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Insulation of the floor in a wooden house: which insulation to choose. Floor insulation: how to choose the right one? What should be the thermal insulation for a warm floor Effective insulation for the floor

Heating efficiency starts with closing off all energy leaks - through windows, doors and floors. The first two tasks are solved by seals and the installation of double-glazed windows. To eliminate the last problem, it is necessary to choose the right insulation. It is important to do this so that in the future the floor temperature differs by no more than 2 C °, otherwise the residents will suffer from frequent colds.

It has been proven that heat loss through floors is 20%. This is how much you will have to pay for heating if available autonomous system... Insulation is especially necessary in a private house (especially in old wooden houses), on the 1st floor, as well as in the bathroom, kitchen, loggia and wherever the concrete floor is covered with tiles.

Kinds

All heaters intended for thermal insulation of the floor can be roughly divided into four types:

  • cotton;
  • foam;
  • concrete (expanded clay);
  • natural (flax, jute).

Many factors affect their quality and wear - stress, moisture, fungi, insects, rodents. They themselves can have a positive, negative or neutral effect on the health of people living in the house. There is no ideal type of insulation - each has a set of certain characteristics and its own disadvantages due to the lack of certain qualities. Therefore, when choosing floor insulation, pay attention to the following characteristics:

  • health safety and environment;
  • resistance to temperature influences and high humidity;
  • thermal insulation and vapor permeability;
  • resistance to rotting, decay and aging;
  • ease of installation and durability.

What is the best insulation to choose?

1. Mineral wool. It is also made of stone, made from alloys of rocks, as well as from slags. It can be sold both in rolls and mats. It has good sound insulation, is low flammable, but is afraid of excess moisture. Therefore, it must be additionally waterproofed or monitored for the integrity of the protective film. Depending on the amount of slag content, it can have an acceptable (but undesirable) radioactive background.

2. Glass wool. Made from fiberglass - waste from the glass industry. In terms of properties, it is similar to the previous material, only it does not have a radioactive background. However, it has less thermal conductivity (this is a plus), but also a lower density (this is a minus). Suitable for wood floors. Unfortunately, it can ignite in case of fire.


3. Ecowool. It consists of 80% recycled paper, 8% borax, and 12% antiseptic. It is environmentally friendly, has good thermal conductivity, heat resistance, durability.

4. Polyurethane foam, polystyrene, polystyrene foam (foam). The most popular, widely used in country buildings, in summer cottages. It is very convenient to use - it is simply placed on the bottom and connected with foam or construction tape. Resistant to moisture, but flammable. Thermal insulation of floors using foam is not only convenient, but also affordable.

However, it is believed that floor insulation with styrene foam is not very environmentally friendly - when heated, it exudes substances that, over time, harm human health.

5. Isolon. Refers to foamed polyethylene, rodents, insects and fungi do not start in it. 1 cm of isolon replaces 4.5 cm mineral wool, has high performance not only heat, but also sound insulation. Resistant to a wide variety of harsh environments, including chemical and oil solvents.

True, due to its small thickness, it cannot provide sufficiently reliable sound insulation, therefore it makes no sense to use it in multi-storey building on the bathroom floor, for example, where the need arises.

6. Flax. Natural insulation: durable, resistant to moisture and harsh environments. Does not rot over time and does not lend itself to mold. Effectively resists frost, protecting from cold. Those who are prone to allergies or are careful about their health can choose this option for floor insulation, as the most environmentally friendly of all.

7. Jute. Natural fiber that is produced from plants of the linden family. It is often used for the manufacture of carpets, furniture pads and as insulation. In this case, it is made in the form of rolls like gray carpet.

8. Expanded clay. Porous crushed stone of fine fraction, which is obtained by firing clay shale, has either a smooth oval or pointed shape. It is often used as a cushioning and drainage material.


Insulation of floors on logs

This insulation method is applicable for floors built both on the ground and on concrete slabs. It is also suitable for installation in masonry and wooden house... For the soil, you must first compact the soil and cover it with rubble. The prepared pillow should be installed brick pillars at a distance of 2 × 0.5 m. Then they need to be overlaid with waterproofing, after which you can lay logs made of wood. The insulation is overlapped between them. It can also be placed on the joists to prevent the boards from squeaking.

Under the screed on the ground, expanded clay is most often used if the house does not have a basement. First, sand 100 mm thick is poured onto the bottom of the base, and then insulation up to 300 mm. To make the base strong, it is tamped and covered with a reinforcing mesh, then poured concrete screed.

Insulation for linoleum

By itself, it has low thermal conductivity. For linoleum, you can use any material, preferably not rotting and not amenable to mold. It is unacceptable for moisture to enter under the floor during work. If they are carried out in compliance with these measures, then the structure will serve long years.

Manufacturers and prices

The experience of companies has a great influence on the quality of insulation. The longer a company has been on the market, the usually better insulation it offers. Rockwool has been in business for over 70 years. During this time, by trial and error, mineral and stone wool was obtained good quality with reliable sound insulation, vapor permeability, fire and moisture resistance.

Slabs "Penoplex" are suitable for ground floors, foundations, loggias and laying "warm" floors. They have zero water absorption, high compressive strength, are resistant to decay and are easy to install.

PAROC produces floor mats from stone wool... Operates in 15 European countries, successfully helping customers reduce energy consumption. Due to the promoted brand, its products differ not only high quality, but also less affordable for the average consumer.

The Zhivoizol company offers products made of flax and jute: they are environmentally friendly, durable, do not cause allergies and do not emit harmful substances. Insects do not start in them, mice do not eat them.

Izolon is engaged in the production unique material for floors suitable for underlays under parquet. The company's products are distinguished by high impact resistance, low thermal conductivity, vapor barrier with a minimum width of only 10 mm.

Insulation nameSize, mmManufacturerPrice per m2 in rubles
mineral wool1000 × 600 × 50Rockwoolfrom 410
stone wool1000 × 600 × 50Rockwoolfrom 610
stone wool1000 × 300 × 50Rockwool litefrom 510
penoplex1000 × 600 × 50"Penoplex"from 980
stone wool mat7080 × 565 × 50"PAROC"from 2000
thermolen1000 × 100 × 50Zhivoizolfrom 114 to 164
thermojute1000 × 100 × 50Zhivoizolfrom 90 to 135
isolon1500 × 1000 × 10Izolonfrom 10 500
expanded clayfr. 20 × 40"YUDIS"from 210 per m 3

The question "What insulation is better for the floor?" are asked by everyone who loves comfort. It's always nice to walk barefoot without fear that your limbs will freeze. And this is especially true in the off-season, when it is not yet included. central heating(if any) and in winter, when outside the window subzero temperature... It was then that people often turn their eyes to floor insulation. We will tell you how to choose the material and how to lay it correctly. After all, a well-insulated floor is one of the components of the preservation of heat in a living room.

When choosing heaters, it is important to consider climatic zone(how cold it can be in winter), the characteristics of the room and its purpose, the type of existing or planned flooring. For example, floor insulation in an apartment and in a wooden house will differ significantly.

Option # 1 - expanded polystyrene

Among the materials that do not require communications or connection to the network, the most common insulation for a warm floor is expanded polystyrene, well known to everyone as foam.

Its thermal insulation properties are 25 times better than that of expanded clay concrete. And to step on a floor insulated with expanded polystyrene is much warmer and more pleasant, because such a floor absorbs heat very slowly.

Polyfoam as a floor insulation is used when installing a floating screed. Then it is poured with a layer of cement or concrete. You can lay slabs in the intervals between the logs during construction wooden floors... Another way - the slabs are laid on a concrete floor, and on top of them - sheets of plywood.

Expanded polystyrene is not afraid of moisture, therefore it can be widely used for warming floors on the balcony and in rooms with high humidity levels

Option # 2 - expanded clay

Expanded clay is one of the most readily available inexpensive materials. It is used both when falling asleep under gypsum-fiber boards and added to concrete. Using expanded clay, a floating floor screed is also built, when concrete or cement mortar is poured over it.

It is better to insulate the floor with expanded clay from different fractions

The porous structure of this material, made from clay, allows for thermal insulation of the floor, even in areas with very cold and frosty winters. But for this, the expanded clay layer should be about 10-15 cm, which is not always convenient, because it reduces the existing living space.

Option # 3 - polystyrene concrete

In comparison with expanded clay and a conventional screed, the thickness of the floor insulation based on polystyrene concrete is much thinner. Enough 5 cm of material to provide both heat and sound insulation of the room. And the pressure on the floor in this case will be less, and the floor can be leveled, and the floor will be insulated.

Almost all materials, including tiles, can be lined on top of the polystyrene concrete layer. In addition, he will create perfect flat surface under self-leveling floors.

Option # 4 - glass wool and mineral wool

These types of insulation are widely used for insulating roofs, walls and floors due to their low cost. There are such materials in the form of slabs or in rolls. They are most often used to insulate wooden floors due to the vapor permeability of the material.

Lay mineral wool and glass wool between the logs. But the composition of these materials makes you think: the selection, albeit in safe standards but still dangerous chemicals are present.

Laying mineral wool between the logs of the wooden floor

Glass wool must be carefully insulated so that dust does not enter the room when it wears out. It is important to leave a ventilation gap when laying such materials. The disadvantages of these materials include their weight and moisture absorption.

Option # 5 - cork material

To insulate the floor with a light, safe and thin material, cork fiber is used. This the best insulation for a floor under linoleum. The best, but also one of the most expensive. In addition to thermal insulation qualities, it has durability and moisture resistance.

This material can be laid as a substrate under floor coverings, and used as an independent floor covering. In the latter case, cork slabs are additionally polished and varnished. You will get a natural beautiful warm floor.

Option # 6 - sawdust heaters

The sawdust itself is no longer used for insulation. They do not meet fire safety requirements. But from them with the addition of fire retardants, antiseptics and glue, sawdust pellets, wood concrete, ecowool are produced.

Option # 7 - ecowool

This loose cellulose-based material is used to insulate even hard-to-reach places. It is poured automatically or manually with a layer of 15-20 cm, which in terms of thermal characteristics corresponds to a layer of expanded clay 80 cm.

Ecowool has soundproofing and heat-insulating properties, it is completely safe. But such material is afraid of moisture. Therefore, it is laid only in those places where there is no likelihood of an increase in the level of humidity. It is used most often when laying wooden floors.

Option # 8 - penoizol

Simply put, penoizol is a liquid foam, about everyone positive aspects which we have already said. Penoizol is good because, due to its consistency, it can be poured into hard-to-reach places, they are sealed with cracks and seams.

It is good to use it in the early stages of building and equipping a house. It fills all air voids, thereby preventing the outflow of heat in the future.

Option # 9 - foil insulation

The action of the material is based on the fact that it reflects heat back into the room, but does not transfer it to the outside. Therefore, correctly lay it with the reflective side up. This material is durable, waterproof, so it can be used in all types of premises, including baths and saunas.

As you can see, there are plenty of materials for insulating your floor, in whatever room it is located. It is important to take into account all the nuances and choose the most effective and safe insulation.

Such insulation can consist of a layer of mineral wool or foam and a layer of foil. It is made in the form of slabs and in rolls. They are sheathed wooden floors or laid under warm floors

Additional option - "warm floor" system

Increasingly, people choose a warm floor system. In the case of a water system, under the floor surface, through which hot water will circulate. The method is effective, but troublesome. Indeed, in addition to the pipes themselves, you will need risers, collectors, shut-off valves, an automatic control device (shutdown).

For the installation of modern systems underfloor heating use, as a rule, polymer pipes... Such pipes are very strong, resistant to thermal aging, have ductility and flexibility, and are not afraid of corrosion.

You can also do electrical system: In this case, a cable is laid under the floor covering, which converts the current into heat. A layer of 3-7 cm of concrete or cement-sand mortar is laid on top of the heating elements, and only then the floor covering. Those. if a breakdown occurs, you will need to completely dismantle the floor.

There are and. Such floors are much easier to install and operate. Film underfloor heating does not require a screed, it is very quickly mounted and connected. On top of such a floor, you can lay linoleum, tiles, parquet, laminate. This system can be easily removed and moved to another room.

The convenience and efficiency of warm floors makes them the most demanded for residential and public spaces(kindergartens, schools, sports complexes).

Almost everyone who loves comfort and warmth prefers to additionally insulate their floor. Today this is extremely important, since you can find insulation for every taste in hardware stores. This applies to both the insulating properties and the cost of the material. Nevertheless, only at first glance, the choice may seem obvious, but in reality it is not. Let's figure out what it is, high-quality thermal insulation for the floor and how to choose it.

Some general information

Before proceeding with the choice of material, you need to answer yourself one simple question: do I need it? The fact is that today in many houses and apartments there are no exceptions, only those rooms where "warm floor" systems are installed, since in this case they must install thermal insulation. After all, the main goal we need to achieve is warmth and comfort. But we must not forget that if we can channel heat into the right channel, then we will also save a significant part of the money. It would seem that everything is simple, but it is not entirely true. First, there is a large number of grounds, for each of which it is necessary to use certain material... Secondly, there are systems such as "warm" or "water" floor. Everywhere has its own nuances, therefore, thermal insulation for the floor should be carried out taking into account even the smallest details.

About the choice of material

Before proceeding with the installation, it is necessary to select good material that will satisfy all the requirements. Of course, you should also consider your financial capabilities. The most popular and at the same time relatively inexpensive thermal insulation material- it is In fact, this is an ordinary roll-on seal, the main advantage of which is that it is completely environmentally friendly and clean. But using cork backing limited by several factors: firstly, the floor will rise by about 3-4 cm, and secondly, it is necessary to use reflective material in the kit. If we take into account the last nuance, it turns out that such thermal insulation for the floor becomes quite expensive. But there are several other, more economical options.

Heat insulation for underfloor heating

One of the most popular materials is polypropylene. It is usually used in the form of extruded boards. This is due to the fact that they lend themselves well to processing, and this allows you to correctly install with a complex configuration of the room. What is also important is the non-hygroscopicity and closed cellular structure of polypropylene. Polypropylene can be used at fairly high temperatures (up to 130 degrees).

Often, thermal insulation for a warm floor is made of a material such as expanded polystyrene. Sometimes a patch is used on top, which is a polypropylene film. Extruded polystyrene foam is produced with a thickness of 50-100 mm. By the way, many believe that this is one of best materials under the water floor. He has such mechanical properties like strength, lightness and hardness. In addition, it can withstand both high and low temperatures and serves for many years, which is facilitated by the cellular structure.

Thermal insulation for water floor

Let's consider which better material choose for such a popular water floor today. As noted above, expanded polystyrene is well suited for these purposes, and we will talk about it. The fact is that in our case it is extremely important to save heat from the coolant as long as possible. Due to the preservation of its operational properties at temperatures from -180 to 180 degrees Celsius, expanded polystyrene is excellent for solving this problem. In principle, it makes sense to note that air itself is a very poor conductor of heat. Therefore, we can safely count on a low coefficient of thermal conductivity.

In detail about expanded polystyrene

We have already figured out that substrates made of this material are very effective. In addition to thermal insulation, expanded polystyrene exhibits excellent sound insulation properties. Again, all of this can be achieved due to the presence of air bubbles, which prevent the conversion of sound energy into heat. Many can say that the soundproofing properties are superfluous. In principle, in a private house this is so, but the tenants of high-rise buildings will definitely not agree with you.

Another feature is resistance to salt solutions and acids. Such thermal insulation for a water-heated floor will not be eaten by insects and rotted. By the way, foam is also good because it can serve for tens of years, and during this time nothing will happen to it. Therefore, the underfloor heating device will not be disturbed. Unlike some other insulating materials, this one does not emit harmful or toxic substances when heated.

What is the best fit for a wood floor?

Usually for completely wooden houses trying to choose an environmentally friendly material. In principle, mineral wool, polystyrene and fiberglass are best suited for these purposes. These materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also good insulators. For example, fiberglass is well suited for wooden houses and structures, and polystyrene can be used for other buildings as well. The first option is more preferable, but the price "bites". The second method is less expensive. Mineral wool, as thermal insulation for a wooden floor, has the following significant advantages:

  • low thermal conductivity;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • incombustibility;
  • chemical resistance.

Expanded polystyrene is good in its own way, it is worth noting its following strengths:

  • excellent thermal insulation;
  • ease of installation;
  • lends itself well to processing;
  • durable and resistant to mechanical damage.

A little about the durability of materials

When choosing, it always makes sense to look not only at the initial quality of the insulating properties, but also at how long it will all work. Agree, I don't really want to buy an expensive material that will rot in three years or simply lose its technological qualities. For this simple reason, it always makes sense to pay attention to durability. Any materials for floor insulation must last at least 10 years. For example, floor heating systems work for 15-20 years. After this period, a partial replacement of the system will be required. It is recommended to change the thermal insulation during such maintenance. Some materials do not regain their original shape after a slight load. This contributes to the fact that insulating properties are lost and appear. Because of this, the overall efficiency of insulation is reduced.

Something about correct installation

It is necessary to understand that depending on the surface, not only the material differs, but also the method of its installation. For example, mineral wool for a wooden floor should be light color... This will indicate minimum quantity Laying is carried out on rough floor... It must be understood that an air gap must be left between the rough, finished floor and the heat-insulating layer, which is needed for effective moisture removal.

Izolon is much easier to fit. A roll is rolled out on a pre-treated surface, then it is glued with tape. It is important to keep an eye on the absence of visible mechanical defects and bumps. In the same way, the technical plug is laid. By the way, the latter material is almost ideal thermal insulation for the floor. The fact is that the thickness of the layer does not exceed 1.5 cm, so you can try to lay 2 layers with minimal floor elevation.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a large number of thermal insulation materials. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages. The same goes for cost. By the way, it is not at all necessary to buy too expensive insulation. Sometimes greater efficiency has the same foam as mineral wool. For example, thermal insulation for an electric underfloor heating requires a concrete base a thick material is needed that will not absorb moisture. At the end of the day, the key is knowing what floors you have in your home. Experts will tell you what to choose. Remember that much depends on correct installation... You can install thermal insulation on your own, but this should be done very carefully and slowly so as not to damage the insulation.

Publication date: 31-10-2015

"What insulation is better for the floor?" - a question that is asked by everyone who values ​​comfort. It's always nice to walk on the floor bare feet without fear of bad weather outside the window, this is especially true when the central heating is not turned on. When choosing an insulation material, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the room and the climatic zone in which you live. Where to stop? We will talk about this today.

Warmth from "warm floors"

In children's rooms and kitchens, water systems are often made low temperature heating and warm floors. The first option is based on laying pipes under the floor in which hot water circulates. These elements of the system are usually made from polymers, they are strong, flexible, resistant to thermal aging, they are not afraid of corrosion.

Water heat-insulated floor: scheme

This method is considered effective, but rather troublesome, because the design, in addition to pipes, requires collectors, special risers, shut-off valves, automatic shutdown device.

Underfloor heating means laying a cable under the floor covering that generates heat. The disadvantage of this option is that in the event of a breakdown, the entire system will have to be completely dismantled.

But difficulties will have to be faced even during installation; it is not an easy task to install such a structure. The organization of the infrared floor is much simpler in this sense. The film cover does not require a tie, it is easy to install and quickly connected. On top you can lay tiles, linoleum, parquet or laminate. Another plus - the system is easy to remove (you can move to another room).

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Versatile material

Polyfoam (aka expanded polystyrene) is a material that does not require special communications, it is the most common floor insulation. Its thermal insulation performance is 25 times better than that of its counterpart in the workshop - expanded clay concrete. Such a floor absorbs heat slowly, which means that it is pleasant to walk on it, its temperature is always approximately the same.

Lay the foam as a floor insulation when erecting a floating screed, it is poured with cement or concrete. You can also fill the gaps between the joists with expanded polystyrene when installing a wooden floor. Another option is to lay the slabs on a concrete floor with plywood sheets on top.

Polyfoam is much better than its competitors in many respects, it is not afraid of water, “bio-resistant”. The scope of its application is not limited, it is used in apartments and private houses, on balconies and in rooms with high levels of humidity.

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Efficiency and cost

Expanded clay is one of the most available materials... It is added to concrete and used in the construction of a dry screed. It is different high efficiency(heat retention is three times greater than that of wood) and low price (ten times cheaper than brick). The basis of expanded clay is clay, which means that such insulation is better than many others withstand temperature extremes, it does not burn, it will not be damaged by rodents.

Expanded clay - the owner of excellent noise-insulating properties - what a resident multi-storey buildings does not dream of silence! In addition, it can be used in almost any climatic conditions (even the most extreme). Expanded clay is an environmentally friendly product, and in the modern world it is especially important.

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Subtlety and warmth

Compared to the same expanded clay, the thickness of polystyrene concrete is much smaller. Just 5 cm of the product is enough to ensure good thermal insulation premises. In addition, with this material, the pressure on the floors will be less. Polystyrene concrete allows you to level the floor. On top of the layer this insulation it is best to install tiles, although other floor coverings are not prohibited.

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Nothing to do with the "scoop"

Glass wool is a mineral fiber. In terms of the manufacturing process, it is very similar to mineral wool, these products are produced from the same raw materials, but the properties are slightly different. Their main difference lies in the length of the product, the length of the glass wool is 3 times greater than the mineral one, due to which this material has increased elasticity and strength. The product has high vibration resistance.

Glass wool is able to retain air in itself for a long time, so in winter heat does not leave the building, and in summer the room does not heat up. The soundproofing qualities of glass wool should be noted separately.

If you use it as a heater for the entire room, then a working TV will be heard only in the room where it is located. Glass wool takes the first place in the lists of thermal insulation materials. The modern product, unlike its Soviet predecessor, is much softer to the touch, does not burn, does not irritate the skin and, of course, meets all quality and safety standards. She appears today universal insulation: it is used both in attics and in interfloor ceilings, and at internal insulation walls.

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"Brother" glass wool

Mineral wool slab is another item on the list "Which insulation to choose for the floor." It is a thermal insulation material made of mineral wool. It is distinguished by its resistance to high temperatures and the effects of many aggressive chemicals, for example, alkali, solvents. Minvata is the owner of a high vapor permeability coefficient, which helps to protect the product from the formation of mold and pests.

The advantages of a mineral wool board also include:

  • low moisture absorption,
  • complete incombustibility,
  • ease of use,
  • she does not need fasteners,
  • slabs are easy to cut,
  • does not deform even under severe loads,
  • good sound insulation and environmental friendliness,
  • durability (will last up to 25 years).

When building a cozy and comfortable home, you need to isolate all areas through which the cold penetrates inside. The floor is just such an area, its proximity to the ground and insufficient thickness significantly reduce the temperature of the coating. Heavy expenses heating costs slightly change the situation, so home owners have to decide what is the best way to insulate the floor.

You can perform floor insulation work in a house or apartment on your own, the main thing is to choose the right material. To avoid mistakes, you need to analyze the main characteristics of thermal insulation materials:

  • fire resistance;
  • low thermal conductivity;
  • environmental safety, absence of toxic fumes during operation;
  • strength, no deformation;
  • life time;
  • vapor permeability, the material should easily release the accumulated moisture;
  • the complexity of styling.

Floor insulation technology

The purpose of performing thermal insulation is to create a reliable barrier to the cold. To do this, between the base of the floor ( concrete slab, earthen embankment, logs) and topcoat place a layer of insulation. Material is covered vapor barrier film... To achieve the maximum effect and protect it from moisture, it is necessary to install waterproofing before insulating the floor.

The sequence of work depends on the type of base, operating conditions of the room, the permissible thickness of the insulation layer.

Floor insulation, what to choose?

Polyfoam is popular not only because of its low cost, the material has low thermal conductivity and is resistant to moisture. He will become the best choice for basement and basement insulation. Polyfoam is environmentally friendly, and when located under a layer of concrete screed, it is not exposed to the danger of fire. Insulation for the floor is universal in use; it is laid on concrete, ceramics, wood or brick.

Expanded polystyrene is an improved version of Styrofoam. It is denser (40 kg / m3 versus 10 kg / m3), absorbs less moisture, and has a homogeneous structure. Expanded polystyrene does not rot, has low thermal conductivity and weight. Insulation plates do not crumple, serve as sound insulation, suitable for concrete and wood floors.

Expanded clay - natural material, which is used dry and as an additive to concrete. It is made of clay, therefore it is safe for health. Expanded clay does not burn, it is resistant to temperature changes. As part of the screed, it significantly reduces the thermal conductivity. When used in the form of loose granules, the insulation is sensitive to moisture, therefore waterproofing is required. An effective layer of material is up to 20 cm, it is not always possible to raise the floor level to such a height.

Mineral wool is offered in three types:

  • Glass wool is an elastic and durable insulation for the floor, excellent heat and sound insulator. Its disadvantage is fibers that irritate the skin. Modern mineral wool is made from quality raw materials, it is less dangerous and prickly.
  • Stone - a fragile insulation with high hygroscopicity. Plus mineral wool - low cost.
  • Basalt wool is resistant to combustion, frost and biological effects. Insulation made in the form of rigid plates is not prone to creasing and deformation. Its density is 30-35 kg / m3. Basalt wool is safe for health, has good vapor permeability, and can be used for up to 30 years. The material loses its properties when wet, therefore, during installation, it is carefully protected from moisture. Basalt wool is most often used as thermal insulation for wooden floors.

Cork insulation is characterized by high elasticity and sound absorption. It is environmentally friendly, retains heat and is not afraid of moisture. It is produced in rolls that allow you to quickly cover the floor in the room. Cork material in the form of slabs is placed between the logs under a wooden floor.

Polyurethane foam has a minimum thermal conductivity due to its low density. When sprayed, the composition forms a cellular structure that provides high insulating properties. When cured, polyurethane foam forms a continuous surface without seams. Due to the high moisture resistance of the insulation, it is not required to lay a vapor barrier sheet. The polymer composition is used under a screed or subfloor made of plywood.

High moisture resistance allows you not to cover the polyurethane foam with a vapor barrier film.

Thermal insulators with a layer of foil, such as penofol, reflect infrared waves back into the room. A thin layer of foamed polyethylene with an aluminum coating is indispensable as a substrate for laminate or linoleum. The density of penofol is quite high, it does not deform under load. The material is used alone or in combination with another insulation.

Underfloor heating system - types and installation options

The device in a private house of a water heat-insulated floor will forever solve the problem of a cold coating. It is mounted under a concrete screed and is in an economical way maintain a comfortable temperature in the room.

Besides hot water circulating through plastic pipes, an electric cable can be used to heat the floor.

It is impossible to arrange such a system in an apartment due to the high load on the floor. An infrared floor on a film has become a substitute for wires and pipes under the screed. Covering strips are easy to install and lay under tiles, laminate, parquet and linoleum.

Thermal insulation of a wooden floor

The wood has a low thermal conductivity, but the thickness of the boards is not enough to exclude the penetration of cold, in addition, over time, cracks form in the coating, creating a draft. Recommendations on how to properly insulate the floor will help you cope with the work yourself.

  • Along the entire length of the floor is laid wooden bar(lags).
  • Plywood or trim boards are attached to the lower part of the log, which will become the basis for the insulation.
  • Thermal insulation material - mineral wool, penofol, expanded polystyrene is tightly placed between the timber. The thickness of the insulation for the floor depends on the location of the room - a more solid layer will be needed on the first floor.
  • The insulation is covered with plastic wrap or glassine for vapor barrier.
  • Floor boards are being laid.

How to insulate a concrete floor

It is impossible to use a concrete base in a residential area without multilayer insulation. For work, you will need a dense, durable material that is resistant to stress and moisture. Choosing how to properly insulate a concrete floor, we will consider several options.

Laying the heat insulator under the screed.

  • During the initial installation of the floor, a cushion of a mixture of gravel and sand is made, which is poured with a thin layer of concrete.
  • Roll waterproofing is laid on top of the screed.
  • Insulation is placed on the canvas, which protects against moisture: expanded polystyrene, basalt wool, foam glass. Plates of material are laid close to each other so that cold bridges do not arise.
  • A damper tape is placed between the insulation and the wall.
  • The insulation spreads polyethylene film and the reinforcing mesh is laid.
  • The concrete screed is poured.

The addition of perlite or expanded clay to concrete reduces the thermal conductivity of the material. Installation of a "raised floor". This method is suitable for rooms with high ceilings.

  • They are laid on a concrete base wooden logs from a bar 5 × 10 cm.
  • Waterproofing is laid with a 10 cm approach to the walls.
  • Insulation is placed between the lags: expanded clay, polystyrene, basalt wool.
  • The thermal insulation material is covered moisture resistant plywood or fiberboard.
  • The topcoat is being laid.

Having studied the performance and installation technology of popular heaters, you can easily insulate the floor.