What types of floor insulation are there and which one is better to choose? Insulation of the floor in a wooden house: which insulation to choose Natural insulation for the floor

Insulation for concrete floors is necessary not only for private houses, but often also for a city apartment, especially if it is located on the ground floor above a cold basement. Therefore, the demand for these materials is increasing every year, especially since thermal insulation of the floor in a high-rise building often serves not only to preserve heat, but also acts as a sound insulator.

Due to the increasing demand for these materials, manufacturers are constantly developing new options and improving those that were previously produced by companies. To decide on the choice of insulation that is suitable for a particular structure both in terms of its operational parameters and cost, you should take a closer look at the characteristics of the materials on sale.

Types of materials suitable for insulating concrete floors

If we recall the relatively recent past, then the most affordable insulation used for different designs, was glass wool, and by no means the best quality, so few people decided to use it for insulation of residential premises, and few people seriously dealt with the thermal insulation of floors in apartments. Today even glass-based wool has excellent quality, but besides this, manufacturers offer a very wide selection heat-insulating materials, suitable for concrete floors. Among modern insulation materials you can find synthetic, that is, artificially created, natural and mixed materials. Accordingly, those made only from natural components have a higher price.

• Synthetic insulation materials include following materials:, expanded polystyrene (unpressed, that is, ordinary white foam, or higher quality extruded), polyethylene foam (regular sheet or with a reflective foil coating), as well as expanded polystyrene concrete.

• Mixed insulation products, which include both natural and artificially produced substances, include: glass wool, stone wool, gypsum fiber insulation and wood fiber mats.
• The list of natural thermal insulation materials includes expanded clay, vermiculite, ecowool ( cellulose insulation), linen boards, cork products, foam glass, sawdust and shavings.

Synthetic insulation

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam belongs to the group of gas-filled plastics, which consist of 87–90% inert gas, due to which this material has low thermal conductivity, being excellent insulation. The thermal conductivity coefficient lies in a record low range - from 0.024 W/(m×°K) (theoretically) to 0.035 (in real operating conditions).

Expanded polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene as insulation can be divided into two subtypes - the familiar white foam and extruded polystyrene foam. Both one type and the other are produced on the same basis, but using different technologies.

• Polystyrene foam is produced using the technology of foaming raw materials made from petroleum products. The manufacturing process consists of six stages - foaming of raw materials, drying, stabilization, baking (combining individual granules into slabs), maturing finished product and cutting the resulting material into slabs of the required size.

• The extruded version of expanded polystyrene is produced using the extrusion method. The manufacturing process also consists of several stages. First, the raw material is combined with carbon dioxide and freon, heats up to certain temperatures when exposed to high pressure, and the finished mass is passed through an extruder. The result of these operations are slabs that have a high density, with a structure consisting of small, evenly distributed, closed cells.

Size of expanded polystyrene boards different manufacturers may vary, and their thickness is usually maintained within a certain range of standard values ​​- these are 150, 120,100,80,60, 50, 40, 30 and 20 mm.

Ordinary polystyrene foam does not have joint locks, so it is mounted end-to-end, and due to the lack of plasticity, there is no escape from the joint seams, which require additional work. Extruded polystyrene foam is often produced with or without tongue-and-groove locks, that is, with straight ends. Interlocking slabs are used to insulate the floor under concrete screed, to create seamless coating, and without locks they are used for floors along joists - insulation is laid between them.

To clearly see the difference between these materials from each other, you can study the comparative table of their technical parameters:

The advantages of extruded polystyrene foam and conventional polystyrene include their following qualities:

• Low thermal conductivity allows you to effectively insulate the surfaces of rooms, facades, attic floors, under-roof space.
• Both types of expanded polystyrene have a very low mass, so they can be used for floor insulation in an apartment panel house, since the material will not weigh down the floor slab.

• The cellular structure of the materials allows not only to insulate, but also to a certain extent soundproof surfaces. Foam plastic is the leader in this quality, as it has a lower density compared to extruded insulation. But, to be honest, the sound insulation qualities, especially against low-frequency or impact noise, are not particularly outstanding.
• Extruded polystyrene foam is universal material, since it is used for external and internal insulation in almost any area of ​​the building.
• Not susceptible to biological effects. Mold and other pest microorganisms do not take root on this insulation.
• Easy installation of slabs on any flat surface. Both one and the second version of the insulation can be used to insulate the floor along the joists, as well as under the screed. However, the material is not plastic and if gaps form between the joists and the insulation, they must be filled polyurethane foam, to avoid the formation of cold bridges.
• Affordable price for regular foam made it more popular than extruded insulation.

Foam plastic has more disadvantages than extruded polystyrene foam, but both materials have them.

• Destruction of the insulation structure under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, if the facade part of the walls is insulated with it, then leave it for a long time in open form it is forbidden.
• Insulation materials are incompatible with paints and solutions made on the basis of turpentine, acetone and some other substances from this series.
• Toxicity of insulation. Over time, polystyrene foam oxidizes, and during this process various toxic substances that are dangerous to humans are released into the environment - formaldehyde, toluene, acetophenone, methyl alcohol and ethylbenzene. Oxidation begins to occur under the influence of heating the plates to a temperature of 30 degrees. Extruded material oxidizes more slowly than regular foam. It should be noted here that new, just laid material also releases styrene, since polymerization does not end during the production of insulation, and the release harmful substances will continue until this process is completely completed (this is a kind of chemical inertia).

• Flammability of polystyrene foam. This insulation, according to GOST 30244-94, belongs to flammability groups G3 and G4, which include the most flammable materials. Moreover, when burned, these materials release a whole “bouquet” of toxic compounds that are dangerous not only to health, but also to human life, since they contain hydrocyanic acid, phosgene, hydrogen bromide, etc. In addition, when burning, polystyrene foam melts and turns into a liquid state, and is able to spread onto nearby surfaces, spreading fire to them.

If, despite these negative qualities, you still decide to purchase this particular material, since it is suitable for the price and insulation characteristics, then you should know what parameters you need to pay attention to when choosing it.

• The letter “C” in the marking of polystyrene foam means that the material contains fire retardants, which reduce its flammability. However, it must be borne in mind that such expanded polystyrene is much more difficult to catch fire, but if combustion begins, it burns no worse than insulation without fire retardants.

• You should choose polystyrene foam PSB-S-35, it is best suited for laying under a screed.
• You also need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the product, and if it is unknown, then you should not expect any safety guarantees, either in terms of the composition of the material or its flammability. Best on Russian market insulation materials from European companies Nova Chemicals, BASF, Polimeri Europa and Styrochem are considered, as well as domestic producers- “TechnoNIKOL”, “Penoplex”, “Thermoplex” and “Europlex Primaplex”.

Polyethylene foam

When it comes to polyethylene foam, the most popular material in this category usually immediately comes to mind - “penofol”. Similar insulation materials can be produced under other brands, with almost identical characteristics, but to consider their features, let’s take penofol as an example.

It's quite inexpensive and quite practical insulation material, made from non-crosslinked polyethylene foam. An aluminum layer is applied to one or both sides of the insulation, which is designed to reflect heat flow into the right side. In addition, the layer is also a reliable vapor barrier.

Except aluminum foil, for the reflective layer, some manufacturers use lavsan - a material based on polymer based, having good reflectivity in the infrared frequency range.

This material is often used to reflect heat into the room when installing electric cable and infrared “warm floors”, laying it under the installed heating system.

Penofol is divided into three types:

• “A” is a canvas with one-sided foil.
• “B” is insulation with double-sided foil.
• “C” is a material equipped with a foil layer on one side and adhesive layer(self-adhesive "Penofol").

The thickness of the insulation base, that is, foamed polyethylene, can be from 2 to 10 mm, the aluminum layer is usually about 15 microns. However, even this thickness of foil is enough to reflect up to 95% of the generated heat, and a layer of foamed polyethylene retains heat in the traditional way for all insulation materials.

If we consider the characteristics of each type of Penofol, they will look something like this:

Range permissible temperatures The operating temperature of this insulation for all three types ranges from -60 to + 100 degrees.

Penofol is used in the “warm floor” system, laid under a screed, and also used in combination with other materials, for example, laid under decorative flooring. It is widely used for other areas of insulation, and its almost zero vapor permeability makes it indispensable for thermal insulation of bathhouses and other rooms with high level humidity.

Penofol prices

In addition, penofol absorbs shock and high-frequency sounds well, which means it can also serve as a sound insulator.

Polystyrene concrete

Insulation of a concrete floor can also be done with a material such as polystyrene concrete, which is sold in the form finished slabs, intended for the construction of walls, and in the form of dry mixtures for insulating floors and pouring into wall cavities during their construction. In addition, it is quite possible to make polystyrene concrete yourself, having all the necessary components.

The composition of the mixture for the production of polystyrene concrete includes the following materials:

• Portland cement
• Porous filler (expanded polystyrene granules)
• Mineral filler (plasticizers)
• Air-entraining additive (modifiers that increase the heat and sound insulation properties of concrete).
• In some cases, a certain amount of sand may be added to the composition.

As you know, expanded polystyrene is practically weightless and has a low thermal conductivity coefficient, therefore polystyrene concrete will not have a high density, and the insulating layer of this material will not particularly weigh down the floor slab.

Polystyrene concrete has the following physical and technical characteristics:

The positive aspects of this thermal insulation composition include the following qualities:

• Excellent load-bearing characteristics with low weight, which makes it possible to insulate floors in high-rise apartments with this material.
• High coefficients of heat and sound insulation.
• Low flammability group.
• Moisture resistance.
• Resistance to putrefactive processes.
• Durability - service life more than 100 years.
• Affordable price.

Laying polystyrene concrete occurs in almost the same way as a regular screed - along beacons. If the floors are laid on the ground, it is recommended to build an embankment of medium-fraction crushed stone under the screed.

If a concrete floor is insulated with this material, then a waterproofing film must be laid under the solution, which will prevent moisture from leaving the solution prematurely, and the concrete will harden and gain strength naturally.

The average cost of this material (in the form of ready-made mixtures) per 1 m³ is 3200÷4000 rubles. But it is quite possible to make it yourself - it will turn out much cheaper. There are tested proportions of components - Portland cement PC400, polystyrene foam granules, water and a special additive SDO (saponified wood resin). All these components, including the additive, can be purchased at a hardware store.

The proportions of polystyrene concrete are included in the program of the calculator offered to the attention of readers. Below are some explanations for the calculations.

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

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

Kinds

All insulation materials intended for floor insulation can be divided into four types:

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

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

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

Which insulation is better to choose?

1. Mineral wool. It is also made of stone, made from rock alloys, as well as from slag. Can be sold both in rolls and mats. Has good sound insulation, low flammability, but is afraid excess humidity. Therefore, it must be additionally waterproofed or its integrity monitored. protective film. Depending on the amount of slag content, it may have an acceptable (but undesirable) radioactive background.

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

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

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

However, there is an opinion that floor insulation with polystyrene foam is not very environmentally friendly - when heated, it emits substances that over time harm people's health.

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

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

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

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

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

Insulation of floors along joists

This insulation method is applicable for floors built both on the ground and on concrete floors. It is also suitable for installation in brick and wooden houses. For soil, you must first compact the soil and fill it with crushed stone. Place on the prepared pillow brick pillars at a distance of 2x0.5 m. Then they need to be covered with waterproofing, after which you can lay wooden logs. The insulation is overlapped between them. It can also be placed on beams to prevent the boards from creaking.

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

Insulation under linoleum

By itself it has low thermal conductivity. For linoleum, you can use any materials, preferably those that do not rot or mold. It is unacceptable for moisture to get under the floor during work. If they are carried out in compliance with these measures, then the structure will last for many years.

Manufacturers and prices

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

Penoplex slabs are suitable for ground floors, foundations, loggias and laying “warm” floors. Have zero water absorption, high strength compression-resistant, rot-resistant and easy to install.

The company "PAROC" produces floor mats from stone wool. Operates in 15 European countries, successfully helping clients reduce energy consumption. Due to the well-promoted brand, its products differ not only high quality, but also at a less affordable price for the average consumer.

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

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

Publication date: 31-10-2015

“Which insulation is better for the floor?” – a question asked by everyone who values ​​comfort. After all, it’s always nice to walk on the floor barefoot, without fear of bad weather outside, this is especially true when central heating not included. When choosing insulation material, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the room and climate zone, in which you live. Where to stop? This is what we will talk about today.

Warmth from "warm floors"

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

Water heated floor: diagram

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

“Warm flooring” involves laying a cable under the floor covering that generates heat. The disadvantage of this option is that in the event of a breakdown, the entire system will have to be completely dismantled.

But you will have to face difficulties during installation; installing such a structure is not an easy task. In this sense, organizing an infrared floor is much simpler. The film covering does not require a screed; it is easy to install and quickly connects. You can lay tiles, linoleum, parquet or laminate on top. Another plus is that the system can be easily removed (can be moved to another room).

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Universal material

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

Polystyrene foam is laid as floor insulation during the construction of a floating screed; it is filled with cement or concrete. You can also fill the gaps between the joists with expanded polystyrene when installing a wooden floor. Another option is to lay the slabs on a concrete floor with sheets of plywood on top.

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

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Efficiency and price

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

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

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Subtlety and warmth

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

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Nothing to do with "scoop"

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

Glass wool is able to retain air for a long time, so in winter the heat does not escape from the building, and in the summer the room does not heat up. Separately, it is worth noting the soundproofing qualities of glass wool.

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

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“Brother” of glass wool

Mineral wool board is another item on the “Which insulation to choose for the floor” list. This thermal insulation material, made of mineral wool. It is resistant to high temperatures and exposure to many aggressive chemicals, such as alkali, solvents. Minvata - owner high coefficient vapor permeability, this helps protect the product from the formation of mold and pests.

To the benefits mineral wool board also include:

• low moisture absorption,
• completely non-flammable,
• ease of use,
• it does not need fastenings,
• the slabs are easy to cut,
• does not deform even under heavy loads,
• good sound insulation and environmental friendliness,
• durability (lasts up to 25 years).

On modern market There is a wide selection of materials for thermal insulation. They are designed to solve various problems. The widest range of floor insulation materials, each type has its own operational features, advantages and disadvantages. For high-quality thermal insulation flooring, it is important to choose the right insulation suitable for specific conditions of use.

The main purpose of floor insulation is to reduce heat loss and reducing heating costs during the cold season. The task of floor thermal insulation is particularly acute:

• In private homes
• In apartments located on the first floors apartment buildings, as well as above the arches

In such premises heat leakage through the floor is up to 10-15% of total number heat loss. For apartments located above residential, heated premises, this figure is lower. But floor insulation is required not only to reduce heat leaks.

• A floor laid on a concrete base gives off a cold feeling, which often causes colds.
• If you use electric or and do not insulate the base, Substantial part heat will go down
• Thermal insulation materials, as a rule, also provide sound insulation; their use helps to increase acoustic comfort

Types of floor insulation

Floor insulation materials can be divided into several categories:

• Slab, rigid– extruded and granulated polystyrene foam (foam), mineral wool
• Rolled, soft– mineral wool of lower density, tufted mats based on stone fiber, isofol (foil insulation)
• Bulk– expanded clay, sawdust, sand, expanded polystyrene granules, expanded vermiculite, ecowool
• Mechanized application(applied using blow molding machines) – ecowool, liquid polyurethane foam or polystyrene

Some modern materials are both structural and insulating. If in a private house instead of an ordinary one concrete mortar use polystyrene concrete, you can do without additional insulation grounds.

Sprayed (blown) compositions are convenient because they perfectly fill all voids. Mechanized application reduces labor costs, but requires special equipment. In addition, liquid polyurethane foam has a high cost; ecowool is more affordable, but you still need to take into account the cost of work or equipment rental. So this method of floor insulation has not yet become widespread.

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of the most common insulation materials.

Expanded polystyrene

Granulated polystyrene foam (PPS), which is more often called polystyrene foam, is the cheapest insulation material.. It is used less and less for floor insulation, since it has a number of disadvantages:

Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) is usually colored green, orange, pink color. It is produced using a different technology and compares favorably with traditional polystyrene foam in a number of technical and operational characteristics:

• High density and, as a result, better resistance to mechanical loads, lower thermal conductivity
• Waterproof
• Resistance to biological agents– fungus, microorganisms, rodents, insects

At normal temperatures, both foam and extruded polystyrene foam non-toxic. The main disadvantage of extruded polystyrene foam is that it is flammable, although it resists fire well. Most types of this insulation belong to the flammability class G3 or G4; more expensive products with fire retardant additives are assigned class G1 (low flammability). When burned, extruded polystyrene releases highly toxic substances!

Mineral wool

One of the most popular insulation materials, made from stone (basalt), slag or fiberglass. Has a number of advantages:

• Low thermal conductivity
• Good resistance to mechanical deformation, especially for high-density boards
• Vapor permeability
• High fire resistance and high temperature resistance
• Invulnerability to rodents and other pests
• Good sound insulation characteristics

The disadvantages of mineral or glass wool include:

• High hygroscopicity and decrease in thermal insulation properties when moistened. There is hydrophobized mineral wool with minimal water absorption, but it is expensive
• Release of small amounts of toxic substances, formation of dust hazardous to health during wear
• High-density mineral wool with the best strength and thermal insulation characteristics is more expensive than EPS

Stitched mats based on basalt wool reinforced with steel mesh and covered on one side with a shielding layer of aluminum foil. They are lighter in weight than slabs and are very easy to install. Rolled mineral wool is less dense, its thermal conductivity is higher than that of slab material. It can be used in addition to rigid insulation or in facilities where thermal insulation requirements are not very high.

Expanded clay and other bulk insulation materials

Bulk insulation is good because it fills all the voids and does not generate waste when using it.
Sawdust- a cheap and environmentally friendly product, but in its pure form they absorb moisture, are susceptible to rotting and are afraid of pests, they need to be mixed with clay and cement. Currently, sawdust is practically not used as insulation.
Ecowool- cellulose-based insulation with additives of antiseptics and fire retardants - has not yet become widespread. The price is comparable to expanded clay and has many advantages:

• Ecological cleanliness
• Excellent thermal insulation characteristics(4 times better than expanded clay)
• Vapor permeability
• Immunity to fungi, rodents
• Non-flammability

Its main disadvantage is hygroscopicity and low moisture resistance.

The most common bulk insulation, which has been used for quite a long time and has gained popularity, is expanded clay. It has the inherent advantages of ecowool, but differs from it in its higher mechanical strength.

This is a universal material; it can be used as a backfill under the screed, and can also be added to the solution for the rough screed, reducing the load on the base and increasing the thermal insulation characteristics.
Expanded clay is practically the only insulation material that is suitable for floors on the ground, but a cushion of crushed stone and sand is needed under it. It is very convenient to lay communications in a layer of expanded clay.

The effect of using expanded clay is noticeable when it is backfilled with a layer of at least 15 cm, and this is the main drawback of this material. It is recommended to be used where increasing the floor height is not critical.

Advice: to increase the density of the insulation layer and its resistance to mechanical loads, it is better to use a mixture of expanded clay of different fractions for backfilling.

Due to the porous structure Expanded clay absorbs moisture, and its thermal insulation characteristics are reduced, like mineral wool. Therefore, when filling expanded clay onto the ground and using it in conditions high humidity Be sure to perform waterproofing. Read about materials for waterproofing.

Principles for choosing insulation

Almost any insulation can be used to insulate a floor, but a number of factors must be taken into account:

• What type of base is insulated - concrete, wood, soil?
• Will the insulation be exposed to moisture?
• What is under the floor (soil, heated room, unheated room)
• Are you planning to install a heated floor system?
• At what stage is the insulation work carried out?

Insulation under concrete screed must have the following characteristics:

• Rigidity, high density– he has to withstand the weight of the screed
• Moisture resistance contained in the solution
• For slab and roll materials - absence open pores , into which grains of solution can become clogged
• High heat transfer resistance, allowing you to get by with a thin layer of insulation

The best solution is extruded polystyrene foam or high-density hydrophobized mineral wool. Expanded clay - too a good option, but its use will lead to a significant increase in floor height.

The main requirement for insulation for wooden base under prefabricated sheet screed - vapor permeability. If you put a layer of vapor-proof insulation between the base and the wood flooring, the main advantage will be negated natural wood- the ability to “breathe”.

Therefore, extruded polystyrene foam is not The best decision. The use of vapor-permeable foam is undesirable, since rodents and bugs successfully make passages through it, which can damage the wood.

In apartments located above the first floor, the role of insulation can be played. It is obligatory to lay insulation under the heated floor system, it may have a small thickness; what is more important is the presence of a shielding layer that reflects heat upward. Isofol can serve as such insulation, and on the ground floor - pierced mineral wool foil mats.

Important: under water and cable electric floors you can use foil insulation, under infrared film - a metallized substrate.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to insulate the floors in a private house from the basement side in order to avoid dismantling the floor covering. In this case bulk insulation materials not suitable, you can use slab or roll.

Video

Choosing polystyrene foam for floor insulation

Mineral wool for floor insulation

Bottom line

For insulation concrete foundations best choice are high-density materials - extruded polystyrene foam, mineral wool in slabs, expanded clay, for wood - mineral wool or ecowool, for insulation on the ground - expanded clay. Expanded clay must be covered in a thick layer, which limits the possibilities of its use.

Vapor-permeable insulation, which goes well with wooden floors, absorbs moisture and requires high-quality waterproofing. With underfloor heating systems, insulation with a reflective layer is used. The higher the requirements for thermal insulation, the denser the material should be used, or the thickness of the insulation layer will have to be increased.

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

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

Option #1 - polystyrene foam

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

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

Foam plastic is used as floor insulation when installing a floating screed. Then it is filled with a layer of cement or concrete. You can lay slabs in the spaces between the joists during construction wooden floors. Another way is to lay the slabs on a concrete floor, and on top of them are sheets of plywood.

Expanded polystyrene is not afraid of moisture, so it can be widely used for insulating floors on balconies and in rooms with high humidity levels

Option #2 - expanded clay

Expanded clay is one of the most accessible inexpensive materials. It is used both when falling asleep under gypsum fiber boards, and added to concrete. Expanded clay is also used to construct a floating floor screed when concrete or cement mortar is poured on top of it.

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

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

Option #3 - polystyrene concrete

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

Almost all materials, including tiles, can be laid on top of a layer of polystyrene concrete. In addition, it will create a perfectly flat surface for self-leveling floors.

Option #4 - glass wool and mineral wool

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

Place mineral wool and glass wool between the joists. But the composition of these materials makes us think: the release of dangerous chemicals, although within safe standards, is still present.

Laying mineral wool between wooden floor joists

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

Option #5 - cork material

To insulate the floor lightly, safely and thin material, use cork fiber. This is the best insulation for linoleum floors. The best, but also one of the most expensive. In addition to thermal insulation qualities, it is durable and moisture resistant.

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

Option #6 - sawdust insulation

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

Option #7 - ecowool

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

Ecowool has soundproofing and thermal insulation properties, completely safe. But such material is afraid of moisture. Therefore, it is laid only in places where there is no likelihood of increased humidity levels. It is used most often when laying wooden floors.

Option #8 - penoizol

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

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

Option #9 - foil insulation

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

As you can see, there are plenty of materials to insulate your floor, no matter what room it is in. It is important to take into account all the nuances and choose the most effective and safe insulation.

Such insulation may consist of a layer of mineral wool or polystyrene foam and a layer of foil. It is produced in the form of slabs and rolls. They are sheathed with it wooden floors or placed under heated floors

An additional option is the “warm floor” system

More and more people are choosing a heated floor system. In the case of a water system, under the floor surface through which hot water will circulate. The method is effective, but troublesome. After all, in addition to the pipes themselves, you will need risers, manifolds, shut-off valves, and automatic control(disconnections).

For installation modern systems underfloor heating As a rule, polymer pipes are used. Such pipes are very durable, resistant to thermal aging, have ductility and flexibility, and are not afraid of corrosion.

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

There are also. Such floors are much easier to install and use. Film heated floors do not require screed and are very quickly installed and connected. Linoleum, tiles, parquet, and laminate can be laid on top of such a floor. This system can be easily removed and moved to another room.

The convenience and efficiency of heated floors makes them the most popular for residential and public premises (kindergartens, schools, sports complexes).