To ensure an optimal microclimate and a small reduction in heating costs in winter, insulation is used for the walls inside the house in the country or in a city apartment. When choosing thermal insulation, you need to pay close attention to the degree of flammability of the insulating material and the dew point. The dew point is where condensation will collect if there is a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the building walls. If the insulation takes place outside, then the moisture resistance of the insulation material will also be an important parameter.
Features of the use of materials for wall insulation from the inside
- If insulation is carried out inside, then the prerequisites are created for the appearance of condensation of water vapor at the border of the insulation and the wall of the building. As a result of this process, the liquid, penetrating through the insulation, appears on the inner side of the wall, reducing its thermal insulation properties and being a prerequisite for the appearance of mold and mildew. When water freezes, it will delaminate the wall material.
- The walls of the room treated with insulation lose their heat-saving properties. Any external influence: an open window, a door, direct sunlight entering the room - leads to a rapid change in temperature in it.
- Assembling the frame and laying insulation inside the apartment will significantly select the usable area of \u200b\u200bthe room. Experts of any construction company will help you for a small fee to advise how to choose a heater and calculate the frame. They only need the size of your room and preferably a photo of it.
- With this method, there are places where cold penetrates into the room through ceilings and abutments to internal walls and partitions.
- The appearance of emissions of substances harmful to humans from the walls inside the house with a frame with insulation installed on them. Almost all materials used in arranging thermal insulation in a country house or in an apartment are not environmentally friendly and emit harmful impurities into the environment, however, within the permissible sanitary standards.
- Insulation of walls from the inside is cheaper than insulation from the outside. Works related to insulation can be easily done alone with your own hands.
Characteristics of materials for insulation
The main characteristics are:
- Efficiency - good thermal performance.
- Lightness, especially when assembling insulation under drywall. Also, the reduction in the cost of transportation and the facilitation of the process of working with it.
- Good vapor permeability. Required for good removal of water vapor to the outside of the building. Equip a powerful extractor hood in the room.
- Good adhesion to materials used for finishing walls inside the house after finishing the assembly of the insulation system.
- Environmental friendliness. It is advisable to use materials with the least strong vapors of ingredients of heat-insulating agents harmful to humans.
- Resilience. The insulation used for the walls must last at least 10 years without destruction.
Classification of materials used for wall insulation from the inside
Rock mineral wool
Has become widespread. Benefits when using it:
- The lowest coefficient of thermal conductivity among all thermal insulation materials. Consequently, a reduction in heating costs in winter.
- Non-combustible and therefore good ability to resist the spread of fire inside the building.
- Soundproofing is good enough. Insulation of walls from inside the house using cotton wool dramatically reduces the noise coming into the room, which is very important in multi-storey buildings.
- Low price.
- Resilience. Does not rot, resistant to chemical and mechanical influences. It is a barrier against fungi and mold.
Glass wool
The material, created on the basis of fiberglass and a binder polymer, is quite static to interact with other building materials used in the insulation and subsequent decoration of the room.
Benefits of using:
- Good elasticity. The material is compact when delivered in rolls. When used, it quickly gains its initial volume.
- Able to withstand increased loads during operation without destruction. If the walls are insulated from the inside with glass wool slabs, cracks on the wall are unlikely to appear.
- Vibration resistant.
- Elastic enough, lightweight, stable.
- Subsequent application of plaster is possible.
Spraying liquid insulation A relatively new building material consisting of small empty ceramic granules of various inorganic components and a liquid polymer mixture. The possibility of applying it with a spray gun ensures good processing, even if we insulate in hard-to-reach places, and especially when the walls are insulated from the inside. In its composition, it resembles ordinary acrylic paint, but the layer of applied insulation sometimes even surpasses the layer made from traditional materials in its parameters.
Advantages:
- The minimum thickness of the insulation layer (a lot of usable floor space is saved).
- Up to 15 years warranty.
- It's easy to use.
- In some cases, no priming or finishing is required.
The disadvantages include its high cost in our building materials market and the need to purchase a special nozzle for spraying the composition.
Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS)
It is a fully synthetic material. Like polystyrene, it basically contains polystyrene foam. The only difference is in the method of obtaining granules. If EPPS insulate the wall in the apartment from the inside, then it is even possible to glue the starting material onto a previously cleaned surface without preliminary preparation.
Foil insulation
Multilayer polymer material, consisting of a thin layer of foil, fixed on an insulating material - polyethylene foam. Internal wall insulation made with foil materials is 50-70% more efficient than using conventional heat-saving materials with a slight increase in the cost of the source. Penofol is one of the representatives of this class of insulators. When insulating the walls from the inside with penofol, it must be laid with a reflective film inside the room and fixed on the wall with ordinary construction nails.
The advantages of this material:
- Wide operating temperature range up to 150 ° С. It is possible to insulate the walls from the inside in steam rooms and saunas.
- Good reflectivity.
- Absolutely static to absorb moisture.
- Sufficiently high steam, hydro and heat insulation parameters. When applied from inside the walls in industrial plants, it allows you to create a stable microclimate with significantly less energy consumption than without it.
- Quick and easy installation if the insulation is carried out indoors.
Calculation and features of material installation
In the preparatory work, you should first calculate the square of the walls of the room to be treated and divide it by the square of the sheet or roll of insulating material (it is usually indicated on the accompanying label). Round off the resulting number to the nearest maximum integer. The entire number of sheets (or rolls) can already be purchased, but the following parameters must be taken into account:
- The thickness of the walls of the building and the material of their manufacture (brick, wood, cinder block, etc.).
- Features of the climate of your region. Insulation of walls inside in Murmansk will require more significant expenditures than similar ones, but in Krasnodar.
- Thermal insulation parameters of the material itself (take from the seller).
- Requirements of the building design and existing norms and rules for the construction work and the consumption of materials.
Insulation of walls in an apartment from the inside is usually carried out in the warm season. The working surface is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and peeling old trim and decor elements. The prepared wall is well dried before further processing. Existing cracks and crevices are removed with putty and subsequent cleaning. After that, the wall is treated with a variety of antiseptic compounds and then primed. After the soil has dried, insulation is carried out inside the apartment with a previously prepared insulator material.
If the insulation material is purchased in rolls or sheets, then the insulation from the inside is carried out:
- With construction glue.
- Using a variety of nails, screws, construction dowels.
If you need to insulate the walls of the house from wood, then it is most convenient to fix the insulation with nails or self-tapping screws. In this case, it is advisable to take consumables with a wide cap (so as not to push the insulator when screwing in) and a heat-insulating head (to prevent the appearance of "cold" channels.
It is advisable to fix insulation on smooth walls (brick, plaster) using specialized adhesive building mixtures.
The walls are insulated from the inside from floor to ceiling, not missing a piece, so that there is no zone of penetration of cold and condensation does not accumulate.
If you decide to insulate your house, dacha or city apartment, then you need to decide on the method of applying it inside or outside the wall, select and then calculate the insulation and frame material and install the construct on the wall. Installation can be done by yourself, it is quite simple. The final step in this work will be the finishing of the prepared wall.
If the dacha is a favorite place not only for summer vacations, but is also often visited during the cold season, then the premises of the country house will have to be well insulated. By the way, who said that insulation (it would be more correct to say - thermal insulation) should only serve in winter? It is equally necessary in the summer heat - in the rooms on the hottest days, a comfortable coolness will be maintained.
For thermal insulation work, you can use different materials. Moreover, the modern assortment of heaters is so rich that it allows you to choose the best option not only in terms of operational characteristics, but also in cost, depending on the family's budget. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to bet on a high-quality thermal insulation material, and it must meet a number of important requirements.
In this publication, we will try to figure out which insulation for walls inside the house in the country looks preferable and why. Let us dwell on another important issue - what thickness of thermal insulation will provide comfortable conditions in the house at any time of the year.
Requirements for insulation for residential buildings
Any material chosen for the repair or construction of residential buildings must meet certain physical and technical requirements, sanitary standards, and also be safe to use. Insulation is no exception.
The main criteria for choosing heat insulators that you need to pay attention to are:
- Environmental Safety... Materials should not only contribute to the creation of a comfortable temperature regime in the house, but also not harm the health of its inhabitants. Therefore, the insulation should not spoil the healthy atmosphere in the rooms in any way during operation.
- Energy saving characteristics... The insulation should have the lowest possible thermal conductivity.
- Fire safety... Most building materials, including wood, which, in one way or another, cannot be dispensed with when building a house, are flammable. However, the danger of modern products made on a synthetic basis is not only the possibility of rapid ignition. No less terrible phenomenon is the release of toxic combustion products. Therefore, when choosing a heater, you should pay attention not only to its flammability class, but also to its smoke-forming ability. The heat insulator, ideally, should be non-flammable (NG) or have minimal flammability (G1) (many materials are far from this). Smoke-generating ability is indicated by the letter "D", and its lowest level is D1, which should be striven for.
- Soundproofing capabilities... Do not think that this quality is not so important for country houses - after all, there is peace and quiet all around ... Even moving away from the noisy city, you can get a neighbor who loves to listen to loud music, which in silence will just be heard over a very long distance. It is impossible to prohibit neighbors from using power tools, working in personal carpentry workshops, or using equipment for processing a plot at dachas. Other disturbing factors can be a busy highway passing nearby, a railway line, etc.
- Heat insulator vapor permeability. With this parameter, since we are talking about insulation from the inside, special care is needed. In fact, when the material is "breathable", it is generally not bad. But if the vapor permeability index of the walls themselves is lower (and this is usually the case), then moisture saturation of the insulation placed in the room is not excluded. This means that reliable vapor barrier and effective ventilation of rooms are of particular importance. With this criterion in conjunction, one should consider the hygroscopicity of the material, that is, its ability to be saturated with moisture. It certainly should be minimal.
- The durability of the material. This factor is also worth paying special attention to, unless, of course, there is a desire to carry out repair work every three to five years. In order not to be mistaken in the choice, you should not purchase insulation from an unverified manufacturer, even if it has a suitable cost. In this case, it is better to overpay, but get confidence in the warranty periods specified by the manufacturer.
- The ability of the insulation to keep its original shape... This quality can be described as the strength of the material. During the period of operation, the insulation is affected by different loads - dynamic, vibration, statistical and others. Under the influence of these influences, low-quality materials can deform or decrease in size, forming "gaps" in the thermal insulation. And the entire insulation system will become ineffective.
- Resistance to biological and chemical attack... When insulating a private house, an important factor is the absence of unwanted "guests" in it, such as insects and rodents. Therefore, it is worth choosing a material that will not become a favorable environment for their habitat. In addition, the constituents of the insulation should not be subject to rotting, as well as decomposition under chemical attack. They should not serve as a breeding ground for microflora - mold, fungus, moss, etc.
- Compatibility with building wall material... In order for the insulation to "work" as expected, it must combine well with the base material, which is planned to be thermally insulated with it. In addition, when choosing the thickness of the insulation, it is also necessary to take into account the thickness and material of the walls of the building. This will be discussed in detail below.
Varieties of modern thermal insulation materials
In order to insulate the walls of any private house from the inside, one or more types of thermal insulation materials can be used. To understand which of them is most suitable for a particular structure, it is necessary to consider the characteristic features of each of them.
So, the following heat insulators are most often used for wall insulation:
- Mineral wool - glass and basalt, for example. This material comes on sale in rolls and mats.
- Expanded polystyrene - produced in hard plates.
- Ecowool. This insulation is made from natural cellulose, is sold in bulk or in the form of mats. The loose version of the material can be applied to the walls by the "wet" method of spraying or simply filled in the cavity.
- Polyurethane foam and penoizol. These insulation materials are sprayed onto the walls, forming a seamless continuous coating.
You might be interested in information about what characteristics it has
To take the first step towards choosing a material, first it is worth considering their positive aspects and obvious disadvantages:
| Illustration | Insulation name | Material advantages | Material disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basalt (stone) wool | - flammability class NG; - has a low thermal conductivity; - the modified version of the insulation does not absorb moisture. | - hygroscopicity of conventional, unmodified insulation; - high price. |
|
| Glass wool | - has good thermal insulation characteristics; - high vapor permeability; - affordable cost. | - belongs to the flammability class G1 (slightly flammable); - hygroscopic; - insufficiently high stability of shapes, weak resistance to vibration input, tendency to gradual caking; - does not differ in environmental friendliness. |
|
| Ecowool | - ecological cleanliness of the insulation; - low thermal conductivity; - long service life; - resistance to biological spawn. | - is a low-combustible material - G1; - hygroscopicity; - with dry laying (in bulk), there is a tendency to caking, therefore, it requires periodic replenishment of the thermal insulation layer. |
|
| - low thermal conductivity; - moisture resistance; - low weight of the plates; - not toxic under normal temperature conditions; - has a long service life; - has high mechanical strength; - resistant to biological influences. | - combustible (no matter how they say the opposite); - when melting and burning under the influence of high temperatures, it emits toxic gas that is dangerous to human life; - not vapor-permeable (which, by the way, in certain conditions can be regarded as an advantage). |
||
| Polyurethane foam | - moisture resistant; - has a distinctly low thermal conductivity; - forms a continuous seamless insulating layer; - long service life; - non-toxic under normal conditions. | - belongs to the flammability group G1 (slightly flammable); - not vapor-permeable (the lack of controversy has already been mentioned); - application requires special equipment and experience with it; - rather high cost of the material and work on its application. |
The table below shows comparative characteristics that allow to estimate the parameters of the above materials at the "digital level":
| Material name | Density, kg / m³ | Coefficient of thermal conductivity, W / (m × ° C) | Water vapor permeability, mg / (m / h / Pa) | Moisture absorption, kg / m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass wool | 15 ÷ 40 | 0.039 ÷ 0.046 | 0.4 ÷ 0.6 | 0.55 ÷ 1.0 |
| Basalt wool | 30 ÷ 50 | 0.035 ÷ 0.042 | 0.4 ÷ 0.6 | 0.1 ÷ 0.5 |
| Extruded polystyrene foam | 35 ÷ 45 | 0.030 ÷ 0.035 | 0.0 ÷ 0.013 | 0.01 ÷ 0.05 |
| Polyurethane foam | 30 ÷ 80 | 0.024 ÷ 0.030 | 0.0 ÷ 0.005 | 0.01 ÷ 0.05 |
| Ecowool (mats) | 33 ÷ 75 | 0.038 ÷ 0.045 | 0.3 ÷ 0.5 | 0.3 ÷ 0.8 |
It is necessary to clarify that today modified insulation materials with improved technical and environmental characteristics are on sale. However, only large manufacturers are engaged in their production, which are highly responsible for the quality and potential of their products. Naturally, the cost of such products is much higher, but they will also last longer, without harming either the building itself or the health of the residents of the house.
You might be interested in information on how to perform correctly
The parameters of such thermal insulation materials will be presented below.
Basalt thermal insulation
This type of insulation materials is also called stone wool, since they are produced by melting gabbro-basalt rock. Products from this raw material could be called the best option for thermal insulation of surfaces inside the house. If not for one nuance that will be discussed.
Basalt insulation has a very low thermal conductivity. Stone-based materials are more suitable for insulating living quarters, since their fibers are more elastic. Due to this quality, the mats have a higher density and also have high strength characteristics. The fibers have a sufficient degree of elasticity and therefore are not as brittle as glass wool.
Basalt insulation is produced in rolls and mats. Some material options are equipped with a layer of aluminum foil, which can enhance insulation by reflecting heat flows into the room. In addition, the foil becomes a vapor barrier, which is of particular importance in such conditions.
And now - about the very nuance that still casts doubt on the feasibility of such a process as. Consider whether it is permissible to use mineral wool for insulation from the inside?
In general, the optimal structure of the insulation structure is one in which the vapor permeability of each subsequent layer (in the direction from the room to the street) is higher than that of the previous one. In such a situation, water vapor will simply escape into the atmosphere unhindered. Mineral wool with its location indoors does not fit these requirements.
The fact is that with such a structure of the thermal insulation "cake", the dew point will be in the thickness of the mineral wool or on the border between it and the wall. That is, it is here that condensation will form in the cold season. Since the vapor permeability of mineral wool will always be higher than that of any wall material, and a high concentration of water vapor in the room is a normal phenomenon, it is impossible to exclude the gradual wetting of both the insulation itself and the wall.
The way out is to provide the insulating layer with reliable vapor barrier from the side of the room, so that water vapor simply does not have a chance to penetrate the mineral wool. And plus to this, effective ventilation must be provided in the house. Under such conditions, mineral wool will show all its advantages.
The general characteristics of this insulation were shown in the table above. However, large manufacturers produce improved versions of products, while the technical characteristics of heaters differ in their performance.
« Knauf»
« Knauf"Is a well-known German manufacturer of various building materials, known to the Russian consumer for their quality. The company has been supplying its products to Russia for several decades, and has established the production of materials directly on the territory of the Russian Federation. And these products fully comply with the requirements of GOST and sanitary and epidemiological standards, which is confirmed by numerous quality certificates.
« Knauf»Supplies the Russian market with several brands of basalt heaters, both universal and intended for different parts of the building. For example, the line of insulation "Insulation" is a professional class product and is used for thermal insulation of various objects. For private buildings, the manufacturer has provided a separate line of products that takes into account not only the thermal insulation capabilities of the material, but also the "human factor" - these are "TeploKNAUF Dom", "TeploKNAUF Dacha" and "TeploKNAUF Cottage". All heat insulators are vapor permeable and non-combustible (NG).
The rest of their performance characteristics are presented in this table:
It should be noted that the line of heaters produced in the form of slabs has been expanded with the products "Cottage +" and "House +". They differ from the materials named in the table in their thickness of 100 mm.
"Rockwool"
Rockwool is constantly working to modify its products to improve their performance. All lines of basalt heaters from this manufacturer belong to the NG class, that is, to non-combustible materials.
Despite the very wide variety of thermal insulation products of this manufacturer, for the walls of a country house it would be optimal to opt for "ROCKWOOL LIGHT BATTS SCANDIC" or "ROCKWOOL LIGHT BATTS"
The special processing of the material during its production gives the blocks a water-repellent quality. Compact packaging is especially convenient - after opening the slabs quickly take on a given initial size. In addition, one edge of the slabs is made "spring-loaded" - for easy and tight installation between the drains of the crate.
The main characteristics of the ROCKWOOL LIGHT BATTS heat insulator are as follows:
| Insulation performance parameters | Indicators |
|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (W / m × ° С): | |
| - calculated value at t \u003d 10 ° С | 0,036 |
| - calculated value at t \u003d 25 ° С | 0,037 |
| - operational under conditions "A" | 0,039 |
| - operational under conditions "B" | 0,041 |
| Flammability class | NG |
| Fire safety class | KM0 |
| Water vapor permeability (mg / (m2 × h × Pa), not less | 0.03 |
| Partial immersion moisture absorption | no more than 1kg / m² |
| Dimensions | 1000 × 600 mm |
| thickness | 50, 100 or 150 mm |
Technonikol
This insulation material is produced by a domestic manufacturer, which is well known to the Russian consumer.
Modified basalt wool "Technonikol" is also a non-combustible material (NG), which is indicated by the manufacturer on its packaging. Heat insulators of this manufacturer are manufactured under strict control, in accordance with the standards established by GOST, and also fully comply with the sanitary and epidemiological requirements of the Russian Federation.
This table shows the most popular options for TechnoNIKOL basalt insulation, as well as their technical characteristics:
| Material grade | Compressibility,%, no more | Water vapor permeability, mg / (m × h × Pa) | Moisture absorption, kg / m2 | Density, kg / m³ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Rocklight" | 0.037 ÷ 0.041 | 30 | 0.3 | 2 | 30 ÷ 40 |
| Technolight | 0.036 ÷ 0.041 | 20 | 0.3 | 1,5 | 30 ÷ 38 |
| "Teploroll" | 0.036 ÷ 0.041 | 55 | 0.3 | 2 | 25 ÷ 35 |
| "Technoacoustic" | 0.035 ÷ 0.040 | 10 | 0.3 | 1,5 | 38 ÷ 45 |
| "Technoblok" | 0.035 ÷ 0.040 | 8 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 40 ÷ 50 |
Any Technoacoustic brand is well suited for wall insulation from inside a country house, since they have a low thermal conductivity coefficient and optimal density. In addition, Technoacoustic is designed to isolate the house from external noise, so it can be called a multifunctional material.
Glass wool
Glass wool is made from fibers obtained by melting broken glass and quartz sand, as well as other natural additives. Phenol-formaldehyde resins are used as a binder for joining glass fibers into a single structure. The stiffness of the slabs and mats is obtained as a result of pressing with simultaneous heat treatment. The heat insulator obtained by pressing glass fibers into blocks or mats has a fairly high dimensional stability, but not the most outstanding vibration resistance.
Glass wool is a good sound and heat insulator, it is resistant to chemical influences and can withstand temperature changes. Its operating temperature range varies from -60 to + 180 degrees. However, if this is exceeded so far, the fibers themselves are not damaged, but their binder is destructed, therefore the structure of the mats is sintered, deformed or disintegrated.
Experts do not recommend using glass wool for insulating living quarters. This is due not only to its high hygroscopicity. The point is also the possibility of microparticles of fibers entering the air of the room, which poses a rather serious threat to the health of the residents of the house. Therefore, if for some reason glass wool is chosen for insulation, then after its installation in the crate, the thermal insulation should be hermetically closed with plastic wrap or a vapor barrier membrane. However, as we have seen, basalt wool needs exactly the same protection.
"Isover"
"Isover" is a high-quality heat insulator manufactured on innovative equipment in accordance with all the requirements of existing standards.
"Isover" is produced in mats and slabs, therefore it can differ in its density. The board material has a higher density and can be used to insulate walls for plastering. High density materials include "Isover OL-A" and "Isover OL-E". But plastering mineral wool insulation is permissible only on the outside of the wall.
The manufacturer positions Isover glass wool as a non-combustible insulation, that is, classifies it as NG.
There are several options for glass wool on sale, which are designed to insulate various parts of the house. The main characteristics of these products are as follows:
| Insulation brand | Thermal conductivity coefficient, W / (m × ° С) | Compressibility,%, no more | Water vapor permeability, Mg / (m × h × Pa) | Moisture absorption, kg / m2 | Density, kg / m³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Isover Light" | 0.035 ÷ 0.040 | 10 | 0.3 | 1,5 | 38 ÷ 45 |
| "Isover Standard" | 0.036 ÷ 0.041 | 55 | 0.3 | 2 | 25 ÷ 35 |
| Isover Optimal | 0.036 ÷ 0.041 | 20 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 30 ÷ 38 |
| "Isover Facade" | 0.035 ÷ 0.038 | 30 | 0.3 | 2 | 30 ÷ 40 |
In addition to the above options , Isover also produces other brands of insulation materials. Moreover, the company continues to develop and launch into production innovative products that are able to withstand the necessary loads in a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe structure.
"URSA"
Another well-known brand of insulation materials are URSA products. The manufacturer uses innovative technologies in the manufacture of its products, trying to minimize the disadvantages of glass wool. Thanks to this approach, URSA glass wool is characterized by increased durability and special strength. The density of the boards and mats greatly simplifies installation work.
Since "URSA" produces a wide range of insulation products, it will be difficult to choose the required material option out of ignorance. We give a hint - it is recommended to use URSA GEO line heaters for thermal insulation of a country house. They are safe for the health of the residents of the building and are maximally adapted to the conditions of private construction.
The URSA GEO line includes the following products:
| Insulation type "URSA GEO" | Thermal conductivity coefficient, W / (m × ° С) | Vapor permeability mg / (m × h × Pa) |
|---|---|---|
| "M-11" | 0.04 | 0.64 |
| "Mini" | 0.041 | 0.64 |
| "Private house" | 0.041 | 0.55 |
| "Universal plates" | 0.036 | 0.51 |
| "Light" | 0.044 | 0.35 |
| "Pitched roof" | 0.035 | 0.55 |
| "Noise protection" | 0.04 | 0.6 |
| "Frame" | 0.035 | 0.64 |
In addition to those presented in the table, this series of materials also includes other heaters suitable for thermal insulation of private houses.
Speaking about any of the mineral wool heat insulators, one cannot but mention their general disadvantages, which may well affect the choice of material.
- The binder in most brands is phenol-formaldehyde resins, which are toxic substances. Throughout the entire period of operation of the insulated structure, emission of compounds harmful to humans will be observed. Some leading manufacturers claim that these components are no longer used in the manufacture of their products, since they have been replaced with environmentally friendly binders. It is quite difficult to verify this statement without special devices, and you have to take it on faith. Nevertheless, it is better to give preference to heaters with ECO marking.
- Another problem with mineral wool is rodents, which adapt well to this material, making their nests in it and making moves. It will be possible to get rid of these neighbors only by disassembling the sheathing and replacing the insulation with another version of it. If measures are taken in the country house to protect against these ubiquitous animals, then you can purchase mineral wool for wall insulation. In another case, it is better to give preference to denser insulation or those options that mice bypass.
Extruded polystyrene foam
Many people think that extruded polystyrene foam is the same as the familiar foam. But this is not at all the case. Yes, the raw materials for their production are similar, but they differ from each other not only in appearance, but also in their technical characteristics. Until recently, inexpensive polystyrene foam was widely used to insulate both internal and external surfaces. However, it has a large number of significant drawbacks that have led to the complete rejection of this material in many countries of the world.
When starting repairs, many, wishing to save money, prefer foam, but before making your choice, you need to have an idea of \u200b\u200bits negative qualities.
- Flammability of the material. Polyfoam does not just burn - it melts and spreads over the surface, becoming a flame spread. At the same time, so toxic smoke is released from the molten mass that literally a few breaths can cause poisoning, incompatible with life.
- Polyfoam (non-pressed polystyrene foam) - the polymer is not chemically stable enough. And during prolonged operation under the influence of temperature extremes and other external factors, it also begins to emit substances harmful to the environment - free styrene. These fumes will not be able to contain the plaster or brick layer, and they will penetrate into the premises.
- The foam is breathable, and therefore mice calmly settle in it. They not only easily gnaw through this material, but also arrange their nests in it. This is especially common when the foam plates have a fairly large thickness of 70 ÷ 100 mm.
- Polyfoam is short-lived, it collapses rather quickly - it begins to crumble. As a result, the material loses its thermal insulation qualities.
Extruded polystyrene foam is made from the same raw materials as the familiar foam. But a completely different technology is used in its manufacture.
The fine-meshed structure of expanded polystyrene plates is created by melting polystyrene granules. Foaming and strengthening additives are added to the molten mass. Freon-free formulations are used as foaming agents.
The advantage of extruded polystyrene foam is its high density. Due to this quality, the material is not attractive to mice. Plus, it is impervious to steam and air, so rodents do not arrange nests in it. The most they can harm him is to gnaw his edges.
Extruded polystyrene foam is non-hygroscopic, has a distinctly low coefficient of thermal conductivity, high compressive strength, and has good frost resistance. In addition, the insulation is not susceptible to biological damage and chemical decomposition, therefore it is often used even for insulating the foundations of buildings.
However, with regard to its flammability - this is a controversial issue. Manufacturers position polystyrene foam as highly combustible and self-extinguishing, that is, it does not support combustion. Practice shows that it nevertheless ignites when exposed to an open fire, is often capable of supporting combustion, and, just like polystyrene, emits toxic smoke. They are trying to fight this - many materials of this group undergo special processing that increases their fire resistance. But oh, how far is it to incombustibility!
Extruded polystyrene foam has practically zero vapor permeability. And this factor is just at hand for wall insulation from the inside. That is, the laid layer of slabs in itself becomes a good vapor barrier, and the structure of the material will definitely always be dry inside, that is, there is simply nothing to condense in it. True, this still does not eliminate the need to create a general hermetic vapor barrier under the finishing layer, or, at least, from hermetically “sealing” the joints between the slabs laid on the wall. The requirements for the creation of an effective ventilation system do not become less - they are mandatory for any type of internal insulation.
Both well-known and completely unfamiliar manufacturers present their products on the construction market. Sometimes you can find slabs that do not have any markings at all. It is clear that one should not expect any guarantees from such materials. Therefore, if the choice is made on this particular insulation, then you should give preference to well-known brands.
"Penoplex"
The most popular on the Russian market is the extruded polystyrene foam "Penoplex". These are products of a domestic manufacturer that produces several types of material, differing in some characteristics.
The names of the slabs indicate their purpose - these are the universal materials "Comfort", "Roof", "Foundation" and "Wall". Accordingly, two types of slabs are used for thermal insulation of wall surfaces - "Comfort" and "Wall", performed with "Roof" slabs, etc.
Penoplex slabs (namely, this colloquial name is most often practiced) are produced in a wide range of thicknesses - from 20 to 100 mm (20, 30, 30, 50, 60, 80 and 100 mm). Linear dimensions - 1200 × 600 mm. Plates of the "Comfort" type can be produced in lengths of 2400 mm.
The main characteristics of Penoplex insulation material specified by the manufacturer are as follows:
- thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.030 W / (m × K);
- moisture absorption - no more than 0.2 ÷ 0.4% of the total volume;
- vapor permeability - 0.007 ÷ 0.008 Mg / (m × h × Pa);
- flammability group - G2 - G4;
- operating temperature range - from -50 to +75 ° С;
- durability declared by the manufacturer - 50 years.
- "Penoplex S" is designed for thermal insulation of walls. It contains components - flame retardants, which reduce the risk of fire. High thermal insulation properties, minimal moisture absorption, resistance to temperature extremes, as well as the grooves provided for joining the plates, make the insulation of the walls of the house reliable and durable.
- "Penoplex Comfort" is a universal version of slabs that can be used in different areas of the building, from the roof to the foundation. In this regard, it may well be used to insulate the walls of a country house from the inside.
- Penoplex F is designed for thermal insulation of the foundation. Due to the fact that this area of \u200b\u200bthe building to be insulated is in the ground, the slabs are made without adding fire retardants. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them for installation in other areas, since they belong to the G4 flammability group.
- "Penoplex K" is used for insulation of roofs and ceilings, but it may well be used for thermal insulation of wall surfaces.
You may be interested in information about what kind of insulation
"Styrodur"
Styrodur extruded polystyrene boards are not as popular as Penoplex, although they also have decent technical characteristics.
Several types of this heat-insulating material are supplied for sale - these are 2500 С, 2800 С, 2800 СS, 3035 СS, 3035 СN, 4000 СS, 5000 СS. The difference between slabs is primarily in their density and compressive strength. The surface of all panels is protected by a smoother, more durable layer of material, and Styrodur 2800 C and Styrodur 2800 CS are equipped with a corrugated coating.
In order to prevent cold bridges from forming at the joints of the slabs, various versions of docking locks can be provided at their ends. This also distinguishes the plates from each other.
Due to its strength characteristics, as well as the different configuration of locks, this insulation is well suited for internal insulation of the walls of the house.
| Name of characteristics and units of measurement | Digital marking of "Styrodur" insulation | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2500 C | 2800 C | 3035 C | 4000 C | 5000 C | |
| Dry heat conductivity coefficient, W / m × K | 0.029 | 0.029 | 0.029 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Density (not less), kg / m³ | 25 | 30 | 33 | 35 | 45 |
| Moisture absorption in 24 hours,% of the volume | 0.13 | 0.13 | 0.13 | 0.07 | 0.07 |
| Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation (not less) | 0.2 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.5 | 0.7 |
| Slab surface | smooth | grooved | Smooth or grooved | smooth | smooth |
| Linear dimensions of plates, mm | 1250 × 600 | 1250 × 600 | 1265 × 615 | 1265 × 615 | 1265 × 615 |
| Plate thickness, mm | 20,30,40,50,60 | 20,30,40,50,60 | 30,40,50,60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160 | 30,40,50,60,80 | 40,50,60 |
| Operating temperature range, С | -180...+75 | ||||
| Flammability group | G2 | ||||
| Frost resistance | More than 300 cycles | ||||
Styrodur boards are produced only in light green color, so it is difficult to confuse them with other similar materials. The heat insulator is not toxic under normal operating conditions, and freon is not used in its production. In addition, the material is odorless, so it can be used to insulate the interior surfaces of residential buildings.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam, as an effective insulation, has appeared in the public domain relatively recently, but has already managed to prove its reliability in thermal and sound insulation of premises. Polyurethane foam is applied by spraying, for which special equipment is used. The material can be applied in several layers to achieve the required thermal insulation thickness.
The composition applied to the surface, after foaming and polymerization, forms a monolithic layer on it, as it expands and fills the space. In addition, the finished mass has excellent adhesion properties, therefore, when sprayed, it is firmly fixed on almost any surface of the walls and ceiling.
This material is used for thermal insulation of both internal and external surfaces, and is especially suitable for use in regions with low winter temperatures. The thermal conductivity coefficient of polyurethane foam is very low, and ranges from 0.025 to 0.030 W / m × K. That is, among the heaters under consideration, he is an absolute "champion" by this indicator.
Due to the fact that the structure of polyurethane foam decomposes under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, it must be mounted under decorative cladding.
When the house is insulated with this material from the inside, a frame structure is installed on the wall to fix the facing material. And between its racks and jumpers, the composition is sprayed. After the polyurethane foam applied to the wall or ceiling has solidified, the excess protruding beyond the frame, formed during its expansion, is cut off.
You may be interested in information on how to do it yourself
Polyurethane foam has a low moisture absorption index, therefore it retains its insulating qualities at any ambient humidity. Water vapor permeability is practically zero. And since the coating turns out to be seamless, continuous, you can do without even additional vapor barrier.
This material can belong to different fire safety groups - from G1 and even to G4, depending on the additives added to the composition. However, polyurethane foam, as a rule, does not become a source of fire and through the spread of fire. It quickly becomes charred, stopping the flow of oxygen necessary for combustion deep into its structure. And the gases formed during thermal decomposition are still not as dangerous as those of expanded polystyrene.
Excellent material for internal insulation. But you need special raw materials and equipment for its application, the presence of skills in the work. And the cost is very high. All this limits its widespread use for such purposes.
Ecowool
Ecowool is not yet a familiar material for everyone, therefore it is not so popular. But it is successfully used for insulating residential buildings both from the inside and outside. The main advantage of this insulation is its environmental friendliness. Ecowool is made from cellulose fibers, which are treated with boric acid, which protects the material from mold and makes it unattractive to rodents.
Plates are formed from the fibers, or ecowool goes on sale in bulk and is intended for laying in the so-called "wet" method - spraying.
Loose ecowool is also used in dry form, most often this method is used for thermal insulation of horizontal surfaces, for example, ceilings or floors in a house. Another method of insulation is filling the closed space (specially provided cavities) with dry ecowool. For example, in a framed partition, sheathed on both sides with plywood sheets.
Wet application can be called the best styling option. However, this process is complicated by the fact that it requires special equipment. This means that you will have to invite a specialist for insulation.
Ecowool, applied by the "wet" method, forms a monolithic seamless layer on the surface, which reliably protects the premises from the cold. The material retains its thermal insulation qualities throughout its entire service life.
If you plan to make insulation yourself, then the best option would be ready-made, molded plates. They are installed between the construction sites of the sheathing in the same way as mineral wool, by surprise. Of course, with internal insulation, this will again require a reliable vapor barrier - the hygroscopicity of ecowool is considerable.
During dry installation, both on horizontal surfaces and when filling empty spaces, the cotton wool can shrink over time. Therefore, when insulating, it must be well sealed.
Ecowool in terms of its combustibility belongs to the G1 group (slightly combustible material) due to special processing in the production process. When burning, cellulose does not emit toxic products that are excessively hazardous to humans.
There are several varieties of this material from various manufacturers on the market. For example, you should pay attention to the Finnish manufacturer Termex.
Ecowool "Termex" is sold in packages weighing 13 kg and has the following characteristics:
- coefficient of thermal conductivity 0.040 W / (m × ° С);
- density, depending on the application - 35 ÷ 79 kg / m³;
- soundproofing capabilities with a layer of 25 mm - 9 dB.
Ecowool freely passes water vapor, and for external insulation - nothing better you can imagine. But for the internal, this again becomes a problem, which has already been mentioned more than once above. This thermal insulation design would require a very reliable vapor barrier. The hygroscopicity of ecowool is considerable, and without such protection it can literally swell with water soon, losing all its insulating qualities.
* * * * * * *
In order for the insulation of a country house to be of high quality and safe, when choosing a heat-insulating material, it is necessary to carefully study its characteristics, as well as methods of application with all the nuances. It is recommended to purchase heaters from well-known manufacturers who have been working in the building materials market for a long time and have managed to gain prestige.
As we have seen, insulation can be produced in a wide range of thicknesses. And the thickness of the layer of application of polyurethane foam or ecowool can be adjusted by the worker. In any case, you need to know what the thickness of the insulation will be guaranteed to cope with the task of reliable thermal insulation of walls assigned to it. And this issue should also be considered.
What thickness of insulation is required?
Each of their home owners is able to make such a heat engineering calculation. Now we will "arm" him with an understanding of the calculation algorithm and a convenient online calculator.
What is the calculation based on?
Try to imagine any abstract insulated design. Since our theme is a wall, we will leave this example.
So, a multi-layer structure will include the very wall of the house itself, folded from one material or another. Often, its decoration is provided on the outside. The same is true on the inside, well, and a layer of insulation, the thickness of which must be found.
In order to maintain a comfortable temperature in the premises of the house at any time of the year, this entire multi-layer structure must have a certain total resistance to heat transfer. And it consists of the resistances of each of the layers.
It is appropriate to make a reservation here - the external facade decoration, organized according to the ventilated facade system, is never taken into account. She does not make any contribution to the general insulation qualities of the wall.
Where to get the necessary data?
What the total resistance should be is shown by its normalized value, established by SNiP for each region, taking into account climatic features. This indicator is easy to check with any local construction organization. Or, which is even simpler, identify it using the schematic map below. In this case, for further calculation, it is necessary to take the value "for walls", which are highlighted in purple.
It is not difficult to determine the thermal resistance of any of the layers - for this, the thickness of the salt (expressed in meters) must be divided by the tabular coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material from which this layer is made.
Rc \u003dHc /λc
Rc - thermal resistance of the layer, m2 × K / W;
Hc - layer thickness, m;
λc - coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material, W / m × K.
It is clear that too thin layers (for example, membranes) do not make much sense to take into account. But some options for external and internal decoration are quite capable of influencing the general thermal characteristics of the wall structure.
So, if we calculate all the thermal resistances of the layers planned for the future arrangement and sum them up, this will still not be enough to reach the normalized value. This very “deficit” should be covered with a layer of thermal insulation. The difference is known, the thermal conductivity of the insulation is the same, which means that nothing prevents you from finding the required thickness:
Well \u003dRy × λy
Well- the required thickness of the insulation, m;
Ry - "shortage" of thermal resistance, which needs to be filled with thermal insulation;
λy - coefficient of thermal conductivity of the selected insulation material.
To make the task as easy as possible for the reader, a special online calculator has been compiled. When carrying out calculations, it is possible not to take into account the insulating qualities of the finishing layers - it is just that their thickness is left equal to zero by default. As for the rest, everything is simple, and probably does not require any special additional explanations.
The result will be immediately shown in millimeters - this is more convenient. The obtained value is the minimum, and it is usually brought to the standard thicknesses of insulation materials, rounding up somewhat.
When using a country house, not only in the summer season, but also in cold weather, it becomes necessary to insulate it.
To solve this problem, you need to answer two main questions: where does heat leakage occur and how is it more efficient
Heat loss reasons
It is not difficult to establish the cause of heat loss. It usually escapes through poorly insulated walls, roof, floor, windows, and various crevices.
Experts suggest insulating the dacha not only from the outside, but also from the inside.
Material selection
There are a number of requirements for thermal insulation materials.
Insulation must have low thermal conductivity, good hygroscopicity, fire safety and environmental friendliness.
It is necessary that the material reliably prevents heat transfer between the outer and inner parts of the walls, and protects the structure well from the inside. 
Today, mineral wool based on basalt or fiberglass is widely used as a heater. If the ventilation of the house is equipped correctly, moisture will not be a problem for this material.
On the market for construction products, new items constantly appear for high-quality do-it-yourself summer cottage insulation. For example:
- linen fiber insulation - the material is produced in slabs, it is easy to cut, does not change shape, environmentally friendly, has good antiseptic properties;
- ecowool - a sprayed loose heat insulator consisting of recycled cellulose with the addition of antiseptics and fire retardants;
- soft fibreboard (fiberboard) is an environmentally friendly material, it can immediately strengthen the walls.
How and what to insulate is a matter of taste and good choice. The main thing is that the country house is reliably protected from the winter cold.
Roof
The roof, if installed incorrectly, can "steal" from you more than 10% of the heat spent on heating the house.
When choosing thermal insulation for the roof, pay attention to the service life, which depends on many external factors: temperature fluctuations, precipitation (especially snow), wind strength and direction. Pay particular attention to the water resistance of the material. Also, the insulation must be safe for health. The first sign of safe isolation is the absence of a pungent, pungent odor.
Insulating the roof with polymer materials is not the best solution. They ignite very easily and quickly, so you will have to take increased fire safety measures. 
for the roof, stone wool can be considered, which is intended for thermal protection of structures that do not carry serious loads.
Walls
It is the main stage of work, since they occupy the main area of \u200b\u200bany structure and have the highest heat transfer.
Surface preparation
Before insulating wooden walls, be sure to clean the entire surface from dirt. Thoroughly treat the inside of the walls with special solutions and aerosols that will protect the wood from insects. Then seal all gaps with dry tow and a thin chisel.
Insulation
Jute canvas is very suitable as a heat insulator for walls. It is quick and easy to fit with a construction stapler, does not rot, is not blown by the wind and is not of interest to moths. Tow and jute fiber have low thermal conductivity due to their capillary structure, they easily release moisture. In addition, as bactericidal materials, they successfully resist the spread of the fungus.
It is not recommended to use materials at hand for insulating the walls of a country house: felt, batting, wool. They accumulate moisture abundantly. As a result, the decay process quickly begins, and a mole will always start in the wool.
Window
After warming the walls, we turn to the windows. They also lead to significant heat loss, so the windows should be given close attention, especially if the structure is outdated.
Cleaning and waterproofing
The frames of the house should be thoroughly cleaned of dust, the cracked glass should be replaced, and the gaps between the walls and frames should be repaired.
For high-quality insulation, you need a silicone sealant in a special gun. It reliably protects the joints from the inside from fungi and mold. 
Polyurethane foam is also suitable. However, it quickly deteriorates from the sun and is not entirely aesthetic. If you opt for foam, you will have to take steps to protect it from UV rays.
D-profile tape
Then you need to glue the sealing tape. D-profile tape works best. It effectively closes slits up to 7 mm. For a more secure hold, you can secure the tape with nails or staples. 
Film on glass and slope insulation
To maximize, cover them with heat-saving film. This material is applied directly to the glass. When laying the film, there should be no folds, bulges, bubbles. Careful work can save more than 30% heat.
Do not forget to insulate the slopes. For this, you can use various materials, for example, polyethylene foam or mineral wool. The insulation is fixed on the slopes with glue.
Floor
There are many modern materials for floor insulation. The main thing is that the country house from the inside is as dry as possible.
Styrofoam
Expanded polystyrene does not absorb moisture, is durable, strong, good antiseptic. It is convenient to work with such material, since it does not change the initial volume.
Minvata
Mineral wool is sold in various versions: rolls, slabs, mats. Low density, environmental friendliness, durability, relatively low price are its main advantages.
Penofol
The new material penofol has already shown its best side and gained popularity. It is sold in rolls consisting of a layer of foil and insulation. Most often, the basis is polyethylene foam.
Insulation requirements
When choosing a material for insulating the floor of a summer house with your own hands, do not look for the cheapest options and be sure to remember that the insulation should be:
- environmentally friendly, safe for health;
- excellent heat insulator;
- durable.
Floor insulation methods
There are several ways to insulate the floor of a country house.
Double floor
The bottom layer of rough planks is carefully attached directly to the joists. A “finishing” coating is laid on the “rough” structure. 
Wooden logs are installed on the foundation in increments of 0.5–1 m or cut into the frame. Next, the "rough" floor is laid. The free space is filled with thermal insulation. Quite a simple and effective way. 
You can insulate the floor along the logs installed on brick posts. Any insulation: mineral wool, fiberglass, foam or other suitable material. The distance between the finished floor and the ground increases. The work does not require the builder's experience and is easily done by hand. With this option, the insulating material does not experience stress, which makes the method of insulating a wooden floor along the logs ideal.
Many summer residents want to insulate their house from the outside so that they can live in it during the cold season. It is important to insulate the walls, because up to 30% of the heat is lost through them! Various insulation materials are presented on construction sites. You need to understand their types.
Styrofoam
Polyfoam, aka expanded polystyrene. It is made in different ways, therefore the properties of the material are different. For wall insulation, it is best to take extrusion polystyrene, strong and durable. It has a low thermal conductivity coefficient (0.026 W / m ° C). Thermal conductivity does not change even at high humidity, low water absorption and vapor permeability. Density - from 20 to 48 kg / m3.
In the photo, polystyrene for insulating the cottage outside:
The advantages include high mechanical compressive strength, which depends on the thickness and density of the material.
Fungus, mold does not form on it. Easy to install: easy to cut, slabs are attached to external walls with dowels. A metal or polymer mesh is mounted on top, on which a decorative layer is then applied.
Polyfoam is durable, does not deform and does not lose its qualities. The material is lightweight, therefore, no foundation reinforcement is required, and it is easy to work with it. Affordable price is an important argument for those who decided to insulate the summer cottage.
For thermal insulation of walls, you should choose extruded polystyrene foam made with the addition of fire retardants - this is a slow-burning material.
Disadvantages of expanded polystyrene:
- Flammability... Highly flammable, burns, heating up to +75 degrees, while burning, caustic toxic smoke is emitted. You can protect your home by choosing foam impregnated with an antiprene compound.
- Low vapor barrier... Moisture can accumulate inside the room. Therefore, it is necessary to install additional ventilation, and this is an additional cost.
- Not UV resistant- radiation, requires coverage.
- Rodents can start in italthough the manufacturers claim the opposite.
- Mice make their holes in it and getting rid of such "neighbors" is problematic. It is possible to avoid them only with proper installation of the foam.
- Degrades on contact with solvents (sometimes insulation is accompanied by waterproofing, for which bitumen mastic with a high solvent content is used).
- Material retains water and steam, if the house is wooden, then mold may appear in it, the musty smell of the tree may rot. The house does not "breathe", the concept of an eco-friendly home is being violated.
The video shows insulation for walls outside the house in the country:
Specifications differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. The most popular brands on the Russian market: Rockwool, Isover, Ursa, Penoplex, Technoplex, Knauf.
The materials are similar, but there are differences. For example, graphite is added to Technoplex, it gives strength. Due to this additive, the material becomes gray in color. In terms of cost, Penoplex is also cheaper than, for example, Knauf. Slabs with dimensions of 0.5 x 1, 1 x 1 m are suitable for insulating the facade of the cottage. They are easy to cut, complex details on the facade will not be difficult to insulate.
It is necessary to insulate the walls of the house from the outside with foam with a density of 25 kg / m3. Plates with a density of 15 kg / m 3 are not suitable for such work, the material is not strong and reliable enough, and also short-lived.
Polyfoam with a density of 15 kg / m 3 is suitable for insulating those parts of the building where serious insulation is not required. For example, verandas, balconies.
Plates denser (35 kg / m 3) usually insulate the roof, the walls are not economically viable. Therefore, the most demanded material is with a density of 25 kg / m 3.
Important! Polyurethane foam is not suitable for insulation (this is a well-known foam rubber, which is short-lived, flammable, the smoke from it is toxic) and polyvinyl chloride foam (very similar to extrusion, but toxic when burning).
What it looks like and what is the name of the linoleum insulation on the concrete floor, the information from the article will help to understand:
Mineral wool
There are many types of mineral wool. But not all of them are suitable for thermal insulation of summer cottages. According to GOST 52953-2008, fiberglass, slag wool and stone wool are considered heat insulators. Therefore, it is insignificant.
Glass wool. It is made by melting quartz sand or broken glass and blown into thin fibers. Light yellow material. It has been used for insulation since Soviet times, the material is popular, cheap and very prickly! It is perfectly usable if you haven't chosen yet.
In the photo, glass wool for insulating a summer cottage outside:
The structure of glass wool consists of fibers 5-15 microns thick and 15-50 mm long. Thanks to them, it is strong and resilient. But what is the difference between basalt wool and mineral wool will help to understand the video from this
Attention! Glass fibers can cause injury if broken. You need to work in a disposable protective suit, gloves, glasses and a respirator.
Slagged. It is produced from blast-furnace slags (waste of blast-furnace metallurgy). Its fibers are 16 mm long and 4-12 mm thick. Thin and prickly than glass wool. They are sintered at a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius and the thermal insulation properties of the material disappear. The slag is toxic. And in this article, you can emphasize for yourself
In the photo there is slag for insulating a summer cottage outside:
Stone wool. Made from stone. Rocks are melted (therefore it is also called basalt) at a temperature of 1400-1500 degrees. Fibers up to 7 microns thick and up to 5 cm long. They are found in a variety of shades from light brown to green.
The properties of glass wool and stone are very similar. There are still differences: glass wool is more elastic and lightweight. But stone is more fire-resistant. It is easier to work with stone wool, and its characteristics are higher: excellent thermal insulation properties, noise absorption, vapor permeability (steam does not absorb, passes between the fibers), high fire resistance, non-toxic when heated. But what is and where is the rock wool TechnoNicol Rocklight used, the information will help to understand
In the photo, stone wool for insulating a summer cottage outside:
For wall insulation, material in slabs or rolls is suitable.
Disadvantages:
- High cost. As a heater for a country house, many may seem like an expensive material.
- You need to work in a respirator, because in the process small pieces break off anyway, basalt dust is formed.
Liquid insulation materials
Liquid insulation materials can be divided into types:
Ceramic compounds
The appearance resembles thick acrylic paint. The basis is really a water-acrylic mixture, to which silicone, rubber, etc. are added. Ceramic granules in the composition help to reduce heat loss. Some mixtures can be applied only at positive air temperatures, but there are those with which you can work even in frost. Liquid insulation is a homogeneous suspension, it can be applied with a brush and spray gun. In many respects, mineral wool and (expanded polystyrene) are better. But what is the price of liquid-ceramic thermal insulation of walls from the inside, you can see in this
In the photo, liquid thermal insulation ceramics:
Popular blends:
- Astratek (produced by the Russian company Astratek). For insulating the facade of the summer cottage, "Astratek - Facade" or "Astratek - Universal" are suitable.
- "Arktem" manufacturer - LLC "Arktem" (Russia). For wall insulation outside, "Arktem-Facade" and "Arktem-Standard" are suitable.
- "Corundum",
- "Armor".
Advantages of liquid ceramic insulation:
- a layer of 1 mm of liquid insulation in its properties corresponds to a layer of 50 mm of mineral wool;
- the liquid coating is seamless, unlike other materials;
- if dachas are insulated with such a coating, then you can not worry that it will be dismantled or damaged during the absence of the owners;
- ease of application (the process is similar to conventional wall painting) allows you to do it on your own, no special equipment and qualified specialists are needed;
- resistance to fungi and mold;
The coating is durable, resistant to rodents, moisture, pollution, mechanical damage.
Polyurethane foam
Polymer gas-filled material. The structure is cellular plastic. 90% filled with inert gas. Two technologies are used for wall insulation: pouring and spraying. When spraying, a spray gun is used.
In the photo, polyurethane foam for the outer wall:
When pouring, the voids are filled with a homogeneous liquid.
Attention! It is possible to insulate a house with such materials in just one day. But special equipment and skills are required. You can't do it on your own. We need to invite masters.
The advantages of polyurethane foam:
- Thermal conductivity is lower than that of other heat insulators. For example, a 1 cm thick polyurethane foam covering corresponds to a 30 cm thick brickwork or a 5 cm thick layer of mineral wool.
- Excellent sound and waterproofing properties.
- Possesses high adhesion, therefore it is suitable for all surfaces.
- Flame retardant. Will light up only at 500 degrees Celsius.
- Virtually no moisture absorption.
- It is easy to spray on surfaces of different shapes.
- Applies quickly.
- Long-lasting, properties last up to 60 years.
- Lightweight material. Suitable for insulating old houses with low load-bearing capacity.
Disadvantages:
- High cost... The price can be justified by durability, good heat and sound insulation properties.
- Not resistant to UV rays: decomposes into monomers that are harmful to humans. Therefore, an additional coating is required with decorative plaster or water-based paint.
- Sustainability not always confirmed by certificates. Therefore, in construction it is used for outdoor work in small areas.
- When ignited, it smokes heavily, the smoke is toxic.
- Installation is complicated by nuances: if sheet materials are fastened over the insulation with self-tapping screws or dowels, the solidity is broken. If you give preference to plaster, then the mixture should reliably protect against exposure to ultraviolet radiation, moisture and air.
But what is polyurethane foam shells for pipe insulation, you can find out by going to
Ecowool
The material itself is not liquid. But it can be the main component of the mixture, which is applied in a liquid state.
In the photo, ecowool for the outer wall:
Ecowool consists of 80% cellulose (waste from wood processing enterprises, printing industry, waste paper), and 12% is boric acid. Another 8% is a fire retardant - a substance that increases the fire resistance of products.
When cellulose is wetted, the fibers become sticky. In addition, glue is added to the mixture. Such a composition is applied to the walls for their insulation.
Ecowool characteristics:
- Low thermal conductivity.
- The spraying is seamless, which contributes to good thermal insulation.
- Excellent soundproofing.
- Environmental friendliness.
- Fire resistance. Even when ignited, ecowool quickly extinguishes itself, and its smoke is not toxic.
On the video, what kind of insulation is better to insulate the house outside:
Disadvantages:
- Ecowool "shrinks" over time. Therefore, initially this must be taken into account, the layer is applied 10% thicker than necessary.
- It must not be covered with vapor-proof materials. If there is no ventilation, the thermal insulation properties will be lost.
- High-quality installation can only be carried out by professionals.
Choose a material for thermal insulation of a summer residence, based on the quality characteristics of the material, your material capabilities and the feasibility of insulation in one way or another.
If the dacha is operated all year round, it is important to insulate it well. Someone may say: why insulate if heating is carried out? And then, that only with it you can achieve not only savings in paying bills, but also the correct microclimate, where there is no danger of condensation and fungus.
In addition, if heating and insulation are not done correctly, then the house is destroyed faster, since all conditions of its operation are not observed.
If heating and insulation are not done correctly, then the house collapses faster.
If the house is not heated, it would still be good to insulate it, then the above-zero temperature will remain in it, which will have a favorable effect on all its structures.
If the house is not heated, it would still be good to insulate it
In addition to external insulation, you need to take care of the internal one. Insulating the walls inside is one of the most effective measures, but also one of the most expensive, so it makes sense to carefully choose the insulation, and also to study the technology of the process.
The most common insulation for walls inside walls in the country is mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, penoflor and penoizol. Before identifying their pros and cons, let's say a few words about why it is generally worth insulating from the inside, and not outside the house.
If you are not strong in concepts such as thermal inertia, then you will have to take our word for it that the insulation of a summer cottage is best done comprehensively. Think of your house as a puff cake. So, the masters arrange the layers of insulation in such a way that the thermal insulation decreases from the outer layer to the inner layer, and the vapor barrier, on the contrary, increases.
If this procedure is not followed, then the house made of wood will not receive the desired microclimate. There may be such negative consequences as the appearance of condensation and even mold. Therefore, be sure to make sure that the insulation is comprehensive and correct.
Insulation layers are positioned by the master in such a way that the thermal insulation decreases from the outer layer to the inner layer.
But it often happens that it is impossible to insulate outside, undesirable or not affordable. Then you can limit yourself to purely internal work. But you should definitely take into account that in this case the dew point will shift inside the building, which means that in addition to the heat-insulating layer, it is necessary to make a waterproof one. Let us dwell on this case in more detail, since the topic of our article is not the insulation of walls from the outside, but internal insulation.
So, the factors for achieving the best result:
- Thermal insulation must be solid and dense;
- Competent choice of insulation. It is best that it be foil-coated (like penofol, and a layer of foil was applied on both sides of the material).
- Give preference to well-known manufacturers of the material and carefully follow the work technology.
Thus, before insulating the cottage, you need to clearly understand that this case is serious and responsible. Pay close attention to all stages of work, and the result will delight you for many years.
Choosing insulation for walls inside the house in the country, you may come across various concepts and numbers in which you need to navigate in order to make the right choice. The main ones are:
- Coefficient of thermal conductivity. The lower it is, the thinner the layer of material can be used.
- Moisture absorption coefficient: similarly, we strive for a lower one.
- Fire resistance: here, on the contrary, the higher the indicator, the better - it displays the ignition temperature.
- Durability: Obviously, the longer the service life, the more profitable and better.
- Environmental friendliness: here the indicators should be standard, recommended for use in rooms in which people live.
In addition to the above, other indicators may be important. For example, soundproofing. It is not important to someone if your country house is located in a quiet grove. And some have noisy neighbors throwing parties every weekend.
Penoplex is a hit of sales
The most popular insulation for walls inside the house in the country in recent years is expanded polystyrene (penoplex). The material is represented by compacted white granules, in composition it is expanded polystyrene and air. People often confuse penoplex with foam, but these are completely different materials, since the first compares favorably with the second in a number of characteristics, including compressive strength (achieved due to the fact that the molecules are very tenaciously connected to each other).
Penoplex characteristics:
- This insulation of walls inside the house in the country has excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation properties;
- Repels water;
- Durable, compression resistant;
- Mold, fungi do not appear on it, the material does not rot;
- Absolutely safe: it is even used in the food industry, it is so environmentally friendly;
- Resistant to combustion and temperature extremes;
- Lightweight, easy to handle, relatively inexpensive.
Thanks to this set of almost ideal properties, penoplex is most in demand as a wall insulation inside the house in the country and in other premises.
Insulation technology
First you need to prepare the surface of the wall, for this it is leveled and all flaws are caulked. Keeping in mind the above rule, the first thing to do on the wall is to place a waterproofing layer. To do this, you can use ordinary polyethylene, securing it with tape. If you have thought over the external thermal protection, then the waterproofing layer is not needed.
Insulation plates should be well and evenly coated with glue, which must be pre-mixed to prevent the formation of lumps. During installation, the slabs are applied in a checkerboard pattern, tightly, the joints are well treated with glue and polyurethane foam.
Also, each plate must be fixed with plastic dowels. The next step is to apply an adhesive layer to the insulation, on which we apply a reinforced mesh, immersing it in the glue using a roller. At the end, it is necessary to plaster the walls and complete the finishing.
The advantage of penoplex is that it is easy to work with it, and even a non-professional can easily do it.
Mineral wool
If you were thinking about how to insulate a country house for winter living, then mineral wool has undoubtedly come to your mind. It is used for both exterior and interior walls. Minvata is obtained by processing volcanic rock, glass or slags, obtaining thin fibers from the desired substance in a centrifuge. Mineral wool is released in rolls, but it can also be in the form of plates and mats.
Material pluses:
- High quality thermal insulation and sound insulation;
- A vapor-permeable material that will help the walls "breathe";
- Refractoriness;
- Waterproof, does not absorb moisture;
- The material is environmentally friendly and non-toxic;
- An important advantage is the preservation of volume, and, consequently, of thermal insulation qualities for a very long time.
The process of warming, as in the previous case, begins with surface preparation: filling up cracks, leveling walls. The vapor barrier stage also remains unchanged. A wooden crate is placed on the waterproofing polyethylene, it is made according to the parameters of a roll of mineral wool. Insulating material is tightly placed in the nests of the crate, the joints should be glued with adhesive tape.
Another vapor barrier must be placed on the mineral wool, which is nailed directly to the wooden crate. Finish the insulation with wall decoration.
You can do this work on your own, even if you are not an expert in construction matters. The downside of the material is that rodents can start in it, so this should be taken into account by making special treatment.
Foil heat insulators
These are new generation materials that have a foil layer on one or both sides. The foil itself does not retain heat. Its function is to reflect heat into the interior of the house. It also acts as a waterproofing agent at the same time, which is very convenient. Foil insulation includes:
- Foamed polyethylene;
- Foil mineral wool;
- Foamed polystyrene coated with aluminum.
To perform work with these materials, it will be necessary to traditionally prepare the walls, then mount the crate on them, laying the insulation in it. As in other cases, it must be laid very tightly; it is better to use aluminum tape for gluing the joints. If you are using foil mineral wool, then a waterproofing layer must be made on top of the insulation.
Important: for one-sided foiling, place the foil on the inside. The process is completed by filling the lathing and finishing the walls. Note that foil will only work if there is an air gap between it and the coating.
Alternative - fibreboard
This is a great option for self-insulation, since all the work is very easy to do. The main thing is that the walls must be clean and dry. The task is facilitated by the fact that the boards can be mounted directly on the old coating, on the plaster. For installation, special nails are bought, which are equipped with a recessed head. When the insulation is complete, wallpaper can be glued directly to the fiberboard or other finishing work can be done as desired.
Also used for insulation:
- Expanded clay;
- Penoizol;
- Polyurethane foam.
Ecowool insulation is a new trend.
This is a very environmentally friendly material that is obtained from cellulose. It can be installed both dry and wet. True, the latter requires special equipment. And the dry method can be implemented independently. Plus ecowool - environmental friendliness, walls "breathe", the work quickly pays off.
If you are faced with the task of insulating your country house, do not think that this will require fabulous financial investments and the involvement of specialists. You can choose an option to your taste and wallet if you carefully study the theory, and almost everyone can do the work on their own.
Rest in a wooden dacha is a dream of any inhabitant of our country. Strive for your dream and, one day, it will definitely come true.