In this article we will talk about how to protect the walls of the loggia from the penetration of cold, and also give advice on what tools and materials will be useful to you for this purpose. But first I would like to dwell on the problems that will have to be overcome in the process of work.
Common mistakes
A serious problem is created by condensation that forms from the inside on the cold surface of the walls and ceiling. As a result, there are wet areas, which very quickly become covered with a layer of mold. This happens due to poor ventilation, improper insulation and heating systems.
When the ventilation of a room does not work correctly, the air quickly moves from the warm part of the apartment to the cold part, i.e. to the loggia. There, excess moisture settles on the coldest surfaces. Ordinary doors that separate rooms with different temperature conditions, and, consequently, with different humidity, help to avoid such a negative effect.
Insulation systems also cause a lot of trouble. If, for example, the insulation of walls and floors was done incorrectly, then moisture will certainly leave its traces on problem areas of the loggia.
If you decide to save on foam and instead seal the seams between the slabs with a putty mixture, then in these places condensation is very likely to settle with all the ensuing consequences. It is better not to make such mistakes at all, since eliminating them will be very difficult. Therefore, it is very important to adhere to the technology of all insulation processes.
Often the problem is a poor-quality loggia heating system. If this process occurs only due to warm air from the next room, then mold will certainly form in the cold corners of the outer room. Therefore, it is advisable to start insulating the wall with insulating the floor on the loggia.
This is also important in order to comply with building codes, because the installation of water heating on balconies is prohibited. A well-equipped heated floor is sensitive to temperature changes in its various areas and automatically corrects this imbalance.
Silence
In addition to its main purpose, wall insulation also has other positive effects. It becomes much quieter on the loggia, which means the noise level is significantly reduced in the remaining rooms of the room.
After all, it is the loggia that is exposed to numerous noise impacts from the outside.
Material selection
The modern market of thermal insulation materials provides buyers with a huge selection, which is quite difficult for a beginner to understand, so it is better to seek advice from specialists. Many of them advise choosing extruded polystyrene foam or, as it is popularly called, penoplex.
This material has excellent heat-saving properties, high strength and low hygroscopicity. In addition, it is easy to process, boasting high environmental standards and chemical neutrality.
Other types of foam plastic are also widely used as insulation, however, unlike penoplex, they have more modest thermal insulation characteristics. Penofol and mineral wool are often used for loggias.
Wall insulation
Insulation of balcony walls consists of several stages. Let's look at each of them in detail.
It is possible to successfully insulate a wall only if the appropriate preparatory work is initially carried out on the log. Take the time to prepare, this will ensure excellent results.
First of all, thoroughly clean the walls of the old coating. It’s good if, before insulation, you replace outdated window structures with double-glazed windows, and also remove old mounting foam from the frames.
To do this, it is best to use a stationery knife. If there are significant mold formations on the walls from the inside, you must get rid of them. In that suitable for this case fungicidal spray.
Then you should carefully mark the lines for fixing the foam sheets.
Laying the insulating layer
At first, insulating a loggia may seem like a rather complicated and time-consuming process. However, if you decide to try, you will quickly realize that there are no particular difficulties here. All operations are quickly mastered and do not require special construction skills.
The balcony can also be turned into a comfortable and useful room. For example, equip it with an office, a workshop, a small sports section or comfortable room recreation.
Notorious housing problem has been troubling us since the times when Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise. “What does heaven and balconies have to do with it?” - the reader will ask. And despite the fact that the balcony is a structural component of our home. And the solution to the question: the better way to insulate a balcony or loggia , may, in the end, bring either heavenly pleasure or a headache due to wasted money, time and effort. After all, correctly selected insulation will turn your balcony (loggia) into additional cozy square meters, will expand the space of the apartment and reduce the energy consumption of this area to conserve heat in winter period.
First, let's look at what types of insulation for balconies and loggias exist. Then we compare them, highlight the advantages and disadvantages, after which you can determine which insulation would be better suited in your case.
Common types of insulation for balconies and loggias
Mineral wool
Mineral wool is widely used in insulating balconies and loggias due to its ease of installation and relative cheapness. Mineral wool (basalt wool, wool made from natural fibers (flax) containing polyester (up to 15%)) is a high-quality, modern type of noise and heat insulation used in insulating roofs, walls, ceilings, balconies and facades. Cotton wool is often used for roofing roll type with a density of 25-35 kg/m3. But for the facade it is better to choose denser insulation up to 70-90 kg per meter, which will ensure minimal shrinkage of vertical surfaces.
The mineral wool or basalt insulator used in the insulation of loggias or balconies showed excellent results. It can also be used as protection against moisture by laying a water barrier. The thickness is chosen according to temperature indicators specific region, but usually no more than 100 mm. Mineral wool should be secured under the finishing layer (plastic, drywall) using slats or counter-slats.
One of the disadvantages of this insulation is that the material gets wet. Only cotton wool from natural flax provides vapor permeability and stable operation when partially wet.
Brief characteristics of mineral wool ISOVER Classic Plus 50 mm:
Depending on the manufacturers, cutting and specifications may vary.
Extruded polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam
Foam plastic - universal insulation for balconies and loggias Extruded polystyrene foam (foam) is a widely used thermal insulation material with a homogeneous structure and closed cells. Almost does not absorb moisture (up to 0.1% per 1 cubic meter per day) and does not react strongly to exposure ultraviolet radiation. Foam plastic has differences in density and is mainly used in insulating technical premises.
The material for insulating the balcony should be a heat insulator with an optimal flammability class, or better yet, one with non-flammable additives. Moreover, the market offers all kinds of types and classes of insulators.
Scope of application and some characteristics of Extraplex 50 mm polystyrene foam:
How to insulate a loggia or balcony? Choosing the right brand is easy; the main thing is to consider the criteria by which the material is selected. If you have a small balcony, materials on which you can apply a decorative layer are suitable. For example, bark beetle type plaster. Expanded polystyrene is perfect for this, but you should remember the “dew point” and only use high-quality glue for slabs.
The disadvantage of polystyrene foam is the release harmful substance styrene, when heated above 40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is best to insulate a balcony from the outside with such material.
Expanded polystyrene can also be mounted on a mounting construction foam. IN Lately This method of fastening is often used. The foam, expanding, leaves no gaps, filling all the cracks well. And when installing a heated floor, you can lay polystyrene foam under a heating element, gluing it directly to the floor of the balcony.
Advice: on the balcony it is better to do coating or other waterproofing of the walls, ceiling and all connections (windows, doors), since balconies are usually most susceptible to leaks. A hydrobarrier can also be used as a moisture insulator.
Penofol
Penofol - modern insulation, used for insulation, including balconies and loggias Penofol is a thin modern insulation material that is also suitable for insulating balconies or loggias. More than three modifications are available.
Saving space is priority number two in all installation and finishing works. This is where penofol comes to the fore.
Type "A" - used both in combined insulation of external walls from the inside (expanded polystyrene plus penofol), and in independent version, using 10 mm thick material. The product, consisting of polyethylene foam, with a reflective layer on one side, provides excellent service for many years.
Type "B"— foil material with two reflective surfaces is more often used for additional floor insulation, both under screed in rooms and as a backing on balconies and loggias under heated floors. The high performance and reflective qualities of such an insulator have proven themselves to be excellent.
Type "C"— self-adhesive product, with a one-sided reflective layer, easy to install on walls and ceilings. The requirements for surfaces for such insulation are minimal: cleanliness (dust removal) and evenness of the surface (can be glued to concrete). Do not forget to thoroughly prime the insulated areas.
Type "ALP" It has both a reflective layer and a protective polyethylene membrane.
If, for example, you want to install additional pipes for floor heating in a loggia, the “ALP” type of penofol is laid as a reflective layer under the pipes and screed. Protective film This material does not react with the raw solution when pouring the screed. Then, having made mesh reinforcement (usually brand VR-1) and placed beacons or guides, we pour the solution. Don't forget about aluminum tape for gluing seams and junctions. It is better to wrap the edges of the penofol on the walls, approximately 80 mm.
Important: pipes that are laid as a heating element should be under a pressure of 5-7 atmospheres when pouring. This measure will prevent the base from rupturing in the future and will relieve tension in the thickness of the material when heated (there is room for expansion). Installing a pressure gauge in the system will make it possible to monitor the indicators and tell you if there are any leaks in the system.
And the screens for additional batteries on the balcony are best glued with type “C” penofol, with a reflective layer inward towards the battery.
Briefly about the properties of penofol:
What is the best way to insulate a balcony?
Before deciding how to insulate a balcony or loggia, you need to understand which side to use the insulation on and where. At the same time, glazing the balcony is a mandatory step, otherwise, what’s the point of insulating it if everything is ventilated.
The balcony can be insulated:
- below (floor);
- above (ceiling);
- from inside (wall);
- outside (also walls).
Insulating the floor of a balcony or loggia
The better the material for insulating the balcony, the better the microclimate of the enclosed space will be maintained. In light of recent trends, it is strongly recommended to insulate the floor on the balcony. This will give energy-saving heat savings of 20 to 40%, depending on the type of insulation. The costs will pay for themselves, especially if you plan to convert the balcony into an additional room.
Insulation methods:
- using insulating materials;
- "warm floor" system.
Insulation materials:
Mineral wool
The advantage is low cost and ease of installation. Disadvantage - over time it cakes and loses its insulating qualities. If you do not correctly calculate the thermal insulation layer (this is a completely separate topic of conversation), you may not achieve the desired effect.
Styrofoam
Nice, comfortable, cheap material. The disadvantage is that mice eat it. It will be necessary to take care of excellent tightness.
Expanded clay
Lightweight, cheap, eternal insulator, but cooler.
Penofol
Moderately expensive. Combines the qualities of mineral wool and polystyrene foam. Can be laid on an imperfectly flat surface. According to experts, it is one of the best thermal insulation materials for insulating balconies and loggias.
Penoplex
Also moderately expensive, a good heat insulator, but requires a very flat surface.
Warm floor system
Available in three versions:
Water floor
Connects to the system central heating. If you don't have individual heating, then this option is not suitable due to the lack of permissive legislation.
Electric
- Cable.
- Cable with reinforcing mesh.
Electric floors are effective together with self-leveling floors and tiles.
Film (infrared)
Installed without major capital improvements repair work. A technically simple solution.
Attention: Film flooring cannot be used under tiles and screed. Can be used under linoleum or laminate.
Insulation of the ceiling of a balcony or loggia
It makes sense to insulate the ceiling on the balcony if your balcony is located on the top floor.
To insulate the ceiling on the balcony, the following materials are used:
- drywall;
- Styrofoam;
- penofol;
- penoplex (expanded polystyrene foam).
Do not forget that when insulating the ceiling, a reduction in the ceiling space is inevitable.
If you don’t want to do major insulation of the ceiling, then you can get by with decorated urethane foam tiles. In this case, there will be two advantages: an elegant ceiling with a small layer of insulation.
Insulation of the walls of a balcony or loggia
Before insulating the balcony walls, all holes and cracks must be sealed. Neglecting such a small thing as a gap in cold windy weather will result in loss of heat and lack of comfort.
The materials used for insulating the balcony are the same as for insulating the floor. This:
- expanded polystyrene;
- penoplex;
- penofol;
- mineral wool.
You can add here materials such as isover.This is a more modern fiberglass-based mineral wool. Available in rolls or sheets.
Another option - styrodur- This is green extruded polystyrene foam.
Insulation of walls can be carried out from the inside and outside. If you need to preserve the useful space of the balcony, it is recommended to carry out insulation from the outside, and only finishing work from the inside.
As in any other case, choosing external insulation has its advantages and disadvantages:
Choosing which insulation is right for you, what exactly to insulate a particular room with is not easy. The best method of insulation is a combined one.
Example: It is better to insulate the loggia ceiling and all walls with basalt wool mats, the floor with polystyrene foam, and use penofol as an additional sound-absorbing and heat-reflecting layer.
When choosing a material, remember that flammability class and environmental friendliness are perhaps the most important criteria.
So, given the plans hatched for further use balcony or loggia, time and financial possibilities, taking into account the recommendations received, you can now make a reasonable, informed decision on choosing insulation for your balcony or loggia.
Balcony in modern apartment- a fairly functional room, so such an issue as insulation and finishing of the balcony is important, and its solution should be approached very responsibly. Especially if you want to increase the total living space due to the balcony. Compliance with the basic rules of insulation and finishing will help turn your balcony into a cozy and beautiful room for relax.
Basic rules for insulating a balcony
Balcony insulation work, as a rule, begins with the dismantling of the previous finishing, old window frames and installing new double-glazed windows - this will significantly reduce heat loss and increase the room temperature by several degrees. Then you should start insulating the floor, walls and ceiling. Important! Before starting work on replacing double-glazed windows, you should decide on the material window profile(wood, aluminum or PVC profile) and further strengthen the balcony parapet using reinforcement. The PVC profile is the best option. It has a high level of thermal conductivity, is not affected by moisture and temperature changes, corrosion and rotting.
Main types of windows:
- with two-, three-, four-, five-chamber double-glazed windows;
- with extended profile;
- with hinged doors;
- with a sliding or tilt-and-turn system.
The window profile can be not only metal-plastic, but also wooden. Modern wooden frames significantly different from their predecessors - they are tailored to size, have a beautiful appearance, high-quality fittings and mechanisms similar plastic models. However, wood is not an airtight material, so its use is more justified in regions with a warm climate. High-quality glazing not only retains heat, but also reliably protects the room from wind, rain, and dust. Therefore, you should choose not only the profile, but also the thickness of the glass. The optimal solution Glass with energy-saving coating will become, which has reflective properties and has a higher level of thermal insulation.
To carry out this stage of work, we recommend using the services of specialized companies, since without certain skills and experience it is difficult to install window profiles efficiently and, most importantly, correctly.
The algorithm for insulating a balcony with your own hands includes:
- Clearing the area of foreign objects.
- Dismantling old structures, strengthening the parapet (especially important for old buildings).
- Installation of a new window profile, heat-saving double-glazed windows.
- Laying electrical wiring, installing a heating system.
- Selection of insulating materials, insulation of floors, walls, ceilings.
- Decorative finishing of surfaces.
If you do all the work yourself, you will need following tools: drill, hammer drill, screwdriver, building level, square, tape measure, drywall knife, electric jigsaw.
The main types of insulating materials for insulating a loggia or balcony
The modern market offers a wide variety of materials with which you can perform high-quality insulation balconies or loggias, but the most popular are: polystyrene foam, polystyrene, mineral wool, expanded clay, foil polyethylene, isolon, penofol. The choice of insulating material directly depends on the operating conditions, base and number of floors of the balcony. For example, at high humidity, mineral wool cannot be used, as it is prone to the accumulation of water vapor, which causes damage to the coating and contributes to the formation of mold during operation. The best option would be to use polystyrene foam, penofol or isolon as insulation. Polystyrene foam, despite affordable price and ease of installation, has one significant drawback - rapid flammability, therefore it is preferable to use more modern insulating materials with high level fire resistance. Extruded polystyrene foam is a modern insulating material that is easy to install, durable and moisture resistant. Its only drawback is high price, which, by the way, is fully justified by ease of use and high quality thermal insulation. The choice of material also depends on the season of work, because some insulating materials change their operational properties under the influence of dampness or freezing temperatures.
If the balcony is insulated in spring or autumn, consider high humidity, which complicates the process of gluing layers and has a detrimental effect on the performance characteristics of most insulating materials (with the exception of polystyrene foam, penofol and penoplex). In this case, the main work needs to start from the top, because insulating the ceiling will allow work to continue even in the event of sudden rain. If insulation work must be carried out in winter (if the air temperature is not lower than 20 degrees), then special adhesives and adhesives should be used cement mixtures, which, unlike ordinary cement, do not freeze, but harden even at low temperatures.
Important - polyurethane foam should also be selected taking into account temperature regime, since some of its types are destroyed by frost.
Basic rules for floor insulation
If you want to efficiently insulate your balcony - Special attention should be given to the arrangement of the floor. To complete this stage, you will at a minimum need: wooden slats, self-tapping screws, polyurethane foam, insulation. Insulation of the floor consists of leveling it, laying a waterproofing layer (with mandatory treatment of joints with sealant), heat insulation, pouring concrete screed(if necessary on at this stage a heated floor system can be installed) and finishing. Tip: if it is not possible to fill the screed, you can skip this step. Then you will need to lay special logs ( wood slabs), between which should be placed thermal insulation layer(for example, expanded clay or penoplex). The top of the logs is covered with chipboards or plywood, then you can begin finishing the floor. To insulate the loggia floor, you can use an inexpensive insulating material - expanded clay, which in addition to thermal insulation properties raises the floor level, which is very convenient when expanding the living space due to the loggia. In addition, its use does not require the use of a waterproofing layer; it is sufficient to use a vapor barrier film on which expanded clay covered with a reinforcing mesh is placed. The tightness of the structure is ensured by filling cement mortar, which, when hardened, forms a strong, flat surface. Linoleum, laminate or tiles can be used as flooring.
The list of works at this stage includes:
- cleaning the surface from debris and dust;
- sealing cracks and crevices (using sealant, polyurethane foam or polyurethane mastic);
- high-quality vapor and waterproofing;
- installation wooden frame;
- installation of a thermal insulation layer;
- securing base boards;
- decorative interior decoration.
- Insulation of balcony walls
Before you begin insulating the walls, you should treat the surface with a special antifungal solution and carefully seal all the cracks on the balcony. Polyurethane sealants and mastics, which have high plasticity and frost resistance, are most suitable for this purpose. Then you can begin installing the vapor barrier film (the joint seams are taped with special construction vapor barrier tape). Next comes the installation of wooden or metal sheathing and laying out the selected insulation (for example, polystyrene foam, penoplex). The final stage will be plating frame profile moisture resistant sheet materials(plywood, plasterboard) and decorative finishing walls. Please note - if the wall of the loggia faces the street, a double layer of insulation should be used. If penoplex was chosen as insulation, you should make sure that the joining seams of the layers do not coincide.
Basic principles of ceiling insulation
Ceiling insulation - important aspect, which cannot be ignored. Especially if you don’t have upstairs neighbors - in this case, in addition to insulation work, you should choose high-quality roofing material.
Advice: before starting work on inner side It is recommended to apply a special soundproofing coating to the roof.
In any case, the choice of materials for roof insulation depends on many factors - climate zone, wind direction, cardinal directions.
The roof insulation algorithm includes installation:
- waterproofing layer;
- windproof membrane;
- anti-condensation layer (for additional protection insulation materials);
- wooden frame;
- thermal insulation materials;
- additional vapor barrier for insulation.
Ceiling insulation is carried out in the following sequence:
- Installation of a metal frame (suspensions).
- Laying a vapor barrier layer.
- Fastening the insulation (foam plastic, isolon, penoplex).
- Application of foil insulating layer.
- Finishing.
How to avoid mistakes when insulating a balcony
Please note that when performing any construction work You should strictly follow the technology and recommendations of the manufacturers. Even if you have certain skills, this is a complex multi-step process that requires compliance with all technological conditions. This is especially true when insulating a balcony with your own hands, because any mistakes will affect the final result. So, when insulating the “beyond the window” area, follow the order of layers - the vapor barrier is installed only after the thermal insulation layer, and not vice versa. Availability of vapor barrier - required condition, which reduces the risk of destruction of insulating materials under the influence of moisture. Replacement of double-glazed windows and installation of a heating system without internal insulation will not reduce energy costs and is an ineffective way to save heat. The use of low-quality materials contributes to heat loss, so the choice of building materials should be approached as responsibly as possible.
Excessive haste also affects the quality of insulation - non-compliance with technology, insufficient sealing of cracks with sealant, ignoring waterproofing rules, of course, affect the final result.
Methods for additional insulation of a balcony
If you plan to use your balcony as a living room or recreation room, you should take care of its additional heating. In order for the temperature to be comfortable even in severe frosts, it is necessary to install an additional heat source: a radiator, air conditioning or underfloor heating system. Please note: you can combine the heating method, for example, if the room has an air conditioner, then on the balcony it is enough to install a heated floor to maintain a comfortable temperature. However, if the apartment is heated using central or autonomous heating, batteries should also be installed on the balcony.
Decorative finishing of an insulated loggia
Properly done insulation and finishing of the loggia with your own hands will not only reduce heat loss, but will also save money. For decorative finishing of a loggia or balcony, the most popular are plasterboard and plastic panels. Moisture-resistant drywall is one of the the best ways balcony finishing. It is easy to install and suitable for further decorative finishing (painting, plastering, wallpapering, tiling or artificial stone). Finishing with lining and decorative panels also has a lot of advantages. Their distinctive characteristics are: ease of installation (even a beginner can do the job), a large selection of colors, moisture resistance, frost resistance, durability, and ease of maintenance.
The finishing procedure with decorative panels consists of several stages:
- Surface preparation: dismantling the previous coating, removing traces of mold (if necessary).
- Installation of a wooden frame.
- Fastening the panels (work is carried out from the doorway, along the wall, the outer side of the sheets is secured with special brackets).
- Installation of baseboards, window and door openings.
Please note that the panels can be used for decorative finishing of the ceiling (in this case they are fixed not along, but across). Having studied the features of insulation of a loggia and balcony, you can independently carry out all the basic work, which will expand the living space of the apartment, creating comfortable conditions for relaxation, make a study or corner for handicrafts. Insulation and decorative finishing of a balcony is not particularly difficult, so all you need is the desire and availability necessary materials and tools.
Those who have an apartment in apartment building, understand the need to insulate the balcony. This question remains relevant at any time, since the basic, “draft” option, which is installed by default in most homes, does not have any advantages. In summer it is unbearably hot on such balconies, and in winter it is very cold. Accordingly, the microclimate in the adjacent rooms is also disrupted. In this case, the owners come to the conclusion that insulation and insulation are necessary. So how to properly insulate a balcony from the inside and what is needed for such work?
It all depends on the location of the apartment in which the balcony is planned to be insulated. As a rule, the owner himself can answer this question. But if the apartment was purchased recently, and the owner has not encountered such issues, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:
- The apartment is located on the top floor. In summer time on top floors As a result of heating the roof, a greenhouse effect occurs, which leads to overheating of the premises. In particular, the balcony heats up the most.
- The balcony faces either the sunny side or the shady side. While on sunny side there will be severe overheating; if you are in the shade on the balcony in winter it will be very cold.
- The balcony is made of poor quality, the main slabs are cracked and do not provide reliable protection from weather conditions.
It should be noted that thermal insulation of a balcony also implies the performance of indirect, but no less useful functions - when installing slabs noise and moisture insulation increases.
The conclusion is the following: the balcony must be insulated as soon as possible. Disadvantages when correct installation are absent, but the advantages are obvious.
Preparing the balcony before insulation
Before you insulate the balcony from the inside with your own hands, you first need to carry out preparatory work. The entire surface, from the floors to the ceiling, is thoroughly cleaned of large and small debris, the floor covering (if any) is dismantled, and all decorative elements (shelves, cabinets, fixtures, etc.) are removed.
The next step is to check the integrity of the structure. Very often, balcony slabs have a large number of chips and cracks. If any are detected, it is necessary to remove deformed areas (if the damage is extensive), then use cement mortar to close all cracks and holes. The result will be a rough floor and walls that are ready for insulation work.
Some craftsmen carry out finishing plaster surfaces. This procedure should be performed in cases where the surfaces are uneven and interfere correct installation insulating material.
Insulating a balcony: detailed instructions
Is the balcony ready? In this case, you can begin to answer the question of how to properly insulate a balcony. First of all, it is necessary to install high-quality double-glazed windows. It is recommended to use double designs, ideally with argon filler. If the reader lives in a region where average winter temperatures drop to -30 degrees, then you need to think about installing three-chamber double-glazed windows.
The technology of insulating a balcony can be divided into the following stages:
- After installation of metal-plastic bags All cracks and gaps must be eliminated. To do this, you can use any sealant or polyurethane foam. If the cracks and gaps are large, improvised materials are used to reduce their size.
- Waterproofing inner surface balcony. Can be used various materials — bitumen mastics, roofing felt, liquid penetrating materials (like Penetron), etc.
- Insulation is attached. We will dwell on this point in a little more detail below.
- Placed on insulation vapor barrier material.
- The interior surface is being finished.
- Floors are installed (depending on the preferences of the master).
Balcony insulation using Penoplex
Penoplex belongs to the group of expanded polystyrene, has excellent moisture resistance and resistance to mechanical deformation. Side surface slabs can be either smooth or ribbed, for better fixation of layers to each other.
Methods of attaching the material depend on what kind of finishing will be done. If as finishing materials If clapboard or drywall will be used, then you can use mushroom-shaped plastic dowels. If, after insulating the walls, plaster is applied, then it is recommended to use adhesive materials for additional fixation.
The Penoplex insulation technology is as follows:
- Penoplex slabs are attached to the prepared primed surface, which are connected to each other joint-to-joint or using a “tenon-to-groove” system.
- Each slab of insulating material is fixed to the wall using special dowels.
- The joints of the sheets should be taped, while the joints with other structures should be sealed with polyurethane foam without toluene impurities.
- Next comes the vapor barrier layer, lathing and finishing.
Important: You can insulate the balcony with Penoplex with preliminary installation of the sheathing. Then the material is laid between its bars.
Penoplex is considered one of the best materials for carrying out thermal insulation work. First of all, this is due to its strength. If this indicator is not important, you can use regular foam.
Insulation using foam plastic
This material is known to all ordinary people. As a rule, insulating foam plastic is produced in the form of sheets, the thickness of which ranges from 5-15 cm. To insulate a balcony, it is enough to use slabs whose thickness is 10 cm.
The process of insulating a balcony or loggia is carried out as follows:
- The surface is treated with a deep penetration primer;
- Using special glue, foam sheets are attached to the treated surface;
- Plastic dowels can be used for additional fixation;
- The joints between the sheets are glued using polyurethane foam. After drying, the seams on top are additionally taped;
- A reinforced fiberglass mesh is mounted on the surface of the installed insulation using a special adhesive solution;
- After installing the mesh, finishing work can be carried out.
Also common is the option of pre-installing the sheathing, as we discussed earlier when talking about Penoplex.
Insulation using lining
Of course, wooden planks cannot be high-quality insulation. Lining can be used as insulation only if the balcony is a well-heated room. Otherwise, before installing the lining, it is necessary to install the basic insulation.
The balcony is insulated with clapboard as follows:
- A wooden sheathing is installed on which the lining will be attached. Usually the sheathing is installed horizontally.
- In the gaps, foam plastic sheets are installed by analogy with the previous insulation option.
- After installing the foam plastic, you can install the lining, which is attached to the surface of the walls on a wooden sheathing.
Please note that such work should only be carried out if the balcony structure is strong enough. That is why before installing it it is necessary to carry out calculations for the strength of the surface.
Insulation with mineral wool
Mineral wool is often used as insulation for balconies due to its structural features. Benefits of mineral wool obvious - high-quality thermal protection, low cost and vapor permeability. But there are also disadvantages. Thus, mineral wool, if installed incorrectly, loses about 40% of its properties, and sheets of material are fragile.
We will provide our reader with the option of mineral wool insulation:
- Mineral wool slabs are glued onto a pre-waterproofed surface that already has lathing on it and are additionally fixed with dowels.
- The material is tightly and carefully fixed in the spaces between the wooden beams of the sheathing - mineral wool is fragile.
- The last step is to install a vapor barrier, after which you can begin laying the finishing material.
Note that it is very easy to insulate a balcony with your own hands - this does not require special knowledge and skills. If you have detailed instructions, which allows you to carry out glazing correctly, you can do it yourself - it all depends on your desire.
Insulated balcony photo
Here you can look various options insulated balconies. All photos are clickable.
Balcony insulation video
We invite you to watch videos on how to properly insulate a balcony. The video uses penoplex as insulation and shows the entire sequence of work with this material.
By insulating the balcony, you can achieve two goals at once: expand the living space and improve the degree of thermal insulation of the apartment. It is best to carry out external insulation, but this cannot be done without the services of industrial climbers and the corresponding costs. Insulating a balcony from the inside will cost much less, especially if you do it yourself.
How to insulate a balcony inside
The positive result of the work performed is considered equally comfortable temperature inside the room and the adjacent balcony. There is no point in investing effort and money in insulation that does not protect against the penetration of cold onto the balcony and forces you to tightly close the doors leading to the loggia in winter.
As a rule, for internal insulation of balconies the following is used:
- foamed polystyrene with a density of 25-35 kg/m 3, otherwise - polystyrene foam;
- based on basalt fiber 80-110 kg/m 3 density;
- extruded polystyrene foam (one of its varieties is).
Note! For additional thermal insulation, thin foil polyethylene foam insulation - Izolon or Penofol - is often laid on the base layer.
In addition to the listed insulators, there is another insulating material - ecowool, made from cellulose waste. Simply put, waste paper. The rules for handling it and the installation technology used are the same as with basalt wool. Ecowool is not very popular due to its high cost.
Brief characteristics of insulation
Foam plastic is the cheapest material for insulation, produced in the form of slabs of various thicknesses.
Like all foamed polymers, it repels moisture well and has sufficient strength (at the specified density). It is characterized by high resistance to heat transfer and flammability, which is why it requires protection from an accidental spark.
Foam thickness for insulating a balcony in northern regions should be at least 100 mm, in the southern regions 50 mm may be enough.
Unlike polystyrene foam, mineral wool does not burn at all, but it is capable of absorbing moisture, after which its thermal conductivity increases sharply. The problem is solved with the help of protective layers made of special films, which will be discussed below.
The heat transfer resistance of mineral wool is not very high, so it makes no sense to use material less than 80 mm thick. The insulation is offered in rolls and slabs, and is more expensive than polystyrene.
Advice! You should not insulate your balcony with fiberglass wool (glass wool) intended for exterior or roofing purposes. The use of such materials inside residential premises is unacceptable.
The best option for internal insulation of a balcony is extruded polystyrene foam, sold in slabs.
Expanded polystyrene is durable, lightweight and has the best thermal insulation properties.
Where you need to lay mineral wool 100 mm thick, 50 mm of penoplex is enough.
In addition, the polymer does not allow moisture to pass through at all and is so strong that the slab can be screwed on with self-tapping screws if necessary. There is only one drawback - the high price of the material, which is compensated by the long service life of the material - up to 50 years.
Technology for insulating a balcony from the inside
It is necessary to carefully prepare for thermal insulation on the balcony. This includes not only the acquisition of materials and preparation of tools, but also the performance of a number of preliminary works:
- Construction of a reliable parapet. There are 2 types of structures in practice: a welded metal frame with fastening to the wall or masonry made of foam blocks. How to strengthen a parapet - .
- . Sometimes the balcony is made panoramic by installing metal-plastic blocks to the full height, without a parapet. Then all that remains is to insulate the floors and ceiling.
- Elimination of all cracks and leaks leading to the street, removal of excess polyurethane foam.
- Pad electrical wiring for lighting, as well as drainage and lines with freon to (if available).
Before insulating the inside of the balcony, you need to level all surfaces, removing obvious sagging or filling in depressions and cracks with mortar.
Interior wall decoration
The technology for insulating balcony walls, done with your own hands, depends on the design of the parapet and the type of thermal insulation material. Metal carcass, trimmed on the outside with plastic or, it is better to sheathe it with 2 layers of thermal insulation so that the second row of insulation covers all metal racks that are cold bridges. Moreover, on the outside, between the cladding and the insulation, a windproof film should be laid.
When insulating a balcony with mineral wool, it is necessary to use not an ordinary film, but a diffusion membrane as a wind barrier. It will let out the moisture that arises in the thickness of the cotton wool, but will not allow it to get wet from precipitation or fog on the street. For polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene, the use of a membrane is not necessary; ordinary film will do.
To attach the mineral wool, you will need to assemble with your own hands an additional wooden frame from beams, the width of which is equal to the thickness of the insulation. The pitch between the bars is selected according to the width of the material, the latter is placed between them at random. At the last stage, the thermal insulation layer is covered vapor barrier film, after which the frame is covered with clapboard or plasterboard.
Headlining
And the balcony ceiling can be insulated in 3 ways:
- If you plan to do wallpapering at the end, then the method of gluing slab insulation is suitable mortar. Insulation, accompanied by “wet” processes, is carried out only in the warm period of the year at above-zero temperatures.
- For or similar finishing will have to be attached to the walls and ceiling wooden blocks, and roll or slab material is laid between them.
- When insulated with polystyrene foam, the slabs can be directly attached to the walls and ceiling with dowels. After which the surfaces are leveled with putty and painted, or lathing is installed by attaching the bars to foam blocks or concrete through the insulation. Cladding, plastic, plasterboard and other finishes of your choice are easily attached to the sheathing.
Note! For fastening the sheathing to concrete ceiling through polystyrene foam you need to use special concrete screws - frame dowels.
When insulating a balcony with mineral wool, you cannot do without a wooden frame. You can glue cotton wool, but it is quite difficult. The best option– insert it between the beams attached to the wall and ceiling, protect it with a vapor barrier and cover it with a suitable material.
The gluing method is convenient when working with polystyrene foam, but after 2 days it must be additionally secured with dowel umbrellas and a layer of plaster applied over the fiberglass mesh.
Video:
Floor insulation
The technology for thermal insulation of balcony floors differs from walls and ceilings, since the insulation “pie” must bear certain dynamic loads and have a flat surface. Leveling is carried out by laying wooden logs, between which insulation is laid, and a finishing coating is laid on top. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- cut wooden beam onto the crossbars along the width of the balcony and secure them to the floor with anchors or self-tapping screws and dowels using steel corners.
- Attach 3 longitudinal logs to the crossbars with self-tapping screws. During the process, they must be aligned horizontally, starting from the highest point. Using a building level, the beams at the intersections with the crossbars should be raised and plastic or wooden wedges placed.
- Place insulation tightly between the crossbars and the joists. In the case of mineral wool, a vapor barrier must be laid on top of it.
- Lay the flooring with fastening to the joists.
It is typical that the length of the crossbars and joists do not need to be adjusted to the dimensions of the balcony. It would be more correct to make them 10-20 mm shorter so that the ends do not rest against the walls. Wood has the ability to “breathe” and deform slightly; if the fit is tight, the floor surface may later bend in an arc.
Moreover, walking on such floors will be accompanied by an annoying squeak. The resulting gaps near the walls will hide under floor covering and will become invisible.
When using slab insulation, it is worth choosing the correct spacing of the crossbars so that you do not have to cut the slabs again. The standard width is 600 mm, and this is what you need to focus on. After laying polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene, all joints and cracks must be filled with polyurethane foam.
Useful training video:
The mineral wool is protected with a vapor barrier as tightly as possible so that moisture from inside the room cannot seep into it. Here you can also use foamed polyethylenes such as Penofol, but pay special attention to gluing the joints.
If you take a serious and scrupulous approach to the procedure for internal insulation of a balcony, then it is not at all necessary to hire craftsmen and pay them money, which is never superfluous. You will spend twice as much time on completing the work, but you will do everything efficiently and in accordance with your personal wishes. In addition, you will save money on your family budget.