface, metal and other coatings. In this case, the surface configuration does not matter. An important point is the resistance of the polymer to acid and the possibility of use in soil.

When working with polyurethane foam, you must remember that direct exposure is not advisable for it. sun rays.

The durability of polyurethane foam is 25-30 years, subject to the rules of use. The excellent climate-resistant parameters of the material have been confirmed, in particular its resistance to moisture. According to the flammability class, it belongs to categories G1-G4. The polymer contains fire retardants that prevent the spread of fire.

When exposed to open flame, the material tends to burn. But in its deep layers the flame does not spread. This is explained by the cellular structure of the material and the fact that it contains trichlorethyl phosphate, a fire retardant. Therefore, this material of flammability groups G1 and G2 is allowed to be used in kindergartens and school institutions.

Polyurethane foam is also resistant to microorganisms and rotting processes.

The physical properties of this material can be considered in the following table.

The popularity of this building material is explained by the fact that specialists have the opportunity to obtain it directly at the site of use. Liquid products, when mixed in certain proportions, create a chemical reaction with simultaneous foaming. Which is sometimes very convenient and physically justified during construction processes.

Just remember that working with polyurethane foam requires specialized equipment and personal protective equipment.

If you are interested in information about polyurethane foam and all its properties, then more detailed information can be found in the article “”

Basalt wool

Sound-absorbing materials include mineral wool, known as basalt wool. It is used for soundproofing walls, decorative partitions and ceilings in the apartment. Products made from it are supplied in the form of slabs or rolls.

The table below shows the types of components and specifications.

This material has many advantages, among which thermal insulation stands out. This quality is confirmed by the low thermal conductivity coefficient; heat loss is the lowest of all heat insulators. In addition to the above qualities, there are a number of advantages:

1. The material does not collapse when exposed to aggressive environments or chemicals. Basalt wool does not externally change its appearance and does not lose its qualities. She is not afraid of fungi and microorganisms.
2. The durability of the material is guaranteed by the manufacturer; it reaches 30-40 years. True, experts say that it is possible to add a couple of decades to this period. Its fibers are short in length and are randomly located in basalt wool. And this ensures high mechanical characteristics throughout for long years operation.
3. The structure of the material is not afraid of vibrations.
4. Basalt wool tolerates ultraviolet radiation better than others.
5. Temperature changes do not affect the technical characteristics of the material.
6. Basalt wool perfectly absorbs extraneous noise, loud and harsh sounds.

The table shows the sound absorption coefficients of some building materials.

The use of high-quality mineral wool cannot guarantee reliable sound insulation, since the material is constituent element sound-absorbing structure, the construction of which requires taking into account proven techniques.

Mineral wool slabs with a synthetic binder are manufactured according to GOST 9573-96 and have the dimensions shown in the table.

The physical and mechanical properties of the material must correspond to the following characteristics.

Products are marked according to GOST 25880 with mandatory indication of release time and symbol. Each package is marked with a “Keep away from moisture” sign. GOST 14192. Basalt wool is a non-flammable material, so when heated it does not release toxins or other harmful substances. No less important indicator is the smoke-forming ability of basalt, which does not emit smoke. It is installed quite simply - the slab is laid between the profiles and holds perfectly. You can also secure it with cement-based glue, as in the cases described above with polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene.

Many people believe that basalt wool is harmful to health. This is debatable. It does not emit odors and its properties are similar to natural basalt stone. True, phenol and formaldehyde resins are used as binders, but if the necessary standards and requirements were observed during the production of the material, harmful substances remain in a bound state. Therefore, we can state the fact that basalt wool is harmless to human health and the environment.

An excellent option to solve the problem of sound insulation is to cover the walls with cork.

This coating is one of the environmentally friendly materials, since the material has a natural composition. Cork is able to retain heat, is reliable and durable. An equally important advantage is the aesthetic appearance.

Cork is commercially available in two types:

1. Soundproofing panels.
2. Rolls (film).

To attach it to the walls, you must use an adhesive composition. Internal structure The material is represented by a huge number of tiny bubbles that perfectly retain heat inside. In addition, this structure helps to improve the acoustic picture in the rooms.

Soundproofing panels have the following characteristics:

• a light weight - light material, does not sink in water;
• elasticity - even after applying high pressure, the panel returns to its original shape;
• tightness - due to the presence of tree bark, the material becomes impermeable to substances in liquid and gaseous states;
• high water resistance;
• hypoallergenic - the stove does not absorb dust, therefore it is not capable of provoking allergic reactions;
• fire resistance - it does not contribute to the spread of fire, in addition, when ignited, it does not release toxins, which is confirmed SNiP 03/23/2003;
• the internal structure of the slab provides excellent soundproofing properties, so its use will ensure peace and quiet in the house;
• durability due to the unique structure of soundproofing boards and their qualities - elasticity and elasticity. Even through a long period Over time, the material will not lose its original properties.

The cork is natural product, the connecting link in which is made of polyurethane. The thickness of the slab depends on the type - varies from 0.6 to 1.2 mm. It is recommended to protect the material from prolonged exposure to sunlight. The ability of cork to dampen vibrations provides a significant reduction in noise in the room where it is used.

Soundproofing a room using cork is an excellent option for new buildings that do not require the use of special materials to ensure noise isolation. Cork can be used for walls, ceilings and decorative partitions, as evidenced by numerous reviews from experts.

The characteristics of this material can be found in the table.

For a more detailed explanation, we studied this material and described our observations and research in the article “”

If you choose sound-absorbing materials for walls, decorative partitions or ceilings in a new building, it is necessary to rely not only on the performance properties or advantages of a particular polymer, it is also recommended to pay attention to the technical properties of the product. The presented table includes a comparison of all materials considered in technical terms. To carry out the analogy, the following indicators were used: density, thermal conductivity, porosity, durability, operating temperature. Taking into account each of these parameters, you will make the right choice in favor of one product or another. Technical properties of soundproofing materials

So, all of the listed soundproofing materials can demonstrate their qualities only in a correctly assembled structure. They are distinguished by high parameters for each indicator, which determines the popularity of their use.

The construction industry offers many various types thermal insulation materials. Despite their diversity, they can be divided into several main types. The most used materials for thermal insulation:

• mineral wool insulation;
• expanded polystyrene and its extruded modification;
• foamed polyethylene with metallized coating;
• polyurethane foam.

Each of the listed insulation options has its own strengths and weak sides and optimal area of ​​application.

Properties of mineral wool insulation

Mineral wool is a modern modification of glass wool and does not have many of the disadvantages of the latter. It is made from waste from the metallurgical industry with the addition of processed basalt rocks. Available in the form of mats and rolls of various sizes.

The disadvantages of mineral wool insulation include significant specific gravity, gradual subsidence under the influence of its own gravity and “dusting” during installation.

These thermal insulation materials have the following advantages:

• high thermal insulation ability;
• good noise absorption;
• fire resistance;
• low cost.

Widely used for insulation of floors, walls, roofs, attics and basements. Used as a heat insulator for ventilated facade systems.

Expanded polystyrene - insulation characteristics

It is a foamed polymer material with high heat-insulating characteristics. It is used, like basalt insulation, when processing all structural elements of the house.

Positive differences:

• light weight;
• high sound insulation;
• good vapor barrier and compression resistance;
• resistance to moisture, chemical and biological factors;
• ease of installation.

Disadvantages: fragility, low fire resistance and the ability to release toxic compounds upon fire.

There is an extruded analogue of PPS on sale, which has best characteristics in terms of density, plasticity and moisture resistance. Extruded polystyrene foam - modern insulation material. It is more durable and stable, easy to process, but its cost is higher than conventional foam. The areas of application of both varieties are similar.

A modern heat insulator consisting of foamed polyethylene and aluminum foil. There are many varieties available, varying in thickness, the presence of self-adhesive film and the number of reflective layers (there may be one or two).

Advantages of insulation:

• Small thickness with high thermal insulation ability. A sheet of penofol corresponds to the efficiency of a mineral wool board, which is 20 times thicker than it.
• Good vapor barrier;
• Protects from external influences of moisture and wind;
• Versatility. Thanks to the reflective ability of the foil, it protects against all types of heat loss: convection, thermal conductivity and radiation;
• Environmental cleanliness;
• Easy to cut and install.

It is successfully used wherever materials for thermal insulation are in demand: in construction, industry, automotive, and defense. In the residential sector it is used as insulation of any elements of buildings, water supply and sewerage pipelines, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Indispensable as a reflector installed between the heating radiator and the wall.

Polyurethane foam for thermal insulation

A progressive method of insulation, consisting of spraying a liquid composition onto the surface to be insulated. The hardened and expanded polymer creates reliable protection from the cold. Thermal insulation materials such as polyethylene foam and polyurethane foam are the most effective technical solutions.

The advantages of PPU include:

• low thermal conductivity;
• seamless technology that does not form cold bridges;
• good adhesion to most building materials;
• accessibility of the most difficult places;
• anti-corrosion properties;
• resistance to moisture, fungi and mold;
• noise protection properties;
• durability.

The weak point is the instability to direct action sun rays. This can be prevented by painting or using polyurethane foam as a heat insulator in curtain facades. Therefore, polyurethane foam is used everywhere where the materials listed above are used.

Polyurethane foam is applied using sophisticated equipment operating under high pressure, and using expensive components. Only qualified specialists can carry out this work. This explains the high cost of this method.

The technologies presented above are not all insulation options. residential buildings. There are other materials for thermal insulation: expanded clay, insulating plaster, foam rubber, perlite, insulation made from recycled hemp and flax, non-woven insulating fiber, foam glass and others. They account for less than 5% of the total volume of heat insulators used. The main types of materials used were discussed above.

Thermal insulation materials are products for construction that have low level thermal conductivity. They are intended for insulation of buildings, technical insulation and protection of cold chambers from heating.

To decide on the choice of material for thermal insulation, you need to know its properties and characteristics. It is important that the material has low thermal conductivity. The latter is ensured by the movement of molecules that transfer heat. Thermal insulation materials help slow down their movement.

Important properties of insulation materials

Thermal insulators are building materials with a low thermal conductivity coefficient. If thermal insulation is used to retain heat internally in a building, the materials are called insulation.

Materials for thermal insulation must have a number of properties:

• low thermal conductivity;
• porous structure;
• density;
• vapor permeability;
• water absorption;
• biosustainability;
• fire resistance;
• fire safety;
• temperature stability;
• heat capacity;
• frost resistance.

Common types of insulation

There are quite a few types of materials for thermal insulation, one of them is insulation with a fibrous structure, which includes mineral wool. It has high porosity, approximately 95% of its volume is air. That is why mineral wool has good thermal insulation properties and is often used to insulate buildings. Its production is quite affordable, and therefore the price too. The advantages of mineral wool include:

• does not retain moisture;
• does not burn;
• provides sound insulation;
• long service life.

It is worth noting that when moisture gets on the material, it loses its thermal insulation properties. When installing mineral wool, it is necessary to use a hydro- and vapor barrier film.

Glass wool is made from fibers that are obtained from quartz sand, soda, and lime. Materials for thermal insulation can be purchased in the form of a roll, plate or shell. According to its characteristics, it resembles mineral wool, but a little stronger and dampens noise to a greater extent. The disadvantage is the low level of temperature stability.

Foam glass is made by sintering gas-forming agents with glass powder; it is produced in the form of slabs or blocks. Its structure has a porosity of up to 95%, which provides excellent thermal insulation properties. Foam glass is a fairly durable material for thermal insulation, with the following characteristics:

• frost resistance;
• water resistance;
• incombustibility;
• strength;
• long service life.

Disadvantages - high price and vapor tightness

Cellulose wool - wood fiber material with a fine-grained structure, which consists of 80% wood fibers, 12% fire retardant and the remaining 8% antiseptic. Thermal insulation material is laid using two methods: dry and wet. For wet method installations use a special installation, with the help of which wet cellulose wadding is blown out. Thus, the adhesive properties of pectin are activated. The dry method can be done manually or using special equipment. Cellulose wool is poured in and compacted to a certain density. Cotton wool is quite affordable and has good insulation properties.

Materials for thermal insulation are quite varied, so it is necessary to study the properties in order to make a choice. After all, each building requires a certain material.

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