Aluminium foil. Shiny thermal insulation: foil insulation Foil to cover the thermal insulation

Thermal insulation for foil pipes characteristics

Thermal insulation for foil pipes consists of:

• bases - this can be either basalt/mineral wool or foamed polyethylene, as well as expanded polystyrene;
• a thin layer of aluminum that covers the base.

Unlike other insulation materials, the foil type is capable of reflecting both UV radiation and thermal radiation.

About the advantages and features

Thermal insulation of heating pipes with foil is easy to install and dismantle. It is light in weight and has excellent ductility. It is characterized by the presence of a high hydrophobicity index (that is, it partially acts as waterproofing). It does not let cold in from the outside, which is undoubtedly a plus when insulating heating pipes.

The advantage is that foil insulation does not allow harmful substances and dust to penetrate into the room from the outside.

It is also worth noting that such insulation is not a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms and mold. In this connection, it will perform its functions for many decades.

It should also be noted that such material does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere, and also does not burn and has low thermal conductivity and moisture permeability.

It is produced in the form of “shells”, slabs, rolls, mats and more. It is allowed to work with it at temperatures from -60 C to +150 C, which allows it to be used when arranging external sections of heating mains.

Thermal insulation for pipes, foil application

Foil thermal insulation is popular for insulation:

• sewer, heating and ventilation lines;
• engineering systems;
• refrigeration units and more.

Most often, mineral wool covered with a layer of foil is used to insulate pipes. In this case, the thickness of the base is about 50 mm, and the reflective layer is 10-30 mm.

When choosing a type, it is worth considering the operating conditions of the material. For example, foil with polyethylene foam is fragile and under the influence external factors deformed. To increase strength indicators, choose thermal insulation with foil for pipes and foam plastic. If we are talking about a basalt base, then it is heavier than mineral wool.

If the foil is damaged, use aluminum tape.

You can purchase foil-coated thermal insulation material for pipes at a competitive price from us. Being an official distributor and cooperating directly with manufacturers, we are able to offer competitive prices for all products.

How to insulate a heating pipe

• pipeline characteristics;

• thermal conductivity;
• moisture resistance;
• sufficient thickness;

Note!

• sprayed;
• hard.

Note!

Note!

Note!

trubamaster.ru

Advantages of foil thermal insulation (insulation) of pipes

Pipe insulation performs very important functions. Without it, we would have to lay pipes exclusively in rooms with normal temperature levels, or deep underground.

Otherwise, the pipe cavity will not be able to be protected from freezing during the cold season, and therefore from paralysis of the entire water supply system.

Foil pipe insulation

However, the thermal insulation needed to protect pipes is now available in abundance on the market. We will pay attention to its interesting subtype - foil pipe insulation. What are its features and advantages?

Contents of the article

Features and purpose of insulation

As we noted above, pipe insulation is used almost everywhere. Its main task is to protect pipes from freezing in winter period time. If the pipes are not treated properly, then best case scenario the water supply will partially freeze. At worst, it is completely blocked.

Thawing water supply systems, especially in winter, is an expensive pleasure. Not to mention the fact that in such situations the risk of damage or breakthrough of one of the sections increases significantly.

The insulation also protects the surface of the pipes from heat loss, which means it increases the overall efficiency of the heating system.

Thermal insulation is used to protect chimneys and sewers. In the first case, the insulation plays the role of a limiter, so to speak, a protective layer that prevents the drains from freezing and clogging the pipe. In the second, insulation is necessary to prevent steam condensation and improve draft inside the chimney.

Foil as insulation

Foil insulation is often used in construction. However, do not be mistaken in thinking that foil is a standard material for thermal insulation.

Quite the contrary, foil performs functions that conventional insulation materials, such as mineral wool or polystyrene foam, simply cannot cope with.

It's all about the special properties of the foil. You probably already know about the types of thermal radiation. If not, we will now briefly remind you.

There are three types of radiation:

• convection;
• heat transfer due to thermal conductivity;
• ultraviolet or heat.

The first option does not interest us; it is limited to special means. The second option is the main item of heat consumption. The point is that any structure or equipment quickly gains or releases heat from the atmosphere.

To reduce the rate of interaction with the thermal environment, standard thermal insulation is used. Its thermal conductivity is too low for heat transfer, which means that a structure protected by such a casing will not encounter low-temperature zones at all.

Foamed polyethylene with foil sheath

But conventional insulation cannot neutralize the third type of radiation. For such tasks, a material is needed that is capable of reflecting heat waves invisible to the eye. Foil is used precisely for such purposes.

It reflects thermal radiation, preventing unnecessary energy consumption. At the same time, for effective interaction it is enough to have a layer of foil with a thickness of only 1 mm, or even less.

The need for combination

So why not use only foil, you probably ask. Surely you can do it there too, if not for one serious drawback. Foil is very fragile. Even construction samples with quite serious thickness, it can be damaged with bare hands.

And it’s really difficult to install such a delicate material as thermal insulation.

The manufacturers immediately understood the essence of the problem, and offered an elegant, but at the same time extremely effective solution. They began to produce foil insulation. That is, combine standard insulation materials with the foil itself.

In terms of effectiveness, the resulting material exceeded all our expectations. Man managed to create insulation that is able to cope with two main types of heat loss at once.

Losses due to different levels of thermal conductivity are eliminated by the base thermal insulation material (mineral wool, polystyrene foam, etc.), and thermal radiation is reflected by the foil shell.

At the same time, we no longer face the risk of foil destruction, and if the shell breaks somewhere, then it’s okay. It is specially glued to the body of the insulation so that serious damage to even a large area does not affect the overall protection of the structure.

It is quite obvious that similar schemes began to be used for pipe insulation with the same enthusiasm. Moreover, foil thermal insulation designed for pipes has become the most popular solution in recent years.

Types of foil insulation

Thermal insulation made of foil is combined with several materials at once. You need to choose one or another sample carefully, weighing all their properties, as well as taking into account the features of a particular insulation.

Foil thermal insulation is available:

1. Mineral wool.
2. Foam.
3. With polyethylene foam.
4. With a penofol base.

Heating and sewerage pipes insulated with foil thermal insulation

We have listed only the main samples. There are also less popular, so to speak specialized options, but they are either too expensive or are used in a narrow direction.

Mineral wool insulation

Thermal insulation made of mineral wool with Rockwool foil is deservedly considered one of the most versatile options.

Pipes finished with this material do not require additional protection. The main source of heat loss is eliminated by mineral wool. It has an extremely low thermal conductivity, that is, the pipe does not come into contact with the outside environment at all, and also does not give off its heat.

The foil reflects inwards all the heat waves of radiation, which cotton wool is simply not able to insulate.

The foil is glued directly onto the mineral wool layer. Its thickness is determined by the diameter of the pipe and the approximate temperature level. As a rule, a thickness of 3-6 cm is sufficient for domestic needs. If large main pipelines are considered, then the working thickness will increase to 10 cm or more.

Mineral wool insulation for pipes is sold in the form of cut halved pieces. All you have to do is fasten them around the pipe and mold them together. Then seal the joints with foil tape. That's the whole working procedure. It only takes a few minutes.

Foam insulation

The competition for mineral wool has always been polystyrene foam. And pipe insulation is no exception.

If mineral wool is quite expensive and has excellent performance, then polystyrene foam is similar in its parameters, but it is several times cheaper. It would seem, why then buy cotton wool insulation at all, if you can take polystyrene foam.

The answer is simple - polystyrene foam is an artificial material, while mineral wool is natural. Plus, polystyrene foam burns in fire and is completely vapor-proof.

However, here you need to understand the specifics of pipeline insulation. In the case of interaction with pipes, we are not interested in vapor permeability or the structure of the insulation. Therefore, polystyrene foam can be used without fear.

Main pipeline treated with foil insulation

The only drawback that should be taken into account is flammability. Try to either not use polystyrene foam at all in places with an increased risk of fire, or use it with appropriate protection.

In part, the foil forms this very protection, but only in part. When exposed to high temperatures, the foam will quickly ignite, essentially becoming one of the sources of fire.

As for the design of the insulation, polystyrene foam is produced in exactly the same way as mineral wool - in specially cast half-pieces, around which foil is glued.

Foil with polyethylene foam

Foamed polyethylene with foil is more modern insulation. It cannot boast the same thermal conductivity as mineral wool, or the low cost of foam, but it is lightweight and easy to handle.

Foamed polyethylene is probably the easiest to install. After all, the blanks are very plastic, made in the form of ready-made shells for pipes, cut along the axis.

You just need to put the insulation on the pipe like a skin, and then mold the seams special glue for polyethylene. It is sold at any hardware store.

Foamed polyethylene has a soft structure, does not corrode, and does not react to moisture. It is produced in blanks with wall thicknesses from 1 cm to 5 cm. There are also larger samples, but there is no use for them in domestic construction.

Foil polyethylene is so easy to handle that it is even used on systems that, by and large, do not need insulation. In this case, thermal insulation performs protective and aesthetic functions.

Features of insulation for pipes (video)

Application of penofol

The last sample under consideration is foam insulation. Penofol is a material that consists of two components: foil and a thin layer of hardened foam. It cannot be called a traditional solution.

The thickness of the material rarely exceeds a few millimeters. Penofol cannot boast of high thermal insulation properties. In essence, it is just a protective wrapper with a reflective effect. However, it is sometimes used for basic pipe protection.

Penofol is very cheap. Square meter sells for $1 or even less. At the same time, it is easy to cut and glue. That is, a pipe of any diameter can be quickly wrapped as you need it.

The quality of the result, of course, cannot be compared with the use of the same polystyrene foam or polyethylene foam, but if there are no other options, then this one will be a joy.

Moreover, you can work with it yourself, practically without spending additional money.

trubypro.ru

Foil insulation for walls and pipes

The technical characteristics of foil insulation allow it to be used for insulating pipelines, roofs, walls indoors and outdoors. It is also possible to install it behind a heating radiator, which will increase heat transfer. In fact, such material has found wide application in the construction of attics, roofs, for sound insulation, insulation entrance doors. Let's take a closer look at the types and features of insulation with foil, because they can be called differently.

Types of foil insulators

From the name it is clear that this is not just foil, but a material with heat-insulating properties onto which it is glued. The following can be used as a basis:

• mineral wool;
• expanded polystyrene;
• foamed polyethylene.

Regardless of the name, foil insulation works on the same principle. The insulator consists of two layers, one of which reflects IR rays, and the second is endowed with thermal insulation properties. When infrared radiation hits the heat reflector, the main part of the rays is reflected. Heat transfer occurs by convection, i.e. through the air. Since the foil has no resistance, when heated, it passes all the heat through itself. After this, the main material comes into play, which is a heat-insulating layer, which has a very high resistance to heat transfer.

The overall resistance of the insulation with foil to heat transfer will depend on the name of the insulator used as the base. It is important to understand that the use of the material indoors requires the presence of finishing, and in order for IR rays to be reflected, the distance between the foil and the insulated surface should be no more than 20 mm. Heat will flow to the foil layer through the finish.

Areas of application of foil insulation

A material such as foamed polyethylene also has another name - teplofol. Its scope is wide: insulation of walls, floors, roofs, pipelines, underfloor heating systems, baths, saunas.

Can be used for indoor and outdoor installation. This insulator is a rolled material 1 m wide, with a thickness of 1 to 20 mm. Thanks to its porous structure, it does not allow moisture to penetrate, which eliminates the accumulation of condensation. This gives the material good vapor barrier properties. It can be ceiling, wall or floor. But experts recommend using thermal insulation of the same thickness. In addition, such material is environmentally friendly, safe, and characterized by a high level of thermal insulation. In addition, it is offered not only as regular, but also as self-adhesive insulation.

There are several varieties of the insulator in question on the market. The differences lie in technical characteristics and areas of application. Insulation of walls and ventilation ducts is carried out using foamed polyethylene. The floors are insulated with foil polystyrene foam, which is a thick slab.

For rooms with high levels of humidity, foiled mineral wool has proven itself well. This material can be used to insulate roofs and chimneys. Basalt-based heat insulator is used at very low and high
temperatures.

The type of insulation in question is characterized by good flexibility, which allows for thermal insulation non-standard designs. The material can also be used to protect metal structures from corrosion. Insulation with foil appeared on the market not so long ago, but it already has
numerous positive reviews. This is due to significant savings during the heating season. But before you make a choice in favor of this material, in addition to its positive qualities, you need to be aware of one significant disadvantage: foil can be susceptible to corrosion after some time. Let's figure out what and how to attach this insulation.

How to insulate walls with foil material?

To work with foil insulation you will need the following kit:

• heat insulator;
• stapler;
• small nails;
• hammer;
• dowels;
• wooden slats;
• foil tape.

Insulation has found application both in country houses and in apartments. In a private house, to insulate the walls from the inside, you will need to fill the slats, which will make installation of the insulation more convenient. In this case, a space for ventilation will be formed between the wall and the thermal insulation layer. The slats are mounted to the wall using dowels in increments of 1 m. The material is laid overlapping, then it is attached to the slats, for which it is better to use construction staples or self-tapping screws. More reliable fastening Dowels will provide. Double-sided foil tape is used to seal the joints. Thermal insulation is laid with the foil side facing the inside of the room, after which the drywall is installed. To eliminate the gap between the wall and the insulation, before installing thermal insulation, additional slats are installed to which the drywall is attached.

Foil insulation for walls is also used for thermal insulation of apartments. This especially applies to high-lying rooms, which are problematic to insulate from the outside. In addition, it will be relevant to use thermal insulation of this kind from the inside if there is an elevator shaft, corridor and other unheated rooms behind the wall. Before starting work, it is necessary to inspect the walls: if there are cracks and crevices, they will need to be eliminated. The material can be glued to the walls using a special glue after preparing the surface.

Thermal insulation for pipes

Foil insulation for pipes is used when installing communications underground or by air. Besides, this material can be used to reduce heat losses by the coolant in unheated rooms. These include, for example, a boiler room in a country house, which in most cases is located on the ground floor. In addition to foil, metallized film can be used to cover the insulation. The simplest insulators for such tasks include foiled mineral wool. In addition to mineral wool, polystyrene foam, penofol, and thermofol can be used as the basis of insulation.

For domestic needs, a material thickness of 3-6 cm is sufficient.

There are no particular difficulties when installing insulation under the pipeline. To do this, a shell is put on the required segment, and depending on the case, the protective film is removed from the adhesive layer. The film is applied along the end of the longitudinal section. When using foil-coated material only on the outside, communications are protected from solar exposure. Foil, if available, with inside reflects heat back into the pipe.

How to insulate a ceiling with foil thermal insulation?

If you follow the recommendations of experts, the thickness of the insulation with foil for both the ceiling, walls and floor should be at least 50 mm. The ceiling of a brick or wooden building should be given special attention, because through it comes greatest number heat. When using mineral wool as insulation, it is important to know that this material absorbs moisture well and when wet, all of it positive traits are lost. At the same time, it gives off moisture very poorly. To protect insulation with foil for the ceiling, walls and floor, special films are used. In this case, mineral wool is considered, since it has such positive characteristics such as fire resistance, environmental friendliness, good sound insulation and rot resistance.

Ceiling insulation should be carried out in the following sequence (installation begins from inside the room):

1. Decoration Materials. For a wooden house, lining is often used.
2. Vapor protection. A film that prevents moisture from entering. Installation is carried out tightly to the finish.
3. Ventilated gap. It is created during the assembly of the ceiling lathing and represents an air gap.
4. Insulation. Installation is carried out in such a way that heat is reflected into the room.
5. Waterproofing layer. It is necessary to prevent moisture from entering, but at the same time the material allows steam to pass through. Installation is carried out close to the insulation.

The material is laid between the sheathing, for which wooden blocks are used. Their thickness should be slightly greater than that of the insulation to ensure a ventilation gap. The waterproofing must be attached to the ends of the sheathing with staples. In order for the insulation to stay tightly in the cells of the sheathing, the distance between the bars must be made 3 cm less than the dimensions of the heat insulator. A vapor barrier is installed on top of the sheathing, and after that - finishing.

It was discussed how to lay thermal insulating foil material, what types of it exist and in what areas they are used. It is impossible to say unequivocally that this or that insulation has undeniable advantages. After all, much depends on specific tasks, in which each of the materials exhibits inherent positive properties. Nevertheless, it is worth highlighting teplofol, because this material is practical and versatile.

uteplix.com

Foil insulation for heating pipes: types and use

Quite often there is a need to isolate communications. If the place where the boiler room is located in the house is not heated, then when the coolant moves through them to the rooms, approximately 20% of the heat is lost. To maximize system efficiency and reduce heat loss, insulation of heating pipes is used. It can be done with your own hands using various materials - mineral wool, polyurethane foam (PPU), liquid insulation, penofol.

Using foil insulation, you can insulate heating network pipes of any diameter

Why is it necessary to insulate heating pipes?

Rational use of thermal energy involves heating only those rooms in an apartment or house that need it. If there is no insulation for heating pipes, then the heat in non-residential premises, for example, in an attic or basement, dissipates without much benefit to the consumer. This reduces overall system performance and increases energy costs.

Insulation for outdoor heating pipes also reduces the risk of coolant freezing during a sharp drop in temperature. Although freezing of the system is unlikely, plugs may form. Therefore, thermal insulation of the heating pipeline located outside the building is mandatory and important condition installation of external and internal routes.

Correctly selected characteristics and thickness of heating pipeline insulation can protect network elements from condensation, mechanical damage and corrosion.

Insulation of pipes helps to significantly reduce heat loss and reduce fuel consumption

How to insulate a heating pipe

There are many thermal insulation materials for heating pipes. The choice of what is needed is influenced by the parameters of the room and technical specifications operation of the heating network. The main criteria include:

• location of pipelines requiring insulation;
• system coolant temperature;
• pipeline characteristics;
• technical parameters of materials for insulating heating pipes.

The main operational parameters that the thermal insulation material has are:

• thermal conductivity;
• moisture resistance;
• heat resistance and fire resistance;
• resistance to microorganisms and decay;
• sufficient thickness;
• installation price and manufacturability.

The lower the thermal conductivity of the material for insulating heating pipes with your own hands, the better it will do. thermal insulation properties. Moisture resistance affects the quality of protection of metal (steel) pipelines from corrosion and condensation.

It is most convenient to insulate pipes with a ready-made “shell”; it is made from a variety of materials

Note! The fire resistance parameters of thermal insulation for heating pipes must fully comply with established fire safety standards in heated structures.

The insulation thickness is calculated for each specific case using complex formulas.

Basic materials for pipeline insulation

For getting maximum effect It is important to clearly decide how to insulate heating pipes in the basement, apartment or attic. There are soft rolled, solid piece and liquid thermal insulation materials. When making a choice, it is necessary to take into account the diameter of communications in order to select the correct size of piece insulation.

All types of insulation on heating pipes perform their functions due to the air contained inside and differ only in ease of installation. Thermal insulation “shell” is one of the easiest ways of insulation. It is produced in the form of half-cylinders. Installation can be done by yourself by connecting the halves.

The shell provides high-quality insulation heating pipes in the basement (attic) through grooves in the halves of the cylinder. The most popular and practical pipeline insulation materials include polystyrene foam, fiberglass and mineral wool, polyurethane foam, penoizol, polyethylene foam, foil penofol.

Placing heating pipes in PPU insulation

There are two types of insulation for heating pipes made of polyurethane foam:

• sprayed;
• hard.

The first type (spray foam) is applicable to insulate small areas pipes if absolutely necessary. Rigid insulation for heating pipes made of polyurethane foam is used for individual circuits. This material is lightweight, durable and has a low thermal conductivity coefficient.

One way to insulate pipes is to apply polyurethane foam to them.

Note! One of the advantages of polyurethane foam is its high water-repellent property.

The material is non-toxic, environmentally friendly and chemically resistant. Its installation is carried out around communications like a “shell”. The insulation for heating pipes is compressed around them, secured with wire, clamps, ties or staples. It can withstand temperatures up to +150 degrees.

PPU spraying can be used to insulate the pipeline. This requires a 4-atmospheric compensator and special equipment. The polyurethane foam is firmly connected to the surface of the pipe, forming a strong mass. This material does not tolerate sunlight well, so it is necessary to use a protective winding or aluminum foil. Work on applying polyurethane foam coating must be carried out in protective clothing.

Foil insulation for heating pipes

When deciding how to insulate a heating pipe, it is better to choose the foil version. Effective thermal insulation Heating pipes represent not only the preservation of heat, but also its reflection. For these purposes, materials with aluminum foil are used.

The reflective properties of polished foil are very high, which allows you to maintain the temperature of the coolant and keep the efficiency of the heating system at maximum. The heat flow that comes from the heating pipe is reflected back. In addition, insulation for heating pipes with foil has hydro- and vapor barrier properties, and also does not let the cold in from the outside.

During manufacturing, the main material is applied to the foil layer - mineral wool, foamed polyethylene, expanded polystyrene. Such thermal insulation for heating pipes in an apartment (in the attic, in the basement) is produced in the form of slabs, rolls, sheets, mats, shells, the thickness of which varies.

Foil insulation not only retains heat, but also has waterproofing properties

Foil material can be used at air temperatures from -60 to +150 °C, so it is well suited for insulating outdoor routes. Its vapor permeability is 0.001% and water absorption is 0.74% in 24 hours. An important indicator is the high thermal conductivity of the foil, so it cannot be used separately.

Options for foil insulation

Most simple option insulation of heating pipes in the basement is the use of mineral wool covered with a layer of foil. The thickness of the wool is up to 50 mm, the thickness of the reflective layer is 10-30 microns.

Before insulating heating pipes in the attic (basement), it is necessary to study the conditions of use in detail. suitable materials. Foil used with polyethylene foam is more fragile and can be deformed under external influences. The use of foil with foam plastic can significantly increase its strength characteristics.

Note! Basalt thermal insulation is similar in characteristics to mineral wool, however, it is heavier because its density is greater.

Self-adhesive insulation is very convenient to use. If the foil is damaged, you can apply aluminum tape.

Polyethylene foam and lavsan film with foil are capable of transmitting infrared (thermal) radiation. For this reason, it is necessary to choose a film that has a significant thickness of the foil layer.

Important points about using insulation

When purchasing roll insulation to insulate heating pipes in the attic or basement, you need to make sure that it is applicable specifically for communications. If the material is hard and has the shape of semicircles, then it is intended for pipes of a specific diameter.

When purchasing a ready-made “shell”, you need to know the diameter of the pipes that are planned to be insulated, because the rigid insulating material also has certain dimensions

It is necessary to maintain a distance of 25 mm between the aluminum foil and the wall. For the price thermal insulation coating The base material and the thickness of the reflective layer are affected. There is also a significant difference between aluminum foil and aluminum spraying. In the latter case, the heat insulator will work less efficiently and the reflectivity will be low.

It is not necessary to purchase ready-made foil material; you can wrap the insulating layer for pipes in the basement or attic with foil yourself. Such insulation can be produced either in the form of hollow tubes or in rolls. The foil is laid with the front side facing outwards. A gap of 10-20 mm should be provided between it and the pipeline.

Do-it-yourself insulation installation

Let's look at how to properly insulate a heating pipe using the example of a heat-insulating shell made of polystyrene foam. First, the half-cylinders of the shell are placed on the pipe, providing the offset relative to each other that is required for overlap. Its size can be from 10 to 20 cm.

The halves to be put on must be secured with tape in advance. In the case of using protective material located on the surface, its fastening is carried out after completion of work.

Note! For a more reliable connection of the shell, the joints are taped with tape.

If thermal insulation for heating pipes is used to insulate their turns, as well as corners or system nodes, then it is better to use shaped shells. There are no special requirements for them.

How to insulate a heating pipe depends on the specific features and conditions of the location of the routes (in the basement, in the attic, in the apartment). The choice of materials on the modern market is very large, so you can choose insulation for any occasion.

teplosila-tambov.ru

Insulation with foil: application and installation features

Insulation materials with foil or metallized film are made on the basis of foamed polyethylene. These are convenient and practical heat-insulating materials that have a fairly wide range of applications. The spread of the material is due to the characteristics that provide advantages of their use in comparison with other insulation materials.

Among the most significant characteristics, which favorably distinguish insulation with foil from other insulation, it is customary to take into account the following:

• Low thermal conductivity
• Almost complete moisture and vapor tightness
• Simple and easy installation

Foil thermal insulation, unlike polynor insulation, creates a “thermos” effect. The low thermal conductivity of the material, combined with the heat-reflecting properties of the foil, retains heat, which significantly reduces heat loss.

Moisture-repellent properties and vapor resistance protect materials covered with foil insulation, prevent condensation, protect against corrosion and increase the service life of pipelines, stone and other walls, and wooden structures.

Additionally, the use of foil insulation provides best properties soundproofing.

Most manufacturers produce foil insulation in rolls. Being quite flexible, elastic and soft, it is very convenient to work with. It cuts perfectly without the use of special tools and is easily fixed on flat surfaces, regardless of their area.

The use of foil insulation

This thermal insulation material is an excellent insulation for heating pipes, including industrial ones. Moreover, their use is equally practical not only to protect heat loss in heating systems and hot water supply, but also to protect cold pipes from freezing. For the same purpose, they are used in external sewer systems or in unheated rooms with sub-zero temperatures.

Foil insulation materials are also used in the construction of suspended ventilated facades, replacing other rolled vapor barrier and moisture barrier materials. Their use protects the walls of buildings much more reliably. They are also successfully used in roofing and to protect foundations. Foil insulation also plays a significant role in improving the efficiency of using “warm floors”.

Liquid insulation for walls is also easy to install. Thanks to special equipment, it can be quickly applied to any type of wall, be it stone or brick.

In addition, there are other thermal insulation materials. This article will answer the question: which insulation for walls is better to choose? However, it is necessary to buy insulation based on certain parameters that will be optimal for internal and external insulation.

Features of installing insulation with foil

Features of installation of foil insulation are directly related to the area of ​​its application. For example, when insulating pipelines, it is enough to use a thin binding wire to tie the material along the entire length of the pipes.

For mounting on stone walls Adhesive building mixtures can be used. Under the facades - using self-tapping screws or other fasteners. In designs wooden roofs and under roofing materials It may be enough to “shoot” the insulation with paper clips using construction stapler. To fix it on the floor over underfloor heating systems, you can use double-sided tape.

Installation diagram of foil insulation for pipes

To ensure complete tightness of the entire insulation layer, the joints of the foil insulation strips should be sealed with tape or sealant.

Video about foil insulation and its areas of application

Insulation with foil is used in various areas of construction, but is not limited to this. You can find out more about where else this insulation is used by watching the video. The structure and properties of foil insulation are also considered.

Areas of application of insulation with foil.

Structure and properties of foil insulation.

megabeaver.ru

Thermal insulation for outdoor heating pipes

There are usually three reasons why thermal insulation is needed for outdoor heating pipes for a private home. The first is when heating utilities need to be laid along the street from the central heating main to the building. The second is when an autonomous boiler room is used for heating. Third, heating communications must be extended to other buildings located on the personal territory.

Why is thermal insulation used for outdoor heating pipes?

It would seem that the procedure of insulating heating pipes is an unnecessary exercise: they are almost always hot anyway. Therefore, if we are talking about insulation of pipes of heating systems, it would be more correct to use the term “thermal insulation”. This primarily concerns pipelines. DHW systems(Hot water supply). Here, it is not insulation that comes to the fore, but maintaining the temperature of the pumped working medium at a certain level and reducing heat losses. The same precaution would be useful for main hot water supply pipelines and for heating routes, regardless of the type of pipes themselves - steel, copper or plastic.

Helpful advice! Sometimes insulation of heating pipes for laying in the ground, performed using only traditional thermal insulation, is not sufficient. In this case, experts recommend heating them forcibly using heating cables.

Heat transfer area of ​​pipelines

The cylindrical configuration of the pipes determines a considerable area of ​​heat exchange with the atmosphere or soil (if they are laid in the ground). As the diameter of the pipeline increases, heat loss increases. From the table below you will find out how critical their increase is to the difference in temperatures outside and inside the pipe, on its diameter and the thickness of the thermal insulation layer.

Requirements for insulating material

On the modern market, there are a lot of offers in the segment of thermal insulation for outdoor heating pipes. The following thermal insulation structures should be given preference:

1. For insulation of heating pipes on the street, as well as in the basement, only hydrophobic material is suitable.
2. Thermal insulation of heating pipes must have reliable external protection. Causes this requirement lie like in natural phenomena, and in the human factor:

• if the insulation is capable of absorbing water, it must be reliably protected from atmospheric moisture;
• external protection will prevent the destruction of pipelines on the street from the negative effects of UV radiation;
• external protection resists excessive wind loads.

In addition, we cannot exclude the possibility of damage to the thermal insulation of external hot water supply and heating routes by animals that are released into personal plot, as well as from banal manifestations of vandalism.

Criteria for choosing thermal insulation

In searching for an answer to the question of how heating pipes are insulated on the street and in the attic, in addition to the above requirements, the following characteristics of the thermal insulation material should be taken into account:

• thermal conductivity;
• ability to withstand aggressive environmental influences;
• Operating temperature range;
• service life. This is especially true if the pipes are laid in the ground and not in the open air;
• ease of installation.

Options for thermal insulation structures

A variety of materials makes it possible to implement high-quality thermal insulation of pipelines laid both in the ground and above its surface. And although the production of insulated heating pipes in our country is established at a fairly high level, many of our compatriots carry out their thermal insulation themselves.

Of course, you can’t do without certain knowledge here. After all, a wide choice implies differences in characteristics heat-insulating materials. Therefore, for those who have decided to carry out this procedure without involving professionals, it would be useful to know that the following are used to insulate heating pipes with their own hands:

Foam insulation. These products are produced in the form of covers, for the manufacture of which polyurethane, polystyrene foam or rubber is used. A layer of thermal insulation is created without problems: the cover is simply put on the pipeline through a longitudinal cut, and not by pulling the pipe through its cavity.

Helpful advice! If you do this with your own hands , don't forget to final stage glue the ends of the cut with a special adhesive.

Special mineral wool.

• Basalt. The raw material for its production is rock with a high content of the mineral basalt. This insulation attracts attention because, firstly, it is capable of operating at a temperature of +650˚C, and, secondly, it does not emit toxic substances when heated.
• Fiberglass. Quartz sand is its main component. In addition, the composition of such insulation includes glass made from it. Its feature is its relatively low operating temperature - about 180˚C. Therefore, fiberglass wool is used mainly for the production of insulated heating pipes for external routes and for those laid in the ground.

Since both of these types of thermal insulation are characterized by increased hygroscopicity, they can only be used in combination with waterproofing:

• Reflective winding. The procedure for insulating heating pipes on the street with your own hands using such thermal insulation does not require the performer to have professional skills. Everything is very simple. Aluminum foil is wound over the main layer of thermal insulation, made, for example, of foamed polyurethane or polyethylene, and then secured with metal wire.
• Styrofoam. For engineering communications, special forms are made that repeat their geometry, in the form of a ring consisting of two parts. Each of them has a groove connection. This design makes it quite easy to insulate the pipeline with your own hands.

Helpful advice! Polystyrene foam practically does not absorb moisture. But since insulating hot water pipes tracks in the ground it is necessary to use absolutely waterproof material, polystyrene is not the best option. From this point of view, it would be better to opt for extruded polystyrene foam.

Styrofoam - optimal material to create thermal insulation for heating pipes in an apartment. Not many of our compatriots understand the relevance of this issue. Yes, not on the street, but in a living room, even uninsulated heating pipes will not freeze. But on the way to the radiator, useful degrees are spent on heating walls and furniture. Thus, the degree of heating of the radiator will be significantly less than the expected value, which, in turn, will lead to a decrease in the level of heat transfer to the rooms of the apartment.

Insulation of pipes in the attic and basement

Having completed the construction of a private house, its owner must find out how the heating pipes are insulated. The choice of material depends on the type of room in which they are laid: in the attic or in the basement.

The attic space is characterized by increased airflow, so high humidity, as a rule, is not recorded here: it is the same as outside. And for the reason that it is very difficult to create complete insulation in the attic, subzero temperatures not uncommon there.

Those who want to insulate the pipes laid in this room with their own hands should be guided not only by the thermal conductivity of the material. It should also be considered whether it is possible to connect the segments without forming cold bridges. As practice shows, glass wool, slag wool, stone and basalt wool. And not only because of the affordable price. After all, even for those who do not know how to insulate heating pipes in the attic, independent decision I can handle this task. And this is additional savings.

The basement is the most critical place for heating pipes in a residential building. They are laid in the ground below the freezing depth of the soil. But even this does not eliminate the need to insulate pipelines. And from the point of entry of the heating main into the basement to the place where the pipes approach the location of the plumbing, they must be thermally insulated.

Helpful advice! Regardless of the type of material used for thermal insulation of pipes laid in the ground, it must be covered with a layer of waterproofing.

Finding an answer to the question of how to insulate heating pipes in the basement will not take much time. According to experts, in terms of price/quality ratio, the best choice is thermal insulation made of polystyrene foam. It is produced for pipes of different diameters and any owner can use it to insulate a pipeline in the basement with his own hands.

The use of mineral wool involves performing two stages in the process of insulating heating pipes in the basement:

• the fabric is tightly wrapped around the pipe and secured with a nylon cord;
• A waterproofing protection is formed from roofing felt. Having been pre-cut into pieces, this material is in turn wound over the mineral wool. A nylon rope is also used for fixation.

The correct choice of thermal insulation structure and the correctness of its installation determine the service life and operating efficiency of pipelines.

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Thermal insulation of heating pipes: how and with what to insulate?

Very topical issue For many people, it is the thermal insulation of heating pipes. On the one hand, you will need to devote time to carrying out all the work and invest in the purchase of thermal insulation materials. But on the other hand, thermal insulation provides many advantages and solves serious problems:

• prevents pipes from freezing;
• protects them from mechanical damage and other negative impacts environment;
• reduces heat loss and, accordingly, saves money;

PPU pipe insulation

Agree, the benefits of insulation are so significant that discussions on the topic “is it worth spending money on thermal insulation of a pipeline” a priori should not exist. In this case, all costs are more than offset by the resulting benefit.

Materials used for insulation

Modern market building materials I am ready to offer the buyer many answers to this question. Listing all possible materials It will take too much time, so we will focus on the most popular of them:

• Mineral and glass fiber wool. Quite easy to install, can be used for pipes different sizes and is sold at the lowest price of all thermal insulation materials. The advantages also include high heat specifications. However, you should know that the cotton wool needs to be additionally covered with a waterproofing layer. As for the installation technology, the wool is wound around the pipeline and secured with stainless wire (synthetic twine can also be used).

Thermal insulation of pipes with mineral wool

• Expanded polystyrene. It is a material that has already proven its effectiveness and expediency of use. It has a cylindrical shape and is sold in various sizes. When buying it, be sure to measure the diameter of the pipe that will be insulated and select an insulator that fits the dimensions. Expanded polystyrene for thermal insulation of pipes is easy to install - it is divided into 2 halves, the edges of which have a locking shape. You just need to dock them until they click and that’s it - the installation process has come to completion. Sometimes, for additional fastening, they resort to wrapping with tape, but this is not at all necessary, because the foam fits well even without it.

Polystyrene foam for pipe insulation

• Foamed polyethylene. It is used quite often, mainly for insulating water supply lines, but it is also excellent for thermal insulation of internal sections of heating systems. It is extremely easy to install - it just involves cutting a line of appropriate size, wrapping it and securing it with tape. It is also presented on the market in the form of pipes cut along the length of one of the sides - such thermal insulation is even easier to install.

Thermal insulation of heating pipes with foamed polyethylene

• Penoizol. It is a liquid mixture and, due to the fact that it requires the use of a special spraying machine for application, is used mainly in industrial scale. After application and hardening, it “rings” the pipe very tightly, so that practically no heat passes through this shell. That is, this material has excellent thermal characteristics, but it is quite expensive. In a similar way, you can use foamed polyurethane foam (commonly called polyurethane foam) – if you need to insulate a small area of ​​the pipeline, use a spray can for spraying. In addition to the fact that penoizol eliminates heat loss, it is also resistant to frost and does not require additional fastening.

Thermal insulation of heating pipes with foam insulation

• Penofol. It began to be used as insulation only recently, but this did not prevent it from quickly acquiring a good reputation and consumer demand. This material is a foil coated with polyethylene foam. Such a “sandwich” retains heat perfectly, and in addition to this it has excellent heat-reflecting qualities, due to which it is used not only for pipe insulation, but also, for example, attached to heating radiators on the wall (this can significantly increase heating efficiency).

Penofol for pipe insulation

Conclusion

From what we have read, we can come to the conclusion that today there are indeed a lot of materials for insulation, the choice is far from scarce, and the thermal insulation of heating pipes can be carried out using any of the heat insulators listed above. When choosing this or that insulation, we advise, first of all, to pay attention to its thermal characteristics, then to the ease of installation, and only after that to the cost. Because, as they say, “the miser pays twice,” and by looking for a low price, you can purchase products that ultimately disappoint you with their extremely low efficiency.

Infrared radiation passes through most insulation without hindrance. Thermal insulation for pipes with foil is highly reflective and retains heat much more effectively than materials without a protective layer.

According to average statistics, a building loses from 40% to 70% of thermal energy in winter. Heat loss occurs for three reasons: due to the high thermal conductivity of the pipe material, due to convection and due to infrared radiation. Heat transfer can be stopped by reflection.

You can purchase foil insulation for pipes, or you can wrap the insulating layer with foil yourself. This insulation is sold either in rolls or in the form of hollow tubes. The foil is laid with the front side out. It is important to ensure a gap of 1-2 cm between the foil and the pipeline. The disadvantages of foil are its fragility and susceptibility to aggressive substances. Upper protective layer transmits about 10% of energy.

Choice of insulation

Insulation (polyurethane foam, fiberglass, polystyrene foam, mineral wool, polyethylene foam) can be covered with metallized film or aluminum foil on one or both sides.

Mineral wool covered with a layer of foil is the simplest option. The thickness of the reflective surface is from 10 to 30 microns, the thickness of the wool is up to 5 cm. Foil with foam has increased strength. Foil with polyethylene foam is more fragile and can be deformed under the influence of external forces. The advantage of such insulation is vapor permeability. Basalt thermal insulation is similar to mineral wool, but heavier, as it has a higher density. Thermal insulation with a self-adhesive base provides undeniable ease of use. If the foil is damaged in some place, you can use aluminum tape. It will also be needed when joining parts of the material.

Foil insulation. Aluminum surface reflects heat waves like a mirror

Lavsan film and polyethylene foam with foil can pass through infrared radiation. Therefore, you should choose a film with a thick foil layer. Poriflex NPE-LF, penofol 2000, BestIzol, Ecofol are the most popular brands of foil pipe insulation. Air gap The polyethylene foam inside and the top polished layer allow the materials to be used not only in industry, but also in private homes. The thickness of such insulation usually does not exceed 1 cm. The quality guarantee only applies to materials that have been certified.

Why foil insulation - right choice?

• The material can be used at ambient temperatures -60°..+150°.
• Vapor permeability: 0.001% (foil almost does not allow steam to pass through). Water absorption: 0.74% per day.
• Easy to install, low cost, environmentally friendly, good waterproofing properties, the ability to absorb noise and dampen vibrations in ventilation systems.
• Creating a “thermos” effect.
• Easy to install and environmentally friendly material.

Disadvantage of foil: high thermal conductivity. That is why it is not used separately, but together with traditional insulation.

Foamed polyethylene reliably retains heat

Thermal insulation for pipes with foil

Heating and sewerage

Rockwool cylinders – The best decision for heating pipes, ventilation ducts, air conditioners and sewer pipes. This flexible foil pipe insulation is resistant to chemical irritants and is easy to install. Covered with a protective layer, the casings are strong and durable.

Installation method:

1. First, cut out sections of the required length. The segments are joined closely to each other.
2. Then 2 fasteners are installed on each segment with a distance of 500 mm between them.
3. For vertical sections, retaining rings are used that prevent the cylinders from slipping over time.
4. For curved pipes, the cylinder is trimmed by fitting the hole along the pipe.

Technical thermal insulation – hollow cylinders made of stone wool and covered with a layer of aluminum foil. It is intended for insulation of heating networks and industrial pipelines. They have a longitudinal cut for the easiest possible installation.

Seams between components glued with aluminum tape

Chimney

Insulation of the chimney is necessary to create good draft. The heat barrier prevents the formation of condensation, which means it protects chimney from destruction.

Learn how to make a tube-cover for an iron chimney out of foil. You will need rockwool (wire-stitched Rockwool mats will work), foil and hardware.

1. Unwind the roll and use pruning shears to separate the desired section.
2. Using fasteners and wire, wrap the pipe with insulation.
3. Wrap everything on top with aluminum foil and secure with zip ties. Instead of mineral wool, you can use any other non-flammable material.

It is enough to put the casing on the pipe and fix it - reliable heat protection is guaranteed

Energyflex pipe insulation

Has its strengths and weaknesses. The advantages include strength, moisture resistance, and immunity to temperature changes. The material does not cause difficulties during installation and is light in weight. The layer thickness can be from 9 to 13 mm, length - up to two meters. Suitable for pipelines with diameters from 18 to 160 mm. The flexible material can be laid in areas with complex geometries.

Energoflex does not require additional wrapping with roofing felt. The disadvantages are the high cost and the impossibility of installing it where the temperature of the pipeline working environment exceeds 100°.

Important points:

• If you are purchasing roll insulation, make sure that it is intended specifically for pipes before purchasing.
• The rigid material in the form of semicircles is sized to fit onto a pipe of a specific diameter.
• A distance of 2.5 cm must be maintained between the wall and aluminum foil.
• The price of insulation is affected by both the thickness of the reflective layer and the base material.
• There is a significant difference between aluminum plating and aluminum foil. In the first case, the heat insulator will work less efficiently, its reflectivity is low.

Video: installation of Rockwool thermal insulation

Insulation with a layer of foil retains heat better due to its reflectivity, does not cause installation difficulties and is environmentally friendly.

The need for thermal insulation of utility lines arises often. To ensure that there is no heat loss when moving hot water from the source of its heating to the end consumer, the pipeline should be insulated using, for example, pipe insulation with foil as a material.

As practice shows, heat loss in the absence of insulation can reach 20 percent. In order to optimize the efficiency of the heating structure, it is necessary to insulate the line through which the coolant is transported. This work can be done independently, without involving specialists. In this case they use various materials, including liquid insulation, polyurethane foam (abbreviated as PPU), mineral wool, penofol.

The need to insulate heating pipes

Due to the high cost of energy resources, thermal energy must be used rationally, which means that only the rooms that require it should be heated. If uninsulated pipes pass through a non-residential area, such as an attic or basement, then heat is wasted for other purposes. This circumstance leads to a decrease in the performance of the heating system and an increase in the cost of purchasing fuel.

Insulating the outer section of the heating main reduces the likelihood of the coolant freezing in the event of a sharp drop in outside temperature. True, freezing of the heat supply structure is unlikely, but traffic jams may appear.

For this reason, insulation of a pipeline laid outside a building is a prerequisite for the operation of both internal and external sections of the heating system. Correctly selected insulation thickness can ensure protection of heating network elements from various types of damage, serious breakdowns and corrosive processes.

Selection of materials

There is a wide range of insulating materials for heat supply lines on sale. To do the right purchase, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the room, its parameters and technical operating conditions of the heating system.

The main factors influencing the choice of insulation:

• location of the pipeline that needs to be insulated;
• temperature of the coolant moving through the pipes;
• characteristics of the heating main;
• basic properties of materials intended for pipeline insulation.

When choosing, first of all take into account the following performance characteristics insulation:

• heat resistance;
• thermal conductivity;
• fire safety;
• moisture resistance;
• thickness;
• resistance to decay and microorganisms;
• cost of installation work.

When purchasing materials for pipe insulation, you need to remember that the lower their thermal conductivity, the higher the thermal insulation performance. The degree of moisture resistance is reflected in the quality of protection of metal pipelines from corrosion processes and condensation formation.

The fire resistance of heat insulators must correspond to fire safety requirements for heated rooms. To calculate the thickness of the material used, special formulas are used.

Variety of insulation for pipelines

All types of thermal insulation materials used for heating pipes can perform their functions due to the presence of air in them, and their difference lies in the ease of installation work.

The most easily performed method of insulation is considered to be thermal insulation, called “shell”. It is produced in the form of half-cylinders. Installation is carried out by combining the halves using grooves. As a result, the desired result is ensured when insulating pipes in the basement or attic.

The most in demand are the following pipeline insulation materials: mineral wool or fiberglass, insulation for pipes with foil, polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, penoizol.

PPU insulation for heating systems

The material for insulating polyurethane foam pipes is:

• sprayable;
• tough.

To apply polyurethane foam spraying, you will need special equipment and a 4-atmospheric compensator. The insulation is firmly connected to the surface of the pipes. But this material does not tolerate exposure to ultraviolet radiation, so it must be protected with winding or aluminum foil. When applying spraying it is necessary to use special clothing.

The rigid type of polyurethane foam insulation is durable and at the same time light, has a low thermal conductivity coefficient and is used for individual circuits. Among its advantages, it should be noted that it has increased resistance to moisture. The material is environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic. It is mounted around the pipeline in the same way as a “shell”.

Foil insulators for heating systems

If you need to make a decision regarding the material, the best choice would be to use foil pipe insulation. Thermal insulation is considered effective if it allows not only to retain heat, but also to reflect it. In this case, it is preferable to use materials with aluminum foil.

In addition, foil insulation for heating pipes does not allow cold coming from outside to pass through and demonstrates excellent hydro- and vapor barrier. During its manufacture, the main thermal insulation material is applied to the foil layer - it can be polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam or mineral wool.

This type of thermal insulation of different thicknesses for pipelines passing through living quarters, basement or attic is produced in the form of “shells”, slabs, rolls, mats, and sheets.

Application of foil thermal insulation for pipes

According to experts, the simplest way to thermally insulate pipelines in the basement is to use mineral wool, which is covered with a layer of foil, while the thickness of the wool reaches 50 millimeters, and the reflective layer - 10-30 microns.

Before you begin insulating pipes in the attic or basement, you need to study the operating conditions of the materials. For example, foil with polyethylene foam is fragile and is subject to deformation under external influences. Strength indicators can be increased if you prefer thermal insulation with foil for pipes and foam plastic.

In turn, basalt insulation has many general characteristics with mineral wool, but it is heavier because it has greater density.

It is convenient to install self-adhesive insulation. If the foil is damaged, use aluminum tape. Mylar film with foil and polyethylene foam do not reflect infrared radiation, so such material must have a significant thickness of the foil layer.

The main nuances of using thermal insulators

Before purchasing rolled insulation for heating pipes, you need to make sure that its performance characteristics allow the use of this material in an attic or basement.

When the insulation is rigid and made in the shape of a semicircle, it can be used for pipe products of a certain diameter. A distance of 25 millimeters should be left between the wall and aluminum foil.

The cost of a heat insulator is affected by the thickness of the reflective layer and the material from which its base is made. There is a significant difference between aluminum foil and aluminum coating. The latter option makes the functioning of the heat insulator less effective with low reflectivity.

It is not at all necessary to buy foil pipe insulation industrial production. You can independently wrap the layer of thermal insulation laid on the pipe with foil if the pipeline is laid in the attic or basement. This material is produced in rolls or in the form of hollow tubes.

The foil is laid face up. A gap of 10-20 millimeters must be left between the foil layer and the pipeline.

Self-installation of thermal insulation

Work on insulating heating pipes using thermal insulating polystyrene foam shells is carried out as follows:

1. The halves of the material are put on the pipe and their displacement relative to each other is ensured - this is required for an overlap measuring 10–20 centimeters.
2. The half-cylinders should be secured in advance with tape. If a surface protective layer needs to be applied, it is attached at the very end.
3. In order for the shell to more securely adhere to the pipeline, the joints must be taped with tape.
4. When it is necessary to insulate heating pipes at turns in the main, shaped types of shells are used.

In many ways, the choice of materials for insulating heating system elements depends on the operating conditions of the heating main and its structural design. Thermal insulation work is simple and can be done by any home craftsman if desired.

When dealing with insulation problems when renovating an apartment, building a house, a bathhouse, other utility or utility buildings, any owner is always faced with the problem of choosing the optimal thermal insulation materials. It’s good that nowadays the range of them on sale is quite wide. But this variety of choices can also play a “wicked joke” on an ignorant person - it’s no wonder you get confused in such abundance and make a mistake. Therefore, when going to a store to make a purchase or planning to place an online order, the consumer should already have an idea of ​​the characteristics of the material, its features, areas of application and basic installation techniques.

This article will review thermal insulation materials, which, despite the fact that they may have a different base, are still united by one common important feature - a foil surface. So, we consider the varieties, advantages and disadvantages, price levels and practical use insulation with foil.

Advantages and disadvantages of insulation with foiling

Any of insulation materials has its insulating properties due to the foamed, porous, fluffy, fibrous or other base, which allows you to create and retain a layer of air. Well, the air itself has extremely low thermal conductivity, and the total result is a thermal insulation layer, the transfer of thermal energy through which, if not completely excluded, is significantly reduced. It is clear that any material has its own thermal resistance indicators, and the general capabilities of the insulation also depend on its thickness.

1 – mineral wool.

2 – foamed polyethylene.

3 – polystyrene foam.

4 – foamed concrete.

But this is, so to speak, a passive role of insulation. Is it possible to make sure that the thermal insulator not only does not allow heat to pass through its structure, but also participates more actively, reflecting thermal energy in the right direction? It turns out that it is possible - and foiling is used for this.

The wavelength of infrared radiation is close to visible light, and the heat flux, just like a light beam, can be reflected from a mirror surface and redirected back. It is on this principle that any thermos works - a thin glass or metal flask for liquid with an internal mirror or polished surface, and an air (or vacuum) layer around it.

The heat in such a simple design is retained for a very long time. Exactly the same principle is used when insulating residential premises, baths, industrial buildings and technological lines, agricultural facilities, etc. For this purpose, foil insulation is used.

Modern technologies make it possible to apply a layer of aluminum foil to almost any thermal insulation material, so that the strength of the resulting multilayer structure is maintained, without its delamination. As a result, new insulation materials acquire a number of remarkable qualities:

• The created “thermos effect” in the room allows you to retain heat much better in winter, and vice versa - coolness in summer.
• Increasing the efficiency of thermal insulation entails reducing energy consumption for heating needs.
• The foil surface itself is a good barrier against the penetration of moisture and water vapor, which in some cases makes it possible to do without an additional waterproofing layer.
• Foil in no way reduces the thermal insulation properties of the material; on the contrary, it enhances them and allows the use of insulation materials of much smaller thickness, which is sometimes extremely important in tight spaces.
• Any type of foil insulation is also a good sound insulator.
• Applying foil to a thermal insulator does not pose any threat from an environmental point of view. On the contrary, it often becomes a strengthening barrier against the penetration of the smallest particles of material into the space of the room.
• The material is easy to install, which does not require any special professional skills. Moreover, it can, if necessary, be dismantled and then installed in the same or another place.
• The material is produced in rolls or panels, which is very convenient for installation work.

The disadvantages include the following:

• Aluminum is still subject to gradual corrosion, which is why it begins to become cloudy, and over time its reflective qualities weaken somewhat.
• The metal layer can become very hot, and therefore during installation it is necessary to provide a small air gap between the insulation and finishing surfaces. By the way, this same air gap will facilitate ventilation of the aluminum coating, and the absence of moisture on the surface of the foil will greatly reduce the aggressiveness of corrosion processes and thereby increase the service life of the material.

Prices for thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation materials

Main types of insulation with foil

Now it’s worth considering in more detail the main types of foil insulation, their characteristic features and areas of application. In private construction, materials made from foamed polyethylene, mineral wool or expanded polystyrene are widely used. There are other materials, for example, basalt-fiber-based boards with foil, but this material is expensive and has a specific purpose - for thermal insulation of technological lines, power plants, special industrial facilities, etc.

Foil insulation based on polyethylene foam

This is one of the most common and easy-to-use types of foil insulation. It is a layer of foam made using a special technology, covered with one or two layers of foil with a thickness of 10 ÷ 15 microns.

The thickness of the insulating layer can be different - from 2 to 15 mm. The release form is usually rolls, but there may also be sheets of a standardized size, which is especially typical for the thickest (15 mm) types.

Three types of material are available:

• type A – one-sided foiling;
• type B - foil is applied on both sides, which is sometimes required to enhance thermal insulation properties;
• type WITH – With on one side there is foil, on the other there is a self-adhesive layer covered with a protective film, making it easier to necessary cases installation process on the ceiling or on vertical surfaces.

There may also be differences in the type of source material used:

• Inexpensive brands use regular polyethylene N PE, which undergoes repeated foaming during the production process to create a closed gas-filled porous structure. The disadvantage of this material is its low resistance to deformation loads and the property of gradual shrinkage.
• The best performance is achieved by insulation based on specially treated, “cross-linked” polyethylene (PPE). Its density is slightly higher, but due to transverse intermolecular bonds it not only withstands mechanical stress better, but also tends to recreate its original shape after removing the dynamic load. When purchasing material, this nuance must be taken into account.

Some types of such insulation may additionally have a fiberglass reinforcing mesh in their structure.

You can find many types of insulation based on polyethylene foam. Certified products of the brands “Penofol”, “Ekofol”, “Isoflex”, “Izolon”, “Jermaflex”, “Folgoizol” are deservedly popular. Some characteristics of these materials are shown in the table:

Name of material	Penofol	Izolon	Ecofol	Isoflex
Miniature
	0,049	0.04	0,049	0,035
Density, kg/m³	35	26 ÷ 33	33	35 ÷ 45
Thermal reflectivity	at least 90%	up to 95 ÷ 97%	at least 80%	at least 90%
Operating temperature range	from -60° to +100°С	from -80° to +80°С	from -60° to +90°С	from -60° to +80°С
Vapor permeability of the material, mg/m×h×Pa	0,001	0,001	0,001	0,001
Release form	Thickness 2, 4, 5, mm with a layer of foil 14 microns, rolls 1.2 × 30 m; thickness 8 and 10 mm – rolls 1.2 × 15 m	The width of the sheet is 1.5 m, the thickness is 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10 mm, the length per roll is 200, 170, 130, 100, 80 and 50 m, respectively. Individual sheets are 15 mm thick, dimensions 1500 × 2000 mm	Rolls 1200 mm wide, insulation thickness 2, 3, 5, 8 and 10 mm, length 25 and 15 m.	Rolls are 1200 mm wide, insulation thickness is 2, 3, 5, 8 or 10 mm, length is 25 and 15 m. Foil thickness is 10 microns.

Foil-coated polyethylene foam is widely used in repair and construction work. Sheets or strips of insulation are attached to the surface in any convenient way, but in such a way as to prevent a strong violation of the integrity of the foil (for example, it is permissible to fasten it using the staples of a construction stapler). As a rule, the canvases are laid end-to-end, which is then glued with foil tape to provide a single, seamless reflective and insulating surface.

• Floor insulation. It is used as an additional or even main (for example, in multi-storey buildings) thermal insulation layer, which can simultaneously play the role of a waterproofing agent. It is laid with the foil side up before laying the final floor covering.

• Thermal insulation and additional sound insulation of walls and ceilings, especially in conditions where the size of the room does not allow the use of thicker types of insulation ( classic example– narrow balcony or loggia). Attached with the foil side facing the room. Be sure to provide a gap between the foil and the finishing coating (lining, panels, etc.). It is usually fixed to the surface with battens (counter battens), which become the basis for the cladding.

• Insulation of roof slopes. Can be used alone or in combination with other materials. In any case, the foil polyethylene foam is attached last towards the attic space, and the sheathing is mounted on top of it, maintaining a gap.

• . The foil layer simultaneously plays the role of a reliable steam and waterproofing, protecting the wall material from waterlogging. True, in a steam room, where there may be critical high temperatures, the use of the material is not always justified due to the limited temperature range of its operation.

• Thermal reflective screens behind heating radiators. This measure prevents thermal energy from being wasted on unnecessary heating in the external wall, redirecting the infrared flow back into the room.

Interestingly, this material is widely used for other purposes not related to construction. Thus, it is excellent for insulating and soundproofing car interiors. It is also used to make warm insoles for winter shoes.

Video: comparative tests of foil insulation polyethylene foam

Mineral wool with foil

The thermal insulation properties of mineral wool are very high in themselves. But additional foil will only increase the efficiency of insulation. In addition, this material is very hygroscopic, and an additional barrier against the penetration of moisture and water vapor will prevent the mineral wool from getting wet and losing its qualities.

The material is produced in rolls, pre-compressed or sectional, or individual slabs.

Name of insulation	ISOVER Sauna	Rockwool Sauna Butts	Knauf Insulation LMF AluR	PAROC
Miniature
Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m×°С	0,041	0,036	0.04	0,039
Density, kg/mm³	11	40	36	32
Thickness	50 or 100 mm	50 or 100 m	20 or 50 mm	50 or 100 mm
Release form	Rolls are 1200 mm wide, 12.5 or 6.25 m long, with threefold compression of the material.	Packages of 10 or 5 slabs of mineral wool foil slabs with dimensions 1000 × 600 mm	Rolls 1000 mm wide, 10 or 5 m long	Mats 1200 × 600 mm or rolls up to 5 m

Due to the fact that the upper temperature limit for the operation of mineral wool exceeds 300 degrees, it is ideally suited for ceilings in bathhouses. In principle, this is the main purpose of such foil insulation, although, of course, nothing prevents it from being used for other purposes, for example, for thermal insulation of the roof.

In any case, the slabs or mats are located between the sheathing guides. The guide pitch is initially set to 10 ÷ 20 m m less than the width of the insulation - so it will fit tightly into the niche intended for it. The density of the foil is usually such that the insulation can be secured with staples to the aluminum layer. The joints must be taped with foil tape in order to maintain the effect of water vapor barrier. An air gap of 20 ÷ 25 mm is left between the insulation and the wall (ceiling) sheathing.

Mineral wool insulation is also available in the form of collapsible cylinders or half-cylinders - these products are excellent for thermal insulation of pipelines.

The heat resistance of mineral foil wool allows it to be used for additional thermal insulation of boilers, boilers, storage tanks, and other heating devices.

Prices for mineral wool

Mineral wool

Video: thermal insulation of a bathhouse with foil insulation “ISOVER Sauna”

Expanded polystyrene mats with foil

Not so often, but still another type of foil insulation is used. We are talking about slabs (mats) made of polystyrene foam with aluminum foil on one side.

Such products can be produced in single mats, or in rolls of several meters, made in sections, like a tractor caterpillar.

The main purpose of such insulating foil materials is both independent and in the “” system. A layer of aluminum foil reflects heat upward to warm the finish, so that expensive energy is not wasted heating massive floor slabs or subfloors laid on the ground.

To facilitate the process of laying the contours of a “warm floor”, most models of such mats have convenient, clearly visible markings. Fixing the pipes will not be particularly difficult - for this you can use special clamps with “harpoon” tips, which will reliably hold the element in the thickness of the polystyrene foam.

Fastening the “warm floor” pipe to the mat

It is better to purchase mats made from extruded polystyrene. Its increased density makes the material resistant to fairly significant mechanical loads, which is especially important when constructing floors.

At the end of the review, it is necessary to make one very important point: important note. All of the listed advantages of foil insulation will be valid only if the material is of high quality. The fact is that some unscrupulous manufacturers limit themselves to applying a thin aluminized spraying. This is far from foiling, although the materials may be similar in appearance. A thin sprayed layer is not able to adequately reflect the heat flow - infrared radiation will mostly pass through it. And such a “decorative” shiny layer will also not become a barrier to the penetration of moisture and water vapor.