In the building materials market today there are many different types materials for insulation various kinds houses.

These heaters differ in their characteristics, types (plates, mats and others) and places of application. They insulate walls, roofs, pipes (technical insulation), foundations, partitions and other elements of building structures.

By choosing the right insulation for your home or cottage, you can reduce your heating costs in winter and keep your home cool in summer.

Which insulation is better, what characteristics should it have?

Which insulation is better, and what characteristics it should have, is asked by everyone who is going to insulate their home.

When choosing a heater for a particular surface, many are mistaken that the maximum density and thickness of the insulation will keep more heat in the house. But this is not so, because all materials can be of the same density, but different in terms of thermal conductivity, water absorption, mechanical strength, and other parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing a heater. Below are also the main characteristics of heaters, which you should pay attention to when insulating a house.

The main characteristics of heaters:

• coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material (the amount of thermal energy passing through units of area, thickness, time and temperature difference)
• density
• mechanical strength
• water absorption
• vapor permeability
• fire resistance
• low caking for a long time
• harmlessness to humans (environmental qualities)
• ease and convenience in working with the material

The main types of insulation for the house

In most cases, home insulation is used:

Mineral wool

Mineral wool- these are various types of heaters from mineral substances, which are conventionally divided into two groups:

Mineral wool

To obtain mineral wool, slags from metallurgical industries are used, the melts of which are blown through an extruder, forming wool fibers, which are produced in the form of rolls, mats and plates.

Mineral wool in rolls , usually used for pipe insulation, industrial equipment and roofs, and minplates and mats for insulation of facades, walls, floors, roofs and ceilings.

At this insulation Like any other, it has its pros and cons.

Advantages of mineral wool

• the possibility of using it in the interior of residential premises
• incombustibility
• low thermal conductivity
• excellent sound absorption
• Environmental friendliness
• application temperature from -60 to 500 degrees
• cheap cost compared to basalt insulation.

Cons of mineral wool

High water absorption and caking. These two indicators greatly reduce its life.

Mineral wool manufacturers

In the building materials market, a large amount of mineral wool is currently being produced, with which you can solve various types of tasks for insulating the facade, walls, floor, roof, and other house structures.

At the moment, the most famous leaders in the production of mineral wool are the companies: TeploKnauf, Izover (ISOVER) and Ursa (URSA).

Basalt or stone wool

Basalt and rocks of the gabbro group are the most durable in the world. From their melt is made stone wool , which is produced in mats and slabs, using binder resins that are harmless to human health, and therefore it is used to insulate houses in all structural elements.

Advantages of basalt insulation

• Does not conduct heat
• Passes steam and does not absorb moisture
• Does not burn
• Not poisonous
• Does not cake
• Much denser and stronger than mineral wool
• Application temperature from -160 to 1000 degrees

Cons of basalt insulation

The only disadvantage of stone wool is the increased cost compared to other heaters.

stone wool manufacturers

Today, there are many manufacturers of stone wool, which produce it in a fairly large assortment, with which you can solve any problem related to the insulation of a house, industrial equipment, ventilation and pipes.

The most famous trade marks stone wool is ROCKWOOL, PAROC and TECHNONICOL.

In most cases, when choosing stone wool, they stop at choosing a brand ROCKWOOL, because this stone wool is the cheapest among others, the manufacturer has a fairly large range of basalt mats and slabs, which can be produced in foil and wire, which is very convenient for insulating technical insulation of pipes and chimneys.

Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene)

Heaters in the form of plates of various sizes and thicknesses are produced on the basis of polystyrene. They are labeled PSB-S , which means expanded polystyrene suspension non-pressing self-extinguishing (EPS).

Using a special technology, polystyrene granules are foamed and pressed into plates, which are usually used to insulate walls, foundations and attic floors with further plastering, because This material is flammable and is afraid of direct sunlight on it.

Pros of Styrofoam

• Low thermal conductivity
• Ease of material and installation
• Good strength
• Does not let steam through (therefore, it is not recommended for warming the facade of residential buildings)
• Does not rot
• Does not deform or shrink
• Does not break down under UV light
• cheap cost

Cons of foam

• Flammability, although it self-extinguishes in the absence of a source of fire
• When burned, it emits a toxic odor that is hazardous to human health.
• Doesn't absorb noise well

Producers of expanded polystyrene PSB-S

The largest manufacturer of expanded polystyrene today is the KNAUF company (KNAUF), which produces a wide range of foam under the trademark KNAUF Therm, of various thicknesses, densities and sizes, with which you can insulate lightly loaded surfaces.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Special production technologies make it possible to obtain extruded polystyrene foam (EPS or XPS), which has all the same properties as polystyrene, only it is much stronger, has the properties of vapor permeability, low water absorption and does not burn, so it is perfect for insulating plastered facades, basements, flat roofs and floors.

Cons of extruded polystyrene foam

• Doesn't absorb noise well
• when melted, it emits a toxic odor that is dangerous to human health

XPS manufacturers

The leaders in the production of EP today are PENOPLEX and URSA XPS. They produce a fairly large line of extruded polystyrene foam of various thicknesses, densities and sizes, which help to solve the problem of insulating surfaces with increased load.

Expanded clay

Expanded clay- this is one of the types of traditional insulation for horizontal surfaces, which is a small porous balls of baked clay. Usually this material is used for insulation of attic floors, foundations, basements and floors.

Expanded clay has an affordable price and has all positive properties. It does not conduct heat well, does not burn and is not poisonous.

Topics with a choice and description of the features of a particular type of insulation are deservedly popular on our portal. These questions become more urgent the higher the growth in energy prices and the desire of homeowners to save on heating. FORUMHOUSE has already talked about and about.

Choosing the best insulation for the walls of the house, suitable for you, we suggest looking at the nuances of warming a private house from a slightly different angle. To do this, consider the following questions:

• How to start choosing a material.
• What are the types of heaters.
• Is it possible to do without using it.
• Should I use eco-insulators?
• What is lacking in modern means and methods of wall insulation.

Choosing a material

Modern market thermal insulation materials offers a lot of options and types. Conventionally, they can be divided into artificial (man-made) and natural. Artificial include: mineral wool (stone and glass wool) and polystyrene foam insulation (PPS, or polystyrene, EPPS - extruded polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam), foam glass, sprayed polyurethane foam, ecowool, expanded clay, etc. TO natural materials include sawdust, straw, moss, flax, hemp and other eco-materials.

The materials of the second group are most often used by enthusiasts in the construction of environmentally friendly houses.

To determine the type of material, you need to pay attention to the following parameters: thermal conductivity, hygroscopicity, density, flammability class, efficiency, environmental friendliness, durability. You also need to understand in advance what and how you are going to insulate. Those. – choose the scope of the material. To do this, we ask ourselves the question in which structural unit of the house should work. To the materials that are used for and insulation of the foundation (), etc. working in the ground, in an aggressive environment, there are certain requirements. These are non-susceptibility to moisture accumulation, rotting, high compressive strength, thermal efficiency, durability.

The main (perhaps even the only) disadvantage of foam plastics is their combustibility (under certain conditions) and limited thermal stability. In the event of a fire, first of all, interior items (furniture, curtains, etc.) burn. Therefore, measures must be taken in advance to protect polystyrene foam (in case it is used for internal insulation) from an open source of fire. To do this, the foam must be covered with a good layer of concrete or plaster. It is better if PPS is used for external insulation. It must also be covered with non-combustible material (concrete, plaster), and not used as an element of a ventilated facade!

In civil housing construction, expanded polystyrenes are widely used for insulation of foundations and flat roofs (EPS). Facades of houses, as the basis for thin-layer plaster, the so-called. "wet facade" (PPS).

• In a number of situations (especially in the field of low-rise housing construction), it is necessary to insulate frame structures, where, instead of rigidity, elastic options mounted by surprise are more technologically advanced. Here, it is most widely used on the basis of stone () or glass fibers - this material combines high manufacturability of installation (no special experience and special professional tools are required) with incombustibility (including fire resistance) and low production cost.

When using mineral wool materials, care must be taken to prevent moisture from entering them. If water gets into the insulation, the "pie" frame structure and the vapor transparency of the layers should ensure the release of excess moisture to the outside. Why should steam and waterproofing films and membranes be used correctly?

The above methods are far from the only effective option for warming a room.

Alexey Melnikov

To a lesser extent, such insulation methods are now common as: poured (such as a screed from a solution of polystyrene concrete) and filling options (expanded clay gravel, foam glass chips, aerated concrete block rejection, etc.). Because they, in my opinion, are more appropriate as additional sound insulation in horizontal structures.

44alex FORUMHOUSE user

I would choose perlite for ceilings and for backfilling stone walls, but not under the floor on the ground, because. this is an excellent material in terms of price / thermal conductivity / combustibility / environmental friendliness / service life.

Recently, blown versions of heaters are also gaining popularity. Type of cellulose fiber (the so-called ecowool) or its mineral counterpart. According to Alexey Melnikova, these materials should be used for thermal insulation of hard-to-reach places.

natural materials

It is also necessary to highlight materials based on natural fibers (flax, sea grasses), which are now being promoted under the ideology of ECO-construction. Due to the limited choice and significant price tag, these materials have not yet become widespread.

The main disadvantages of natural materials:

• shrinkage;
• unpredictability of behavior in the long term;
• susceptibility to rodents.

Let's see how true this is.

Russian FORUMHOUSE user

Unexpectedly, the following experiment came out: in the summer they folded substandard linen insulation in the corner, in a stack 1.5 meters high. In winter, a water pipe leaked, which passed nearby. We noticed this only in the summer, i.e. bottom layer flax lay at least 6 months in the water. And here are the results:

• With a material 5 cm thick under pressure upper layers uselo only 1 cm;
• The material that had taken in water turned dark and was left to dry until morning. The next morning he regained his form, i.e. again became 5 cm thick;
• Breaking loads have not changed either.

After drying, the linen insulation remained practically unchanged, because the structure of the linen material is fixed by melted lavsan fibers. This structure can be changed only when heated to 160-190 ° C or when the flax is destroyed. And flax, as you know, is still used in plumbing work when sealing water pipes.

accumulated abroad great experience use of this material. Mice do not eat it, they make passages in it and make their dwellings. To avoid this, appropriate measures are taken - in the form of installing a fine-mesh steel mesh, etc.

SCM FORUMHOUSE user

I believe that the use of sawdust is a very environmentally friendly way to insulate. The main thing is to follow the technology. It is better to fill up sawdust in layers, with careful tamping of each layer with a shovel handle.

Both industrial materials and “folk” materials have pros and cons. “Commercial” materials are already a finished product, with known properties and a certain installation technology, following which you can be sure of the final result. Eco-insulations are more of an experiment, with a possible lower cost (sawdust), you will have to sweat during installation. The construction itself can take time. Again, you can not guarantee 100% of the final result, because. we still have little experience in using such materials in different climatic zones.

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude: any material has the right to life. It all depends on the area of ​​​​its application, the prevalence of one or another type of material in a particular area, its price, thermal characteristics, etc. Hence: when choosing a heater, first of all, it is necessary to build on economic calculation and the expediency of its use in the long term.

You should also check your tasks with our questionnaire:

• Where will the material be used?
• what is it for;
• what structure needs to be insulated.

Having puzzled with such questions, you will understand which material is suitable specifically for your case and specifically for your building.

Is there a universal heater

If you dream and imagine an “ideal” insulation, with a set of universal properties, then this will be a material various characteristics which will not be stable - they must flexibly change depending on the operating conditions. In one situation, the material needs strength, high density, rigidity, clear geometry, and increased moisture resistance. In other conditions, it requires vapor transparency, low density (which means it will not work "in the ground"), workability in hard-to-reach places, flexibility, good environmental friendliness. With all this, an affordable price for the masses remains important. It turns out mutually exclusive requirements. So it is hardly worth chasing after some special and new materials.

From our videos you will learn

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What are the types of insulation - 4 groups of thermal insulation materials for housing construction

Solving the problem of energy saving and maximizing effective use thermal energy, today is one of the highest priority tasks in individual housing construction. For this reason, it is very important for the future owner of private housing to know which modern types of insulation are best used in this or that case, in the process of building or reconstructing your own home.

Criteria for the selection of thermal insulation materials

Currently, in building hypermarkets you can find a huge number of different heat-insulating materials, which differ significantly from each other not only in price, but also in their technical properties and performance characteristics.

In order to make it easier for the reader to understand the whole variety of such products, I have compiled an overview instruction in which I will talk about the main distinctive properties and the main technical characteristics of the most popular types of heaters.

First of all, I would like to dwell in detail on the description of the main consumer and operational qualities, which ideally should correspond to materials for external and internal insulation of housing:

1. It is probably easy to guess that The most important quality of any thermal insulation material is its low thermal conductivity.. In most cases, this is achieved due to the low specific gravity and the large number of small pores that can hold atmospheric air, which itself has a very low heat transfer coefficient;

1. Since the thermal insulation material is installed from the side of the street, it should not absorb moisture from the surrounding air, and should not collapse or change its properties when exposed to direct water. Despite the fact that almost all types of insulation are considered moisture resistant, some materials with a fibrous structure or open pores partially lose their heat-insulating qualities when wet;
2. An important condition for ensuring a normal indoor microclimate is the ability of insulated walls to pass air and water vapor through them, therefore, the outer insulation must be vapor-permeable. The best vapor permeability is just possessed by materials with open pores and a fibrous structure;

1. The insulation is located in close proximity to building structures, and in some cases it is installed indoors, therefore, for the purpose of fire safety, it must be made of non-combustible or self-extinguishing material, which does not support combustion by itself.
2. In conditions of low temperature, poor ventilation and high humidity, favorable conditions are created for the development of mold fungus and putrefactive bacteria. For this reason, I do not recommend outdoor materials based on vegetable fibers or with the addition of organic components, as they can become a hotbed for the formation of mold, as well as food for mice, rats and other rodents or insect pests;

Summary table comparing the technical characteristics of thermal insulation materials.

In addition to all of the above, when choosing materials for thermal insulation, I advise you to pay attention to their cost, manufacturer's guarantees, as well as the complexity and convenience of doing their laying and installation with your own hands, since their durability and quality of the final result of work will depend on this.

Group 1. Rigid porous mineral insulation

Modern projects of low-rise buildings for individual housing construction are initially developed taking into account the use of energy-saving technologies. For this reason, external bearing walls and internal interior partitions in such houses are built from ready-made building blocks made of lightweight porous foam and aerated concrete.

These materials have sufficient bearing capacity, pass air and water vapor well, and at the same time they themselves have good heat and sound insulation properties:

1. Foam concrete is a hardened foamed cement-sand mixture, from which, in the process of solidification, ready blocks or slabs required size. Due to the large number of small air bubbles, which are evenly distributed throughout the thickness of the material, it has a fine-mesh structure with open pores, therefore it passes air well and has low thermal conductivity.

To correctly determine which foam concrete to choose, it should be borne in mind that all products from it are divided into two groups:

• Heat-insulating grades of foam concrete can have a density of 200 to 500 kg/m³, depending on the number and volume of gas bubbles in the thickness of the material. Products of this group do not differ in high strength, however, they have good thermal insulation properties, therefore they are used exclusively as insulation for floors, flat roofs or the outer walls of a building;
• Structural and heat-insulating concrete grades have a density of 500 to 900 kg/m³, therefore, they have a higher bearing capacity, and in addition to insulation, they can be used to erect walls or other structural elements of a building;

1. Aerated concrete outwardly does not differ in any way from foam concrete, and the main difference between these materials lies only in manufacturing technology, therefore their operational properties can conditionally be considered similar to each other. Before choosing aerated concrete, you should study the main features of the application:

• Blocks and slabs of foam and aerated concrete can be installed on the foundation in the form of a separate self-supporting structure, therefore, they do not require the installation of an additional supporting frame, and do not exert a weight load on the main facade of the building;
• With an increase in the density of aerated concrete, its thermal insulation properties deteriorate, and with a decrease in density, on the contrary, they improve;
• Due to open pores on the surface of the material, aerated concrete actively absorbs moisture., therefore it cannot be used outdoors without an external waterproofing coating;
• Foam concrete does not burn and does not support combustion, it is unsuitable for rodents and pests, but over time it can crack and collapse as a result of direct contact with water and subsequent freezing.

1. Expanded clay is a moisture-resistant bulk heat-insulating material, which is produced in the form of round pellets of a reddish-brown color, with a diameter of individual particles from 5 to 40 mm. The expanded clay manufacturing technology involves the use of special types of clay, which are rolled into balls, and then dried and fired in a kiln at a temperature of 1200 ° C.

After such treatment, each pellet acquires a closed, finely porous internal structure with a strong and hard outer shell.

• Most often, expanded clay is used for warming flat roofs, interfloor and attic floors and wooden floors on the ground.
• The main advantages of this material include light weight, low degree of water absorption, absolute incombustibility and fire safety, high resistance to moisture, as well as high and low temperatures;

When choosing the cheapest floor insulation on the ground, I advise you to pay attention to coal slag, which can be purchased inexpensively, or even dialed for free at any coal boiler. Slag can be used as an analogue of more expensive expanded clay, since its particles have a similar porous internal structure.

Group 2. Fibrous mineral wool insulation

Unlike previous types of insulation, these materials have a flexible fibrous structure, therefore they do not have sufficient rigidity, but they differ in a significantly lower specific gravity and much better heat-insulating properties. Such a heater is non-combustible, and can long time withstand exposure to very high temperatures, so it is often used for thermal insulation of furnaces, heating boilers and furnace chimneys.

1. Basalt wool is made from thin, randomly interwoven fibers of molten gabbro-basalt rocks, and is produced in the form of sheet or roll material different thickness. Rigid mats or flexible rolls of basalt wool are considered a universal heat-insulating material, therefore they are widely used for insulating roofs, attics, ceiling and interfloor ceilings, ventilated facades, utilities, as well as boiler and furnace equipment.

• Basalt wool is absolutely non-flammable and can withstand temperatures up to 1000° C, so it is used to insulate chimneys and arrange a fireproof seal during the passage chimneys through walls, roofs and ceilings;

• Mineral wool fibers practically do not absorb moisture, do not break or wrinkle under the influence of external load, and after wetting they do not lose their heat-insulating properties, therefore such a moisture-resistant and non-combustible material is best suited for outdoor use;
• Sheets and slabs of mineral wool pass air and water vapor well through themselves, do not rot, do not become moldy and do not deteriorate over time. Due to the unpleasant, piercing structure, they do not dig holes in them and do not build their own mouse nests, therefore, in my opinion, this is the best insulation for a ventilated facade system;
• Among other things, mineral wool is an environmentally friendly and non-corrosive material, therefore, it does not adversely affect other building structures, and can be used for external and internal insulation of residential buildings.

1. Glass wool, more popularly known as glass wool, is made from glass waste in the form of coarser and thicker fibers of ordinary silicate glass, therefore it is considered the cheapest option. In fact, I can say that glass wool has almost the same properties as basalt wool, however, there are some limitations for its use in construction:

• Glass fibers are quite hygroscopic, therefore, on the street or in damp rooms, they quickly absorb moisture, and after getting wet, they lose their heat-insulating properties by 30-50%;
• Sheets of ordinary glass wool are easily crushed under the influence of external load., and during operation, shrink over time and decrease in size, as a result of which their heat-insulating properties also deteriorate;
• The maximum operating temperature of glass wool is no more than 450 ° C, therefore, it cannot be used as a winding of a flame tube, in the immediate vicinity of a furnace or heating boiler;
• Glass wool fibers are more brittle than basalt wool, therefore, as a result of deformation, they can break into small pieces and penetrate the human skin, causing severe itching and irritation on the body.
• If you need a heater that rodents do not eat and mice do not settle in, then glass wool in this case will be the most suitable option.

1. Ceramic wool has similar characteristics, but it is considered a rather specific insulation, therefore it is rarely found on sale and is much more expensive than other materials. Ceramic wool fibers have all the positive properties of basalt wool, but they are able to withstand higher temperatures (up to 1200 ° C), so it is used exclusively for thermal insulation of heating boilers, chimneys and fire tubes.

In the manufacture of rigid mineral wool boards, toxic phenol-formaldehyde resins are used as a binder. I do not recommend using such materials for thermal insulation of floors, walls and interior partitions inside residential and sleeping quarters, as they are not very safe for human health.

Group 3. Foamed polymer insulation

Polymer heat-insulating materials have a number of fundamental differences from mineral heaters. They have less specific gravity, do not soak in water and are characterized by a very low degree of water absorption, therefore they do not require additional waterproofing. Most often they are produced in the form of rigid panels of various thicknesses, therefore, in some cases, they are more convenient in installation and installation.

When choosing which insulation is best used for a particular case, it should be borne in mind that all polymer materials have one major drawback.

The fact is that under the influence of high temperature they themselves do not ignite, but at the same time they can melt with the release of caustic toxic smoke, therefore they cannot be used as a heater for heating boilers and stoves, chimneys, fire doors and external partitions.

1. Styrofoam is produced in the form of rigid sheets of various sizes, from 20 to 500 mm thick, which consist of many small granules of expanded polystyrene pressed and welded together. If you choose from polymeric heaters which one is cheaper, then I recommend opting for foam.

Despite the low cost, it meets almost all the criteria discussed in the first section of this article.

• Foam panels are characterized by low specific gravity, but have sufficient rigidity, therefore, they can be used not only for cladding walls and roofs, but also for warming a concrete screed on the ground;
• Rough foam surface has good adhesion, therefore, after installation, decorative plaster with a reinforcing mesh can be applied to it, facade tiles can be laid, or other types can be performed decorative finishes facade;

• Chemically neutral foam during operation does not emit harmful substances not fit for food small rodents and insects, does not rot over time and does not contribute to the development of mold.
• The pores of the foam have a closed structure, therefore it is the warmest, absolutely not afraid of water and practically does not absorb moisture, does not freeze and does not change its properties in conditions of direct rain and snow, or prolonged exposure to damp soil;
• The disadvantage of all closed cell materials is that they do not allow water vapor and air to pass through., so I do not recommend using them for insulation of frame-panel and wooden houses from logs or timber;

1. Extruded polystyrene foam, or in other words EPS, is a more progressive and high-quality variety of foam. It is also produced in the form of rigid expanded polystyrene panels, however, it does not have individual granules, and is distinguished by a uniform porous structure throughout the entire thickness of the material:

• Due to this manufacturing technology, it has all the listed properties of the foam, but is much more durable, rigid and resistant to external loads.
• Because of this, it can be used to make fixed formwork for pouring load-bearing monolithic structures, as well as for insulating pool walls, deep foundations or other loaded building structures;
• In my opinion, this is the most effective and versatile heat-insulating material, but its main drawback is its rather high price, which significantly exceeds the cost of conventional foam.

1. Sprayed polyurethane insulation is fundamentally different from the materials presented above, since produced in the form of a liquid plastic polymer composition. It is sprayed onto the surface to be insulated using a pressure pump, and foamed under the influence of ambient humidity, directly at the installation site.

At first glance, polyurethane insulation may seem more complicated, but this technology has its advantages and disadvantages compared to panel types of insulation:

• Liquid polyurethane mass has very good adhesion to almost all building materials., therefore, quickly and firmly seizes on any surface, even without pre-treatment;
• The spraying technology makes it possible to insulate vertical and horizontal walls, roofs, attics, closed underground spaces, interpanel joints and other hidden cavities, without dismantling the outer finishing cladding;

• Do-it-yourself polyurethane spraying is good to use on difficult areas of the facade or roof, with big amount internal corners or protrusions, as well as in areas with a radius curved surface;
• After hardening, the layer of foamed polyurethane does not allow air to pass through, so I do not recommend using it on wood or wood fiber surfaces. Otherwise, the polymer film will block the access of air for ventilation and evaporation of moisture, as a result of which the wood will rot and gradually collapse;
• The disadvantages of this application method include the high cost of consumables, as well as the need to use special injection equipment, which is also quite expensive.

1. Foamed polyethylene is produced in the form of a rolled heat-insulating material with a thickness of 3 to 10 mm. It is a flexible base made of extruded polyethylene with a large number of large closed pores containing air bubbles. To improve heat reflectivity, polyethylene is covered with very thin aluminum foil on one or both sides. So that the reader can understand what types of these products are, I can name the most common brands, for example, Isocom, Isofol, Penofol, etc.

• Polyethylene does not contain toxic additives and volatile substances, therefore, it is an environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic material, and, accordingly, can be used without restriction in residential and sleeping quarters;

• Aluminum foil reflects infrared heat radiation, therefore, in combination with a foam base, it is a heat shield that effectively reflects heat from domestic radiators or other heating devices.
• In addition to heat preservation, polyethylene film can be used as waterproofing and wind protection, so "Penofol" is well suited for external protection of building structures and insulation of residential buildings;
• When installing a floor heating system, such a film is laid on a concrete screed, foil up. Firstly, it does not allow dampness to penetrate from concrete into flooring, and secondly, it reflects heat rays, and directs them into the room.

• For internal insulation of housing, it is better to use one-sided foil-foamed polyethylene film. It must be fixed to the wall, with foil inside the room, and then at a distance of 20-30 mm from it, install sheets on the guide profiles.
• When using plastic sheeting inside a dwelling, care must be taken because it absolutely does not breathe and does not let water vapor through. This can lead to condensation and dampness on the outside cold walls, which in turn can cause mold.

All polymer thermal insulation materials described in this section may degrade and lose their properties over time under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. If they are used for outdoor work, then after installation, I recommend not leaving them for a long time in direct sunlight, and immediately proceed with the installation of the exterior fine finish.

Group 4. Thermal insulation from organic materials

Currently, many adherents of environmentally friendly housing are trying to use all kinds of building, finishing and thermal insulation materials made exclusively on an organic basis. On the one hand, there is nothing wrong with this, but I must warn you that the raw materials for the production of organic materials are made using natural cellulose and plant fibers.

1. I want to say right away that these materials are very capricious: when wet, they can swell and increase in size, and when dried, on the contrary, they can shrink significantly. Moreover, in both cases, their thermal insulation properties will deteriorate;
2. Even with minor changes temperature and humidity conditions, on the surface of organic materials, foci of mold development may occur. After drying, at first glance it may seem that it has disappeared, but in fact, its roots are deep, so after moisturizing and lowering the temperature, it will appear again;

1. Natural cellulose fibers, wood shavings and sawdust, chopped straw stalks, reeds and corn tops are considered a favorite food for rodents, mice, rats and various insects, so it will be very difficult to get rid of their presence in such a house;
2. It's no secret that all these materials burn very well., therefore, there can be no question of any compliance with fire safety rules in this case.
3. If you still decide to insulate your home using organic materials, then I recommend a thorough antiseptic treatment and flame retardant impregnation, and also think about how best to prevent the appearance of rodents.

From personal experience, I categorically do not recommend using sunflower husks or straw and cake of cereal plants as insulation for the attic, because in this case, mice are guaranteed to settle there with whole families and constantly dig their holes.

Conclusion

Taking into account the numerous types of insulation that I wrote about above, when choosing the final option, several important factors. First, you need to understand the climatic features of the region, and know the minimum and maximum average annual air temperatures. Secondly, the choice of insulation depends on the building materials from which the walls, floor and roof of a residential building are made.

And thirdly, you need to focus on ensuring that this heat-insulating material is affordable and that it is convenient for you to work with it. You can learn about the technological features of the use of the described heaters from the video presented in this article, and if you have any questions, ask them in the comment form.

Saving heat leads to financial savings. It is unwise to waste heat and heat the street, while modern technologies allow you to take care of saving thermal resources already at the stage of construction and repair.
The main part of the responsibility for maintaining heat falls on those parts of the building that are most in contact with the environment, participating in heat exchange with it.
These are the walls, roof and floor of the building. It is through them that heat leaves the room, and cold gets inside. The use of energy-saving materials allows not only to minimize heat losses, but also to reduce the thickness of the walls, reduce the time of their construction, and reduce the total cost of construction.
Heat-insulating materials and products have an important impact on the quality, cost, and most importantly on the costs of operating buildings and structures.

Their use contributes to the creation of comfortable conditions in the premises, protects parts of the building from temperature fluctuations and prolongs the service life of building structures.
current trend determining the quality of insulation by measuring the level of their thermal resistance gradually moved to the definition of what types of radiation they are able to protect.
In addition, there is a division of heat-insulating materials according to the intended purpose. They may have different shapes and appearance. There are rigid piece insulation (bricks, plates, cylinders, segments), flexible (mats, bundles, cords) and loose (vermiculite, cotton wool, perlite sand).

The structure of insulation can be fibrous (fiberglass, mineral wool materials), cellular (foam glass, cellular concrete), granular (vermiculite, perlite).
The substances included in the composition also determine the type of specific thermal insulation. According to the type of their main raw materials, traditional heat-insulating materials are divided into organic (natural substances are used as raw materials for their manufacture), inorganic (the basis is mineral raw materials) and materials made from artificial plastics.
Thus, each of the heaters existing today can be classified according to several criteria at once.
No comparison of thermal insulation materials is possible without determining which element is more suitable for which coating.

When deciding to insulate the floor, you need to know that such a solution will ensure a constant temperature in the house.
Comparing the characteristics of heat-insulating materials, it is possible to single out for this purpose the coating that will withstand the constant pressure exerted on it.
Good compression performance is important. One of the requirements for the material is the preservation of insulating properties, even if moisture penetrates and the coating is subjected to mechanical stress.
Expanded clay is often used for insulation, if it is possible to fill it up when pouring a concrete floor.
If your house has a basement, then to insulate the floor, you need to fix the insulation from the side of the basement or cellar. For this, polystyrene foam is used.

For walls, the classification of heat-insulating materials is somewhat different, it all depends on the place of application - inside or outside the room.
To isolate the house from the outside, mineral basalt wool is ideal, which is distinguished by its durability and lack of deformation. Also, it does not thicken and does not become thinner during prolonged use.
From the inside, the walls are insulated depending on the allowable insulation layer, sometimes the planning features do not allow it to be large.
The most popular way is foam or mineral wool, but these are also the thickest options. More modern - ceramic-based paint, the layer is required thinner, and it is easier to comply with the tightness conditions. True, the choice of material is also complicated by the fact that each option has its own dew point, and if the place you are trying to cover exceeds the allowable indicator, then your isolation will not work.
To insulate the ceiling, mineral wool is considered the non-replaceable leader, since it is easiest to put it in the right quantities in the frame truss system or interfloor ceilings, and during operation in such places it is almost not threatened by anything (which could reduce the quality of insulation).
If, however, to sacrifice the ease of installation and the cheapness of mineral wool, then slag or sawdust with clay could become the best means to keep warm, but the volume and troublesome work, and the high price of the material still do not make them popular.
One name "mineral wool" combines several types of thermal insulation at once: stone, glass and slag wool.
Mineral wool is obtained by processing molten rocks or metallurgical slags. Synthetic binders are added to the resulting vitreous fiber. It has good heat and sound insulation characteristics; when wet, these qualities of mineral wool are significantly reduced. This heater is non-flammable.

Characteristics of mineral wool
Thermal conductivity, W / (m * K): 0.039-0.054
Flammability group: NG, G1, G2
Deformation resistance: medium
Water and bioresistance: low
Destruction temperature, °С: 350
Density, kg / cu. m: 75-350
Service life, years: 20-30

stone wool

Stone wool is a fibrous heat-insulating material produced in the form of plates, rolls.
Stone wool is characterized by a low level of thermal conductivity. Its production is a process of melting metallurgical slags, various types of rocks. At the same time, the highest quality product is made from gabbro-basalt rocks.

Stone wool belongs to the class of non-combustible (NG) materials, which makes it possible to use it at various production facilities, as well as in private construction at elevated temperatures - up to 1000 ° C.
Immune to fire is complemented by resistance to moisture. Stone wool, being a hydrophobic material, does not absorb moisture, but, on the contrary, has water-repellent properties.
Thermal insulation, remaining dry, does not lose its operational properties over time. These two properties (incombustibility and hydrophobicity) make it possible to use cotton wool for warming such rooms with high temperature and humidity conditions, such as baths, saunas, and boiler rooms.
Strength in the case of stone wool is not directly related to density. Cotton wool, being a fairly soft material, has a certain level of strength. The level of compressive strength at a deformation of 10% is in the range of 5–80 kPa.
The structural stability of cotton wool is due to the special vertical and chaotic arrangement of the fibers.
Stone wool is an anti-corrosion material. In contact with metals and concrete, it does not initiate leakage chemical reactions. Biological resistance ensures that the material is immune to fungi and mold, insects and rodents.
Basalt is the main raw material for the production of stone wool. Basalt raw materials are processed with formaldehyde resins, which gives it the required level of strength.
Modern production technologies make it possible to completely eliminate the content of phenols from the material even at the stage of its production.
The product that reaches the final consumer is an environmentally friendly heat-insulating material that can be used to insulate building facades, roofs and floors of industrial and residential premises, as well as premises with extreme temperature and humidity conditions.
Stone wool from rocks is the choice for long-term and high-quality thermal insulation.

glass wool

Fiberglass is a fibrous thermal insulation material made from molten glass.
Insulation based on it is available in two forms: rigid plates and soft rolled mats.

The finished product is characterized high level strength and elasticity. The glass fiber binder is also safe recycled formaldehyde resin.
Not all performance properties of fiberglass thermal insulation are close to those of stone wool. The plasticity of the material facilitates the process of working with it, allowing you to compress the insulation up to 4 times during its installation.
During operation, fiberglass insulation is able to sag and somewhat change its original shape.
Glass fiber is hygroscopic, i.e. is able to accumulate moisture, accumulating it from the air (especially humid and cold).
Taking into account these properties of the material, it is often covered with a special waterproof film or foil, thus compensating for the moisture absorption property.

Glass wool is characterized by chemical and biological resistance.
The maximum temperature for using fiberglass insulation is limited to 650 °C.
Glass wool is an excellent soundproofing material. The space of fiberglass insulation absorbs sound waves well, so it is successfully used not only as a heat insulator, but also as a sound insulator.
Glass wool is used where it will not experience mechanical stress. As a rule, these are the facades of buildings, roof spaces, the space under the floors. Often, its use involves the use of additional external protective layers, such as fiberglass or roofing material.
Systems of ventilated facades are equipped, as a rule, with the use of glass and stone wool.
Glass wool in the form of individual fractions of glass fiber is used to insulate hard-to-reach elements of building structures by blowing.

Styrofoam

Styrofoam is a solid slab material used for insulating walls, ceilings, floors and roofs of buildings. It is used both for external warming of buildings, and for internal. It is based on expanded polystyrene granules.
It is made in the form of plates up to 2 m long, up to 1 m wide. Thickness - from 2 to 50 cm. All parameters can vary, therefore the foam insulation is selected individually based on specific needs.
In everyday life, the word "foam plastic" refers to all synthetic cellular plastics with low density, which have in their composition big number non-communicating cavities.

Depending on the characteristics of the manufacturing process, one of two main types of foam can be obtained from the feedstock:
poroplast (porous substance, in the structure of which there are interconnected cavities). In turn, foam plastics can be different: polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, polystyrene foam and mipora;
the foam itself (a substance resulting from the foaming of the feedstock. The contents of the isolated granules of the material do not come into contact with neighboring cells and the environment).
Expanded polystyrene is a plastic class material characterized by a cellular structure. Differs in high water - and biostability, low specific weight.
Feature polystyrene foam - low fire resistance, so it is usually used at temperatures not exceeding 150 ° C. The burning of expanded polystyrene is accompanied by the release of a large amount of smoke and toxic substances.
To prevent such consequences, flame retardants are added to this type of insulation during production. Such expanded polystyrene is called self-extinguishing and the letter “C” is added to its name at the end.
The soundproofing qualities of expanded polystyrene are low.

Characteristics of expanded polystyrene
Thermal conductivity, W / (m * K): 0.04
Flammability group: G3, G4
Deformation resistance: high
Water and bioresistance: high
Destruction temperature, °C: 160
Density, kg / cu. m: 10-100
Service life, years: 20-50

The production of foam boards is carried out by thermal bonding and pressing of expanded polystyrene granules. Due to their granular structure, foam boards are made up of more than 95% air, making them a unique thermal insulation material.
To ensure the level of thermal conductivity that a 30 mm foam layer has, it is necessary to erect brick wall, which should be almost 15 times thicker. And in the case of reinforced concrete structure this level increases up to 35 times!

The operational properties of foam plastic make it a fairly popular material in the thermal insulation market:
Polyfoam has a high level of strength to mechanical stress. This level significantly exceeds the similar characteristic of mineral wool;
Polyfoam is a moisture resistant material. It practically does not absorb water, which makes it possible to use it as a building foundation insulation in direct contact with the ground;
When insulated with foam plastic, the building retains the ability to air exchange. At the same time, the level of wind resistance is not reduced;
The ecological purity of the material is due to the absence of harmful impurities in it. It contains only two chemical compounds: carbon and hydrogen;
Possessing soundproof properties, the foam can be used for the needs of insulation and soundproofing at the same time;
The service life of foam insulation is limited only by the life of the building. Corrosion resistance is due to the moisture resistance of the material. During the operation of the foam, there is no change in its dimensions: shrinkage, displacement.
The main parameter of the foam, which determines the place of application and the specifics of installation, is its density. It depends on it where you can use a particular type of foam insulation. So, foam plastic is used in bulk work, for floor insulation, the space between floors, while a rigid foam sheet is used to insulate the foundation of a building.

Sprayed polyurethane foam

Spray foam is polyurethane foam applied by spraying. This insulation contains polyester polyol, polyisocyanate and various additives.
The technology of its application involves spraying with a supply pump or mixing the components directly on the insulated surfaces.

adhesive properties sprayed polyurethane foam allow it to be applied to horizontal and vertical surfaces. At the same time, it is securely fixed on a variety of bases: concrete, gas silicate blocks, plaster, metal, roofing material. Excellent characteristics of adhesion and moisture resistance determine the wide application of this heat insulator.
Sprayed polyurethane foam is successfully used for insulation of external and internal walls, pitched and flat roofs, basement floors, basements and foundations of buildings, insulation of joints between parts of various building structures.
The method of applying the material by uniform spraying ensures the absence of joints and gaps between the coating areas. This increases the thermal insulation properties of the material, because. the continuous coating layer does not have "cold points" that cause freezing of the structure.
Speaking about the shortcomings of this material, first of all, it should be noted the unsuitability of its use in conjunction with wood.
Of course, the adhesion of the insulation allows it to be applied to wooden surfaces. But wood treated with sprayed polyurethane foam soon loses its physical and chemical qualities and rots.
This happens due to the cessation of air exchange between the wood and the atmosphere. Moisture that gets into the wood layer does not find a way out, and the material undergoes destruction.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Extruded polystyrene foam is one of the synthetic heat-insulating materials belonging to the group of foam plastics.
It is made from polystyrene foam raw materials by extrusion - molding a molten substance under pressure. In this case, a special agent is added to the feedstock, which provides foaming and obtaining the required structure of the finished product.

The low level of thermal conductivity and water absorption ensures the resistance of the thermal insulation material to the effects of precipitation and temperature changes.
The structure of the material guarantees strength - something that ordinary foam is so lacking. The use of extruded polystyrene foam boards in those places of buildings where they will be subject to mechanical stress becomes available. The strength of the material determines its unpretentiousness to the installation process.
Insulation boards can be laid on a sand cushion. At the same time, they will not be deformed due to mechanical pressure, and they will not absorb moisture from the soil.
The process of mounting extruded polystyrene foam boards is simple and convenient. The material is easily cut into pieces of the required size, while it does not crumble and spray. Fastening of polystyrene boards is carried out using adhesive compositions and mounting dowels.

According to the articles of chemical and biological resistance to extruded polystyrene foam, there are no complaints. The material does not break down under the influence of petroleum products, acids and alkalis, and the composition and structure make it unsuitable for the appearance and growth of fungi, as well as for eating by rodents and insects.
Among the shortcomings of this heat-insulating material, its instability to fire should be noted. At the same time, the combustion of polystyrene foam also releases toxic compounds.
This property of the material must be taken into account, providing it with additional protective insulation against fire. Not only open fire this heater is afraid, but also direct sun rays. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, its upper layers can change their structure and collapse.
This factor should also be taken into account when installing thermal insulation from extruded polystyrene foam.

Ecowool

Ecowool (cellulose insulation) is a heat-insulating material made on the basis of paper and cardboard waste paper. At the same time, the properties of cotton wool are largely determined by the substances that make up its composition. Thus, Western manufacturers use, in addition to recycled pulp, sawdust, cotton waste, hay.
Ecowool or cellulose wadding is typically 81% processed cellulose, 12% antiseptic, and 7% fire retardant. The fibers of the material contain lignin, which, when moistened, gives stickiness.
All components of this material are non-toxic, non-volatile, harmless to humans. natural ingredients.
Cellulose insulation does not support combustion, does not rot, has good heat and sound insulation.
Ecowool is able to retain up to 20% humidity, which has almost no effect on the heat-insulating properties. The material wicks away moisture easily. environment and does not lose its properties when dried.
The level of purity of ecowool depends on what chemical substances were used in the manufacture of the material. Ammonium phosphates and sulfates, widely used as flame retardants in the production of ecowool in the West, are characterized by a high content of harmful substances.
In addition, the exploited insulation, which has these compounds in its composition, loses its performance properties over time. In particular, the ability to resist combustion.
Domestic manufacturers use borax (borax) as a flame retardant, which guarantees the absence of unsafe chemical compounds and the unpleasant smell of ammonia, as well as the constancy of the practical properties of the material.
When choosing ecowool, special attention should be paid to what substances are used in it as flame retardants and antiseptics.

Characteristics of ecowool
Thermal conductivity, W / (m * K): 0.036-0.041
Flammability group: G1, G2
Deformation resistance: low
Water and bioresistance: medium
Destruction temperature, °С: 220
Density, kg / cu. m: 30-96
Service life, years: 30-50

There are 3 ways to use ecowool: dry, wet and wet adhesive.
They are implemented using special equipment for blowing.
With small volumes and low complexity of work, ecowool insulation can be done manually.

It is important to properly carry out work on blowing and compacting ecowool so that voids do not form in the future and the insulation does not sink.
The practical advantages that distinguish this heat-insulating material include:
environmental cleanliness;
high degree of adhesion;
possibility of application in hard-to-reach places;
the formation of a single seamless layer during application;
fire resistance (when used as a flame retardant borax);
moisture resistance (capable of absorbing a large amount of moisture, gradually giving it to the surrounding space).
Thus, an optimal microclimate is maintained in the room with a humidity level of 40–45%;
long service life.
Among the shortcomings of ecowool, one should mention the complexity of manual application to the treated surfaces and the impossibility of organizing a “floating floor” due to the softness of the material.

Penoizol

Carbamide foam (penoizol) is a modern heat and sound insulating material.
In accordance with GOST 16381-77, penoizol, by type of feedstock, refers to organic cellular urea foams; in terms of density - to the group of materials of extra low density (ONP) (density 8-28 kg / m3), and in terms of thermal conductivity - to the class of materials with low thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity coefficient from 0.035-0.047 W / mChK).

Installations for the production of penoizol (carbamide foam) by foaming polymer resins appeared in the world about 50 years ago. In Russia, employees of the VNII PAV were engaged in the creation of a similar technology for the production of penoizol.
Penoizol is characterized by high resistance to fire, resistance to the action of microorganisms, lightness machining, low price. The air content in foam insulation reaches 90%.
Climatic tests of penoizol showed that the time of reliable operation of penoizol as a non-bearing middle layer of three-layer building structures is not limited. Fire resistance tests of penoizol showed that penoizol belongs to the group of slow-burning materials.

The production technology of penoizol is very simple. It consists in foaming a polymer resin with compressed air in a GZhU (gas-liquid installation) using a foaming solution and then curing the resulting souffl-like mass with a curing catalyst that is part of this solution.
The solution of the foaming agent with the curing catalyst and the resin are fed into the corresponding pumps in the foam generator, foam is formed under pressure in the foam generator, which is fed into the mixer. A dosed amount of resin is also supplied there. After passing the mixer, the mass of penoizol enters the supply sleeve and the final formation of penoizol takes place in it.
Penoizol can be poured into molds (with subsequent cutting into sheets) or directly on the construction site to pour into technical cavities (walls, floors, etc.)

The main characteristics of penoizol:
Bulk density 8 … 25
Thermal conductivity coefficient 0.031 ... 0.041
Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation, MPa 0.003 ... 0.025
Water absorption for 24 hours by volume,% no more than 18 ... 14
Sorption moistening by weight, % no more than 18
Operating temperature range, 0C - 60 ... + 90

Isocom

Isocom - Foil material (on one or both sides).
One of the promising areas of energy saving is the use of reflective isocom insulation.
This material is a polyethylene foam sheet laminated on one or both sides with polished aluminum foil.
Isocom is a unique multi-layer heat-vapor-sound insulating material.
The combination of an extruded polyethylene foam backing in the form of a system of closed cells with trapped air and reflective highly polished pure aluminum foil gives the material exceptional properties of heat flow reflection and maximum thermal resistance with minimum insulation thickness.
At correct installation isocom has exceptional efficiency as thermal insulation along the entire contour of the building.
Environmentally friendly material, without freon, does not destroy the ozone layer.
Does not contain glass or basalt fiber, other materials harmful to the human body.
Durability more than 50 years without changing properties. Does not rot or deform throughout the entire service life.
Simple and easy to install, saves working time. It does not require special devices and mechanisms for installation.
Reliable protection against moisture and steam.
Effectively prevents the propagation of sound in all types of buildings Possesses great elasticity and physical strength in tension and compression.

Specifications:
Thermal conductivity according to GOST 7076-99: Thermal resistance (per 1 mm thickness): >0.031 m2 OS/W
Application temperature: from -60 C to +80C
Flammability group: G2 according to GOST 30244-94
Smoke generating capacity: D2 according to GOST 12.1.044-89
Flammability group: B1 according to GOST 30402-96
Water absorption in 24 hours by volume: 2%
Vapor permeability: 0 mg/m h Pa

Isocom application:
As a heat shield behind radiators: Reduces heat loss on the outer wall, increases the efficiency of heating devices by 30% or more! Promotes uniform distribution of thermal energy indoors.

Thermal insulation of walls along the perimeter of the building: Inside the building, it is laid with isocom, covering the massive thermal insulation, with a reflective surface inside the room and closed with wall panels while maintaining an air gap of at least 15 mm. Massive insulation receives protection from the damaging effects of water vapor and greater heat resistance, plus the reflectivity of the isocom.
Thermal insulation of floors: When thermal insulation of floors using isocom, heat flows, reflected from the foil layer, do not enter the supporting structures under the floor, which helps to avoid the formation of condensate.
For thermal insulation of the under-roof space, a double-sided isocom is attached behind massive insulation on counter-rails with a slight sag to ensure an air gap of at least 15-20 mm.
On the one hand, the double-sided reflective surface prevents the massive insulation under the roof from overheating, reflecting solar energy, on the other hand, it reflects the thermal energy inside the room, eliminating heat loss and making the climate in the house uniform.

Thermal insulation is an important and responsible process by which you can make the house warm and save on heating. Walls, roofs, pipes can be insulated. But for each case there is a variant, the technological features of which must be taken into account when choosing them.

For external walls

Exterior walls are an important element of every home, because they have a load-bearing function and protect the house from damage. negative impact environment.

Mineral wool

This material is considered one of the most popular for wall insulation, both outside and inside. It's connected with . Installation of wool is carried out without a preliminary layer of vapor barrier between gypsum boards.

In the photo - mineral wool for insulation

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

Styrofoam

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

In the photo - expanded polystyrene for wall insulation

The benefits of a heater include:

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

polyurethane foam

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

In the photo - polyurethane foam for wall insulation

Foamed foil polyethylene

But what kind of insulation for the facade for siding is the best and how to choose it, is described in this article:

But what kind of insulation for facade plastering is the most popular and how it is used, the information will help to understand

liquid ceramics

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

In the photo, liquid ceramics for wall insulation from the inside

The main advantage of liquid ceramics is that after its application it is not necessary to apply a finish. The resulting surface looks beautiful, thin and at the same time performs all the functions that are assigned to the insulation. The only drawback of the material is that it has a high price. And you can read about which ones are used in the article.

For roofing

When building a roof, it is imperative to provide a layer of insulation. But which one is the most suitable, we will now determine.

Styrofoam

This material has excellent heat-insulating and sound-proofing qualities. But it cannot be used if there is a flat or soft roof.

In the photo - polystyrene foam for the roof

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

polyurethane foam

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

In the photo - polyurethane foam for the roof

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

foamed glass

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

In the photo, foamed glass for roof insulation

The main advantages of a heater include:

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

Which is better to use for a wooden house

Today on the modern market there are many thermal insulation materials that can be used for insulation. wooden house. When choosing, you need to take into account that the wooden surface can "breathe". Otherwise, it will lead to the development of mold and fungi.

The following materials can be used to insulate wood:

1. Jute.
2. Tape tow.
3. Styrofoam.
4. Mineral wool.
5. Styrofoam.

Big choice mineral wool makes you wonder which one is better: glass wool, stone wool or others.

Non-combustible types

If you need to choose a material that does not undergo combustion, but at the same time will perform all the functions of a heat insulator, then you should pay attention to the following types:

1. glass wool. This material is characterized by high strength and elasticity. It is actively involved in the insulation of heating pipelines. Glass wool is not exposed negative influence UV rays.

   

   In the photo - non-combustible glass wool:

2. Expanded clay. A heat insulator is obtained as a result of firing clay. It can be used when insulating complex or hard-to-reach surfaces. It has excellent thermal insulation properties. But which one is described in great detail in this article.

   

   In the photo, non-combustible expanded clay:

3. Foam glass. This material belongs to inorganic heaters. It has a structure that resembles soap foam. In the production of a heat insulator, coal and glass are used. Thanks to this, foam glass is able to withstand high temperatures. But what is the GOST of expanded clay concrete wall panels, will help to understand the information from

   

   In the photo, non-combustible foam glass material:

Foil types

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

1. mineral wool. This material is great for insulating surfaces that are constantly heated to high temperatures. Often, mineral wool is used when laying pipes. But what specifications mineral wool exists at the present time and where it is used is described in this

   

   On the photo-foil mineral wool:

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

   

   On the photo-foiled polyurethane foam:

3. Foil heat insulator. It has a foil layer on one side and a self-adhesive surface on the other. The material is used as a vapor and water insulator.

   

   In the photo - a foil heat insulator for insulation:

Basalt species

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

Basalt insulation is classified according to the density and form of release. Each of them has its pros and cons. Basalt is produced in the form of a roll, mat or placer.