Correct thermal insulation directly determines how comfortable the atmosphere inside the room will be. In the cold season, the optimal level of heat should remain, in the summer period - coolness. It is important to study the available types of insulation in advance and find out which one is best suited for a specific purpose, depending on the type of work. It is necessary to take into account their scope and determine the pros and cons of materials from leading manufacturers.
Types of heaters
Materials for thermal insulation are divided into several categories by type and purpose. They differ from each other in shape and appearance. They are also divided into two types according to the type of raw material, taking into account which they can be organic and inorganic. What is the best insulation to choose for the house, they decide after studying the characteristics of the most common types.
Foil
Foil insulation for walls, pipes and other elements is easy to install and low cost. It is supplemented with a layer of aluminum or metallic polypropylene, due to which it has reflective properties. The insulation efficiency can reach 97%. It is a durable material that can be used as waterproofing.
Foil insulation does not let the cold wind pass, is completely isolated from external influences and does not deform in case of sudden temperature changes. Izolon is not subject to rotting and mold formation. It is considered a thin material, but more effective than others. Of the shortcomings, the need to use adhesives for fixing in order to create a warm layer from the inside or outside is noted.
Platen
Mineral slab or slab insulation made of other materials should be chosen depending on the purpose. Plates can be used to insulate ceilings, floors, roofs, attics and walls, as well as the outer parts of wall ceilings. Ease of installation makes it possible to work with plates without resorting to the help of specialists and without using expensive special equipment. Standard slab insulation should not come into contact with water, so it needs good hydro and vapor barrier. Most of the insulation slabs are strong and durable enough. They can have different thicknesses - the larger it is, the warmer the coating will be.
Among modern stoves, it is better to choose environmentally friendly non-combustible options without toxic and hazardous components.
Liquid
The category of liquid options includes insulation, which is a substance that can harden after installation and turn into a durable porous layer. Liquid thermal insulation with a thickness of a millimeter in its properties can be equated to a layer of traditional block insulation, for example, mineral wool, foam or glass wool.
When comparing liquid insulation for walls, it is worth choosing the most demanded options, for example, expanded polystyrene, ceramic compositions or spray-type ecowool. They can be used in construction and for surface treatment of machinery in order to eliminate corrosion. Most often they are used to insulate walls from the outside, ceiling, floor and roof, as well as metal pipes.
The choice of insulation for the intended purpose
The main task of any insulation is to reduce heat losses in winter and reduce heating of structures in the summer. Thanks to the correctly selected material, the elements of the structure will be reliably protected from the penetration of cold air, the formation of condensation, mold and rot. Insulation materials help prevent deformation of elements of any structure and increase its service life. The scope of their application includes insulation of ceilings, floors, external and external walls, foundations, roofs and attic.
For foundations
The foundation is often subjected to severe stress, moisture and temperature extremes. In winter, moisture accumulates in it, the material collapses, cold air penetrates through the cracks. The foundation needs insulation of the Pro category with a low level of thermal conductivity, waterproof, strong enough and resistant to environmental influences.
Mineral wool insulation should not be considered as a suitable option, they quickly accumulate moisture and lose their basic properties, and are not too resistant to mechanical stress. It is better to give preference to polymer insulation, devoid of these disadvantages. The ideal option is extruded polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam.
For basement floors
Basement floors must be insulated to maintain their durability and increase the level of reliability. The material for the basement should be as strong and resistant to stress as possible, not absorb water, and be frost-resistant. An important factor is environmentally friendly use and safety for the environment. For insulation of plinths, it is better to use slab extrusion polystyrene foam, rigid polyurethane foam or hard rubber on a bitumen basis.
For exterior walls
Insulation for external walls is primarily chosen based on the principle of reliability and durability. The most effective option is basalt mineral wool, which can keep its shape for a long time. It does not become thinner, denser or caked. Styrofoam is also a good choice, while its dimensions must be taken into account.
Before buying a material, you need to know the dew point indicator. In places where it is exceeded, the insulation will need to be laid in several layers.
For the attic
The lack of insulation in the attic provokes the outflow of a large amount of heat, a decrease in the temperature in the room and an increase in heating costs. The attic or attic insulation is chosen according to technical characteristics, calculating the required amount and laying it using a special technology. Both natural and artificial materials are suitable for the attic. It can be mineral wool, polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam or loose expanded clay.
For roof
To choose the right insulation for the roof, first of all, its thermal insulation qualities are taken into account. The best material has a low level of thermal conductivity, optimal density indicators in order to avoid possible overloads of the rafter system. The material for the roof should not absorb moisture well, which is especially important when installing the roof. It is better to select thermal insulation that will ideally fulfill its functions both in cold and warm seasons. It is important to pay attention to the indicators of fire safety - the insulation must have an ideal level of resistance to fire and be as non-combustible as possible.
For floor
When choosing insulation for the floor, it is worth choosing a material that can withstand the maximum pressure on it, as well as the ability to maintain thermal insulation properties when exposed to moisture. For this purpose, expanded clay is most often used, if it can be used when pouring a concrete floor. If there is a basement in a brick or wooden house, to insulate the floor, the insulation is fixed from the basement side.The ideal option would be polystyrene foam or foam block, which has optimal properties.
Factors determining the choice of insulation
In the construction of modern houses, great attention is paid to the choice of material for thermal insulation. Mistakes in the choice provoke an increase in utility costs and great inconvenience in the cold season. There are many heaters on the construction market that differ in price, installation method and technical parameters. First of all, the consumer should pay attention to the following parameters:
- thermal conductivity coefficient: the lower it is, the better the material is able to retain heat inside the room;
- safety, environmental friendliness, resistance to fire, the development of mold and rot, environmental factors;
- cost, taking into account the costs of other building materials;
- vapor permeability and the ability to pass moisture particles through itself;
- block size, shrinkage and weight, the ability not to lose volume under its own weight;
- hygroscopicity and moisture absorption;
- ease of installation;
- color.
When using a suitable insulation for walls or ceilings in all respects, you can minimize possible costs and reduce costs during repairs.
Rating of the best manufacturers
When choosing a heater, it is worthwhile to study in advance the advantages and disadvantages of materials from the most famous manufacturers on the market. The rating includes heaters, divided into categories depending on the source material.
- Basalt - Rockwool and Hotrock Smart.
- Expanded polystyrene - Technicol XPS Technoplex and Penoplex Comfort.
- Foam - Knauf Therm House and PSB S 15-O.
- Fiberglass - Isover Warm House and URSA Geo.
- Polyester fiber - Shelter Ecostroy ShES Arctic.
Since there is no universal insulation suitable for all structural elements, when choosing a material, it is important to study in detail its characteristics and installation features in advance. Experts recommend taking into account the material from which the structure itself or the building and its additional elements are made, since insulation of completely different categories is suitable for brick, aerated concrete and expanded clay concrete walls.
