Insulation of walls with Isover insulation. Video

The article will discuss what isover insulation is, how it is produced, what technical characteristics it has, what disadvantages the products of the French concern “Saint-Gobain” have, what types of presented material are most popular in our domestic market. Photos and videos will reveal the nuances of installing slabs and rolls.

What is isover

Isover is a material that is used to insulate flat surfaces. It is produced by the French company Saint-Gobain. The name of the insulation comes from two French words“isolation” – insulation and “verre” – glass. It explains what it is made of. There are two forms of French insulation on the domestic market. There are slabs and rolls. They are formed using fiberglass and basalt wool. Each variety has its own technical characteristics. They determine the scope of use.

The basis of the material is fiberglass and basalt wool. When making slabs or rolls, recycled soda, limestone and sand are added. The use of recycled materials allows us to reduce the cost of the finished product, so French insulation has a very affordable price.

The manufacturing technology of isover is extremely simple:

Listed Components recyclable materials are mixed among themselves, to them are added other minerals, mixture heats up up to 1300C and transforms into a plastic mass, similar to liquid glass.

She poured into the tank. In its walls there is microscopic holes.

Capacity unwinds like a drum and spins with high speed. Centrifugal force forces the loaded substance through microscopic holes. In this manner the thinnest threads are formed.

The threads are mixed with a special adhesive composition. A viscous mass is formed.

She goes to oven-dryer.

There the workpiece passes through the rollers. With their help formation is formed.

At the final stage he cut into required dimensions. The maximum possible dimensions are 610x1170 mm, the thickness of the slab can vary from 5 to 10 cm.

Specifications

The material obtained by the method described above has unique properties. The layers have high elasticity, low thermal conductivity (0.041), and low weight. For insulation materials, these characteristics are very important. Given that correct installation technical characteristics do not change over time, which ensures maximum heat savings throughout the entire operation of a residential or industrial building.

Air bubbles remain between the fibers. They prevent sound penetration. Therefore, using isover for insulation, you can significantly improve the sound insulation of a building. The manufacturer recommends using this material where it is necessary to increase sound insulation without increasing the load on existing surfaces.

The slabs can additionally be treated with water repellents. They make the insulation surface waterproof. When burning, isover does not contribute to the spread of fire; the material has low smoke-generating ability.

On a note! Isover is ideal for insulating log structures, frame or panel houses.

When packaging, the mats are pressed. As a result, their volume is reduced by 60%. This greatly facilitates the transportation of insulation. After removing the packaging, the mats easily restore their shape. They can be used for external and interior decoration. During operation, hazardous substances are not emitted from the surface of the isover. chemical elements. No formaldehyde or resins are used in its production. Therefore, the material described belongs to the class of environmentally friendly.

The insulation, which is produced in the form of rolls, comes in two varieties. Single-layer and double-layer rolls are available for sale. They are used to insulate floors or ceilings. The maximum possible roll length is 14 m, standard width is 120 cm.

On our website you can get acquainted with the best construction companies with an impeccable reputation in the market. You can choose from any modern building material. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.

Existing varieties and scope of application

The French concern Saint-Gobain produces various types of insulation materials. On Russian market The most popular are nine types of isover:

Thermal insulation isover KL 34 – unpressed slabs, which have a very wide range of applications, are used for insulation of any vertical And horizontal surfaces. For installation it is being built wooden sheathing. The plates are inserted inside it without additional fastening.

Isover KL 37 – pressed slabs laid in packaging. Used for insulation floors between two adjacent floors, internal walls and roof slopes.

Important! When installing the plates, they must be pressed tightly against each other.

IsoverKT 37 – roll thermal insulation. Used for insulation horizontal surfaces. Izover of this form can also be installed on walls, but only if it is necessary to insulate internal partitions.

IsoverKT 40– two-layer rolls used for insulation ceiling and floor.

Isover « STYROFOAM» 300A material to which structure has been added expanded polystyrene. These are slabs increased rigidity. They are attached to the surface using plastic dowels or special adhesives based on bitumen mastics.

Isover « VENTITERM» – additionally processed slabs water repellent. This is a new product, it is just conquering the market. Its scope of application is insulation facades carried out using the installation of single-layer or two-layer systems.

Insulation isover"pitched roof"- material intended for insulation roofs, to improve sound insulation premises. Produced in the form of slabs with dimensions 610x11700 mm, thickness 10 cm. The material has high elasticity and elasticity, therefore

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.

Isover"sound protection"– a material intended for soundproofing premises. Produced in the form of 5cm thick slabs, it can be used in any climatic zone. Using it, you can improve the sound insulation of the roof, internal and external walls.

Isover"Ventfacade"– two-layer slabs designed for insulation ventilated facades.

Choosing French insulation has its drawbacks. They must be taken into account when purchasing insulation. Since it contains fiberglass, you can only work with the material using protective equipment. You must wear gloves on your hands, pants and a jacket with long sleeves on your body, glasses on your eyes, and a gauze bandage on your face. If this safety precaution is ignored, any contact with the mats or rolls will cause severe skin irritation.

During operation, dust may be emitted from the isover. It will definitely contain particles of fiberglass. Their entry into the human body can provoke the development of diseases. Therefore, when carrying out internal insulation, it is important to cover the material before laying the finishing coating (lining, drywall) vapor barrier film.

Isover cannot boast of high mechanical strength, it is not capable of bearing a load, so improper installation often leads to deformation of the finish. Such defects are often used by insects and mice to colonize.

If the slabs have not been additionally treated with water repellents, they will absorb moisture well. It lingers in the inner layers for a long time, causing the properties of the material to change.

On a note! When the moisture content of fiberglass increases by 1%, the thermal insulation decreases by 10%.

Technology for laying isover from inside walls

To lay mats, it is necessary to construct a sheathing. This can be done using wooden beam or metal profiles used for laying drywall. The pitch of the sheathing should be a centimeter narrower than the width of the insulation. Due to their high elasticity, the slabs are easily inserted into the space between two guides and adhere very tightly to the surface.

The top of the insulation must be covered with a layer of vapor barrier. The film is laid overlapping, the joints are additionally secured with a special vapor barrier tape. The top of such a structure can be covered with plasterboard or the lining can be installed immediately.

Video description

The video shows the technology of wall insulation frame house isover:

Technology for installing isover on the side of the building facade

The sheathing is constructed in increments of a centimeter narrower than the width of the insulation. The slabs are laid inside, and a counter-lattice is attached on top. It should provide an air gap. A waterproof and windproof membrane is attached to it. And the finishing decorative trim (siding or lining) is already attached to it.

Soundproofing technique using isover

To soundproof the lower surfaces, floating floor technology is used. It helps reduce indoor noise levels by 50%. So called because the materials used for finishing, do not come into close contact with the side walls. Therefore, noise waves are not transmitted to them.

To build such a structure, a layer of vapor barrier is first spread on a reinforced concrete base, then an isover is laid on it. Waterproofing material is spread on top. The top of such a cake can be filled with concrete screed or covered with gypsum sheets. Even before starting work, damper tape must be glued to the walls along the entire perimeter of the floor. It will ensure the formation of a technological gap that will not allow noise to move across the floors. The width of the tape should exceed the thickness of the screed by 2-3 cm.

Video description

The video shows the technology of floor insulation using the heat-insulating material “Isover”:

Generalization on the topic

The products of the French concern Saint-Gobain have a wide range of applications. It has unique technical characteristics, boasts durability, versatility and practicality. The materials are easy to install, they are convenient for transportation, they can be used for any geometry, the price per package starts from 300 rubles. Packaging of the most expensive type of material costs around 2,500 rubles.

The question of whether it is worth insulating the walls of a house from the inside still does not have a clear answer. Some experts are ardent opponents of this option. Others, on the contrary, believe that such a solution will create the maximum comfortable conditions for people's lives. It is worth noting that both are right. Everything depends on the specific situation, according to which this or that decision should be made. But even before starting work on insulating the walls of a house from the inside, it is important to study the features of the process and select a safe material.

Main advantages

Insulating the walls of a house from the inside is especially important in apartment buildings. It is sometimes the only option for creating comfortable conditions in those rooms that are adjacent to unheated, cold technical rooms or staircase. You can also insulate walls from the inside in a private house. Such a solution will preserve the original appearance of the facade or increase the amount of heat that will be stored in the building.

Such work refers to non-traditional technologies. Most often, they are recommended in cases where it is simply impossible to arrange external insulation. These are, for example, the same high-rise buildings. After all, sometimes it is very often necessary to maintain heat in the premises of a panel house. Insulating the walls in an apartment from the inside will be the only option when the work can be carried out independently, in the most short time and without obtaining the appropriate permits that are necessary when arranging the facade. As a result, the comfort of housing will increase, and the owners will forget about such troubles as fungus and mold.

Possible problems

Despite certain advantages, insulating the walls of a house from the inside also has a number of disadvantages. It was they who became the reason for the emergence of opponents of this decision. Thus, the presence of insulation on the internal walls of a building contributes to the emergence of such problems as:

-Walls exposed to cold. After all, the supporting structure of the house does not get rid of contact with outside air. This leads to its rapid destruction. Cracks begin to appear on the surface of the walls, because their insulation from the inside takes away a certain part of the heat. And if before the activities the external structures of the building were heated from the inside, then upon completion of the work this process stops.

-Condensation. As you know, droplets of moisture form on a cold surface in contact with warm air. This phenomenon is called the “dew point”. The main goal of thermal insulation of a house is to move such a point beyond the outer structure. Insulating walls from the inside in a private house or in a high-rise apartment leads to the formation of condensation at the boundary between the insulation and its surface. In this regard, the process turns out to be hidden from the owners, and they simply do not notice it. The walls are high humidity become an excellent breeding ground for mold and mildew.

-Reducing the area of ​​rooms. Today the construction industry produces different kinds the most modern materials with fairly high efficiency. However, she has not yet come up with one that, while maintaining high technical characteristics, would be very small in thickness. Insulating a house from the inside will take away from the premises 5 to 10 cm of their space, which will significantly reduce the usable area. At first glance this is not too noticeable. But if you calculate it over the entire building, the figure will be quite impressive.

Based on all of the above, before starting work on insulating the walls of a house from the inside, it is advisable to carefully consider the negative aspects of such a decision. It is necessary to get rid of possible problems already at initial stage, because otherwise the negative result will become noticeable already in the first years of such operation.

Materials

What allows you to use technology that involves insulating the surface of walls from inside the building? These may be the most various materials, having their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. As a rule, the most popular insulation options for such work are mineral wool and foam plastic, penoplex, as well as slabs made from wood fiber. Let's take a closer look at their advantages and disadvantages.

Styrofoam

Very often, owners who decide to insulate a house from the inside opt for this material. After all, it is quite effective and, importantly, has a low cost. As a rule, 5 cm of such a protective layer is sufficient to ensure a comfortable microclimate in the premises.

Foam plastic is most often used to insulate walls in apartments multi-storey buildings. The use of this material allows installation to be carried out quickly, without additional tools and complex processing.

Among the disadvantages of polystyrene foam are the following:

Low strength;

Flammability;

Poor vapor permeability.

The latest forecast helps turn the house into a real greenhouse. In order to avoid this problem, you will need to install forced ventilation, which will require additional labor and financial costs.

Penoplex

The closest relative of foam plastic is extruded polystyrene foam, also known as penoplex. Externally, these two materials are very similar to each other. However, penoplex boards are orange, not white. In addition, it is more durable, which determines its durability.

However, the disadvantages of polystyrene foam in the form of flammability and poor vapor permeability of this material still remain. Insulating the internal surfaces of the walls when using it will not allow the house to “breathe”, which will require the installation of forced ventilation.

Is it possible to use polystyrene foam to create comfortable indoor conditions? Yes, but you will need to prepare in advance for possible problems and eliminate them in time.

This option is more acceptable for a house, as well as one built from lightweight concrete. As for wood, it is usually chosen for the construction of buildings for its ability to “breathe”. But polystyrene foam and penoplex block air flows. This negates all the benefits of wood.

Mineral wool

These insulation materials are also widely used for interior cladding. What is attractive about this material is its inexpensive price. Experts recommend using mineral wool in hard slabs to insulate the inside of a house wall. This material is easy to install, non-flammable and highly durable.

Rolled products are produced under such brands as Rockwool, Knauf, and Izover. She has good:

1. Thermal conductivity. This allows the use of a thin layer of insulation.
2. Soundproofing. The use of glass wool provides excellent protection against street noise. Such properties of the material are facilitated by the presence between its fibers. air gap.
3. Vapor permeability.
4. Tensile strength.
5. Resistant to biological influences, for example, to rodents.

This insulation is also supported by its high service life. It has been successfully performing its functions for fifty years. In addition, mineral wool has low density and light weight.

However, it is worth keeping in mind that this material perfectly absorbs water, after which it ceases to function according to its intended purpose. To prevent this from happening, provide a vapor barrier and waterproofing in the form of a film or membrane. The first protects the insulation from the supply side warm air, and the second - from the cold side.

Fiberboard

Insulation from the inside can be carried out using They have:

Good noise absorption and thermal insulation;

Unattractive to rodents and insects;

Good resistance to moisture and temperature changes;

Easy to process using any tools;

Easy installation;

Convenient for wiring.

However, it is worth keeping in mind that fiberboard boards are subject to treatment with toxic substances. This poses a danger to humans. That is why this material is most often used for exterior decoration.

Insulation of frame houses

Anyone who has decided to improve the comfort of their home will need to check its condition. If any defects are detected, they will need to be eliminated before work begins. Wall insulation frame house from the inside will require cleaning them and removing foreign objects. An important point will also be getting rid of gaps in structural elements. To do this you will need to use polyurethane foam. If the wood of the walls is damp, then it is dried using a hair dryer.

When insulating the walls of a house from the inside with your own hands, you will need to go through two stages. The first of these is the installation of waterproofing. The second stage involves laying a layer of thermal insulation.

The waterproofing is pre-cut into strips corresponding to the size of the walls and attached to them. Next, the insulation is laid, placing it between the racks of the pre-arranged sheathing. The material selected to create a comfortable temperature in the room is pre-cut into strips corresponding to the area of ​​the walls. At the same time, their size may exceed the required by 5 cm. This nuance allows you to lay the insulation more tightly. This will increase the effectiveness of its use.

Insulation of wooden houses

Work in such buildings begins with the installation of sheathing, which is installed on the load-bearing walls. In this case, it is recommended to use timber. Wall insulation wooden house from the inside using a metal profile makes sense in cases where in the future they will be covered with moisture-resistant plasterboard.

To create smooth and correct angles prepare corner posts from timber with a cross section of 50 x 100 mm. Their height should be equal to the height of the room. Along the edge of such a beam, a second one with a smaller cross-section (50 x 50 mm) is reinforced with self-tapping screws. Such a solution will allow you to secure the selected material inside the created structure.

Insulating the walls of a wooden house from the inside will require their pre-treatment with a special liquid. This will protect the surface from rotting and burning.

The next stage of insulating the walls of a wooden house from the inside with your own hands is the installation of bars, which are attached in increments of 50 cm. After completing the arrangement of the sheathing, you can begin the process of attaching the material, which is most often mineral wool. The insulation is pre-cut to the height of the walls with a width exceeding the distance between the vertical parts of the structure by 2 cm.

Mineral wool is secured inside the sheathing with anchor bolts. It can be laid in 2 layers, between which the film should be placed.

After fixing the heat insulator, bars measuring 30x40 mm are mounted. Next, the sheathing is carried out using a decorative material chosen by the owners, which could be, for example, lining. By the way, it will allow you to additionally insulate the house. At the same time, the interior will look very attractive.

Insulation of panel houses

In order to create a comfortable temperature in such a building, mineral wool is usually used. In addition, wall insulation in panel house the inside can be made of penofol and fiberboard, foamed polyurethane and balsa wood.

How is such work carried out? Insulating walls in a panel house from the inside will require cleaning them of old coatings. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt. The surface should be treated with a primer and antiseptic. After applying the next layer, the wall should be allowed to dry thoroughly. On next stage the surface is leveled with plaster, with all joints covered with mastic, sealant or moisture-resistant solution. Only after this they begin to arrange the heat insulator. The work is completed by installing the facing material, onto which the final finish is applied.

Insulation of brick houses

Buildings made from this material are distinguished by durability and strength. However, brick retains heat much worse than, for example, wood. In order to maintain a comfortable temperature in the premises, you will need to protect the walls from the cold.

Very often, owners insulate walls with isover from the inside in a brick house. is on the list of one of the most popular materials for performing such work. However, it is worth keeping in mind that you cannot leave it open. After all, over time, mineral wool will begin to emit dust, which negatively affects the health of residents. If brick house using of this material If it is insulated correctly, then no problems will arise in the future. In this case, you will only need to waterproof the insulating layers, since they easily absorb moisture, get wet, and as a result lose their properties.

To install an insulating layer of mineral wool with your own hands, you will need to prepare the following materials and tools:

Wooden slats;

Mineral wool;

Film for waterproofing;

Vapor barrier film;

Plaster;

Primer;

Putty knife;

Plywood or drywall.

Installation of mineral wool is carried out after thorough preparation of the walls, which are plastered and primed. There is no need to level such a surface, because later the sheathing will be mounted on it.

After the walls have dried, a layer of waterproofing is attached to them. Next, they begin to form the sheathing, which is made from wooden slats, fastening them together with screws. At the next stage, insulation is installed. A vapor barrier film is placed on top of it and the sheathing slats. This structure is covered with sheets of plasterboard or plywood. The joints of the facing material are sealed with putty.

One of the leading places on the building materials market belongs to the famous French brand Izover, under whose brand a whole series is produced insulation materials, intended for thermal insulation of the house. The product has excellent performance characteristics, which were appreciated by consumers who used it to insulate their home. The material is excellent for internal and external thermal insulation of wooden buildings. Insulating a house with Izover is an excellent way to eliminate heat loss, prevent the entry of cold masses into the room, and increase the comfort of living. In the article we will look at the types and characteristics of heat insulation, and also focus on insulation methods.

The manufacturer produces several product lines, among which there are universal insulation materials that are suitable for thermal insulation of the entire structure. There are also highly specialized materials designed to insulate one or another part of the house: internal and external walls, roofs, floors, baths.

Universal insulation

This group is divided into:

1. "Optimal". The material is made of basalt fiber. It is designed for thermal insulation of all parts of a frame house, with the exception of the foundation. They can be used to insulate roofs, partitions, walls, and floors along joists. It has low thermal conductivity, is not flammable, and can be laid without additional fasteners.
2. "Pro." The insulation is made of fiberglass mats. Can be used for thermal insulation both inside and outside log houses and frame structures. It has very low thermal conductivity. Safe and non-flammable insulation.
3. "Classic". It is also based on fiberglass. It is produced in mats and slabs with a porous structure, due to which it has good thermal insulation characteristics. It is used for various structural elements of a house made of logs and beams, except for surfaces with high loads, including the foundation. Has not high strength, therefore it cannot be used under screed and plaster.
4. "Extra". Fiberglass slab insulation is characterized by increased strength and elasticity, resistance to compression. It has the lowest thermal conductivity compared to other materials from the manufacturer, due to which, when used, heat loss is minimal.
5. « Warm house" This insulation is made from recycled fiberglass. It is suitable for thermal insulation of any parts of the structure. The material goes on sale in the form of slabs, which are convenient to use for vertical surfaces, and rolled mats used for insulating the floor between joists and interfloor ceilings.

Insulation materials for highly specialized work

Among the materials produced under the Izover brand, it is worth mentioning highly specialized mineral wool insulation materials, which are divided into various groups for individual areas of application:

1. Facade insulation. This group of materials is intended for insulating facades under plaster. wet method. The name of each insulation necessarily contains the word “facade”. They are sold in slabs and are made of basalt or fiberglass.
2. Insulation for external and internal walls of a wooden house. This group includes materials that can be used for thermal insulation of suspended structures: under lining, siding, blockhouse and others. All of them are made of glass fiber in the form of slabs, less often in the form of mats.
3. Thermal insulators for roofing. Materials for this purpose undergo additional processing to ensure increased moisture resistance. They are made from basalt and glass fibers in the form of slabs and mats.
4. Materials for floor insulation. Products in this group are distinguished by increased strength and rigidity; they can withstand increased loads well. They are used for flooring with joists and floating floor structures.
5. Insulation for baths and saunas. The main distinguishing characteristic from other groups is a two-layer composition, one layer is mineral wool, the second is a foil coating. The material simultaneously performs two functions - insulation and vapor barrier.

Pros and cons of the material

Despite the fact that each product has its own specifics, it is possible to identify common positive and negative aspects of all Izover brand insulation.

Advantages:

• low thermal conductivity;
• good sound absorption;
• high degree of vapor permeability;
• water resistance;
• non-flammability;
• light weight of slabs.

However, the material also has some disadvantages:

1. Formaldehyde resins are used to bind the components, which calls into question the environmental friendliness of the insulation.
2. During installation, small particles of material may get into the Airways Therefore, the use of protective equipment is mandatory.
3. In direct contact with water, the insulation absorbs moisture, which requires good waterproofing, especially when laying the material on the facade and roof of a log house.

Thermal insulation of log walls with Izover

1. Mounted on walls wooden frame from beams, the distance between the posts should be 10 mm less than the width of the insulation.
2. Insulating material is laid in the gaps between the posts. It should fit very tightly, usually no additional fixation is required.
3. A vapor barrier membrane is spread horizontally on top of the thermal insulation. The canvases are laid overlapping, and their joints are sealed with adhesive tape.
4. A counter-lattice is mounted on the racks to create an air gap, and sheets of drywall, lining or other finishing material are fixed to it.

According to these instructions, walls are insulated both outside and inside a wooden house.

How to insulate a roof with your own hands

1. Wooden posts are installed at a distance of 60 cm from each other.
2. A windproof membrane is spread over the frame; it is necessary that it completely covers inner part roofs and wooden sheathing elements.
3. The width of the insulation roll is 1220 mm; cutting it in half produces two strips of 610 mm each.
4. The cut parts are installed between the bars; due to their size, they will fit snugly against the racks.
5. The entire insulating structure is covered with a vapor barrier film.
6. To create a ventilation gap, a counter-lattice is installed, which is then covered with a decorative coating.

How to insulate a floor along joists with slab material is described in detail in the article. Work with Izover is carried out in a similar way. Here we will describe the main points of wet insulation.

1. The concrete base is covered with a waterproof film.
2. A special damper tape is installed along the entire perimeter of the room; it should cover part of the floor and the wall, while its height should be 15 cm higher than the level of the screed.
3. Insulation boards are laid.
4. To protect the material from moisture penetration, another layer of waterproofing is laid on top of the thermal insulation; the sheets should overlap each other by about 20-25 cm.
5. The cement screed is poured, after it has completely dried, the excess tape is cut off and the finishing floor covering is laid.

How is thermal protection of a bathhouse performed with Izover

The work is carried out in the following sequence:

1. The first stage of work is the installation of frame sheathing, as indicated above.
2. Between vertical posts the insulation is laid at random. The foil side should face outward to provide a reflective effect.
3. The heat insulation boards are glued together with adhesive foil tape.
4. Additional slats 2.5-3 cm thick are mounted on top of the insulation perpendicular to the posts of the main frame. They will press the insulation more tightly to the wall and also create a gap between the insulation and the decorative cladding.
5. The final stage is covering the walls with clapboard, which is attached to the counter-battens.

Instead of a conclusion

Despite the fact that Izover is an easy-to-use material, insulating a house with it is not as easy as it seems. There are many nuances in the thermal insulation of a log and timber house, known only to specialists. After all, wood is a living material, and working with it is quite difficult, so you should not rely on your own strength in this work.

The Master Srubov company offers its thermal insulation services wooden houses residents of Moscow and the region. We will choose the best insulation option, make an accurate calculation of materials and carry out all the work with high quality. We have already insulated hundreds of houses and received grateful reviews from our clients. We will carry out the work at a high professional level and meet the deadlines.

On the page you will find all the ways to contact us.

On the market building materials Nowadays, there is such a wide variety of insulating materials that it often even makes choosing difficult. They differ in the base material and form of manufacture, in the area of ​​application and, of course, in the reputation of the manufacturing company. The cost of insulation is often quite considerable, so it is understandable that consumers want to give their money for a guaranteed quality product. This means that it is best to choose the original products of well-known brands, among which “Isover” (in Russian transcription - “isover”) is one of the leaders in terms of the effectiveness of thermal and sound insulation of buildings, and in terms of its reliability and durability.

Isover insulation, the technical characteristics of which will be further discussed in this publication, is widely used in various fields. Materials of this trademark They are famous for their effective protection of residential, public, industrial, and utility buildings and structures from cold, heat and external noise, and there is no doubt about their high quality.

A few words about the insulation manufacturing company “Isover”

The manufacturer “Isover” is a company that is part of the largest international association “Saint Gobain”, which produces a huge and comprehensive range of modern building materials. "Saint Gobain" unites more than a hundred industrial companies and organizations engaged in innovative developments in the field of construction. It's hard to even imagine, but the history of this manufacturer goes back to XVII century– Are there many companies in the world that have already celebrated their 350th anniversary?!

Vast, centuries-long experience, the ability to properly organize the activities of all levels, the constant independent development of innovative technologies and much more - all this is the basis for the fact that the manufacturer has become the undisputed leader in the production of materials that allow creating zones of the most comfortable living space.

Saint Gobain works in a variety of areas. These are high-tech materials, regular flat glass and those created for special applications, construction products, which include insulation, drywall and other gypsum-based products, building mixtures, tiles and façade cladding, acoustic panels for walls and ceilings, complex drainage systems, plumbing and sewer pipes, and much more.

In addition to the Isover insulation materials discussed in this publication, which are produced in various modifications, the company also produces technical thermal and sound insulating materials under the Isotec and Isoroc brands.

The company has been operating in Russia for more than 20 years, producing various building materials, including mineral insulation based on basalt and fiberglass. The plant for their production has been operating for more than 10 years in Yegoryevsk (Moscow region), and in 2011, as part of a business expansion strategy, Saint Gobain acquired the Minvata plant in Chelyabinsk, which, after a radical re-equipment, is now Insulation is produced based on stone fibers.

All enterprises of this association successfully undergo certification of the international standard of environmental management, therefore insulation products are considered environmentally friendly products. The company puts its products in the same group for their environmental friendliness as materials such as linen and cotton, and they comply with European and international standards - EN 13162 - ISO 9001, as well as the Saint Gobain group's own, extremely strict standards.

Main types of thermal insulation “Isover”

So, insulation materials from this manufacturer can be made from glass or basalt fibers. Such specific structures are obtained by processing quartz sand, broken glass or mineral rocks of the basalt group - melting them and then stretching them using TEL fiberization technology. The resulting thin, almost microscopic threads with a thickness of 4–5 microns and a length of 110–150 microns are connected to each other with special resins.

Isover mineral insulation is produced in mats, which are then rolled into rolls, and in slabs. Both can have different thicknesses and several linear dimensions, depending on their purpose and recommended installation technology.

The main lines of this material are divided into types according to their areas of application in construction and into universal ones. For example, the purpose of many insulation materials is clear from the name:

• "Isover Warm Home Stove"
• "Isover Warm Home"
• "Isover Warm walls"
• "Isover Warm Roof"
• "Isover Sauna"

And the following types can be safely classified as materials of universal purpose:

• "Isover Optimal"
• "Isover Pro"
• "Isover Classic"
• "Isover Extra"

Each of the above insulation materials has its own characteristics that correspond to its area of ​​application. They will be discussed below.

In addition, Isover produces heat and sound insulators for floors, interior partitions, ceilings and suspended systems, and materials for walls are divided into those used for internal surfaces and for building facades.

There is another criterion for the division of insulation materials “Isover” - by rigidity. The designation has alphabetic symbols applied to the packaging, and its interpretation is given in the table below. This parameter is closely related to such characteristics as the density of the material, its thermal conductivity, and the degree of its compression in the original packaging (many types, after opening the packaging, significantly increase in thickness of the plate or mat).

Table of division of “Isover” insulation by degree of hardness:

Insulation marking	Average density, kg/m³	Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m×°K	Compression ratio in original packaging
KT-II– elastic mats in rolls	11÷13	0,041	1:4
CT– elastic mats in rolls	17	0,036	1:4
KL-A– elastic plate	17	0,041	1:1,5
KL– elastic plate	19	0,033	1:1,4
RKL– hard plate, fiberglass reinforced at both sides	60	0,030	No
RKL-A– windproof rigid slab (with tongue-and-groove connection)	60	0,030	No
RKL-EJ– plate of increased rigidity (with tongue-and-groove connection)	95	0,031	No
SKL– semi-rigid slab	50	0,031	No
VKL– hard plate	130	0,032	No

General advantages and disadvantages of Isover insulation

Before moving on to a detailed consideration of the technical characteristics of each type of Isover insulation, it makes sense to obtain information about them general features, which are inherent in each of these products.

The positive characteristics of this material include the following qualities:

• Low thermal conductivity allows the heat generated by heating units to be retained in the house for as long as possible, which means that less fuel will be spent on heating the building, and the owner will save a decent amount on its payment.
• A high level of absorption of sound waves - this quality will reliably protect the house from external noise, and rooms (when using the material in the construction of partitions) from extraneous internal sounds. Good performance is achieved thanks to the structure of the material, since the air gap between the fibers is capable of absorbing vibrations. Any, in fact, of the Isover insulation performs two functions at once: it thermally insulates the room and makes it as quiet as possible. But in addition, the manufacturer produces a material specifically designed for noise protection.
• A high level of vapor permeability is one of the most important qualities for insulation. This material is also called “breathable”, since it does not collect or retain moisture in its structure, which means that it will not create a favorable environment for the appearance of pathogenic microflora, and the walls will not become damp. In addition, the property of freely transmitting water vapor makes the insulation more durable in its direct functionality, since the thermal conductivity of an over-moistened material sharply increases, and it becomes unable to provide proper thermal insulation of building structures.
• The non-flammability of Isover heat insulators makes them absolutely safe. The material is classified according to the NG flammability scale, that is, according to the highest level of fire resistance, which means it can be safely used in the construction of frame, cobblestone and log houses.
• “Isover” - slabs and mats are lightweight, so they can be used for insulation of buildings in which excessive load on load-bearing structures is unacceptable.
• The service life of insulation, subject to installation technology and operating rules, is 50 years or more.
• “Isover” insulation materials are treated with water-repellent agents, that is, water-repellent compounds, so they have a fairly high moisture resistance.
• Affordable price. Compared to other similar materials, Isover products have a price that is quite acceptable for a family with an average income.

However, the heat insulators from this manufacturer also have their own “disadvantages”, which for some may be significant, so they also need to be mentioned:

• Since the binders for basalt and glass fibers are usually phenol-formaldehyde resins, the material cannot be called absolutely clean from an environmental point of view. The fact is that over time, such compounds can begin to release toxic fumes into the environment that are dangerous to human health.

Despite the fact that the manufacturer positions its products as absolutely “clean”, this still has to be treated with a certain amount of distrust. They have not yet gotten rid of binding resins - and although the emission of formaldehyde has indeed been reduced to a possible minimum, it is too early to talk about its complete absence.

It should be noted here that almost all insulation of this type includes these binders. There are certain exceptions, but they are still so expensive that not every homeowner can afford such thermal insulation.

• Despite the fairly high moisture resistance, it is impossible to exclude waterlogging of the material in direct contact with water. Thus, a thermal insulation structure, for example, on a facade or on a roof, must also include a reliable waterproofing layer.
• Since for the manufacture of any mineral wool the finest fiber is used, which has a relative rigidity, during installation its smallest particles can get into the respiratory tract and eyes, as well as stick into open areas skin. Therefore, this factor complicates the process somewhat. installation work due to the need to use protective equipment.

In addition, when insulating a house internally, mineral wool must be hermetically sealed with a dust-proof material so that fiber particles do not enter the air of living spaces.

• The manufacturer calls the advantage of insulation materials their non-flammability. However, it should be noted that some types of insulation (this applies to a greater extent to foil ones) are not non-flammable, but self-extinguishing, that is, they do not allow fire to spread. They can be used for buildings raised from any material, but at the same time complying with the fire safety requirements prescribed in SNiP 21-01-97.

Read interesting information, in our new article on our portal.

Characteristics of thermal insulation materials “Isover” and recommendations for their use

Now, having familiarized yourself with the information about the main “pros” and “cons” of “Isover” thermal and sound insulators, you can move on to considering the detailed technical characteristics of each of them.

Prices for “Isover” insulation

Isover insulation

Universal insulation materials "Isover"

The company produces not only insulation materials for narrowly targeted applications, but also universal ones that can be used for different building structures. These materials include: “Optimal”, “Profi”, “Classic” and “Extra”, as well as “Warm House Stove” and “Warm House”.

Their technical and operational characteristics are given in the table:

	"Isover Optimal" (stove)	“Isover Pro” (mats in rolls)	"Isover Classic" (slabs)	“Isover Classic” (mats in rolls)	"Isover Extra" (stove)
	0.037÷0.040	0.036÷0.040	0.038÷0.041	0.038÷0.041	0,034
	45	45	54	54	55
	1,0	1,0	1,0	1,0	1,0
Vapor permeability mg/m×h×Pa	0,3	0,3	0,55	0,55	0,55
Insulation density, kg/m³	28÷36.5	28÷36.5	15,0	15,0	20,0
Flammability group	NG	NG	NG	NG	NG
Thickness, mm	50; 100	50;100;150	50; 100	50	50; 100
Width, mm	600	1220	610	1220	610
Length, mm	1200	5000; 5000; 4000	1170	6150; 8200	1170
	0,288	0,61; 0,61; 0,73	0,5; 0,5	0,75; 1,0	0,5
	5,76; 2,88	12,2; 6,1; 4,88	10,0; 5,0	15; 20	10,0; 5,0
	8; 4	2 (20 slabs); 1 (10 slabs); 1 (8 plates)	14; 7	2	14; 7

"Isover Optimal"

“Isover Optimal” is a universal material made from basalt fibers, which is used for insulation and sound insulation of all sections of a frame house structure, except for the foundation - this is the roof, ceilings, walls, partitions and floors along the joists.

In this option, in accordance with its name, we found the optimal combination of various material qualities:

— low thermal conductivity and excellent elasticity;

— simple installation that does not require additional fasteners;

— multifunctionality of use;

• The first step is to install timber racks with a pitch of 590 mm on the insulated surface or in the frame. This “clear” distance will help the slabs of heat and sound insulating material to securely fasten against each other. The thickness of the beams of the racks or logs should be equal to the thickness of the heat insulator.

• The next step is to install insulation boards between the sheathing elements in one or two layers, which need to be pressed at the ends.
• If the wall of a frame house is insulated, then outside the insulation is covered with a wind-waterproof membrane, and from the inside with a vapor barrier film. These materials are stretched horizontally along the frame, starting from the bottom line of the wall, and secured to the frame posts using staples and a stapler. The top sheet must be overlapped with the bottom sheet by 120÷150 mm; the joints of the membranes must be sealed by gluing moisture-resistant adhesive tape on them.
• After this, a counter-lattice is attached to the frame, on top of the film, onto which the facing material will be fixed. Thanks to this approach between insulation and decorative finishing a ventilation gap is created, facilitating the spontaneous removal of water vapor and evaporation of condensate.
• The final stage is to attach it to the frame structure, first from the street side, then from the inside of the house.

"Isover Pro"

"Isover Pro" is made from fiberglass in the form of mats rolled into rolls. This insulation is also universal, as it can be used for thermal insulation of roofs of various shapes, walls inside and outside, frame walls, attic floors, floors, suspended ceilings, as well as soundproofing of interior partitions.

This insulation has its own advantages that distinguish it from other Isover products:

• “Isover Pro” has one of the lowest thermal conductivity values ​​of all materials from this manufacturer.
• Due to the fact that special markings are applied to the mat, it is convenient to cut. At the same time, even if it is insulated non-standard design, the material leaves a minimum of waste.
• The insulation is produced different thicknesses– 150, 100 and 50 mm.
• This version of the heat insulator belongs to the “NG” group in terms of flammability.
• The manufacturer positions it as a material safe for human health.

Installation work using this material is easy and quick, since the roll on the packaging has the markings necessary for cutting. Therefore, the mats are cut to the required width without unrolling the roll.

• The first step is to install racks with a standard pitch of 600 mm for sheathing. The roll width is 1220 mm, it is cut in half and two strips 610 mm wide are obtained. Thanks to this size, the mats will be tightly installed between the posts or laid apart between the joists.
• The cut roll is released from the packaging, unfolded and installed between the frame elements. If the insulation strip is not additionally cut across the slabs, this will help avoid the formation of cold bridges.
• The non-standard arrangement of the frame posts will complicate installation. In this case, before cutting the mat, it is necessary to measure the distance between the frame elements, not forgetting to add 5 mm to the resulting distance for spacer on each side.
• If the attic structure is being insulated, then before installing the insulation, a windproof film is attached to the outside of the roof.
• After the Isover insulation is installed, it must be tightened from the inside with a vapor barrier, the membrane of which is stretched horizontally, starting from the attic floor.

"Isover Classic"

Due to the fact that “Isover Classic” is universal, it can be used to insulate almost all building structures, excluding the base, foundation and surfaces that bear high loads. They heat and sound insulate frame structures - partitions and external walls, roofs and ceilings, ventilated facades and joist floors.

“Isover Classic” is a fiberglass insulation produced in the form of mats in rolls and slabs, with low rigidity. This means that it has a pronounced porous structure, which makes this material a good insulator.

However, this type of insulation does not have high strength characteristics, and therefore is not suitable for installation under screed and for finishing walls with plaster. If you plan to use it to insulate the facade, then only under materials such as siding, lining or slabs fixed to the sheathing.

"Isover Classic" has the following distinctive features:

• A layer of this insulation 50 mm thick is equivalent in terms of heat conservation to brickwork 950 mm thick.
• By using “Isover Classic” as home insulation, you can reduce the cost of heating a building by 40–45%.
• The material performs two functions at once - protecting the house from cold and external noise.
• The slabs are installed without the use of additional fasteners - they are installed between the elements of the sheathing or joists and fit tightly to them, eliminating the occurrence of cold bridges.

• If the floor is insulated using joists, it is recommended that they be secured to glassine previously spread on the base.
• The width of the Isover Classic slabs is 610 mm, and the width of the mats is 1220 mm, so the distance between the floor joists or sheathing posts should be 600 mm.
• The roll is cut crosswise in half when packaged. The manufacturer prudently puts markings on the packaging that will make it easy to navigate when cutting the material.
• Then, the insulation boards are laid, and the mats are rolled out between wooden elements designs. Due to the fact that the heat insulator is 10 mm wider than the distance between the joists, it will fit snugly between them.
• The insulation should fill the entire space between the beams. Only in this case can the desired effect of heat preservation and protection from outside noise be achieved.
• If the insulation is installed in two layers, then the mats of the second layer must be laid or installed with their joints offset by 120÷150 mm relative to the first.
• It is recommended to use the material in combination with a wind-waterproof film and a vapor barrier membrane.

"Isover Extra"

“Isover Extra” is an insulation made of fiberglass in the form of slabs that have increased elasticity with a 3D effect, which allows the material to expand after being compressed, filling all the free space between the beams or metal profiles in plasterboard systems. In addition, the slabs fit tightly to the wall when insulating vertical surfaces, and are also tightly connected to each other at the joints, which completely eliminates the appearance of cold bridges.

Thanks to these features, Isover Extra insulation is universal and is used for thermal insulation of walls from the inside of premises, facade surfaces for covering them with brick, siding, lining and decorative slabs, roofs of various modifications.

“Isover Extra” has a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.034, which makes it one of the most effective heat-saving insulation materials presented by Isover - its use reduces heat loss to a minimum.

Installation of this type of insulation is carried out according to the manufacturer’s recommendations given above, taking into account the width of the slabs and the distance between the frame elements. The only thing I would like to add is that, thanks to the 3D effect, there is no need to level the insulated surface for installation of “Isover Extra” - due to expansion, it will fit tightly to it.

"Isover Warm House Stove" and "Isover Warm House"

These two thermal insulation materials can also be called universal, since they are suitable for installation on most construction sites. Their main characteristics, which differ slightly from each other, are shown in the table:

Basic parameters of insulation	"Isover Warm Home"	"Isover Warm Home Stove"
Thermal conductivity coefficient, at 10˚С, W/m×˚С	0,040	0,040
Airborne noise insulation index Rw (dB)	45	45
Moisture absorption during partial immersion in 24 hours, kg/m², no more	1,0	1,0
Vapor permeability mg/m×h×Pa	0,55	0,55
Insulation density, kg/m³	11,0	11,0
Flammability group	NG	NG
Thickness, mm	50	50 and 100
Width, mm	1220	610
Length, mm	5490 and 7000	1170
Volume of insulation in packaging, m³	0.67 and 0.85	0.5 and 0.5
Insulation area in packaging depending on thickness, m²	13.4 and 17.1	10 and 5
Number of mats per package, depending on thickness, pcs.	2 and 2	14 and 7

“Isover Warm House Stove” and “Isover Warm House”, as can be seen from the table above, have the same physical and operational characteristics and differ only in linear dimensions and volume. Both materials are made from fiberglass obtained by processing a specially selected mixture of limestone, sand and soda. However, it is more convenient to use slabs for insulation in one area, and mats in another.

• "Isover Warm Home Stove", as the name suggests, is produced in slabs, which are more convenient to use for thermal insulation of vertical surfaces, both inside and outside, as well as for insulation with them

• "Isover Warm Home" It is produced in the form of mats and is sold in rolls. This modification of the insulation is perfect for installation on horizontal surfaces. So, they insulate interfloor ceilings, they insulate floors above a cold basement well, but they are mounted only between joists, and this material is not suitable for screeding.

Having dealt with the universal “Isover” insulation, you can move on to considering those that are intended for specific areas of the building.

Isover mineral wool for specific applications

For individual areas of thermal insulation of buildings, the manufacturer has developed several types of specific materials. Therefore, to make it easier to understand their models, they should be combined into groups.

Insulation of the facade for further plastering

To insulate this part of the building, several “Isover” materials are used - these are “Facade-Master”, “Plaster Facade”, “Facade” and “Facade-Light”. Each of them is designed for specific surfaces, so their characteristics differ from each other:

Basic parameters of insulation	"Isover Facade-Master" (slab)	"Isover Plaster Facade" (slab)	"Isover Facade" (slab)	“Isover Facade-Light” (slab)
Thermal conductivity coefficient, at 10˚С, W/m×˚С	0.036÷0.040	0.038÷0.040	0.037÷0.042	0,034
Airborne noise insulation index Rw (dB)	45	45	45	55
Moisture absorption during partial immersion in 24 hours, kg/m², no more	1,0	1,0	1,0	1,0
Vapor permeability mg/m×h×Pa	0,3	0,4	0,55	0,4
Insulation density, kg/m³	125,0	80,0	125÷155	50,0
Flammability group	NG	NG	NG	NG
Thickness, mm	50, 100, 150,200	50, 100, 150	50, 100,150	50, 100,150
Width, mm	600	600	600	600
Length, mm	1200	1200	1200	1200
Volume of insulation in packaging, m³	0,288	0,288; 0,288; 0,216	0,144; 144; 0,216	0,288; 0,216; 0,216
Insulation area in packaging depending on thickness, m²	1,44; 1,44; 2,16; 1,44	5,76; 2,88; 1,44	2,88; 1,44; 1,44	5,76; 2,88; 1,44
Number of mats per package, depending on thickness, pcs.	4,0; 2,0; 2,0; 1,0	8,0; 4,0; 2,0	4,0; 2,0; 2,0	8,0; 3,0; 2,0

• - this is insulation made from basalt fiber (stone wool), and is sold in slabs of different thicknesses. The material is intended for insulating the facade of residential buildings up to 16 meters high, under thin-layer plaster.

Prices for “Facade-master” plaster

Facade master

• It is produced in slabs of glass fiber and is an innovative material for insulating the outside of a building. This material has a more affordable price than the previous one, but is also intended for installation under finishing plaster solutions, which will be applied to their surface in a thin layer.

• are produced in the form of slabs of basalt fiber, and are intended for insulation of facades. The material is usually laid with the expectation of subsequent finishing with decorative plaster.

• - this version of fiberglass façade insulation is used for low-rise buildings and is installed under the finishing with a thin layer of plaster. The material is well suited for insulating country houses and cottages. The insulation is characterized by high strength and rigidity, however, it has less weight compared to insulation for a similar purpose.

• Work on insulating the facade using the “wet facade” technology, that is, with subsequent plastering, must be carried out at a temperature not lower than +5 degrees, having previously protected the walls from possible direct ingress of water. Usually, for this purpose, a temporary structure is installed from timber or metal profiles, which serves as a frame for polyethylene film.
• Installation of insulation begins from the bottom of the wall. The slabs are fixed to a pre-primed and dried wall using an adhesive solution. The solution must be applied to the surface of the slab so that contact is ensured on at least 40% of the total area of ​​the slab.

• The plates are glued to the wall, pressed tightly against each other. If, due to the incorrect “geometry” of the walls, gaps of more than 2 mm are formed between them, they must be filled with strips of the same insulation.

• After the glue has dried, the insulation is additionally fixed to the wall with special fasteners, the so-called “fungi”.

• The next step is to cover the insulated surface of the wall with a thin layer of adhesive so that the relief of the slabs can be seen through it. Usually the same glue is used as when installing slabs. After this, a thicker layer is applied, about 3÷5 mm, and it is recommended to go over it with a notched trowel with a low comb.

• After this, without a pause, a reinforcing fiberglass mesh is fixed to the prepared surface, which is embedded in the distributed solution using a spatula (trowel). The mesh must be completely immersed in the solution.
• Next, they proceed to applying a thin (about 3÷4 mm) base plaster layer. This may be a special composition intended specifically for “wet facades”, or again the same installation adhesive for mineral wool. This layer is leveled, smoothed, and when ready, primed with a special compound under specific type decorative plaster.
• After the base plaster layer has dried, decorative plaster can be applied to it.

Materials for insulating walls inside and outside

The next line of Isover insulation includes products designed for thermal and sound insulation of walls both inside and outside. These include such universal materials as “Isover Pro” and “Isover Classic Plate”, the characteristics of which are described above, as well as “Isover Warm Walls”, “Isover Warm and Quiet Wall” and “Isover Standard”, the parameters of which are presented in the following table:

Basic parameters of insulation	"Isover Warm Walls" (slab)	“Isover Warm and Quiet Wall” (mats in rolls)	"Isover Warm and Quiet Wall" (slabs)	"Isover Warm and Quiet Wall Plus" (slabs)	"Isover Standard" (slabs)
Thermal conductivity coefficient, at 10˚С, W/m×˚С	0.036÷0.040	0,034	0,037	0,037	0.035÷0.039
Airborne noise insulation index Rw (dB)	45	50	50	54	45
Moisture absorption during partial immersion in 24 hours, kg/m², no more	1,0	1,0	1,0	1,0	1,0
Vapor permeability mg/m×h×Pa	0,3	0,7	0,7	0,7	0,3
Insulation density, kg/m³	20,0	30,0	30,0	30,0	40÷55
Flammability group	NG	NG	NG	NG	NG
Thickness, mm	50, 100	100	50, 100	50	50, 100
Width, mm	610	1220	600	610	600
Length, mm	1170	5000	1200	1170	1200
Volume of insulation in packaging, m³	0,5; 0,5	0,61	0,288	0,356	0,288
Insulation area in packaging depending on thickness, m²	10,0; 5,0	6,1	5,76; 2,88	7,14	5,76; 2,88
Number of mats per package, depending on thickness, pcs.	14,0; 7,0	1,0	8,0; 4,0	10,0	8,0; 4,0

"Isover Standard"

“Isover Standard” are slabs made from basalt fibers, which are used in multi-layer insulating structures in which the decorative finishing is a block house, siding, lining, facing brick, etc. similar materials. In addition, “Standard” slabs are also suitable for thermal insulation of frame structures, as well as for attic and pitched roofs.

• The material has average density, therefore not suitable for installation under plastering walls.
• The good elasticity of the insulation ensures its tight fit to the surfaces of the walls and frame structure.
• Increased tensile and strength parameters ensure reliable fixation of the plates using special clamping “fungi” fasteners.

"Isover Warm Walls"

“Isover Warm Walls” are heat and sound insulating boards made of glass fibers, reinforced with water-repellent treatment.

This type of insulation is used for thermal insulation of walls from the inside of a building and for external installation under siding, decorative boards, clapboard or facing bricks, as well as for installation in frame structures. In addition, the material is suitable for insulating roofs of various configurations, as well as loggias and balconies.

• The insulation boards are quite resilient and elastic, so they adhere well between the frame posts and do not slip or break during installation.
• Increased moisture resistance allows the material to be used for insulating roofs and balconies.

"Isover Warm and Quiet Wall"

"Isover Warm and Quiet Wall" is made from fiberglass in the form of slabs and mats. Thanks to its porous structure, the material is able to perform two functions, which are reflected in its name.

This “Isover” option is used for internal and external wall insulation, as well as for frame buildings.

• “Isover Warm and Quiet Walls” has an increased vapor permeability parameter compared to other insulation materials, which allows it to “breathe”. Thanks to this quality, a favorable microclimate is created in the premises of the house.
• The materials have high elasticity, so they quickly expand in the frame, filling all the free space.
• When installing slabs or mats in any frame, they do not need to be additionally fixed, since they are perfectly held due to expansion when expanding independently.

"Isover Warm and Quiet Wall Plus"

This version of wall insulation is produced in fiberglass slabs and has characteristics similar to the materials presented above. But its distinctive feature is lower thermal conductivity and an increased sound insulation index.

“Isover Warm and Quiet Wall Plus” is intended for insulating walls from the inside of a building, as well as outside under a decorative layer of siding, slabs, lining or facing bricks. In addition, using additional protective materials, such as wind-waterproofing and vapor barrier membranes, frame structures can also be insulated with these slabs.

Recommendations for internal wall insulation from the manufacturer

The work of installing insulating mats or slabs on walls between wooden studs or metal profiles is quite simple, provided that the sheathing elements are correctly marked and installed.

• The first step is to attach the sheathing to the marked wall. The racks are installed at a distance from each other depending on the width of the insulation material. So, if the width of the slab is 600 mm, then the racks need to be fixed in increments of 590 mm.
• Next, insulating material is installed between the fixed posts. It can be installed in one or two layers, depending on the required thickness.
• If a metal profile is used for the frame, you may have to additionally fix the slabs on the wall with disc-shaped dowels - “fungi”. When installing timber sheathing, there is usually no need for additional fixation of the insulation, since it is securely held due to its self-expansion.

• After all the insulation is installed in its place, it must be covered from the room side with a vapor barrier membrane, which will additionally become a layer that will delay the spread of dust, and small particles from mineral wool fibers will not enter the air space of the premises. The membrane sheets are stretched horizontally, starting from the floor, each subsequent strip is overlapped by 120÷150 mm on the bottom, and their joints are sealed with adhesive tape.
• Next, plasterboard slabs, one of the types of lining or decorative slabs are attached to the frame elements.

When installing insulation using this technology on the external surfaces of walls, the work is carried out in a similar way, with the exception of some points. For example, instead of a vapor barrier, a wind-waterproofing diffuse membrane (which allows water vapor to pass through well) is stretched over the insulation, and counter-lattice slats are attached to the racks on top of it, which will create a ventilated gap between the insulation and decorative cladding. Thus, moisture will evaporate freely into the atmosphere.

“Isover” materials for roof insulation

To insulate the roof, the Isover company also provided several heat-insulating materials, and some of them have already been described above - these are the “Optimal” and “Profi” station wagons. In addition to them, there are highly specialized insulation materials “Isover Warm Roof” and “Isover Pitched Roofs and Attics”, the characteristics of which will be discussed further.

Basic parameters of insulation	“Isover Warm roof” (mats in rolls)	"Isover Pitched Roofs" (slabs)
Thermal conductivity coefficient, at 10˚С, W/m×˚С	0.037÷0.039	0.037÷0.039
Airborne noise insulation index Rw (dB)	45	45
Moisture absorption during partial immersion in 24 hours, kg/m², no more	0,08	1
Vapor permeability mg/m×h×Pa	0,3	0,55
Insulation density, kg/m³	13÷15	15
Flammability group	NG	NG
Thickness, mm	50; 150	50, 100
Width, mm	1220	610
Length, mm	5000; 4000	1170
Volume of insulation in packaging, m³	0,61; 0,73	0,714
Insulation area in packaging depending on thickness, m²	12,2; 4,88	14,27; 7,14
Number of mats per package, depending on thickness, pcs.	2,0; 1,0	20,0; 10,0

"Isover Warm Roof" And "Isover Pitched Roofs"

Both materials are intended for insulation of roof slopes of different configurations, but have different characteristics in terms of release form, linear dimensions and material of manufacture. What they have in common is that insulation materials for this application undergo special treatment using AquaProtect technology, which provides the products with increased moisture resistance.

• "Isover Warm Roof" is made of fiberglass in the form of mats rolled into rolls. They go on sale in plastic packaging, on which markings are applied for ease of cutting the material according to its width.

• “Isover Pitched Roofs” - is made from basalt fibers in the form of slabs, which are compressed and also packaged in polyethylene.

These materials are suitable for thermal insulation of the surfaces of pitched and mansard roofs, and also, by the way, for wall surfaces inside and outside for cladding decorative panels and facing bricks.

The procedure for installing insulation into the roof truss system is described in the “Isover Pros” section

Insulation and soundproofing of the floor

In order to efficiently insulate floors, the manufacturing company has developed two types of special materials - “Isover Floor” and “Isover Floating Floor”, which have different technical and operational characteristics:

Basic parameters of insulation	"Isover Floor" (slabs)	"Isover Floating Floor" (slabs)
Thermal conductivity coefficient, at 10˚С, W/m×˚С	0,036	0,033
Airborne noise insulation index Rw (dB)	32÷36	37
Moisture absorption during partial immersion in 24 hours, kg/m², no more	1	1
Vapor permeability mg/m×h×Pa	0,3	0,3
Insulation density, kg/m³	125	80
Compressive strength at 10% deformation, kPa, not less	8÷20	8÷20
Flammability group	NG	NG
Thickness, mm	30; 40; 50	20; 20; 30; 40; 50
Width, mm	600	1190
Length, mm	1200	1380
Volume of insulation in packaging, m³	0,173; 0,216; 0,216	0,197; 0,296; 0,296; 0,328; 0,328
Insulation area in packaging depending on thickness, m²	5,76; 4,32; 4,32	9,85; 14,78; 9,85; 8,21; 6,57
Number of mats per package, depending on thickness, pcs.	8,0; 6,0; 6,0	6,0; 9,0; 6,0; 5,0; 4,0

These materials have a common purpose, and therefore similar characteristics. During their development, the manufacturer achieved optimal combination damping properties and mechanical characteristics. Both types of insulation are easy to install, but their installation technologies differ from each other.

The products not only insulate surfaces, but also significantly reduce the noise emanating from the insulated room to the one below, and back.

• "Isover Flor"- These are slabs made of basalt fiber with increased rigidity. They are used for arranging a floating floor, as well as a floor with joists. The design of a floating floor provides greater efficiency in creating a warm and quiet floor, since the insulation in it completely covers the entire surface. The material is adapted to high loads, so it can easily be laid under a concrete screed.

• "Isover Floating Floor"– this version of slabs made of glass fibers is intended to create a “floating” floor – concrete screed, not connected to the walls and foundation. For a tighter connection of the slabs to each other, the manufacturer, at the request of consumers, can produce products with a tongue-and-groove connection. However, jointed boards can only be used on a perfectly level surface.

The products have high strength characteristics thanks to the vertical fiber arrangement technology.

“Floating” is a floor structure that is not fixed to the base, for example, to a floor slab.

If you plan to make a “wet” cement-sand screed covering the insulation, then the slabs laid on the base must be covered with a layer of waterproofing. This material is intended to protect the insulation from moisture penetration from concrete mortar. Waterproofing sheets are laid with an overlap of 200÷250 mm. Waterproofing is also provided between the base and the insulation layer to prevent capillary penetration of moisture into the material.

Prices for Isover flor insulation

Isover flor insulation

In addition, when arranging any room, before installing the insulation, around the perimeter of the room it is necessary to install a damper tape or narrow strips cut from insulation, 10÷12 mm thick, and a height that will exceed the level of the screed by 120÷150 mm.

After the screed has hardened, it will be easy to cut off the excess damper strip. This element of the “pie” structure will enhance sound insulation, since the screed will not be adjacent to the walls and will not directly transmit noise vibrations. In addition, such a damper will keep the screed intact during linear expansion caused by temperature changes.

Isover materials for sound insulation of buildings

To protect the home from external and internal noise, the company produces two types of specific material - “Isover Quiet house" and "Isover Sound Protection". However, in addition to them, the aforementioned universal insulation materials “Classic” and “Pro”, which have characteristics quite suitable for this purpose, can also be used for this purpose.

Basic parameters of insulation	"Isover Quiet House" (slabs)	"Isover Sound Protection" (slabs)
Thermal conductivity coefficient, at 10˚С, W/m×˚С	0,038	0.038÷0.044
Airborne noise insulation index Rw (dB)	54	54
Moisture absorption during partial immersion in 24 hours, kg/m², no more	1	1
Vapor permeability mg/m×h×Pa	0,7	0,55
Insulation density, kg/m³	15	15
Flammability group	NG	NG
Thickness, mm	50	50; 100; 50; 75; 100
Width, mm	610	610
Length, mm	1170	1170
Volume of insulation in packaging, m³	0,5	0,5; 0,5; 0,714; 0,856; 0,714
Insulation area in packaging depending on thickness, m²	10,0	10,0; 5,0; 14,27; 11,42; 7,14
Number of mats per package, depending on thickness, pcs.	14,0	14,0; 7,0; 20,0; 16,0; 10,0

• "Isover Quiethouse»

“Isover Quiet House” - this heat and sound insulator, made of fiberglass, goes on sale in plastic packaging. The material has a high noise absorption index, therefore it is an excellent remedy for soundproofing walls and interior partitions.

In addition, the slabs are laid on horizontal surfaces - between floor joists, attic floor beams, in the space between suspended ceiling and floor slab, etc. Such installation will make the rooms not only quiet, but also warm, since the material performs two functions at once.

• "Isover Sound Protection"

“Isover Sound Protection” are slabs molded from basalt fiber that have pronounced elasticity. Thanks to this quality, they are easy to install in a frame sheathing, installed as a partition or mounted on a wall.

Soundproofing boards can be used in combination with other insulating materials, installing them in two layers. This design will be especially effective for frame partitions.

This material is also perfect for attic floors, since the soundproofing layer will not only prevent extraneous sounds from entering the house, but will also retain the accumulated heat, preventing it from escaping through the ceiling.

Most often, walls and partitions insulated with slabs are sheathed, since it is best suited for such structures.

• The slabs must fit tightly to each other or to the sheathing elements, since even small gaps can significantly reduce the level of sound insulation.
• It is best to cover an insulated wall with plasterboard sheets - it also absorbs sound waves well and resonates much less compared to wood-based sheets - plywood, fiberboard, chipboard, OSB, etc.
• Before sheathing with plasterboard, mineral wool must be covered with a material that does not allow dust, along with microscopic fragments of fibers, into living spaces. At the same time, such a membrane must act as a vapor barrier.
• If metal profiles are used for the frame, it is recommended to stick vibration-proofing tape on their outer surface before fixing the drywall, which will also help reduce the noise level.
• The gaps allowed between the plasterboard sheets will reduce the soundproofing effect, so during installation you should try to ensure that they are not more than 2÷3 mm. If this cannot be achieved, it is best to use silicone and silicone sealants to seal them. acrylic base, since they also have a soundproofing effect, do not crumble and adhere securely to the surface.

Materials for thermal insulation in baths and saunas

For insulation of saunas and baths, in the range of materials from this manufacturer you can find a specific offer - these are rolled mats with the characteristic name “Isover Sauna”.

This material is made from fiberglass and has a foil coating on the front side. The main characteristics of the “Isover Sauna” are presented in the table:

Basic parameters of insulation	"Isover Sauna", mats in rolls
Thermal conductivity coefficient, at 10˚С, W/m×˚С	0,041
Airborne noise insulation index Rw (dB)	54
Moisture absorption during partial immersion in 24 hours, kg/m², no more	1
Vapor permeability mg/m×h×Pa	vapor-tight
Insulation density, kg/m³	30
Flammability group	G1 based on NG
Thickness, mm	50;100
Width, mm	1200
Length, mm	12500; 6250
Volume of insulation in packaging, m³	0,75
Insulation area in packaging depending on thickness, m²	15,0; 7,5
Number of mats per package, depending on thickness, pcs.	1,0

The features of this thermal insulation material include the following points:

• The mats consist of two layers: the main one, made of mineral wool based on fiberglass, and the outer one, made of foil. At the same time, mineral wool is characterized as a non-flammable material, and the foil coating belongs to the G1 flammability class, as it can withstand temperatures on the surface of up to 100 degrees, largely due to the layer of glue that holds the foil. With higher heating, this layer loses its elasticity and, when exposed to direct flame, can ignite, although it is self-extinguishing. To prevent this from happening, and also to make the walls decorative, they are usually lined with wooden clapboard.
• “Isover Sauna” takes on two functions: it is a good heat insulator and at the same time a vapor barrier that protects the mineral layer from abundant evaporation, which is an integral part of a bath or sauna.
• The foil layer has the property of reflecting heat from the walls back into the room, which significantly increases heat conservation, which is so important for bath conditions.

To understand the installation process, you can consider an approximate diagram of the installation of materials:

• The wall of a log house (there may well be any other wall of the bathhouse).
• Timber frame sheathing. In this case, it is installed horizontally, but this is not important.
• Insulation "Isover Sauna".
• Spacer strips creating an air gap.
• Internal lining of premises made of natural lining.

Installing “Isover Sauna” on walls is not very different from installing conventional insulation, except for some nuances:

• The material is mounted between the racks in a spacer, with the foil side facing the inside of the room.
• The joints of the heat insulation plates with the guides and among themselves, as well as the remaining open front part of the guides, must be sealed with foil adhesive tape.

• The mats need to be cut only with a very sharp knife, otherwise the cuts will turn out uneven and when installing insulation between the posts, unacceptable gaps will form.
• Counter battens perpendicular to the guides are installed on top of the insulation. They will additionally press the insulation to the wall, create a ventilation gap between the foil surface and the decorative cladding, and become the basis for attaching the cladding. The thickness of the slats must be at least 25÷30 mm.
• The final stage is covering the wall with clapboard, which is fixed to the counter-lattice slats.

What thickness of Isover material is required for effective thermal insulation?

We hope that after familiarizing ourselves with the range of Isover insulation materials, the purpose and characteristics of each type, the interested reader will be able to choose the optimal material for his needs. But here’s another question: how thick should the insulation be for it to really fulfill its role, so that a comfortable microclimate is maintained in the rooms?

To determine this, you will need to make some thermal calculations. Usually they are carried out by socialists, but for a private developer a somewhat simplified algorithm for determining the thickness of thermal insulation is sufficient. Let's try and you will see that everything is not so complicated.

The calculation is based on the fact that any building structure of a residential building must have a certain parameter - heat transfer resistance. This value (R) is expressed in m²×°C/W, and the larger it is, the higher the thermal insulation capacity of the structure.

Specialists in the field of construction and heating engineering carried out necessary calculations, on the basis of which standardized values ​​of thermal resistance have been established for various regions of the country, in accordance with their climatic characteristics. This suggests that in order to maintain optimal microclimate in residential premises at any time of the year it is required that the heat transfer resistance of building structures is at least not lower than the standardized one.

The corresponding tables of normalized values ​​are in SNiP, but it will be more convenient to use the diagram map given below.

There is a special formula showing the relationship between the thermal conductivity coefficient of any material, the thickness of its layer, and the resulting heat transfer resistance.

R=h/λ

R– required heat transfer resistance;

h– thickness of a specific layer;

λ – tabular value of the thermal conductivity coefficient of the material from which the calculated layer is made.

• Thus, knowing, for example, the thickness of the wall that requires insulation and the material it is made of, it is not difficult to find what thermal resistance it provides.
• The same calculations are made for other layers of the structure if they affect the overall insulation of the wall. After layer-by-layer calculation, the values ​​are summed up.
• Then the total value must be compared with the normalized value established for your region. The result will be a difference (usually quite impressive), which the insulation material must make up for.
• Well, knowing the thermal conductivity coefficient of the selected insulation, it is easy to determine the required thickness using the formula.

“In words” may seem difficult to some, but with our online calculator, which takes into account the necessary table values ​​and enters the necessary dependencies, the calculation will not be difficult.

If the dacha is a favorite place not only for summer holidays, but is also often visited during the cold season, then the premises country house will have to be well insulated. But who said that insulation (it would be more correct to say thermal insulation) should only serve in winter? It is no less necessary in summer heat– the rooms will be kept comfortably cool on the hottest days.

Can be used for thermal insulation work different material. Moreover, the modern range of insulation materials is so rich that it allows you to choose the best option not only in terms of performance characteristics, but also in cost, depending on the family budget. However, it is still always recommended to “bet” on high-quality thermal insulation material, and it must meet a number of important requirements.

In this publication, we will try to figure out which insulation for walls inside a country house looks preferable and why. Let us dwell on another important issue - what thickness of thermal insulation will ensure comfortable conditions in the house at any time of the year.

Requirements for insulation for residential buildings

Any material selected for repair or construction of residential buildings must meet certain physical and technical requirements, sanitary standards, and also be safe to use. Insulation is no exception.

The main criteria for choosing thermal insulators that you need to pay attention to include:

• Environmental Safety. Materials should not only help create a comfortable temperature regime in the house, but also not harm the health of its inhabitants. Therefore, during operation, the insulation should not spoil in any way the healthy atmosphere in the rooms.
• Energy saving characteristics. The insulation must have the lowest possible thermal conductivity.
• Fire safety. Most building materials, including wood, which you cannot do without when building a house, are flammable. However, the danger modern products, produced on a synthetic basis, is not only the possibility of rapid combustion. An equally terrible phenomenon is the release of toxic combustion products. Therefore, when choosing insulation, you should pay attention not only to its flammability class, but also to its smoke-generating abilities. The heat insulator should ideally be non-flammable (NG) or have minimal flammability (G1) (many materials are far from this). Smoke-forming ability is designated by the letter “D”, and its lowest level is D1, which is what you should strive for.
• Soundproofing capabilities. You should not think that this quality is not so important for country houses - after all, there is peace and quiet all around... Even if you move away from a noisy city, you can find a neighbor who likes to listen to loud music, which in silence will be heard over a very long distance. It is impossible in dachas to prohibit neighbors from using power tools, working in personal carpentry workshops, or using equipment to cultivate the area. Other disturbing factors could be a busy highway passing nearby, a railway line, etc.
• Vapor permeability of the heat insulator. With this parameter, since we are talking about insulation from the inside, special care is needed. In fact, when the material is “breathable”, it is generally not bad. But if the vapor permeability of the walls themselves is lower (and this is usually the case), then saturation of the insulation placed in the room with moisture cannot be ruled out. This means that reliable vapor barrier and effective ventilation of rooms are of particular importance. In conjunction with this criterion, the hygroscopicity of the material, that is, its ability to be saturated with moisture, should also be considered. It certainly should be minimal.
• Durability of the material. This factor is also worth paying attention to Special attention, unless, of course, there is a desire to carry out repair work every three to five years. To avoid making a mistake in your choice, you should not purchase insulation from an unverified manufacturer, even if it has a suitable price. In this case, it is better to overpay, but have confidence in the warranty periods specified by the manufacturer.
• The ability of insulation to retain its original shape. This quality can be referred to as the strength of the material. During operation, the insulation is subject to different loads - dynamic, vibration, statistical and others. Under the influence of these influences, low-quality materials can deform or decrease in size, forming “gaps” in the thermal insulation. And the entire insulation system will become ineffective.
• Resistance to biological and chemical influences. When insulating a private home, an important factor is the absence of unwanted “guests”, such as insects and rodents. Therefore, it is worth choosing a material that will not become a favorable environment for their habitat. In addition, the components of the insulation should not be subject to rotting or decomposition under chemical influence. They should not serve as a breeding ground for microflora - mold, mildew, moss, etc.
• Compatibility with building wall material. In order for the insulation to “work” as expected of it, it must combine well with the base material that is intended to be thermally insulated with it. In addition, when choosing the thickness of the insulation, it is also necessary to take into account the thickness and material of the walls of the building. This will be discussed in detail below.

Varieties of modern thermal insulation materials

In order to insulate the walls of any private house from the inside, you can use one or more types of thermal insulation materials. To understand which of them is most suitable for a particular structure, it is necessary to consider the characteristic features of each of them.

So, the following heat insulators are most often used to insulate walls:

• Mineral wool - glass and basalt, for example. This material goes on sale in rolls and mats.
• Expanded polystyrene - produced in rigid slabs.
• Ecowool. This insulation is made from natural cellulose and is sold in bulk or in the form of mats. The loose version of the material can be applied to the walls using the “wet” spraying method or simply poured into the cavity.
• Polyurethane foam and penoizol. These insulation materials are sprayed onto the walls to form a seamless, continuous coating.

You may be interested in information about what characteristics it has

To take the first step towards choosing a material, you should first consider them positive sides and obvious disadvantages:

Illustration	Name of insulation	Advantages of the material	Disadvantages of the material
	Basalt (stone) wool	- flammability class NG; - has low thermal conductivity; - a modified version of the insulation does not absorb moisture.	- hygroscopicity of conventional, unmodified insulation; - high price.
	Glass wool	- has good thermal insulation characteristics; - high vapor permeability; - affordable price.	- belongs to the flammability class G1 (low-flammability); - hygroscopic; - insufficiently high stability of shapes, poor resistance to vibration influences, tendency to gradual caking; - is not environmentally friendly.
	Ecowool	- environmentally friendly insulation; - low thermal conductivity; - long service life; - resistance to biological damage.	- is a low-flammable material - G1; - hygroscopicity; - when laid dry (in bulk), there is a tendency to caking, and therefore requires periodic replenishment of the thermal insulation layer.
		- low thermal conductivity; - moisture resistance; - low weight of slabs; - non-toxic under normal temperature conditions; - has a long service life; - has high mechanical strength; - resistant to biological influences.	- flammable (no matter how much they say otherwise); - when melting and burning under the influence of high temperatures, it emits toxic gases that are dangerous to human life; - not vapor permeable (which, by the way, in certain conditions can be regarded as an advantage).
	Polyurethane foam	- moisture resistant; - has markedly low thermal conductivity; - forms a continuous seamless insulating layer; - long service life; - non-toxic under normal conditions.	- belongs to the flammability group G1 (low-flammability); - not vapor permeable (the controversial nature of the defect has already been discussed); - application requires special equipment and experience working with it; - quite high cost of the material and work on its application.

The table below shows comparative characteristics that allow us to evaluate the parameters of the above materials at the “digital level”:

Name of material	Density, kg/m³	Coefficient of thermal conductivity, W/(m×°С)	Vapor permeability mg/(m/h/Pa)	Moisture absorption kg/m²
Glass wool	15÷40	0.039÷0.046	0.4÷0.6	0.55÷1.0
Basalt wool	30÷50	0.035÷0.042	0.4÷0.6	0.1÷0.5
Extruded polystyrene foam	35÷45	0.030÷0.035	0.0÷0.013	0.01÷0.05
Polyurethane foam	30÷80	0.024÷0.030	0.0÷0.005	0.01÷0.05
Ecowool (mats)	33÷75	0.038 ÷ 0.045	0.3÷0.5	0.3÷0.8

It is necessary to clarify that today modified insulation materials with improved technical and environmental characteristics are on sale. However, their production is carried out only by large manufacturers who are highly responsible for the quality and potential capabilities of their products. Naturally, the cost of such products is much higher, but they will also last longer without harming either the building itself or the health of the house’s residents.

You might be interested in information on how to do it correctly

The parameters of such thermal insulation materials will be presented below.

Basalt thermal insulation

This type of insulation materials is called differently stone wool, since they are produced by melting gabbro-basalt rocks. Products made from these raw materials could be called the best option for thermal insulation of surfaces inside the house. If not for one nuance that will be mentioned.

Basalt insulation has very low thermal conductivity. Materials on stone base are more suitable for insulating residential premises, since their fibers are more elastic. Thanks to this quality, the mats have a higher density and also have high strength characteristics. The fibers have a sufficient degree of elasticity, and therefore are not as brittle as glass wool.

Basalt insulation is manufactured in rolls and mats. Some material options are equipped with a layer of aluminum foil, which can enhance insulation by reflecting heat flows into the room. In addition, the foil becomes a vapor barrier, which is of particular importance in such conditions.

And now - about that very nuance that still calls into question the expediency of such a process as. Let's consider whether it is acceptable to use mineral wool for insulation from the inside?

In general, the optimal structure of an insulating structure is one in which the vapor permeability of each subsequent layer (in the direction from the room to the street) is higher than that of the previous one. In such a situation, water vapor will simply escape unhindered into the atmosphere. Mineral wool placed indoors does not fit these requirements.

The fact is that with such a structure of the thermal insulation “pie”, the dew point will be precisely in the thickness of the mineral wool or on the border between it and the wall. That is, this is where condensation will form during the cold season. Since the vapor permeability of mineral wool will always be higher than that of any wall material, and a high concentration of water vapor in a room is a normal phenomenon; gradual wetting of both the insulation itself and the wall cannot be ruled out.

The solution is to provide an insulating layer reliable vapor barrier from the side of the room so that water vapor simply has no chance of penetrating into the mineral wool. And plus, the house must have effective ventilation. Under such conditions, mineral wool will show all its advantages.

The general characteristics of this insulation were shown in the table above. However, large manufacturers produce improved versions of products, while the technical characteristics of insulation vary in their performance.

« Knauf»

« Knauf"is a well-known German manufacturer of various building materials, famous to the Russian consumer its quality. The company has been supplying its products to Russia for decades and has established the production of materials directly on the territory of the Russian Federation. And these products fully comply with GOST requirements and sanitary and epidemiological standards, which is confirmed by numerous quality certificates.

« Knauf» supplies to the Russian market several brands of basalt insulation, both universal and intended for different areas of the building. For example, the “Insulation” line of insulation products is a professional-class product and is used for thermal insulation of various objects. For private buildings, the manufacturer has provided a separate line of products that takes into account not only the thermal insulation capabilities of the material, but also the “human factor” - these are “TeploKNAUF House”, “TeploKNAUF Dacha” and “TeploKNAUF Cottage”. All heat insulators are vapor permeable and non-flammable (NG).

Their remaining operational characteristics are presented in this table:

It should be noted that the line of insulation materials produced in the form of slabs has been expanded with the products “Cottage+” and “House+”. They differ from the materials named in the table by their thickness of 100 mm.

"Rockwool"

The Rockwool company is constantly working on modifying its products, improving their characteristics. All lines of basalt insulation from this manufacturer belong to the NG class, that is, non-combustible materials.

Despite the very wide variety of thermal insulation products from this manufacturer, for insulating the walls of a country house it would be optimal to opt for “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS SCANDIC” or “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS”

Special processing of the material during its production gives the blocks water-repellent qualities. Particularly convenient is the compact packaging - after opening it, the slabs quickly accept the specified original size. In addition, one edge of the slabs is made “spring-loaded” - for easy and tight installation between the sheathing drains.

The main characteristics of the “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS” heat insulator are as follows:

Operating parameters of insulation	Indicators
Thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m×°C):
- calculated value at t = 10 °C	0,036
- calculated value at t = 25 °C	0,037
- operational under conditions “A”	0,039
- operational under conditions “B”	0,041
Flammability class	NG
Fire safety class	KM0
Vapor permeability (mg/(m²×h×Pa), not less	0.03
Moisture absorption when partially immersed	no more than 1kg/m²
Dimensions	1000×600 mm
thickness	50, 100 or 150 mm

"TechnoNIKOL"

This insulation material is produced by a domestic manufacturer, which is well known to Russian consumers.

Modified basalt wool "TechnoNIKOL" is also a non-flammable material (NG), as the manufacturer reports on its packaging. Thermal insulators of this manufacturer are manufactured under strict control, in accordance with established GOST standards, and also fully comply with the sanitary and epidemiological requirements of the Russian Federation.

This table presents the most popular options for TechnoNIKOL basalt insulation, as well as their technical characteristics:

Material grade		Compressibility, %, no more	Vapor permeability, mg/(m×h×Pa)	Moisture absorption, kg/m²	Density, kg/m³
"Rocklight"	0.037÷0.041	30	0.3	2	30÷40
"Technolight"	0.036÷0.041	20	0.3	1,5	30÷38
"Heat roll"	0.036÷0.041	55	0.3	2	25÷35
"Technoacoustic"	0.035÷0.040	10	0.3	1,5	38÷45
"Technoblock"	0.035÷0.040	8	0.3	1.5	40÷50

For insulating the walls from the inside of a country house, any brands of “Technoacoustic” are well suited as they have a low thermal conductivity coefficient and optimal density. In addition, “Technoacoustic” is designed to insulate the house from external noise, so it can be called a multifunctional material.

Glass wool

Glass wool is made from fibers obtained by melting broken glass and quartz sand, as well as other natural additives. Phenol-formaldehyde resins are used as a binder to join glass fibers into a single structure. Boards and mats acquire rigidity as a result of pressing with simultaneous heat treatment. The heat insulator obtained by pressing glass fibers into blocks or mats has fairly high dimensional stability, but not the most outstanding vibration resistance.

Glass wool is a good sound and heat insulator, is resistant to chemical influences and can withstand temperature changes. Its operating temperature range varies from -60 to + 180 degrees. However, if this is exceeded for now, the fibers themselves are not damaged, but their binding substance is destructured, so the structure of the mats is sintered, deformed or disintegrates.

Experts do not recommend using glass wool for insulation of residential premises. This is due not only to its high hygroscopicity. There is also the possibility of microparticles of fibers getting into the air in the room, which poses a rather serious threat to the health of the residents of the house. Therefore, if for some reason glass wool is chosen for insulation, then after installing it in the sheathing, the thermal insulation should be hermetically sealed plastic film or a vapor barrier membrane. However, as we have seen, basalt wool needs exactly the same protection.

"Isover"

"Isover" is a high-quality heat insulator produced using innovative equipment in accordance with all the requirements of existing standards.

“Isover” is produced in mats and slabs, so it can vary in density. The slab material has a higher density and can be used to insulate walls before plastering. Materials with increased density include “Isover OL-A” and “Isover OL-E”. But plastering mineral wool insulation is only permissible on the outside of the wall.

The manufacturer positions “Isover” glass wool as a non-flammable insulation material, that is, it belongs to the NG class.

There are several options for glass wool on sale, which are designed to insulate various parts of the house. The main characteristics of these products are as follows:

Insulation brand	Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/(m×°C)	Compressibility, %, no more	Vapor permeability, Mg/(m×h×Pa)	Moisture absorption, kg/m²	Density, kg/m³
"Isover Light"	0.035÷0.040	10	0.3	1,5	38÷45
"Isover Standard"	0.036÷0.041	55	0.3	2	25÷35
"Isover Optimal"	0.036÷0.041	20	0.3	1.5	30÷38
"Isover Facade"	0.035÷0.038	30	0.3	2	30÷40

In addition to the options mentioned above , Isover also produces other brands of insulation materials. Moreover, the company continues to develop and launch innovative products that can withstand the necessary loads in a certain area of ​​the structure.

"URSA"

Another well-known brand of insulating materials is URSA products. The manufacturer uses in the production of its products innovative technologies, trying to minimize the disadvantages of glass wool. Thanks to this approach, URSA glass wool is characterized by increased durability and particular strength. The density of the slabs and mats greatly simplifies installation work.

Since URSA produces a wide range of insulation products, due to ignorance it will be difficult to choose the required material option. We give a hint - for thermal insulation of a country house, it is recommended to use insulation from the URSA GEO line. They are safe for the health of the residents of the house and are maximally adapted to the conditions of private construction.

The URSA GEO line includes the following products:

Insulation type “URSA GEO”	Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/(m×°C)	Vapor permeability mg/(m×h×Pa)
"M-11"	0.04	0.64
"Mini"	0.041	0.64
"A private house"	0.041	0.55
"Universal plates"	0.036	0.51
"Light"	0.044	0.35
"Pitched Roof"	0.035	0.55
"Noise protection"	0.04	0.6
"Framework"	0.035	0.64

In addition to those presented in the table, this series of materials also includes other insulation materials suitable for thermal insulation of private houses.

Speaking about any of the mineral wool heat insulators, one cannot help but mention their general disadvantages, which may well affect the choice of material.

• The binder in most brands is phenol-formaldehyde resins, which are a toxic substance. Throughout the entire period of operation of the insulated structure, the emission of compounds harmful to humans will be observed. Some leading manufacturers claim that these components are no longer used in the manufacture of their products, as they have been replaced with environmentally friendly binders. It is quite difficult to verify this statement without special instruments, and you have to take it on faith. However, it is better to give preference to insulation materials labeled ECO.

• Another problem with mineral wool is rodents, which adapt well to this material, making their nests and making passages in it. It will be possible to get rid of these neighbors only by dismantling the casing and replacing the insulation with another version. If measures have been taken in a country house to protect against these ubiquitous animals, then you can purchase mineral wool to insulate the walls. In another case, it is better to give preference to denser insulation or those options that mice bypass.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Many people think that extruded polystyrene foam is the same as the familiar polystyrene foam. But this is not true at all. Yes, the raw materials for their production are similar, but they differ from each other not only appearance, but also in terms of its technical characteristics. Until recently, inexpensive foam plastic was widely used for insulation of both internal and external surfaces. However, he has a large number of significant shortcomings that led to the complete abandonment of this material in many countries around the world.

When starting a renovation, many, wanting to save money, prefer polystyrene foam, but before making your choice, you need to have an idea of ​​its negative qualities.

• Flammability of the material. Polystyrene foam doesn't just burn - it melts and spreads over the surface, becoming a flame spreader. At the same time, such toxic smoke is released from the molten mass that just a few breaths can cause poisoning that is incompatible with life.
• Polystyrene foam (non-pressed polystyrene foam) is a polymer that is not chemically stable enough. And with prolonged use under the influence of temperature changes and other external factors, it also begins to emit harmful environment substances - free styrene. These fumes will not be able to be contained by the plaster or brick layer, and they will penetrate into the premises.
• Polystyrene foam is breathable, and therefore mice can easily live in it. They not only easily gnaw through this material, but also make their nests in it. This is especially common when foam plastic slabs have a fairly large thickness of 70÷100 mm.
• Polystyrene foam is short-lived, it deteriorates quite quickly - it begins to crumble. As a result, the material loses its thermal insulation qualities.

Extruded polystyrene foam is made from the same raw materials as the familiar polystyrene foam. But in its production a completely different technology is used.

The fine-cell structure of polystyrene foam boards is created by melting polystyrene granules. Foaming and strengthening additives are added to the molten mass. Compositions that do not contain freons are used as foaming agents.

The advantage of extruded polystyrene foam is its high density. Thanks to this quality, the material is not attractive to mice. Plus, it is impenetrable to steam and air, so rodents do not make nests in it. The maximum they can do to harm it is to gnaw off its edges.

Extruded polystyrene foam is non-hygroscopic, has a distinctly low thermal conductivity coefficient, high compressive strength, and has good frost resistance. In addition, insulation is not susceptible to biological damage and chemical decomposition, so it is often used even for insulating the foundations of buildings.

However, as regards its flammability, this is a controversial issue. Manufacturers position expanded polystyrene as highly flammable and self-extinguishing, that is, does not support combustion. Practice shows that it still ignites when exposed to open fire, is often capable of supporting combustion, and, just like polystyrene foam, emits toxic smoke. They are trying to combat this - many materials in this group undergo special treatment to increase their fire resistance. But it’s still a long way from being inflammable!

Extruded polystyrene foam has almost zero vapor permeability. And this factor is just right for insulating walls from the inside. That is, the laid layer of slabs itself becomes a good vapor barrier, and the structure of the material inside will definitely always be dry, that is, there is simply nothing to condense in it. True, this still does not eliminate the need to create a general hermetic vapor barrier under the finishing layer, or at least from hermetically “sealing” the seams between the slabs laid on the wall. The requirements for creating an effective ventilation system are not becoming less - they are mandatory for any type of internal insulation.

Both well-known and completely unknown manufacturers present their products on the construction market. Sometimes you can find slabs that do not have any markings at all. It is clear that one cannot expect any guarantees from such materials. Therefore, if the choice is made on this particular insulation, then you should give preference to well-known brands.

"Penoplex"

The most popular on the Russian market is extruded polystyrene foam “Penoplex”. These are products of a domestic manufacturer, which produces several types of material that differ in some characteristics.

The names of the slabs indicate their purpose - these are the universal materials “Comfort”, “Roof”, “Foundation” and “Wall”. Accordingly, for thermal insulation of wall surfaces, two types of slabs are used - “Comfort” and “Wall”, performed with “Roof” slabs, etc.

Penoplex slabs (this is the colloquial name most often used) are produced in a wide range of thicknesses - from 20 to 100 mm (20, 30, 30, 50, 60, 80 and 100 mm). Linear dimensions - 1200×600 mm. Comfort type slabs can be produced in lengths of 2400 mm.

The main characteristics of the Penoplex thermal insulation material specified by the manufacturer are as follows:

— thermal conductivity coefficient – ​​0.030 W/(m×K);

— moisture absorption – no more than 0.2÷0.4% of the total volume;

— vapor permeability – 0.007÷0.008 Mg/(m×h×Pa);

— flammability group - G2 – G4;

— operating temperature range – from -50 to +75 °C;

— durability declared by the manufacturer is 50 years.

• "Penoplex S" is designed for thermal insulation of walls. Contains fire retardant components that reduce the risk of fire. High thermal insulation properties, minimal moisture absorption, resistance to temperature changes, as well as grooves provided for connecting the slabs, make the insulation of the walls of the house reliable and durable.
• "Penoplex Comfort" is universal option slabs, which can be used in different areas of the structure, from the roof to the foundation. In this regard, it can well be used to insulate the walls of a country house from the inside.
• "Penoplex F" is intended for thermal insulation of the foundation. Due to the fact that this insulated area of ​​the building is located in the ground, the slabs are manufactured without the addition of fire retardants. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them for installation in other areas, since they belong to the G4 flammability group.
• "Penoplex K" is used for insulating roofs and ceilings, but it can also be used for thermal insulation of wall surfaces.

You may be interested in information about what kind of insulation

"Styrodur"

Styrodur extruded polystyrene foam boards are not as popular as Penoplex, although they also have decent technical characteristics.

Several types of this thermal insulation material are available for sale - these are 2500 C, 2800 C, 2800 CS, 3035 CS, 3035 CN, 4000 CS, 5000 CS. The difference between the slabs primarily lies in their density and compressive strength. The surface of all slabs is protected by a smooth, more durable layer of material, and Styrodur 2800 C and Styrodur 2800 CS are equipped with a grooved surface.

To prevent the formation of cold bridges at the joints of the slabs, there can be provided at their ends various options docking locks. This is also how the plates differ from each other.

Due to its strength characteristics, as well as different configurations locks - this insulation is well suited for internal insulation of house walls.

Name of characteristics and units of measurement	Digital marking of Styrodur insulation
	2500 C	2800 C	3035 C	4000 C	5000 C
Dry thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m×K	0.029	0.029	0.029	0.03	0.03
Density (not less), kg/m³	25	30	33	35	45
Moisture absorption in 24 hours, % of volume	0.13	0.13	0.13	0.07	0.07
Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation (not less)	0.2	0.25	0.25	0.5	0.7
Surface of slabs	smooth	grooved	Smooth or grooved	smooth	smooth
Linear dimensions of slabs, mm	1250×600	1250×600	1265×615	1265×615	1265×615
Slab thickness, mm	20,30,40,50,60	20,30,40,50,60	30,40,50,60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160	30,40,50,60,80	40,50,60
Operating temperature range, C	-180...+75
Flammability group	G2
Frost resistance	More than 300 cycles

Styrodur boards are produced only in light green color, so they are difficult to confuse with other similar materials. The heat insulator is non-toxic under normal operating conditions; freon is not used in its production. In addition, the material is odorless, so it can be used to insulate the internal surfaces of residential buildings.

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam, as an effective insulation material, appeared in the public domain relatively recently, but has already proven its reliability in thermal and sound insulation of premises. Polyurethane foam is applied by spraying, for which special equipment is used. The material can be applied in several layers to achieve the required thermal insulation thickness.

The composition applied to the surface, after foaming and polymerization, forms a monolithic layer on it, as it expands and fills the space. In addition, the finished mass has excellent adhesive properties, so when sprayed, it is firmly fixed to almost any surface of the walls and ceiling.

This material is used for thermal insulation of both internal and external surfaces, and is especially suitable for use in regions with low temperatures. winter temperatures. The thermal conductivity coefficient of polyurethane foam is very low, ranging from 0.025 to 0.030 W/m×K. That is, among the insulation materials under consideration, it is an absolute “champion” in this indicator.

Due to the fact that the structure of polyurethane foam decomposes under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, it must be installed under decorative cladding.

When insulating a house from the inside with this material, a frame structure is installed on the wall to secure the facing material. And between its racks and jumpers the composition is sprayed. After the polyurethane foam applied to the wall or ceiling hardens, the excess that protrudes beyond the frame, formed during its expansion, is cut off.

You might be interested in information on how to do it yourself

Polyurethane foam has a low moisture absorption index, therefore it retains its thermal insulation qualities at any ambient humidity. Vapor permeability is practically zero. And since the coating is seamless and continuous, you can even do without additional vapor barrier.

This material can belong to different fire safety groups - from G1 and even to G4, depending on the additives added to the composition. However, polyurethane foam, as a rule, does not become a source of fire and does not spread fire. It quickly chars, stopping the flow of oxygen necessary for combustion deep into its structure. But the gases formed during thermal decomposition are still not as dangerous as those of expanded polystyrene.

Excellent material for internal insulation. But it requires special raw materials and equipment for its application, as well as work skills. And the cost is very high. All this limits its widespread use for such purposes.

Ecowool

Ecowool is a material that is not yet familiar to everyone, and therefore not so popular. But it is successfully used for insulating residential buildings both inside and outside. The main advantage of this insulation is its environmental friendliness. Ecowool is made from cellulose fibers that are treated with boric acid, which protects the material from mold and makes it unattractive to rodents.

Slabs are formed from the fibers, or ecowool is sold in bulk and intended for installation using the so-called “wet” method - spraying.

Loose ecowool is also used in dry form; most often this method is used for thermal insulation of horizontal surfaces, for example, ceilings or floors in the house. Another method of insulation is filling closed spaces (specially provided cavities) with dry ecowool. For example, in a frame partition sheathed on both sides with plywood sheets.

The “wet” method of application can be called the optimal installation option. However, this process is complicated by the fact that it requires special equipment. This means that you will have to invite a specialist for insulation.

Ecowool applied “wet” forms a monolithic seamless layer on the surface that reliably protects the premises from the cold. The material retains its thermal insulation qualities throughout its entire service life.

If you plan to do the insulation yourself, then the best option would be ready-made, molded slabs. They are installed between building sheathings in the same way as mineral wool, by surprise. Of course, with internal insulation, this will again require a reliable vapor barrier - ecowool has considerable hygroscopicity.

When installed dry, both on horizontal surfaces and when filling empty spaces, the wool may shrink over time. Therefore, when carrying out insulation, it must be well sealed.

In terms of its flammability, ecowool belongs to group G1 (lowly flammable material) due to special processing during the production process. When burned, cellulose does not release toxic products that are excessively dangerous to humans.

There are several varieties of this material from different manufacturers on the market. For example, it is worth paying attention to the Finnish manufacturer Termex.

Ecowool "Termex" goes on sale in packages weighing 13 kg and has the following characteristics:

— thermal conductivity coefficient 0.040 W/(m×°C);

— density, depending on application - 35÷79 kg/m³;

— sound insulation capabilities with a layer of 25 mm - 9 dB.

Ecowool allows water vapor to pass freely, and for external insulation– you can’t imagine anything better. But for the internal, this again becomes a problem, which has already been mentioned more than once above. Such a thermal insulation structure will require a very reliable vapor barrier. Ecowool has considerable hygroscopicity, and without such protection it can soon literally swell with water, losing all its insulating qualities.

* * * * * * *

In order for the insulation of a country house to be high-quality and safe, when choosing a thermal insulation material, it is necessary to carefully study its characteristics, as well as methods of application with all the nuances. It is recommended to purchase insulation famous manufacturers who have been working in the building materials market for a long time and have managed to gain authority.

As we have seen, insulation materials can be produced in a wide range of thicknesses. And the thickness of the layer of polyurethane foam or ecowool can be adjusted by the employee. In any case, you need to know what thickness of insulation will be guaranteed to cope with the task of reliable thermal insulation of walls assigned to it. And this issue should also be considered.

What thickness of insulation will be required?

Each home owner is able to make such a thermal calculation. Now we will “arm” him with an understanding of the calculation algorithm and a convenient online calculator.

What is the calculation based on?

Try to imagine any abstract insulated structure. Since our theme is a wall, we will leave this example.

So, a multilayer structure will include the actual wall of the house, made of one material or another. Often, it is finished on the outside. The same is true on the inside, as well as a layer of insulation, the thickness of which needs to be found.

In order to maintain a comfortable temperature in the premises of the house at any time of the year, this entire multilayer structure must have a certain total heat transfer resistance. And it consists of the resistances of each layer.

It is appropriate to make a reservation here - external facade finishing, organized according to the ventilated facade system. It does not make any contribution to the overall insulating qualities of the wall.

Where can I get the necessary data?

What the total resistance should be is shown by its normalized value established by SNiP for each region, taking into account climatic conditions. This indicator can be easily clarified at any local construction organization. Or, what’s even simpler, identify it using the diagram map below. In this case, for further calculations it is necessary to take the value “for walls”, which are highlighted in purple.

The thermal resistance of any layer is easy to determine - to do this, the thickness of the salt (expressed in meters) must be divided by the tabulated thermal conductivity coefficient of the material from which this layer is made.

Rc =Hc/λc

Rc- thermal resistance of the layer, m²×K/W;

Hc- layer thickness, m;

λc- coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material, W/m×K.

It is clear that there is little point in taking into account layers that are too thin (for example, membranes). But some options for external and internal finishing are quite capable of influencing the overall thermal characteristics of the wall structure.

So, if you calculate all the thermal resistances of the layers planned for future construction and sum them up, this will still not be enough to achieve the normalized value. This very “deficit” should be covered by a layer of thermal insulation. The difference is known, the thermal conductivity of the insulation is also known, which means there is nothing stopping you from finding the desired thickness:

Well =Ry × λy

Well- required insulation thickness, m;

Ry- “lack” of thermal resistance, which needs to be compensated for by thermal insulation;

λy- thermal conductivity coefficient of the selected insulation material.

To simplify the task as much as possible for the reader, a special online calculator has been compiled. When making calculations, you don’t have to take into account the insulating qualities of the finishing layers - just their thickness is left by default equal to zero. As for the rest, everything is simple and probably does not require much additional explanation.

The result will be immediately shown in millimeters - it’s more convenient. The obtained value is minimal, and it is usually reduced to standard thicknesses of insulating materials, somewhat rounded up.