Thermal insulation is an important and responsible process with which you can make your home warm and save on heating costs. Walls, roofs, and pipes can be insulated. But for each case there is its own option, the technological features of which must be taken into account when choosing them.

For external walls

External walls are an important element of every house, because they are entrusted with a load-bearing function and protection of the house from negative influence environment.

Mineral wool

This material is considered one of the most popular for insulating walls both outside and inside. This is related to . Installation of wool is carried out without a preliminary layer of vapor barrier between plasterboard slabs.

In the photo - mineral wool for insulation

For external walls it is worth using mineral wool in roll format. And although the material is low cost, it is very effective in terms of heat retention, durability and strength. The disadvantage of mineral wool is its ability to “breathe”. does not carry any harm and is completely safe.

Expanded polystyrene

This material is not inferior in popularity to mineral wool and is actively used for external thermal insulation. The popularity of this material lies in its high thermal and performance data. You can read more about it in our article.

In the photo - polystyrene foam for wall insulation

The advantages of insulation include:

• low thermal conductivity;
• small throughput steam and moisture;
• ease of installation;
• light weight.

Polyurethane foam

This material for external insulation can be classified as universal. This is due to the fact that polyurethane foam has a cellular structure. The material can be used to insulate internal and external walls. The insulation has a thermal conductivity of 0.0125 W/mK. Polyurethane cells contain air or inert gas. They are hermetically sealed, due to which the material has excellent waterproofing capabilities.

The photo shows polyurethane foam for wall insulation

Foamed foil polyethylene

But what is the best insulation for facades under siding and how to choose it is described in this article:

But what kind of insulation for facade plaster is the most popular and how it is used will help you understand the information

Liquid ceramics

And although this insulation option is considered modern today, many developers are wary of it. Although the characteristics of the liquid heat insulator look impressive. The thermal conductivity is 0.01 W, and when the material dries, a single layer is formed that does not contain joints or crevices.

The photo shows liquid ceramics for insulating walls from the inside

The main advantage of liquid ceramics is that after its application there is no need to apply a finish. The resulting surface looks beautiful, thin and at the same time performs all the functions assigned to insulation. The only disadvantage of the material is that it has a high price. And you can read about which ones are used in the article.

For roofing

When erecting a roof, it is imperative to provide a layer of insulation. But now we’ll determine which one is most suitable.

Expanded polystyrene

This material has excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation qualities. But it cannot be used if there is a flat or soft roof.

In the photo - polystyrene foam for roofing

This is due to the fact that the material is vapor permeable and flammable. By using polystyrene foam, you can create excellent roof ventilation. But the information from this article will help you understand how to use it.

Polyurethane foam

The main advantage of this material is that it perfectly protects the roof from the penetration of cold. In addition, it is not affected by fire. Polyurethane foam can be applied to the roof in the most inaccessible places.

The photo shows polyurethane foam for roofing

In addition, with the help of this roofing insulation you can forget about joints and gaps. But what a shell for polyurethane foam pipes is, in detail with a photo, is described in this

Foam glass

This material is considered unique, because glass production waste is used in combination with carbon for its production.

The photo shows foam glass for roof insulation

The main advantages of insulation include:

• non-flammability,
• not afraid of steam and water,
• not affected by rodents and microorganisms,
• long service life;
• excellent thermal insulation qualities,
• resistance to deformation.

Which one is better to use for a wooden house?

Today on modern market There are many thermal insulation materials that can be used to insulate a wooden house. When choosing, you need to take into account that wooden surface I was able to “breathe.” Otherwise, it will lead to the development of mold and mildew.

The following materials can be used to insulate wood:

1. Jute.
2. Tape tow.
3. Expanded polystyrene.
4. Mineral wool.
5. Foam plastic.

A large selection of mineral wool makes you wonder which one is better: glass wool, stone wool or others.

Non-flammable types

If you need to choose a material that is not subject to combustion, but will still perform all the functions of a heat insulator, then you should pay attention to the following types:

1. Glass wool. This material is characterized by high strength and elasticity. It is actively used when insulating heating pipelines. Glass wool is not negatively affected by UV rays.

   

   In the photo there is non-flammable glass wool:

2. Expanded clay. The heat insulator is obtained by firing clay. It can be used when insulating complex or hard-to-reach surfaces. Has excellent thermal insulation properties. But which one is described in great detail in this article.

   

   In the photo, non-flammable expanded clay:

3. Foam glass. This material belongs to inorganic insulation. Has a structure that resembles soap suds. In the production of heat insulators they use coal and glass. Thanks to this, foam glass can withstand high temperatures. But what is GOST for expanded clay concrete wall panels, information from

   

   In the photo, non-flammable foam glass material:

Foil types

Today you can purchase the following insulation with a foil layer:

1. Minvata. This material is excellent for insulating surfaces that are constantly heated to high temperatures. Mineral wool is often used when laying pipes. Here's what technical specifications mineral wool currently exists and where it is used is described in this

   

   In the photo there is foil mineral wool:

2. Foamed polyurethane foam. On one side it has a layer of aluminum. The material has excellent thermal insulation performance, despite thin layer. It is much more effective than mineral wool.

   

   For photo-foiled polyurethane foam:

3. Foil insulator. On one side it has a foil layer, and on the other there is a self-adhesive surface. The material is used as a vapor and waterproofing agent.

   

   For photo-foil insulation for insulation:

Basalt species

Basalt insulation- This is stone wool. Stands out good. The material is environmentally friendly and practical. It can be used when insulating the following surfaces:

Basalt insulation is classified based on density and form of release. Each of them has its own pros and cons. Basalt is produced in the form of a roll, mat or scattering.

Insulation for interior walls home is enough current question For country houses, because their walls are usually quite thin and do not retain heat well. To reduce the cost of heating a country house, it is necessary to properly insulate the structure. If external insulation impossible due to design features buildings, then thermal insulation is carried out from the inside. When choosing insulation for walls inside a country house, not only the price of the material is taken into account, but also its characteristics and installation features.

Selection of insulation for interior work is huge, but not all materials can be used for thermal insulation of walls

Advantages and disadvantages of internal insulation

This type of insulation has a number of disadvantages:

Due to the size of the insulation, the useful area of ​​the room is reduced - for small rooms this is especially critical.

Due to a shift in the dew point (condensation), if the technology is not followed, condensation and mold may appear on the walls.

The premises cannot be used for living while work is being carried out.

Cheap wall insulation can negatively affect human health.

But many people prefer this method, which is explained by the positive aspects of internal insulation:

Work can be carried out regardless of weather conditions, which allows you to insulate the room several times faster.

Internal insulation technology is cheaper than external insulation.

It becomes possible to align the walls and change the interior of the room.

Dew point shift at internal insulation walls leads to condensation accumulation

Formation of condensation on the walls - main problem internal insulation. There are several methods to solve this:

use a high-quality vapor barrier membrane;

choose thermal insulation material with minimal thermal conductivity;

as finishing material better use moisture resistant drywall;

organize additional ventilation in the room.

How to choose the right insulation

The choice of heat-insulating material is influenced by the characteristics of the room and the budget for the upcoming work.

Types of insulation used for internal thermal insulation

Most often used for interior work:

mineral wool;

polystyrene foam;

penoplex;

ecowool;

sprayed materials.

When choosing a material for internal insulation country house A number of parameters should be taken into account:

Thermal conductivity of insulation– the lower this indicator, the better.

Frost resistance– country houses are heated in winter period not constantly, so the insulation will inevitably be affected by low temperatures.

Durability– having saved on insulation, you may be faced with the need to replace the insulation in 4–5 years.

Environmental friendliness– the material for internal insulation should not emit harmful substances.

In addition, the compatibility of the insulation with the material from which the walls are made is also taken into account. The thickness of the insulation is calculated based on the thermal conductivity of the material itself, as well as the thickness and type of insulated walls.

There is often a temptation to choose the cheapest insulation for the walls inside a country house, without delving too deeply into studying its characteristics and carrying out preliminary calculations. This approach leads to disappointment with the results of thermal insulation and the appearance of additional problems in the form of mold, mildew, and condensation.

The main problem with improper internal insulation is the formation of mold.

But it doesn’t make sense to purchase the most expensive insulation or make several additional layers to insulate the walls in your dacha. Professionals who deal with such work regularly will help you find the golden mean and make competent calculations. A competent choice of insulation for interior work and adherence to technology is a real way to save money.

Mineral wool for insulating walls inside the house is one of the most popular and widespread materials.

Mineral wool is the most popular material for insulation

Represents fibrous material. The fibers are formed by atomizing certain types of slag or basalt. Thanks to this production technology, the material is environmentally friendly and natural.

On our website you can find contacts construction companies who offer house insulation services. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.

Properties of mineral wool

Cotton wool does not burn, which is important when used in wooden houses.

Characteristics of different types of mineral wool

This insulation has several more advantages:

Resistance to biological organisms. Does not contribute to the formation of fungus and mold.

Good soundproofing characteristics. Mineral wool fibers randomly superimposed on each other perfectly retain sound waves.

It is not subject to shrinkage, which retains the properties of this type of insulation throughout its entire service life.

The ability to allow air to pass through, which allows you to maintain a healthy indoor microclimate.

Proper functioning of the insulation is only possible in combination with additional moisture-proofing materials. When exposed to water, mineral wool loses some of its thermal insulation properties. Over time, mineral wool can disintegrate into fibers, which requires replacing the thermal insulation.

It should be taken into account that mice and other small rodents can make nests and passages in glass wool. That's why country house Before insulation it is necessary to protect it from rodents.

Mice have chosen glass wool for making nests

Features of mineral wool insulation: the need for additional materials

It is necessary to work with cotton wool using personal protective equipment - small particles of fibers can get on the mucous membranes and cause irritation.

With such insulation finishing material for finishing the walls is plasterboard. To attach it to the wall, a metal profile and hangers are used. Warming is carried out in the following order:

Waterproofing is attached to the wall - Any will do roll material. Using a construction stapler, the waterproofing is attached to the wall; at the joints, the material is laid with an overlap of about 15 cm.

Vertical markings are applied to the wall in increments of 60 cm for ease of fastening sheets of drywall (its standard width 120 cm).

After marking, metal hangers are attached to the wall - dowel-nails are used for this.

Mineral wool is placed on the hangers and the entire wall is sequentially filled.

After this, metal profiles are attached to the hangers, and a vapor barrier film is attached to them.

Drywall sheets are attached using self-tapping screws, and the joints are puttied.

You can see the stages of wall insulation with mineral wool followed by finishing with plasterboard in the video:

The result is an insulated wall, ready for finishing. This can be either puttying and painting, or wallpapering.

Cost of mineral wool

Mineral wool is a relatively cheap insulation material. Sold in slabs or rolls. Standard slab sizes:

• 1,000x600 mm;

  1 200x600 mm;

The material in rolls can be selected in various lengths - from 5 to 12 m.

Cost per 1 sq. m of mineral wool is:

50 mm thick – from 50 to 100 rubles;

100 mm thick - from 105 to 210 rubles.

When choosing mineral wool, it is necessary to take into account not only the size of the slabs, the thickness of the insulation, but also the need for additional materials necessary for carrying out installation work.

Foam plastic

Budget material, almost 98% consisting of air. 2% comes from the main component of the raw material – polystyrene. Can be used as insulation for walls outside and inside a country house.

Technical characteristics of polystyrene foam

Properties and advantages of polystyrene foam

Among the advantages of this material:

Versatility and ease of installation. This material is used for insulation of any structures. It is easy to cut and installation does not take much time.

Low price. One of the cheapest insulation materials.

Safety. During operation it does not generate dust or harmful fumes. You can work with it without protective equipment.

However, polystyrene foam is a flammable material; in direct contact with fire, the sheets easily catch fire and the release of harmful substances begins.

Advice! Insulate with polystyrene foam wooden buildings undesirable.

Does not allow steam to pass through and practically does not absorb moisture. A significant disadvantage is its attractiveness to rodents. Rats and mice easily make passages in the foam and create holes.

One of the disadvantages of polystyrene foam is flammability.

Features of wall insulation with foam plastic

Instead of guides metal profiles can be used wooden blocks. This method is very convenient when working with foam. The thickness of the foam sheet should be equal to the thickness of the bars, which will be guides for attaching the insulation between them.

Depending on the width of the foam, the step of fixing the bars to the wall is selected. Waterproofing is fixed over the surface of the entire resulting structure. Sheets of foam plastic are tightly inserted into the resulting recesses between the beams - this avoids additional fixation. If necessary, the joints are filled polyurethane foam.

After filling the entire wall with insulation, it is covered with a protective vapor barrier. Sheets of plywood are fixed on top, the joints are puttied - the surface is ready for finishing.

Wall insulated with foam plastic

Cost, foam sizes

Standard sizes of foam sheets:

Thickness can vary from 20 to 100 mm. The cost of polystyrene foam depends on the density of the material, manufacturer and region.

You can buy foam plastic 50 mm thick in Moscow from 50 rubles per 1 sq. m. m.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Thermal insulation material, the basis of which is polystyrene, as in polystyrene foam. But thanks to manufacturing technology, penoplex, technolex and other similar materials have the best performance characteristics than their counterpart.

Comparison of the characteristics of polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam

Main advantages:

perfectly retains heat in the room;

due to its small thickness, when insulating walls indoors, it practically does not reduce usable area;

light weight and ease of installation - properties similar to polystyrene foam;

environmental friendliness - does not emit toxic substances and does not require protective equipment during installation work;

accessibility - the material is relatively inexpensive.

This material is universal, used as insulation for walls outside a country house, inside, for floors and ceilings.

The video shows tests of penoplex for strength and fire safety in real conditions:

Another popular insulation for walls inside the house is penoplex, the price and quality of which attract buyers with its good ratio.

This material can be attached to the wall without additional preparation. It does not need waterproofing because it does not allow water to pass through, but some experts say that the film will not be superfluous. Due to its small thickness, it can be attached using glue or dowel nails with large heads. After filling the wall with insulation, it is plastered.

This method of insulation is suitable for smooth walls. If there is a need to level the plane, then you cannot do without guides.

Walls insulated with penoplex

Penoplex cost

Standard sizes of extruded polystyrene foam sheets:

The thickness of the insulation is from 10 to 100 mm (depending on the brand of material).

The price of insulation packaging depends on the size, thickness of the material, manufacturer and number of slabs in the package.

For example, Penoplex Comfort will cost:

1254 rubles for 18 slabs measuring 1185x585x20 mm;

1252 rubles for 12 sheets – 1185x585x30 mm;

1234 rubles for 9 slabs - 1200x600x40 mm.

Cellulose-based insulation, which is made from waste paper and paper waste. The bulk of the insulation is 80% cellulose fiber. There are additives that prevent combustion and proliferation of microorganisms - boric acid and borax. These additives are practically not harmful to humans.

Ecowool - safe insulation

Ecowool is a good thermal insulation material, which in its properties is practically not inferior to others. But it has much more significant disadvantages:

Loss of thermal insulation properties over time - ecowool is subject to shrinkage.

Costly installation. Spraying is carried out using special equipment. Basic skills in working with the material are required to obtain the correct layer of insulation.

Features of application

Various technologies are used to insulate ecowool:

dry backfill;

wet spraying;

wet-adhesive plaster.

Each method has its own characteristics. To insulate walls, the wet method is most often used, which requires the use of special equipment, as well as an adhesive.

The use of special equipment for working with ecowool

Cost of ecowool

Ecowool is packaged in sealed bags of 13–15 kg. The price for 1 kg of insulation is 30–40 rubles.

But material consumption depends not only on the desired thickness of the thermal insulation layer, but also on the skills of the performer and compliance with insulation technology.

Price issue

Mineral wool and polystyrene foam are the most inexpensive insulation materials for walls inside a house; the price will depend on the size of the insulated area and the method of installing the insulation. Penoplex is a more expensive material, but you don’t have to build a frame to attach it to the walls.

Choosing the type, size, thickness of insulation without certain experience and knowledge is not easy

The process of insulation with mineral wool and polystyrene foam is almost identical, and penoplex can compensate for its price with economical installation work.

The price of ecowool is small, but carrying out thermal insulation works will require the use of special equipment, which will increase costs.

Conclusion

The choice of insulation method and materials depends on many factors. Before starting work, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons between internal and external insulation, think about which thermal insulation material is suitable in a particular case, determine the thickness of the insulation, and the need for additional materials. Therefore, it is advisable to entrust the purchase of insulation to a competent contractor who will take into account all the features of the internal insulation technology and the wishes of the customer.

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 apartment building when insulation of internal walls is the only way to thermally 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 of walls arise as follows:

• at 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 load-bearing structure and is formed 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 need special tool, and installation is not difficult.

But this material has disadvantages:

• flammability;
• low strength;
• vapor tightness - if not done working 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 slabs basalt wool, they are easy to install. Another advantage of the material is its non-flammability.

But it's worth it great caution use this material if the walls in the apartment are damp, basalt wool is hygroscopic, and when wet it completely loses its insulating properties. Therefore, before laying it on the walls, you need to arrange waterproofing layer, and before finishing cladding, tighten the 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 has low cost and ease of installation.

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 internal insulation of the house is installed even before installation begins, a good ventilation system, otherwise the indoor microclimate will become unfavorable over time.

Comparative table of thermal insulation materials:

Name of material	Density	Thermal conductivity coefficient	Vapor permeability	Moisture absorption
Foam plastic	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 room insulation with 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 this 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;
• foam;
• 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:

• foam;
• 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.

With the onset of autumn, with its greyness, cold winds and monotonous rains, you increasingly begin to think about a soft sweater, a warm cup of tea and a warm and cozy home. Since prehistoric times, man has tried to heat his home and keep it warm. Since then, humanity has found many ways to protect the house from the cold.
Modern builders carry out a whole range of work on thermal insulation of walls, floors, roofs, facades, creating a kind of thermal shell around the building frame. Building materials that reduce the heat transfer process are called thermal insulation or insulation materials. Their main characteristic is thermal conductivity - that is, the ability to transfer heat from warmer to cooler. The lower the thermal conductivity, the more heat is retained.
According to the classification according to GOST, building thermal insulation materials and products are distinguished:

	By type of raw material: 1. Organic 2. Inorganic 3. Mixed		By structure: 1. Fibrous 2. Cellular 3. Granular (loose)
	By form: 1. Loose 2. Flat 3. Shaped 4. Corded		By flammability: 1. Fireproof 2. Resistant to fire 3. Combustible

The flammability of a material means its ability to burn independently. Thus, fireproof materials are not capable of completely burning on their own (flammability class NG); difficult to burn - can burn under the direct influence of a flame, but are not able to continue burning without an ignition source or beyond its influence (flammability class G-1, G-2); combustible ones continue to burn on their own even after the source of ignition is removed (flammability class G-3, G-4).

The form and structure are more or less clear. Loose, that is, loose, porous, include mineral wool and perlite sand.
Flat - those that have a flat shape - mats, slabs, blocks.
Shaped - heat-insulating materials that have been shaped in production (cylinder, half-cylinder, segments). Cord - cords and harnesses, small cross-section.

From the term “Fibrous” it becomes clear that these materials consist of fibers - thread-like elements (mineral wool).
The cellular structure is characterized by the presence of macropores - cells (gas and foam concrete, gas silicates, as well as foam plastic and foam glass have this structure).
Granular or loose - characterized by the presence of grains - granules or grains different sizes(perlite sand, powder materials for backfilling)

Now let's return to the types of thermal insulation materials.
The key indicator for insulation is its base - raw materials. For the production of certain insulation materials, various materials are used. As mentioned above, a distinction is made between organic-based, inorganic-based and mixed-based thermal insulation materials.

Organic-based thermal insulators

To understand the terminology, recall that an organic basis can be something belonging to the plant or animal world, or a chemical compound that is based on carbon. Thus, organic-based heat insulators include materials based on waste from the woodworking industry (sawdust, shavings); waste paper (cellulose); sheep wool; traffic jams and some others natural materials. However, they all gradually absorb moisture and may lose volume. (compress) and ignite quickly, so in modern world they are rarely used.

The most popular organic insulation materials are polystyrene foam and polyethylene foam. The latter is, to a greater extent, used for insulation of pipes and communications. Reflective insulation, that is, reflective (brands Armofol, Ecofol, Porilex, Penofol), one of the components of which is foamed polyethylene, and the second is polished aluminum, are gaining increasing popularity. These insulation materials are very thin, but effective. Thanks to the ability of polished aluminum to reflect up to 97-99% of heat and polyethylene (the thickness of the final material is 1-2.5 cm), a semblance of a thermal barrier is obtained that, according to manufacturers, can replace from 10 to 27 cm of fibrous heat insulator.

Expanded polystyrene, also called polystyrene foam, began its journey as a thermal insulation material in the 60s of the 20th century (although it was invented in 1928 in France) and has not changed much since then.
Expanded polystyrene - cellular material white, consisting of a polystyrene plastic mass filled with 98% air, due to which it has high thermal insulation rates, as well as low weight, that is, it does not affect the shrinkage of the foundation and facilitates installation.
The generally accepted designation is PSB - P polystyrene WITH Assumption made B in an express way, the additional letter “C” after the abbreviation PSB means WITH self-extinguishing, and " F"- façade, the following numbers indicate the thickness of the sheet, indicated in centimeters (10, 15, 25, 30, 50).
Expanded polystyrene is a very convenient and popular insulation material. However, it has a number of disadvantages, namely:

• relatively fragile;
• combustible - requires special treatment;
• does not “breathe” - requires additional ventilation;
• insects and rodents easily create labyrinths and passages in it - additional means are needed to protect the edges of the insulation to eliminate direct access for pests;
• from direct sunlight it dries out and becomes stained over time - it needs a finishing coat (plaster, paint).

In an attempt to eliminate the shortcomings of polystyrene foam, it was invented — the raw materials are the same, but the method of producing the material is different (extrusion method). The result is a material with a uniform, closed-porous structure, very durable (it can even be used as a material for auxiliary structures), lightweight, with low thermal conductivity, minimal water absorption, frost-resistant, harmless to humans, not subject to rotting and resistant to chemicals.
In extruded polystyrene foamIt was possible to eliminate only two shortcomings - poor vapor permeability and high flammability.

Despite their flaws, expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene foam are considered almost universal insulation, since they are environmentally friendly, moisture-resistant, resistant to temperature changes, have virtually no shelf life, and are equally suitable for insulating roofs, walls, floors and even facades.

Inorganic based heat insulators

Inorganic-based insulation materials include those heat insulators for the manufacture of which mineral substances were used (rocks, glass, metallurgical slag). As a result of spraying molten mineral substance Fibers chaotically intertwined with each other are formed - mineral wool (mineral wool).

Depending on the initial mineral substance, glass wool (based on glass), stone or basalt wool (based on rocks) and slag wool (based on metallurgical slag) are distinguished.
The main advantages over organic-based heat insulators are: high fire safety, good sound insulation, the ability to pass air and steam, which prevents the formation of condensation, as well as resistance to bioorganisms (mold, fungi, insects, birds, rodents).
Previously, the use of glass wool was widespread in construction; it was used to insulate facades, flat roofs, floors, ceilings, and internal ceilings.
However, glass wool quickly loses its shape and volume when compared with other heat insulators, and is “afraid” of moisture, so over time it loses its characteristics.
It is also important to understand that no matter how hard manufacturers try, it is impossible to completely eliminate the fragility of fiberglass. If it comes into contact with the skin, it causes itching and irritation; if inhaled, affects the lungs; if it gets into the eyes, it scratches the cornea, which can lead to serious problems with vision. Therefore, when working with glass wool, special safety precautions are recommended. clothing - pants and a jacket covering the skin, mittens, glasses and a respirator. Nowadays, glass wool is more often used to insulate city communications and to increase sound insulation in rooms.

Stone wool is no different from glass wool in terms of application, structure and flammability, but has the advantage of low water absorption and slight loss of shape and volume, due to which the use of stone or basalt wool has become more popular. In addition to insulating floors, walls, pitched and flat roofs, it is used for fire protection of steel columns and beams, air ducts, and reinforced concrete partitions. Slag wool is not used in residential construction, as it contains sulfur impurities that are harmful to humans. It is used as fire-resistant thermal insulation of cars, tanks, boilers, steam pipes, and metal structures.

Thermal insulators on a mixed basis

Thermal insulators from mixed raw materials are those produced on the basis of asbestos with the addition of dolomite, vemriculite, perlite.
Such insulators have the consistency of dough (applied to the surface and left until completely dry) or are available in the form of slabs and shells. Such materials demonstrate good thermal insulation characteristics, are non-flammable, and not subject to rot, but asbestos insulation, like polystyrene foam, does not allow steam and air to pass through, therefore they require additional ventilation, and like glass wool, they require special work. clothing (asbestos dust can cause lung damage, especially in allergy sufferers). The last factor often becomes decisive, and is not at all in favor of asbestos insulation.

We summarized what was written in the words above in Table 1 (we compared the most popular types of heat insulators)

Table 1. Types and characteristics of popular insulation materials

	Glass wool	Stone\basalt wool	Expanded polystyrene
Scope of application	Facade, walls, floor, flat roof, ceiling	Facade, walls, floor, flat and pitched roof		Facade, walls, floor, ceiling, flat and pitched roof
Feedstock	inorganic	inorganic	organic	organic
Structure	fibrous	fibrous	cellular	cellular
Form	loose, pressed into mats	loose, pressed into mats	flat	flat
Flammability	NG	NG	G-3, G-4	G-3, G-4
Water absorption	high	low	relatively low	low
Loss of volume and shape	high	low	low	low
Resistance to biological organisms	high	high	low	high
Ability to "breathe"	allows air and steam to pass through	allows air and steam to pass through	does not allow air or steam to pass through	does not allow air or steam to pass through
Impact on human health	harmful	harmless	harmless	harmless

Even having clarified for yourself the nuances of certain insulation materials, when you come to the store, it is difficult to immediately find your bearings, because many manufacturers offer the modern buyer different means thermal insulation. One brand has only one type of product, another has a whole line of different ones in base, shape, structure, how can you not get confused? We suggest that you familiarize yourself with Table 2, in which you can find the names of manufacturers by type of insulation or by its purpose (we compared brands of manufacturers popular in the Saratov region).

Table 2. Insulation materials and areas of their application

	Glass wool	Stone wool	Expanded polystyrene	Extruded polystyrene foam
Pitched roof, attics	URSA GEO; URSA TERRA; URSA PUREON	ROCKLIGHT; TECHNOFLOOR; Knauf Insulation Pitched roofing; Knauf Insulation Thermo Plate; ROCKWOOL Standard; ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS; ROCKWOOL ROOF BUTTS; ECOROCK ;Baswool Light; ISOVER Frame house	PSB-S	URSA XPS; Penoplex Pitched roofing; XPS TECHNONICOL
The roof is flat		TECHNORUF; ROCKWOOL ROOF BUTTS; Baswool RUF		URSA XPS; Penoplex Comfort Penoplex Slope
Ventilated facade		BASALITE VENTI; HeatKNAUF; Knauf Insulation Façade; ROCKWOOL VENTI BUTTS; Baswool Vent Facade; TECHNOVENT;		Penoplex GEO
Facade "wet"		TECHNOFAS; Knauf Insulation Façade; ROCKWOOL FACADE BUTTS; Baswool Facade	PSB-F	Penoplex Facade; Penoplex Base; XPS TECHNONICOL
First floor, basement		HeatKNAUF	PSB-F	Penoplex Facade; Penoplex Base
Foundation			PSB-F	URSA XPS; Penoplex Foundation; Penoplex Geo; XPS TECHNONICOL;
Floor	ISOVER Warm home; URSA GEO; URSA PUREON	ROCKLIGHT; TECHNOFLOOR; HeatKNAUF; ROCKWOOL Standard; ECOROCK; Baswool Flor; ISOVER Frame house	PSB-S	URSA XPS; Penoplex GEO; Penoplex Comfort; XPS TECHNONICOL;
Walls	ISOVER Warm house-PLATE; URSA GEO; URSA TERRA; URSA PUREON	ROCKLIGHT; Knauf Insulation Thermo Plate; HeatKNAUF; ROCKWOOL Standard; ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS; Baswool Light; Baswool Standard; ISOVER Frame house	PSB-S	URSA XPS; Penoplex Facade; Penoplex Comfort; Penoplex Wall; Penoplex Base
Balconies, loggias	URSA GEO	ROCKLIGHT; ROCKWOOL Standard; ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS	PSB-S; PSB-F	URSA XPS; Penoplex Comfort; XPS TECHNONICOL;
Frame house	ISOVER Warm house-PLATE	ROCKLIGHT; ROCKWOOL Standard; ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS; ECOROCK 30; Baswool Light 45; ISOVER Frame house		Penoplex Wall
Rooms with high humidity	URSA GEO	ROCKWOOL insulation; ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS; ROCKWOOL SAUNA BUTTS		Penoplex Comfort

For the right choice the insulation you need, it is important to clearly understand what you want to get as a result? And what is primary for you and what is secondary? And we, for our part, tried to help you understand what the pros and cons of modern commonly used insulation materials are.

Modern insulation materials developed using latest technologies, are used in construction to insulate the interior of a house. The material “saves” from the winter cold, retaining heat in the room, and from the summer heat, retaining coolness.

Each type of new material has its own application technology. You need to familiarize yourself with it when purchasing. Depending on the composition, there are three groups of surface insulation materials.

Organic. They are used to insulate houses with moderate humidity and, most often, only from the inside of the room.

This group is represented by the following types:

• Woody;
• Linen;
• Cork;
• Sea grass.

Inorganic. Suitable for insulating the walls of a house from the outside and inside:

• Mineral insulation (the most popular are mineral wool and slabs);
• Basalt fiber;
• Fiberglass;
• Cellular concrete;
• Expanded polystyrene;
• Polyethylene foam.

Mixed. These insulation materials are composed of organic and inorganic elements. Representatives of the group - materials from rocks:

• Perlite;
• Asbestos;
• Vermiculite, etc.

Perlite insulation

Pay attention! Thanks to the use of new technologies, the developed insulation materials are ergonomic and environmentally friendly.

A wide variety of new insulation materials are used in construction. What parameters you need to pay attention to when choosing are discussed below.

Modern thermal insulation materials are characterized by the following properties:

1. Thermal conductivity;
2. Degree of porosity;
3. Strength level;
4. Vapor permeability indicator;
5. Degree of water absorption;
6. Resistance to biological processes;
7. Fire resistance;
8. Resistance to temperature changes;
9. Heat capacity indicator.

The thermal conductivity parameter of an insulating material depends on other properties - the amount of moisture, the degree of strength and porosity, temperature and structure. It indicates how much total heat will pass through the surface. The heat conductivity indicator is calculated taking into account a certain footage and time (heating through 1 m2 of material per hour).

In construction, the porosity parameter of the insulation is important, since the further functionality of the material depends on its degree.

The following types of pores are distinguished:

• Open;
• Closed;
• Large;
• Small ones.

When choosing insulation, you need to pay attention to the strength parameter. Its minimum and maximum limits are 0.2 and 2.5 MPa. This is especially necessary when transporting material. A high strength index will protect the surface from various types of damage.

Measuring the degree of vapor permeability will indicate the amount of its penetration - through 1 m2 of insulation per hour. Correct calculation assumes the same temperature on the inside and outside of the walls (despite the fact that they differ).

In rainy areas, a high moisture absorption rate of the insulation is required. In this case, preference should be given to new materials with moisture-repellent elements in their composition, for example, mineral wool. The following parameter depends on the degree of moisture absorption.

The higher the degree of protection against moisture a material has, the stronger its resistance to biological processes. Mold, microorganisms, insects, etc. destroy the structure of the coating. Therefore, the insulation must have the property of protection against these processes.

Resistance to fire is an important safety parameter of insulation, developed according to modern technology. You need to choose a material with a high degree of fire protection.

In this case, you need to pay attention to generally accepted fire safety indicators:

• Flammability of the material;
• Flammability;
• Smoke generation;
• Toxicity level.

Resistance to temperature changes is important in all climatic conditions. This parameter is represented by a limit indicator. Under its influence, the structure of the thermal coating will begin to collapse.

The heat capacity parameter indicates the ability of the insulation to withstand the influence low temperatures. This is especially important for cold areas. Good new insulation freezes and defrosts without disturbing the structure.

9 popular materials: advantages and disadvantages of the best insulation materials

The market for insulation materials is represented by a huge variety of assortments. The most commonly used types are discussed below.

It is a fibrous material. Of all types of insulation, it is the most popular, since the technology of its application is simple and the price is low.

Advantages:

• Fire resistance;
• Good noise insulation;
• Frost resistance;
• High porosity.

Flaws:

• When in contact with moisture, heat retention properties are reduced;
• Low strength;
• Application requires availability additional material- films.

The manufacturing technology implies a similar composition to glass. Hence the name of the material. Advantages:

• Great sound insulation;
• High strength;
• Moisture protection;
• High temperature resistance.

Flaws:

• Short service life;
• Less thermal insulation;
• Formaldehyde in the composition (not for all).

To produce this material, glass powder and gas-forming elements are used in production. Pros:

• Waterproof;
• Frost resistance;
• High fire resistance.

• Great price;
• Air impermeability.

Cellulose wool

This material is also called ecowool, it has a granular structure, and the cost is low. Advantages:

• Good heat insulation;
• Spread of material in cracks;
• Exchange of moisture without disruption of structure and properties.

Flaws:

• Combustible;
• Low level of strength;
• Labor-intensive application.

Cork

Its high prevalence is due to its environmentally friendly composition. The material has a significant drawback - high cost. Advantages:

• Light weight;
• Resistance to biological processes;
• The level of strength is high;
• Incombustibility.

The material is produced in two ways - with or without a press. The structure is medium-grained. Pros:

• Great thermal insulation;
• Waterproof;
• Low price.

• Flammable;
• Air impermeability;
• Structure damage during freezing.

The structure of this material is small capsules with air inside them. Advantages:

• Elastic;
• Gets into bumps well;
• Resistant to biological processes;
• Large temperature range.

Flaws:

• Air does not pass through;
• It burns, releasing hazardous elements;
• Application requires special equipment.

When producing the material, the pressing method is used. The structure is homogeneous, consisting of small cells with gas inside. Advantages:

• Highest strength;
• Long service life;
• Repels moisture.

Flaws:

• Combustible;
• Air tightness.

Considered the best modern liquid insulation material. It consists of empty small ceramic balls. Special substances serve as adhesion for them. Pros:

• Ease of application (sprayed or applied with a brush);
• Thinness of the applied layer;
• Fire resistance;
• Withstand temperature fluctuations;
• Economical (500 g per 1 m2).

Pay attention! There is no material available for use in all cases. To select good insulation, many individual room factors need to be taken into account.

When purchasing a thermal insulation material, you should take into account the basic parameters of the surface on which it will be applied, the conditions of use and the climatic conditions.