Types of insulation, their properties and characteristics. Types and characteristics of modern thermal insulation materials Examples of thermal insulation materials

Nowadays, thanks to new technologies, more and more different modern insulation materials with improved characteristics are appearing. Liquid thermal insulation for walls is one of the relatively new developments, which will significantly speed up and facilitate the process of insulating walls both outside and inside the building.

Comfort in an apartment or house directly depends on normal temperature indoors, which is why the vast majority of house and apartment owners today think about thermal insulation of walls. Modern technologies make it possible to provide external thermal insulation of the surfaces of the house, even if the apartment is located on one of the upper floors– for this, not only insulation in the form of slabs or mats is used, but also liquid compositions that are easier to use.

As a result of carrying out such thermal insulation work outside the building, the generated heat will be retained inside it, preventing the premises from cooling down winter period and even overheat - on hot summer days. In addition, liquid insulation is able to protect walls from moisture penetration and temperature changes, thereby preventing erosion of building materials, the appearance of condensation and mold colonies on load-bearing walls.

What can be classified as liquid insulation?

Today on the market you can find several types of liquid insulation, made from various materials and differing in application technology.

• liquid ceramic compositions;
• liquid polystyrene foam or penoizol;
• sprayed ecowool.

Each of the materials has its own characteristics, its own “pros” and “cons,” and differences in the area of ​​application. What these insulation materials have in common is the ease of application to the surface, which does not take much time. Thus, using such materials, it is quite possible to carry out the process of thermal insulation of even large areas in just one day.

You might be interested in information about which one is suitable

Unfortunately, not all liquid heat insulators can be applied without the use of special equipment. In this regard, it will be necessary to invite specialists who have the technological skills to perform the work and have special installations for applying liquid material to carry out the work.

Before applying any of these heat-insulating compounds, the surface of the walls must be prepared by cleaning it from dirt and dust deposits, etc. if necessary, making repairs in the form of sealing cracks, protrusions and depressions. However, for some types of liquid insulation there is no need to repair surfaces, since the applied materials are capable of closing or filling all existing cracks and gaps at the joints building structures and other surface defects that appeared, for example, during the shrinkage of the building. But in any case, cleaned and prepared walls will have better adhesion to the liquid insulation material, which will improve the quality of thermal insulation and reduce heating costs.

To understand what the different types of such liquid insulation are and what the features of their application are, you should consider each of them in more detail.

Liquid ceramic wall insulation

Ceramic liquid insulation material on appearance practically no different from thick acrylic paint. Nowadays, there are several compositions on the building materials market that have different names, but approximately the same structure and consistency:

• The binding basis of ceramic liquid thermal insulation compositions is a water-acrylic mixture that promotes adhesion of the insulation to the wall and uniform distribution of heat-insulating components on its surface.
• Additional components are introduced into the water-acrylic mixture, which improve the quality and performance characteristics of the heat insulator. Most often, such additives are natural and artificial rubbers, silicone, and similar materials that give the composition elasticity and water resistance.
• Ceramic granules are the main component that helps reduce heat loss from the insulated surface. The granules have microscopic dimensions and a perfectly spherical shape, filled with highly rarefied air (gas), which provides high thermal insulation and makes it possible to distribute the mixture over the wall surface thin layer. Ceramic granules make up 80% of the total volume of the thermal insulation material, so its consistency resembles a thick dough or paste.

A high-quality ceramic liquid thermal insulation material is considered to be one in which, after complete polymerization, the percentage of voids in the layer applied to the surface will be 75-80%, which makes it possible to create an ultra-thin layer with a very high heat transfer resistance between the wall surface and the outer surface of the applied insulation.

It should be noted that the proportions of the components of this material are, in principle, approximately the same, regardless of its manufacturer, brand and name. The difference can only be in the quality of the raw materials used and the technology for making the mixture.

Prices liquid thermal insulation

liquid thermal insulation

Popular liquid ceramic heat insulators

Today, many different ceramic liquid insulation materials are produced for thermal insulation of walls and other building structures, and several of them have gained the greatest popularity and are used most often.

These insulation materials are divided into brands depending on the purpose, conditions of application and subsequent operation, and the surface materials for which they are intended. For example, some of them can be applied only when positive, while others can be applied when negative temperature ambient air. There are materials designed for insulating metal structures, even those covered with a layer of corrosion, or for thermal insulation of brick or concrete walls.

Typically, such a heat insulator is applied in several layers, the thickness of each of which can be from 0.4 to 1.0 mm, and requires drying within 24 hours.

The most popular are the following compositions:

"Astratek"

This liquid insulating composition, produced by the Russian company Astratek, has the consistency of a homogeneous suspension, so it can be applied not only with a brush, but also by spraying using spray guns. The heat insulator of this brand is produced for different surfaces- these are “Facade”, “Metal”, “Anti-condensation”, “Universal”.

Liquid thermal insulation coating "Astratek"

“Astratek” can be used for thermal insulation of surfaces that heat up during operation to a temperature of 150 degrees, and elements coated with this composition can withstand thermal changes from -60 to +250 degrees. The insulation can be applied in several layers, each of which should be no more than 0.4 mm thick. The total coating thickness is usually at least 3 mm.

Prices for liquid thermal insulation MAGNITERM

Liquid thermal insulation MAGNITERM

With these parameters and high-quality application The manufacturer has set the service life of the material to 30 years. The suspension consumption per layer with a thickness of 0.4 mm is 1 liter. by 1.5-2.0 m².

Comparative table of parameters of “Astratek” insulation and two other popular insulation materials – sprayed polystyrene foam (penoizol) and “URSA” mineral wool (average prices in rubles for 2016). For comparison, the consumption and cost of work when applying (installing) an insulating layer with equal heat transfer resistance values ​​– 1.5 m²×°C/W – are shown. Average prices in rubles for February 2016 are taken.

Comparison parameter	Type of thermal insulation material
	"Astratek"	Expanded polystyrene	Mineral wool "URSA"
Thermal conductivity coefficient W/m C	0.0012	0.04	0.044
Achievable thermal resistance, m²×°C/W	1.25	1.25	1.25
at layer thickness, mm	1.5	50	55
Price 1 l. (1 dm³) in rub.	430	1450	70
Consumption 1 m²	1.5 kg	1.0 l	1.0 kg
Approximate cost of additional materials, rub.	0	500	600
Cost of materials per 1 m² of insulation, rub.	645	1450	70
Cost of work 1 m², rub.	150	600	600
Total cost of 1 m², rub.	795	2550	1270
Costs per 1 m², “Astratek” compared to other insulation materials.	1	3.21	1.6

• "Astratek - Metal" is intended for thermal insulation of cold and hot water supply pipes. The coating significantly reduces heat loss, prevents the formation of condensation on pipe surfaces, and also reduces the surface temperature of hot pipes.

Heating main pipe insulated with Astratek compound

This heat insulator is also perfect for insulating garage doors, especially since this work can easily be carried out by the owner himself. To do this, you just need to take a brush, roller or spray bottle and apply the suspension to the surface.

• "Astratek - Facade" - this insulation is used to insulate external walls built of brick or concrete.
• "Astratek - Universal" is suitable for insulating any surfaces: metal, concrete or brick.

"Akterm"

Akterm liquid insulation materials have remarkable characteristics and have wide technological potential, since the Russian company Akterm LLC produces thirteen different modifications of insulating compositions. So, they can be intended not only for thermal insulation, but also for waterproofing work. It should be noted that this type of liquid insulation material can be used both inside and outside the building.

Factory packaging of Akterm liquid thermal insulation composition

• "Akterm - Concrete"

This composition is used for thermal insulation of surfaces made of limestone, concrete and brick, and is able to protect them from freezing and condensation. In addition, the suspension contains inhibitors against mold and mildew, but does not contain volatile compounds and organic solvents. Thanks to this, it can be used to insulate rooms from the inside. So, it is used for:

— Thermal insulation of balconies, loggias and basements.

— Insulation and insulation of interpanel seams.

— Preservation of heat inside the building and to prevent the formation of ice and mold colonies.

— Waterproofing and insulation of window and door slopes.

• "Akterm - Metal" and "Akterm Anticor"

These compositions have all the qualities characteristic of the above suspension and have the same consistency, but, in addition, the coating they create is vapor-tight, weather-resistant, resistant to ultraviolet rays, has high adhesion to metal surfaces, and creates a protective coating against burns.

"Akterm" provides both thermal insulation of metal structures and their protection against corrosion

Such heat insulators are used in the following areas:

— Insulation of domestic and industrial cold and hot pipelines.

— Creation of a protective coating against overheating of metal structures.

— Thermal insulation not only of metal surfaces, but also those made of plastic and glass.

— Application of insulation to roof coverings made of corrugated sheets or metal tiles.

— Thermal insulation of cooling systems, air conditioning, ventilation and the like.

— Thermal and waterproofing of vehicle bodies.

• "Akterm - Facade"

Insulation of facade walls with Akterm liquid thermal insulation

In addition, this composition has the qualities of high-quality facade paint, to which various colors can be added. After drying, Akterm layers do not require additional protection from aggressive external influences and mechanical loads.

Scope of application of this composition:

— Insulation of facades of various buildings.

— Thermal insulation of balconies and loggias from the outside.

— Insulation and waterproofing of seams between panels, slabs or building blocks.

— Waterproofing and insulation of window and door slopes.

• "Akterm - Standard"

This mixture has the same high qualities as previous materials used for thermal insulation of walls outside and inside. It is used for the following finishing activities:

— Heat and sound insulation, as well as waterproofing of residential and non-residential buildings.

— Protection of buildings from ultraviolet rays and other negative environmental impacts.

— Hydro- and thermal insulation of loggias, balconies and basements.

— Insulation of facade parts of houses.

— Thermal insulation of various pipelines, metal structures and structures.

• "Akterm - Nord"

This type of coating is organic-based and is intended for use in conditions of extreme winter temperatures down to -30÷50 degrees, at which the material does not lose its performance qualities. Such insulation can be used for surfaces made from the same materials.

The areas of application of this composition are quite wide, from insulating the facades of various buildings to any roofing materials, and from metal structures to pipelines.

• Other compositions of "Akterm"

In addition to the above, the Akterm company produces special compounds for use in various fields of construction and industry, for a variety of operating conditions:

— "Akterm - Vulcan"- thermal insulating composition that can withstand temperatures up to +600 degrees. It is used in various areas for application to the external surfaces of buildings or technological installations.

— "Akterm - Anticondensate"- protection of surfaces from condensation. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, as it does not contain organic solvents or volatile compounds - this composition is absolutely non-toxic and safe.

— "Akterm - NG paint"- a thermal insulating mixture corresponding in characteristics to the “Standard” composition, but with a flammability class of “NG”. Applied to any surface that requires particularly reliable fire protection.

— "Akterm - Fire protection"- the fire-resistant properties of this composition comply with the requirements of GOST R 53295-2009. Therefore, this paint mixture is used to provide special protective properties of the surface from open fire– where there is a need for it.

— "Akterm - water repellent"- used to protect wall structures from moisture, as it has special water-repellent properties. This coating is used both indoors and for application on outer surface walls

— "Akterm - Zinc"- anti-corrosion composition, providing reliable protection metal surfaces from the development of corrosion, has increased adhesive qualities.

— "Akterm - Plast"- primer-enamel, used for any surfaces, both metal and non-metal. It is used only for external walls, and combines three functions - a primer that prepares the surface, protection against corrosion and a finishing coating. Therefore, this composition can be applied even to uncleaned rusty surfaces.

"Corundum"

“Korund” is another brand of heat-insulating liquid materials manufactured by another Russian manufacturer, which provides a guarantee for the operation of such coatings for a period of 15 years.

Liquid thermal insulation compositions of the “Korund” brand

The heat insulator is a fairly thick, homogeneous mass with a high degree of adhesion to any building materials, such as concrete, metal, brick, plastic, glass and others.

Preparing the Corundum composition for application

This material is applied using a brush, spatula or spray gun. If the solution is sprayed on the surface of the walls, it should be diluted with plain water. The liquid is poured into the mass in small portions, and then the solution is mixed using a construction mixer.

“Corundum” is also divided into solutions intended for a specific area of ​​construction and various conditions of use. Thus, the mixtures “Facade”, “Classic”, “Winter”, “Fire Protection”, “Lotus” and “Anticor” are produced.

• "Korund-Facade", as its name implies, is used for insulation works on the outer surface of walls made of various materials. The solution can be applied to prepared walls in a layer of 1 mm, at surface temperatures from + 5 to +145 degrees. This heat insulator can be used as a basis for further finishing.

Thermal insulating paint "Corundum" on the facade of a multi-storey panel building

• "Korund-Classic" It is applied with a layer thickness of 0.5 mm, and can be used at surface temperatures from -60 to 250 degrees. The solution is able to eliminate freezing of walls, the appearance of fungal formations, and prevent the occurrence of condensation. The material provides high protection to surfaces from heat loss, while maintaining normal air and moisture exchange, that is, the walls remain “breathable”.

The composition can also be used to insulate wooden walls - it has sufficient vapor permeability

• "Korund-Winter"- this composition is intended for work performed at air temperatures from -10 to -60 degrees. The solution is used for the external surfaces of various buildings erected in regions with harsh climates.
• "Korund-Antikor"- this heat insulator is supplemented with anti-corrosion properties, and it can also be applied to surfaces covered with a rusty coating. It is perfect for insulating walls and garage doors or other metal buildings. The convenience of using this solution is that it can be applied to an unprepared and uncleaned surface.
• "Korund-Fire Protection"- such a heat-insulating material consists of three layers - a primer, a fire retardant and a finishing protective and decorative one. The solution has high adhesion to surfaces, and when dried, it acquires high strength and the ability to withstand the destructive effects of an open flame.
• "Corund-Lotus"- the composition is used as a covering layer for insulation of the Korund-Facade brand. It has water- and dirt-repellent properties, which allows you to keep the facade clean and in its original form for a long time. This material is often chosen for processing the walls of multi-story buildings.

Some thermal insulation materials in the Corundum line have additional properties:

• "Corund-Waterproofing" showed excellent performance in protecting interpanel seams from moisture penetration.
• "Korund-Sanitary" used for treating internal surfaces of walls and floors in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, balconies and loggias as reverse waterproofing.
• "Korund-Foundation" designed for complex waterproofing and insulation of horizontal and vertical surfaces of foundations

"Armor"

The insulating composition “Bronya” is a proprietary development of the Vologda LLC “Innovative Resource Center”. It is also made using ceramic material, but the manufacturer presents it as superior in its thermophysical properties to all analogues already described above.

Another domestically produced liquid insulation is “Bronya”

“Armor” in its consistency resembles thick paint, has high adhesion, thermal insulation and anti-corrosion qualities. This material is also divided into several types, designed to insulate specific areas of the building, or they can be universal. The scope of their application can be recognized by their names. Using the liquid heat insulator “Bronya” you can impart special insulating qualities to the following surfaces:

— Roofs made of any material.

— Facade walls of residential, public and industrial buildings

— Internal load-bearing walls and partitions.

— External and internal slopes of windows and doors.

Floors indoors, as well as on verandas or terraces.

— Cold and hot water supply pipelines, gas mains and heating mains located in heated and unheated rooms, as well as on the street or underground.

— Ventilation and cooling systems.

- Metal constructions.

Thermal insulation liquid material“Armor” can be divided into the following varieties: “Classic”, “Universal”, “Standard”, “Facade”, “Wall”, “Light”, “Anticorrosive”, “Metal”, “Fire Protection”, “Winter”, "Nord" and "Vulcan". Moreover, each of them is produced in two versions, belonging to the flammability group G1 or NG, that is, to the category of non-combustible materials.

In addition to these basic thermal insulation materials, a line of primers is produced that is intended for preparation of various surfaces and for different operating conditions.

Another series of Bronya compounds are water-repellent and waterproofing coatings made on a polymer base.

Thermal insulation material is applied to the walls, usually 1 mm thick, and can be used in a wide range of operating temperatures - from -60 to +200 degrees.

Positive and negative qualities of liquid ceramic insulation compositions

Liquid ceramic insulation has a number of advantages over other insulation materials:

• A 1 mm layer of high-quality liquid thermal insulation is equal in its thermal characteristics to a 50÷70 mm layer of mineral wool.
• The thermal insulation coating is almost seamless, which is basically impossible to achieve with other types of insulation materials.

• Insulating compounds intended for interior use are environmentally friendly and absolutely safe for human or animal health.
• When insulating country houses, which are left unattended in winter, this insulation, in principle, cannot be dismantled and stolen by intruders.
• Unlike some board materials, liquid insulation is not a source of dust, which is especially valuable for people prone to allergies.
• The simplicity of the application technology, similar to conventional painting, does not require the use of additional equipment or the invitation of specialists.
• Ultra-fine application, especially with inside walls, allows you to significantly save useful space.
• Liquid thermal insulation reliably resists fungal and mold formations, as well as the creation of nests by insects.
• The long service life of this type without repairs and other unforeseen hassles, for example, severe pollution, swelling from excess moisture, rodent attacks, makes this type of thermal insulation an excellent choice for insulating a private home.

Such materials have practically no disadvantages. The only thing that can upset the buyer is the poor quality of the purchased composition from an unknown manufacturer, so the choice must be taken very seriously.

Selection of liquid ceramic thermal insulation

To choose a high-quality material intended for a specific area of ​​construction where it will be used, it is worth carefully studying the characteristics of the composition, which are necessarily located on the packaging or in the accompanying documentation.

Despite the fact that liquid heat insulator has a fairly high price, you should not experiment and immediately purchase the one that is cheaper, in the hope that it will also be able to perform the necessary functions, even if they are not indicated in the instructions.

When purchasing insulation, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Density of the mixture. The material is considered to be of high quality if 1 liter is equal to no more than 0.6 kg - for example, a ten-liter bucket should not have a net weight greater than 6÷6.5 kg. If the mass exceeds the specified norm or is much less than it, then this will be a reason to doubt the heat-insulating properties of the purchased composition.
• When buying such a heat insulator, you need to hold the bucket up to the light and see the stratification of its contents, since the lighter ceramic fraction rises to the top. The thicker the top layer, the higher the thermal insulation effect.
• The structural structure of the mixture is also important - ceramic microgranules should be felt in it in the form of roughness. To determine their presence, a small amount of the mass is taken onto the fingertips and rubbed. If there are no roughnesses, then you should choose a heat insulator of a different brand, or purchase it from a more conscientious seller.
• You also need to pay attention to the color of the mixture, as it should be completely white. If there is a grayish or yellow tint, this indicates violations have been committed. technological process manufacturing, and it is unknown how this material will behave both during its application and during operation. However, of course, it is necessary to take into account the fact that some compositions have already included a color pigment, which should be stated in the characteristics of the material applied to its packaging. In this case, the color must correspond to the declared characteristics.

Tips for applying liquid ceramic insulation to a surface

Liquid insulation is quite easily applied to any surface, so the work can be done independently, following some recommendations:

• In order for the wall to be smooth after covering it with a heat insulator, it is recommended to treat its surface with a grinder with a brush installed on it, which will clean off the protrusions remaining after the mortar used for masonry has dried.
• When applying compounds to surfaces made of ferrous metal, they should be dust-free and degreased. If the heat insulator is applied to non-ferrous metal, then you need to remove the gloss from it and apply a primer to it.
• The mass of liquid insulation is mixed immediately before applying it to the wall. This process is carried out using a mixer attachment mounted on an electric drill. Mixing time ranges from 6 to 10 minutes.
• Some formulations that have a thicker consistency are diluted with water. The mass is diluted to the desired consistency, depending on the method and area of ​​application of the material. Dilution proportions are usually indicated on the packaging.
• Liquid insulation is applied layer by layer, and the layers should not be more than 1 mm - this parameter depends on the brand of the composition. Each layer must be completely dried, and this process takes at least 24 hours.

Video: application of liquid thermal insulation brand " Magniterm Facade"

Liquid ceramic thermal insulation is relatively new technology, which has not yet gained widespread popularity, perhaps simply due to a lack of awareness among homeowners. However, it has excellent thermal characteristics and can be successfully used in various areas of private construction. By choosing the right insulation and following the technology for its application, you can get the expected result of a significant reduction in the heat loss of the building, which will save you from numerous hassles for many years.

Liquid polystyrene foam

Liquid polystyrene foam has many names - they are given to it by the manufacturers themselves: it could be, for example, “unipol” or “mettemplast”, but its most familiar and popular name is “penoizol”.

Insulation of attic walls with foam insulation

The composition of these materials is, in general, identical and is a modified polystyrene foam.

Unlike conventional expanded polystyrene (foam), “penoizol” has a number of improved characteristics, which are especially important for use in residential buildings - this is its low flammability and low content of harmful components. Using “penoizol” and applying the recommended technology for its application, you can significantly speed up and reduce the cost of building a house.

Components, production and application of “penoizol”

• To produce this liquid insulation material, urea-formaldehyde resin intended for cold hardening foams, a foaming agent, phosphoric acid and water are used. Depending on the density of the insulation required, the consumption of resin added to the composition varies.
• The constituent components are mixed in a mixer of a special gas-liquid apparatus (GZU) using compressed air, which helps transform all the ingredients into a composition that, when applied to the surface, turns into a fluffy and dense foam.

Spraying penoizol requires special equipment

Sprayed “penoizol”, blown under air pressure from a special spray gun, tightly fills all the cracks and cracks on the wall surface, forming an airtight, seamless coating. Foam sprayed onto walls is white with a slightly yellow tint. It lies on the surface in a thin layer, and then begins to expand, filling all the space available to it. Typically, spraying is carried out between the studs of a wooden frame. or between the rafters if the roof is insulated.

• The sprayed and expanded mass of foam sets in 10-15 minutes, and hardens in 3-4.5 hours. The coating gains its final strength in two to three days, after the layers have completely dried, and at the same time “penoizol” acquires all its thermal insulation qualities.

• Installation of this insulation is carried out in one day, which is three to four times faster than laying thermal insulation material in mats or slabs. In addition, “penoizol” does not require additional auxiliary materials, such as a vapor barrier and windproof membrane, since it itself performs their functions.

Characteristics of penoizol insulation

Table of technical characteristics of liquid insulation “penoizol”:

Name of parameters	Maximum and minimum values
Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m×°С	0.028 ÷ 0.047
Density, kg/m³	5 ÷ 75
Ultimate compressive strength (at 10% linear deformation), kg/cm²	0.07 ÷ 0.5
Bending strength, kg/cm²	0.10 ÷ 0.25
Tensile strength, kg/cm²	0.05 ÷ 0.08
Water absorption in 24 hours (by mass),%	10.5 ÷ 20.0
Humidity (by mass), %	5.0 ÷ 20.0
Operating temperature range, ˚С	from - 50 to +120
Lifetime	up to 50 years

The digital characteristics themselves speak volumes, but some of them are worth considering in more detail:

• Thermal conductivity. This parameter is very low, so 80-100 mm of this heat insulator is enough to insulate the walls to significantly reduce heat loss in the house. This quality of material will help make the home heating system much more economical, which will offset the cost of insulating the house in one or two winters.

The thickness of the heat insulation layer is selected depending on the winter temperatures of the region where the insulation will be carried out, and on the design features of the wall.

• Flammability. "Penoizol" belongs to fairly safe groups: flammability - G-1, flammability - V-2, smoke generation - D-1, toxicity of combustion products - T-1.
• Chemical and biological resistance of the heat insulator. Fungus and mold do not form on “penoizol”, since it is a breathable material that does not retain moisture on its surface and inside its layers. Rodents do not touch it, and insects do not grow inside the insulation. The material does not react in any way to aggressive external environments and most organic solvents.
• Adhesion. In its liquid state, “penoizol” is adhesive enough to almost “grow together” with the surface on which it is sprayed, since it penetrates into all the recesses and irregularities of any material.
• The durability of the insulation is guaranteed by the manufacturer - stated periods range from 35 to 50 years. This duration of operation was justified experimentally in laboratory conditions, using the artificial creation of various multiple adverse effects on the material.

Disadvantages of "penoizol"

This liquid insulation also has its negative qualities, or rather, one thing, but it is this that stops many buyers - these are the toxic substances that make up “penoizol”.

It cannot be said that “penoizol” is an absolutely environmentally friendly material, since it contains formaldehyde. It is they that, during application and polymerization, emit a certain amount of gases that have bad smell. And, of course, these substances cannot be called useful. However, it would be appropriate to recall here that everything paint and varnish products, made not on a water basis, emit not very pleasant odors, and after drying and weathering, not a trace remains of it. So it is with “penoizol” - after the process of hardening is completed, the unpleasant “aroma” will disappear.

Prices for the popular liquid thermal insulation TeploPlus

Liquid thermal insulation TeploPlus

Moreover, if you believe the manufacturers, the harmful substances released have an extremely low concentration. This is also confirmed by the hygienic certificate for such material. However, the choice of thermal insulation remains with the owner of the insulated house, especially since there is also a natural liquid insulation on the building materials market - this is ecowool, which will be discussed below.

Ecowool

Ecowool is a natural thermal insulation material used to insulate various surfaces of the house, including walls. It should be immediately noted that this heat insulator cannot be unambiguously called liquid, but it can be the main component for a mixture applied in a liquid state.

Ecowool materials

Ecowool is made from fluffed cellulose fibers treated with antiseptics and fire retardants, that is, to make it more clear, it is wood and minerals. And unlike other insulating materials, ecowool has not a porous, but a capillary structure.

To be more precise, several types of raw materials are used for the production of this insulation:

• Typographic defect left over from the printing of magazines and books.
• Waste from the production of packaging corrugated and regular cardboard.
• Recycled raw materials, that is, waste paper - old books, newspapers, magazines and the like. This type of raw material is considered second-class, since it has significant contamination and consists of various materials, so the fibers are heterogeneous.
• Pulp industry waste.

So, ecowool consists of 80% crushed cellulose fiber, 12% of the total volume is occupied by boric acid, which acts as an antiseptic. This substance resists the formation of fungus and mold at high humidity. Sodium tetraborate, a fire retardant, makes up 8% of ecowool - it is designed to increase fire resistance and add a lot of insecticidal properties that will resist the appearance of nests of various insects.

Ecowool fibers become sticky after they are wetted due to the lignin they contain, a natural substance found in plant cells.

This composition is increasingly used to insulate not only residential buildings, but also industrial premises.

Methods for laying insulation based on ecowool

Insulation using this material is carried out in different ways:

• Using the dry method, when ecowool is laid in bulk. This technology is only suitable for horizontal surfaces.

• By laying or installing ecowool, pressed in the form of slabs - this method can also be called dry, but it is applicable to both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
• Wet method. In this case, dry crushed cellulose fibers are mixed with water, and then, using a special installation, the resulting mixture is sprayed onto the surface. This way floors and walls, as well as the roof from the inside, can be insulated.

The mechanism of adhesion of materials in this method is based on the fact that when wet in cellulose, the natural glue - lignin - is activated, and when the composition is blown under air pressure from the pipe, the mixture easily adheres to the surface of the walls, clogging all the gaps and joints. When dry, the composition forms a dense, seamless coating on the wall.

Spraying ecowool using “wet” technology

• The wet-glue method differs from the previous one in that cellulose is mixed not only with water, but also with glue. An adhesive component is added to increase the adhesive properties of the composition, so the adhesion of the eco-insulation to the surface increases several times. The adhesive composition is most often used for insulation work, since it is more reliable than cellulose mixed only with water. PVA glue and similar compounds are used as an adhesive additive. They are diluted in certain proportions with water and then added to the cellulose mixture.

Equipment for applying ecowool

For spraying work, a factory-made apparatus or a home-made version can be used.

• All devices for laying liquid ecowool insulation work on the same principle and have approximately the same equipment:
• The installation must have a receiving hopper for storing crushed cellulose. IN homemade models fulfills his role successfully plastic barrel, which is not difficult to find in hardware stores.

• Turner. IN homemade installation It uses an electric drill with a mixer attachment. This element is needed in order to fluff the cellulose from the compressed state in which it is in the package.
• A pump that is necessary for efficiently and quickly moving liquefied ecowool through hoses. In homemade installation options, they are often used different models vacuum cleaners with a blowing function.
• Corrugated flexible pipes with a diameter of 50÷80 mm are used as inlet and outlet hoses when spraying material on a surface.
• There are specialized kits for applying wet cellulose, consisting of a pump, hoses and nozzles.

Performance characteristics of ecowool

• Thermal conductivity. Ecowool, when properly applied to the walls, perfectly retains heat inside the building. The thermal conductivity coefficient is only 0.032÷0.041 W/m×˚С, and it can be called one of the lowest among the most commonly used insulation materials.

Due to the fact that the material sprayed on the surface forms a continuous layer without seams, the occurrence of cold bridges is eliminated. Ecowool is light in weight and is usually applied to the walls in a not very thick layer of no more than 100 mm, but it creates excellent insulation for the home. This is due to the naturalness of the insulation, which consists mainly of wood fibers with a capillary structural structure capable of holding large volumes of immobilized air inside.

• Soundproofing. Ecowool is an excellent sound absorber. So, its layer of only 100 mm can reduce noise by 60 decibels. This also happens due to the fact that the wall covering is continuous, without seams, since noise waves easily penetrate through the same “bridges” that appear at the joints of slab insulation.
• Environmental friendliness of insulation. The composition of ecowool was described above, and from this it is clear that the insulation is made from natural materials that do not emit substances harmful to humans.
• Fire resistance. IN liquid composition ecowool contains fire retardants, which increase the fire resistance of the material. But since it consists mainly of cellulose, it is still not possible to achieve complete fire safety, and it is assigned the flammability group G2 (GOST 30244).

However, we must pay tribute to the composition of ecowool - it has the property of self-extinguishing, and also does not emit toxic substances when smoldering.

Fire retardants ensure that when the insulation burns, a minimal amount of toxic substances is released. Basically, it is carbon, which does not pose a strong danger to human health.

In the event of a fire, during thermal decomposition of the insulation, water is abundantly released from its structure, which slows down the spread of fire, turning it into smoldering, and then into extinction.

• Adhesion. Cellulose mixed with water and glue has high adhesion to almost any building materials.
• Density. Fluff cellulose, moistened with glue and water, when applied to a surface and dried, creates a layer that has sufficient density to create between the fibers air gap, which is part of the thermal insulation. The density of ecowool largely depends on the method of its application. So, when laying the wet composition on vertical surfaces, the density is approximately 55÷65 kg/m³.
• Moisture resistance. Ecowool cannot be called a moisture-resistant material - it is capable of absorbing up to 30% of moisture from the total mass. But since this insulation is “breathable”, the moisture that it absorbs is not retained inside the layers. When drying, ecowool does not lose its original insulating properties.

Disadvantages of ecowool

This natural insulation also has its disadvantages, which it would also be nice to know about:

• Ecowool shrinks over time, giving a decrease of about 10% of the original volume. Therefore, when laying it, it is recommended to apply a slightly thicker layer to the wall than planned.
• The ecowool layer should not be covered with vapor-proof materials, since it must be able to be ventilated, otherwise it will quickly lose its thermal insulation qualities due to increased internal humidity.
• In order for such insulation to function for a long time and with the required efficiency, it is necessary to carry out high-quality installation, in compliance with all technological standards, which can only be done by a qualified craftsman - and this will lead to additional costs.

Video: Example of insulating facade walls with ecowool

The choice of insulation is up to the homeowner. But in any case, when purchasing a material you like, you need to very carefully study its technical and operational characteristics and instructions for application to a particular surface.

You may be interested in information about the technical characteristics of the insulation

Evgeniy AfanasyevChief Editor

Author of the publication 10.02.2016

The process has its supporters and ardent opponents. In their own way, both of them are true, it all depends on the situation. But before choosing this particular type of insulation, you need to know which insulation is suitable and study the nuances of performing insulation work.

Insulating indoor walls means making your home comfortable and cozy for living. This type of heat saving is unconventional and is usually used. But there are situations when there is no other way out.

This option can also be considered in an apartment building, when insulation interior walls the only way to insulate a room. This process will help prevent the formation of fungus in the room.

Disadvantages of internal thermal insulation

This method has its drawbacks, which is why it has many opponents.

Problems with internal thermal insulation walls, the following arise:

• with external thermal insulation, the walls of the building are protected from the cold, which cannot be achieved with insulation from the inside. The base is in contact with the environment and cracks may appear on it;
• the occurrence of condensation. With internal heat conservation, it moves behind the supporting structure and forms between the insulator and the surface. The result may be the development of fungal formations that will be difficult to notice;
• reduction in area. Modern heat insulators have excellent characteristics, but have not yet come up with a material that would take up little space. At the moment, with insulation work, the room will become 10 cm smaller on each side.

Before making a decision on internal insulation, it is worth weighing all the disadvantages and considering the advantages; this is the only way to avoid errors and shortcomings during installation.

Thermal insulation materials

This technology allows the use of various thermal insulation materials for walls, which have their pros and cons.

The most popular thermal insulators:

• wood fiber board;
• ecowool;
• glass wool

These insulators are available everywhere and are inexpensive. Let's look at the characteristics of each type of insulator that can be used as insulation from the inside.

Penoplex and foam plastic

A productive and affordable heat insulator, which is very often used for insulating apartments and high-rise buildings. It is enough to take a slab 5 cm thick. No special tools are needed, and installation is not difficult.

But this material has disadvantages:

• flammability;
• low strength;
• vapor tightness - if you do not provide proper ventilation in the apartment, otherwise it will turn into a greenhouse.

Ventilation must be forced - this may require additional costs.

This thermal insulation option is only suitable for concrete, brick, and foam block structures, since wood covered with this heat-insulating material loses its ability to “breathe.”

Mineral wool

A very common heat insulator. It is widely used in apartments and industrial buildings; in addition, it is used as a filler in plasterboard partitions, as it has excellent soundproofing properties.

Mineral wool is inexpensive and has excellent vapor barrier. For an apartment or house, it is better to purchase rigid basalt wool slabs; they are easy to install. Another advantage of the material is its non-flammability.

But you should use this material with great caution if the walls in the apartment are damp, basalt wool It is hygroscopic, and when wet it completely loses its insulating properties. Therefore, before laying it on the walls, you need to install a waterproofing layer, and before finishing the cladding, install a vapor barrier.

For waterproofing work, it is better to use membranes; they are vapor permeable and will not interfere with the “breathing” of external walls.

Wood fiber boards

This material has a number of positive characteristics:

• good heat conservation and sound insulation;
• not afraid of temperature changes;
• moisture resistant;
• easy to process and install;
• Rodents are not bred in it.

Often this material is used specifically for exterior finishing; it is treated with special impregnations that can be harmful to human health.

Foil insulation

Technological processes do not stand still, so innovative developments in the field of insulation and construction are constantly appearing on the market. This new product is a foil insulator.

The material is a layer of foamed polyester, onto which a layer of thin aluminum foil is glued. The property of this material is that heat is reflected from the foil layer and directed into the house.

Many manufacturers produce polyester with a self-adhesive layer, so it is very convenient to work with this material, just carefully prepare the surface and stick the insulation on the wall.

Ecowool

The material appeared on the market quite recently, but immediately gained popularity among ordinary people due to a lot of advantages:

• naturalness and safety. The thermal insulator is produced by processing recycled cellulose and is therefore non-toxic;
• excellent thermal insulation performance;
• air tightness;
• fine-fiber structure;
• durability;
• does not shrink.

But, despite the positive characteristics, the material has several significant disadvantages that prevent its widespread use:

• impossibility of installing it yourself. The material is applied by wet spraying using special equipment. For insulation you will have to invite specialists;
• when vertical spraying, the laying of the material must be carried out in stages, since there is a possibility of the layer slipping;
• flammability;
• the curing time of the mass is 24 hours, subject to good ventilation;
• price;
• the need to equip the frame.

Internal thermal insulation of walls using ecowool is carried out strictly on wooden lathing, the pitch of which can vary from 60 cm to 1 meter. The frame is constructed so that when sprayed the material does not slide off the vertical surface.

Glass wool

This heat insulator has been used in construction for a very long time. The main component of this material is fiberglass.

The use of glass wool is due to the following characteristics:

• high sound insulation qualities;
• flexibility - due to its structure, glass wool can take any shape;
• fire resistance;
• immunity to chemical influences;
• affordable price;
• breathability.

But it’s worth talking about the disadvantages:

• the material is not resistant to mechanical stress, therefore it is mounted only on the frame;
• has a high degree of shrinkage over time;
• service life is 10 years, then glass wool loses its thermal insulation properties;
• destroyed by sun exposure.

Despite the disadvantages, the material is very often used for insulating rooms, as it is low cost and easy to install.

When working with glass wool, you need to use protective equipment - glasses, a mask, gloves and thick clothing, since small, sharp particles of the material cause severe itching when they come into contact with the skin.

How to choose the right material for indoor insulation

Before installing wall insulation from the inside with your own hands, we select the right insulator that meets the following requirements:

• safety for humans;
• environmental friendliness;
• durability;
• fire resistance;
• vapor permeability;
• low thermal conductivity;
• moisture resistance.

When insulating a house internally, even before installation begins, a good ventilation system must be installed, otherwise the microclimate in the room will become unfavorable over time.

Comparative table of thermal insulation materials:

Name of material	Density	Thermal conductivity coefficient	Vapor permeability	Moisture absorption
Styrofoam	40	0, 037	0,05	2
Penoplex	28	0,028	0,006	0,2
Wood fiber	250-400	0,045-0,09	1	12
Minvata	30-220	0,07	0,38-0,60	70
Ecowool	35-65	0,032-0,042	0,67	-
Glass wool	10-50	0,029-0,052	0,5-0,6	10-15

Technology for insulating walls from the inside

Experts advise using insulation of a room from the inside only in special cases, for example:

• if the apartment is located above the second floor, and industrial climbers need to be involved for external insulation;
• in new buildings, if it is not possible to rent facade finishing and make external thermal insulation;
• if the insulation of the facade disrupts the architectural ensemble.

Methods for insulating walls from the inside:

• on the frame;
• on glue.

The first method does not require careful leveling of the bearing surface. Besides facing material It’s very easy to attach to the frame, so if you plan to build walls from plasterboard after insulation, then you don’t need to install the sheathing. If after insulation you plan to plaster the surface, then there is no need for a frame. In any case, the method of fastening the material directly depends on the further finishing of the walls.

Insulation on the frame

Like a wall from the inside of a room on a frame? This thermal insulation of walls from the inside is a labor-intensive process, but more reliable. Thanks to the frame, the fragile material is not subjected to mechanical stress, this is especially true if foam plastic is chosen as the thermal insulation material.

There is no need to level the wall, but before installation it is worth clearing the surface of the plaster, if it has peeled off, dirt, dust and covering it with an antiseptic compound.

The frame is being constructed aluminum profiles or bars. Fastening is done using dowels or self-tapping screws, depending on the material from which the base is made. The pitch of the racks should be equal to the width of the material, for example, if soft insulation is chosen for walls inside the walls, then the distance is reduced by two centimeters; when using polystyrene foam or polystyrene, it is exactly 60 cm.

If a decision is made to use wooden elements, then they should be treated with impregnation, which will prevent rotting and the formation of fungus.

As soon as the frame is ready, heat insulation is placed in the gaps, and all seams between the material are sealed with polyurethane foam. After the foam has dried, it is cut flush. After this, you can begin the final finishing.

Thermal insulation of indoor walls on the frame is made with the following materials:

• glass wool;
• basalt insulation;
• Styrofoam;
• wood fiber.

Any of the above materials can be mounted using lathing on the walls, except for foil insulation.

Installation of insulation with glue

This type of installation requires careful preparation of the wall plane before insulation.

They are cleaned of dust and contaminants and degreased. Further work proceeds according to the following algorithm:

• After cleaning, the walls must be leveled and repaired. The cracks are filled with putty, large protrusions are knocked down, and the depressions are sealed with mortar;
• all surfaces are treated with an antiseptic or primer with an antimicrobial effect;
• the primer is applied in two layers;
• after drying, you can begin installing the slabs with glue; it is applied to the wall and to the material using a notched trowel;
• the glue will dry for 2-3 days;
• as soon as the surface dries, you need to perform additional fixation with umbrella dowels.

Do not forget that the installation of layers of material is carried out offset. In this case, it is necessary to waterproof the base surface and vapor barrier the insulation itself after installation.

The installation of insulation with glue has its limitations, since only dense pits are used for this, for example:

• Styrofoam;
• wood fiber;
• penoplex;
• forged insulation.

As soon as all the installation of the heat insulator is completed, finishing begins.

Finish coatings

Usually, when installing heat-saving boards with glue, they are plastered using a forming mesh for gypsum composition, and fiberglass for putty. These measures will prevent cracking of the finish coating.

After all the plastering and putty work is completed and the walls have dried, we clean the surface with a fine abrasive mesh and paint it with a water-based emulsion of the desired shade.

Today there are many materials that effectively retain heat indoors. They differ different characteristics. To choose the best option, you need to understand the features of each type of thermal insulation. Expert advice will help you figure this out. What types of insulation for walls from the inside are in demand today, as well as their features will be discussed in detail below.

Features of internal insulation

Insulation materials for the inside of a home have a certain set of qualities. Unlike external thermal insulation, in this case it will be necessary to apply only environmentally friendly clean materials. They should not release harmful substances into the environment, including when the temperature rises.

Experts say that external insulation is much more effective than internal thermal insulation. However, in some cases it becomes almost impossible to perform such work. Creation costs exterior finishing may be high. It will be necessary to hire specialists who will do such work. This is especially true for insulation in apartment buildings. Only a specially trained master can work at heights.

In some houses, the apartment is located in such a way that it becomes almost impossible to carry out external insulation. There may be a ventilation shaft or an emergency staircase next to the outer wall. It is also worth considering that the appearance of some old houses cannot be changed. The authorities issue laws that do not allow external insulation in such buildings. These can be architectural, cultural or historical monuments. Their appearance must remain unchanged.

However, when insulating a house from the inside, owners face a number of difficulties. Knowing the specifics of the similar work, significant errors can be avoided. If you install a thick layer of insulation indoors, the area of ​​the room will noticeably decrease. All furniture in the room will need to be moved away from the walls or taken out. Therefore, the premises will not be usable during the renovation process. Will need to be installed indoors additional ventilation and carry out a number of measures that will reduce the likelihood of condensation.

How to choose material?

Today, to insulate a house, they use different materials for the walls from the inside, as well as materials in slab format. They differ in thickness, density, etc. important characteristics. When choosing a material, you need to take into account the thickness of the wall, as well as the climate. You will also need to consider what material the walls of the house are made of.

Thus, insulation for the walls of a wooden house inside will differ somewhat in its characteristics from the thermal insulation that is used in brick building. When choosing, the first thing to consider is the lower this indicator, the smaller the layer of thermal insulation that will need to be installed in the room. This indicator is directly related to such a characteristic as hygroscopicity.

One of important indicators is the density of the material. For insulation vertical structures acquire high-density thermal insulation. It should not be deformed under the influence of gravity. Otherwise, the soft insulation will simply slide down.

Be sure to pay attention to the level of hygroscopicity. If a material is capable of absorbing moisture, at some point it will not be able to perform its intended functions. Therefore, for such insulation it is important to use a layer of hydro- and vapor barrier.

Safety

One of the important indicators when choosing thermal insulation is its safety. It should not burn or release harmful substances into the environment. Especially high requirements They are pushed towards the insulation for the walls of a wooden house inside.

In this case, varieties such as extruded polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam are not suitable. These are materials that can burn. At the same time, they release harmful substances into the environment that kill faster than fire.

Types of materials and their costs

The cost of a particular material is not the last factor when choosing insulation. It is worth considering that today many materials are used for internal insulation. The most popular of them are the following varieties.

Often installers make insulation from mineral wool. It is sold in rolls or slabs. The second option is preferable, since the density and hardness of this material is higher. The average cost of this insulation is 150-160 rubles/m². The cost of this material varies significantly depending on the manufacturer, type of fiber and other characteristics.

Ecowool is much cheaper. Its price is about 35-50 rubles/kg. However, it is worth noting that this material is soft. During the installation process you will need to lay it very tightly. Therefore, the consumption will be higher than that of basalt fiber slabs.

One of the most common materials available to customers is polystyrene foam. It costs about 3-3.5 thousand rubles/m³. The cost depends on the strength class and thickness of the panel. Extruded polystyrene foam (EPP) is much more popular today. It is superior to polystyrene in almost all respects. The price of extruded polystyrene foam (50 mm) is 5-5.5 thousand rubles/m³. This material is strong enough to be used not only for insulating walls, but also floors.

Since the price of extruded polystyrene foam (50 mm) is acceptable for many categories of buyers, it is often purchased. However, it is not always permissible to install such material.

Sometimes the owners of a house or apartment decide to insulate it with polyurethane foam. This material has a lot of positive qualities. However, its cost will be quite high. It is 200-300 rubles/kg. In this case, you need to take into account the additional costs of paying a specialist. You won't be able to do all the steps yourself. You will need to purchase or rent expensive equipment.

Foil insulation is relatively inexpensive. Their price depends on the type of base. The cost of thermal insulation, which is made of foamed polyethylene, is 40-45 rubles/m². At the same time, the price of foil-based insulation can reach 140-145 rubles/m² or even more. The cost depends on the thickness of the material.

Styrofoam

Insulation made from polyurethane foam and polystyrene foam is very popular today. This makes the cost of such materials reasonable. However, before purchasing, it is worth considering both the positive and negative sides of polystyrene foam.

The advantage of this type of insulation is its reasonable cost. If you compare polystyrene foam with other types of thermal insulation materials, repairs using it will cost much less.

At the same time, the level of thermal conductivity is low. This material copes well with the tasks assigned to it. Warmth remains indoors during cold periods. However, it is very important to correctly install and calculate the thickness of the foam. Almost anyone can install it. It will not take much time and does not require special skills. The master must only follow the generally accepted instructions.

Thermal insulation made from this material will last a long time. The material does not absorb water at all. Because of this, the rate of its destruction will be very low. However, it is worth considering that polystyrene foam is far from the best option for insulation. This is a flammable material that releases toxic substances into the air. It cannot be used when finishing a wooden house.

The plates are quite fragile. If handled carelessly, they may break. Rodents easily spoil this material. They create tunnels in it, which significantly reduces the thermal insulation characteristics.

The material is absolutely vapor-proof. As a result, it will be necessary to install a forced ventilation system. Otherwise, the appearance of fungus on the walls will be inevitable.

Extruded polystyrene foam

PPU insulation is considered a more acceptable option. has improved characteristics compared to polystyrene foam. These two materials are made from the same polymer. However, its processing is different. The result is materials with different densities and thermal insulation qualities.

The thermal conductivity of expanded polystyrene is significantly lower than that of polystyrene foam. Therefore, it is used for insulating not only walls, but also roofs and floors. The flammability index of this material is lower.

Also, polystyrene foam is much stronger. It has a low water absorption rate. In this case, even hydro- or vapor barrier may not be required. This material does not absorb water and does not allow steam to pass through. This makes it durable. However, this is also a disadvantage. The room will also need to have high-quality ventilation.

Installing the material is quite simple. Will tell you how to attach insulation to the wall from the inside standard instructions on installation. For this, special glue is used. The sheets do not deform or break like polystyrene foam. This is a reliable, durable insulation.

The thickness of expanded polystyrene will be less than that of polystyrene foam with a similar level of thermal conductivity. Therefore, this material takes up much less usable area in the room. This is a significant advantage for internal insulation.

Compared to polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam has fewer disadvantages. However, they still exist. The lack of vapor permeability is a significant drawback. The flammability of the material is significantly reduced. However, it is still flammable. At the same time, harmful substances are released into the air. The cost of extruded polystyrene foam is an order of magnitude higher than that of polystyrene foam. This fact can also be attributed to the shortcomings of the material.

Extruded polystyrene foam is also not installed in wooden houses. It does not meet fire safety requirements.

Mineral wool

When using this type of insulation, a vapor barrier is not required. The material adheres very tightly to the wall. Moisture cannot penetrate through it. Condensation will not appear on the reverse side of the finish. Insulation with polyurethane foam is quite difficult to do with your own hands. To do this, you will need to rent special equipment. They often turn to professionals for help. They will do the job quickly, correctly and efficiently.

Foil insulation

Insulating walls with foil insulation from the inside is good option, since the roll thickness is only a few millimeters. Almost anyone can mount such material on a surface. This material consists of a base and a layer of foil. Upper layer reflects infrared rays of the spectrum, directing them back into the room. The substrate does not transmit heat from the room to the outside.

Today there are many types of insulation for internal walls on sale. It is important to choose the right base material. It can be foamed polyethylene. It is not able to provide high-quality insulation in the room. This additional insulation, which is most often mounted behind the battery. This allows its warmth to be reflected back into the room.

Also on sale are materials based on foam rubber. This material can replace high-quality insulation, which can be used to finish the interior space. Rolls have different thicknesses. They can be from 5 mm to 1.5 cm thick. The thicker the substrate, the better the material prevents heat loss in the room. Modern types of insulation for walls from the inside allow you to install the materials yourself.

The modern construction market offers many beautiful, durable, environmentally friendly finishing materials. Nowadays, thanks to new technologies, it is possible to realize almost any fantasy in terms of repair or design work. But as for the economics of maintaining a home, it also needs to be carefully calculated.

Unfortunately, not every material, even the most beautiful or unusual, is capable of retaining heat well in a room. Therefore, often the issue of wall insulation at the time of repair has to be raised quite often. And even without planning repair work, insulation is a hot topic for our country.

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 an additional bonus from the insulation, there is also soundproofing 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 finishing materials are 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. Organics are convenient to use 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:

1. Arbolite insulation– made on the basis of cement, liquid glass and kaolin. Additionally, it contains heat-saving substances - straw, sawdust, shavings, etc.
2. 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.
3. Chipboard. Insulation based on wood chips, to which resins and antiseptics are added.
4. 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.
5. Penoizol, also called mipora. Material based on a natural emulsion of urea-formaldehyde resin. Mipora is a universal material; it is sold in dry form, in the form of blocks. If necessary, it can also be used in liquid form, poured into specially prepared containers, where it hardens over time.
6. Expanded polystyrene, or, more simply, polystyrene foam.
7. 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.
8. Fibrolite. A completely organic material consisting of fine wood shavings. As binder Cement or magnesite is used. The material perfectly withstands wet operating conditions and can be used for insulation of saunas, swimming pools and similar premises.
9. 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.
10. . 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 of ecowool 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.

2. . Its production process is almost identical to glass production, although waste from glass production is often used to make glass wool. 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 transmission. That is, from a heated room, be it a residential building or a public building, heat goes outside. If you conduct a study of infrared radiation, you will see rays, especially strong radiation where 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 most high-quality insulation, retaining heat. Moreover, it is also beautiful 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 mineral wool made from volcanic fossils using special equipment, reaching high temperatures. It has a specific porous structure, which determines its main advantages:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Wear resistance. Made from volcanic rocks, mineral wool is not prone to destruction and can last for a long time without needing replacement.
4. 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.
5. Mineral wool is environmentally safe for health.

Laying this type of insulation is not particularly difficult, but, as already mentioned, it is important to comply correct sequence operations:

1. Prepare the walls - clean off old finishes, dirt, putty on cracks and chips.
2. Lay a vapor-permeable membrane - this must be done directly on the wall, in one layer.
3. Install a frame made of wooden planks or metal profiles.
4. Lay the mineral wool itself, it is usually sold in the form of layers of various sizes.
5. Cover the layer of cotton wool with another layer of film.
6. Covering the facade with finishing material; usually in this case it would be correct to install a ventilated façade.
7. Installation of slopes and window sills - the old ones will have to be replaced due to a significant increase in the thickness of the walls.

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, ninety percent consisting of air, the remaining ten percent are substances made from petroleum products. At their core, these are medium and small air bubbles enclosed in a polystyrene shell.

1. Low cost. Sheathing a house with polystyrene foam is available to anyone.
2. Excellent heat retention indoors.
3. It is not afraid of moisture, dampness and temperature fluctuations.
4. Good soundproofing material.
5. Suitable for various types of outdoor, it can be either plastered or covered with wall panels.

Insulating facades with foam plastic or polystyrene panels is relevant in any region of the country; these materials continue to be in active demand, even despite the existing disadvantages:

1. Small mammals love polystyrene foam. Rodents make their burrows in it - it’s easy and convenient for them. To avoid such incidents, the foam wall cladding must be immediately sewn up with the top, decorative layer. Moreover, this must be done efficiently, without leaving gaps.
2. Foam styrene is not a flammable material However, when exposed to open flame, it will ignite. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 the foam must be cut taking into account these objects. Cutting it is not difficult using a construction knife or even an ordinary knife of a suitable size.
4. 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.
5. Additionally, secure the foam panels with dowel fasteners. Recommended consumption of fasteners: at least five pieces per sheet.
6. Application of a reinforcing layer. This is, as a rule, a synthetic mesh that is attached using adhesive or cement mortar directly to the foam. This measure will strengthen the insulating layer and prevent it from settling or destruction.
7. Finishing work. This type of cladding is most suitable for plaster, followed by the application of texture - “bark beetle”, “lamb”, and other relief coatings will fit well on foam insulation.

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, polyurethane foam 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 is similar to ordinary foam rubber.

This material is used as insulation due to the following positive characteristics:

1. Good thermal insulation.
2. It also works as a noise absorber.
3. Not exposed to aggressive chemicals.
4. Practically does not absorb moisture and does not dampen.
5. Environmentally friendly.
6. Long service life - up to thirty years.

Why is this material bad as insulation:

1. Due to its soft surface, polyurethane foam is not suitable for finishing. Can only be used under panels.
2. This insulation is fire hazardous, and moreover, when ignited, it is capable of releasing substances that are dangerous to human life.

For laying polyurethane foam on walls, machine application of polyurethane foam is also used.

Penoplex

This material is also called extruded polystyrene. This type of insulation is relatively new, developed not so long ago, and therefore fully takes into account modern needs for thermal insulation of housing. Penoplex has a porous structure, which determines its main positive characteristics: high heat resistance, lightness, and accessibility to subsequent processing.

It actually has a lot of advantages:

1. High thermal insulation performance. Has the highest thermal insulation characteristics of all popular materials,
2. Wear-resistant. Withstands moderate loads,
3. Durable. The service life of penoplex insulation is forty years or more,
4. Does not attract rodents and other pests, not prone to the formation of fungus or mold,
5. Easy. This circumstance makes it possible to work with it independently, without hiring professional builders, and also perform 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:

1. Flammability. Penoplex is not a fire-resistant material and for fire-fighting purposes, it is necessary to apply protective measures.
2. 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 attached to special polymer adhesives - 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, both European and Russian brands are present on the shelves of construction hypermarkets. Here are the most popular ones:

Ursa– one of the leaders in this field of building materials. This is a subsidiary of the large Spanish concern Uralita. In fact, Ursa insulation products are regularly supplied to both the Russian and European markets, where they are also very popular.

Thermal insulation of this brand is produced in different variations, but the most popular type is small insulation slabs or mats. 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 heating systems 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. This brand is represented on the Russian market under the Paros brand, which offers the widest 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. The properties of Paros thermal insulators: high vapor permeability, excellent thermal insulation properties, durability and lack of deformation, make this material convenient and universal for use in civil construction.

• 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"

Is in Sverdlovsk region, also a large Russian manufacturer. The Extrapen brand, produced by this plant from polystyrene foam raw materials, confidently occupies its niche among the thermal insulation materials presented on the Russian construction market.

Video: the best way to insulate walls

Wall insulation – important stage, it should not be missed or produced poorly. The benefits of properly insulated walls are obvious: you will protect 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!

Thermal insulation of house structures in varying quantities is needed at all temperature conditions from the equator to northern latitudes. Today there are so many materials that retain heat in rooms that when choosing among them you can get confused and choose the wrong thing. Next we will look at the most popular and effective types insulation materials, compare their characteristics and determine the scope of application of each of them.

Classifications

Thermal insulating materials can be divided into groups according to different characteristics. For example, according to the composition:

• Organic insulation materials made on the basis of natural components (fiberboard, cork);
• Synthetic materials created by chemical reactions (all polyethylene, polyurethane materials);
• Mineral wool.

Types of home insulation can also be divided according to their resistance to external precipitation and other influences. This will determine the scope of use of the material:

• For internal use;
• For external thermal insulation.

It should be noted that only those materials that do not absorb water in any way are suitable for external use. Their fibers must repel moisture, and the pores in the insulation must be closed. These include all types of polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam.

Types of insulation for walls inside must, first of all, allow steam to pass through so that it does not linger in the room. Otherwise, moisture accumulates in the rooms, condensation forms, and pockets of mold colonies spread. The material must be safe for others (odorless, toxic fumes, and, if possible, with a high ignition threshold). We include in the group:

• Mineral wool;
• Insulation materials based on cement and organic components;
• Ecowool;
• Cork.

There are much more types of insulation for internal walls than for external walls, because some slabs that can be used to cover a facade are also suitable for internal insulation.

There are other, narrower classifications, for example, division by type of pores:

• Closed cell (PPU, polystyrene foam);
• With open pores (cork, foam block).

Now we will consider each type of thermal insulation material and determine its main parameters for ease of selection.

Polymer thermal insulation materials

Synthetic thermal insulators are a large family of components for maintaining heat in the home.

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam has not yet received widespread use, since finishing surfaces with this material is a relatively expensive process. And yet, polyurethane foam is considered one of the most effective heat insulators for several reasons:

• Light weight, only 40…60 kg/m3;
• Low degree of thermal conductivity no more than 0.025 W/m*C;
• Easy installation - spraying;
• Absence of cold bridges when the surface is properly coated;
• Low vapor permeability;
• Cheap raw materials.

The disadvantages include:

• The need for special spray equipment;
• High price the work itself.

To reduce the cost of finishing, you can rent installation installation and do thermal insulation coating independently, but if handled improperly, the quality of work cannot be guaranteed.

When sprayed, polyurethane foam is applied in a certain layer (depending on the calculated thickness), and after polymerization and hardening it turns into a porous coating that is not afraid of moisture and rodents.

You can use polyurethane foam to insulate walls, ceilings of rooms and attics.

Extruded polystyrene foam

This is a material similar in properties to conventional polyurethane foam in the form of shaped slabs. It’s easier to work with - you just need to lay the blocks over the area of ​​the insulated coating and you don’t need to dry anything. Extruded polystyrene foam is sometimes called foam rubber.

PPU slabs are almost no different from their “relative” in terms of characteristics:

• Thermal conductivity is only 0.3 W/(m*C);
• Density up to 45 kg/m3;
• Vapor permeability is even lower - only 0.015 mg/(m*h*Pa).

Advantages of the material:

• Low price compared to the total cost of polyurethane foam;
• Simple installation that you can do yourself;
• Lightness of the material.

Flaws:

• There are bridges of cold;
• Sealing of joints between slabs is required;
• Insufficient data on material safety. Like polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam is tested for safety only in factory conditions.

This type of insulation for walls outside and inside is equally suitable.

Styrofoam

A relative of the group of foamed thermal insulation materials made from synthetic polyester. One of the most affordable materials that helps retain heat in the house. It consists of balls pressed together with voids, thanks to which heated air does not penetrate outside the room.

Advantages of polystyrene foam:

• Sufficient efficiency - thermal conductivity is only 0.05 W/m*C;
• Weight can vary between 40-125 kg depending on the composition and density of the material;
• Low price for slabs;
• Easy installation.

Flaws:

• According to many sellers, polystyrene foam is a completely safe insulation material that is not afraid of fire and does not flare up when sparks occur. This is a deep misconception: if you try to set fire to the stove in the middle, holding it strictly along the horizon, then only the light from the candle will remain on the surface. If you start ignition from the edge, the material will immediately begin to melt and smoke heavily. The gas released is very dangerous to human life.
• Insufficient environmental friendliness: foam does not breathe, it does not contain natural ingredients;
• Low vapor permeability contributes to the accumulation of moist air in the room. To solve the situation, it is necessary to install a ventilation system.
• A considerable degree of absorption can fail in a frosty winter: water accumulates in channels, where it can expand when it hardens and turns into ice.

Styrofoam should be used for outdoor use, but it can work well indoors if needed.

Penoizol

Another name is urea foam. This is the same sprayable polymer material, like polyurethane foam, but less expensive.

• Penoizol is capable of absorbing water up to 1/5 of its volume, but then easily releases the liquid, while maintaining its shape. This allows the heat insulator to be used even in damp rooms.
• Penoizol lasts up to 60 years without changing its initial characteristics.
• Low shrinkage amount up to 5% of the total volume.

Flaws:

• When using low-quality raw materials, you can get a result that is far from expected. For example, when drying, the foam will smell unpleasant or shrink significantly;
• Like polyurethane foam, penoizol requires special equipment for spraying.

The material is suitable for indoor use.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is a natural insulation material that is obtained by processing natural raw materials.

Glass wool

It is based on recycled glass fibers, stretched to the state of thin threads. You can find glass wool on sale in slabs or rolls; their characteristics are the same.

Glass fiber is a safe material, and also effective:

• The thermal conductivity of the slab is only 0.056 W/m*C;
• Density up to 100 kg/m3;
• But the vapor permeability failed - only 0.53 mg/(m*h*Pa). In other words, glass fiber easily absorbs moisture and then difficultly releases it.

What you should prepare for in advance:

• Glass threads are fragile, so it is necessary to pick up the slab correctly and move it from place to place at least once;
• Shrinkage of the material occurs relatively quickly; after 10 years, the insulation becomes unusable and requires replacement.

Glass wool is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, but subject to mandatory hydro- and vapor barrier.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool comes in two types:

• 1) Slag;
• 2) Stone.

Both types are produced from the remains of the stone industry. To bind the components, urea or phenol is used, which gives the slab a waterproof effect.

Average technical characteristics of mineral wool:

• Thermal conductivity - 0.047…0.12 W/m*S;
• Density depending on origin 35...150kg/m3;
• The ability to transmit steam is high - 0.51 mg/(m*h*Pa).

Like glass, stone wool can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, it is not recommended to cover living rooms with this material: the blocks can emit phenol vapors.

Ecowool

This is a special type of insulation material based on cellulose and additives. Ecowool is sprayed like polyurethane foam. It lies evenly on the surface of the wall or ceiling, after which it is necessary to allow the material to dry completely. Unfortunately, when drying, cellulose can settle significantly, as a result of which you have to carefully work out each joint and seam, correctly distribute the solution and apply it.

Advantages of ecowool:

• Low thermal conductivity up to 0.041 W/m*C;
• Excellent sound insulation: a layer up to 1.5 cm thick can absorb sounds up to 9 dB;
• There are no cold bridges at the joints of the supporting frame and the main parts of the building.

Flaws:

• The thermal efficiency parameter is constantly decreasing due to rapid shrinkage;
• Due to the above reason, after a few years it becomes bare upper section walls.

Ecowool is not suitable for insulating facades from the outside.

Izolon

A combined material based on foamed polyethylene, covered on both sides with aluminum foil. As you know, metal is an excellent conductor of heat, but not in our case: the shiny layer reflects heat in the opposite direction. It turns out that the insulation will be effective only if it is correctly installed in a shiny layer to the room.

Izolon is a completely safe material. They do not burn and do not support combustion when minimum thickness the sheet achieves the heat transfer effect as in the case of conventional insulation, does not require special installation skills.

As a rule, Izolon is used indoors, including cast floors.

Fibrolite

Fibrolite is a combined material that includes:

• Wood shavings;
• A solution of cement and water;
• Liquid glass.

Insulation is produced in the form of slabs, which are laid in the usual way.

The material absorbs little water and has a low thermal conductivity coefficient.

Despite the fact that fiberboard almost does not absorb water, the liquid that does get on the fibers evaporates for a long time, and mold grows in the coating.

Fiberboard is used for assembling internal and external walls and partitions, for covering roofs, attics, floors, etc.

Cork

Cork tree is a unique representative of the flora, which supplies humans with thermal insulation material of natural origin. The removed bark is prepared carefully:

• 1) Grind in a special machine;
• 2) Add natural glue suberin;
• 3) Plates and rolls of different thicknesses and densities are formed.

The result is an excellent thermal insulation material for covering floors and walls indoors. Cork is an extremely safe and environmentally friendly product that can be used to decorate children's rooms.

The appearance of the coating allows it to be used as a floor covering and insulation at the same time.

Systematizing information

The types of insulation and their characteristics that we examined are presented in the table, where you can compare them and choose the option that suits you:

The modern market offers a huge variety of insulation materials of organic, mineral and synthetic origin. We looked at the basic products that are most often used to preserve heat in residential and office spaces.

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