The balcony and loggia are unheated rooms, so they are not often used as a place to relax. So that a person can feel comfortable on the balcony all year round, they make insulation. It is important to pay attention to the thermal insulation of the ceiling, as the heated air moves upward. During work, you need to be able to choose materials, calculate their quantity and follow the installation technology.
The choice of insulation
Whether it is necessary to insulate the ceiling on a loggia or balcony depends on the use of the room. If it is a storage place, you do not need to do insulation. If the owner wants to make a workplace or recreation area out of the balcony, the room should be insulated.
There are different types of insulation materials. They differ in composition, structure, thermal conductivity and other properties. For ceiling insulation, the following are mainly used:
- mineral wool;
- Styrofoam;
- penoplex;
- foil-clad polyethylene.
They all have their positive and negative sides, as well as operating conditions.
Minvata
Mineral wool is usually used as an intermediate layer between ceiling cladding material. Installed using beams that create cells. The thickness of the installation is 2-20 cm, depending on the required degree of thermal insulation.
There are different types of mineral wool. It can be made from molten glass, volcanic rocks (stone wool) or from blast furnace slag. The pluses of mineral wool include:
- cost;
- high level of thermal insulation;
- soundproofing;
- ease of installation.
The cons are as follows:
- absorbs moisture, a waterproofing layer is required;
- heavy weight;
- toxicity.
Due to its shortcomings, mineral wool is being replaced by other modern insulation materials.
Styrofoam
Refers to budgetary and effective materials for thermal insulation. It is based on a special plastic. Placed under a layer of putty or decorative panels.
Main advantages:
- soundproofing;
- low cost;
- light weight, which lightens the load on the crate;
- environmental friendliness and safety for humans;
- versatility;
- can be installed on balconies located on all floors.
Disadvantages:
- fragility;
- risk of fire;
- vulnerable to strong chemicals such as acetone.
If you need to make insulation at minimal cost, foam is one of the best options.
Penoplex
Expanded polystyrene or penoplex is a modern material that can be used on various surfaces. It is an advanced foam.
Benefits:
- good thermal insulation, which is achieved with a small (5-7 cm) layer;
- waterproofing properties;
- duration of operation;
- ease of installation;
- light weight;
- elasticity;
- strength.
The disadvantages include a higher cost than polystyrene and a low level of fire safety.
Penofol
Foil polyethylene or penofol is a metal film and insulation thermally bonded to each other. The metallized surface is used to reflect heat into the room.
Pros:
- keeps heat reliably;
- high degree of waterproofing;
- noise suppression;
- safety for health, as it does not contain and does not emit toxic substances;
- durability;
- small thickness.
It also has a higher cost than budget heaters.
Step-by-step algorithm for warming the ceiling on the balcony
Ceiling insulation is not difficult even for beginners. Penoplex with penofol will be used as insulation. This is the best way to insulate the ceiling and walls on the balcony.
To insulate the ceiling of the loggia you will need:
- insulation (penoplex and penofol);
- bars;
- dowels;
- stapler;
- polyurethane foam;
- building level;
- knife;
- screwdriver;
- puncher.
After preparing the tools and materials, you can start working.
In order for the insulation to be of high quality and reliable, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the ceiling. For this, the decorative design is removed, the surface is cleaned from dirt and dust. You can also grind the balcony ceiling.
Installation work
Step-by-step instructions for insulating the ceiling on the balcony:
- Measuring the width of the ceiling. According to the obtained values, it is necessary to cut out segments on a sheet of penoplex using a construction knife.
- Drilling sections for ceiling mounting.
- Insulation fixation.
- Sealing the joints between foam sheets and the balcony wall with polyurethane foam.
- Penofol installation. It is fixed on a construction stapler.
- Creation of the lathing. It is usually made from wooden blocks 3 × 3 cm in cross-section. They provide a ventilation gap between the thermal insulation material and the finish, through which moisture can escape.
Further, finishing work and laying of the cladding on the crate are carried out. PVC panel, lining, drywall can be used as a finishing material.
Thermal insulation of the last floor
If the ceiling is insulated from the inside on the upper floor, it is important to pay special attention to waterproofing. Penofol must be placed under the penoplex, which retains heat and provides protection from moisture. If you do not install a waterproofing layer, the ceiling will leak during precipitation.
On the other floors, penofol prevents the formation of condensation - in fact, it is a vapor barrier. Otherwise, dampness may appear in the insulation, contributing to the reproduction of harmful bacteria.
Insulating the ceiling on a balcony or loggia is a simple process in which you need to pay attention to detail. It is imperative to choose the right materials, determine the need for steam and waterproofing, process the joints. The service life and efficiency of thermal insulation depend on such trifles.
Insulation of the floor, walls, windows and doorways is also carried out, through which heat can escape.
Since when has foam been providing sound insulation. Styrofoam is one of the worst materials to use for soundproofing a room!