Surely the inhabitants apartment buildings a little jealous of those who live outside the city in a private building. Own living space, garden, clean air - everyone's dream. Alas, not everything is so simple, because the harsh Russian winters force you to carefully insulate your home to avoid freezing. This implies impressive investments and constant monitoring of the state of the heat-insulating material, from which residents of city houses are exempted.
Warming your home is preferable to using a dozen heaters - you can save money and make your home more comfortable. It is known that there are two ways of thermal insulation of a private building - from the outside and from the inside. Experienced experts recommend using both, but it is primarily worth taking care of external insulation. About what material is best suited for certain houses - further.
Requirements for thermal insulation material
The consumer is not in danger of a long search for good products - the market is saturated with goods from different manufacturers, so you can choose a decent insulation in any hardware store. However, before buying, it is necessary to analyze the material in question for its physical and chemical properties. These include:
- thermal conductivity coefficient (characterizes the ability of the insulation to conduct or retain air; the lower the indicator, the better - you do not have to use a thick layer of material);
- moisture absorption coefficient (indicates the ability of the material to absorb water as a percentage by weight; the higher the indicator, the less durable the insulation);
- density (based on the value, you can determine how much the material will make the house heavier);
- resistance to fire (there are 4 classes of flammability; the first one (G1) is most preferable, which stops burning without an open source of fire);
- environmental friendliness (not the most important indicator for consumers, and in vain - to preserve the health of family members, you should choose only natural material from natural components, does not emit impurities into the atmosphere and does not contain synthetic elements);
- durability (the service life of the insulation set by the manufacturer);
- hygroscopicity (the ability to absorb vapor from the air);
- resistance to pests (insects, rodents, birds);
- soundproofing properties;
- ease of installation (insulation should be fixed quickly, with a minimum set of tools; also, a minimum amount of additional work should be done with it, such as cutting into even pieces).
It is difficult to choose a material that would have all the desirable qualities. For this reason, it is possible and necessary to carry out insulation outside and inside.
Advantages of external thermal insulation
The question of warming a private house from the outside arises in two cases - at the design stage of a building or when buying a finished one, but at the same time not having decent thermal insulation. The second situation is more common. What are the benefits of insulating a home from the outside? These include:
- reduced wall deformability due to additional protection;
- the facade perceives sharp temperature fluctuations; as a result, the service life of the building will be extended;
- freedom in choosing the design of the facade, even when the building is erected;
- the area of the interior remains unchanged; this allows you to carry out any kind of decoration, and living conditions will remain the same.
Ways of external insulation of the house
The need and benefits of thermal insulation from the outside are obvious; now the consumer should familiarize himself with the methods of insulation. There are three of these:
- "well" arrangement of the material;
- "wet" insulation with gluing;
- ventilated facade.
In the first case, the insulation is placed inside the walls (for example, between layers of bricks). It turns out that it is "locked" between two levels. The method is effective, but it is impossible to implement it for an already built house.
In the second case, the insulation layer is fixed to the glue on the outside of the walls, then additionally attached to the dowels. Several types of coatings are applied on top - reinforcing, intermediate, decorative (finishing). Good way, only requires the intervention of specialists; Do-it-yourself wet wall insulation is impossible without experience.
The ventilated facade resembles a “well” masonry, only the outer layer is the facing material - drywall, tiles, siding, etc. Additionally, you will have to build a frame system for attaching heat insulator sheets.
The last method is the most popular, common and profitable. It will cost much less than "wet" insulation; in addition, even a beginner will be able to do the work with their own hands. Now the consumer faces the most difficult choice.
Existing materials can be divided into two large groups - organic (of natural origin) and inorganic (obtained using special materials and equipment).
Types and advantages of inorganic heaters
The first place in the list rightfully belongs to the most popular material - mineral wool. It is of three types - stone (basalt), glass and slag. Differing from each other only externally, varieties of mineral wool have the following qualities:
- low coefficient of thermal conductivity (0.03 - 0.045);
- density variations (from 20 to 200 kg/m3);
- excellent soundproofing properties;
- vapor permeability (mineral wool can "breathe");
- fire resistance.
It is not without a number of disadvantages, including:
- attraction for rodents and insectoids;
- deterioration of thermal insulation characteristics by 50% when only 3-5% of the volume is wet;
- never completely dries out.
In general, mineral wool is good, but it is highly undesirable to use it for cladding a house from the outside.
The second known external insulation is foam. Its advantages:
- the heat conductivity coefficient is slightly lower than that of mineral wool (0.03 - 0.037);
- costs less than other heaters;
- easy;
- density from 11 to 40 kg/m3.
- fragility;
- release of toxic substances during fire;
- does not “breathe”, which forces residents to build additional supply and exhaust ventilation;
- when directly wet, it absorbs moisture, becoming unusable.
Extruded polystyrene foam is not inferior in thermal conductivity to mineral wool and polystyrene. In addition, he:
- does not absorb moisture;
- convenient for installation, because it is produced in plates;
- stronger than foam
- almost does not pass air.
Disadvantages:
- flammable;
- when burned, it releases harmful substances.
There is another type of raw material used for external thermal insulation of the walls of the house - "warm" plasters. They are a mixture of balls (formed by glass, cement and hydrophobic additives). They “breathe”, isolate the room from moisture, do not burn, are not afraid of sunlight, and are easy to repair. Not very common on the market, however, experienced consumers have already appreciated this insulation.
Varieties and benefits of organic materials
For those who want to feel as close to nature as possible, it is recommended to use raw materials from natural ingredients. These include:
- cork heaters - have a thermal insulation coefficient of 0.045 - 0.06; are crushed tree bark, compressed under the influence of hot steam and resin as a binding element; easy to cut, "breathe", do not form mold, non-toxic; today they are increasingly used to insulate walls from the outside);
- cellulose wool (ecowool) - thermal conductivity from 0.032 to 0.038; are crushed cellulose, treated with flame retardants to improve fire-fighting properties; properties resemble cork materials, but absorb liquid better; do not withstand heavy loads and are not suitable for wall cladding;
- hemp - supplied in plates, rolls, mats based on hemp fibers; does not hold the load well, although it is quite dense (20-60 kg / m3);
- straw - the old fashioned way thermal insulation of the walls of the house; breathable material treated with flame retardants to reduce flammability; today it is practically not used;
- algae - an exotic method of sheathing exterior walls; density up to 80 kg / m3, do not burn, do not rot, do not arouse interest in rodents, are resistant to mold and fungus. Best suited for light walls.
Preferred insulation for home cladding
Each material has pros and cons. Based on the information presented above, it is possible to compile a symbolic rating of the highest quality materials for the walls of the house (the first is the most preferred, etc.). It is also worth considering the type of facade design.
For ventilated systems, cotton wool is better suited - mineral, cellulose. When laying wells, give preference to a material that does not allow moisture to pass through. This is extruded polystyrene foam. Plaster wall decoration goes well with insulation, whose density is more than 30 kg / m3. For example, with mineral wool, PPS, polystyrene, any organic material.
For light walls of a wooden house, breathable material is better suited - mineral wool, hemp, ecowool, cork insulation. The former is preferable, but costs a little more.
A country house should be of high quality sheathed with reliable material. The consumer can choose any of the previously discussed, guided by their wishes or financial capabilities. A competent approach to the acquisition of insulation is the key to a long service life of a cozy home.
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Home insulation is one of the most important factors affecting the savings of the family budget. After all, if the house is blown from all sides, heating costs increase many times over. Experienced craftsmen do not recommend warming the premises from the inside - this leads not only to a decrease in usable area, but also to the destruction of the walls due to the formation of condensate between the walls and thermal insulation, which means that such work should be done outside the buildings. Types of insulation for walls outside, the price and materials for the manufacture of thermal insulation - this is the topic of our conversation today.
Wall insulation is very important for saving the family budget.
The reason for the external insulation is that the thermal insulation for the walls, made inside the room, does not allow the internal air to warm up the building. As a result, in the cold season, on a cooled wall, with inside, condensation forms. Thermal insulation does not allow it to evaporate, which entails not only the formation of mold and fungus between the insulation and the wall. This leads to a rather rapid destruction of the wall. In addition, literally after a year or two, a persistent smell of dampness begins to appear in the home, which is quite difficult to get rid of.
Extruded polystyrene - what is it
This material has a higher cost, but at the same time its technical characteristics are much better. The most famous of these heaters for walls outside can be safely called penoplex. It is strong enough, although it has a porous structure. It is also very convenient in plastering. Installation is carried out on special mastics, adhesive bases without the use of acetone, but most the best option for external decoration, special plastic anchors can be called.
For rodents and various pests, such a heater is of no interest. In addition, in its manufacture, substances are used that are not susceptible to the formation of fungus. In fact, there is only one minus - high flammability. The weight of the plates is small, which, coupled with its strength, makes it possible to carry out work on the insulation of the house from the outside with foam plastic to one person without any help.
Polyurethane foam - what are its disadvantages and advantages
Such material has been known for a long time and has found application not only as a thermal insulator. It is used as a filler in armchairs and sofas, car and bus seats. To put it simply, this is foam rubber, which is probably known to every person.
As a heater, it can only be used under panels. Its soft structure does not allow plastering. Although some home craftsmen, using foam rubber as a heat insulator, then close it or, which allows subsequent plastering of the wall.
It's important to know! Its biggest disadvantage is its high temperature instability. In addition, “due to” its chemical composition, this thermal insulator, when ignited, releases very toxic substances that are quite easy to poison, unlike extruded polystyrene foam, which is not subject to combustion.
Many are now talking about the harm that the phenol allegedly emitted by this material causes. However, scholars are divided on this. Some say that it is absolutely neutral, while others, on the contrary, argue that it causes colossal harm to the body. We will not take sides, limiting ourselves to stating facts - this material is now used in almost all furniture, in cars, and even as a filler for pillows. And if its harm had been proven, then a self-respecting manufacturer would hardly have dared to poison people.
Mineral wool, its varieties and the possibility of using it for thermal insulation
This heat insulator can be used inside or outside thermal insulation of walls followed by siding or wall paneling. It is most widely used in the construction of ventilated facades and insulation. Most often, for these purposes, its variety is used - plates of a certain size of basalt insulation, the price of which is relatively low.
Mineral wool has a higher thermal conductivity and vapor permeability than previous options. It is due to this that it is the cheapest insulation. However, when using it, the heat in the house becomes quite enough. A rather unpleasant moment can be called the fact that when working with it, the body begins to itch. Of course, not as strong as it was with its predecessor - glassy, but still sensitive. In addition, it is quite brittle and fragile material. But still, for such a type of insulation as a ventilated facade, such a thermal insulator is practically indispensable.
Liquid wall insulation - how to use it and how it performs its functions
In appearance, such a heat insulator resembles thick paint. There is no doubt about the quality of his performance of his functions. However, its popularity is reduced by its high cost - not everyone can afford it. It is for this reason that professionals advise applying it only in the corners of the house and at the joints of the foundation and walls. It is better to cover the rest of the area with a more affordable heater. It will be very wasteful to choose it to insulate all wall surfaces.
Such material can be divided into 2 groups - this is heat paint and liquid foam. Both of them do an excellent job not only with warming, but also with. Fits well on them, which means their compatibility with any material. High adhesion allows the use of this heat insulator on any surface, be it stone, concrete, brick or wood.
The main manufacturers of thermal insulation materials - a brief overview
There are a lot of manufacturers of thermal insulation in Russia. And each of them is good in its own way, and therefore it makes no sense to make any kind of rating, it makes no sense. So today we will just say a few words about each of them.
- "Ecover" is a manufacturer of very good quality basalt slabs. In addition to wall products, it produces roofing heat-insulating materials and sandwich panels.
- "Knauf"- the same mineral wool, however, the peculiarity of the manufacturer is that he produces it not in slabs, but in rolls. The layer thickness can be different.
- "Isover"- glass wool and its varieties. Such a thermal insulator has a very big drawback - the organization of moisture removal is required
- "Penofol"- basalt slabs are quite high quality, but the heat-insulating material made of extruded polystyrene foam brought great popularity to this brand.
- "TechnoNIKOL"- a brand known throughout Russia and having factories in many regions. In addition to roofing material and others roofing materials manufactures XPS boards and basalt insulation.
- "URSA"– mainly basalt and fiberglass boards of excellent quality
- "Penoplex"- the name has become a household name. "Penoplex" is now called all the plates of their XPS, regardless of the manufacturer
- Ecoteplin- unique and absolutely natural tile materials, which include flax fibers, borax and starch.
- "Astratek"- liquid heaters, which have no analogues in Russia. High-quality thermal insulation is achieved already when applying a layer of only 3 mm.
Related article:
By choosing plates of suitable thickness, you can ensure a sufficient level of thermal insulation of walls, floors, ceilings. Let's talk about this heater in more detail in our review.
The list of manufacturers is endless, we have named only a few of the most famous.
Features of wall insulation outside the house - ventilated facade
Mineral wool is used for the ventilated facade. talking in simple words without the use of building terms, a frame made of a metal profile with cells according to the size of mineral, fiberglass or basalt slabs is assembled on the wall, or the same profiles are attached in a line from the bottom to the top of the building, between which insulation is laid. After it closes with a special hydro and. Facing is made with ceramic-granite tiles (usually 50 × 50 cm), which are fixed to the same guides using special metal clips called "crabs".
Thus, the developer achieves a solution to several problems at once - insulation, vapor barrier and finishing.
Three-layer wall construction - installation features
Thus, the walls of low-rise buildings from or are often insulated. The technology is pretty simple. A building made of rough bricks is insulated from the outside with the help of any polymer thermal insulator, and then lined with facing bricks. But although the quality of such thermal insulation is not bad, this method has its drawbacks. The main of them can be called the low durability of the insulation in comparison with the construction and facing material. Despite this, the popularity of such insulation is quite high.
Calculation of insulation for the walls of the house: convenient online calculators
It is not difficult to calculate the required dimensions of the plates along the length and width of the wall. A much bigger problem here is the calculation of the required thickness, which depends on many different parameters, including the region in which the residential building is located. That is why we suggest you use our online calculators, which will perform all the calculations themselves.
Online calculator for calculating the thickness of the insulation of the walls of a wooden house
There is a wide choice of heaters for wooden houses, they can be used to insulate the house from the outside, and some even inside the house. Which types are suitable for frame house? Which is the best, consider their characteristics in this article! Correctly carried out will not be superfluous in any climatic conditions.
When it is done correctly, then under its “protection” it will not only be warmer in the house in winter, but also noticeably cooler in summer.
Installation of insulation will create a comfortable microclimate in a room for any purpose - in a residential building, office or production workshop.
In addition, saving heat is an obvious financial savings. It is completely unreasonable to heat the street, despite the fact that the technologies used today provide an opportunity to start saving energy resources at an early stage. construction works. Most of all, those parts of the building that are more adjacent to the external environment need the use of heaters -, and.
The material produced in this way has excellent properties, besides it is not combustible, and therefore does not pose a fire hazard. But a huge part of the wonderful qualities of a heater can be irretrievably lost when it gets wet. This should be taken into account.
Cotton wool stone
stone wool This is a fibrous material that goes on sale in the form of rolls and portioned plates, and has an extremely low thermal conductivity.
The highest quality product is made from rocks called gabbro-basalt. This non-combustible material is used with equal success in the construction of private facilities and the construction of various production facilities. A wide range of use is also explained by the possibility of its use at extremely high t, reaching a rate of one thousand degrees.
The insulation's complete immunity to fire is complemented by its excellent moisture resistance. This is a hydrophobic material, the peculiarity of which is that it does not absorb water, but repels it.
This ensures that the insulation remains dry even after a long period of time. This, in turn, will allow her to maintain her high working qualities. The unique properties of basalt wool make it possible to use it even in boiler rooms, baths and saunas, where both high humidity and high temperature are combined. Strength in this case is not directly dependent on the density of the material.
It's pretty soft material with a sufficient margin of safety. Its structural stability is due to the special arrangement of the individual constituent fibers - chaotic and vertical. The material has high anti-corrosion properties.
It can quite peacefully coexist with concrete and metal, without any kind of chemical reactions. High biological stability provides him with immunity to various biological pests: damage by insects and rodents, the occurrence fungal diseases,
Burn test basalt insulation withstood, and organic heaters burned out Basalt rock is the main raw material for the production of this type of wool.. Processing with formaldehyde resins gives the material a sufficient level of strength, and the modern technologies used in this process guarantee the complete elimination of harmful phenols even at the stage of material production.
The final product that reaches the consumer is a harmless and environmentally friendly material with high insulating qualities.
It is actively used for warming floors of residential and industrial premises, for thermal insulation of roofs and facades, including as an external insulation.
It has found wide application in rooms with extreme levels of humidity and temperature. The best basalt insulation, stone wool made from rocks is a guarantee of high quality for a long time.
Glass wool
The missing 7% is accounted for by specially added flame retardants. Insulation fibers contain lignin, which becomes sticky with increasing humidity. All elements included in the insulation are non-toxic, absolutely non-volatile and harmless to health. Cellulose insulation is not amenable to combustion, rotting processes, has excellent soundproofing and heat-insulating performance.
It can retain approximately 20% humidity while maintaining its working qualities. The material releases moisture to the outside and dries quickly, retaining all its performance. The disadvantage of ecowool can be considered the difficulty of its manual application to the surface, as well as the impossibility of arranging a “floating floor” due to its inherent softness.
Penoizol
Another name for the material is carbamide foam. This is a modern material with high sound and heat insulating characteristics, which is a cheap insulation. It is a cellular organic foam with particularly low density and low thermal conductivity. The material has high resistance to fire, resistance to microorganisms, low price. It is easy to handle and has an air content of up to 90%.
Insulation of the attic with penoizol The tests carried out demonstrated the capabilities of the material. It turned out that the time of its operation, as the middle layer of the structure of the frame structure, is actually not limited by anything. Tests of its fire resistance showed that the material can be safely attributed to slow-burning.
This is the only heat-insulating material of polymeric nature used, which is not at all adapted to self-combustion. Its fire resistance index refers it to the G2 flammability subgroup.
Even if the highest temperature occurs during a fire, when the metal begins to melt, the carbide foam will only evaporate, and without releasing toxic or harmful substances.
Isocom
This is a special foil material (on both sides or only on one). It is a fabric made of polyethylene foam, covered on the outside with a highly polished aluminum foil. This is a multi-layered vapor, sound and heat insulating material that combines completely different qualities.
With a minimum thickness of the insulating layer, it provides excellent heat reflection properties, successfully combined with the highest (almost maximum) thermal resistance. Properly installed material is characterized by exceptionally effective thermal insulation of the building along its entire contour.
It is a harmless, environmentally friendly material that does not pose a threat to the ozone layer. It does not contain glass or other fibers that are unsafe for human and animal health.
Without changing its exceptional properties, it serves for about 50 years, without deforming or being damaged during all this time.
Installation is quite simple and very convenient: it does not require special equipment. Excellent protection against steam and moisture. Used almost everywhere.
Thermal insulation of external walls is the most common method of reliable insulation of old houses and buildings made using modern technologies. A wide range of materials allows you to make the right choice for individual buildings and multi-apartment concrete house. The main thing, when choosing, is to know the negative and positive properties of the material for external wall insulation.
The advantages of this method of saving heat include 5 main advantages:
- During installation, wall panels receive guaranteed protection against sudden temperature changes at different times of the year. Therefore, the scheme will save residents from a big frost, but also protect them from heat in the summer. With high-quality performance of work, the formation of a cold bridge and heat loss is prevented.
- This device does not affect inner dimensions building and its useful total area.
- The insulation installed outside protects the interior from mold and dampness.
- No work required high costs time and money. But thermal insulation with the help of materials has a sufficient level of protection for the building in comparison with lining the building with additional rows of bricks or foam concrete.
- The appearance of the wall improves, the level of sound insulation increases.
All advantages are similar for each material, but some of them will require a thicker layer or the cost of acquiring and installing thermal insulation layers.
Types of thermal insulation for external protection
In modern conditions, the industry develops and produces new substances that are used to perform thermal protection of a building or apartment. Each product will require the use various tools and methods of applying a protective coating to the walls.
They have their advantages and disadvantages, the degree of frost resistance and moisture resistance, for all these qualities, the most common materials for protecting walls are:
- foam boards;
- mineral wool;
- polyurethane foam;
- expanded polystyrene;
- treatment of the wall with liquid thermal insulation.
These are the main coatings of the outer surfaces of the building, for the implementation right choice, it is better to know their pros and cons, in more detail.
Wall insulation with foam sheet
This is one of the most common methods, in terms of price and quality. To install the protective layer does not require special skills, even a beginner will cope with the work. The calculation of the amount of material depends on the total area of \u200b\u200bthe wall. Be sure to determine the required density and thickness of foam sheets. These values determine the optimal level of protection.
For installation, a special cement-adhesive mixture is used, for the reliability of fastening it is possible to use special dowels. This is a very inexpensive and easy way. Worked very well in low temperature conditions.
Mineral wool for outdoor surfaces
Walls outside houses can be insulated with this roll material. At small price has good insulating properties. The industry produces several types of this insulation:
- glass wool;
- slag wool, made from waste from open-hearth furnaces;
- stone rocks serve as the basis for the production of basalt wool.
This is the most inexpensive material for thermal insulation of external walls. To give the best chemical and operational properties, the plates are treated with special substances. Polymer impregnation is used to impart water-repellent properties to the material.
Wall treatment with polyurethane foam solution
Using this method, a layer of protective material is sprayed onto the surface of the outer walls. To obtain a solution with the help of equipment, mixing of polyol and polyozition takes place. At the same time, foaming of the agent occurs with the help of carbon dioxide. The finished mixture enters the mounting gun.
The product is supplied under pressure, sprayed, evenly laid on the walls. At the same time, the use of adhesives is not required, after applying a layer of polyurethane foam, it will be necessary to install a fiberglass mesh to give strength and finish with finishing materials on top of it. To achieve the ratio of the layer size and thermal insulation properties, the best option would be to use outside insulation with a density of 30 kg / m3.
Surface treatment with expanded polystyrene
One of the leaders in the market of wall insulation outside the house. Inexpensive, easy to process and install, with excellent thermal insulation characteristics, expanded polystyrene allows it to be installed on most housing construction projects. Available in 2 types:
- extrusion. A substance with a denser and more durable structure. Obtained by forcing high-viscosity melt-based materials. In this way, extrusive-type insulation boards are formed.
- Unpressed. Marking PSB-S means non-pressed self-extinguishing polystyrene foam. A distinctive feature of this material is its granular structure. The sizes of granules change from 5 mm. up to 15 mm. The two-digit number after the marking indicates the density of the material. Produced using the sintering method when exposed to high temperature.
Plates are produced with special groove-ridges and selections. At -250, the 50 mm thick slab provides an excellent level of thermal conductivity for walls made of basic building materials.
The use of liquid thermal insulation
These modern materials are the most modern insulation outside the building. Used for application to metal parts and as a building insulation from the foam block. When used outside the home, this ceramic intercomponent resembles applied acrylic paint.
But the voids contained in the material play the role of a heater. This ensures a sufficient level of thermal insulation outside the building. The level of thermal conductivity of liquid sealants almost corresponds to zero vacuum heat transfer. The method is very simple, does not require the involvement of specialists. It is applied on all surfaces of walls from any building materials. To do this, it is necessary to paint the walls outside the building with manual or hydraulic painting tools, filling in all voids and surface irregularities.
After 6 hours the surface is completely dry. This forms a coating with a solid, resistant to mechanical damage, a layer of insulation. The level of low thermal conductivity allows the substance to be applied in a thin layer, reducing heat loss through the walls. At very low and high temperatures, no the best remedy, able to work at temperatures - 600 and +2600. At the same time, not only walls are protected from solar radiation, but also metal parts.
Another advantage of using liquid thermal insulation of walls outside the building is low level moisture absorption, not exceeding 4 tenths of a percent of the mass of the substance layer. This method protection will be better in terms of waterproofing the surface of the walls and the formation of condensate drips on them.
This type of insulation will protect the room from the formation of mold and fungi, as well as protect interior rooms from freezing at very severe frosts and from the heat of summer high temperatures.
In conclusion, some conclusions
Each of the listed materials used as a heater for external walls must fulfill its main purpose. First of all - to insulate a private household or an apartment in an apartment building. And then isolate the premises from moisture, drafts, but the main thing is to keep the heat in the house.
Which insulation is better or worse depends on the individual capabilities of the owners of the premises and the conditions for its use. One of the main advantages of all these materials is the sufficient ease of application at a low price of materials. Only polyurethane foam insulation requires the use of a special tool. In all other cases, work is carried out with a minimum supply of tools.
A very real situation - an efficient heating system has been installed and launched in a private house, but it is not possible to achieve comfortable conditions residence, if the building itself does not have good thermal insulation. The consumption of any energy carriers in such a situation jumps to completely unthinkable limits, but the generated heat is completely uselessly spent on “heating the street”.
All the main elements and structures of the building must be insulated. But against the general background, external walls are leading in terms of heat loss, and it is necessary to think about their reliable thermal insulation in the first place. Insulators for the exterior walls of the house in our time are on sale in a very wide range, and you need to be able to navigate this variety, since not all materials are equally good for certain conditions.
The main ways to insulate the external walls of the house
The main task of wall insulation is to bring the total value of their resistance to heat transfer to the calculated indicator, which is determined for a given area. We will definitely dwell on the calculation method a little lower, after considering the physical and operational characteristics of the main types of insulation. And for starters, you should consider the existing technologies for thermal insulation of external walls.
- Most often resort to external insulation already erected walls of the building. This approach is able to solve to the maximum extent all the main problems of thermal insulation and saving walls from freezing and the accompanying negative phenomena of damage, dampness, erosion. building material.
There are a lot of ways in external insulation, but in private construction they most often resort to two technologies.
- The first is the plastering of the walls over the thermal insulation layer.
1 - the outer wall of the building.
2 - mounting adhesive, on which thermal insulation material (pos. 3) is attached closely, without gaps. Reliable fixation, in addition, is provided by special dowels - "fungi" (pos. 4).
5 - base plaster layer with fiberglass mesh reinforcement inside (pos. 6).
7 - layer. Facade paint can also be used.
- The second is the lining of walls insulated from the outside with decorative materials (siding, panels, " block house", etc.) according to the ventilated facade system.
1 - the main wall of the house.
2 - frame ( crate). It can be made from wooden beams or from galvanized metal profiles.
3 - slabs (blocks, mats) of thermal insulation material laid between the guides of the lathing.
4 - waterproofing diffuse steam-permeable a membrane that simultaneously performs the role of wind protection.
5 - a structural element of the frame (in this case - a counter-lattice rail), creating an air ventilated gap with a thickness of about 30 ÷ 60 mm.
6 - external decorative cladding of the facade.
Each of the methods has its own advantages and disadvantages.
So, a plastered insulated surface (it is often called a “thermal fur coat”) is quite difficult to independently perform if the owner of the house does not have stable plastering skills. This process is quite "dirty" and laborious, but in terms of the total cost of materials, such insulation is usually cheaper.
There is also an "integrated approach" to such external wall insulation - this is the use of facing facade panels, the design of which already provides for a layer of thermal insulation. Plastering work in this case is not foreseen - after installation, it remains only to fill the seams between the tiles.
Installation of a ventilated facade practically does not involve "wet" work. But the total labor costs are very significant, and the cost of the entire set of materials will be very considerable. But on the other hand, both the insulating qualities and the effectiveness of protecting the walls from various external influences in this case are significantly higher.
- , from the premises.
This approach to thermal insulation of walls causes a lot of criticism. Here - and a significant loss of living space, and the difficulty in creating a full-fledged insulated layer without "cold bridges" - they usually remain in the area where the walls adjoin the floors and ceilings, and the violation of the optimal balance of humidity and temperature in such a "pie".
Of course, the location of the thermal insulation on inner surface sometimes it becomes almost the only accessible way insulate the walls, but whenever possible, it is still worth giving preference to external insulation.
Is it worth it to insulate the walls from the inside?
All the shortcomings and, without exaggeration, the dangers are described in great detail in a special publication of our portal.
- Wall insulation by creating a "sandwich structure" »
Typically, this technology of insulation of external walls is used even during the construction of the building. Several different approaches can also be used here.
BUT. The walls are laid out according to the “well” principle, and as they rise into the resulting cavity, dry or liquid (foaming and solidifying) is poured thermal insulator. This method has been used by architects for a long time, when natural materials were used for insulation - dry leaves and needles, sawdust, discarded wool residues, etc. Nowadays, of course, special thermal insulation materials adapted for such use are more often used.
Alternatively, large walls can be used for masonry walls. with large cavities are filled immediately during construction heat-insulating material(expanded clay, vermiculite, perlite sand, etc.)
B. We will omit another option both during the initial construction of the house, and, if necessary, create thermal insulation in the already erected earlier building. The bottom line is that the main wall is insulated with one or another material, which is then closed with brickwork in one or ½ bricks.
Usually, in such cases, the external masonry is done "for jointing" and becomes the finishing cladding of the facade.
A significant drawback of this method, if you have to perform such insulation in an already erected house, is that it is necessary to expand and strengthen the foundation, since the wall thickness becomes significantly larger, and the load from additional brick masonry will increase noticeably.
IN. An insulated multilayer structure is also obtained when using polystyrene fixed formwork for the construction of walls.
The blocks of such polystyrene formwork are somewhat reminiscent of the well-known children's designer "LEGO" - they have spikes and grooves for quick assembly of the wall structure, into which, as it rises, a reinforcing belt is installed and concrete mortar is poured. The result is reinforced concrete walls, immediately having two - outer and inner, insulating layers. Then, along the front side of the wall, you can make a thin brickwork, tiled lining or just plaster coating. Almost all types of finishes are also applicable inside.
This technology is gaining popularity, although, in fairness, it should be noted that she has a lot of opponents. The main arguments are the shortcomings of expanded polystyrene in terms of environmental and fire safety. There are certain problems with the vapor permeability of the walls and the dew point shift towards the premises due to the layer internal insulation. But apparently everyone agrees that the walls really get reliable thermal insulation.
What requirements should the insulation of external walls still meet?
It is clear that the thermal insulation layer on the wall should first of all reduce the heat loss of the building to an acceptable minimum. But, performing its main function, it should not allow negative moments - a threat to the health of people living in the house, increased fire danger, the spread of pathogenic microflora, dampening of structures with the onset of destructive processes in the wall material, etc.
So, from the point of view of environmental safety, synthetic-based heaters raise a lot of questions. If you read the brochures of manufacturers, you can almost always find assurances about the absence of any kind of threat. Nevertheless, practice shows that most foamed polymers tend to decompose over time, and decomposition products are not always harmless.
The situation with flammability looks even more alarming - a low flammability class (G1 or G2) does not at all indicate the complete safety of the material. But more often, it’s not even the transfer of an open flame that is terrible (modern materials are mostly damped), but combustion products. The sad story shows that it is toxic smoke poisoning resulting from the combustion of, for example, polystyrene foam that most often causes human casualties. And you should think carefully about what the owner risks by arranging, for example, such thermal insulation indoors.
A terrible picture - burning of the insulated facade The specific advantages and disadvantages of the main thermal insulation materials will be discussed in more detail in the corresponding section of the article.
Next important factor, which must be taken into account when planning insulation. The thermal insulation of the walls should bring the “dew point” as close as possible to the outer surface of the wall, and ideally to the outer layer of the insulation material.
The "dew point" is a non-linearly changing boundary in the wall "pie", at which the transition of water from one state of aggregation to another takes place - steam turns into liquid condensate. And the accumulation of moisture is the wetting of the walls, the destruction of the building material, the swelling and loss of the qualities of the insulation, a direct path to the formation and development of foci of mold or fungus, insect nests, etc.
Where does water vapor come from in the wall? Yes, it's very simple - even in the course of normal life, a person with breathing releases at least 100 g of moisture per hour. Add here wet cleaning, washing and drying clothes, taking baths or showers, cooking or just boiling water. It turns out that in the cold season, the pressure of saturated vapors in the room is always much higher than in the open air. And if measures are not taken in the house for effective air ventilation, moisture seeks its way through building structures, including through walls.
This is a completely normal process., which will not do any harm if the insulation is planned and implemented correctly. But in cases where the "dew point" is shifted towards the rooms ( this is a common defect wall insulation from the inside), the balance with may be disturbed, and the wall with insulation will begin to be saturated with moisture.
In order to minimize or completely eliminate the consequences of the formation of condensate, one should adhere to the rule - the vapor permeability of the wall "pie", ideally, should increase from layer to layer in the direction of their placement outside. Then, with natural evaporation, excess moisture will come out into the atmosphere.
For example, the table below shows the values steam-permeable the ability of the main building, insulation and finishing materials. This should help with the initial planning of thermal insulation.
| Material | Vapor permeability coefficient, mg/(m*h*Pa) |
|---|---|
| Reinforced concrete | 0.03 |
| Concrete | 0.03 |
| Cement-sand mortar (or plaster) | 0.09 |
| Cement-sand-lime mortar (or plaster) | 0,098 |
| Lime-sand mortar with lime (or plaster) | 0.12 |
| Expanded clay concrete, density 800 kg/m3 | 0.19 |
| Clay brick, masonry | 0.11 |
| Brick, silicate, masonry | 0.11 |
| Hollow ceramic brick (1400 kg/m3 gross) | 0.14 |
| Hollow ceramic brick (1000 kg/m3 gross) | 0.17 |
| Large format ceramic block (warm ceramic) | 0.14 |
| Foam concrete and aerated concrete, density 800 kg/m3 | 0.140 |
| Fiberboard and wood concrete slabs, 500-450 kg/m3 | 0,11 |
| Arbolit, 600 kg/m3 | 0.18 |
| Granite, gneiss, basalt | 0,008 |
| Marble | 0,008 |
| Limestone, 1600 kg/m3 | 0.09 |
| Limestone, 1400 kg/m3 | 0.11 |
| Pine, spruce across the grain | 0.06 |
| Pine, spruce along the grain | 0.32 |
| Oak across the grain | 0.05 |
| Oak along the grain | 0.3 |
| Plywood | 0.02 |
| Chipboard and fiberboard, 600 kg/m3 | 0.13 |
| Tow | 0.49 |
| Drywall | 0,075 |
| Gypsum slabs (gypsum boards), 1350 kg/m3 | 0,098 |
| Gypsum slabs (gypsum boards), 1100 kg/m3 | 0.11 |
| Mineral wool stone, depending on the density 0.3 ÷ 0.37 | 0.3 ÷ 0.37 |
| Mineral wool glass, depending on the density | 0.5 ÷ 0.54 |
| Expanded polystyrene extruded (EPPS, XPS) | 0,005 ; 0,013; 0,004 |
| Expanded polystyrene (foam plastic), plate, density from 10 to 38 kg/m3 | 0.05 |
| Cellulose ecowool (depending on density) | 0.30 ÷ 0.67 |
| Polyurethane foam, at any density | 0.05 |
| Expanded clay bulk - gravel, depending on density | 0.21 ÷ 0.27 |
| Sand | 0.17 |
| Bitumen | 0,008 |
| Ruberoid, glassine | 0 - 0,001 |
| Polyethylene | 0.00002 (virtually impenetrable) |
| Linoleum PVC | 2E-3 |
| Steel | 0 |
| Aluminum | 0 |
| Copper | 0 |
| Glass | 0 |
| Block foam glass | 0 (rarely 0.02) |
| Bulk foam glass | 0.02 ÷ 0.03 |
| Bulk foam glass, density 200 kg/m3 | 0.03 |
| Glazed ceramic tile (tile) | ≈ 0 |
| OSB (OSB-3, OSB-4) | 0,0033-0,0040 |
For example, let's look at the diagram:
1 - the main wall of the building;
2 - layer of thermal insulation material;
3 - a layer of exterior decoration of the facade.
Blue wide arrows - the direction of diffusion of water vapor from the room towards the street.
On a fragment "but" shown to a mill that is very likely to always remain raw. The vapor permeability of the materials used decreases in the direction of the street, and the free diffusion of vapor will be very limited, if not stopped at all.
Fragment "b"- insulated and finished wall, in which the principle of increase is observed steam-permeable the ability of the layers - excess moisture evaporates freely into the atmosphere.
Of course, not in all cases, for one reason or another, it is possible to achieve such ideal conditions. In such situations, it is necessary to try to provide for the release of moisture to the maximum extent, but what if exterior finish walls are planned with a material whose vapor permeability is close to zero, it is best to mount the so-called "ventilated facade"(pos. 4 on the fragment "in"), which was already mentioned in the article.
If thermal insulation is installed from impermeable pairs materials, the situation is more complicated. It will be necessary to provide for a reliable vapor barrier, which will eliminate or minimize the likelihood of vapors entering the wall structure from inside the room (some heaters themselves are a reliable barrier to vapor penetration). And yet, it is unlikely that it will be possible to fully prevent the "preservation" of moisture in the wall.
Natural questions may arise - what about in the summer, when the pressure of water vapor on the street often exceeds the same indicators inside the house? Will there be back diffusion?
Yes, there will be such a process to a certain extent, but there is no need to be afraid of this - in conditions of elevated summer temperatures, moisture actively evaporates, and the wall cannot be saturated with water. When the moisture balance is normalized, the wall structure will return to its normal dry state. And temporarily high humidity does not pose a particular threat - it is more dangerous at low temperatures and freezing of the walls - that's when condensation reaches a peak. In addition, in the summer, windows or vents are constantly open in most houses, and there simply will not be any significant vapor pressure drop for abundant back diffusion.
In any case, no matter how high-quality the thermal insulation is, and no matter how optimally it is located, the most effective measure to normalize the moisture balance is effective ventilation of the premises. That outlet, which is located in the kitchen or in the bathroom, will not cope with such a task on its own!
It is interesting that the issue of ventilation began to be raised with such acuteness relatively recently - with the start of mass installation by apartment owners of metal-plastic windows with double-glazed windows and doors with hermetic seals around the perimeter. In the houses of the old building, wooden windows and doors were a kind of "ventilation duct", and, together with vents, to some extent coped with the task of air exchange.
Ventilation issues - special attention!
Obvious signs of insufficient ventilation in the apartment are abundant condensation on the windows and damp patches at the corners of the window slopes. and how to deal with it - in a separate publication of our portal.
What materials are used to insulate external walls
Now let's move on to, in fact, the consideration of the main materials that are used to insulate the external walls of the house. Basic technical and operating parameters will usually be presented in the form of tables. And the attention in the text will be focused on the features of the material in terms of its use in this particular area.
Bulk materials
To insulate walls, under certain conditions, materials can be used that fill the cavities inside the wall structure, or they are used to create light solutions with thermal insulation qualities.
Expanded clay
Of all the materials of this type, expanded clay is the most famous. It is obtained by special preparation of special types of clay and subsequent firing of clay pellets at temperatures above 1100 degrees. Such a thermal effect leads to the phenomenon of pyroplasty - an avalanche-like gas formation due to the water present in the raw material and the decomposition products of the components. The result is a porous structure that provides good thermal insulation properties, and clay sintering gives the granules high surface strength.
After receiving the finished product, it is sorted by size - fractions. Each of the fractions has its own bulk density and, accordingly, thermal conductivity.
| Material parameters | Expanded clay gravel 20 ÷ 40 mm | Expanded clay crushed stone 5 ÷ 10 mm | Expanded clay sand or sand-gravel mixture 0 ÷ 10 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk density, kg/m³ | 240 ÷ 450 | 400 ÷ 500 | 500 ÷ 800 |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m×°С | 0.07 ÷ 0.09 | 0.09 ÷ 0.11 | 0.12 ÷ 0.16 |
| Water absorption, % of volume | 10 ÷ 15 | 15 ÷ 20 | no more than 25 |
| Weight loss, %, during freezing cycles (with standard frost resistance grade F15) | no more than 8 | no more than 8 | not regulated |
What are the advantages of expanded clay as an insulating material:
- Ceramite is highly environmentally friendly - no chemical compounds are used in its manufacture .
- An important quality is the fire resistance of the material. It does not burn itself, does not spread flame, and when exposed to high temperatures does not emit substances harmful to human health .
- Expanded clay will never become a breeding ground for any life forms, and besides, it is bypassed by insects .
- Despite the hygroscopicity, the processes of decay in the material will not develop .
- Material prices are quite reasonable, affordable for most consumers.
Among the shortcomings, the following can be noted:
- High-quality insulation will require a sufficiently thick
- Wall insulation is possible only by creating a multilayer structure with cavities inside or by using large hollow blocks in the construction. Warming the walls of a previously built house in this way - uh This is a very large-scale and costly undertaking, which is unlikely to be profitable.
Expanded clay is poured into the cavity in a dry form or poured in the form of a light concrete mortar ( expanded clay concrete).
Expanded clay prices
Expanded clay
Vermiculite
A very interesting and promising insulation material is vermiculite. Get it through heat treatment a special rock - hydromica. The high moisture content in the raw material leads to the effect of pyroplasty, the material rapidly increases in volume (swells), forming porous and layered granules of various fractions.
Such a structural structure predetermines high rates of resistance to heat transfer. The main characteristics of the material are given in the table:
| Parameters | Units | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Density | kg/m³ | 65 ÷ 150 |
| Coefficient of thermal conductivity | W/m ×° K | 0.048 ÷ 0.06 |
| Melting temperature | °C | 1350 |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | 0,000014 | |
| Toxicity | non-toxic | |
| Color | Silver, golden, yellow | |
| Application temperature | °C | -260 to +1200 |
| Sound absorption coefficient (at a sound frequency of 1000 Hz) | 0.7 ÷ 0.8 |
Along with a lot of advantages, vermiculite has one very significant drawback - the price is too high. So, one cubic meter of dry material can cost 7 or more thousand rubles (you can find offers that exceed even 10 thousand). Naturally, using it in its pure form for backfilling in a cavity is extremely ruinous. Therefore, the optimal solution is to use vermiculite as a component in the manufacture of "warm plaster".
Often, for high-quality thermal insulation, it is enough " warm plaster»
Such a plaster layer gives the walls good thermal insulation qualities, and in some cases such insulation will even be quite enough.
By the way, the material has a high vapor permeability, so these can be used on any wall surfaces with virtually no restrictions.
They are quite applicable for interior decoration. So, warm plasters with vermiculite can be prepared both on the basis of cement and on the basis of gypsum - depending on the specific conditions of their use. Moreover, such a wall covering will also give them increased fire resistance - even a wooden wall covered with vermiculite plaster will be able to withstand the “pressure” of an open flame for a certain time.
Another material obtained by heat treatment of rock. The raw material in this case is perlite - volcanic glass. When exposed to high temperatures, the particles of this rock swell, porous, forming extremely light porous sand with a specific gravity of only about 50 kg / m³.
low density and gas content perlite sand - what is required for effective thermal insulation. The main properties of the material, depending on the brand in terms of bulk density, are given in the table;
| The name of indicators | Grade of sand by bulk density | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 100 | 150 | 200 | |
| Bulk density, kg/m3 | Up to 75 inclusive | Over 75 and up to 100 inclusive | Over 100 and up to 150 inclusive | Over 150 and up to 200 inclusive |
| Thermal conductivity at a temperature of (20 ± 5) °С, W/m × °С, not more than | 0,047 | 0,051 | 0,058 | 0,07 |
| Humidity, % by mass, no more | 2, 0 | 2 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Compressive strength in the cylinder (determined by fraction 1.3-2.5mm), MPa (kgf/cm2), not less than | Not standardized | 0.1 | ||
This material is also popular due to its relatively low price, which cannot be compared with the same vermiculite. True, both technological and operational qualities are worse here.
One of the disadvantages of perlite when used dry is the extremely high moisture absorption- No wonder it is often used as an adsorbent. The second drawback is that extremely fine fractions, almost powder, are always present in the composition of the sand, and it is extremely difficult to work with the material, especially in open conditions, even with a very weak breeze. However, there will be enough trouble indoors, as it forms a lot of dust.
A common area of application for perlite sand is the manufacture of lightweight concrete mortars with thermal insulating qualities. Another typical use is the mixing of masonry compounds. The use of such solutions when laying walls minimizes the effect of cold bridges along the seams between bricks or blocks.
Expanded perlite sand is also used in the production of ready-made dry mixes - “warm plasters”. These building and finishing compounds are rapidly gaining popularity, since at the same time as giving the walls additional insulation immediately perform a decorative function.
Video - Review of "warm plaster" THERMOVER
Mineral wool
Of all the insulation materials used, mineral wool is likely to take first place in the "availability - quality" category. It cannot be said that the material is devoid of flaws - there are many of them, but for thermal insulation of walls it often becomes the best option.
In residential construction, as a rule, two types of mineral wool are used - glass wool and basalt (stone). Their comparative characteristics are indicated in the table, and a more detailed description of the advantages and disadvantages follows it.
| Name of parameters | Stone (basalt) wool | |
|---|---|---|
| Limiting application temperature, °С | from -60 to +450 | up to 1000° |
| Average fiber diameter, µm | 5 to 15 | 4 to 12 |
| Hygroscopicity of the material for 24 hours (no more),% | 1.7 | 0,095 |
| causticity | Yes | No |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient, W / (m × ° K) | 0.038 ÷ 0.046 | 0.035 ÷ 0.042 |
| Sound absorption coefficient | from 0.8 to 92 | from 0.75 to 95 |
| The presence of a binder, % | from 2.5 to 10 | from 2.5 to 10 |
| Flammability of the material | NG - non-flammable | NG - non-flammable |
| Emission of harmful substances during combustion | Yes | Yes |
| Heat capacity, J/kg ×° K | 1050 | 1050 |
| Vibration resistance | No | moderate |
| Elasticity, % | no data | 75 |
| Sintering temperature, °C | 350 ÷ 450 | 600 |
| Fiber length, mm | 15 ÷ 50 | 16 |
| Chemical stability (weight loss), % in water | 6.2 | 4.5 |
| Chemical resistance (weight loss), % in alkaline medium | 6 | 6.4 |
| Chemical resistance (weight loss), % in acid environment | 38.9 | 24 |
This material is obtained from quartz sand and cullet. The raw material is melted, and thin and rather long fibers are formed from this semi-liquid mass. Next, the molding of sheets, mats or blocks of various densities (from 10 to 30 kg / m³) takes place, and in this form the glass wool is delivered to the consumer.
- it is very plastic, and when packing it is easily subjected to compression to small volumes - this simplifies both the transportation and delivery of the material to the place of work. After unpacking, the mats or blocks are straightened to the intended dimensions. Low density and, accordingly, low weight - this is ease of installation, no need to strengthen walls or ceilings - additional load on them will be insignificant .
- not afraid of chemical exposure, it does not rot and does not fade. She is not particularly “liked” by rodents, she will not become a nutrient medium for home microflora .
- Glass wool is conveniently placed between the guides of the frame, and the elasticity of the material opens up the possibility of thermal insulation of complex, including curved surfaces. .
- The abundance of raw materials and the relative ease of manufacture of glass wool make this material one of the most affordable in terms of cost.
Disadvantages of glass wool:
- The fibers of the material are long, thin and brittle, and, as is typical of any glass, have sharp cutting edges. Of course, they will not be able to cause a cut, but they can cause persistent skin irritation. Even more dangerous is the ingress of these small fragments into the eyes, mucous membranes or respiratory tract. When working with such mineral wool, compliance with the rules of increased safety is required - protection of the skin of the hands and face, eyes, respiratory organs .
The very high probability of fine glass dust getting into the room, where it can be carried in a suspended state with air currents, makes the use of glass wool for interior work very undesirable.
- absorbs water quite strongly and, being saturated with moisture, partially loses its insulating qualities. It is mandatory to provide either a hydro-vapor barrier of the insulation, or the possibility of its free ventilation .
- Over time, glass wool fibers can sinter, stick together - nothing unusual, since glass is an amorphous material. Mats become thinner and denser, lose their thermal insulation properties .
- Formaldehyde resins are used as a binding material that holds thin fibers in a single mass. No matter how manufacturers assure the complete environmental safety of their products, the release of free formaldehyde, which is extremely harmful to human health, is constant, throughout the entire period of operation of the material.
Of course, there are certain standards of sanitary compliance, and conscientious manufacturers try to adhere to them. On the quality material there must be appropriate certificates - it will never be superfluous to require them to be presented. But still, the presence of formaldehyde is another reason not to use glass wool indoors.
Basalt wool
This insulation is made from the melt of rocks of the basalt group - hence the name "stone wool". After the fibers are drawn, they are formed into mats, creating a chaotic rather than layered structure. After processing, blocks and mats are additionally pressed under certain thermal conditions. This predetermines the density and clear "geometry" of manufactured products.
- Even in appearance, basalt wool looks denser. Its structure, especially in high-density grades, is sometimes even closer to felt. But the increased density does not at all mean a decrease in thermal insulation qualities - basalt wool is not inferior to glass wool in this, and often even surpasses it. .
- The situation with hygroscopicity is much better. Some brands of basalt wool, due to special processing, are even close to hydrophobicity .
- Clear the shapes of the blocks and panels make the installation of such mineral wool a fairly simple task. If necessary, the material can be easily cut to the right sizes. True, it will be difficult to work with it on surfaces of complex configuration. .
- Stone wool has excellent vapor permeability, and with correct installation thermal insulation, the wall will remain "breathing".
- The density of basalt mineral wool blocks makes it possible to mount it on building glue, ensuring maximum adhesion to the insulated surface - this is extremely important for high-quality thermal insulation. In addition, on such wool, you can immediately, after reinforcement, lay a plaster layer .
- Basalt wool fibers are not so brittle and prickly, and it is much easier to work with it in this regard. True, security measures are still superfluous.
The disadvantages include:
- Although basalt insulation, of course, will not become a breeding ground for rodents, nor do they arrange their nests in it with great pleasure.
- There is no escape from the presence of formaldehyde - everything is exactly the same as in glass wool, maybe - to a slightly lesser extent.
- The cost of such a heater is significantly higher than glass wool.
Video - Useful information about basalt mineral wool " TechnoNIKOL»
What is the conclusion? Both mineral wools are quite suitable for thermal insulation of walls, if all conditions are met so that it is not actively saturated with moisture and has the ability to “ventilate”. The optimal place for its placement is the outer side of the walls, where it will create effective insulation and will not bring much harm to the people living in the house.
The use of mineral wool for internal insulation should, if possible, be avoided.
It can be noted that there is another type of mineral wool - slag. But it was deliberately not included in detailed overview, since it is of little use for warming a residential building. Of all types, it is most prone to moisture absorption and shrinkage. The high residual acidity of slag wool leads to the activation of corrosion processes in the materials covered with it. Yes, and the purity of the feedstock - blast-furnace slag, also raises a lot of doubts.
Mineral wool prices
Mineral wool
Heaters of the polystyrene group
Thermal insulation materials based on polystyrene can also be categorized as the most commonly used. But if you look closely at them, then they will cause a lot of questions.
Expanded polystyrene is represented by two main types. The first one is unpressed expanded polystyrene, which is more often called polystyrene foam (PBS). The second is more modern version, a material obtained by extrusion technology (EPS). To begin with - a comparative table of materials.
| Material parameters | Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) | Styrofoam |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m × ° C) | 0.028 ÷ 0.034 | 0.036 ÷ 0.050 |
| Water absorption in 24 hours in % of volume | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Static bending strength MPa (kg/cm²) | 0.4÷1 | 0.07 ÷ 0.20 |
| Compressive strength 10% linear deformation, not less than MPa (kgf/cm²) | 0.25 ÷ 0.5 | 0.05 ÷ 0.2 |
| Density (kg/m³) | 28 ÷ 45 | 15 ÷ 35 |
| Operating temperatures | -50 to +75 |
Styrofoam
It would seem that the familiar white foam plastic is an excellent material for wall insulation. Low coefficient of thermal conductivity, light and fairly strong blocks of clear shapes, ease of installation, a wide range of thicknesses, affordable price - all these are undeniable advantages that attract many consumers.
The most controversial material is foam However, before deciding to insulate the walls with foam, you need to think very carefully and assess the dangers of such an approach. There are many reasons for this:
- Coefficient T The thermal conductivity of polystyrene is really “enviable”. But this is only in the original dry state. The very structure of the foam - air-filled balls glued together, suggest the possibility of significant moisture absorption. So, if you immerse a piece of foam in water for a certain time, then it can absorb 300 or more% of water about its mass. Of course, thermal insulation qualities are sharply reduced. .
And with all this, the vapor permeability of PBS is low, and the walls insulated with it will not have normal vapor exchange.
- You should not believe that polystyrene is a very durable insulation. The practice of its use shows that after a few years, destructive processes begin - the appearance of shells, cavities, cracks, an increase in density and a decrease in volume. Laboratory studies of fragments damaged by such a kind of "corrosion" showed that the total resistance to heat transfer decreased by almost eight times! Is it worth it to start such insulation, which will have to be changed after 5 - 7 years?
- Styrofoam cannot be called safe from a sanitary point of view. This material belongs to the group of equilibrium polymers, which, even under favorable conditions, can go through depolymerization - decomposition into components. At the same time, free styrene is released into the atmosphere - a substance that poses a danger to human health. Exceeding the maximum allowable concentration of styrene causes heart failure, affects the state of the liver, leads to the emergence and development of gynecological diseases.
This depolymerization process is activated as temperature and humidity increase. So using foam for indoor insulation is an extremely risky business.
- And, finally, the main danger is the instability of the material to fire. It is impossible to call polystyrene a non-combustible material; under certain conditions, it actively burns with the release of extremely toxic smoke. Even a few breaths can lead to thermal and chemical burns of the respiratory system, toxic damage nervous system and lethal outcome. Unfortunately, there is a lot of sad evidence for this.
It is for this reason that foam plastic has long been no longer used in the production of railway cars and other vehicles. In many countries, it is simply prohibited in construction, and in any form - conventional insulation boards, sandwich panels or even fixed formwork. A house insulated with polystyrene can turn into a "fire trap" with almost zero chances of saving the people remaining in it.
Extruded polystyrene foam
A number of shortcomings of foam have been eliminated by the development of more modern variety polystyrene foam. It is obtained by a complete melt of the feedstock with the addition of certain components, followed by foaming of the mass and forcing through molding nozzles. The result is a finely porous homogeneous structure, with each air bubble completely isolated from the neighboring ones.
Such material is distinguished by increased mechanical strength in compression and bending, which significantly expands the scope of its application. The thermal insulation qualities are much higher than those of polystyrene, plus, XPS practically does not absorb moisture, and its thermal conductivity does not change.
The use of carbon dioxide or inert gases as a blowing agent dramatically reduces the possibility of ignition under the action of a flame. However, it is still not necessary to talk about complete security in this matter.
Such polystyrene foam has greater chemical stability, to a lesser extent "poisons the atmosphere." Its service life is estimated at several decades.
XPS is practically impervious to water vapor and moisture. This is for the walls - not too much good quality. True, it can be used with some caution for internal insulation - in this case, with proper installation, it simply will not allow the penetration of saturated vapors to the wall structure. If the EPS is mounted outside, then this should be done on the adhesive composition so as not to leave a gap between it and the wall, and the outer cladding should be done according to the principle of a ventilated facade.
The material is actively used for thermal insulation of loaded structures. It is perfect for warming a foundation or basement - strength will help to cope with the load of the soil, and water resistance in such conditions is generally an invaluable advantage.
Foundation t requires insulation!
Many people forget about this, and for some it even seems like some kind of whim. Why, and how to do it using EPPS - in a special publication of the portal.
But there is no escape from the general chemical composition, and it was not possible to get rid of the highest toxicity during combustion. Therefore, all warnings regarding the danger of expanded polystyrene in case of fire fully apply to XPS.
Prices for expanded polystyrene, polystyrene, PIR plates
Expanded polystyrene, Styrofoam, PIR boards
polyurethane foam
Thermal insulation of walls by spraying (PPU) is considered one of the most promising areas in construction. In terms of its thermal insulation properties, PPU significantly surpasses most other materials. Even a very small layer of 20 — 30 mm m can give a tangible effect.
| Material characteristics | Indicators |
|---|---|
| compressive strength (N/mm²) | 0.18 |
| Bending strength (N/mm²) | 0.59 |
| Water absorption (% volume) | 1 |
| Thermal conductivity (W/m ×°K) | 0,019-0,035 |
| Content of closed cells (%) | 96 |
| blowing agent | CO2 |
| Flammability class | B2 |
| Fire resistance class | G2 |
| Application temperature from | +10 |
| Application temperature from | -150oС to +220oС |
| Application area | Heat-hydro-cold insulation of residential and industrial buildings, tanks, ships, wagons |
| Effective service life | 30-50 years old |
| Moisture, aggressive media | sustainable |
| Ecological cleanliness | Safe. Approved for use in residential buildings. Used in the manufacture of food refrigerators |
| Pour Time (seconds) | 25-75 |
| Water vapor permeability (%) | 0.1 |
| Cellularity | closed |
| Density (kg/m3) | 40-120 |
Polyurethane foam is formed by mixing several components - as a result of the interaction between each other and with oxygen in the air, foaming of the material occurs, its increase in volume. The applied PPU quickly hardens, forming a durable waterproof shell. Top performance adhesion allows spraying on almost any surface. Foam fills even minor cracks and depressions, creating a monolithic seamless "fur coat".
By themselves, the original components are quite toxic, and working with them requires increased precautions. However, after the reaction and subsequent solidification, within a few days, all dangerous substances completely evaporate, and PPU will no longer pose any danger.
It has a fairly high resistance to fire. Even with thermal decomposition, it does not release products that can cause toxic damage. For these reasons, it was he who replaced expanded polystyrene in mechanical engineering and in the production of household appliances.
It would seem that - perfect option, but again the problem rests on the complete lack of vapor permeability. So, for example, spraying polyurethane foam on a wall made of natural wood able to "kill" it for several years already - moisture that has no way out will inevitably lead to the processes of decomposition of organic matter. But getting rid of the applied layer will be almost impossible. In any case, if PPU spraying is used for insulation, the requirements for effective ventilation of the premises increase.
Among the shortcomings, one more circumstance can be noted - in the process of applying the material it is impossible to achieve evenness of the surface. This will create certain problems if a contact finish is planned on top - plaster, cladding, etc. Leveling the surface of the cured foam to the required level is a difficult and time-consuming task.
And another conditional drawback of PPU wall insulation is the impossibility of independently carrying out such work. It necessarily requires special equipment and equipment, sustainable technological skills. In any case, you will have to resort to calling a team of specialists. The material itself is not cheap, plus the production of work - in total, very serious costs can turn out.
Video - An example of spraying polyurethane foam on the exterior walls of a house
Ecowool
Many have not even heard of this insulation and do not consider it as an option for thermal insulation of external walls. And absolutely in vain! In a number of positions, ecowool is ahead of other materials, becoming almost an ideal solution to the problem.
Ecowool is made from cellulose fibers - woodworking waste and waste paper are used. Raw materials undergo high-quality pre-treatment - flame retardants for fire resistance and boric acid - to give the material pronounced antiseptic qualities.
| Characteristics | Parameter values |
|---|---|
| Composition | cellulose, mineral antipyretic and antiseptic |
| Density, kg / m³ | 35 ÷ 75 |
| Thermal conductivity, W/m×°K | 0.032 ÷ 0.041 |
| Vapor permeability | the walls "breathe" |
| fire safety | flame retardant, no smoke formation, combustion products are harmless |
| Filling the voids | fills all the gaps |
Ecowool is usually applied to the walls by spraying - for this, in a special installation, the material is mixed with the adhesive mass, and then enters the sprayer under pressure. As a result, a coating is formed on the walls, which has very decent indicators of resistance to heat transfer. Ecowool can be applied in several layers, achieving the required thickness. The process itself is very fast. At the same time, certain protective equipment is certainly needed, but it is not as “categorical” as, say, when working with glass wool or when spraying polyurethane foam.
By itself, ecowool does not pose a danger to people. Included in it boric acid can cause skin irritation only with prolonged direct contact. But on the other hand, it becomes an insurmountable barrier to mold or fungus, to the appearance of nests of insects or rodents.
Ecowool has excellent vapor permeability, "preservation" in the walls will not occur. True, the material is quite hygroscopic, and requires reliable protection from direct water ingress - for this it must be closed with a diffuse membrane.
Ecowool is also used according to the “dry” technology - it is poured into the cavity of building structures. True, experts note that in this case it will have a tendency to caking and loss in volume and insulating qualities. For walls, spraying is still the best choice.
What can be said about the shortcomings?
- The surface insulated with ecowool cannot be immediately plastered or painted - it is required to be obligatory on top with one or another material.
- Applying ecowool by spraying will require special equipment. The material itself is quite inexpensive, but with the involvement of specialists, the cost of such insulation will increase.
Video - Wall insulation with ecowool
In the aggregate of all its positive and negative qualities, ecowool is seen as the most promising option for insulating external walls.
What thickness of insulation is required?
If the owners of the house have decided on a heater, then it's time to find out what thickness of thermal insulation will be optimal. Too thin a layer will not be able to eliminate significant heat loss. Too thick - not very useful for the building itself, and will entail unnecessary costs.
The calculation method with an acceptable simplification can be expressed by the following formula:
Rsum= R1+ R2+ … + Rn
Rsum- total resistance to heat transfer of a multilayer wall structure. This parameter is calculated for each region. There are special tables, but you can use the diagram below. In our case, the upper value is taken - for the walls.
Resistance value Rn- this is the ratio of the thickness of the layer to the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material from which it is made.
Rn= δn/ λn
δn is the layer thickness in meters.
λn- coefficient of thermal conductivity.
As a result, the formula for calculating the thickness of the insulation appears as follows:
δut= (Rsum– 0.16 – δ1/ λ1– δ2/ λ2– … – δn/ λn) × λut
0,16 - this is an average accounting of thermal air resistance on both sides of the wall.
Knowing the parameters of the wall, measuring the thickness of the layers and taking into account the thermal conductivity of the selected insulation, it is easy to carry out independent calculations. BUT, to make it easier for the reader, a special calculator is placed below, in which this formula is already incorporated.
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