Building insulation materials. Choosing insulation for the walls of the house outside: price, types and overview of manufacturers. Polyurethane foam - what are its disadvantages and advantages

To protect housing from heat loss and high humidity, it is covered with various types of insulation. It is very difficult to choose the best one, because each product has its own unique properties and scope. Thermal insulation materials used in modern construction are, on the one hand, environmentally friendly, on the other hand, they are easy to install. Having studied the main types of insulation, you can choose the best thermal insulation material that meets exactly your needs.

Modern thermal insulation materials for use in construction and repair are divided into many varieties: industrial and household, natural and artificial, flexible and rigid thermal insulation materials, etc.

For example, in terms of form, modern thermal insulation is divided into samples such as:

rolls;
sheet;
unit;
free flowing.

In terms of structure, the following types of thermal insulation are distinguished with their own unique feature:

fibrous;
cellular;
grainy.

By the type of raw materials, such products of various quality classes are distinguished:

Organic, natural or natural heaters are cork bark, cellulose wool, expanded polystyrene, wood fiber, polystyrene, paper granules, peat. These types of building insulation materials are used exclusively indoors to minimize high humidity. However, natural building thermal insulators are not fireproof.
Inorganic thermal insulation materials - rocks, fiberglass, foam glass, mineral wool insulation, foamed rubber, cellular concrete, stone wool, basalt fiber. A good heat insulator from this category is distinguished by a high degree of vapor permeability and fire resistance. Insulation with a product with water-repellent additives is especially effective.
Mixed - perlite, asbestos, vermiculite and other insulation made of foamed rocks. They are distinguished by the best quality and, of course, increased cost. These are the most expensive brands of the best thermal insulation materials. Therefore, premises are covered with such insulation much less often than with more economical materials.

If you need to make thermal insulation of the pipeline in the wall, then special "sleeves" of high density are used for this.

Determining the best product does not only depend on the price. They are chosen for their quality characteristics, ergonomic properties and environmental friendliness.

10 best thermal insulation materials

Let's consider the main properties of the best heat insulators that are used in modern construction and repair:

Mineral wool. This name is understood to mean all flexible fibrous thermal insulation materials that are made from mineral raw materials. Mineral wool heaters are classified as highly porous materials, due to which they perfectly cope with their functions, and therefore are very popular.

In addition, mineral wool has many other advantages:

affordable price due to ease of production and low cost of raw materials;
ease and ease of installation;
high degree of fire resistance;
good air permeability;
does not allow water and moisture to pass through;
frost resistance;
soundproofing;
long service life.

The disadvantages of this product include the need to install a waterproofing film during installation, as well as a small margin of safety.

Glass wool and basalt slabs. Like ordinary glass, this product is made from quartz sand, lime and soda. Glass wool is produced both as flexible rolled heat-insulating materials and in the form of a cylinder or a plate. The positive properties are the same as those of mineral wool, but the noise conductivity and safety margin are much higher, but the thermal stability is lower.

Basalt slab is a subspecies of glass wool, which has such positive qualities as:

resistance to deforming influences;
durability;
high degree of strength;
low rates of moisture absorption;
resistance to high temperatures.

Basalt slabs are used, as a rule, on the outside to protect facades, foundations, and roofs.

Foam glass. This insulation is made by gasifying glass powder at high temperatures. The result is a material with a porosity of up to 95%.

The main advantages of foam glass:

water and frost resistance;
ease of processing during installation;
high strength;
fire resistance;
long service life;
biological resistance;
chemical neutrality.

Of course, there are also disadvantages - high price and air tightness, therefore this material is used mainly for thermal insulation of industrial buildings.

Cellulose wool has a fine-grained structure and consists of several components: wood fiber - 80%, fire retardant - 12%, sodium tetraborate - 7%. This product can be installed dry or wet. In the first case, I simply fall asleep and tamp the cellulose wool, but in the second, it is blown out of a special pistol.

Ekovata has the following advantages:

low price;
production safety;
moisture exchange without loss of heat-insulating properties.

However, such material burns well, is easily damaged by compression, and it is very difficult to lay it.

Styrofoam and expanded polystyrene. These materials include two types of products - thermoplastic and thermoplastic insulation. The former soften when reheated (polystyrene foam, polyvinyl chloride foam), and the latter harden initially and do not soften when reheated (polyurethane foam, silicon, epoxy, organic, phenol-formaldehyde resins).

Extruded polystyrene is the most popular of polystyrene, as it has a lot of advantages:

low degree of moisture absorption;
high degree of thermal insulation;
frost resistance;
large margin of safety;
ease of installation;
low cost.

The disadvantages include flammability, non-permeability of air and fragility when freezing (if frost hit the wet foam).

Polyurethane foam. This product consists of air-filled microcapsules formed by the interaction of polyol and isocyanate.

Among the advantages of polyurethane foam are:

ideal for thermal insulation of uneven surfaces;
fast styling;
elasticity and flexibility;
lack of joints and seams;
protects against temperatures ranging from -250 ° С to +180 ° С;
resistance to biological effects.

Disadvantages include the release of harmful substances in the event of combustion, non-passage of air flows and the need to use special equipment for blowing during installation.

Cork. This material is classified as an environmentally friendly product, therefore it is very popular in the West and in European countries, both for insulation and for surface finishing. For insulation, cork boards with a thickness of up to 5 cm are used.

Cork has such positive qualities as:

does not shrink over time;
does not give in to decay;
light in weight;
cut quickly and easily when laying;
high strength;
environmental friendliness;
durability;
does not react with chemicals;
does not burn even when exposed to direct fire;
does not emit harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures.

However, the maximum temperature for use is only 120 ° C.

Liquid insulation TSM Ceramic. This insulation is one of the most modern heat-saving materials. This solution contains special impurities with hollow ceramic balls, which adhere to each other using special substances.

TSM Ceramic possesses such unique properties as:

high degree of extensibility;
insulator thickness only 2-3 mm;
easy to apply to any surface;
low thermal conductivity;
resistance to low and high temperatures, including open flame;
economical use - 1 liter of TCM Ceramic is enough to insulate two square meters of surface.

In this case, spraying requires special equipment, such as a paint sprayer or a tray and roller.

Reflective thermal insulation materials. A special group of heat-insulating materials that acts on the principle of reflectors: reflectors first absorb heat and then return it back into space. The outer surface of polished aluminum, which is applied to the polyethylene foam, reflects up to 97% of heat.

Such heaters, very thin in appearance, are striking in their properties:

2 cm of reflective material acts as a fibrous heat insulator with a thickness of 15-20 cm;
high sound and vapor barrier protection.

The most popular brands in this category are Poriplex, Ekofol, Armofol and Penofol.

Slagged. Glassy heat-saving material made from blast-furnace slag, which remains after iron smelting. Since slag is a production waste, the cost of the material is very low. Slag wool perfectly retains heat in the building, but this insulation also has disadvantages.

First of all, it is a fear of water and moisture, reacts with metal inserts inside walls or floors. In addition, slag wool pricks terribly during installation, therefore, mandatory protection is needed during installation work.

However, despite many disadvantages, the low price of this insulation makes it one of the most popular modern materials for thermal insulation.

What parameters should you pay attention to when choosing?

The choice of high-quality thermal insulation depends on many parameters. They take into account both the installation methods, and the cost, and other important characteristics, which are worth dwelling on in more detail.

Choosing the best heat-saving material, you must carefully study its main characteristics:

Thermal conductivity. This coefficient is equal to the amount of heat that in 1 hour passes through 1 m of an insulator with an area of 1 m2, measured by W. The thermal conductivity index directly depends on the degree of surface moisture, since water passes heat better than air, that is, the raw material will not cope with its tasks.
Porosity. This is the proportion of pores in the total volume of the heat insulator. The pores can be open or closed, large or small. When choosing, the uniformity of their distribution and appearance are important.
Water absorption. This parameter shows the amount of water that can be absorbed and retained in the pores of the heat insulator in direct contact with a humid environment. To improve this characteristic, the material is subjected to hydrophobization.
Density of thermal insulation materials. This indicator is measured in kg / m3. Density shows the ratio of mass to volume of a product.
Humidity. Shows the amount of moisture in the insulation. Sorption humidity indicates the balance of hygroscopic humidity under conditions of different temperature indicators and relative humidity.
Water vapor permeability. This property shows the amount of water vapor passing through 1 m2 of insulation in one hour. The unit of measurement for steam is mg, and the temperature of the air inside and outside is taken as the same.
Resistant to biodegradation. A heat insulator with a high degree of biostability can withstand the effects of insects, microorganisms, fungi and in high humidity conditions.
Strength. This parameter indicates the impact on the product will have transportation, storage, installation and operation. A good indicator is in the range from 0.2 to 2.5 MPa.
Fire resistance. Here all the parameters of fire safety are taken into account: the flammability of the material, its flammability, smoke-generating ability, as well as the degree of toxicity of combustion products. So, the longer the insulation resists the flame, the higher its fire resistance parameter.
Thermal stability. The ability of a material to resist temperatures. The indicator demonstrates the level of temperature, after reaching which the material's characteristics, structure will change, and its strength will also decrease.
Specific heat. It is measured in kJ / (kg x ° C) and thus demonstrates the amount of heat that is accumulated by the thermal insulation layer.
Frost resistance. This parameter shows the ability of a material to tolerate temperature changes, freeze and thaw without losing its main characteristics.

When choosing thermal insulation, you need to remember about a whole range of factors. It is necessary to take into account the main parameters of the insulated object, conditions of use, and so on. There are no universal materials, since among the panels, free-flowing mixtures and liquids presented on the market, you need to choose the most suitable type of thermal insulation for a particular case.

Keeping warm in the room and creating a microclimate are the main priorities in the construction of residential buildings. To achieve these goals, an integrated approach is used in thermal insulation measures. Efficiency of follow-up work, incl. the result is due to the choice of insulation. To resolve the issue of which insulation to choose, a number of criteria should be followed.

Three methods of thermal insulation protection are used as external wall insulation - well, wet and ventilated facades. Each of these methods involves the use of separate materials.

However, despite this, each of them must have common properties:

thermal conductivity - W / (m × K);
heat capacity - KJ / (kg × K);
porosity;
density - kg / m³;
vapor permeability;
water absorption;
flammability - from G1 to G4 (non-combustible - NG);
flammability and smoke generation;
strength limit;
acidity - pH.

In addition to these characteristics, the choice of insulation is influenced by: environmental safety, sound insulation, waterproofing, resistance to environmental influences and biological damage. Also, the parameters of durability and cost are taken into account in construction.

The most popular thermal insulation materials on the market are mineral wool, foam, extruded polystyrene foam and liquid material. Further, in the article we will figure out which insulation is better, based on their properties.

Pros and cons of mineral wool

The thermal conductivity (0.070 W (m * K) per 200 kg / m³) and vapor permeability (0.490 per 200 kg / m³) of mineral wool indicate that this material is the most effective. However, its resistance to moisture is low. In view of this, during the repair, reliable protection is guaranteed only in conjunction with waterproofing.

The release form of mineral wool is convenient for use. So, for cladding the surface of a wall or roof, plates are chosen. Mats are optimal as floor insulation. It is noteworthy that the texture can imitate sand, stone chips and other natural materials. In this case, which mineral wool is better, the user must decide.

The advantages are:

operational period - 30 years;
environmental Safety;
resistance to temperatures from −260 ° С to + 900 ° С;
chemically neutral to alkaline and other acids;
optimal cost.

The main disadvantage is low moisture resistance, which significantly increases the price tag, because you need to use additional waterproofing.

One of the best insulation materials is polystyrene.

Polyfoam is the best thermal insulation material, according to consumers. This is due to the affordable price tag, high-quality performance and resistance to stress. In view of this, foam is used both in the construction of residential buildings and in the construction of public buildings.

Heat transfer from 0.031 to 0.042 W / (m * K) is one of the highest. This parameter is achieved due to the structure of the foam: a foamed polystyrene mass is produced in layers, between which there is gas. It is because of him that the density of the raw material initially increases.

The scope of this type of insulation is attics, utility rooms, outbuildings, where the walls are sensitive to temperature extremes.

However, for thermal insulation of the foundation, foam must be used in combination with other protection (brick, wood). This is caused by changes in the soil depending on the season.

Positive properties of foam:

water-repellent;
mold resistance;
light weight;
maintains performance regardless of the weather.

But unlike mineral wool, polystyrene quickly collapses when exposed to nitro paint. To avoid such a situation, it is recommended to select the correct adhesive. Another disadvantage is the low mechanical stability. Therefore, after lining, the foam must be additionally protected.

The difference between foam and this material is only in the production method. Nevertheless, foaming is higher. Moreover, extruded polystyrene foam is additionally processed through high-strength molds (dies). Due to this, water resistance is achieved. Also, the material is able to withstand mechanical and atmospheric stress.

Advantageous characteristics:

withstand temperatures from −500 ° С to + 750 ° С;
used in industrial facilities;
involved in road construction;
it is used as a heater for wells and roofs.

However, extruded polystyrene foam was banned in Europe and America. This decision was influenced by the disadvantage of this insulation - a high level of flammability. This parameter has repeatedly become the reason for the destruction of buildings after renovation in several European countries. To protect their products, the manufacturer began to add substances that prevent combustion. But even this has been subject to extensive criticism, since during the decay, dangerous toxins were released. Therefore, it is impossible to assign the title of "best insulation" to this material.

A new way of thermal insulation - liquid insulation

Liquid insulation has recently appeared on the building materials market. Its practicality and ease of use are the main selection criteria. Compared to other thermal insulation materials, it does not take up space.

The area of application is very extensive - facades, internal walls, piping, metal roofs and garages, basements. It is also actively used in the fight against condensation formation.

application to the base, incl. hard-to-reach places;
the minimum level of thermal conductivity (0.001 W / (m × K);
a surface up to 100 m² can be treated per day;
resistance to mechanical stress;
reduction in the level of heat costs by 27%;
does not change the appearance;
there is no preparatory stage;
refractory.

The disadvantages of the insulation are sensitivity during transportation and a high price range. In addition, there are no formulas for the exact calculation of requirements, which can subsequently increase the budget.

Summary

The article discusses popular heaters: positive and negative sides. The conclusion about which thermal insulation is better must be made by the consumer himself. This is due to the fact that each of the representatives of isolation is good in its own way. Therefore, when choosing a suitable insulation, you should rely on technical parameters and prices. This is true both for houses under construction and for those that have already been put into operation.

Today the market offers the consumer various types of heaters, differing in cost, installation and thermal conductivity coefficient. In addition to these indicators, it is necessary to pay attention to other characteristics in order to have an idea of the correct use of thermal insulation in the construction of a house.

A comprehensive assessment of the material will help you to choose the insulation for your home correctly. The use of different types of thermal insulation depends not only on their properties, but also on the architectural features of the building, the thermal conductivity of individual structural elements, as well as the expected cold bridges. Each unit of the house is insulated with different materials.
External insulation of the loggia, balcony, basement is made with penoplex. Due to the fact that it can withstand loads of up to 0.5 MPa and is resistant to moisture, the insulation is optimally suited for exterior decoration of basements. Penoplex, being under the ground, is protected from fire and retains all its properties.
Heat insulators for exterior wall decoration of the house are chosen depending on the material from which the structural element is built. It is best to blow out wooden houses with penoizol. The foam applied under high pressure fills all cracks and its structure allows the wood to breathe. The high price does not always allow the use of penoizol. As a replacement option, you can lay mineral wool. Walls made of concrete, gas blocks and other similar materials are insulated with penoplex or glass wool. Although, in government building, they tend to use glass wool more because of its resistance to fire.
Inside the house, the walls and ceiling are insulated with non-combustible materials. Usually these are mineral wool mats laid in a frame. From above, they are closed with a vapor barrier, which prevents moisture from penetrating to the mats and fluffy fibers inside the room. If there is a lag, the overlap is blown out with ecowool. For insulation of the floor, 100 mm backfill is made with expanded clay, plus foam plates are laid. A concrete screed poured from above prevents the insulation from burning, and the reinforcing mesh gives strength to the floors.
A modern and very practical insulation for the roof is polyurethane foam. It is applied by spraying. But its high price is not affordable for everyone. Most often, a traditional insulation is used for the roof - mineral wool. It is produced in various sizes in the form of mats and rolls.
Insulation correctly selected according to its characteristics will create comfortable living conditions inside the premises.

Insulation materials overview

Preventative types of insulation are most often used to decorate various elements of the structure of a house. They have a low thermal conductivity.
Heaters on an organic basis are made from wood and agricultural waste. To improve the properties, cement and plastic are added to natural raw materials. The result is insulation that is resistant to fire and moisture. It can withstand heating up to 150 degrees. The area of application is extensive, but it is mainly used as an internal insulation of a multi-layer roof or facade structure.

white agglomerate is made from the bark of oak branches;
black agglomerate is made from bark removed from a tree trunk.

Cork can be used as a base for wallpaper or as a finish. Thin roll material has found its use as a substrate for a laminate. The price of such a natural material is quite high. Depending on the modifications, the cost ranges from 800 to 4 thousand. RUB / m2.

Sotoplast heat insulator

The structure of the material consists of hexagonal cells like a honeycomb. Inside, they are filled with epoxy resin-bonded fabric or paper filler. Phenolic resins can be used as a fixer. In appearance, honeycomb panels resemble plastic. The characteristics of the material depend on the raw materials used in the production of the base. For example, the density of the sheet can be from 230 to 500 kg / m2.

Polyvinyl chloride foam

Heat insulator PPVH is made of foamed resins. This structure is given to them by the porization method. The material is produced soft and hard, which gives it versatility. PPVC is suitable for insulation of roofs, floors and walls. Its density is 0.1 kg / m3.

Many people think that chipboard is just a building material. But as a heater, the plates have proven themselves on the good side. They are based on small sawdust bonded with synthetic resin. The density of the slabs ranges from 500 to 1 thousand kg / m3, and the water absorption is 5–30%.
The use of chipboard as insulation is justified for floors, walls and ceilings. The cost of sheets is quite low, suitable for every developer's pocket. Depending on the size, the sheet can be bought for 400-900 rubles. Plates are used as a base for installing a soft roof.

Fiberboard

The fiberboard plate looks like a chipboard. Its base consists of straw, corn or any wood fibers. It is even possible to use waste paper. Synthetic resins are added as an adhesive. The density of fiberboard in comparison with particleboard is small, only up to 250 kg / m3, and the thermal conductivity is 0.07 W / m / K, plus low strength.
The area of application is the same as for chipboard. Low cost ranges up to 800 rubles. per sheet.

Lightweight insulation has a unique closed pore structure, which creates the lowest thermal conductivity compared to other insulation materials. PPU is formed

from the interaction of liquid components, polyester and MDI. Exposure to catalysts creates a chemical reaction that results in the formation of a new substance. The density of the insulation is 40–80 kg / m3, and the thermal conductivity of the polyurethane foam is about 0.028 W / m / K.
PPU is applied to the surface to be insulated by spraying, which allows you to process any complex areas. The optimal use of polyurethane foam is insulation of the roof and wooden walls of the house. The cost of the material, together with the spraying work, is quite high and can reach $ 200 / m3.

Penoizol

Another name for insulation is mipora. It is obtained on the basis of a whipped aqueous emulsion of urea-formaldehyde resin. Glycerin and sulfonic acid are used as additives. The mipora is delivered to the consumer in blocks or crumbs. It is used in liquid form at a construction site. Mipore, poured into prepared cavities, hardens at a positive temperature.
Low density up to 20 kg / m3 promotes strong water absorption. The thermal conductivity is 0.03 W / m / K. Not afraid of exposure to fire.

Styrofoam and extruded polystyrene foam

These two insulation materials are composed of 2% polystyrene and 98% air. The thermal conductivity index is 0.037–0.042 W / m / K. They differ from each other in structure. Styrofoam consists of small balls, and when broken, expanded polystyrene resembles foam rubber.
Polystyrene is flammable and emits toxic fumes. Polyfoam is afraid of moisture, so it is more used for insulating facades. Extruded polystyrene foam can be in wet ground for a long time, therefore it is more suitable for external insulation of basements. The cost of the material is low.

Minvata

Mineral wool is a common insulation for walls and roofs. It is of two types:

slag wool is made of dissimilar metal casting waste;
stone wool is made from rocks such as basalt, limestone, etc.

The material is non-flammable, resistant to chemical attack, and has a low cost. Produced in slabs and rolls.

Glass wool

The material differs from mineral wool in larger fibers. The production is based on the raw materials used to make glass. The thermal conductivity index is from 0.03 to 0.052 W / m / K, and the density is not more than 130 kg / m3. Glass wool is also popular for roof and wall insulation.

Ceramic wool

Produced by blowing zirconium, silicon or alumina. Cotton wool is resistant to high temperatures and does not deform. The thermal conductivity index at + 600 ° C is from 0.13 to 0.16 W / m / K, and the density is not more than 350 kg / m3. It is used for insulating facades and roofs of buildings.

Mixed type insulation

They produce materials from asbestos mixtures with the addition of perlite, dolomite and other components. The initial state of the material resembles dough. They cover the surface prepared for insulation and leave it to dry completely.

Asbestos is resistant to fire and can withstand heating up to 900 ° C, but it is afraid of moisture, therefore, such thermal insulation requires mandatory waterproofing.

An example of a mixed-type material is volcanite and sovelite. Their thermal conductivity is 0.2 W / m / K. The cost of the insulation is low, but it is dangerous to human health.

Reflective materials

Foil is used as a reflector, and polyethylene foam creates a thermal barrier. The material has a thin structure up to 25 mm thick, but its effectiveness is equal to 100 mm thick fiber insulation. One of the popular examples is penofol.
Reflective insulation also acts as a vapor barrier, so it is convenient to use it in baths and saunas. The cost of the material is low and affordable for everyone.
The main types of heaters considered today and their characteristics will help to make the right choice of material for certain construction needs.
In the next video, you can get acquainted with the characteristics of some types of insulation.

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

To insulate the walls inside the premises is to make your home comfortable and cozy for living. This type of heat saving is unconventional and is usually used. But there are situations when there is no other way out.

Also, this option can be considered in an apartment building, when the insulation of the internal walls is the only way to insulate the room. This process will help eliminate the formation of fungus in the room.

Cons of internal thermal insulation

This method has its drawbacks, so it has many opponents.

Problems with internal thermal insulation of walls are the following:

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

Before deciding on internal insulation, it is worth weighing all the disadvantages and considering the advantages, this is the only way to avoid mistakes and shortcomings during installation.

Thermal insulation materials

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

The most popular heat insulators:

wood fiber board;
ecowool;
glass wool.

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

Penoplex and polystyrene

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

But this material has its drawbacks:

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

It is necessary to equip forced ventilation - this may require additional costs.

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

Mineral wool

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

Mineral wool is inexpensive, has excellent vapor barrier. For an apartment or house, it is better to purchase hard slabs of basalt wool, they are easy to install. Another plus of the material is incombustibility.

But it is worth using this material with great care if the walls in the apartment are damp, basalt wool is hygroscopic, and when it gets wet it completely loses its insulating properties. Therefore, before laying it on the walls, you need to equip the waterproofing layer, and before the finishing cladding, stretch the vapor barrier.

For waterproofing works, it is better to use membranes, they are vapor permeable and will not interfere with the "breathing" of the outer walls.

Wood fiber boards

This material has a number of positive characteristics:

good heat and sound insulation;
not afraid of temperature changes;
moisture resistant;
easy to process and install;
it does not breed rodents.

Often this material is used specifically for outdoor decoration, it is treated with special impregnations that can harm human health.

Foil insulation

Technological processes do not stand still, therefore, innovative developments in the field of insulation and construction constantly appear on the market. Such a novelty is the foil-clad heat insulator.

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

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

Ecowool

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

naturalness and safety. The heat insulator is made by recycling recycled cellulose, therefore it is non-toxic;
excellent performance of thermal insulation;
air impermeability;
fine fiber structure;
durability;
does not shrink.

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

the inability to do the installation with your own hands. The material is applied by wet spraying using a special technique. For insulation, you will have to invite specialists;
with vertical spraying, the laying of the material must be carried out in stages, since there is a possibility of the layer slipping;
flammability;
the period of solidification of the mass is 24 hours, subject to good ventilation;
price;
the need to equip the frame.

Internal thermal insulation of walls with ecowool is carried out strictly along a wooden crate, the step of which can vary from 60 cm to 1 meter. The frame is constructed so that when spraying, the material does not slip from a vertical surface.

Glass wool

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

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

high soundproofing qualities;
flexibility - due to its structure, glass wool can take any shape;
fire resistance;
immunity to chemical attack;
affordable cost;
breathability.

But it's worth talking about the shortcomings:

the material is unstable to mechanical stress, therefore it is mounted only on the frame;
has a high degree of shrinkage over time;
service life is 10 years, then glass wool loses its thermal insulation properties;
destroyed by sun exposure.

Despite the disadvantages, the material is very often used for warming premises, since it has a low cost and ease of installation.

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

How to choose the right material for indoor insulation

Before you mount the wall insulation from the inside with your own hands, we choose the right insulator that meets the following requirements:

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

With internal insulation of the house, it is worth it even before the start of installation, they equip a good ventilation system, otherwise the microclimate in the room will become unfavorable over time.

Comparative table of thermal insulation materials:

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

Wall insulation technology from the inside

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

if the apartment is located above the second floor, and industrial climbers need to be involved for external insulation;
in new buildings, if it is not possible to remove the facade finish and produce external thermal insulation;
if the insulation of the facade violates the architectural ensemble.

Ways to insulate walls from the inside:

on the frame;
on the glue.

The first method does not require careful alignment of the bearing surface. In addition, it is very easy to fix the facing material to the frame, so if it is planned to build walls from drywall after insulation, then the crate does not need to be mounted. If, after isolation, it is planned to plaster the surface, then the need for a frame disappears. In any case, the method of fastening the material directly depends on the further decoration of the walls.

Insulation on the frame

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

The wall does not need to be leveled, but before installation it is worthwhile to clean the surface of the plaster, if it has peeled off, dirt, dust and cover it with an antiseptic compound.

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

If it is decided to use wooden elements as racks, then they should be treated with impregnation, which will prevent rotting and the formation of fungus.

As soon as the frame is ready, a heat insulator is placed in the gaps, seal all the seams between the material with polyurethane foam. After the foam dries, it is trimmed flush. After that, you can proceed with the final finishing.

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

glass wool;
basalt insulation;
Styrofoam;
wood fiber.

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

Installation of insulation on glue

This type of installation requires careful preparation of the plane of the walls before insulating.

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

after cleaning, the walls must be leveled and repaired. Cracks are putty, large protrusions are knocked down, and the depressions are sealed with mortar;
all planes are treated with an antiseptic, or antimicrobial primer;
the soil is applied in two layers;
after drying, you can start installing the plates on glue, it is applied to the wall and to the material with a notched trowel;
the glue will dry for 2-3 days;
as soon as the surface dries out, additional fixation with umbrella dowels is necessary.

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

Arrangement of insulation for glue has its own limitations, since only dense pits are used for this, for example:

Styrofoam;
wood fiber;
penoplex;
forged insulation.

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

Finishing coatings

Usually, when installing heat-saving plates on glue, they are plastered using a forming mesh for a gypsum composition, and fiberglass for a putty. These measures will prevent the topcoat from cracking.

After all the plastering and puttying work is over, and the walls are dry, we clean the surface with an abrasive mesh of a fine fraction and paint it with a water emulsion of the desired shade.

Warming a house is a question that is being worked out even at the design stage. And even in this case, it is impossible to foresee everything. It happens that the first winter in a new house suggests the idea: it is necessary. Thermal insulation may be needed both during construction and when finalizing a finished house.

With insufficient thermal insulation in the room, it is not just cold. Excess moisture enters the house along with the air. It becomes humid inside, a bacteria-friendly environment appears, fungus and mold can appear on the ceiling, walls or on the floor.

As a result - colds and respiratory diseases. At the same time, an incorrectly selected and installed insulation can create a "greenhouse" effect, which is unacceptable for a residential building.

Characteristics of thermal insulation materials

A variety of materials are presented on the modern one for strengthening the house from the outside. Before choosing one or another insulation, you need to study their main criteria.

The thermal conductivity coefficient is indicated as "λ" in W / (m · K). The lower it is, the better the heat will be retained and the less insulation layer will be needed for work.
Water absorption coefficient or hydrophobicity. The lower the specified percentage, the more resistant to moisture the material will be. This characteristic is directly related to thermal conductivity. If the material has a high coefficient of water absorption, the thermal conductivity will increase, which means that the insulation will be poor and will lose its properties.
Density is a characteristic of the weight of the insulation based on a kilogram per cubic meter. Density is taken into account when the weight of the insulating structure is determined and how much it will weigh the house.
Flammability class. In other words, as far as certain materials. They are divided into four classes: G1, G2, G3, G4. The lower the number, the better. For residential premises, materials with a class G1 are chosen. Such insulators, even in case of fire, will quickly go out without an open fire.
... A conditional characteristic, because it is not defining. However, almost all modern insulation materials in construction are focused on environmental safety. In other words, priority is given to those materials that do not contain harmful impurities and do not emit hazardous substances into the air.

In addition, when choosing thermal insulation materials, their durability, ability to "breathe" (vapor permeability), complexity of installation and sound insulation properties are taken into account.

Synthetic insulation

Expanded polystyrene (styrofoam). Plates made of compressed plastic balls permeated with micro air chambers. Expanded polystyrene has good thermal insulation properties, is easy to install, but has several disadvantages. The material is fragile, toxic, burns, does not "breathe" and absorbs moisture well.

Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS). Plates consisting of closed polystyrene cells with air. EPPS does not absorb water, is much stronger than polystyrene, but also does not "breathe", burns and emits harmful substances.

These two types of insulation are used most often, they are recommended first of all - because of their affordable prices. But if you want more environmentally friendly and "breathable", you can consider other modern insulation in construction.

Mineral wool. This insulation is similar to ordinary cotton wool, only instead of cotton fibers - rocks or slags. It comes in rolls or slabs of different densities. Mineral wool has good sound insulation properties, it “breathes” and does not burn. But: mineral wool absorbs up to 70% moisture, while losing all its properties. Rodents can settle in it.

"Warm" plasters. A special mixture of micro-beads (1-2 mm) made of white cement, foamed glass and various additives. It is a good heat and waterproof material, vapor permeable and non-flammable.

Heaters made from organic materials

Most natural materials are not suitable for external insulation of the house.

Cork, hemp, ecowool (or cellulose wool), straw and algae have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, "breathe", do not emit harmful substances, and mold and mildew do not appear in them. Organic heaters do not contain synthetics, they are only treated with a special fire-fighting compound.

But their main disadvantage is poor hydrophobicity. Natural materials absorb moisture well - up to 70%. At the same time, they lose their thermal insulation properties. And therefore, organic materials for insulating the house outside are almost never used, if only in areas protected from moisture.