Among the variety of materials for home insulation, choosing the right option can be quite difficult. Each of them is often divided into several types with its own unique characteristics. Comparative analysis can take a long time, so an idea of general properties of this or that insulation will help, if not finally decide on the choice, then at least tell you in which direction to move. The article will focus on building thermal insulation materials.
Thermal insulation materials types and properties
Foam plastic
One of the most popular thermal insulation materials for walls is polystyrene foam. It belongs to the category of inexpensive insulation and firmly occupies a leading position in it. I must say that this is completely justified. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by a sufficient number of buildings for both residential and industrial purposes.
So, among its positive characteristics the following stands out:
- price. Production costs are minimal. Material consumption (in comparison with popular mineral wool) is one and a half times less;
- ease of installation. Polystyrene foam will not require the construction of lathing and guides. It is mounted on the wall by gluing;
- versatility. A correctly selected type of insulation will allow you to create a reliable heat-protective barrier for the floor, facade, walls, floors between floors, roof, and ceiling.
It effectively protects residents from the cold frame houses, laid inside hollow brick walls.
It is most convenient to view the indicators depending on the classification in the table. The division is based on an indicator such as density.
| Characteristics | Foam brands | Notes | |||
| PSB S 50 | PSB S 35 | PSB S 25 | PSB S 15 | ||
| Density (kg/m³) | 35 | 25 | 15 | 8 | Types PS - 4, PS - 1 have increased density |
| Fracture resistance (MPa) | 0,30 | 0,25 | 0,018 | 0,06 | |
| Compressive Strength (MPa) | 0,16 | 0,16 | 0,08 | 0,04 | |
| Moisture absorption capacity (%) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Full immersion for 24 hours |
| Thermal conductivity (W/μ) | 0,041 | 0,037 | 0,039 | 0,043 | |
| Self-extinguishing time (sec.) / flammability class | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Provided there is no direct contact with open flame Normally flammable |
| Vapor permeability coefficient (mg) | 0,05 | 0,05 | 0,05 | 0,05 | |
All described types can be used at temperatures from - 60 to + 80°C.
PS class material is produced using pressing, which gives it increased density (from 100 to 600 kg/m³). It is successfully used as insulation for cement floors and where significant loads are expected on the base. The remaining technical characteristics generally coincide with the above data for other types of foam.
Of course, according to some figures and coefficients, polystyrene foam has discrepancies, for example, with more modern foamed polystyrene or penofol, but the difference is so insignificant that it will be absolutely not noticeable to the residents of the house.
Therefore, the strengths of polystyrene foam are rightfully considered:
- a small coefficient of thermal conductivity, which allows you to retain heat in buildings made of any type of material from brick to gas silicate blocks;
- The cell structure of polystyrene foam is closed, so it absorbs liquid extremely poorly. For insulation, this is an extremely important indicator, because when water is added, it loses its heat-saving properties. Basements and ground floors that have direct contact (or the threat of it) with groundwater are successfully insulated using polystyrene foam;
- sound insulation comes as a pleasant addition to the function of reducing heat loss. The air hidden in the sealed cells of the material successfully extinguishes even the most intense sound waves, transmitted in space. In order to create a barrier to impact noise, foam plastic alone will not work;
- resistance to alcohol, alkaline and saline solutions, water-based paints this material is “developed” at a high level. In addition, it is not chosen as a worthy habitat for fungi and mold. It is worth noting that rodents, on the contrary, are very fond of polystyrene foam and often prefer to live in it. Fighting them by any available means will not allow uninvited neighbors to spoil the insulation;
- environmental safety. Polystyrene foam does not emit any harmful substances. The modern standard of this insulation is full compliance with sanitary standards;
- As additional fire protection, at the production stage, fire retardants are added to the main ingredients to increase the fire resistance of the foam. And if there is no direct contact with the fire, then it goes out on its own in a short period of time. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that it is still considered a flammable material;
- loss of the above properties will not occur, even if there is short-term contact with a heat source up to 110°, but prolonged exposure to more than 80° C will lead to deformation and loss of characteristics.
The described temperature regimes belong to the category of anomalies and do not occur with regular frequency, so making them the main reason for refusing to use polystyrene foam is inappropriate.
Penoplex plates
Foamed polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene - all this is the name of the same material, sold in construction stores as penoplex insulation. It is a “relative” of the familiar polystyrene foam, but is considered a material one step higher.
The main difference begins already at the production stage, where extrusion plants are used. As a result, the fine-cell structure of the material has greater strength than its “brother” foam. It is also distinguished by excellent hydrophobic properties. The air is securely sealed in the scarlet cells, preventing warm air from leaving the room, and cold air, on the contrary, penetrating inside.
Main properties of thermal insulation material:
- strength. It is achieved due to a unique homogeneous structure. Under heavy loads, the slab does not deform, distributing the weight efficiently, but at the same time can be easily cut with a construction knife into pieces of the required size;
- environmental friendliness The material has been proven by multiple studies, it is resistant to the formation of fungus and mold, and rodents do not like it. Some types of organic solvents can soften penoplex and disrupt the shape and structure of the slab. Therefore, when working with this insulation, it is recommended to avoid contact with such liquids;
- low vapor permeability requires strict adherence to installation technology and recommendations for use so as not to create a greenhouse effect in the room;
- service life for penoplex slabs the lifespan is at least 50 years. This is a guaranteed period of time during which the material will have its original characteristics;
- thermal conductivity coefficient- the main indicator by which foamed polystyrene is considered good insulation. Low values of this indicator indicate that the house will be reliably protected from heat loss.
- The types of thermal insulation material penoplex and the directions of their use are quite diverse (previously used and modern names of the material are given in parentheses).
- Insulation of facades (PENOPLEX 31 or “Wall”). It is made with the addition of fire retardants. Well applicable for plinths, internal and external walls, partitions, facades. Its density is 25-32 kg/m³, compressive strength is 0.20 MPa.
- Foundation ( PENOPLEX 35 without additives for fire resistance or “foundation”). In addition to the application option implied by the name, this type is widely used in the arrangement of basements, blind areas and plinths. Density is expressed in terms of 29-33 kg/m³, and compressive strength is 0.27 MPa.
- Roofs. ( PENOPLEX 35 or “Roof”). Pitched or flat roof any type can be insulated using this type of polystyrene foam. It is dense enough (28 - 33 kg/m³) to create a usable roof.
- Country cottages, saunas, houses. ( PENOPLEX 31 C or “Comfort”). Universal insulation. Houses, roofing, walls and plinths in small private buildings - this is the scope of its application. Density indicators - 25-35 kg/m³, strength - 0.20 MPa.
Foamed polystyrene occupies a worthy position in popularity due to its good performance indicators.
Thermal insulation material glass wool
Insulation, known to more than one generation of builders, has today undergone some modifications. But, in essence, it remained the same material made from molten glass. Sand and recycled glass materials are drawn at temperatures above 1400 °C into thin fibers, which are formed into small bundles (with the participation of binding components), and then heated and pressed into a felt-like product. Glass wool reaches the consumer in mats or rolls and is intended for insulation of both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
It belongs to the category of mineral materials and is still produced in large volumes, which indicates that it is in demand and has a significant number of positive characteristics that are worth getting to know a little closer.
- Fragility refers rather to significant shortcomings. To prevent glass wool from scattering into its component parts during operation, mats and canvases are stitched. But no reinforcement can save you from small particles flying in all directions. Therefore, the equipment of a person working with glass wool must be serious: clothing that covers the body well, a respirator mask, goggles and gloves.
- The thermal conductivity of the material is low, but in comparison with other materials for similar purposes, it is considered high.
- The cost of glass wool remains competitive. Due to its availability, it is in demand, especially since it really reduces heat loss.
- Ease of transportation and use. Rolls and mats of material weigh little and the packaging is compact enough to bring the entire volume for home insulation in one go. Laying it out is also easy. The only caveat is that when insulating vertical bases, it can fall out of the frame, because it is quite flexible and low-elastic. The problem is solved by constructing guides with a smaller distance than the width of the mat. It is easy to cut the material to size.
- Safety. Glass wool can cause certain inconveniences and harm to health only at the installation stage. But with proper organization of work, troubles will not happen. And after the material is laid in the base and covered with plasterboard, chipboard sheets or other finishing materials, it will not cause any harm to humans.
- No rodents. Due to the specifics of the material, mice and rats will not choose this insulation to create cozy holes in it.
- Glass wool is a non-flammable material.
- Sound insulation when used is also ensured.
Thus, it is most convenient to use glass wool for insulating floors and ceilings. You can also show skill when decorating walls. The main disadvantage remains the harmful dust that is inevitable when cutting and rolling, but for some consumers the low cost more than offsets this disadvantage.
Slag
Continuing the conversation about mineral insulation, it is worth mentioning slag wool. It is produced from blast furnace slag. Since this is a kind of production waste (when cast iron is smelted in blast furnaces, a glassy mass remains), the costs of its production are low, and therefore the price of the finished insulation is quite affordable.
Slag wool is capable of blocking heat well in rooms, but it has enough disadvantages and limitations on use to negate its low cost and good thermal insulation.
- So, slag wool is afraid of moisture. It is not justified to use it in bathrooms or on facades. At the same time, it is capable of oxidizing various metal parts and structures with which it comes into direct and prolonged contact.
- To top it all off, it is scratchy and requires the use of special protection during operation. Against this background, glass wool looks much more attractive, which is why slag wool is used extremely rarely in modern construction.
Mineral thermal insulation material
Basalt, stone, mineral wool, rockwool - these names most often hide the same material.
- Its fibers are the same size as slag wool, but they do not cause discomfort during installation. Safety in use is one of the first distinctive properties of this mineral insulation.
- The thermal conductivity coefficient of this material is calculated from 0.077 to 0.12 W/meter-kelvin. Basalt wool is called the best in all respects. It does not contain additional harmful impurities, can withstand prolonged exposure to extremely high and low temperatures, and is convenient to use.
- Both ordinary stone and basalt wool are resistant to combustion. The fibers will only melt and sinter together, but will not allow the fire to spread further.
- Any building can be insulated with stone wool, both when built from scratch and those that have been in operation for quite a long time. Basalt insulation does not interfere with air microcirculation, which means it can be used in buildings where supply ventilation not functioning properly.
- Certain inconveniences for some builders may arise with the need to erect a false wall. Without it, it will not be possible to install insulation. But in fact, the construction technology is very simple; not so much space is “eaten up”.
- The material is environmentally friendly, good for insulation wooden houses. It is strictly forbidden for it to get wet, so the waterproofing layer must meet all requirements.
- Recommended thickness of thermal insulation material for middle zone is 15-20 cm, in the southern regions a 10 cm layer is sufficient.
- Stone wool absorbs sound well. This is achieved due to the fact that its fibers are located chaotically, and between them in large quantities air accumulates. This structure perfectly dampens sounds.
- The described insulation is chemically passive. Even if it is in close contact with a metal surface, no traces of corrosion will appear on it. Rotting and infection by fungi or mold are also not typical for stone wool. Rodents and other pests are not attracted to the material.
- The only really negative aspect of its use is the rather high cost.
Characteristics of thermal insulation materials
Ecowool
Ecowool is insulation made from waste paper and various residues from the production of paper and cardboard. In addition to these components, antiseptics and a fairly powerful fire retardant are added to the composition. It is extremely necessary, because judging by the fact that 80% of the material is flammable cellulose, the level of flammability of such a heat-insulating product is quite high.
Ecowool is not without its drawbacks.
- One of them is hers natural decrease in volume. It is capable of settling, losing up to 20% of the original filling level. To prevent this, ecowool is used in excess. Creating a “reserve” will replenish the volume that decreases during operation.
- The insulation absorbs moisture quite well. This directly affects the ability to retain heat. The material needs the ability to release moisture to the external environment, so the thermal insulation layer must be ventilated.
- In order to carry out installation, special equipment will be required. It is a device that pumps insulation with uniform density, eliminating its further shrinkage. In this regard, you will need the help of hired specialists with experience working with this type of insulation. The wet application method, which involves such difficulties, also opens up the prospect of a break in construction work while the ecowool dries (from two to three days).
There is, of course, a method of dry insulation, but the installation option described above still has a better result. If horizontal surfaces can be insulated without using special equipment, then creating a layer of thermal insulation on the walls will be difficult to do without. There is a risk of uneven shrinkage of the material and the creation of uninsulated cavities.
- Features of the material itself do not imply its independent (frameless) use when insulation is carried out using a screed. Unlike polystyrene foam boards, ecowool does not have sufficient strength for this.
- Considerable precautions will be required during installation.:
- carry out work away from open flames;
- Avoid contact of the material with any heat source that could lead to smoldering. That is, when insulating a surface next to a fireplace chimney or chimney, they will need to be separated from the insulation with basalt mats coated with foil or asbestos-cement barriers.
It would seem that, against the backdrop of such difficulties, one can immediately refuse to use ecowool, but its positive aspects for someone can become a powerful incentive to use it.
- The material (even taking into account the increase in shrinkage) is quite economical.
- This insulation is environmentally friendly and safe for health. An exception may be material where boric acid or ammonium sulfates were used as a fire retardant. In this case, ecowool will have a sharp and unpleasant odor.
- It is a seamless insulation that does not have cold bridges. This means that heat loss in winter will be reduced to a minimum.
- The material is inexpensive, while allowing for good thermal insulation.
As a soundproofing material, ecowool can compete with many of the materials described above.
Polyurethane foam (PPU)
Polyester with the addition of water, emulsifiers and active reagents, under the influence of a catalyst, form a substance with all the signs and indicators of a good heat-insulating material.
Polyurethane foam has the following characteristics:
- low thermal conductivity coefficient: 0.019 - 0.028 W/meter-kelvin;
- applied by spraying, creating a continuous coating without cold bridges;
- the light weight of the hardened foam does not put pressure on the structure;
- ease of use without any fasteners makes it possible to insulate surfaces with any configuration;
- long service life, including resistance to frost and heat, any precipitation, rotting;
- safety for humans and the environment;
- does not destroy metal structural elements, but on the contrary, creates anti-corrosion protection for them.
Walls, floors and ceilings - its application is available everywhere. Polyurethane foam will adhere to glass, wood, concrete, brick, metal and even painted surfaces. The only thing you should protect polyurethane foam from is exposure to direct rays of light.
Types of thermal insulation materials
Reflective thermal insulation materials
There is a group of heat-saving materials that work on the principle of reflectors. They function quite simply: they first absorb and then release the resulting heat.
- The surface of such insulation is able to reflect more than 97% of the heat that reaches its surface. This is available through one or a couple of layers of polished aluminum.
- It does not contain impurities, and is applied to a layer of foamed polyethylene for ease of use.
- The thin-looking material can surprise with its capabilities. One or two centimeters of reflective insulation creates an effect comparable to using a 10 to 27 cm thick fibrous thermal insulator. Among the most popular materials in this category are Ecofol, Penofol, Poriplex, Armofol.
- In addition to heat and sound insulation, such insulation creates vapor barrier protection (and is often used in this capacity).
The conclusion is quite simple: ideal insulation does not exist. Depending on the means, the goals pursued and personal preferences (including ease of use), everyone will be able to choose the optimal material for creating a warm and truly cozy home. But we must remember that when using each of the above-described insulation on the roof, mandatory waterproofing of the thermal insulation material is required.
Insulation for interior walls at home - this is a fairly pressing issue for country houses, because their walls are usually quite thin and do not retain heat well. To reduce heating costs country house, it is necessary to properly insulate the structure. If external insulation is not possible 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.
The choice of insulation for interior work is huge, but not all materials can be used for thermal insulation of walls Source strodom.ru
Advantages and disadvantages of internal insulation
This type of insulation has a number of disadvantages:
- Due to the size of the insulation, the usable 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 its positive aspects. 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.
A shift in the dew point during internal wall insulation leads to the accumulation of condensation Source sovet-ingenera.com
The formation of condensation on the walls is the main problem of 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 It is better to 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.
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 not constantly heated in winter, 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 the study of 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.
Main problem if internal insulation is improper, mold will form Source alayam.com
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. Competent choice of insulation for interior work, adherence to technology - that’s it the real way save.
Mineral wool
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 Source eurodach.lutsk.ua
It is a 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.
Properties of mineral wool
Cotton wool does not burn, which is important when used in wooden houses.
Characteristics different types mineral wool Source pro-uteplenie.ru
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 Source ecousadba.org
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, the 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 fixed to the wall - any rolled material will do. 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 easy fastening of plasterboard sheets (its standard width is 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.
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 sizes slabs:
- 800x600 mm;
- 1,000x600 mm;
- 1 200x600 mm;
- 1170x610 mm;
- 1250x610 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.
Specifications foam plastic Source probalcony.ru
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 Source depstroi.ru
Features of wall insulation with foam plastic
Instead of guides metal profiles you can use 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 serve as 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 with polyurethane foam.
Video description
In this video we will take a closer look at insulating a house with polystyrene foam. How safe is polystyrene 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 Source stroyday.ru
Cost, foam sizes
Standard sizes of foam sheets:
- 1000x600 mm;
- 1200x600 mm.
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 better performance characteristics than their counterparts.
Comparison of the characteristics of polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam Source klub-masterov.ru
Main advantages:
- perfectly retains heat in the room;
- due to its small thickness, when insulating walls indoors, it practically does not reduce the 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.
Video description
The video shows tests of penoplex for strength and fire safety in real conditions:
Penoplex insulation
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 Source market.sakh.com
Penoplex cost
Standard sizes of extruded polystyrene foam sheets:
- 1200x600 mm;
- 1185x585 mm;
- 1180x580 mm;
- 1180x600 mm;
- 2360x580 mm;
- 2500x600 mm.
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.
Ecowool
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 the combustion and proliferation of microorganisms - boric acid and borax. These additives are practically not harmful to humans.
Ecowool - safe insulation Source deal.by
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 Source chrome-effect.ru
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 specific experience and knowledge is not easy Source ursgroup.ru
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 low, but carrying out thermal insulation work 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.
Today the market offers consumers various types insulation materials that differ in cost, installation and thermal conductivity. In addition to these indicators, it is necessary to pay attention to other characteristics in order to have an idea correct application thermal insulation during house construction.
A comprehensive assessment of the material will help you choose the right insulation for your home. The use of different types of thermal insulation depends not only on their properties, but also on the architectural features of the building, the thermal conductivity of individual structural elements, as well as the expected cold bridges. The insulation of each component of the house is carried out with different materials.
External insulation of a loggia, balcony, basement is made with penoplex. Due to the fact that it can withstand loads of up to 0.5 MPa and is resistant to moisture, the insulation is optimally suited for exterior finishing basements Penoplex, being under the ground, is protected from fire and retains all its properties. 
Inside the house, the walls and ceiling are insulated non-flammable materials. Usually these are mineral wool mats laid in a frame. They are covered with a vapor barrier on top, which prevents moisture from penetrating the mats and fleecy fibers into the room. If there are lags, the ceiling is covered with ecowool. To insulate the floor, a 100 mm layer of expanded clay is filled, plus foam boards are laid. The concrete screed poured on top prevents the insulation from burning, and the reinforcing mesh gives strength to the floors.
A modern and very practical insulation for roofing is polyurethane foam. It is applied by spraying. But its high price is not affordable for everyone. Most often, traditional insulation - mineral wool - is used for roofing. It is produced different sizes in the form of mats and rolls.
Correctly selected insulation according to its characteristics will create comfortable living conditions inside the room.
Review of thermal insulation materials
Preventive types of insulation are most often used to finish various structural elements of a house. They have a low thermal conductivity.
Organic-based insulation materials are made from wood and agricultural waste. To improve properties, cement and plastic are added to natural raw materials. The result is insulation that is resistant to fire and moisture. It can withstand heat up to 150 degrees. The scope of application is wide, but is mainly used as internal insulation of a multi-layer roof or facade structure.
- white agglomerate is made from the bark of oak branches;
- black agglomerate is made from bark removed from a tree trunk.
Cork can be used as a base for wallpaper or as a finish. Thin roll material has found its application as a substrate for laminate flooring. The price of this natural material quite high. Depending on the modifications, the cost ranges from 800 to 4 thousand. rub./m2.
Honeycomb plastic insulator
The structure of the material consists of hexagonal cells like a honeycomb. Inside they are filled with fabric or paper filler, held together with epoxy resin. Phenolic resins can be used as a fixative. In appearance, honeycomb panels resemble plastic. The characteristics of the material depend on the raw materials used in the production of the base. For example, the sheet density can be from 230 to 500 kg/m2.
Foam-polyvinyl chloride
PPVC heat insulator is made from foamed resins. The porousization method gives them this structure. The material is produced soft and hard, which gives it versatility. PVC is suitable for insulating roofs, floors and walls. Its density is 0.1 kg/m3.
Many people believe that chipboard is just a building material. But as insulation, the slabs have proven themselves to be good. Their base is small sawdust bonded with synthetic resin. The density of the slabs ranges from 500 to 1 thousand kg/m3, and water absorption is 5–30%.
The use of chipboard as insulation is justified for floors, walls and ceilings. The cost of the sheets is quite low and is affordable for every developer. Depending on the size, the sheet can be purchased for 400–900 rubles. The slabs are used as a base for installing soft roofs.
Fiberboard
The fiberboard board looks like chipboard. Its base consists of fibers of straw, corn or any wood. It is even possible to use waste paper. Synthetic resins are added as an adhesive. The density of fiberboard compared to chipboard is small, only up to 250 kg/m3, and the thermal conductivity is 0.07 W/m/K, plus low strength.
The scope of application is similar to that for chipboard. Low cost ranges up to 800 rubles. per sheet.
from the interaction of liquid components, polyester and MDI. Exposure to catalysts creates a chemical reaction that results in the formation of a new substance. The density of the insulation is 40–80 kg/m3, and the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam is about 0.028 W/m/K. Polyurethane foam is applied to the insulated surface using the spraying method, which allows you to treat any difficult areas. The optimal use of polyurethane foam is roof insulation and wooden walls Houses. The cost of the material along with the spraying work is quite high and can reach $200/m3.
Penoizol
Another name for insulation is mipora. It is obtained on the basis of a whipped water emulsion of urea-formaldehyde resin. Glycerin and sulfonic acid are used as additives. Mipore is delivered to the consumer in blocks or crumbs. It is used in liquid form at construction sites. Mipora poured into prepared cavities hardens at a positive temperature.
Low density up to 20 kg/m3 promotes strong water absorption. The thermal conductivity index is 0.03 W/m/K. Not afraid of fire.
Polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam
These two insulation materials consist of 2% polystyrene and 98% air. The thermal conductivity index is 0.037–0.042 W/m/K. They differ from each other in structure. Polystyrene foam consists of small balls, and expanded polystyrene, when broken, resembles foam rubber.
Polystyrene is flammable and emits toxic smoke. Polystyrene foam is afraid of moisture, so it is more used for insulating facades. Extruded polystyrene foam can for a long time located in wet soil, therefore it is more suitable for external insulation of basements. The cost of the material is low.
Minvata
A common insulation material for walls and roofs is mineral wool. It comes in two types:
- slag wool is made from dissimilar metal casting waste;
- stone wool is made from rocks, for example, basalt, limestone, etc.
The material is non-flammable, resistant to chemical attack, and has a low cost. Produced in slabs and rolls.
Glass wool
The material differs from mineral wool in that it has larger fibers. The basis of production is the raw materials used to make glass. The thermal conductivity index is from 0.03 to 0.052 W/m/K, and the density is no more than 130 kg/m3. Glass wool is also popular for insulating roofs and walls.
Ceramic wool
Produced by blowing zirconium, silicon or aluminum oxide. Cotton wool is resistant to high temperatures and does not deform. The thermal conductivity index at +600°C is from 0.13 to 0.16 W/m/K, and the density is no more than 350 kg/m3. It is used for insulation of facades and roofs of buildings.
Mixed type insulation
Materials are produced from asbestos mixtures with the addition of perlite, dolomite and other components. The initial state of the material resembles dough. They cover the surface prepared for insulation and leave until completely dry.
Asbestos is resistant to fire and can withstand heating up to 900 ° C, but it is afraid of moisture, so such thermal insulation requires mandatory waterproofing.
An example of a mixed type material is vulcanite and sovelite. Their thermal conductivity is 0.2 W/m/K. The cost of insulation is low, but it is dangerous to human health.
Reflective materials
Foil is used as a reflector, and foamed polyethylene creates a thermal barrier. The material has a thin structure up to 25 mm thick, but its effectiveness is equivalent to 100 mm thick fiber insulation. One popular example is penofol.
Reflective thermal insulation simultaneously acts as a vapor barrier, so it is convenient to use in baths and saunas. The cost of the material is low and accessible to everyone.
The main types of insulation materials discussed today and their characteristics will help to make right choice material for specific construction needs.
In the following video you can get acquainted with the characteristics of some types of insulation.
Thermal insulation works not only in winter, but also in summer. If done correctly, the house will be much warmer in cold weather and cooler in hot weather. Manufacturers today offer a huge range. There are not only traditional products here, but also new ones. modern materials. Construction insulation materials come in rolls, in mats, in granules, in the form of powder, cylinders, similar to blocks and bricks, or slabs.
Types of thermal insulation
The most important characteristic of a thermal insulation material is thermal conductivity. The lower it is, the better. Essentially, this indicator determines how much heat the material can transmit through itself.
The main classification of insulation materials divides them into two groups:
- Reflective type. Reducing heat losses when installing this type occurs due to a decrease in infrared radiation.
- Prevention type. Their main quality is their low thermal conductivity coefficient.
Thermal insulation of the preventive type is the broadest category. Let's look at the most popular samples and analyze their characteristics.
It is made from polyethylene granules, to which a foaming agent is added when heated. The result is a porous material with good soundproofing and vapor barrier properties.
The characteristics include:
- thermal conductivity of the material – 0.043-0.05 W/m K;
- 25-50 kg/m³;
- withstands temperatures ranging from -40 °C to +100 °C;
- the degree of water absorption is low;
- resists biological and chemical stress well.
Some manufacturers produce foamed polyethylene with a foil outer layer (a new modern analogue); this option already belongs to the second category. And another product made of polyethylene foam - heat-insulating cylinders for insulating pipes.
Many people confuse expanded polystyrene with polystyrene foam. These are two different insulation materials, where the first has completely replaced the second, which was used in construction for many years. A distinctive characteristic of foamed polystyrene is its porosity. So 98% are pores filled with gas. And only 2% is the material itself. But at the same time, the insulation itself is very dense.
Here are its characteristics:
- thermal conductivity – 0.024-0.041 W/m K;
- vapor permeability (water absorption) – 0.017;
- bending strength 0.5-1.1 kg/m² (comparable to foam plastic - 0.03-1.9 kg/m²);
- in construction, material with a density of 15-35 kg/m³ is most often used.
Let us add that this insulation is used for all types of building structures: floors, facades, roofing, foundations. They can be insulated from the inside or outside.
The Penoplex brand is especially popular today. Foamed polystyrene is also used to produce cylinders for pipe insulation.
This material is a mixture of water, polyester, emulsifiers, diisocyanate. Catalysts are added to this mixture, a chemical reaction occurs and polyurethane foam is obtained. It's foamy liquid substance, which is applied to building structures by spraying.
Specifications:
- density – 40-80 kg/m³ (above 50 kg/m³ the insulation becomes moisture resistant);
- thermal conductivity – 0.018-0.027 W/m K;
- water absorption up to 0.05.
In private construction, polyurethane foam is rarely used, but for large volumes of work it is a popular material.
This insulation belongs to the group of inorganic heat-insulating materials. It is made either from slag or from rocks. The second option is more common. The raw materials for production are basalt, limestone, dolomite and others. The binder is either urea or phenol. By the way, phenolic mineral wool is used in construction. It has a high moisture resistance coefficient.
Specifications:
- thermal conductivity – 0.031-0.05 W/m K;
- density – 75-150 kg/m³;
- withstands temperatures up to +600 °C;
- moisture resistance is not very high.
Let us add that this is an excellent sound insulator. Insulation is produced in rolls and mats. Manufacturers also offer cylinders made of this material. This is a non-flammable material.
It is made from the same raw materials as glass itself. Compared to mineral wool, this insulation has higher strength due to elongated fibers. Doesn't light up chemicals passive
Specifications:
- density – 130 kg/m³, no more;
- thermal conductivity of insulation – 0.028-0.52 W/m K;
- withstands temperatures up to +450 °C;
- high water absorption.
This material is made from waste paper and cardboard. Waste paper is also used, but in this case the quality drops significantly. This insulation is most often used to insulate crowns in wood construction.
Specifications:
- thermal conductivity of ecowool – 0.031-0.042 W/m K;
- material density – 30-75 kg/m³;
- vapor permeability – 0.3;
- insulation belongs to the group of moderately flammable materials;
- sound absorption with a layer thickness of 50 mm 63 dB.
Felt
Construction felt is an insulation material of animal origin. Most often it is used in wooden construction, where external walls, window and door openings are lined with this material. It is often used as a heat-insulating layer under plastering wooden ceilings, and also, when mixed with clay, as insulation for chimneys.
To prevent felt from becoming a breeding ground for moths and other insects, manufacturers treat it with a three percent solution of sodium fluoride.
Specifications:
- thermal conductivity of the material is 0.06 W/m K;
- density – 150 kg/m³;
- tensile strength – 2-5 kg/cm².
This is a new thermal insulation material, the production of which is based on sawdust or shavings, finely chopped reeds or straw. Cement acts as a binder. Chemical additives must be added ( liquid glass, alumina sulfate and calcium chloride), which increase the technical qualities of the material. The finished insulation in the form of blocks is treated with a mineralizer.
Specifications:
- wood concrete density – 500 -700 kg/m³;
- thermal conductivity of the insulator – 0.09-0.13 W/m K;
- compression pressure – 0.6-3.6 MPa;
- bending – 0.5-1.2 MPa.
This fibreboard insulation board is very similar to chipboard. But not only wood is used in its production. Instead, you can use straw, corn cobs with the addition of waste paper. Synthetic resins are added as a binder, plus antiseptic and anti-foam solutions, as well as water repellents. Manufacturing form: plate.
Specifications:
- density – 250 kg/m³;
- thermal conductivity – 0.07 W/m K;
- bending strength no more than 12 MPa.
Insulation is usually done by installing slabs on the sheathing. Most often used for interior work.
This insulation is called differently. One of the names of mipore. Why? Because in the process of making insulation there is an intermediate stage, this is when aqueous solution urea-formaldehyde resin is vigorously beaten with the addition of sulfonic acid. This foamed solution is mipora. Then glycerin is added to it, which gives the material strength and organic acid, which acts as a catalyst for hardening the mass.
Penoizol is sold in the form of blocks or powder. The powder must be diluted with water and poured into the cavities. At room temperature hardening occurs.
Specifications:
- density – 20 kg/³;
- thermal conductivity – 0.04 W/m K;
- starts to burn at a temperature of +500 °C;
- high water absorption;
- low passivity to chemicals.
Comparative analysis
With such a variety of thermal insulation materials, it is difficult to choose the one that will be needed specifically for certain purposes. We must pay tribute to the manufacturers who began to separate products by model. For example, insulation made of expanded polystyrene brand Penoplex. Models are offered only for indoor use, for facades, for roofs and so on. As indicated on the packaging.
Let's compare some insulation materials with each other, after which it will become clear which one is best to choose for thermal insulation.
For example, let's take the famous brand Penofol - this is insulation made of foamed polyethylene. Let's start with the fact that the manufacturer supplies this heat insulator with a double-sided foil layer. Penofol 4 mm thick can replace 80 mm of rolled mineral wool, 30 mm of expanded polystyrene board. In addition, there is no need to install hydro- and vapor barriers.
But it cannot be used under plaster. In this regard, polystyrene foam boards win. You just need to apply a plaster mesh on them and you can level them.
Mineral wool is the cheapest insulation on the market. But its cheapness is imaginary, because for installation you will have to build a wooden frame, which must be treated with an antiseptic. That is, all these expenses will negate its cheapness.
Plus, mineral wool is afraid of moisture, and this means two more layers of protective materials. And yet, together with polystyrene foam boards, it is a leader in the category of modern insulation materials.
PPU
As for polyurethane foam, it is rarely used in private housing construction. This pleasure is too expensive. It is impossible to apply it with your own hands. Special equipment and permission to carry out work are required.
Arbolit and penoizol
These materials are most often used for insulating balconies and loggias. Both insulation materials today compete with cellular concrete blocks.
Unfortunately, they are still losing due to the lack of promotion of the brand. Although the thermal insulation characteristics of foam blocks are not inferior. But for thermal insulation of facades, wood concrete is a good option.
Conclusion
These are the most popular thermal insulation materials in private housing construction. Of course, the insulation market has not exhausted its range of products. There are completely new materials, for example, from foamed polyvinyl chloride.
There are long-used ones, for example, the same chipboard or fiberboard. Or a combined option - honeycomb insulation, the shell of which is layered plastic in the form of hexagonal honeycombs (hence the name), and paper, fabrics, fiberglass, cellulose, and so on are used as fillers.
An important element of construction is the insulation of the house. In Russia after all most year is winter. You've probably heard this expression - drown or swamp, but it's still cold!
Insulation of houses is carried out using such building materials as insulation. Do you know what types of insulation exist and which one is better to choose. Today you will learn about several of the most popular insulation materials today.
After all, it’s easy to make a mistake when choosing insulation, but replacing it will be quite expensive and difficult. If during the cold season the heat in your home does not last long, and gas or firewood bills are rising, you should think about insulating your home.
The first thing that comes to mind is to insulate the windows, walls, floors, doors and roof. As for the walls, it’s quite simple; large heat loss can be corrected by insulating it from the outside and from the inside.
So, let's move on to the types of insulation. The simplest and cheapest insulation material is straw. It is used in the form of straw blocks or in the construction of adobe (clay + straw) houses.
Of course, rarely anyone builds adobe these days. This means we move on to more modern insulation materials. Of the modern ones, three main and popular types can be distinguished - glass wool, stone wool and polystyrene foam.
Glass wool
IN Soviet era This was the most common, and probably the only type. Glass wool has a very huge disadvantage that prevents the use of glass wool as the main material.
It absorbs moisture too well, which leads to shrinkage. If there is a small gap, at least 1 centimeter, heat will quickly escape from the room and heating costs will increase.
It is rational to use glass wool for sound insulation in partitions. And as an auxiliary layer, insulating the attic or floor.
Basalt wool
The second type is stone slabs based on basalt or wool. Basalt slab is made from several types of mineral stones. It does not burn and has good thermal insulation properties.
For insulation, it is better to choose basalt slabs 50 mm thick; 100 mm slabs are laid faster, but in this case it is more difficult to cover all the joints (and these are cold bridges) and it is not much more difficult to cut a thick slab.
Basalt insulation has several degrees of hardness. In terms of thermal insulation properties, they are the same, but more rigid ones can be used as facade slabs under plaster.
Rigid slabs are more expensive, so it is better to use a slab with low rigidity inside the frame. Basalt insulation can be easily cut with an ordinary sharp knife.
Insulation materials made from basalt and glass wool are produced both in the form of rolls and slabs. and roofs are much easier to produce with slabs. And the rolls are easier to roll out under and attics.
Foam plastic
The next type is polystyrene foam or simply polystyrene foam. The thermal insulation properties of polystyrene foam are much higher than, for example, basalt wool; accordingly, the layer thickness can be smaller.
Expanded polystyrene has 3 significant disadvantages:
- This is a flammable material. When burning and melting, harmful substances are released.
- For some reason, mice are not indifferent to polystyrene foam (they really love to chew it).
- If there is one small hole, heat will escape from the room.
It breaks and crumbles easily, so installation should be done as carefully as possible, and it is a little difficult to use for floor insulation. Extruded polystyrene foam suffers the least from such disadvantages.
Of course, such insulation costs somewhat more than ordinary polystyrene foam and much more than basalt wool. But the extruded one is denser than the ordinary one, so it’s easier to install, and you don’t have to worry about breaking or crumbling it.
He is probably the most the best material when insulating floors, especially under screed for heated floors. The list of types of insulation is constantly updated, but it takes time to test new insulation.
Ecowool
Not very long ago, such a variety as ecowool appeared.
Ecowool is split paper (cellulose) with the addition of fire-fighting and antiseptic substances. Ecowool is poured in bulk or sprayed onto vertical surfaces with a hose. Absorbs moisture too well; if the vapor barrier is damaged, this insulation will be wet like after rain.
There are several types of insulation from the inside:
- wallpaper or cork insulation plates;
- wallpaper made of polystyrene foam with heat-insulating properties;
- heat-insulating polystyrene foam plaster;
- polyethylene foam (polyfom) - special wallpaper insulation.
That is, if you have a wooden floor, it is advisable to insulate it with mineral wool, and if the floor is a concrete screed, then polystyrene foam is used. Polystyrene foam is vapor-proof.
“...doesn’t last long, but the bills...”
“...all the joints (and these are cold bridges) and not much more difficult...”
“...mice are not indifferent to polystyrene foam...”
Please check your spelling - it's impossible to read...
Hello Alexander.
I'm sorry, but what's wrong with the spelling? Of course, I didn’t graduate from college, but it seems to me that everything is written correctly. Perhaps you mean punctuation? Here I agree with you, I have a problem with commas. I apologize for this.
Very useful video, thank you! At one time I was looking for environmentally friendly insulation and I was also not happy with the fact that insulation made from natural fibers is treated with all sorts of rubbish, organic insulation also contains poison, but I still found Arctic insulation for myself - it wasn’t treated with any rubbish, which means it’s definitely environmentally friendly clean. I insulated both the walls and the roof, everything is fine.
That's right! Warmth is only warm when you know that you are not breathing phenol vapors or other chemicals. Therefore, the choice fell on an eco-shelter and I am very pleased, because it is warm and without chemicals
An unheated hangar for storing vegetables was insulated with mats made using FORA technology. Aesthetic appearance and practicality in everything
And for reinforced concrete walls, grade M300, verified, can you use insulation whose vapor permeability of reinforced concrete is 0.03 is very low? PIR-board insulation, produced on the basis of polyisocyanurate foam, is a heat-insulating material with a very low thermal conductivity coefficient λ25=0.023 W/m °C. PIR-boards PIRRO have a very low vapor permeability coefficient µ=0.0015 mg/m h Pa.
By clicking the "Submit a comment" button, you confirm that you agree with and consent to the processing of your personal data.
