Do I need insulation on the ceiling? How to insulate the ceiling from the attic in a private house - detailed instructions

Master of Architecture, graduated from Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. 11 years of experience in design and construction.

A country house is a structure that is initially designed only for summer use, therefore, during its construction, insufficient attention is paid to thermal insulation measures. If it is necessary to use it during the cold period, the question arises of how to insulate country house, intended for winter living.

Why insulate

Insulating your dacha will help you save on heating costs in winter

Modern heating systems are able to create the desired temperature in a room, so why is it necessary to take additional measures. Insulating a country house will allow the owner to solve the following problems:

• high heating costs;
• the appearance of condensation on the walls and ceiling;
• violation of the operating conditions of structures and their destruction.

If during the cold season there is a positive temperature inside the house, but its enclosing structures are not insulated enough, this will lead to many problems, which are easier to prevent than to fix with your own hands.

Materials for thermal insulation

The building materials market offers a huge range of types and manufacturers of thermal insulation materials. It’s easy to get lost in this variety. The choice depends on the location of the thermal insulation and the wishes of the home owner. The main heat insulators include:

1. Mineral wool. Available in the form of mats (rolls) and rigid slabs. First option will do for walls and floors along joists, the second for walls, floors, roofs. The advantages include non-flammability, high efficiency, durability, resistance to rot and mold. The disadvantage is the ability to absorb moisture. It is important to remember that when working with this material you need to use masks, gloves and protective clothing. Neglecting safety measures will lead to cotton particles getting on the skin and into the lungs, and ultimately to irritation and allergic reactions.
2. Styrofoam. The material is made of polystyrene. It is a slab of small balls filled with air. The undeniable advantage was the low cost of the material and availability. There are quite a lot of disadvantages. These include flammability, inability to allow air to pass through (the house will need additional ventilation), low strength and instability to simultaneous exposure to moisture and low temperatures. Suitable for do-it-yourself insulation of walls (it is recommended not to use outside), ceilings (better for insulation from below), and attic roofs.
3. Extruded polystyrene foam (penoplex). The material is similar to foam, but is an improved version of it. It is low-flammable, has increased strength and moisture resistance. Disadvantages include airtightness. Suitable for insulating walls and floors (both between floors and on the ground).
4. Expanded clay. Inexpensive material. Compared to the previous three, it is not highly effective. It is small granules of baked clay, free-flowing. Disadvantages include high thermal conductivity and large mass. Suitable for insulating floors (at the same time leveling the surface).

There are also a number of less common materials, these include:

• polyurethane foam;
• ecowool (insulation mats made of flax);
• penoizol (foamed polymer resin);
• isokom (foil material);
• sawdust.

How best to insulate

After choosing a heat insulator, you need to decide on the method of insulation. Do-it-yourself insulation of a house for winter living can be done using two methods:

• outside;
• from the inside.

Insulation of a country house from the inside is relevant in the following cases:

• work is carried out in winter, when it is not comfortable to perform operations outdoors;
• you must not touch the façade of the building or disturb its decoration;
• insulation of walls at a sufficiently high height.

It is important to remember that insulating the outside with your own hands is more correct from a technical point of view.

Protecting your home from cold air helps prevent the effects of cold on load-bearing structures and extend their service life.

Insulation technology

It all depends on the location of the structure that needs to be protected. In the case of a country house for winter living, the following elements need thermal insulation with your own hands:

• floors on the ground;
• floors of the first floor with a cold basement;
• exterior walls;
• attic floor in a cold attic;
• attic roof.

It is necessary to consider each of these cases separately.

Insulation of floors on the ground

The event may be required if the building has a basement that is planned to be used as warm room and install heating there.

• Two types of thermal insulation materials are suitable for this event:
• extruded polystyrene foam;

expanded clay gravel.

Scheme of thermal insulation of the floor on the ground with expanded clay

• If expanded clay is used, then the work is performed in the following order:
• compact the foundation soil by compaction;
• fill with coarse or medium sand (the thickness depends on the characteristics of the soil, it is approximately 30 cm);
• expanded clay is poured (thickness approximately 30-50 cm depending on the climatic region of construction);
• lay a layer of waterproofing;

concrete subfloor is poured.

Floor thermal insulation scheme with foam plastic

• If a decision is made to insulate with penoplex, work is carried out in the following sequence:
• compact the soil;
• make a backfill from sand or crushed stone;
• pour the footing;
• lay waterproofing;
• foam layer;
• reinforcing mesh;

pouring a rough concrete floor.

For floors on the ground, it will be more economical and easier to use expanded clay. It is important to choose the right thickness depending on the outside temperature during the cold period.

Ceiling above the basement and attic

• Laying insulation on top can be done in two ways:
• between lags;

under the screed.

Thermal insulation of the attic floor between the joists of the cold attic and between the wooden beams of the attic floor The choice depends on constructive solution

• ceiling and floor pie. Laying along joists is suitable for houses with beamed floors. In this case, almost any type of heat insulator can be used:
• polystyrene foam and penoplex;
• mineral wool (slabs and mats);
• expanded clay and sawdust;
• polyurethane foam and penoizol;

ecowool.

• Laying under a screed requires increased strength from the material. Here it is better to stop at:
• mineral wool slabs;
• penoplex;

expanded clay.

Scheme of floor insulation under screed

When installing along joists, beams are first installed under the flooring, then waterproofing is laid between them (in the case of insulating the attic from the outside, a vapor barrier is installed). Next, thermal insulation is laid into the space.

• If insulation is laid under the screed, then the work is carried out in this way:
• waterproofing is laid on the leveled and cleaned base (again, in the case of protecting the attic with your own hands from the outside - a vapor barrier);
• lay insulation (for penoplex, the distances between the plates are provided);
• lay the reinforcing mesh;
• pour the screed.

The second option for insulation is from the ceiling. It is undesirable for the attic floor, since the thermal insulation is located on the warm air side. For basement floors, insulation from outside is more correct option, but extremely labor-intensive. To secure the heat insulator, use wooden slats or adhesives.

Wall insulation

Conducted from the inside and outside. When fixing the heat insulator with your own hands from the side of the facade, the work is performed in the following order:

• clean the wall from dust and dirt;
• fix waterproofing;
• install a frame for insulation;
• lay thermal insulation;
• wind protection is attached to the insulation layer;
• perform external cladding.

It is important to remember that for materials such as mineral wool and ecowool, it is necessary to provide a ventilated layer on the outside between the heat insulator and external cladding, 5-10 cm thick. Attaching heat-insulating materials to the wall depends on the selected type.

When installing thermal insulation from the inside, follow this order:

• cleaning the surface from dust and dirt;
• fixing waterproofing;
• installation of insulation;
• vapor barrier;
• interior decoration.

Mansard roof

The most common insulation option is rigid mineral wool slabs. Work order:

• installation of the rafter system;
• securing waterproofing and wind protection;
• installation of a counter-lattice (needed to provide a ventilation gap between the mineral wool and roofing covering, for free movement of air, gaps are provided in the counter-lattice);
• installation of sheathing;
• laying roofing material;
• installation of heat insulation slabs between the rafters;
• vapor barrier;
• bottom sheathing;
• ceiling trim.

For the convenience of laying mineral wool, the pitch of the rafters is taken so that there is 58 or 118 cm of clearance between them. After thermal insulation of the roof, the insulation of the house is completed.

933 09/18/2019 7 min.

If you have a summer house, then the issue of insulating it may be relevant. I want to come to the dacha not only in summer - here you can wonderfully meet New Year, spend cozy winter evenings by the stove or fireplace, play in the snow with children, walk along snowy paths - there are many wonderful ways to spend a winter day in the countryside or at the dacha.

Therefore, the question of insulating a country house from the inside - so that in frosty winter time not freezing is important. In the article we will consider - with the help of which modern materials Can the best way insulate the internal walls of the dacha.

The importance of the work

Probably everyone understands that heat flows out of the room not only through windows and doors, but also through all surfaces. If the house has even the smallest cracks in the walls, it is unlikely to be warm in winter.

No one wants to heat the street and waste time, effort and resources doing useless work warming up an uninsulated house. But, having done the work once internal insulation dacha or, you will always enjoy warmth and comfort at any time. This question is of particular importance if you want to live in a country house in winter.

The photo shows insulation for walls inside the house

To prevent noticeable heat loss, and to keep the house comfortable and cozy inside in any frost, it is necessary to take care of insulating not only the windows, doors and roof, but also all its walls. No matter how thick these walls are - even meter-long brick walls - without additional insulation, it is unlikely that such a room will be comfortable in winter.

The insulation will close all microscopic cracks invisible to the eye through which heat can leak. The coating will add thickness to the walls, and besides, such materials have low level

thermal conductivity, as a result of which heat will accumulate inside the room without being in too much of a hurry to leave it.

The video shows insulation for walls inside the house: When building a house, insulation is usually laid as a layer between external walls and interior drywall or plywood. But if after purchase or the first winter it turns out that this insulation is not enough, then the owners of the house have to carry out work on interior lining

walls with insulating material.

Properties

• Let's find out what specific features the insulation should have so that it can best heat our dacha. Low thermal conductivity - the main quality of insulation. High level
• This indicator will ensure a constant level of heat indoors. Durability . This is a required feature. Since insulation work takes a lot of effort and time, and during the period of such repairs the dacha becomes unsuitable for living, it is unlikely that anyone will want to do similar works
• often. Non-flammability . This is very important criterion
• , which in some cases can even save a person’s life. Low shrinkage
• . It is important that the material attached to the walls does not sag downward over time. If this happens, cracks and holes will open through which heat will escape from the house.. It is important that the material has the ability to repel moisture without absorbing it. Otherwise, the material may swell if the conditions are right.
• Safety and environmental friendliness. Quite an important criterion - hardly anyone wants to use toxic materials. This is not only harmful to everyone living in the house, but also poses a danger to life.
• Vapor permeability. A high level of this criterion will allow the insulating material to safely and without delay remove the vapors formed inside the room to the street, “ventilating” the house.

The video shows insulation for walls inside a wooden house:

When purchasing insulation, be sure to ensure that it meets all the above criteria. The process of laying insulation is simple: a false wall is created from plasterboard or plywood, behind which the heat-insulating material is hidden.

Keep in mind that after installing such an insulating layer, the interior space of the house will be somewhat reduced. What is the width of wall insulation frame house

, is described in this article:

But what are the properties of expanded clay as insulation and is it worth using?

Choice of insulation

Let's look at the main materials that are best used to insulate the walls of a country house from the inside.

Mineral wool A material that has long been used for wall insulation. Over the years of operation, mineral wool has proven itself to be a reliable and durable material that has all necessary properties

heat insulator. Cotton wool is light, easy to install, non-flammable and lasts a long time.

The photo shows mineral wool for walls inside a country house It is produced either in rolls or in the form of fairly hard and dense slabs. To insulate a large room, it is more convenient to use rolled cotton wool, but for small houses they are better suited tiled options

. Mineral wool is attached to the wall using special glue or using self-tapping screws. These fastening methods best avoid subsequent shrinkage and deformation of the soft material. But what they are, you can read in this article. Before as mineral wool

When laying, it is necessary to install a vapor barrier layer, which will help to avoid excess humidity in the room and the appearance of mold and mildew.

In general, insulation with mineral wool is a reliable and durable method that will make the dacha room much warmer. But this is a rather expensive method. Good mineral wool will cost the home owner a pretty penny.

Expanded polystyrene

The material is now becoming increasingly popular, as excellent insulation for country and country houses. Weighs more than cotton wool, but is more moisture resistant than the previous material. It can be extruded or foamed - in principle, both of these types have the same properties.

In the photo, the walls are covered with polystyrene foam

Expanded polystyrene is attached to the wall with dowels or special glue; it requires an additional frame. But during installation, joints form between the slabs of material, which must be filled with foam to eliminate all paths of heat leakage. A reinforcing mesh is glued on top of the polystyrene foam surface, on which it is already possible to apply putty and further interior wall decor with wallpaper or tiles. What is floor insulation under polystyrene foam screed is described in this

Polyurethane foam

This material is by far the most reliable, durable and durable of all internal wall insulation materials. It has increased fire-resistant characteristics, can withstand loads perfectly - both thermal and mechanical, and serves for many years without complaints or problems in operation.

Another big plus is that during installation in this case there are no joints and, accordingly, no cracks.

The photo shows polyurethane foam for walls inside the house

Inexperienced craftsmen may find it difficult to apply the material. The fact is that this application is carried out using a special apparatus that mixes the components of the material with each other and forms foam. But what is it like

Spraying is done on the frame, which must be installed on the walls in advance. There is no need to further secure the foam.

After application, the coating dries quickly, forming a uniform, dense layer. If there is too much foam in some places, the excess thickness can be easily removed. A nylon mesh is applied to the foam, then plaster, and then interior finishing work can be carried out.

Manufacturers and prices

Which manufacturers can offer us the best selection of high-quality insulation materials and at what price?

Penoplex Without a doubt, the most popular material for wall insulation today. Very convenient to use. Standard sizes

The material forms joints that must be sealed using polyurethane foam. In general, the material has excellent thermal insulation properties. But it needs to be laid in several layers.

The photo shows penoplex for home insulation

In addition to walls, penoplex can also be used to insulate both the ceiling and the floor. In this regard, the material is universal. But how to glue penoplex to concrete and how to do it correctly is described in this

Penoplex is inexpensive - a standard sheet of material costs 175 rubles. If the product level is higher - the so-called Penoplex comfort - 290 rubles. A package of 8 half-meter sheets will cost the buyer 1,200 rubles.

Ursa

It is too famous manufacturer finishing materials. The brand's mineral wool is of high quality and excellent thermal insulation properties. The material is universal, suitable for insulating walls, roofs and floors.

In the photo - ursa for insulating the inside of a house

Ursa mineral wool is non-flammable, lightweight and durable. Can be used at temperatures from minus 60 degrees to plus 220. The price for a package of 10 slabs is 410 rubles (slabs 60 cm long). But what are they? specifications Ursa mineral wool, you can find out by reading the contents

Izover

This manufacturer offers us fiberglass insulation that meets the latest technological characteristics. is not afraid of shrinkage, is made of non-toxic safe materials. Easy to install, easy to transport, not afraid of moisture.

Isover in the photo

A package of 7 slabs 100 mm thick and 1170 cm long will cost 490 rubles. A package of 14 50 mm thick slabs of the same length has the same price.

Rockwool

This brand offers us to use insulation in the form of stone wool. Its advantage is that the material is light in weight and convenient for installation and transportation. The material lasts a long time, is durable, is not afraid of dampness and retains heat well inside the house.

In the photo - rockwool for insulating the interior

The price for a package of 5 slabs 100 mm thick and 1000 cm long is 610 rubles. A package of 10 50 mm thick slabs of the same length has the same price.

Knauf

The well-known German brand produces very high-quality insulating materials. In addition, it is very economical - during installation there are practically no unnecessary pieces or scraps left from it - all the material goes into use.

In the photo - Knauf for insulating the interior

The most famous and suitable insulation of this brand for our dachas is Knauf Cottage Plus. Its cost is 740 rubles per package of slabs 610 mm wide, 1230 cm long, 8 sheets per package.

If your region is very cold in winter, then the best solution would be to use a double layer of insulation. The room may become smaller, but it will be much warmer.

Don’t be afraid of costs and try to save on insulation. You will need to carry out the work when choosing high-quality material once - and then for many years you will enjoy the warm atmosphere at the dacha.

But if you choose low-quality insulation, you will most likely have to regret it many times later.

On the video - what insulation materials are available for walls inside the house: We looked at the most popular and optimally suitable insulation for cottage walls. With the help of our recommendations you can choose the best way

make your dacha a cozy and warm place where it will be pleasant to be in any frost. Proper insulation of the walls of a country house is always topical issue

for owners. It often arises again and again due to the fact that improved ones appear on the construction market, and this diversity makes it difficult to choose the optimal option. Usually, suburban areas are relatively far from the city, so many people prefer to spend everything at their dacha free time , starting from early spring and ending in late autumn. As you know, during this period the nights are still or already cold, and thin walls

light buildings are not able to retain heat indoors, so sooner or later the problem of their high-quality thermal insulation becomes more acute. Moreover, some owners would not mind spending the Christmas and New Year weekends in the countryside, but without reliable insulation this desire will be simply unrealistic. You can use different types of insulation for walls inside a country house, especially since the modern wide range allows you to choose it to suit every taste and budget. In order to save on heating a country house and create a microclimate comfortable for relaxation in it, you need to select quality material . It should not only help maintain the required temperature in the premises, but also be safe for the health of residents, and also last long years

without losing its thermal insulation qualities. Therefore, to begin with, it is worth highlighting the criteria by which it is necessary to choose insulation installed inside residential premises.

Any material used in the construction or decoration of residential buildings must meet sanitary requirements and comply with safety regulations. The same principles should be used to select insulation material.

The main criteria for evaluating thermal insulation materials are as follows:

• Environmental safety of insulation. The material under specified operating conditions (within the specified temperature range) should not emit harmful fumes.
• Fire resistance. A very important condition especially for light country houses, which can be heated by stoves in cold weather. The material must be non-flammable (NG), or have the lowest flammability category (G1).
• Energy saving. The insulation, of course, must have low thermal conductivity.
• Soundproofing qualities of the material. Perhaps such a property may not seem so important for dacha conditions, however, this would be a misconception. Sometimes, even outside the city, a property may be surrounded by not-so-quiet neighbors who play music at maximum volume at any time of the day. At dachas, motorized agricultural or gardening equipment is often used. There may be a busy highway or branch nearby railway. Therefore, it would also be useful to take into account this quality of the insulating material.
• Vapor permeability of insulation. This quality is necessary so that all fumes that invariably arise and accumulate in the premises of the house are not retained inside the thermal insulation layer, but are freely released into the atmosphere. Otherwise, the insulation will sharply lose its thermal insulation qualities, and in addition, sooner or later mold will appear in it, which will spread along the walls, and then into the structure of the material from which they are built.
• Durability of the material. In order not to replace the insulation every 4-5 years due to the fact that it simply will not perform the stated functions, it would be wise to immediately choose material from a trusted manufacturer who values ​​​​its reputation and will not deceive its buyer.
• Strength insulation material. We are talking, rather, not about rigidity (not all insulation materials have this property), but about the ability to hold a given shape, since it is subject to various loads during operation - static, dynamic, vibration, etc.
• Biological and chemical stability. The material should not decompose over time, be subject to rotting or chemical decay. Another quality that is desirable for insulation materials used for insulation country houses, both inside and outside - they should not be a favorable environment for insects and rodents.

• In addition, in order to achieve the desired effect, you need to choose insulation that is ideal for the material from which the house is built - there are some incompatibilities in this matter. Moreover, the thickness of the insulation is also selected taking into account the thickness and material of the external walls.

Main types of insulation materials

Several types of insulation materials are suitable for insulating a country house from the inside. To help you figure out which one to choose, their characteristics will be discussed in more detail below.

So, this list of thermal insulation materials includes:

• Basalt and glass wool, which can be purchased in mats or rolls.
• Ecowool, made from cellulose fibers, in bulk or formed into mats.
• Expanded polystyrene in slabs.
• Sprayed materials - penoizol or

Before moving on to detailed descriptions of the characteristics, you should immediately study their comparative description, which may help you take the first step towards the right choice insulation:

Illustration	Name of material	The main advantages of insulation	Significant material shortcomings
	Glass wool	- affordable price with sufficiently high performance characteristics; - high vapor permeability	- hygroscopic; - low-flammability (G1), - inferior in environmental qualities to basalt wool; - there is a tendency to gradual caking.
	Basalt wool	- non-flammable (NG); - durable; - has high thermal insulation characteristics; - excellent vapor permeability	- relatively hygroscopic, but the improved material has pronounced hydrophobicity. - much more expensive than glass wool.
		- low moisture absorption, - high thermal insulation qualities; - light; - non-toxic under normal conditions; - durable; - resistant to ultraviolet rays; - high mechanical strength.	- flammable at high temperatures; - during thermal decomposition it emits extremely toxic gas; - almost complete absence of vapor permeability.
	Polyurethane foam	- not afraid of moisture; - has the highest thermal resistance values.	- low-flammability (G1); - almost complete absence of vapor permeability; - difficulty in application - requires special equipment and certain work experience.
	Ecowool	- environmentally friendly material; - excellent heat insulator; - durability, biological resistance.	- low-flammability (G1); - hygroscopic; - a tendency to caking is possible (with the “dry” method of use).

Basic physical and performance characteristics These insulation look like this:

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

It should be noted that improved types of these insulation materials are being produced that have improved performance characteristics. Their parameters will be presented below.

Glass wool

Glass wool is made from fibers obtained by melting quartz sand(glass scrap) and some additives. The average fiber length is 30÷50 mm. The resulting mats have fairly high dimensional stability and vibration resistance.

Glass wool has good soundproofing qualities, chemical resistance, and high thermal insulation properties. The operating temperature range of the material is from - 60 to + 180 °C. When this temperature is exceeded, the fibers themselves remain intact, but the resinous binder undergoes destructuring, so the fibrous structure can sinter or disintegrate.

Glass wool is used mainly for insulating non-residential premises, since its fibers are particularly brittle, and it is undesirable for them to enter the air of inhabited rooms.

In addition, mice may well settle in layers of glass wool, making nests and passages in it. Therefore, it can be used in country houses if measures are taken to protect the structure from rodents.

The rodent problem can be very serious!

How to achieve good thermal insulation at home and at the same time try to avoid close proximity to rodents - read the article, which can be found on the pages of our portal.

Now let’s look at several brands of glass wool, which in terms of their quality and performance characteristics can safely be considered standard.

"Isover"

One of the most famous brands of fiberglass mineral wool is Isover. This insulation is produced in slabs and rolls, and can have different densities. For example, if thermal insulation is laid under thick plaster, then rigid slabs with increased density are selected - these are “Isover OL-E” and “Isover OL-A”.

Isover glass wool is made from quartz sand with the addition of soda and limestone, and synthetic phenol-formaldehyde resins are used as a binder for the fibers. After mixing the finished fibers with a binder, they are subjected to heat treatment with pressing, due to which the mats acquire the necessary rigidity. Isover brand materials are famous for their durability.

The main characteristics of these insulation materials are given in the table:

"URSA"

Another well-known brand of insulation of this type is “URSA”. The technologists of this company managed to minimize the characteristic disadvantages of glass wool. The material is characterized by excellent durability, strength of the fibers, and the special structure of the mats and slabs extremely simplifies their installation when insulating building structures.

The variety of URSA brand insulation is extremely large. In private construction practice, it is recommended to use the URSA GEO line of materials, as they are maximally adapted to such conditions and safe for human health.

Some insulation products from the URSA GEO line are presented in the table below:

Insulation type “URSA GEO”		Vapor permeability coefficient, mg/(m×h×Pa)	Recommended scope of application
"M-11"	0.04	0.64	One of the most popular types, universal application
"Mini"	0,041	0.64	The same universal material, but made in mini rolls, which can be convenient for individual areas of insulation
"A private house"	0,041	0.64	The name speaks for itself - convenient to use in the construction of private houses
"Universal plates"	0,036	0.51	Material in slabs, intended mainly for wall insulation
"Light"	0,044	0.64	Lightweight type, universal use. Mainly for use in horizontal unloaded structures (for example, a floor on joists or an attic floor)
"Pitched Roof"	0,035	0.64	Convenient packaging - slabs in a roll. The main purpose is roof insulation.
"Noise protection"	0,04	0.64	Material for sound insulation, e.g. internal interior partitions, sound absorption class “B”.
"Framework"	0,035	0.64	For use in frame structures of walls or ceilings.

Insulation based on basalt wool

Such insulation materials are made from a melt of gabbro-basalt rocks, and are considered the best option for insulating walls and other surfaces from the inside of private houses. The thermal conductivity of basalt fibrous materials is comparable to glass wool, but they have much more suitable qualities for use in residential premises. For example, “stone” fibers are not as brittle as glass, and slabs usually have a higher density, which means that the strength properties of basalt insulation are significantly higher.

Basalt wool is produced in slabs and rolls, which can be additionally stitched and equipped, enhancing the insulating effect. General characteristics basalt wool were presented in the table, and specific qualities for its individual varieties will be shown below.

There are many well-known brands of basalt insulation materials, foreign and domestic production. The most popular ones include TechnoNIKOL, Rockwool and « Knauf."

"TechnoNIKOL"

The table shows popular brands of basalt wool from TechnoNIKOL, which are ideal for thermal insulation of private country house.

Material grade	Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/(m×°C)	Compressibility, %, no more	Vapor permeability, Mg/(m×h×Pa)	Moisture absorption, kg/m²	Density, kg/m³
"Rocklight"	0.037÷0.041	30	0.3	2	30÷40
"Technolight"	0.036÷0.041	20	0.3	1,5	30÷38
"Heat roll"	0.036÷0.041	55	0.3	2	25÷35
"Technoacoustic"	0.035÷0.040	10	0.3	1,5	38÷45

"Rockwool"

The Rockwool company can be called the most famous in the production of basalt insulation. She is a kind of “trend setter”, constantly modifying her products, bringing them to perfection. Thus, “Rockwool” basalt wool was assigned the NG category, that is, the material is recognized as absolutely non-flammable thanks to improved manufacturing technology.

This manufacturer produces a very wide variety of basalt-based insulation materials. But in our case, for insulating walls in a country house, the optimal choice would be “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS” or “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS SCANDIC”.

The main parameters of insulation of the “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS” type are given in the table:

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

Video: ROCKWOOL basalt mineral wool is an excellent material for wall insulation

« Knauf»

« Knauf" is a German company that is well known to Russian consumers, as it specializes in the production of various building materials of guaranteed quality. Basalt insulation materials from this brand are no exception.

For insulation, you can choose material from the “Insulation” line - but they are considered professional-class insulation, which, naturally, is reflected in the price. For private housing construction, a special line of products is provided, with the very characteristic names TeploKNAUF Cottage, House and Dacha. The characteristics of these insulation materials are shown in the table:

Name of material	Flammability group	Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/(m×°C)	Slab (mat) size	Thickness of the slab (mat)
"TeploKNAUF Cottage"	NG	0,037	plate 1230×610 roll 6148×1220	50
"TeploKNAUF House"	NG	0.040	plate 1230×610	50
"TeploKNAUF Dacha"	NG	0,044	roll 7380×1220	50
Note: for slab insulation, the line has been expanded with the “Cottage+” and “House+” types. Their difference is in the thickness of the material, which is 100 mm

It should be noted that even the highest quality mineral wools have a common drawback - these are fiber-binding components that can release environment fumes harmful to humans. However, nowadays, leading manufacturers make bold statements that they completely abandon the use of formaldehyde resins, using innovative technologies for forming fibrous structure insulation. Of course, such materials should be given preference.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Everyone is familiar with the very popular insulation material - which is widely used in private construction. But you need to be extremely careful with its use, since it has a number of very serious disadvantages, due to which it was completely abandoned in many European countries.

Such negative properties of polystyrene foam include:

• High flammability of the material. Moreover, during combustion, it actively melts and spreads, as well as the release of toxic smoke, which is deadly to human life.
• With prolonged use, polystyrene foam also begins to release toxic fumes into the environment (its chemical structure cannot be classified as stable organic compounds). Such fumes, containing toxic free styrene, can penetrate even concrete walls.
• Besides, regular foam mice can easily gnaw through it, and if it has a thickness of 80÷100 mm, then they can easily make their home in it.

Glass wool

Extruded polystyrene foam has a fine-cell structure and is obtained by melting polystyrene granules when heated to high temperatures, introducing a foaming agent into the melt, and then giving the desired shape by pressing it through the extruder nozzles. . Moreover, it is important to note that if earlier foaming took place using freons, which were not harmless to humans, today they have been replaced by freon-free compounds based on ordinary carbon dioxide.

Unlike polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, due to its density and lack of vapor permeability, does not attract rodents as a permanent place residence, and they can only gnaw on it in several places.

Extruded polystyrene foam has a low coefficient of moisture absorption and thermal conductivity, high compressive strength, excellent frost resistance and chemical resistance. In addition, the material is not subject to rotting, so it is excellent for both indoor and outdoor use.

There are several well-known brands of similar insulation on the Russian market, and it is recommended to choose material from trusted manufacturers, since thermal insulation of unknown origin most likely will not meet all the requirements for efficiency and operational safety.

"Styrodur"

Solid extruded polystyrene foam "Styrodur" is used in various areas construction. It is great for insulating not only walls, floors and attic floors, but even the foundations of houses.

Styrodur insulation has the following physical and operational characteristics:

— average density material 25÷45 kg/m³;

— thermal conductivity 0.025÷0.033 W/(m×°C);

— water absorption – no more than 0.1÷0.5% of the volume;

— maximum temperature of use — +75 °С.

— vapor permeability 0.008-0.009 Mg/(m×h×Pa).

This material is produced in the form of light green slabs. They are equipped with tongue-and-groove lamellas, which allow you to create a seamless coating for the wall surface, without leaving “cold bridges”. The insulation is non-toxic, odorless and does not generate dust, so it is well suited for homes and cottages.

"Penoplex"

Another, more popular among domestic consumers, insulation from this series is, which has several varieties that eloquently speak about its purpose - these are “Wall”, “Foundation”, “Roof” and the universal one - “Comfort”. Two types are suitable for wall insulation - “Wall” and “Comfort”.

The dimensions of the insulation boards are shown in the table below:

The main technical and operational characteristics of Penoplex are as follows:

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

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

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

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

— durability declared by the manufacturer is 50 years.

• "Penoplex S", intended for insulation of internal and external walls, contains fire retardants, which make the material resistant to fire (G1). Thanks to its high thermal insulation properties, low moisture absorption, resistance to temperature changes and the presence of a locking connection, this type of insulation is able to create reliable thermal protection for the premises of the house.
• “Penoplex F”, used for insulating the foundation, is produced without the addition of fire retardants, since they are not necessary, because part of the insulated base is in the ground, which reduces the risk of any fire to zero. Therefore, due to the lack of fire resistance (the material usually belongs to category G4), such insulation cannot be used for insulation wooden floors and walls.
• "Penoplex K", although it has a specific purpose - for roof slopes, can be used in all areas of building insulation, therefore it is one of the most popular types.
• “Penoplex Comfort” is a material of increased versatility, designed specifically for use in residential construction, so it is also well suited for thermal insulation of cottage walls.

When using a country house not only in the summer season, but also in cold times, it becomes necessary to insulate it.

To solve this problem, you need to answer two main questions: where does the heat leak occur and how to efficiently

Causes of heat loss

It is not difficult to determine the cause of heat loss. It usually escapes through poorly insulated walls, roofs, floors, windows and various cracks.

Experts suggest insulating the dacha not only from the outside, but also from the inside.

Material selection

There are a number of requirements for thermal insulation materials.

The insulation must have low thermal conductivity, good hygroscopicity, fire safety and environmental cleanliness.

It is necessary that the material reliably prevents heat exchange between the external and internal parts walls, well protected the structure from the inside.


Today, mineral wool based on basalt or fiberglass is widely used as insulation. If the ventilation of the house is properly equipped, moisture will not be a problem for this material.

New products are constantly appearing on the construction products market. high-quality insulation do-it-yourself dachas. For example:

• insulation made of flax fiber - the material is produced in slabs, is easy to cut, does not change shape, is environmentally friendly, has good antiseptic properties;
• ecowool is a sprayed loose heat insulator consisting of recycled cellulose with the addition of antiseptics and fire retardants;
• soft fiberboard (fiberboard) is an environmentally friendly material that can be used to immediately strengthen walls.

How and with what to insulate is a matter of taste and good choice. The main thing is that the country house is reliably protected from the winter cold.

Roof

If installed incorrectly, a roof can “steal” more than 10% of the heat spent on heating the house.

When choosing thermal insulation for a roof, pay attention to the service life, which depends on many external factors: fluctuations in temperature, precipitation (especially snow), wind strength and direction. Pay special attention to the water resistance of the material. Isolation must also be safe for health. The first sign of safe insulation is the absence of a sharp, pungent odor.

Roof insulation polymer materials- Not The best decision. They ignite very easily and quickly, so increased fire safety measures will have to be taken.

for the roof can be considered stone wool, which is intended for thermal protection of structures that do not bear heavy loads.

Walls

This is the main stage of work, since they occupy the main area of ​​any building and have the highest heat transfer.

Surface preparation

Before insulation wooden walls Be sure to clean the entire surface of dirt. Carefully treat the inside of the walls with special solutions and aerosols that will protect the wood from insects. Then caulk all the gaps using dry tow and a thin chisel.

Insulation

Jute fabric is very suitable as a heat insulator for walls. It is quickly and easily laid with a construction stapler, does not rot, is not blown away by the wind and is not of interest to moths. Tow and jute fiber have low thermal conductivity due to their capillary structure and easily release moisture. In addition, as bactericidal materials, they successfully resist the spread of fungus.

It is not recommended to use improvised materials to insulate the walls of a country house: felt, batting, wool. They accumulate moisture abundantly. As a result, the process of rotting quickly begins, and moths are sure to appear in the wool.

Window

After insulating the walls, we move on to the windows. They also lead to significant heat loss, so close attention should be paid to windows, especially if the design is outdated.

Cleaning and waterproofing

The frames of the house should be thoroughly cleaned of dust, cracked glass should be replaced, and the gaps between the walls and frames should be sealed.

For high-quality insulation you will need silicone sealant in a special pistol. It reliably protects joints from the inside from fungi and mold.


Polyurethane foam will also work. However, it quickly deteriorates from the sun and is not entirely aesthetically pleasing. If you choose foam, you will have to take measures to protect it from ultraviolet rays.

D-profile tape

Then you need to glue sealing tape. D-profile tape is best suited. It effectively closes gaps up to 7 mm. For a more secure fixation, you can secure the tape with nails or staples.

Film on glass and insulation of slopes

To make the most of it, cover them with heat-saving film. This material is applied directly to the glass. When laying the film there should be no folds, swelling or bubbles. Carefully done work will help save more than 30% of heat.

Don't forget about insulating the slopes. For this, you can use various materials, for example, polyethylene foam or mineral wool. The insulation is fixed to the slopes using glue.

Floor

There are many modern materials for floor insulation. The main thing is that the inside of the country house is as dry as possible.

Styrofoam

Expanded polystyrene does not absorb moisture, is durable, strong, good antiseptic. It is convenient to work with such material because it does not change the original volume.

Minvata

Mineral wool is sold in various options: rolls, slabs, mats. Low density, environmental friendliness, wear resistance, relatively low price are its main advantages.

Penofol

The new material penofol has already proven its effectiveness the best side and gained popularity. It is sold in rolls consisting of a layer of foil and insulation. Most often, the base is foamed polyethylene.

Requirements for insulation

When choosing a material for insulating the floor of a dacha with your own hands, do not look for the most cheap options and be sure to remember that the insulation must be:

• environmentally friendly, safe for health;
• excellent heat insulator;
• durable.

Floor insulation methods

There are several ways to insulate the floor of a country house.

Double floor

The bottom layer of rough boards is carefully attached directly to the beams. A “finish” coating is laid on the “rough” structure.

Wooden logs are installed on the foundation in increments of 0.5–1 m or cut into the frame. Next, the “rough” floor is laid. The free space is filled with thermal insulation. Quite a simple and effective way.


You can insulate the floor using joists installed on brick columns. Any insulation: mineral wool, fiberglass, polystyrene foam or other suitable material. The distance between the finished floor and the ground increases. The work does not require builder experience and can be easily done with your own hands. With this option, the insulating material does not experience stress, which makes the method of insulating a wooden floor along joists ideal.

Greetings. This time you will learn how to properly insulate a country house. As an example, consider popular methods of thermal insulation wooden dachas and construction projects made of concrete blocks. The types of buildings for review were not chosen by chance, since most of the dachas were built from these materials.

I am sure that the methods proposed in the article will be of interest to owners of old country houses. However, if your dacha is new, but not warm enough, you will also find a lot of useful information for yourself.

Basic information about insulating country houses

Proper thermal insulation of a country house begins with an analysis of heat loss using special equipment - a thermal imager

Insulating a country house has the following goals:

• Ensuring living comfort;
• Reduced heating costs;
• Ensuring a long service life of the facility without the need for regular repairs.

From the above points we can draw the following conclusion: the cottage must be energy efficient.

What is an energy efficient home? This is a construction site in which, thanks to high-quality thermal insulation, an optimal microclimate is combined with low energy consumption.

In accordance with SanPiN 2.1.2.100200, the following requirements are imposed on the microclimate of residential premises during the cold season:

• the average air temperature should be from 18 °C to 24 °C;
• relative air humidity – within 35-40%;
• air flow speed no more than 0.15 m/s.
• the surface temperature of the walls is no more than 4 °C lower than the air temperature in the room;
• the floor surface temperature is no more than 2 °C lower than the air temperature in the room.

Do you think the microclimate within the walls of your dacha meets the listed requirements? If it doesn’t match, then it’s time to insulate the country house.

Instructions for insulating a dacha depend on the following factors:

• Nature of operation of the facility (seasonal or all-season);
• Materials used in construction;
• Type of glazing of the object;
• Presence of technological errors made during design and/or construction;
• Type and efficiency of the heating system used;
• The budget of funds allocated for the implementation of the project.

Thermal insulation of a construction site may affect individual structural elements, for example, floor walls or foundations, or can be performed comprehensively. Despite the fact that the price of complex insulation is significantly higher than the cost of separately performed work, it is an integrated approach that provides the best result.

Insulation of a wooden house

Wooden cottages are insulated in such a way that the lumber retains an optimal degree of humidity and does not rot or collapse. Conventionally, the thermal insulation of a wooden cottage can be external and internal. Which of these varieties is more preferable?

External (external) insulation of walls prevents them from freezing. In addition, the dew point shifts towards the outer edge of the wall. In order to reduce the formation of condensation, a ventilated façade is installed. As a result, the wood remains dry and does not rot, which has a beneficial effect on the resource of the house.

Thermal insulation load-bearing walls reduces from inside the house usable area premises, which is especially noticeable if the dacha is small. In addition, by insulating the inner surface of the walls, you will cause the wood to freeze in winter and get wet with the onset of the warm season. As a result, the wood will rot and rapidly deteriorate.

The following conclusion can be drawn - internal thermal insulation We do wooden construction only in combination with external insulation. As a last resort, we limit ourselves to external insulation only.

Thermal insulation of wooden walls

One of the most correct instructions Insulation of wooden walls involves the construction of a ventilated facade with the laying of heat-insulating material. The advantage of this solution is the absence of condensation and the ability to use thick insulating materials.

To perform installation work you will need the following materials:

• Guide metal profiles 100×40 mm;
• Vapor barrier film;
• Slabs of dense mineral wool (thickness similar to the width metal profile or you will have to lay it in two layers);
• Double-sided tape;
• Windproof coating;
• Wooden blocks 50×20 mm;
• Vinyl siding.

The instructions for installing a ventilated facade with insulation are as follows:

• Using a plumb line and a spirit level, the curvature of the walls was determined;

In our case, the attic protrudes slightly forward relative to the first floor.

• At intervals of 60 cm from each other, leveling pads made of pieces of plywood were fixed to the surface of the walls in order to compensate for differences in levels;

• Vapor barrier strips were secured with a stapler along the surface of the wall;

The vapor barrier has 2 sides - one smooth, the other rough. Smooth side we direct it outward, and the rough one inward. We attach the vapor barrier horizontally, so that the upper strip overlaps the lower strip and thus ensures condensate drainage.

• Guide profiles were vertically fixed on top of the vapor barrier;

The profiles are installed on leveling plywood pads, which can be easily felt under the vapor barrier layer. As a result, the guides should be spaced 60 cm apart from each other.

• We insert mineral wool slabs into the spaces between the guides;

• We glue pieces of double-sided tape along the outside of the guides;
• We lay out a windproof covering, temporarily fixing it with double-sided tape;

• On top of the windproof covering we fill a sheathing of wooden slats;

We fasten the lathing so that the slats are fixed on the metal guides that were used in the manufacture of the supporting frame.

• Vinyl siding was installed over the wood sheathing.

Are there other ways to insulate wooden walls?

Due to the ease of implementation, spraying polyurethane foam is becoming increasingly popular. A two-component mixture is sprayed onto the wall under pressure, after which it polymerizes and forms a layer of foam. Despite the obvious advantages, the method has a significant drawback - the equipment for spraying is expensive, and therefore it will not be possible to perform such insulation with your own hands.

Foamed polyurethane is an airtight composition that will not allow the wood to breathe. Therefore, there is a possibility that the walls are outside will rot and collapse.

Thermal insulation of floors and ceilings in a wooden house

Floor insulation in a wooden house can be done using various materials. For example, I recommend laying expanded clay backfill, mineral wool or crushed foam between the lags.

But the method of floor insulation you choose must meet the following requirements:

• Structural floor elements, including joists and planks, must not rot;
• Filling the space between joists should be unattractive to rodents;
• The thermal insulation layer must be fireproof and non-toxic.

As an example, I offer instructions correct device thermally insulated floor pie.

The easiest way to insulate the floor on the joists is during the construction of the cottage. If insulation is carried out in a house that is already in use, the flooring will have to be completely removed.

After access to the logs is open, you need to cover them in several layers, with a break for each previous layer to dry. wooden parts antiseptic and fire retardant.

After the impregnation has completely dried, the space between the joists is lined with a windproof coating. This measure will eliminate the possibility of the formation of cold bridges. Wind protection must be attached to the joists with staples made from a construction stapler.

Insulating material is laid or filled into the prepared space between the joists.

Traditionally, mineral wool is used as insulation. But such material, over time, can become a refuge for rodents. Therefore, I recommend using dense expanded clay backfill with a core diameter of 3-5 mm. This backfill is produced by the Knauf company for the installation of dry screeds.

After the insulating material is laid between the joists, it is lined upper layer vapor barriers. Vapor barrier strips, as well as wind protection, must be laid with an overlap so that there are no gaps. A boardwalk is installed on top of the finished pie.

Floor insulation is performed in the same way as floor insulation. But for these purposes, lightweight materials are used, mainly mineral wool or polystyrene foam boards.

When installing ceilings, a vapor barrier is placed at the bottom of the pie in order to prevent the penetration of moist warm air from the room.

A windbreak is laid over the insulation cake to act as a barrier to cold air from the attic.

Insulation of a country house made of aerated concrete or silicate blocks

Unlike wooden cottages, objects made of brick or lightweight concrete can be thermally insulated both outside and inside. And in this case, external insulation is an order of magnitude more effective than internal insulation.

But the best results are guaranteed by comprehensive insulation, during which the thermal conductivity of walls, blind areas, floors, ceilings and roofing systems is reduced.

Thermal insulation of walls

For thermal insulation of walls made of brick, concrete blocks and similar building materials, cellular polystyrene slabs can be used; mineral wool, application of polyurethane foam.

Affordable price - good reason for purchasing polystyrene foam boards

Of the listed materials, I especially recommend polystyrene foam boards. Using this type of insulating materials, you can not only reduce the thermal conductivity of load-bearing walls, but also subsequently plaster the building, giving the facade an attractive appearance.

Installation of polystyrene foam boards followed by plastering is carried out in accordance with the following diagram.

To install thermal insulation, you will need the following materials:

• Cellular polystyrene slabs with a thickness of 150-200 mm (thickness is selected depending on the climatic conditions of the region);

• Disc-shaped dowels (umbrellas) in the amount of 4-5 pieces per slab;
• Starting strip - a profile for holding the slabs of the first row in the required position;
• Alkali-resistant reinforcing fiberglass mesh;
• Tile adhesive or special adhesive for polystyrene foam;
• Plaster mixture or tile adhesive for making a reinforcing layer;
• Plaster mixture for finishing.

Instructions for insulating the walls of a modern dacha made of aerated concrete blocks or sand-lime brick next:

• Scaffolding is assembled, from which it is easier and safer to work than from a stepladder;
• Using a chisel, the sagging of masonry mortar is knocked off the surface of the walls;

• The surface is primed with one layer of penetrating primer to strengthen the porous base, and one layer of film-forming primer for better adhesion;

You can apply the primer with a roller or even a brush. But, given the large surface area and application in two layers, I recommend using a spray bottle to work with the primer.

• At the level, along the edges of the wall, orientation cords are fixed along which the insulation slab will be laid;

• By using laser level or a spirit level with a plumb line, the location of the upper part of the slabs in the first row is determined and a corresponding mark is placed along the perimeter of the walls;

• Mix the adhesive solution in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and, after preparation, leave for 5 minutes;
• Apply glue to the plate;

• We install the first slab from the corner, so that its edge protrudes beyond the corner at a distance equal to the thickness of the slab;

• The second slab is placed from the corner close to the aligning edge of the first slab, as shown in the figure;
• In a similar way, the entire first row is laid out along the perimeter of the walls;
• When laying each row, we check the horizontal and vertical position of the slabs with a level;

• We begin laying the second row also from the corner. The slabs should lie in relation to each other with an offset, as shown in the figure;
• We lay the third row offset relative to the second row, but so that it coincides with the slabs in the first row;

• The next rows are installed in a similar way, so that as a result a jagged joint is formed at the corner;

• We combine the plates with window openings, cutting the foam as shown in the figure;

• If during installation there are gaps between some slabs, immediately fill them with polyurethane foam to prevent the formation of cold bridges;
• After the foam has dried, remove the excess with a sharp knife;

• Disc-shaped dowels are installed along the edges and in the center of the slab, so that their caps are recessed into the surface of the foam;

• Reinforcing fiberglass mesh and plaster mixture slopes are strengthened;
• The recesses for the dowels are filled with the mixture;

• The wall cladding is reinforced with fiberglass mesh and plaster mixture;

• Decorative plaster can be applied on top of the dried base layer.

Floor insulation

In previous instructions I talked about how the floor is insulated wooden joists. This technique can also be applied to brick houses, where the floors are laid on joists. But what to do if the house already has a ready-made concrete screed?

I offer the following options:

• Installation of micro-lags followed by laying thermal insulation and laying plywood;
• Installation of a dry screed made of gypsum fiber board with expanded clay backfill;
• Laying an additional layer of expanded clay concrete;
• Laying an additional layer of polystyrene concrete;
• Installation of underfloor heating systems for subsequent use as an auxiliary heating system.

If the level of the subfloor allows you to raise the surface by 5-10 cm, I recommend laying a layer of expanded clay concrete along the beacons. The advantage of this solution is the low thermal conductivity and high strength of the material. Again, laying expanded clay concrete is much easier and faster than working with ordinary concrete, if only because the finished solution is much lighter.

For dachas, the problem of rodents, which gnaw holes in the insulation layer and feel comfortable in the underground, is an urgent problem. Expanded clay concrete, after gaining brand strength, is practically not inferior in hardness to heavy concrete, and rodents will not settle in such an underground.

Another option that I personally tried in my home is the installation of a “Warm Floor” system based on infrared film emitters. This option is preferable for summer cottages that are used seasonally. If you decide to live in a country house, in winter you can quickly heat the floor, which means comfortable conditions for temporary living will be provided.

Film infrared flooring is a universal solution that can be installed under tiles, carpet or laminate. The only one an important condition For uninterrupted operation of the film heater, a perfectly flat base without a pronounced microrelief is required.

Why don’t I recommend underfloor heating based on water heating equipment? Most dachas and country houses in the province do not have a stable water connection. Again, the wiring in an older home may not be able to handle the load of a water heater.

Conclusion

Now you know how external insulation of low-rise buildings is performed. I am sure that the proposed instructions and recommendations will be useful when arranging your dacha.

If you have any questions, ask them in the comments to what you read - I will definitely answer all of them. By the way, maybe you will find answers to your questions by watching the video in this article.