How to choose insulation for the outside walls of a house. Effective insulation of external walls under siding and plaster with your own hands
Construction composition of the walls of multi-storey buildings or one-story houses, and also their thickness is not able to ensure 100% safety of thermal energy indoors. Monolithic concrete or stone are considered cold materials, but in terms of strength they occupy first place among all materials used in civil and industrial construction. To transform these materials into energy-saving and warm structures, multilayer thermal insulation technology for building structures of any type is used. Thermal insulation is provided for the walls both outside and inside. When performing insulation, all SNiPs and GOSTs are observed; these two points are very important in the construction process.
All houses, structures or buildings made of stone require additional thermal insulation. Stone includes such materials as: brick (solid, hollow, silicate, hollow porous), aerated concrete blocks, foam concrete and fortan blocks, rubble stone, shell rock, boiler and all types of cement and reinforced concrete products (monolithic slab structures, concrete panels and floors).
Insulation for walls, characteristics
There are the following types of wall insulation:
Styrofoam(wall insulation polystyrene foam) is a modern polymer insulation of the latest generation. This product is used in almost all areas of construction and even in industrial production processes. Foam plastic of grades PPT-25 and PPT-35 is used for insulation of walls (outside and inside), attic balconies, loggias and attics, as well as balcony floors. The dimensions of foam plastic boards are standard: 1000x500x50mm.
The material has the following qualities: low coefficient of water absorption, zero level of thermal conductivity, resistance to biological and chemical destruction, windproof and soundproofing properties, low weight, flexibility and ease of installation. The material belongs to the group of environmentally friendly products. Operational life is more than 50 years. The price of this product is the most affordable, despite some disadvantages such as flammability class.
Mineral wool(stone wool or glass wool) is a heat and sound insulating material widely used in insulating buildings for any purpose, and especially walls (external and internal), balconies and loggias. Internal and external use of insulation has justified its quality due to its physical and technical characteristics:
In insulation work (for example, insulation of walls in a panel house), mineral wool with thermal conductivity: 0.034-0.037 W/mK and flammability class NG (non-flammable) is used. The material can be worked at temperatures from -60ºС to +220ºС. This roll insulation for walls has the following dimensions: 1000x600x50mm, 7000x1200x50mm, 9000x1200x50mm, 10000x1200x50mm, 10000x1200x100mm, in addition to rolls, cotton wool is produced in slabs.
Brands of mineral wool used for wall insulation: Ursa, Izovol, Knauf, Rockwool, TechnoNIKOL, etc.
Polyurethane foam– a type of plastic, has a cellular-foamy structure. The cell space is filled with air and occupies 90% of the total mass of the product. Polyurethane foam has a high level of resistance to various chemicals, does not absorb water, is an excellent heat and sound insulator, is lightweight and has a high level of adhesion to all types of working surfaces: concrete, glass, wood, steel, brick, painted surfaces. The material can be worked at a temperature of 100 degrees. Operational life – up to 30 years.
PPU (polyurethane foam) is widely used in the process of insulating walls and frame balconies, as well as for insulating buildings with complex configurations. The zero level of conductivity and elasticity of the product is exactly what is needed for insulating walls, balconies, attics and attics. The seamless process of using this product and its perfect adhesion creates a truly sealed finish. There is no need to ask the constant question: “which insulation is better for thermal insulation?” — PPU is an excellent coating for walls both outside and inside. This material is a guarantee of excellent vapor barrier and, above all, waterproofing. The only negative is the high cost.
Extruded polystyrene foam– latest generation material, made in a special way technological process. For wall insulation, the brands of extruded polyurethane foam Penopllex and Technoplex are most often used. In the manufacture of Technoplex, graphite is used in the form of nano-sized particles. Nano-sized graphite increases the strength of the material and increases the energy efficiency of the product.
Penoplex (penoplex wall insulation) - has a high energy saving coefficient, zero heat loss, and an excellent sound insulator. In addition to insulating walls, this material is widely used in insulating balconies, loggias, floors, basements and other building structures. When installing a “warm floor”, penoplex is an essential material. Thermal conductivity index is 0.0029 W/(m°C). Comparing Penoplex with polystyrene foam panels, mineral basalt wool or glass wool, it surpasses them in terms of energy saving. Moisture resistance is 0.2%, strength coefficient is 200-500 kPa. Resistant to damage from mold, chemicals and rodents. The slabs are quickly installed due to their flexibility and low weight. The product corresponds to the flammability class - G1, G4. Almost all brands of extruded polystyrene foam are endowed with such characteristics.
Liquid thermal insulation. For example, Alfatek is a liquid-like thermal insulation of the latest technological progress in the field of insulation. The production technology of this material includes a polyacrylic system with the formation of many ceramic bubbles. The bubble system is filled with vacuum; it is this technical side that acts as an insulating component.
Material Features:
- heat insulator for external and internal use,
- ultra-thin insulation for pipes of any purpose and diameter,
- excellent material that prevents corrosion and other metal damage,
- energy-saving product with zero heat loss,
- the material prevents the formation of condensation,
- protection of premises from freezing,
- resistance to sudden temperature changes,
- reducing the weight of the structure,
- preservation of room footage,
- In addition to elasticity and energy saving, the product is aesthetically pleasing.
“Thermal mirror effect” Alfatek - consists of reflecting the heat flow received from the coolant or heat reflector and retaining the heat energy in itself. This ultra-thin insulation interrupts the contact of the base with the flow of cold entering the room from the outside, that is, from the street. The thermal conductivity of the material is 0.001 W/m°K.
Thermal insulation Alfatek (liquid insulation for walls) anti-corrosion protection of all metal surfaces with coverage for all hard to reach places, which cannot be covered with other types of thermal insulators. The applied insulation layer is not subject to destruction by atmospheric phenomena and chemicals. The paint concentration does not affect the reduction in the degree of insulation, the main thing is uniform application and the absence of cold bridges.
The appearance of the Alfatek product is similar to conventional paint based on water and acrylic polymers. In addition to pipe systems and metal structures insulation is used to insulate all types of surfaces: brick, stone, concrete, etc. Before application, thorough surface treatment is necessary: dust removal, degreasing and drying. To work on metal, priming or other treatment with anti-corrosion agents is not required; the insulator paint acts as a corrosion preservative.
Other insulation materials are also used: ecowool, warm plaster, polyethylene foam (penofol, thermoflex, isolon, energyflex), foam glass and others.
How to insulate walls?
There are three options for thermal insulation of such materials:
- Option I - insulation for the walls of the house is installed along the entire perimeter of the interior, including the attic, balcony and loggias (walls, floor, stream, and on the balcony, in addition to the above, there is also a parapet);
- Option II - the insulation is placed in the thickness of the construction pie (when pouring concrete, thermal insulation such as polystyrene foam, BSA or polystyrene concrete is placed right in the middle of the pour);
- Option III - insulation of the structure from the outside (hinged ventilated facades as wall insulation foam, extruded polystyrene foam, stone wool or glass wool, polystyrene foam concrete and others).
All options have their pros and cons, for internal insulation The downside is the formation of condensation; this is a clear and pressing problem of modern construction and thermal insulation.
Pie-shaped masonry
The construction “pie” consists of the following layers: the first layer is load-bearing walls, the second layer is cement or mixed plaster and heat-insulating material, the third layer is the finishing cladding of the facades, consisting of: primer, glue, construction cladding mesh, finishing plaster and decorative finishing material .
Load-bearing walls are made of durable masonry or cast material, additional connecting and reinforcing elements. Stone or concrete are two durable building and masonry materials used in the construction of houses from the base or foundation to the attic. Load-bearing walls account for the entire mass of the building; the service life of the house and the strength to withstand additional weight added through other materials and devices depend on their strength: reinforced concrete stairs and flights of stairs, roofing structure with its constituent materials, plumbing network, heating equipment and all contents of residential premises (furniture, Appliances and plumbing equipment, etc.). When planning a future building, all these nuances are calculated down to the smallest detail.
As for thermal insulation, here you can list a whole list of insulation materials: polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, mineral (stone) basalt wool, fiberglass wool, polyurethane foam (PPU), liquid thermal insulation, warm plaster, cellulose boards, sandwich panels and other thermal insulation materials. According to the technology, the insulation is applied to an even layer of plaster, that is, before insulating the walls, the surface is plastered.
The final or finishing layer is performed to seal the previous layers - load-bearing wall and insulation, as well as to perform decorative design walls from the outside of the building. Insulation of walls from the inside is carried out using a similar technology, with the exception of finishing plastering.
Insulation materials have almost the same thermal conductivity coefficient, due to this the thickness of all types is the same; the calculation of the thickness of insulation for walls is carried out from the point of view of the correct choice of material with a high level of energy saving inside the building. If construction is carried out in an area with a harsh climate, a double layer of insulation is used, regardless of whether it is mineral wool or polystyrene foam. In comparison with basalt wool, extruded polystyrene foam or simple polystyrene foam fits tightly to the base without the formation of cold bridges, but is inferior in flexibility to stone wool.
Vapor permeability, plays important role in the thermal insulation of walls, the higher the indicators of this coefficient, the less likely it is for condensation to form. Condensation leads to the destruction of all composite components of the layered masonry, thus shortening the service life of the building.
Fire safety ranks first among the technical requirements for construction and insulation. Despite the importance of this point, foam plastic is still widely used due to its cost and ease of installation. Polystyrene foam is 5 times cheaper than mineral basalt wool, which is why it is accepted into the thermal insulation process.
According to the agreement SP 23-101-2004 “Design of thermal protection of buildings”, using polystyrene foam (the technology of insulating walls with polystyrene foam), all window openings and areas surrounding the windows are insulated with non-combustible materials - mineral wool, glass wool and other non-combustible materials. This technology “saved flammable” foam from the list of prohibited products for thermal insulation of buildings and houses.
Fastening elements are plastic dowels or basalt-plastic tapes. The tapes are mounted in increments of 60 x 50 cm from each other. The fastening system or fastening of the insulation to the wall is quite durable, with a service life of up to 50 years. The entire finishing layer rests only on the foundation of the building.
Attention! When performing work on insulating walls from the outside, it is necessary to properly close the lower space in the area of the foundation and three-layer cake.
To avoid the destructive consequences of the thermal insulation process, the walls are ventilated or ventilated facades are installed. Due to the space between the insulation and the outer wall, as well as the installation ventilation holes an obstacle is created for the formation and settling of moisture inside the construction “pie”. In this way, the constantly ventilated layer cake will serve long years no complaints from consumers.
After completion of construction, it is already known what material to insulate the walls with, because these facts are included in the project plan, and in case of secondary housing, what insulation materials are needed for the walls, how to choose them?! A construction engineer, together with a technologist, when examining such structures after a full examination, will be able to give an accurate technical answer to this painful question. There is nothing complicated here - the main thing is to repair the structure, and then everything is done according to the specified external thermal insulation scheme.
Mineral basalt wool is an ideal insulation for walls under siding, in this case it is necessary to step-by-step installation and proper ventilation of the facade. In panel houses, the walls from the inside are very cold, even when the external insulation is 100% complete, the need for insulation arises. It is urgent to install wall insulation under the wallpaper, then the walls will become warm and dry when touched.
Wide selection of insulation materials for wooden houses, they can be used to insulate a house outside, and some even inside the house. What types are suitable for frame house? Which is the best, let's look at their characteristics in this article! If carried out correctly, it will not be superfluous in any climatic conditions.
When it is done correctly, then under its “protection” the house will not only be warmer in winter, but also noticeably cooler in summer.
Installation of insulation will create a comfortable microclimate in a room for any purpose - in a residential building, office or production workshop.
In addition, saving heat means obvious financial savings. It is completely unreasonable to heat the street, given that the technologies used today provide an opportunity to save energy resources already at the initial stage of construction work. Most of all, those parts of the building that are most adjacent to the external environment need to use insulation -, and.
The material produced in this way has excellent properties; moreover, it is not flammable and therefore does not pose a fire hazard. But a huge part of the wonderful qualities of insulation can be irretrievably lost when it gets wet. This should be taken into account.
Stone wool
Stone wool This is a fibrous material that is sold in the form of rolls and portioned slabs, and has an extremely low thermal conductivity.
Most quality product made from rocks called gabbro-basalt. This non-flammable material is used with equal success in the construction of private facilities and the construction of various industrial facilities. The wide range of uses is also explained by the possibility of its use at extremely high temperatures, reaching one thousand degrees.
The insulation's complete immunity to fire is complemented by its excellent resistance to moisture. This is a hydrophobic material, the peculiarity of which is that it does not absorb water, but repels it.
This ensures that the insulation remains dry even after a long period of time. This, in turn, will allow her to maintain her high performance qualities. The unique properties of basalt wool allow it to be used even in boiler rooms, baths and saunas, where high humidity and high temperature are combined. Strength in this case is not directly dependent on the density of the material.
It's pretty soft material, having at the same time a sufficient margin of safety. Its structural stability is determined by the special arrangement of the individual component fibers - chaotic and vertical. The material has high anti-corrosion properties.
It can coexist quite peacefully with concrete and metal, without the occurrence of various kinds of chemical reactions. High biological stability provides it with immunity to various biological pests: damage by insects and rodents, the emergence fungal diseases,
The basalt insulation passed the combustion test, but the organic insulation burned out Basalt rock is the main raw material for production of this type cotton wool. Treatment with formaldehyde resins gives the material a sufficient level of strength, and the materials used modern technologies guarantee the complete elimination of harmful phenols at the production stage of the material.
The final product reaching the consumer is a harmless and environmentally friendly material with high insulating qualities.
It is actively used for insulating the floors of residential and industrial premises, for thermal insulation of roofs and facades, including as external insulation.
It has found wide application in rooms with extreme levels of humidity and temperature. The best basalt insulation, stone wool made from rocks, is the key to quality for a long time.
Glass wool
The missing 7% comes from specially added flame retardants. Insulation fibers contain lignin, which becomes sticky when humidity increases. All elements included in the insulation are non-toxic, absolutely non-volatile and harmless to health. Cellulose insulation is resistant to combustion and rotting, and has excellent sound and heat insulation properties.
Can hold approximately 20% humidity while maintaining its performance. The material releases moisture to the outside and dries quickly, maintaining all its performance qualities. The disadvantage of ecowool is the difficulty of manually applying it to the surface, as well as the impossibility of arranging a “floating floor” due to its inherent softness.
Penoizol
Another name for the material is urea foam. This is a modern material with high sound and heat insulating characteristics, which is a cheap insulation material. This is a cellular organic foam with particularly low density and low thermal conductivity. The material has high fire resistance, resistance to microorganisms, and a low price. It is easy to process, its air content reaches 90%.
Insulating the attic with foam insulation The tests carried out demonstrated the capabilities of the material. It turned out that the time of its operation as the middle layer of the structure frame structure, actual is not limited by anything. Tests of its fire resistance showed that the material can be safely classified as low-flammable.
This is the only thermal insulation material of a polymer nature that is not at all suitable for self-combustion. Its fire resistance index places it in the G2 flammability subgroup.
Even if the highest temperature occurs during a fire, when the metal begins to melt, the carbide foam will simply evaporate, without releasing toxic or harmful substances.
Izokom
This is a special foil material (on both sides or only one). It is made of polyethylene foam fabric, covered on the outside with highly polished aluminum foil. This is a multilayer vapor-sound- and heat-insulating material that combines completely different qualities.
With a minimum thickness of the insulating layer, it provides excellent properties for reflecting heat flow, successfully combined with the highest (almost maximum) thermal resistance indicators. Properly installed material is characterized by exceptionally effective thermal insulation of the building along its entire contour.
This is a harmless, environmentally friendly material that does not pose a threat to the ozone layer. It does not contain glass or other fibers that are unsafe for the health of people and animals.
Without changing its exceptional properties, it serves for about 50 years, without deforming or being damaged during all this time.
Installation is quite simple and very convenient: it does not require special equipment. Excellent protection against steam and moisture. It is used almost everywhere.
A very real situation - an effective heating system is installed and running in a private house, but it is not possible to achieve comfortable living conditions if the building itself does not have good thermal insulation. The consumption of any energy carriers in such a situation jumps to completely unimaginable limits, but the generated heat is completely uselessly spent on “warming up the street.”
All main elements and structures of the building must be insulated. But against the general background, external walls lead in terms of heat loss, and it is necessary to think about their reliable thermal insulation first of all. Insulation materials for the external walls of a house are now available for sale in a very wide range, and you need to be able to navigate this variety, since not all materials are equally good for certain conditions.
The main methods of insulating the external walls of a house
The main task of wall insulation is to bring the total value of their resistance to heat transfer to the calculated value, which is determined for a given area. We will definitely dwell on the calculation method below, after considering the physical and operational characteristics of the main types of insulation. First, you should consider existing technologies for thermal insulation of external walls.
- Most often they resort to external insulation of already erected walls of a building. This approach is able to solve to the maximum extent all the main problems of thermal insulation and saving walls from freezing and related processes. negative phenomena spoilage, dampness, erosion building material.
There are many methods for external insulation, but in private construction they most often resort to two technologies.
— The first is plastering the walls on top of the thermal insulation layer.
1 – external wall of the building.
2 – assembly adhesive onto which the thermal insulating material is attached tightly, without gaps (item 3). Reliable fixation is also ensured by special dowels - “fungi” (item 4).
5 – base plaster layer with fiberglass mesh reinforcement inside (item 6).
7 – layer. Facade paint can also be used.
— The second is the cladding of externally insulated walls with decorative materials (siding, panels, “ block house", etc.) according to the ventilated facade system.
1 – main wall of the house.
2 - frame (sheathing). It can be made from wooden beams or from galvanized metal profiles.
3 – slabs (blocks, mats) of thermal insulation material laid between the sheathing guides.
4 – waterproofing diffuse steam-permeable a membrane that simultaneously performs the role of wind protection.
5 – a structural element of the frame (in this case, a counter-lattice), creating a ventilated air gap with a thickness of about 30 ÷ 60 mm.
6 – external decorative cladding of the facade.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Thus, a plastered insulated surface (often called a “thermal coat”) is quite difficult to do independently if the owner of the house does not have stable plastering skills. This process is quite “dirty” and labor-intensive, but in terms of the total costs of materials, such insulation is usually cheaper.
There is also " A complex approach» to such external wall insulation is the use of façade cladding panels, the design of which already provides for a layer of thermal insulation. In this case, plastering work is not expected - after installation, all that remains is to fill the seams between the tiles.
Installation of a ventilated facade practically does not involve “wet” work. But the total labor costs are very significant, and the cost of the entire set of materials will be very considerable. But the insulation qualities and the effectiveness of protecting walls from various external influences in this case are significantly higher.
- , from the premises.
This approach to thermal insulation of walls causes a lot of criticism. Here there is a significant loss of living space, and difficulties in creating a full-fledged insulated layer without “cold bridges” - they usually remain in the area where the walls adjoin the floors and ceilings, and a violation of the optimal balance of humidity and temperatures in such a “pie”.
Of course, placing thermal insulation on the inner surface sometimes becomes almost the only available way to insulate walls, but whenever possible it is still worth giving preference to external insulation.
Is it worth insulating walls from the inside?
All the shortcomings and, without exaggeration, dangers are described in great detail in a special publication on our portal.
- Insulation of walls by creating a “sandwich structure” »
Typically, this technology for insulating external walls is used during the construction of a building. Several different approaches can be used here as well.
A. The walls are laid out according to the “well” principle, and as they rise into the resulting cavity, dry or liquid (foaming and hardening) is poured. thermal insulator. This method has been used by architects for a long time, when they used for insulation natural materials– dry leaves and pine needles, sawdust, discarded wool, etc. Nowadays, of course, special thermal insulation materials adapted for such use are more often used.
Alternatively, large walls can be used for laying walls. with large cavities that during construction, they are immediately filled with thermal insulation material (expanded clay, vermiculite, perlite sand, etc.)
B. We will omit another option both during the initial construction of the house and, if necessary, to create thermal insulation in an already erected previously building. The bottom line is that the main wall is insulated with one or another material, which is then covered with brickwork of one or ½ brick.
Usually in such cases, the external masonry is done “under jointing” and becomes finishing cladding facade.
A significant drawback of this method, if you have to carry out such insulation in an already erected house, is that it is necessary to expand and strengthen the foundation, since the thickness of the wall becomes significantly greater, and the load from the additional brick clutches will increase noticeably.
IN. An insulated multilayer structure is also obtained when using polystyrene foam permanent formwork for the construction of walls.
The blocks of such polystyrene foam formwork are somewhat reminiscent of the famous children's construction set “LEGO” - they have tongues and grooves for quick assembly wall structure, into which, as it rises, a reinforcing belt is installed and concrete mortar is poured. The result is reinforced concrete walls that immediately have two – outer and inner – insulating layers. Then along the front side of the wall you can make thin brickwork, tiled cladding or just a plaster coating. Almost all types of finishes are also applicable inside.
This technology is gaining popularity, although in fairness, it should be noted that she also has many opponents. The main arguments are the disadvantages of expanded polystyrene from the point of view of environmental and fire safety. There are certain problems with the vapor permeability of the walls and the shift of the dew point towards the premises due to the layer of internal insulation. But apparently everyone agrees that the walls do receive reliable thermal insulation.
What other requirements must the insulation of external walls meet?
It is clear that the thermal insulation layer on the wall should first of all reduce the building’s heat loss to an acceptable minimum. But, fulfilling his main function, it should not allow negative aspects - a threat to the health of people living in the house, increased fire danger, spread of pathogenic microflora, dampening of structures with the onset of destructive processes in the wall material, etc.
So, from the point of view of environmental safety, synthetic-based insulation raises a lot of questions. If you read manufacturers' brochures, you can almost always come across assurances about the absence of any threat. However, practice shows that most foamed polymers tend to degrade over time, and the decomposition products are not always harmless.
The situation with flammability looks even more alarming - a low flammability class (G1 or G2) does not at all mean that the material is completely safe. But more often than not, it’s not even the transfer of an open flame that is scary (most modern materials are extinguished), but the products of combustion. Sad story shows that it is toxic smoke poisoning resulting from the combustion of, for example, polystyrene foam, which most often causes human casualties. And you should think carefully about what the owner risks by arranging, for example, such thermal insulation indoors.
A terrible picture - the burning of an insulated facade The specific advantages and disadvantages of the main thermal insulation materials will be discussed in more detail in the corresponding section of the article.
Next important factor, which must be taken into account when planning insulation. Thermal insulation of walls should bring the “dew point” as close as possible to the outer surface of the wall, and ideally to the outer layer of the insulating material.
The “dew point” is not a linearly changing boundary in a wall “pie”, at which the transition of water from one state of aggregation to another occurs - steam turns into liquid condensate. And the accumulation of moisture means wetting of the walls, destruction of the building material, swelling and loss of insulation qualities, a direct path to the formation and development of mold or mildew, insect nests, etc.
Where can water vapor come from in the wall? Yes, it’s very simple - even in the process of normal life, a person releases at least 100 g of moisture per hour through breathing. Add here wet cleaning, washing and drying clothes, bathing or showering, cooking or simply boiling water. It turns out that during the cold season, the saturated vapor pressure indoors is always significantly higher than outdoors. And if measures for effective air ventilation are not taken in the house, moisture seeks its way through building structures, including through walls.
This is a completely normal process, which will not cause any harm if the insulation is planned and implemented correctly. But in cases where the “dew point” is shifted towards the rooms ( this is a typical drawback insulation of walls from the inside), the balance may be upset, and the wall with insulation will begin to become saturated with moisture.
To minimize or completely eliminate the consequences of condensation, you should adhere to the rule - the vapor permeability of the wall “pie” should ideally increase from layer to layer towards their placement outside. Then, with natural evaporation, excess moisture will be released into the atmosphere.
For example, the table below shows the values steam-permeable abilities of basic construction, insulation and finishing materials. This should help with the initial planning of thermal insulation.
| Material | Vapor permeability coefficient, mg/(m*h*Pa) |
|---|---|
| Reinforced concrete | 0.03 |
| Concrete | 0.03 |
| Cement-sand mortar (or plaster) | 0.09 |
| Cement-sand-lime mortar (or plaster) | 0,098 |
| Lime-sand mortar with lime (or plaster) | 0.12 |
| Expanded clay concrete, density 800 kg/m3 | 0.19 |
| Clay brick, masonry | 0.11 |
| Brick, silicate, masonry | 0.11 |
| Hollow ceramic brick (1400 kg/m3 gross) | 0.14 |
| Hollow ceramic brick (1000 kg/m3 gross) | 0.17 |
| Large format ceramic block (warm ceramics) | 0.14 |
| Foam concrete and aerated concrete, density 800 kg/m3 | 0.140 |
| Fiberboard and wood concrete slabs, 500-450 kg/m3 | 0,11 |
| Arbolit, 600 kg/m3 | 0.18 |
| Granite, gneiss, basalt | 0,008 |
| Marble | 0,008 |
| Limestone, 1600 kg/m3 | 0.09 |
| Limestone, 1400 kg/m3 | 0.11 |
| Pine, spruce across the grain | 0.06 |
| Pine, spruce along the grain | 0.32 |
| Oak across the grain | 0.05 |
| Oak along the grain | 0.3 |
| Plywood | 0.02 |
| Chipboard and fibreboard, 600 kg/m3 | 0.13 |
| Tow | 0.49 |
| Drywall | 0,075 |
| Gypsum slabs (gypsum slabs), 1350 kg/m3 | 0,098 |
| Gypsum slabs (gypsum slabs), 1100 kg/m3 | 0.11 |
| Mineral wool, depending on density 0.3 ÷ 0.37 | 0.3 ÷ 0.37 |
| Glass mineral wool, depending on density | 0.5 ÷ 0.54 |
| Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS, XPS) | 0,005 ; 0,013; 0,004 |
| Expanded polystyrene (foam), plate, density from 10 to 38 kg/m3 | 0.05 |
| Cellulose ecowool (depending on density) | 0.30 ÷ 0.67 |
| Polyurethane foam, at any density | 0.05 |
| Bulk expanded clay - gravel, depending on density | 0.21 ÷ 0.27 |
| Sand | 0.17 |
| Bitumen | 0,008 |
| Ruberoid, glassine | 0 - 0,001 |
| Polyethylene | 0.00002 (virtually impenetrable) |
| Linoleum PVC | 2E-3 |
| Steel | 0 |
| Aluminum | 0 |
| Copper | 0 |
| Glass | 0 |
| Block foam glass | 0 (rarely 0.02) |
| Bulk foam glass | 0.02 ÷ 0.03 |
| Bulk foam glass, density 200 kg/m3 | 0.03 |
| Glazed ceramic tiles | ≈ 0 |
| OSB (OSB-3, OSB-4) | 0,0033-0,0040 |
For example, let's look at the diagram:
1 – main wall of the building;
2 – layer of thermal insulation material;
3 – layer of external façade finishing.
Blue wide arrows indicate the direction of diffusion of water vapor from the room towards the street.
On the fragment "A" shown in a camp that, with a very high degree of probability, will always remain damp. The vapor permeability of the materials used decreases towards the street, and the free diffusion of vapor will be very limited, if not stopped altogether.
Fragment "b"- an insulated and finished wall, in which the principle of increase is observed steam-permeable ability of layers - excess moisture evaporates freely into the atmosphere.
Of course, not in all cases, for one reason or another, it is possible to achieve such ideal conditions. In such situations, it is necessary to try as much as possible to provide for the release of moisture, but if the external decoration of the walls is planned with a material whose vapor permeability is close to zero, then it would be best to install so-called “ventilated façade”(item 4 on fragment "V"), which was already mentioned in the article.
If thermal insulation is installed from steam-proof materials, the situation here is more complicated. It will be necessary to provide a reliable vapor barrier that will eliminate or minimize the likelihood of vapors entering the wall structure from inside the room (some insulation materials themselves are a reliable barrier to the penetration of vapors). And yet, it is unlikely that it will be possible to completely prevent the “preservation” of moisture in the wall.
Natural questions may arise - what about in the summer, when the water vapor pressure outside often exceeds the same indicators inside the house? Will there be reverse diffusion?
Yes, such a process will occur to a certain extent, but there is no need to be afraid of it - in conditions of elevated summer temperatures, active evaporation of moisture occurs, and the wall will not be able to become saturated with water. When the moisture balance is normalized, the wall structure will return to its normal dry state. But temporarily increased humidity does not pose a particular threat - it is more dangerous at low temperatures and freezing of walls - that’s when condensation reaches its peak. In addition, in the summer, in most houses, windows or vents are constantly open, and there will simply not be any significant difference in vapor pressure for abundant reverse diffusion.
In any case, no matter how high-quality the thermal insulation is, and no matter how optimally it is located, the most effective measure for normalizing the humidity balance is effective ventilation of the premises. The outlet that is located in the kitchen or bathroom cannot cope with such a task on its own!
It is interesting that the issue of ventilation began to be raised with such urgency relatively recently - with the start of mass installation by apartment owners of metal-plastic windows with double-glazed windows and doors with airtight seals around the perimeter. In old houses, wooden windows and doors were a kind of “ventilation duct”, and together with vents, they to some extent coped with the task of air exchange.
Ventilation issues - special attention!
Clear signs of insufficient ventilation in the apartment are abundant condensation on the glass and damp spots at the corners of the window slopes. and how to deal with it - in a separate publication on our portal.
What materials are used to insulate external walls?
Now let's move on to, in fact, consider the main materials that are used to insulate the external walls of the house. The main technical and operational parameters will, as a rule, be presented in the form of tables. And attention in the text will be focused on the characteristics of the material in terms of its use in this particular area.
Bulk materials
To insulate walls, subject to certain conditions, materials can be used to fill cavities inside the wall structure, or they can be used to create lightweight solutions that have thermal insulating qualities.
Expanded clay
Of all the materials of this type, the most famous is expanded clay. It is obtained by special preparation of special types of clay and subsequent firing of clay pellets at temperatures above 1100 degrees. This thermal effect leads to the phenomenon of pyroplasty - avalanche-like gas formation due to the water present in the raw material and the decomposition products of the components. The result is a porous structure that provides good thermal insulation qualities, and sintering of the clay gives the granules high surface strength.
After receiving finished products it is sorted by size - fractions. Each fraction has its own indicators of bulk density and, accordingly, thermal conductivity.
| Material parameters | Expanded clay gravel 20 ÷ 40 mm | Expanded clay crushed stone 5 ÷ 10 mm | Expanded clay sand or sand-crushed stone mixture 0 ÷ 10 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk density, kg/m³ | 240 ÷ 450 | 400 ÷ 500 | 500 ÷ 800 |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m×°С | 0.07 ÷ 0.09 | 0.09 ÷ 0.11 | 0.12 ÷ 0.16 |
| Water absorption,% of volume | 10 ÷ 15 | 15 ÷ 20 | no more than 25 |
| Weight loss, %, during freezing cycles (with standard frost resistance grade F15) | no more than 8 | no more than 8 | not regulated |
What are the advantages of expanded clay as an insulating material:
- Ceramite is highly environmentally friendly - no chemical compounds are used in its production .
- An important quality is the fire resistance of the material. It does not burn on its own, does not spread flame, and when exposed to high temperatures does not emit substances harmful to human health. .
- Expanded clay will never become a breeding ground for any form of life, and besides, insects also avoid it .
- Despite the hygroscopicity, rotting processes in the material will not develop .
- Prices for the material are quite reasonable, affordable for most consumers.
The disadvantages include the following:
- High-quality insulation will require sufficiently thick
- Insulation of walls is only possible by creating a multi-layer structure with cavities inside or using large hollow blocks in construction. Insulating the walls of a previously built house in this way - uh This is a very large-scale and costly undertaking that is unlikely to be profitable.
Expanded clay is poured into the cavity dry or poured in the form of a lightweight concrete solution ( expanded clay concrete).
Prices for expanded clay
Expanded clay
Vermiculite
A very interesting and promising insulation material is vermiculite. It is obtained by heat treatment of a special rock - hydromica. The high moisture content in the raw materials leads to the effect of pyroplasty, the material rapidly increases in volume (swells), forming porous and layered granules of various fractions.
This structural structure predetermines high heat transfer resistance. The main characteristics of the material are given in the table:
| Options | Units | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Density | kg/m³ | 65 ÷ 150 |
| Coefficient of thermal conductivity | W/m ×° K | 0.048 ÷ 0.06 |
| Melting temperature | °C | 1350 |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | 0,000014 | |
| Toxicity | non-toxic | |
| Color | Silver, golden, yellow | |
| Application temperature | °C | -260 to +1200 |
| Sound absorption coefficient (at sound frequency 1000 Hz) | 0.7 ÷ 0.8 |
Along with a lot of advantages, vermiculite has one very significant drawback - too high a price. Thus, one cubic meter of dry material can cost 7 thousand or more rubles (you can find offers exceeding even 10 thousand). Naturally, using it in its pure form to fill a cavity is extremely wasteful. Therefore, the optimal solution seems to be to use vermiculite as a component in the manufacture of “warm plaster”.
Often, “warm plaster” is enough for high-quality thermal insulation. Such a plaster layer gives the walls good thermal insulation qualities, and in some cases such insulation will even be quite sufficient.
By the way, the material has high vapor permeability, so these can be used on any wall surfaces with virtually no restrictions.
They are also quite applicable for interior decoration. Thus, warm plasters with vermiculite can be prepared both on the basis of cement and on the basis of gypsum - depending on the specific conditions of their use. Moreover, such wall covering will also give them increased fire resistance - even a wooden wall covered with vermiculite plaster will be able to withstand the “pressure” of an open flame for a certain time.
Another material obtained by heat treatment of rock. The raw material in this case is perlite - volcanic glass. When exposed high temperatures particles of this rock swell and become porous, forming extremely light porous sand with specific gravity only about 50 kg/m³.
Low density and gas filling perlite sand– what is required for effective thermal insulation. The main properties of the material, depending on the grade by bulk density, are given in the table;
| The name of indicators | Sand grade by bulk density | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 100 | 150 | 200 | |
| Bulk density, kg/m3 | Up to 75 inclusive | Over 75 and up to 100 inclusive | Over 100 and up to 150 inclusive | Over 150 and up to 200 inclusive |
| Thermal conductivity at temperature (20 ± 5) °С, W/m ×°С, no more | 0,047 | 0,051 | 0,058 | 0,07 |
| Humidity, % by mass, no more | 2, 0 | 2 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Compressive strength in a cylinder (determined by fraction 1.3-2.5 mm), MPa (kgf/cm2), not less | Not standardized | 0.1 | ||
What makes this material popular is its relatively low price, which cannot be compared with the same vermiculite. True, both the technological and operational qualities here are worse.
One of the disadvantages of perlite when used in dry form is its extremely high moisture absorption– it’s not for nothing that it is often used as an adsorbent. The second drawback is that sand always contains extremely fine fractions, almost powder, and working with the material, especially in open conditions, even with a very slight breeze, is extremely difficult. However, there will be enough trouble indoors, since it produces a lot of dust.
A common area of application for perlite sand is the production of lightweight concrete mortars with thermal insulation properties. Another typical use is mixing masonry compounds. The use of such solutions when laying walls minimizes the effect of cold bridges along the seams between bricks or blocks.
Perlite expanded sand is also used in the production of ready-made dry mixes - “warm plasters”. These construction and finishing compounds are rapidly gaining popularity, since at the same time as adding additional insulation to the walls, they also immediately perform a decorative function.
Video - Review of “warm plaster” THERMOVER
Mineral wool
Of all the insulation materials used, mineral wool will most likely take first place in the “availability – quality” category. This is not to say that the material is without drawbacks - there are many of them, but for thermal insulation of walls it often becomes the best option.
In residential construction, as a rule, two types of mineral wool are used - glass wool and basalt (stone). Their comparative characteristics are indicated in the table, and a more detailed description of the advantages and disadvantages follows it.
| Name of parameters | Stone (basalt) wool | |
|---|---|---|
| Limit temperature of use, °C | from -60 to +450 | up to 1000° |
| Average fiber diameter, µm | from 5 to 15 | from 4 to 12 |
| Hygroscopicity of the material in 24 hours (no more),% | 1.7 | 0,095 |
| Taunting | Yes | No |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/(m ×° K) | 0.038 ÷ 0.046 | 0.035 ÷ 0.042 |
| Sound absorption coefficient | from 0.8 to 92 | from 0.75 to 95 |
| Presence of binder, % | from 2.5 to 10 | from 2.5 to 10 |
| Flammability of the material | NG - non-flammable | NG - non-flammable |
| Release of harmful substances during combustion | Yes | Yes |
| Heat capacity, J/kg ×° K | 1050 | 1050 |
| Vibration resistance | No | moderate |
| Elasticity, % | no data | 75 |
| Sintering temperature, °C | 350 ÷ 450 | 600 |
| Fiber length, mm | 15 ÷ 50 | 16 |
| Chemical stability (weight loss), % in water | 6.2 | 4.5 |
| Chemical stability (weight loss), % in alkaline environment | 6 | 6.4 |
| Chemical stability (weight loss), % in acidic environment | 38.9 | 24 |
This material is obtained from quartz sand and broken glass. The raw material is melted, and thin and fairly long fibers are formed from this semi-liquid mass. Next, sheets, mats or blocks of various densities (from 10 to 30 kg/m³) are formed, and in this form the glass wool is supplied to the consumer.
- it is very plastic, and when packaging it is easily compressed to small volumes - this simplifies both transportation and delivery of the material to the work site. After removing the packaging, the mats or blocks are straightened to their intended dimensions. Low density and, accordingly, low weight - this means ease of installation, no need to reinforce walls or ceilings - the additional load on them will be insignificant .
- is not afraid of chemical exposure, it does not rot or rot. Rodents don’t really “like” it, and it won’t become a breeding ground for home microflora either. .
- It is convenient to place glass wool between the frame guides, and the elasticity of the material opens up the possibility of thermal insulation of complex, including curved surfaces .
- The abundance of raw materials and the comparative ease of manufacturing glass wool make this material one of the most affordable in terms of cost.
Disadvantages of glass wool:
- The fibers of the material are long, thin and brittle, and, as is typical for any glass, they have sharp cutting edges. They certainly won’t be able to cause a cut, but they will certainly cause persistent skin irritation. Even more dangerous is the contact of these small fragments with the eyes, mucous membranes or respiratory tract. When working with such mineral wool, compliance with increased safety rules is required - protection of the skin of the hands and face, eyes, and respiratory organs .
The very high probability of fine glass dust getting into the room, where it can be transported in suspension with air currents, makes the use of glass wool for interior work very undesirable.
- absorbs water quite strongly and, when saturated with moisture, partially loses its insulating qualities. Either hydro-vapor barrier of the insulation or the possibility of its free ventilation must be provided. .
- Over time, glass wool fibers can sinter and stick together - nothing unusual, since glass is an amorphous material. The mats become thinner and denser, losing their thermal insulation properties .
- Formaldehyde resins are used as a binding material that holds thin fibers in a single mass. No matter how much manufacturers assure that their products are completely environmentally safe, the release of free formaldehyde, which is extremely harmful to human health, occurs constantly throughout the entire period of operation of the material.
Of course, there are certain standards of sanitary compliance, and conscientious manufacturers try to adhere to them. High-quality material must have appropriate certificates - it never hurts to ask for them. But still, the presence of formaldehyde is another reason not to use glass wool indoors.
Basalt wool
This insulation is made from molten rocks of the basalt group - hence the name “stone wool”. After the fibers are drawn out, they are formed into mats, creating not a layered, but rather a chaotic structure. After processing, the blocks and mats are further pressed under certain thermal conditions. This determines the density and clear “geometry” of the manufactured products.
- Even on appearance basalt wool looks denser. Its structure, especially for high-density brands, is sometimes even closer to felt. But the increased density does not at all mean a decrease in thermal insulation qualities - basalt wool is not inferior to glass wool in this, and often even surpasses it .
- The situation with hygroscopicity is much better. Some brands of basalt wool, thanks to special processing, are even close to hydrophobicity .
- Clear the shapes of the blocks and panels make installation of such mineral wool a fairly simple task. If necessary, the material can be easily cut to the required size. True, it will be difficult to work with it on surfaces of complex configurations. .
- U stone wool– excellent vapor permeability, and with correct installation thermal insulation, the wall will remain “breathable”.
- The density of basalt mineral wool blocks makes it possible to install it on construction adhesive, ensuring maximum adherence to the insulated surface - this is extremely important for high-quality thermal insulation. In addition, such wool can be used to lay a plaster layer immediately after reinforcement. .
- The fibers of basalt wool are not so brittle and thorny, and in this regard it is much easier to work with it. True, security measures will not be superfluous.
The disadvantages include:
- Although basalt insulation, of course, will not become a breeding ground for rodents, they will not build their nests in it with great pleasure.
- There is no escape from the presence of formaldehyde - everything is exactly the same as in glass wool, maybe to a slightly lesser extent.
- The cost of such insulation is significantly higher than glass wool.
Video - Useful information about basalt mineral wool " TechnoNIKOL»
What's the conclusion? Both mineral wool is quite suitable for thermal insulation of walls, if all conditions are met so that it is not actively saturated with moisture and has the opportunity to “ventilate”. Optimal place its placement is on the outside of the walls, where it will create effective insulation and will not cause much harm to the people living in the house.
The use of mineral wool for internal insulation should be avoided if possible.
It may be noted that there is another type of mineral wool - slag. But it was deliberately not included in the detailed review, since it is of little use for insulating a residential building. Of all types, it is most prone to moisture absorption and shrinkage. High residual acidity of slag wool leads to activation of corrosion processes in materials covered with it. And the purity of the feedstock – blast furnace slag – also raises a lot of doubts.
Prices for mineral wool
Mineral wool
Polystyrene group insulation materials
Polystyrene-based thermal insulation materials can also be classified as the most commonly used. But if you take a closer look at them, they will raise a lot of questions.
Expanded polystyrene comes in two main types. The first one is unpressed foamed polystyrene, which is more often called polystyrene foam (PBS). The second one is more modern version, a material obtained using extrusion technology (EPS). First, a comparison table of materials.
| Material parameters | Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) | Styrofoam |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m ×° C) | 0.028 ÷ 0.034 | 0.036 ÷ 0.050 |
| Water absorption over 24 hours in % of volume | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Ultimate strength at static bending MPa (kg/cm²) | 0.4 ÷ 1 | 0.07 ÷ 0.20 |
| Compressive strength 10% linear deformation, not less than MPa (kgf/cm²) | 0.25 ÷ 0.5 | 0.05 ÷ 0.2 |
| Density (kg/m³) | 28 ÷ 45 | 15 ÷ 35 |
| Operating temperatures | -50 to +75 |
Styrofoam
It would seem that the familiar white polystyrene foam is an excellent material for wall insulation. Low coefficient of thermal conductivity, lightweight and fairly durable blocks of clear shapes, ease of installation, a wide range of thicknesses, affordable price - all these are undeniable advantages that attract many consumers.
The most controversial material is foam However, before deciding to insulate walls with foam plastic, you need to think very carefully and evaluate the dangers of this approach. There are many reasons for this:
- Coefficient T The thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam is truly “enviable”. But this is only in the original dry state. The structure of the foam itself is air-filled balls glued together, suggesting the possibility of significant moisture absorption. So, if you immerse a piece of foam plastic in water for a certain time, it can absorb 300% or more of its mass of water. Of course, the thermal insulation qualities are sharply reduced. .
And with all this, the vapor permeability of PBS is low, and walls insulated with it will not have normal vapor exchange.
- You should not believe that polystyrene foam is a very durable insulation. The practice of its use shows that after a few years destructive processes begin - the appearance of cavities, cavities, cracks, an increase in density and a decrease in volume. Laboratory studies of fragments damaged by this kind of “corrosion” showed that the overall heat transfer resistance decreased by almost eight times! Is it worth it to start such insulation, which will have to be changed after 5 - 7 years?
- Polystyrene foam cannot be called safe from a sanitary point of view. This material belongs to the group of equilibrium polymers, which even in favorable conditions can go through depolymerization - disintegration into components. At the same time, free styrene is released into the atmosphere, a substance that poses a danger to human health. Exceeding the maximum permissible concentration of styrene causes heart failure, affects the condition of the liver, and leads to the occurrence and development of gynecological diseases.
This depolymerization process is activated as temperature and humidity increase. So using polystyrene foam for indoor insulation is an extremely risky proposition.
- And finally, the main danger is the instability of the material to fire. It is impossible to call polystyrene foam a non-flammable material; under certain conditions it actively burns, releasing extremely toxic smoke. Even a few breaths can lead to thermal and chemical burns of the respiratory system, toxic damage to the nervous system and death. Unfortunately, there is a lot of sad evidence of this.
It is for this reason that foam plastic has long been no longer used in the production of railway cars and other Vehicle. In many countries it is simply prohibited in construction, and in any form - ordinary insulating boards, sandwich panels or even permanent formwork. A house insulated with polystyrene can turn into a “fire trap” with almost zero chance of saving the people remaining in it.
Extruded polystyrene foam
A number of shortcomings of polystyrene foam were eliminated by the development of more modern variety expanded polystyrene. It is obtained by completely melting the feedstock with the addition of certain components, followed by foaming the mass and pressing it through molding nozzles. The result is a finely porous, homogeneous structure, with each air bubble completely isolated from its neighbors.
This material is distinguished by increased mechanical strength in compression and bending, which significantly expands the scope of its application. Thermal insulation qualities are much higher than those of polystyrene foam, plus EPS practically does not absorb moisture, and its thermal conductivity does not change.
The use of carbon dioxide or inert gases as a foaming component sharply reduces the possibility of ignition under the influence of a flame. However, there is still no need to talk about complete safety in this matter.
Such expanded polystyrene has greater chemical stability and “poisons the atmosphere” to a lesser extent. Its service life is estimated at several decades.
EPPS is practically impermeable to water vapor and moisture. This is for walls - not too much good quality. True, with some caution it can be used for internal insulation - in this case, with proper installation, it simply will not allow saturated vapors to penetrate the wall structure. If EPS is installed outside, then this should be done with an adhesive composition so as not to leave a gap between it and the wall, and the external cladding should be done according to the principle of a ventilated facade.
The material is actively used for thermal insulation of loaded structures. It is perfect for insulating a foundation or basement - its strength will help cope with the load of the soil, and water resistance in such conditions is an absolutely invaluable advantage.
The foundation does not require insulation!
Many people forget about this, and to some it seems like some kind of whim. Why and how to do this using EPS - in a special publication on the portal.
But from the general chemical composition there is no escape, and it was not possible to get rid of the highest toxicity during combustion. Therefore, all warnings regarding the danger of polystyrene foam in a fire fully apply to EPS.
Prices for polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, PIR boards
Expanded polystyrene, Foam plastic, PIR boards
Polyurethane foam
Wall insulation by spraying (PPU) is considered one of the most promising areas in construction. In its thermal insulation qualities, polyurethane foam is significantly superior to most other materials. Even a very small layer of 20 — 30 mm m can give a noticeable effect.
| Material characteristics | Indicators |
|---|---|
| compressive strength (N/mm²) | 0.18 |
| Flexural strength (N/mm²) | 0.59 |
| Water absorption (% volume) | 1 |
| Thermal conductivity (W/m ×° K) | 0,019-0,035 |
| Closed cell content (%) | 96 |
| Foaming agent | CO2 |
| Flammability class | B2 |
| Fire resistance class | G2 |
| Application temperature from | +10 |
| Application temperature from | -150oС to +220oС |
| Application area | Heat-hydro-cold insulation of residential and industrial buildings, tanks, ships, cars |
| Effective service life | 30-50 years |
| Moisture, aggressive environments | Stable |
| Ecological cleanliness | Safe. Approved for use in residential buildings. Used in the production of food refrigerators |
| Loss of flow time (seconds) | 25-75 |
| Vapor permeability (%) | 0.1 |
| Cellularity | closed |
| Density (kg/m3) | 40-120 |
Polyurethane foam is formed by mixing several components - as a result of the interaction with each other and with oxygen in the air, the material foams and increases in volume. The applied polyurethane foam quickly hardens, forming a durable waterproof shell. The highest adhesion rates allow spraying on almost any surface. The foam fills even minor cracks and depressions, creating a monolithic seamless “fur coat”.
The initial components themselves are quite toxic, and working with them requires increased precautions. However, after the reaction and subsequent hardening, within a few days all dangerous substances completely disappear, and the polyurethane foam will no longer pose any danger.
It has fairly high fire resistance. Even during thermal decomposition, it does not release products that can cause toxic damage. For these reasons, it was he who replaced expanded polystyrene in mechanical engineering and in the production of household appliances.
It would seem that this is an ideal option, but again the problem rests on the complete lack of vapor permeability. For example, spraying polyurethane foam on a wall made of natural wood can “kill” it within several years - moisture that has no outlet will inevitably lead to processes of decomposition of organic matter. But it will be almost impossible to get rid of the applied layer. In any case, if polyurethane foam spraying is used for insulation, the requirements for effective ventilation of premises increase.
Among the disadvantages, one more circumstance can be noted - during the process of applying the material it is impossible to achieve an even surface. This will create certain problems if contact finishing is planned on top - plaster, cladding, etc. Leveling the surface of hardened foam to the required level is a complex and time-consuming task.
And one more conditional disadvantage of insulating polyurethane foam walls is the impossibility of independently carrying out such work. It necessarily requires special equipment and equipment, stable technological skills. In any case, you will have to resort to calling a team of specialists. The material itself is not cheap, plus the production of work - the total can result in very serious costs.
Video - An example of spraying polyurethane foam on the external walls of a house
Ecowool
Many people have not even heard about this insulation and do not consider it as an option for thermal insulation of external walls. And completely in vain! In a number of positions, ecowool is ahead of other materials, becoming almost an ideal solution to the problem.
Ecowool is made from cellulose fibers - wood waste and waste paper are used. The raw materials undergo high-quality pre-treatment - fire retardants for fire resistance and boric acid - to give the material pronounced antiseptic qualities.
| Characteristics | Parameter values |
|---|---|
| Compound | cellulose, mineral anipirent and antiseptic |
| Density, kg/m³ | 35 ÷ 75 |
| Thermal conductivity, W/m×°K | 0.032 ÷ 0.041 |
| Vapor permeability | the walls "breathe" |
| Fire safety | flame-retardant, no smoke formation, combustion products are harmless |
| Filling voids | fills all the cracks |
Ecowool is usually applied to walls by spraying - for this, in a special installation, the material is mixed with an adhesive mass, and then fed into a sprayer under pressure. As a result, a coating is formed on the walls that has very good heat transfer resistance. Ecowool can be applied in several layers to achieve the required thickness. The process itself goes very quickly. At the same time, certain protective equipment is certainly needed, but it is not as “categorical” as, say, when working with glass wool or when spraying polyurethane foam.
Ecowool itself does not pose a danger to people. Included in it boric acid can cause skin irritation only with prolonged direct contact. But it becomes an insurmountable barrier to mold or mildew, and to the appearance of nests of insects or rodents.
Ecowool has excellent vapor permeability and “preservation” will not occur in the walls. True, the material is quite hygroscopic and requires reliable protection from direct ingress of water - for this it must be covered with a diffuse membrane.
Ecowool is also used using “dry” technology - it is poured into the cavity building structures. True, experts note that in this case it will have a tendency to caking and loss in volume and insulating qualities. For walls, spraying will still be the best choice.
What can you say about the disadvantages?
- A surface insulated with ecowool cannot be immediately plastered or painted; it must be topped with one material or another.
- Spraying ecowool will require special equipment. The material itself is quite inexpensive, but with the involvement of specialists, the cost of such insulation will increase.
Video - Insulating walls with ecowool
Based on the totality of all its positive and negative qualities ecowool is seen as the most promising option for insulating external walls.
What thickness of insulation will be required?
If the owners of the house have decided on insulation, then it’s time to find out what thickness of thermal insulation will be optimal. A layer that is too thin will not be able to eliminate significant heat loss. Excessively thick - not very useful for the building itself, and will entail unnecessary costs.
The calculation method with acceptable simplification can be expressed by the following formula:
Rsum= R1+ R2+ … + Rn
Rsum– total heat transfer resistance of a multilayer wall structure. This parameter is calculated for each region. There are special tables, but you can use the map diagram below. In our case we take upper value- for walls.
Resistance value Rn- this is the ratio of the thickness of the layer to the thermal conductivity coefficient of the material from which it is made.
Rn= δn/λn
δn– layer thickness in meters.
λn- coefficient of thermal conductivity.
As a result, the formula for calculating the thickness of the insulation appears as follows:
δth= (Rsum– 0.16 – δ1/ λ1– δ2/ λ2– … – δn/λn) × λut
0,16 - this is an averaged account of the thermal resistance of air on both sides of the wall.
Knowing the parameters of the wall, measuring the thickness of the layers and taking into account the thermal conductivity coefficient of the selected insulation, it is easy to carry out independent calculations. BUT to make the task easier for the reader, below is a special calculator that already contains this formula.
External thermal insulation gives a much better effect than insulating a house from the inside. In addition to its main functions, insulation protects walls from precipitation, mechanical damage, and weathering, thereby extending the service life of the entire building. Installing insulation does not require special knowledge or skills, and most homeowners can easily cope with this task on their own. But in order to do everything as efficiently as possible, you need to know what materials are available for insulating walls outside, and how to attach them correctly.
Despite the fact that the operating conditions outside and inside the house are strikingly different, the same materials can be used in both cases. However, when choosing insulation, preference should be given to those options that best meet the following requirements:
- increased resistance to shrinkage;
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- UV resistance;
- durability;
- ease of installation;
- resistance to insects and microorganisms.
For wooden houses, the vapor permeability of the insulation is also important, because wooden walls must “breathe”. As a rule, finishing coatings for facades are designed for long-term use, and removing them every few years to replace thermal insulation that has become unusable is too troublesome and not always advisable. At the same time, if the insulation under the finishing becomes compressed, cracks, begins to rot, or is chewed off by mice, it will no longer be able to retain heat, which means it will not be possible to do without repairs. That is why it is so important that the selected material fully meets the specified criteria.
Types of thermal insulation materials
On this moment The construction market offers the following materials for home insulation:
They all differ in technical characteristics, installation technology, and have different terms services. Moreover, each of them is suitable for outdoor use and has its own advantages. Let's look at these materials in more detail.
Mineral wool is made from fine fibers obtained by melting and pulverizing glass, blast furnace slag or rocks. Depending on the location of the fibers, the structure of the insulation can be corrugated, vertically layered or horizontally layered, and have different densities and thicknesses. Each type of mineral wool has its own characteristics:
Mineral wool is produced in slabs and mats with various options coverings – kraft paper, aluminium foil, fiberglass. In terms of cost, basalt insulation is the most expensive, and the higher its density, the more expensive it is.
Advantages of mineral wool:
- the fine-fiber structure facilitates the free passage of air and water vapor, so the risk of condensation on the insulated surface is minimal;
- due to its mineral base, the material is not subject to combustion, which means it provides additional protection to the walls from fire;
- the insulation has a relatively high moisture resistance, and therefore effectively prevents the penetration of dampness into the house;
- mineral wool perfectly absorbs sounds and vibrations, and almost no street noise penetrates into the insulated room;
- the insulation is lightweight, easy to process, and thanks to its elasticity, quickly restores its shape after being crushed during installation;
- Microorganisms and insects do not develop in mineral wool; rodents do not like it.
Flaws:
- mineral wool has a tendency to shrink, and the lower the density of the material, the faster deformations occur. Rigid basalt slabs are the least susceptible to shrinkage, but due to the high cost, not everyone can afford such thermal insulation;
- when wet for a long time, the insulation becomes saturated with moisture and loses its thermal insulation qualities;
- microscopic fibers are easily destroyed when squeezing and cutting the material, and then settle on the skin, causing irritation, and can enter the eyes and lungs. Glass wool is considered the most dangerous in this regard, but with other types of mineral wool you should use at least gloves and a respirator.
Popular brands of mineral wool.
| Name | Brief characteristics |
|---|---|
| Basalt insulation with increased rigidity is available in the form of slabs with a thickness of 25 to 180 mm. Suitable for all types of facades, can serve as a basis for applying plaster. It is resistant to deformation and shrinkage, waterproof, low thermal conductivity, and absolutely non-flammable. Fastening is done using dowels and glue |
| A type of glass wool with various additives that improve the characteristics of the insulation. Available in slabs and rolls, there are options with foil coating. Widely used for insulating facades of all types, frame structures, internal partitions, roofing systems |
| Fiberglass insulation that does not contain formaldehyde additives. Available in slabs and rolls, it is characterized by biological and chemical resistance, elasticity, and good vapor permeability. Material thickness – from 5 to 10 cm |
| Glass wool insulation with a high content of water repellents. Available in the form of rolls, mats, rigid and semi-rigid slabs, 50-100 mm thick. Suitable for all types of surfaces, ventilated facades, frame structures |
Prices for mineral wool
Foam and EPS
Insulation materials based on polystyrene foam are excellent heat insulators due to their closed cellular structure. Almost 98% of the material is air or inert gas, enclosed in sealed cells, so the insulation weighs very little. Both polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam practically do not absorb moisture, which means they are excellent for insulating foundations, plinths, basements. When thermally insulating facades, these materials serve as the basis for applying plaster.
Advantages:
- polystyrene foam insulation is lightweight and easy to process during installation, so even a beginner can handle it. In addition, such thermal insulation does not place a large load on the base, which means there is no need for additional reinforcement of load-bearing structures;
- microorganisms cannot develop in polystyrene foam, so the insulation is not afraid of fungi and mold;
- with proper installation, these materials last quite a long time, especially EPS - up to 50 years;
- polystyrene foam and EPS are resistant to soap and salt solutions, alkalis, bleach and other chemically aggressive substances;
- installation does not require the use of protective equipment in the form of a respirator or gloves, since the insulation does not emit toxic fumes or small particles and does not cause irritation.
Flaws:
- expanded polystyrene is a vapor-tight material, and therefore cannot be used for insulating wooden walls;
- insulation is destroyed upon contact with solvents, drying oil, some types of varnishes, as well as under the influence of sunlight;
- sound insulation properties are much lower than those of mineral wool insulation;
- already at + 30 degrees, polystyrene foam begins to release harmful substances - toluene, styrene, formaldehyde and others. When burning, the amount of toxic emissions increases significantly.
In the domestic market, domestically produced EPPS – Penoplex and Teplex – is in great demand, as well as polystyrene foam insulation of the Ursa, GREENPLEX, PRIMAPLEX brands.
Prices for foam plastic
Styrofoam
Cellulose insulation
Cellulose insulation, also called ecowool, is made from paper production waste and waste paper. Ecowool consists of 80% cellulose fibers, the remaining 20% are antiseptics and fire retardants. The material is tightly packed into all irregularities and voids and forms a dense seamless coating with high vapor permeability. Installation of insulation is carried out in two ways - dry and wet-adhesive, and both options can be done either manually or using a special installation.
The dry method allows you to complete thermal insulation in a short time and immediately begin finishing. But at the same time, the coating density will not be high enough, which will lead to shrinkage and the appearance of cold bridges. In addition, when dry blowing, a large amount of fine dust is formed and you have to work in a respirator.
The wet-adhesive method ensures better adhesion of the insulation to the base; the layer is much denser and more resistant to shrinkage, which guarantees the durability of the thermal insulation. True, it takes time for the material to dry - from 2 to 3 days, and even longer in cold or damp weather. And until the layer is completely dry, you cannot begin finishing.
Advantages:
- environmental Safety;
- excellent heat and sound insulation properties;
- resistance to bacteria, fungi, insects;
- fire resistance;
- long service life;
- affordable price.
- tendency to shrink;
- high hygroscopicity;
- the complexity of performing work manually.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam, or PPU, belongs to a new generation of insulation and has improved characteristics compared to traditional materials. It is a liquid polymer mixture, which, after application to the surface, hardens and forms durable coating with a cellular structure. The components are mixed immediately before starting work, and the finished solution is applied by spraying using a special installation.
Advantages:
- the liquid mixture easily fills all irregularities, cracks, recesses, and is conveniently applied in hard-to-reach places;
- the material retains heat well and muffles sounds;
- PU foam is resistant to chemically aggressive substances, practically does not absorb water, and can withstand sudden temperature changes;
- can be applied to any type of surface - wood, concrete, brick, metal;
- the insulation is very light, so it does not require reinforcement of the load-bearing foundations;
- the average service life is 25-30 years.
- polyurethane foam is destroyed when exposed to sunlight;
- Spraying requires equipment and skills to work with it;
- Polyurethane foam cannot be used in areas that are very hot;
- high cost of materials and specialist services.
Wall insulation technology
Thermal insulation of the facade can be performed in different ways, depending on the type of insulation. But for all options, a prerequisite is high-quality preparation of the base, because not a single insulation can stop the processes of destruction of wall materials. Let's consider methods of insulation with mineral wool and polystyrene foam boards, as the most popular in frequent construction.
Insulation with mineral wool
External walls are cleaned of dirt, peeling plaster or paint. Repair cracks and problem areas, and be sure to treat areas affected by fungus. There is no need to eliminate minor irregularities - the mineral wool insulation is mounted using a frame, so all defects will be hidden inside. Finally, the walls are coated with a waterproof primer with antiseptic properties so that mold does not develop under the layer of thermal insulation.
Step 1. The beams for the frame are cut to the required length and processed on all sides antiseptic impregnation and air dry.
Advice. The cross-section of the beams should be selected taking into account the thickness of the heat-insulating layer. That is, if slabs with a thickness of 50 mm are laid in one row, the thickness of the frame should be 5-6 cm, with a two-layer laying - no less than 11 cm. In the first case, a beam with a section of 50x50 mm is suitable for the racks, in the second - a board 40x110 mm installed on the edge.
Step 2. Markings are made on the walls for the frame guides strictly according to the level, holes are drilled for fasteners and the beams are installed. The distance between the posts should be 10-15 mm less than the width of the insulation board. During the installation process, the arrangement of elements is controlled building level, if necessary, use wooden supports under the timber so that all the racks are in the same plane.
Step 3. The insulation is inserted into the cells of the frame. To do this, the plates are slightly squeezed along the edges, pressed between the racks and released. The material expands on its own and tightly fills the space. The insulation must be inserted so that there are no gaps between the plates.
Step 4. After filling all the cells on top, the insulation must be covered with a windproof, moisture-proof membrane. The membrane is laid with the marked side out, the canvases are positioned horizontally, starting from the bottom. A construction stapler is used to fix the membrane. The top sheet is overlapped by 8-10 cm, and it is recommended to glue the joints with tape.
Step 5. Wooden counter battens 30-40 mm thick are stuffed on top of the membrane to provide an air gap. If this is not done, condensation will accumulate on the insulation, the moisture will saturate the wooden frame and the structure will quickly become unusable.
After this, all that remains is to install the finishing coating, for example, siding or corrugated sheeting. The finishing must completely cover the thermal insulation layer so that precipitation does not fall on the slabs. Only under such conditions will the material last long and effectively.
The last step is decorative finishing of the facade
Insulation with polystyrene foam
This method of insulation is noticeably different from the previous one. Firstly, the base must be leveled so that the material fits snugly to the surface. Secondly, installation is carried out without sheathing; the slabs are attached with glue and mushroom dowels.
Step 1. The prepared walls are covered with a primer with quartz sand, for example, Betokontakt. If the base is porous, the primer is applied in 2 layers.
Step 2. The lower limit of thermal insulation is determined and a horizontal line is drawn along the perimeter of the house. Drill holes for dowels according to the markings in increments of 20-30 cm and secure the starting strip.
Starting bar fixed
Step 3. To fix the insulation you will need special glue. You can use mounting adhesive in cylinders, for example, TYTAN STYRO 753, or a dry adhesive mixture (Ceresit CT 83). The mixture is diluted in clean water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, mixed until smooth with a mixer at low speed.
Take the first sheet, apply glue on the back side in a continuous strip around the perimeter and in the center. Next, apply the insulation to the wall, resting the bottom edge on the starting profile, check the location with a level, and press it firmly to the base.
Step 4. Secure the entire row, tightly joining the sheets together. The next row begins with half a sheet to offset the vertical seams. Excess glue that appears at the joints is carefully removed with a spatula.
Step 5. When the glue has hardened, each sheet must be secured with disc dowels. To do this, carefully drill holes in the wall through the insulation, insert dowels and carefully hammer them in with a hammer. One sheet requires 5 fasteners - in each corner and in the center.
Step 6. Next, mix the adhesive solution, apply a continuous layer to the insulation, lay a fiberglass reinforcing mesh on top and embed it in the solution. Openings and corners are additionally reinforced with corner profiles.
When the solution has dried, the surface is sanded, dusted and plastered with a thin layer. Now all that remains is to paint the facade or apply decorative plaster.
Prices for Ceresit glue
Ceresit glue
Video - Materials for insulating walls outside
Video - Insulating the facade with penoplex
The market for thermal insulation materials offers us a huge selection of options for external wall insulation, especially popular. These are products based on mineral wool, liquid insulation, classic polystyrene foam, and a variety of products made from polystyrene foam.
In this article we will figure out which insulation is better, study reviews, and find out what should be followed when choosing a thermal insulation material in each specific case.
1 Why do you need external insulation of the walls of a house?
External thermal insulation of walls greatly increases the comfort of living in the house, both in winter and in cold seasons. By insulating the walls of your house with high-quality insulation, your house will receive full protection at any time not only from freezing, but also from overheating of brick, expanded clay concrete or gas silicate blocks in the summer.
Moreover, good thermal insulation materials, as a rule, are completely hydrophobic (for example) - they do not absorb water, so the walls of the house will be reliably protected from moisture.
External thermal insulation performed according to the correct technology increases the average temperature inside the house by 4-5 degrees, since the walls do not freeze in winter and do not transfer cold to the air inside the house, which, as reviews indicate, can significantly reduce the financial costs of heating the room.
High-quality calculated and executed thermal insulation even at the stage of building a house makes it possible to optimally select the elements of the heating system and save on both the boiler and radiators.
Similar savings apply to equipment for maintaining a comfortable temperature for humans during the hot season. Thermal insulation materials work not only for insulation.
Since their thermal conductivity is minimal, they do not allow the walls of a house made of brick, expanded clay concrete or gas silicate blocks to warm up under scorching heat. sun rays, as a result of which in summer the inside of such a house is much cooler than in non-insulated buildings.
The right approach to sandwich wall insulation
2 Types of insulation
Depending on financial capabilities, foam plastic, mineral (basalt wool), liquid penoizol, or extruded polystyrene foam can be used as a material for external thermal insulation of walls. It is not recommended to skimp on thermal insulation materials.
Of course, there are ways to insulate walls made of brick, expanded clay concrete, or gas silicate blocks with polystyrene foam on a budget; such insulation will provide a certain improvement, however, you should not expect from it the same effectiveness as from insulating a house with basalt wool or foam insulation.
When choosing insulation, the key factor is its thermal conductivity coefficient, which will determine the thickness of the material layer required for wall cladding.
For almost all materials in demand today in the average price category, this indicator ranges from 0.025 to 0.045 W/μ (Watt per meter per Kelvin). The extreme place is occupied by polystyrene foam, for which this indicator is equal to 0.043 W/μ like that of.
When choosing materials for external wall insulation, it is also important to take into account such qualities as hydrophobicity (resistance to water), chemical inertness and mechanical strength, since these factors directly affect the durability of the insulation.
It is best that the heat insulator also has noise-reducing properties, which will allow you to kill two birds with one stone: external insulation of the house will also solve the issue of sound insulation of the home.
According to statistics, at least 85% of private residential buildings built over 20 years ago do not meet thermal insulation standards. As a result, people are forced to spend a large amount of money on heating their premises in order to maintain a comfortable temperature for their homes during the winter period.
As the graph below shows, even insulating the external walls of a house with a ten-centimeter layer of ordinary inexpensive insulation (the same polystyrene foam, or extruded polystyrene foam) reduces heat loss through the walls by at least 3 times.
2.1 Mineral wool
The most popular insulation for the outer part of walls is mineral wool. Insulating walls outside with mineral wool is very popular due to the excellent thermal insulation characteristics and reasonable price of this material.
The concept of mineral wool can mean three types of insulation: wool based on basalt rocks, slag wool (made from slag left in blast furnaces of the metallurgical industry) and glass wool made from cullet and similar waste.
The most quality option mineral wool is considered basalt wool. The production methods of this insulation are based on the melting of basalt rocks.
Rock smelting can be carried out either in blast furnaces or by induction heating under the influence of electromagnetic radiation.
Molten basalt rock is fed into a centrifuge, inside of which there is a cooled forming drum. Due to the pressure drop and centrifugal force of the drum, individual basalt fibers are formed from the melt on its surface, which are fed to the former.
The forming unit turns individual mineral wool fibers into a continuous carpet like that, which is impregnated with additives that improve the performance properties of mineral wool.
Mineral wool itself is susceptible to moisture absorption; to eliminate this drawback, manufacturers impregnate it with a polymer mixture, which, after hardening, gives the mineral wool the required hydrophobicity.
Comparison of technical characteristics different types mineral wool
- Temperature conditions: slag wool (SHW) – up to 250, glass wool (SV) – up to 450, basalt wool (BV) – up to 1000 degrees;
- Thermal conductivity coefficient: ШВ – from 0.46 to 0.48; SV – from 0.038 to 0.046; BV – 0.035 to 0.042 W/m-k;
- Flammability class: all types correspond to class NG (non-flammable);
- Absorption coefficient for 24 hours of immersion in water: SW – 1.9%, SW – 1.7%, BW -0.095%;
- Causticity: SHV – yes, SV – yes, BV – absent;
- Concentration of binding impurities: for all types of mineral wool from 2.5 to 10%;
- Nominal heat capacity: ШВ – 1000, СВ – 1050, БВ – 1050 J/kg;
- Mineral wool sintering temperature: ШВ – 250, СВ – 450, БВ – 600 degrees;
- Length of individual fibers: SHV – 16, SV – 15-50, BV – 16 millimeters;
- The noise reduction coefficient is the same as: ШВ – 0.75-0.82; NE – 0.8-0.92; BV – 0.75-0.95.
Mineral wool is produced in the form of rolls and slabs, suitable for insulating walls made of brick, expanded clay concrete, or gas silicate blocks. This insulation, as evidenced by reviews, the best option for thermal insulation of attic floors, floors, and any flat surfaces.
2.2 Liquid penoizol
Of the liquid insulation materials, the most popular option is penoizol.
This is not an option that is suitable for arranging thermal insulation with your own hands, since you will need to rent special equipment that produces foam insulation directly on the job site, and pay the labor of the workers managing it, however, if you are not afraid of these difficulties and the accompanying financial costs, then penoizol is the best option for insulating the external walls of a house.
In general, the cost of insulating a house with foam insulation is comparable to the final price of insulating a house with mineral wool.
However, there is one important difference: penoizol is also successfully used for insulating internal voids of already used hollow walls made of brick, expanded clay concrete, or gas silicate blocks, without the need to dismantle them, which cannot be done with other insulation materials.
Among the advantages of insulating a house with foam insulation, one can highlight the maximum protection of walls from any external influence, since after hardening penoizol turns into a monolithic surface through which neither wind nor moisture passes.
Solidity also guarantees high-quality insulation, since it eliminates the possibility of the formation of cold bridges, which reduce the effectiveness of the entire thermal insulation.
To insulate a house with penoizol, a plant is delivered to the work site that produces foam from a special resin and chemical reagents.
Penoizol is applied to the wall using a hose; the surface of the walls is first coated with special compounds to improve adhesion. A facing layer of siding or any decorative material is installed on top of the penoizol.
2.3 Extruded polystyrene foam
This material is used not only for insulating the external walls of a house. Due to its mechanical strength and durability, expanded polystyrene is also used for thermal insulation of the external contour of a foundation located in the ground.
Using extruded polystyrene foam to insulate a house stand is justified if your house itself has good thermal insulation and you are looking for an inexpensive and durable material.
Among all budget insulation options, polystyrene foam is the best option, superior regular foam in all respects. Among strengths The following advantages can be identified from this material:
- Maximum hydrophobicity (expanded polystyrene, like polystyrene foam, is completely waterproof);
- Low thermal conductivity coefficient, from 0.029 to 0.034 W/m-k;
- High density, and, as a result, resistance to deformation;
- Chemical resistance;
- Wide range permissible temperatures, from -500 to +700 degrees;
- Self-extinguishing property;
- Minimum panel weight and thickness.
It is also worth highlighting the ease of installation of extruded polystyrene foam on all types of walls. In order to fix this insulation on a surface made of brick, expanded clay concrete or gas silicate blocks, it is not necessary to install an additional supporting frame, which is necessary when installing mineral wool.
Extruded polystyrene foam panels are mounted on the walls using liquid nails and secured around the perimeter with umbrella-shaped anchors.