Features of bath insulation with aluminum foil insulation. It should be warm in the steam room: secrets of choosing foil for a bath Which brand of foil is best for a bath

Thermal insulating material for a bath it should be characterized by increased resistance to high temperature and humidity. Aluminum foil has these properties, and therefore is one of the most popular insulation materials in baths. It is used both in combination with other materials and without them, depending on the thickness of the walls and operating conditions.

One of the most important characteristics aluminum foil its reflectivity is considered to be up to 97% infrared rays. Continuous covering of the steam room with this material contributes to maximum heat retention, because IR rays are not absorbed by the walls, but are reflected back into the room. And even if the surface of the foil fades over time, this will have virtually no effect on the reflective properties.

Foil on the bathhouse ceiling - photo

In addition, it can withstand temperatures up to 300 °C and higher, depending on the brand, and has low specific gravity and does not emit compounds harmful to the body.

This material also has other important properties:

• resistance to ultraviolet radiation and corrosion;
• vapor tightness;
• plasticity;
• durability;
• moisture resistance.

Almost all the heat remains in the steam room, and the walls and the insulating layer under the foil are reliably protected from condensation. For greater efficiency, not only the walls, but also the ceiling are sheathed with foil, because steam and hot air first rise upward. Attaching it is not difficult, the main thing is to avoid its deformation during operation and not leave gaps between the panels.

Foil is produced in rolls and sheets, the thickness is from 0.007 to 0.2 mm, the width of the tape is from 1 to 150 cm. Depending on the manufacturing method, it can be annealed (soft) and unannealed (hard), and this is indicated by the marking - the letters "M" and "T" respectively. Both types are suitable for thermal insulation of rooms. It is recommended to sheathe the steam room with foil from 30 to 300 microns thick.

Prices for aluminum foil for baths

aluminum foil for bath

Types of foil for baths

Thin soft foil easily crumples and tears during operation, so more convenient and durable varieties have appeared - foil paper, fabric and insulation.

Type of material	Main characteristics	Approximate cost RUR/m2
	Dense, elastic material with high vapor barrier properties. There are two types: foil + kraft paper and foil + paper + polyethylene. Standard width tapes – 1.2 m. Withstands temperatures up to 130°C, is easy to cut and holds its shape. Attach to self-tapping screws, nails, construction staples. Not recommended for cladding walls adjacent to the stove.	from 40 two-layer, From 60 three-layer
	Soft, two-layer material made of fiberglass and foil. Withstands temperatures up to +500 °C, high moisture resistance, resistance to mold and other microorganisms. The thickness of the foil fabric is from 0.12 to 3 mm, the sheets are attached end-to-end. It is used to insulate saunas and baths; you can sheathe walls adjacent to the stove.	from 50
	Insulation based on polystyrene foam, covered thin layer aluminum foil. Available in sheets 1.2 x 0.6 m, thickness from 2 to 10 cm. Used for insulation interior spaces saunas and baths.	from 250
	Roll insulation with one-sided or two-sided foil coating. The thickness of the material is 2-10 cm. It is used for thermal insulation of the interior of baths and saunas, and can withstand temperatures up to +100 °C. Not suitable for covering surfaces adjacent to the stove.	from 35
	Available in rolls and mats various thicknesses. It has very high thermal insulation properties, so it is optimally suited for insulating frame baths and saunas.	from 200

To choose the best way thermal insulation, it is necessary to take into account several factors, the main of which are the operating conditions of the bathhouse and the material from which it is built. For warm log buildings with high-quality caulked walls, foil insulation is not needed, it will only extra waste money.

If the bathhouse is wooden, but large enough and does not warm up well, it is enough to sheathe the walls and ceiling with ordinary thin foil, and then cover it with clapboard. You can cover only the surface behind the stove with foil, this will speed up the heating of the steam room and save some fuel.

A bathhouse made of aerated concrete is also considered quite warm, but such material requires high-quality vapor barrier. The choice of foil in this case is completely justified, and for convenience you can use laminated rather than ordinary foil.

Brick and frame baths must be insulated. Here, foil insulation based on cotton wool or expanded polystyrene is optimal. For the ceiling, the type of foil is also selected taking into account the thickness of the ceilings and the presence (absence) of thermal insulation in the attic.

Operating conditions also have specific value. If the sauna is used periodically and people steam in it for a short time, there is no great need for thermal insulation with foil. It’s a completely different matter if the steam room is heated very often or bath procedures last for several hours: thermal insulation of the room will save a lot of firewood, the bath will warm up faster and take longer to cool down.

How to attach foil

Simple cladding

Another advantage of aluminum foil is that it is convenient to attach it at any time, on any surface. No need for this major renovation, the work will take very little time and effort.

For protective cladding For wooden walls, you first need to make sure that the surface is fairly smooth and there are no sharp protrusions that will tear the foil. If such defects are found, they should be cleaned sandpaper. Then everything is simple: take a roll of foil, unwind a strip along the height of the wall, cut it off, and fix it in the upper part with a stapler. Straighten the canvas downwards, fix it again so that it does not move, then fasten it next page overlap by 5-7 cm on the first one. Be sure to fasten at the joints aluminum tape. The usual one cannot be used for these purposes.

The foil strips can also be positioned horizontally, if it is more convenient for you to mount it that way. The main thing is that there are no gaps left anywhere. Around window and door openings, the foil is also attached close to the ends and secured with a stapler around the perimeter.

If the entire steam room is being sheathed, first the foil is fixed to the ceiling, leaving overhangs at the edges 10 cm wide. When sheathing the walls, the material will be overlapped so that there is not the slightest gap between the ceiling and the walls.

Finally, they fill the top of the vapor barrier with wooden slats, on which the lining is attached. The thickness of the slats should not be less than 20 mm. The presence of an air gap between the foil and finishing is prerequisite for effective thermal insulation.

Fastening the lining - photo

Aluminum adhesive tape prices

aluminum adhesive tape

Sheathing over insulation

Very often, foil is attached on top of the insulation. To do this, 20x40 mm thick slats are placed on the walls, in increments of 40-50 cm.

The slats can be positioned both vertically and horizontally.

Roll or slab insulation is inserted between the slats as tightly as possible, and then everything is covered with aluminum foil. The joints are carefully sealed with tape, the vapor barrier is straightened so that no folds remain, then a slatted frame is mounted on top to secure the lining.

Lathing over foil for attaching lining

This time the slats should be perpendicular to those under the foil. The final stage is clapboard covering.

The corner adjacent to the stove does not need to be sheathed with foil if cladding is planned decorative material. Then the thermal insulation is cut around the perimeter of the masonry and reinforced with additional strips, which will ensure a tight fit to the wall.

If laminated foil is used instead of regular foil, everything is done in exactly the same way. When choosing foil fabric, the only difference is in the laying of the material: the strips are laid end-to-end, not overlapping.

This is how you can efficiently insulate a steam room in a bathhouse using aluminum foil. Of course, this material is suitable for other rooms, but it is in the steam room that it gives the greatest effect. The most important thing is to properly secure the vapor barrier layer, otherwise heat will escape through the gaps in the seams.

Video - Aluminum foil for bath insulation

An ideal bath involves quick heating of the steam room and long-term heat retention. To achieve this, you have to either install a log house with thick walls, or additionally insulate the walls and ceiling. The second method is cheaper, but not every thermal insulation material can withstand bath conditions. Traditional insulation won’t work, but aluminum foil for a bathhouse is exactly what you need. However, there are pitfalls here.

What is the use of foil in a steam room: a scam or an undeniable benefit

Some argue that foil insulation in a bathhouse is of zero use, while others claim that it is an ideal heat insulator. Some craftsmen simply use foil, while others prefer to combine it with heat-insulating material. These discussions are endless, but a choice must be made.

Foil in a bathhouse will only be useful if it is laid according to all the rules

Principle of operation of the material

Heat in the steam room is transferred due to:

• convection;
• thermal conductivity;
• IR radiation.

On the one hand, aluminum foil has high thermal conductivity, but on the other hand, it reflects almost all infrared radiation that hits it.

The first point is often mentioned by opponents of this material. But they forget to say that the foil can only heat up from the lining or walls of the bathhouse. First, the lining must heat up, and only then will it transfer some of the heat to the aluminum. The foil surface itself will transfer thermal energy to the walls.

Important! The high thermal conductivity of the foil will play a negative role only if the area of ​​its contact with the casing is large. Lathing for lining is not capable of releasing a significant amount of heat due to minimal contact between these two building materials.

With infrared radiation it’s quite the opposite, and this is where the fun begins. This is what the hot stones and stove emit in the bathhouse. However, due to its properties, IR rays are almost completely reflected back into the room by foil. Therefore, it is more correct to call it a heat reflector rather than insulation.

More than half of the heat in the bath is transferred through infrared radiation, which aluminum reflects 95–97% back into the steam room

There is one more nuance - a hermetically sealed layer of foil is an excellent vapor barrier. As a result, the heated steam remains inside the room, increasing the temperature of the bath air. The bathhouse heats up faster, and after the wood burns out, it cools down more slowly.

Benefits of use

Among the advantages of using foil in baths it is worth mentioning:

1. No harmful emissions and hygienic.
2. Preservation of the coating during prolonged exposure to excess moisture and high temperatures.
3. Easy installation.
4. Impervious to rotting.
5. Increased sound insulation.
6. Fire resistance and heat reflection of the material.

However, if the foil layer has holes, then its usefulness will sharply decline. It's all about condensation. It will not fall out on outside foil inside the bath, and on the inside, facing the wall. The accumulation of moisture will certainly lead to mold and wood rotting.

Which foil material is better to choose for a bath?

In addition to the usual rolled foil, there are a lot of different foil materials designed for wall insulation. But not all of them are applicable in a bathhouse where the temperature and humidity are high. Here it is extremely important to choose the right and harmless heat insulator, otherwise visiting the steam room can lead to health problems. An additional layer makes the foil more durable or increases it thermal insulation characteristics.
You can insulate a bathhouse:

• kraft foil (on paper based);
• foil fabric (on fiberglass);
• folgoizolone (on polyethylene foam).

The first option is a complete analogue of standard aluminum foil, only with a reinforcing layer of paper. The second is the most durable and fire-resistant of all, and the third, thanks to foamed polyethylene, creates an additional layer of classic thermal insulation.

Advice! Near the stove, sheathe the walls and ceiling of the bathhouse experienced craftsmen It is recommended to use foil on fiberglass exclusively. It is durable, harmless and can withstand temperatures up to several hundred degrees.

The polyethylene backing calmly tolerates the heat of the steam room. But near the firebox, this foil material should not be sewn onto the walls. In the heat of a hot stove, it will inevitably begin to melt.

Foil fabric (folar, foil on fiberglass) is an ideal insulation for a bathhouse

There are also mineral wool-based foil insulation on sale, but it is not recommended to use them in a bathhouse. Some of them contain formaldehydes, which begin to be released when the temperature of the material increases, while others, when wet, lose all of their thermal insulation properties.

Even thick aluminum foil without a backing can be easily damaged during installation. It should be used in a bath only as a last resort. It is best to choose the fiberglass option, available in three types:

1. “A” with one-sided foil (operating temperature from -40 to +150° C).
2. “B” with foil on both sides (operating temperature from -40 to +300° C).
3. “C” with an adhesive base and one layer of foil (operating temperature from -40 to +80° C).

All listed materials are sold in rolls various sizes and thickness. They fit easily under required sizes. And their fastening in the bathhouse is done with galvanized nails or staplers.

The nuances of installing foil and foil insulation in a sauna

The choice of foil heat insulator depends on the material from which the bathhouse is built. In some cases, just aluminum foil is sufficient, while in others it is recommended to use only insulation for sheathing.

Option #1: Insulating the log house

If the walls of the bathhouse are made of thick logs, then covering them with foil is a waste of money. The quality of caulking is more important here, and it is simply pointless to additionally insulate the log house. In this case, the thermal insulation layer will have little positive effect.

In a log sauna, foil insulation should only be used when covering the ceiling. At the top he will be of at least some use, especially if ceiling made thin and without an insulating layer on top.

You can also cover the walls around the stove with aluminum foil without a backing. Such a screen will reflect heat in the form of infrared radiation into the steam room, instead of wasting it on useless heating of the wall behind the heater.

Thick foil makes an excellent screen for a sauna stove

When covering the ceiling, foil insulation is laid with a reflective layer down, overlapping and with a slight overlap of 5–10 cm on the walls. The joints must be taped with special aluminum tape. It is very important to create a sealed layer without the slightest loopholes for steam.

After installation, the foil can be left as is. This way condensation will definitely not accumulate on it. But from an aesthetic point of view, it is better to cover it with clapboard. To do this, you will need to fill a sheathing of 40x40 mm bars, to which the wooden planks will be nailed.

Option #2: Cladding a brick or frame structure

If the walls of the sauna are made of brick or frame technology, then it will be necessary to insulate them with foil heat-insulating material. Otherwise, the heat in such a bath will not stay long.

Installation diagram of foil insulation on walls and ceiling in a bathhouse

The sequence of work in this case is absolutely identical to the technology used in log house. Only covering with foil is done in a circular manner over the entire area of ​​the walls and ceiling to create a thermos. You need everything possible ways block heat output as much as possible.

Advice! When thermally insulating a bath using aluminum foil, special attention must be paid to windows and doors. The material to be laid should be securely nailed to the jambs and sealed with tape.

Ideally, the sheathing for the lining should be made independent, with a gap between the frame and the foil. The larger the space, the better the ventilation and less condensation. And this is the most important point in insulating the steam room.

Video: interior decoration of a bathhouse using kraft foil

According to the technology, foil-lined walls with a ceiling in a bathhouse receive reliable protection from moisture, and the foil coating works as a thermal mirror, helping to maintain comfortable temperatures. You can insulate a bathhouse yourself; there is nothing complicated about this issue; you just need to consult with a specialist in choosing an insulating substrate.

Let's start with the fact that many people don’t even know whether foil is needed for a bath. The question is relevant for most owners country houses. If you believe the professionals, then foil must be used when decorating the bathhouse, since a fairly high temperature is required inside, which, in addition, must also last a long time. It is for this reason that the ceiling and walls are covered with insulating material, which prevents thermal energy from escaping outside the room. In almost all cases, the “pie” that is formed on the internal surfaces of the bathhouse for the purpose of insulation includes aluminum foil. The latter, in turn, is produced in several versions at once.

Be that as it may, we note that foil, recommended by some people for use in a bathhouse, is categorically rejected by others, and the dispute between the parties has not subsided for a long time. That is why we have to figure out whether foil is really so necessary or can it be abandoned? At the same time, we will find out what this material is, what it can be, approximately how much it costs, and how to properly install it for maximum efficiency of the insulating layer.

And now, having familiarized yourself with the features and main varieties of the material described in the article, you can begin to consider some popular brands. For the convenience of visitors, the information below is presented in the form of a small summary table.

Price for foil for bath insulation

Table. Popular foil heat insulators for baths.

Name, photo	Characteristics, description	Average market value, in rubles
1. “Annealed” foil	Enough soft material, the thickness of which is 100 microns. Sold in rolls of 10 square meters. As for the total length of one roll, it is equal to 10 meters. Complies with GOST.	From 1400 rub. (per roll)
2. “Isover Sauna”	The brand of insulation mentioned above, 5 centimeters thick, is also sold in rolls 12.5 meters long. The total area of ​​one roll is 15 square meters. It is characterized by the fact that it also has soundproofing properties.	From 2200 rub. (per roll)
3. “Steam MAT ALUCOAT 35”	High-quality Finnish heat insulator, still sold in rolls. Thickness of this material is 3 centimeters, and the length of one roll is only 8 meters. Besides, total area one roll of insulation is equal to 7.2 square meters.	1800 rub. (per roll)
4. Rockwool Sauna Butts	And this is foil-coated mineral wool, which is sold in slabs. The thickness of this material is 5 centimeters, and the dimensions of one plate are 60x100 centimeters (WxL). The total area of ​​one slab is 0.6 square meters.	750 rub. per package (8 slabs)
5. URSA GEO M-11F	Qualitative roll insulation– mineral wool with foil coating. What is characteristic is this bath foil covered with kraft paper. The thickness is 5 centimeters, and the length of one roll is 12.5 meters. The optimal operating temperature is +270 degrees.	2100 rub. (per roll)

As you can see, the cost of foil varies and depends not only on the variety, but also on the specific manufacturer.

Is the foil layer really necessary in a bathhouse?

As a rule, baths today are insulated with thin foil (thickness varies between 30-300 microns). Typically, the aluminum layer can either be applied directly to a heat insulator or kraft paper, or sold separately for subsequent use in tandem with other insulation materials.

Those who are against the use of foil claim that it is of no use, since its thermal conductivity is quite high, and therefore it is simply unable to retain heat indoors. Opponents this method They believe that buying/installing foil insulation is just a waste of money. Note that this is partly true, because the use of foil can only be effective if it is installed correctly.

That is why a room decorated with sauna foil warms up faster and retains heat longer. Therefore, it is quite logical to conclude that steaming in such a bath will be more comfortable, while heating costs will noticeably decrease.

The main advantages of bath foil

Due to operational and climatic features bath room, a number of requirements can be identified that the aluminum foil used must necessarily meet:

• high moisture and steam resistance;
• appropriate thermal conductivity;
• fire resistance;
• high reflectivity (from 95 to 98 percent), which is obtained thanks to special polishing of the outer layer;
• excellent anti-corrosion properties.

As we have already found out, high vapor barrier characteristics prevent the leakage of heated steam from the room, and it will not accumulate in the coating.

In addition, aluminum foil for a bath has other advantages:

• it does not deform and does not lose its original properties;
• it protects neighboring premises, if any;
• the material is plastic, even if long time exposed to high temperatures;
• is characterized by increased resistance to chemicals;
• does not emit harmful gases and compounds;
• hygienic, durable;
• UV resistant;
• extremely easy to install.

Note! If you handle the foil carefully, even the thinnest sheets will not tear or deform. But in any case, it is necessary to purchase the material with a small margin (at least 5 percent).

The maximum temperature that the foil can withstand can reach 145 degrees. Thanks to the creation of the so-called thermos effect, the heat inside is retained for about 2.5 hours longer. We also note that the material can be used both for walls and for floors and ceilings (that is, it is universal), and does not require any special treatment with fungicides at all.

What to look for when choosing foil for a bath?

If you intend to purchase suitable foil, you must take into account several factors that affect the durability of the material, the ease of installation and future efficiency. Let's consider the main selection criteria in more detail.

Key types of foil thermal insulators for baths

There are many types of foil, as well as combined insulation materials in which it is present, and they all differ not only in cost, but also different characteristics. Today we will consider only the most common materials.

Option No1. Rolled foil (no base)

This material is quite thin, and its strength can hardly be considered high. The thickness of such insulation can reach 0.2 millimeters, while the width varies between 100-150 centimeters. The material is sold, as one might guess from the name, in rolls 5-20 meters long. Used for installation on walls over an existing base thermal insulator. It must be attached with an overlap, and the joints must be glued with metallized tape to obtain the most airtight reflective coating.

Note! The material can be used at a temperature of no more than +650 degrees, so a steam room trimmed with foil will warm up quickly and retain heat for a long time.

In addition, such foil is resistant to corrosion processes, and when heated it does not emit any toxic substances.

Option No2. Kraft foil

It is made with a paper base or, preferably, in a three-layer design (paper - foil - PE), also known as “Izolan”. The strength is quite high, the material can be laid on top of the timber without the use of additional heat insulation (provided that the walls are well caulked). The material is environmentally friendly, its thickness can reach 1 centimeter. Can be used at temperatures not exceeding +100 degrees. The installation requirements are the same as in the previous case, however, it is more convenient to work with such material, since it is more durable and does not wrinkle so much.

Option No3. Folar

In this case, we are talking about a vapor barrier, which can consist of one or two layers of foil material, as well as reinforcing fiberglass mesh (the cells of the latter have dimensions of 4x4 millimeters). This kind of reinforcement allows the material to retain all its original characteristics even at temperatures from -60 to +300 degrees! This material is also environmentally friendly and can withstand considerable loads (including mechanical ones). Produced in several varieties. Sold in rolls 100 centimeters wide and 50 meters long.

Option No4. "Folgoizolon"

The next, so to speak, bath foil is foamed PE with a foil coating. Sold in sheets/rolls, may have different thickness. A very durable material that can be installed without the use of basic insulation. Can be used not only for log walls(as the main heat insulator), but also for concrete/brick (as an auxiliary). The maximum permissible operating temperature is about +125 degrees, dimensions (WxLxD) are 60x120x2x11 centimeters. The material is easy to cut, as well as mounted to the sheathing, but it does not deform.

Option No5. Foil mineral wool

The last type of foil that we will look at today. Sold in slabs and rolls, thickness varies between 0.5-10 centimeters. Sizes may vary, and much depends on the specific manufacturer. Excellent reflectivity – up to 97 percent, extremely permissible temperature– +300 degrees.

Note! There are many types of foil mineral wool, but one of the most popular (at least in Russia) is “Isover Sauna”, which has all the properties required by the specifics of a given room.

Video - Rockwool thermal insulators for baths

Key features of insulation: what do you need to know?

Before proceeding directly with insulation, you should learn about the rules for its implementation, as well as what you must pay attention to. So that the foil takes part in maintaining the required indoor microclimate, consider the following important points.

• The room must have good ventilation. Otherwise, all thermal insulation layers will become saturated with moisture and lose their original characteristics. The foil material itself will simply become useless.
• Between finishing material and ventilation gaps must remain insulating layers.
• Attach all layers correctly, in accordance with the requirements, also do not forget to seal the joints between the sheets.

Remember that if you do not fulfill at least one of the listed requirements, then all your efforts will probably be wasted, and the final thermal and soundproofing properties foil will be practically zero.

What should be the thickness of thermal insulation in a bathhouse?

Here, a lot depends on the thickness of the walls, as well as on the material from which they are made. So, for brick/concrete walls with a thickness of 25 to 35 centimeters, it is necessary to use a heat insulator 10-15 centimeters thick. For the same walls, but with a thickness of more than 35 centimeters - within 8-10 centimeters. If we are talking about wooden walls 10-15 centimeters thick, then the thickness of the heat insulator should be approximately 6-8 centimeters, if 15-20 - then approximately 4-6 centimeters, and finally, if over 20 - then about 2-4 centimeters. As you can see, there is nothing complicated here, so let’s move on directly to the installation work.

Step-by-step instructions for insulating a bathhouse

To begin with, we note that if the steam room is small, then foil in rolls or kraft foil, the thickness of which is at least 0.3 centimeters, will be quite sufficient. But if the steam room is quite large, then it is better to give preference to materials based on mineral wool. Also, be sure to think about how the condensate will be drained: if the ceiling is insulated, then the foil from it must be taken to the walls, and if the latter are insulated, then to the floor. The overlap should be approximately 15-20 centimeters, and all joints, we repeat, should be taped with metallized tape.

Note! Also, do not forget about the ventilation gap between the insulating layer and the finishing (about 1.3-1.8 centimeters). In this case, you will achieve a healthy indoor microclimate.

The installation process itself is not complicated and consists of several simple steps. Let's look at the features of each of them in more detail.

Step one. To begin, build a sheathing on the walls using a 5x5 centimeter beam. As for the pitch of the sheathing, in this case it depends on the width of the insulation. If it is 60-120 centimeters, then the step, accordingly, should be 60 centimeters; for foil, the width of which is 100-150 centimeters, this is 50. To attach the bars, use self-tapping screws of a suitable length.

Step two. Place insulating material between the sheathing beams. Try to do this in such a way that the heat insulator does not extend beyond the level of the slats.

Step three. When the main insulation is installed, lay a foil covering on top of it, always placing the latter with a reflective layer inside the room. To seal the joints between the sheets, you can use metallized tape, but remember that the glue, being under prolonged exposure to high temperature, softens, which means that the sheets may well separate, which leads to a violation of the tightness of the entire coating.

It is advisable that bath foil fixed with nails or staples - the latter should be nailed directly to the bars. And if the width of the foil is large enough, then it should be fixed both at the edges and in the center.

Step four. Cover the fixed foil with clapboard, not forgetting about air gap 1.5 centimeters thick. This layer is necessary in order to reduce the thermal conductivity of the foil in order to maximum reflect all the rays that hit the coating back into the room. Obtaining this kind of air “pocket” is possible thanks to the construction of a wooden sheathing under the lining. For this sheathing, try to use bars, the thickness of which is within 1-2 centimeters, and for fixation, use the same self-tapping screws.

Sometimes the sheathing can be built on top of the insulating layer - in this case, the foil will be stuffed immediately over the entire area of ​​the steam room, even onto the beams. If so, then there is no particular need to create air “pockets”, and the lining can be fixed directly to the sheathing. However, practice shows that the use of combined materials, including a foil layer, is preferable not only in terms of economics, but also due to the significant simplification of all installation work.

Video - Finishing a steam room in a bathhouse

Thanks to the use of foil when finishing the steam room, you can save from 25 to 30 percent on fuel for the stove, in addition, the service life of the entire structure will significantly increase, since you will prevent the development of mold, mildew and various kinds microorganisms harmful to health.

Video - How to cover a steam room in a bathhouse with foil

Features of bath ventilation

As noted earlier, the arrangement of high-quality ventilation system mandatory for the normal functioning of the insulating cake. This should be taken care of in advance - even before proceeding directly to insulation. There are several layouts of holes for ventilation; let’s take a brief look at each of them.

First

We are talking about the circuit indicated in the illustration above by the letter “a”. This natural ventilation, the supply vent for it is installed at the bottom of the wall next to the heating device, and the exhaust vent is located on top of the opposite wall. The option is simple, but its effectiveness leaves much to be desired. For example, some open doors to enhance such ventilation.

Second

Option “b”, in which both vents are located on the same wall, and the heating device is located on the opposite wall. Suitable for baths with one outer wall. To strengthen the system, a fan is used (in the inlet).

Third

As for option “c”, it must be implemented during the construction of the bathhouse, since in this case the air will move under the finished floor. The location of the ventilation windows is the same as in option No. 1, but the fan should be located in the exhaust hole (the one on top). Enough efficient system, is worth noting.

Fourth

Finally, scheme “d” is effective only when firing a stove. There is only one hole here - the supply hole - and it is located on the wall opposite the heating device.

Finally, we note that the dimensions ventilation holes depend on the specific area of ​​the room. Yes, for every square meter The steam room must be at least 24 square centimeters. That's all, good luck with your work!

Baths and saunas are premises in which it is necessary to create and maintain a special microclimate. The temperature in the steam room reaches 70-90°C. To reduce heat loss, a thermal insulation system is considered at the construction stage. From a wide range building materials Experts recommend using foil insulation for baths. It is resistant to high humidity and effectively reflects infrared radiation.

The need for thermal insulation of the bath

Foil insulation significantly reduces heat loss in the bathhouse

The steam room is good for health, it promotes skin rejuvenation, dilates blood vessels, and speeds up metabolism. When building a bathhouse, builders take into account special requirements to the design. It should warm up quickly and maintain a high temperature for a long time. To meet these requirements, reflective thermal insulation for the bathhouse is installed. Without high-quality insulation the steam room will not be able to function, or the heating costs will be enormous. Practical bathhouse owners note the advantages of thermal insulation:

• the service life of the bath is extended;
• the amount of time the temperature rises to maximum is reduced;
• the consumption of wood, coal or electricity for heating the sauna is reduced;
• basalt insulation increases the fire safety of the building.

Thermal insulation is installed inside or outside buildings. In the case of insulating a steam room, a material is selected for interior work. Several layers are installed sequentially, including vapor and waterproofing. The use of insulation for baths and saunas with foil allows you to get by with one material that performs all the listed functions.

Criteria for choosing insulation for a sauna

The insulation must withstand high temperatures and humidity

When choosing optimal insulation For a bath, you should focus on the basic requirements for the material:

• coefficient of thermal conductivity;
• presence of a reflective layer;
• moisture resistance;
• working temperature;
• thickness;
• flammability.

Specifics of sauna with high humidity and temperature requires paying attention to the quality of the material. Difficult conditions negatively affect the insulation, reducing its service life. Manufacturers take into account the requirements for thermal insulation of baths and create special series with appropriate markings. Important factor– no harmful emissions when heated. When purchasing insulation, you should read the manufacturer's information.

In the baths with wood stoves It is worth considering the flammability of the material. Basalt or mineral wool does not support combustion, foamed polyethylene melts.

Characteristics of insulation with foil

Characteristics of insulation

Using bath insulation on the inside walls with foil or metallized coating allows you to create the effect of a thermos. Heat transfer from heating devices occurs due to infrared radiation. To prevent energy from leaving the premises, a metallized screen is installed to reflect it. It is advisable to cover all areas of the structure with thermal insulation: ceiling, walls, floor. A continuous coating will reduce heat and moisture loss.

It is impractical to install foil without a layer of insulation. This is a thin material that is easily damaged during installation. In addition, aluminum has high thermal conductivity, which is unacceptable in baths and saunas. Correct installation and layer thermal insulation material fix the problem.

Main characteristics of foil insulation:

• High ability to reflect infrared radiation 90-97%.
• Low thermal conductivity due to the cellular or fibrous structure of the material.
• Vapor tightness – the aluminum layer coating does not allow vapor molecules to pass through, no installation of additional protective films is required.
• Waterproofing - the material does not absorb moisture.
• Resistance to high temperatures - insulation materials are designed for operating temperatures over a wide range, the upper limit being 150-300°C.
• Availability of installation – majority insulating materials Available in the form of rolls and mats, which allows you to install them yourself.

In addition to thermal insulation properties, sauna insulation with foil has vapor barrier and sound-absorbing properties.

Selection of foil material

Rolled heat insulator

Thermal insulation with foil for a bath differs in technical characteristics and properties. The choice of insulation is influenced design features premises, fire safety requirements, installation complexity. Mineral wool is recommended for stone and concrete buildings. This reliable material significant thickness, which will provide an appropriate level of insulation.

A building made of timber or logs does not require great effort to maintain temperature. Wood itself is a good heat insulator. In this case, penofol or kraft foil is sufficient. A review of popular options will help you decide which material is best to use.

Rolled heat insulator

Insulation in the form of a rolled sheet can be from 20 to 150 m long. The thickness of the material ranges from 2 to 40 mm. The basis is foamed polyethylene or propylene. Thanks to the thin coating of aluminum, the material reflects thermal radiation. Penofol is popular in the domestic market. The material is produced with one-sided or double-sided foil coating with a self-adhesive base.

Rolled foil without a base is laid on the surface of the walls after the insulation. Strips 1-1.5 m wide are mounted overlapping. The resulting surface is highly resistant to temperature (up to 650°C), moisture and steam.

Basalt wool with foil layer

Basalt wool with foil

Mineral or basalt wool is a universal fiber insulation. It is resistant to fire and moisture, provides excellent thermal insulation of the room. Foiling the outer layer reduces heat loss and creates a vapor barrier. Among the assortment of leading manufacturers Izover, Parok and Rockwool you can choose special materials with foil for insulating the bath.

• For anti-condensation insulation, ROCKWOOL ALU is recommended. The material is supplied in mats. Its fibers are located perpendicular to the surface. During operation, the strength and elasticity of wool is not lost. The Sauna Butts series is designed for insulation of saunas and baths. Mineral wool slabs with a thickness of 50 and 100 mm serve as heat and vapor insulation. The material is intended for indoor installation.
• Izover Sauna roll insulation is quickly installed on walls and floors and provides reliable insulation. It is safe for health and does not produce harmful emissions when heated or wet. The material allows you to save on the installation of membranes and films.
• The popular insulation of the Paroc brand is offered in the form of lamella and stitched mats. They are easy to use and can be quickly mounted on an insulated surface. The aluminum layer is reflective. Basalt wool does not change its thickness during operation.

The quality of thermal insulation depends on the thickness of the selected mineral wool. The best option 5-10 cm. Basalt wool is fireproof, does not rot from moisture, and has a long service life.

Kraft foil

The use of insulation with a layer of aluminum allows for maximum preservation of infrared radiation inside the steam room. The multilayer construction consists of kraft paper and foil, in some cases polyethylene is added to reinforce the material. Common types:

• foilsolone or foil glassine - an elastic material based on cardboard with a corrugated aluminum coating;
• foil-fabric - fiberglass insulation, backed with foil, reflects up to 97% of radiation, withstands temperatures of about 200°C;
• isolar - bath foil 50 and 100 microns thick with the addition of polyethylene film, resistant to fire, temperatures up to 300°C.

Among the types of insulation, it is worth noting a new product - PIR slabs from TechnoNIKOL with a foil lining. A line of bath insulation products creates a reliable barrier between the cold from the street and the hot moist air steam rooms The plates are lightweight, low water absorption, and resistant to deformation

Installation of insulation with foil

The joints are taped with aluminum tape.

When installing foil insulation for a sauna, you must follow the following rules:

• The layer with aluminum foil is directed indoors.
• When installing the material on the ceiling, it runs down onto the walls, and from vertical surfaces onto the floor. This is necessary for the drainage of condensate.
• Ventilation is required in the steam room.
• A gap of at least 30 mm is left between the foil layer and the finishing of the bath.

The sequence of installation work depends on the type of insulation. The penofol roll is rolled out, cut into sheets of the required length and secured to the walls with a stapler. Under basalt wool it is necessary to make a frame according to the thickness of the material. The mats are laid in the finished sheathing. The joints of the canvases are glued together with metallized tape. 30×50 mm slats are placed on top of the heat-insulating layer. The lathing will provide the necessary ventilation gap between the insulation and the casing of the steam room.

Aluminum foil for baths and saunas has the optimal combination of qualities necessary for thermal insulation in rooms of this type. And heat preservation is the primary task for a high-quality steam room.

If the heat easily leaves the premises, then the following troubles await us:

• The enormous cost of trying to heat a rapidly cooling building.
• Lack of proper relaxation effect and hot steam treatment.

Insulating the bathhouse with foil will help prevent it from turning into an ordinary gazebo. In this article we will look at specifications of this material and the stages of its installation.

Aluminium foil

It is important to know: aluminum has a high thermal conductivity and high reflectivity. Therefore, heat is retained not by containing it, as when using other insulation materials, but by reflecting it back into the room.

For high-quality thermal insulation steam room, the insulation material must have increased water resistance and fire resistance.

Foil for baths and saunas is ideal for these parameters.

Characteristics

• There is no effect of deformation at high temperatures.
• Aluminum does not emit fumes harmful to humans.
• High level of vapor barrier. Thanks to this, hot steam does not escape from the room, but fulfills its purpose.

• No steam accumulation in the material itself. This significantly increases the service life.
• Acceptable price.
• There is no condensation on the walls. This is especially important in the case of wooden walls. Since the presence of condensation can lead to the appearance of mold and rotting processes.
• Insulates the material from the harmful effects of excessive humidity and other possible effects. This extends the life of the building itself.
• Heat reflection effect. The aluminum surface reflects thermal radiation, which significantly speeds up the heating of the steam room, which allows you to save on heating costs.
• Easy to install. Affordable DIY implementation.
• Durability. Does not rust, does not rot, and is not attacked by pests.

This solid list of advantages generally applies to foil as insulation. But today the manufacturer offers different types, which have some peculiarities.

Kinds

Which foil is better for a bath?

Let's look at its most prominent representatives:

• Folgoizolon for baths is polyethylene coated with aluminum foil. To all of the above qualities, a high level of noise insulation is added and increases strength. And heat conservation is carried out not only due to reflective properties, but also by reducing thermal conductivity.

• Paper-based foil for baths significantly increases the strength and reliability of the product and is an environmentally friendly material.

• Foil insulation for a bathhouse is any classic material insulation, for example isolon or even mineral wool, in which one side is covered with a layer of foil to increase waterproofing, fire safety and protection from the aggressive environment of the steam room. The cost increases accordingly depending on the combined insulation.

Thus, all varieties simply involve adding an additional layer, which adds some quality, but also increases the cost. In order to save money, regular bath foil is suitable, as it already has a sufficient number of necessary qualities.

Installation

The following instructions will help you install the foil:

• We buy sufficient quantity foil 100 microns thick.
• We fix the foil to the boards using a stapler, furniture nails or tacks. At the same time, we make overlaps of several centimeters.
• We fasten the aluminum strips together with mounting tape.

Tip: Aluminum is highly conductive electric current. Therefore, be sure to carefully insulate any wiring in the bathhouse.

• We install a sheathing on top wooden planks, which will serve both as a reinforcement for the foil layer and as a basis for interior decoration.

• We install the inner finishing layer.

It should be noted that when using an additional insulating layer, it is installed in front of the foil.

For example, if it is mineral wool, then we do the following:

• Nailing wooden blocks with a section of 5 cm by 5 cm for the walls and ceiling of the steam room. In this case, we keep the distance between them equal to the width of the insulation boards.
• We put insulating material between them.
• The above installation steps follow with one clarification: the foil is fixed to the intermediate strips.

If you use bath insulation with foil, the covering process is even simplified and becomes more cost-effective than purchasing and installing them separately.

Conclusion

Necessary for their full functioning. A steam room that cannot retain heat is nothing more than a comfortable gazebo. One of the most economical ways- this is the sheathing inside walls and ceiling with a layer of foil.

It should be understood that such material does not work like most other insulation materials, which retain heat inside the room due to its low thermal conductivity. The aluminum coating allows it to reflect thermal radiation, which not only preserves thermal energy, and the process of warming up the bath is also faster.

Combination with classic insulating materials allows you to achieve an even higher effect. But at the same time it increases the cost of the final work.

The video in this article will provide Additional materials on this topic.

It will only give you true pleasure and improve your health!