Choosing insulation for your home: 9 effective materials - well-known and those that will surprise you!

The main quality of a good home is the ability to retain heat for a long time without loss, and therefore you should be especially careful when choosing insulation. The modern market of thermal insulation materials includes about 15 types of insulation. We have selected 9 of the most effective ones that are suitable for any structure

Read in the article:

• Mineral (stone) wool
• Extruded polystyrene foam
• Liquid foam
• Cork insulation
• Foam glass
• Ecowool
• Sawdust
• Straw
• Hemp and flax

1

Mineral (stone) wool

Rock wool is one of the most common and sought-after insulation materials on the market, and there are several reasons for this.

High heat saving ability

. The thermal conductivity of stone wool varies from 0.035 to 0.042 W/(m*K). In other words, a 10 cm thick layer of this material retains heat as well as 25 cm of timber or 117 cm of brickwork.

Fire safety.

Stone wool does not burn or smolder, because the melting point of basalt fibers exceeds 1000°C.

Vapor permeability.

Thanks to its relatively loose, “airy” structure, stone wool allows water vapor to pass through, which is formed in the house as a result of human activity (showering, cooking, washing, etc.). This means there is no need to worry about mold formation.

Sound absorption ability.

The same fibrous structure makes mineral wool a good sound insulator. So, when covering facades with stone wool, you can solve two problems at the same time: the house will become both warm and quiet.

Resistance to aggressive environments.

Mineral wool insulation is not afraid of mold, mildew and aggressive chemicals. And of course, “foamed stone” does not arouse food interest among insects and rodents.

Light weight.

A package of slabs with a total area of ​​0.35 m² weighs from 10 to 70 kg (depending on the thickness of the material). Thanks to its relatively low weight, both transportation and installation are facilitated.

Minor shrinkage.

Unlike many loose materials, stone wool almost does not lose volume over time. And that means heat-saving properties.

Durability

. The material retains its performance characteristics for 70-100 years.

Mineral wool in rolls

Mineral wool in slabs

A new method of thermal insulation - liquid insulation

Liquid insulation has relatively recently appeared on the building materials market. Its practicality and ease of use are the main selection criteria. Compared to other thermal insulation materials, it does not take up space.

The scope of application is very wide - facades, interior walls, pipelines, metal roofs and garages, basements. It is also actively used in the fight against condensation formation.

Pros:

• application to the base, incl. hard to reach places;
• minimum level of thermal conductivity (0.001 W/(m×K);
• a surface of up to 100 m² can be treated per day;
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• reduction in heat costs by 27%;
• does not change appearance;
• there is no preparatory stage;
• fireproof

The disadvantages of insulation are sensitivity during transportation and high price range. In addition, there are no formulas for accurately calculating the need, which can subsequently increase the budget.

Flaws

High price.

Basalt wool is quite expensive. One cubic meter of material costs from 1,500 to 6,500 rubles. (depending on density and a number of other factors). Such a high price tag is primarily due to the complexity of production and the need to use expensive equipment, in particular blast furnaces.

Use of environmentally unsafe materials.

Stone wool consists of more than 95% of stone itself, but it cannot be called an absolutely natural product. To prevent the boards from falling apart into fibers, manufacturers are forced to use binders, in particular formaldehyde resins. Of course, self-respecting companies use them in minimal quantities, but there is always the possibility of “running into” a low-quality product that emits toxic fumes.

There is only one way to minimize risks - by checking the documents for the products. The laws of the Russian Federation require manufacturers of heat-insulating materials to obtain a Fire Safety Certificate, as well as an Expert Opinion on compliance with current sanitary standards and rules.

Main parameters

The quality of a material can be assessed based on several fundamental characteristics. The first of these is the thermal conductivity coefficient, which is denoted by the symbol “lambda” (ι). This coefficient shows how much heat passes through a piece of material 1 meter thick and 1 m² in area in 1 hour, provided that the difference between the ambient temperatures on both surfaces is 10°C.

The thermal conductivity of any insulation depends on many factors - humidity, vapor permeability, heat capacity, porosity and other characteristics of the material.

Sensitivity to moisture

Humidity is the amount of moisture contained in the insulation. Water conducts heat well, and a surface saturated with it will help cool the room. Consequently, an over-moistened thermal insulation material will lose its qualities and will not give the desired effect. And vice versa: the more water-repellent properties it has, the better.

Vapor permeability is a parameter close to humidity. In numerical terms, it represents the volume of water vapor passing through 1 m2 of insulation in 1 hour, subject to the condition that the difference in potential vapor pressure is 1 Pa and the temperature of the medium is the same.

Water absorption is the ability of a product to absorb liquid when it comes into contact. The water absorption coefficient is very important for materials that are used for external thermal insulation. Increased air humidity, precipitation and dew can lead to a deterioration in the characteristics of the material.

It is also not recommended to use water-absorbing insulation when finishing bathrooms, toilets, kitchens and other rooms with high levels of humidity.

Density and heat capacity

Porosity is the number of air pores expressed as a percentage of the total volume of the product. There are closed and open pores, large and small

It is important that they are distributed evenly in the structure of the material: this indicates the quality of the product. Porosity can sometimes reach 50%; in the case of some types of cellular plastics this figure is 90-98%

Density is one of the characteristics that affects the mass of a material. A special table will help you determine both of these parameters. Knowing the density, you can calculate how much the load on the walls of the house or its ceiling will increase.

Heat capacity is an indicator demonstrating how much heat the insulation is ready to accumulate. Biostability is the ability of a material to resist the effects of biological factors, for example, pathogenic flora. Fire resistance is resistance to fire insulation, and this parameter should not be confused with fire safety. There are also other characteristics, which include strength, bending endurance, frost resistance, and wear resistance.

Resistance coefficient

Also, when performing calculations, you need to know the coefficient U - the resistance of structures to heat transfer. This indicator has nothing to do with the qualities of the materials themselves, but you need to know it in order to make the right choice among a variety of insulation materials. The U-factor is the ratio of the temperature difference on the two sides of the insulation to the volume of heat flow passing through it. To find the thermal resistance of walls and ceilings, you need a table that calculates the thermal conductivity of building materials.

You can make the necessary calculations yourself. To do this, the thickness of the material layer is divided by its thermal conductivity coefficient. The last parameter - if we are talking about insulation - should be indicated on the packaging of the material. In the case of house structural elements, everything is a little more complicated: although their thickness can be measured independently, the thermal conductivity coefficient of concrete, wood or brick will have to be looked up in specialized manuals.

Types of stone wool

Basalt-based insulation is available in several modifications. Rolled fabric (the width of which is usually 1.2 m, and the length varies from 7 to 12 m), from most manufacturers has a low density - only 35 kg/m³. This material can only be used for horizontal laying in areas without any load. Such solutions do not occur very often.

The large area of ​​the rolled fabric allows it to be laid with a minimum number of seams, and therefore cold bridges

The most popular is stone wool in the form of slabs (dimensions 0.6-1 m by 1.2 m and thickness from 30-200 mm). The main factor determining the scope of their application is density. Depending on this, the material is divided into several grades.

P-75

(density 75 kg/m³). Used for insulating surfaces with minimal load, for example, interior partitions and ceilings.

P-125

(125 kg/m³). Suitable for thermal insulation of floors, interfloor ceilings and facades.

PZh-175

(175 kg/m³). Designed for thermal insulation of reinforced concrete and metal walls and ceilings.

PPZh-200

(200 kg/m³). The material of maximum density is used for insulating roofs and floors under screed.

Comparison of insulation materials. Thermal conductivity table

Comparison of insulation materials by thermal conductivity

A complete picture of what kind of insulation should be used in a particular case is given by the table of thermal conductivity of thermal insulation. All you have to do is correlate the data from this table with the cost of insulation from different manufacturers and suppliers, and also consider the possibility of using it in specific conditions (insulation of the roof of a house, strip foundation, boiler room, chimney, etc.) (4.33 out of 5 )Loading…

Date: 03/09/2015 Comments: Rating: 45

When building a new house or major renovation, the question arises about choosing the optimal method of insulation. To ensure that after completion of the work there is no feeling of bitter regret about wasted money and time, the thermal insulation option must be selected based on its characteristics, main advantages and disadvantages.

When designing a house, you also need to think about its thermal insulation.

What is the best way to insulate facades – from the inside or the outside?

There are three options for positioning the insulation relative to the wall.

The first one is from the inside.

This method has few advantages. This is ease of installation (working indoors is more comfortable than outdoors) and there is no need to protect the insulation from harsh external influences. The disadvantages are much more significant. First of all, this is a loss of precious usable space. And the greater the thickness of the insulation, the less free space.

Another disadvantage is the risk of the walls getting wet. Stone wool is a vapor-permeable material. Water vapor passes through it unhindered, after which it begins to accumulate at the “cold wall-insulation” boundary or in the thickness of the wall. So, when choosing this installation method, you need to install a vapor barrier on the side of the room and organize effective (possibly forced) ventilation.

If you place the insulation outside

, the so-called dew point (water vapor condensation zone) will shift into the thickness of the mineral wool, from where the liquid will evaporate naturally. This means that the wall will no longer get wet.

In addition, external insulation protects the wall from alternate freezing and thawing, which has a beneficial effect on the “weather in the house.” And of course, if the mineral wool is located outside, there can be no talk of any loss of usable space.

The disadvantage is that the insulation has to be protected from atmospheric moisture and mechanical damage by covering it with plaster (wet facade) or cladding panels (hinged ventilated facade).

And finally, the third way. In this case, the insulation is laid on the outside of the wall and covered with facing bricks

. In this case, stone wool is reliably protected from external influences, there is no loss of usable area and other disadvantages described above. The only problem is that this solution is optimal only for buildings under construction. It is problematic to insulate an already finished house in this way, since increasing the thickness often requires strengthening (remodeling) the foundation.

Read more in the article “Pele’s Hair”

2

Why is external insulation better than internal insulation?

Insulation of houses in most cases should be external. This recommendation is contained in the set of rules for design and construction (SP 23-101-2004).

The easiest way to explain this is that internal insulation takes away free space from the room, although this is not the main reason. It is not prohibited to insulate a house from the inside, but it is recommended to resort to this only in exceptional situations. For example, if the special design of the building does not allow insulation from the outside.

It is possible to properly insulate a house from the inside only by creating a vapor-proof layer that is continuous and durable. This is quite difficult to do. If warm, humid air penetrates the insulation, condensation will inevitably form. The same thing will happen when air comes into contact with a cold wall. With such insulation, the dew point moves inside the thermal insulation layer or between it and the wall.

Based on these reasons, recommendations for insulation almost always comply with the standards - carry out insulation from the outside.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Extruded polystyrene foam (EPP) is a progressive and modern material; it is quite closely related to the polystyrene foam familiar to each of us. Both insulation materials are made from polystyrene, but using fundamentally different technologies. And this causes significant differences in consumer properties.

Extruded polystyrene foam XPS
During the production of polystyrene foam, polystyrene granules are repeatedly treated with hot steam, which is why they increase in volume.

But at the same time, the micropores of the material increase. At first, the insulation copes with its duties perfectly. But over time, under the influence of moisture and other aggressive factors, it simply crumbles into individual grains. Although even polystyrene foam that has just “come off the assembly line” has rather low strength. It crumbles easily and has almost no resistance to bending.

In the case of extruded polystyrene foam, the granulated raw material is placed in a reactor where it is subjected to heat and pressure.

Then, when the polymer melts, the pressure is released, which leads to active foaming, and the resulting mass is passed through an extruder.
The result is a material consisting of closed cells with strong molecular bonds. This implies the main advantage of extruded polystyrene foam. It is approximately 5 times stronger than polystyrene foam.
Extruded polystyrene foam is an effective insulation material. A 10 cm thick EPP board retains heat as well as a 150 cm thick brick wall.

Lightweight, usable roof system for pedestrian loads with plastic supports.
High strength allows the EPP to withstand quite significant loads, and this, in turn, provides a wide range of applications. This insulation is used not only for walls and ceilings, but also for foundations, blind areas, and used roofs. It is used to fill well masonry during the construction of brick houses. It is included in the design of many sandwich panels.

It is also worth noting that polystyrene foam is an exceptionally lightweight material.

It puts virtually no load on the walls and foundation, and also does not create problems during installation
.
The slabs lend themselves perfectly to mechanical processing, and glue and dowels are enough to secure them to the walls.

An important advantage of polystyrene foam is its almost complete waterproofness.

. Even when dipped, it absorbs less than one percent of the liquid.

But unfortunately, EPP has quite noticeable disadvantages.

The first, and probably the main one, is
extremely low vapor permeability.
In simple words, this material does not “breathe” well. You should not insulate the walls from the inside with it - settling condensation will lead to the formation of mold. Experts recommend using this heat insulator outside and covering it with plaster. You can also lay polystyrene foam boards inside frame structures, but it is extremely important to create an air gap for proper ventilation.

Like regular polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam is “afraid” of certain chemical reagents.

For example, bitumen mastics, which are used as waterproofing. Under their influence, EPP becomes soft and sometimes even dissolves.

To avoid blowing through the seams, EPP boards should be laid in two layers, with bandaging

More details in the article “Foam plastic”

3

Comparison of materials

• Mineral wool is a product of melting basalt rocks.
• Glass wool is a coarse fibrous material obtained by melting glass, sand, soda, borax, and limestone.
• Foam plastic is a foamed cellular plastic.
• Polystyrene is the result of the polymerization of styrene.
• Extruded polystyrene foam - foamed polystyrene.
• Polyester fiber is a product of processing recycled plastic materials. The synthetic fibers of this insulation are similar to padding polyester.

Liquid foam

Externally liquid foam (penoizol)

looks like elastic white foam, more than 90% consisting of air bubbles, which, in fact, provides a heat-saving effect.
According to the companies using this material, 10 cm of such insulation is equal to 30 cm of ordinary board foam, 20 cm of mineral wool or 2.5 m of brickwork.
Such impressive characteristics are largely due to the fact that the material is applied under pressure. Increasing in volume, the foam penetrates into the smallest depressions, cavities and cracks, forming a continuous heat-insulating layer without cold bridges.

High adhesion allows the use of liquid polystyrene for internal insulation of vertical and inclined planes, for example, attic roofs

Foamed foam insulation can be used to insulate almost any enclosed space: layered brickwork, false wall cavity, attic floor, etc.

Penoizol is especially popular among companies reconstructing old houses. After all, in order to insulate a building, you do not need to remove the façade cladding or dismantle the ceilings.

Penoizol can also be used outside the home. For example, it is used to insulate the walls of wells. To do this, you just need to make permanent formwork, spaced 3-5 centimeters from the outer walls of the shaft, and foam the resulting space.

Although carbide foam contains organic resins, it effectively resists fire and is self-extinguishing. According to the current classification in the Russian Federation, this insulation belongs to the flammability group G1 (low-flammability)

So, we have looked at the advantages of liquid foam, and there are quite a few of them. But, studying construction forums, you might think that penoizol is perhaps the worst material for insulating private houses. Of course this is not true. Most of the negative reviews are due to the fact that unscrupulous companies, seeking to save money at any cost, use low-quality raw materials and work “carelessly.” And yet it should be noted that this technology does have drawbacks.

The first, and perhaps the main one, is the environmental unsafety of the material.

. Liquid foam contains formaldehyde, which emits toxic fumes. Yes, they weather over time, but finishing work cannot be carried out in the house for another two weeks after insulation. And that's the minimum. It is advisable to wait a month or a month and a half with the “inner stuff” so as not to risk your health. As for finishing facades and other outdoor activities, there are no strict restrictions. But we repeat – it’s better not to take risks.

In addition, the relatively high hygroscopicity of liquid foam should be taken into account. Some companies add moisture-repellent agents (hydrophobizers) to the raw materials, and this minimizes the problem. But it doesn't solve it completely. Therefore, it is impossible to use liquid foam to insulate foundations and other areas that have direct contact with the soil.

Due to its low density, penoizol is categorically not suitable for insulating floors under screed. And the last problematic factor is shrinkage. Foam applied under pressure “deflates” over time. As a rule, it is insignificant - only 1-4%. But the heat-saving properties of the material are somewhat reduced.

To ensure that foam settlement is not critical, it should be applied in compliance with certain rules. So, in one pass, the material is applied to a height of no more than 3 m. But it is better to limit it to a height of 1 m. And only when the foam has slightly set, work can be resumed.

Read more in the article “Light foam”

4

What affects the service life of insulation?

As with everything, it is believed that the service life of insulation depends on its cost and quality. Manufacturers of the inexpensive substance claim that it can last at least 50 years. In practice, this figure is not confirmed by anything, so in the footnotes they write that today there is no standard operating time for insulation materials.

In addition, what the material is made of is important. Experts confirm that artificial fibers cannot provide a guarantee for more than 35 years. During this time, they dry out and break down. But the most important thing is that they lose half of their heat-saving properties.

While natural fibers do not lose their original qualities and can last for a longer period. According to regulatory recommendations, after completion of construction, each house must undergo an energy audit. Such checks should be carried out every 25 years so that the current level of heat-saving properties can be assessed. But since we are unable to find out the exact numbers due to verification, we use data that comes to us from Europe.

Cork insulation

Cork insulation is made from granulate - a piece of bark from which a panel of acceptable sizes can be cut does not exist in nature. No synthetic glues are used; the binder is the lingin contained in the bark. However, environmental friendliness is not the main advantage of the material.

Cork oak bark is an amazing raw material. Structurally, it resembles a honeycomb: each cubic centimeter contains hundreds of thousands of tiny cells. They are filled with air, which makes up almost 90% of the total volume. This makes cork the most effective natural heat insulator. It has the same thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.037–0.04 W/m K (at t = 25°C) as mineral wool.

A 30mm thick cork panel retains heat as well as a 40cm thick brick wall or a 15cm thick timber wall

The building material of the cells is the aforementioned lignin, which not only glues the granules together, but also provides elasticity to the material, as well as suberin, a waxy substance impermeable to water. Yes, despite its wood origin, cork is completely impervious to moisture

. Wet insulation is as effective as dry insulation.

It is also worth noting that there is practically no protein in cork, which serves as a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.

But it contains a lot of tannin - tannin. This is what explains the durability of the material. By insulating your house with cork panels, you can forget about the problem forever - their lifespan is calculated in centuries. And these are not nice words from manufacturers: there are buildings with a centuries-old history that still have cork finishes to this day.

Another undeniable advantage of cork is its lightness.

One cubic meter weighs on average from 100 to 120 kg, which means it will be quite easy to install. And the load on the foundation will be minimal. This is especially important for wooden and frame structures that rest on piles or a monolithic strip foundation.

Despite its woody nature, cork is almost not subject to fire. When in contact with a flame, it does not light up, but only slowly smolders

Depending on the thickness (which varies from 5 to 30 cm), the slabs can be used to insulate walls, floors and roofs. This is a universal insulation. But why hasn’t this material displaced all other insulation materials from the market? The main limiting factor is price. Unfortunately, cork is a rather expensive material. The price for 1 m² 5 cm thick is 2277 rubles. (as of February 2022) But for effective thermal protection you need a layer at least 10 cm thick. Obviously, the cork “costs a pretty penny.” But, nevertheless, she is in demand.

Insulation of walls with cork

Cork in roof insulation

Cork in a green roof design

Read more in the article “Tested!”

5

Comparative characteristics of the service life of insulation materials table

There are many types of insulation, but today we will take a closer look at the most budget-friendly and reliable options. These include:

Mineral wool. Basal wool. Foam plastic.

Name Service life Mineral wool 25-40 years Basal wool 40-50 years Expanded polystyrene 30-50 years Polyurethane foam 20-50 years Foam glass 80-100 years

The first type is called stone. It has a fairly high level of quality, since it is made from basalt stone. Its cost is much higher, but both the quality and the period of suitability meet expectations.

According to statistics, mineral wool is used most often in construction. The service life is about 50 years. But this figure is still disputed, and it has several nuances. At the moment there are two types of mineral wool.

The second is slag. This means that water practically cannot penetrate into it, and the material itself is quite dense. Accordingly, it is made from slag from the metallurgical industry. It is significantly inferior to the previous one in price, quality, and service life.

In addition, it is not resistant to sudden temperature changes and may become deformed after a certain time. But despite this, it is often used as the best option if the construction is temporary or less significant. Of course, for structures of a larger scale it is recommended to use stone wool. Even though it is more expensive, when it comes to safety and quality, savings are out of the question. It is worth noting that this substance has two important advantages: Non-flammability. You don’t have to worry about the fact that the material is not susceptible to fire from metal tiles, which in extreme heat can heat up to high levels.

And also other effects of high temperatures will not pose a threat to the insulation, and therefore to you. Vapor permeability. Izover has the ability to “breathe,” which is also important. The material easily passes all vapors through itself, but at the same time they do not accumulate inside. This property makes mineral wool environmentally friendly, and in combination with thermal insulation it is a huge plus.

In addition, no additional treatment is required for condensate. Basal wool is not inferior in the duration of the action of the previous substance. Manufacturers provide a warranty of over 50 years. A very long time ago, construction began to use insulation made from fibrous material. But the peak of its use has occurred in the last couple of decades.

This happened due to the intensive construction of country houses, as well as increased heating prices. It is there that the material is very popular. Over time, the quality of basal wool has improved significantly. Now it is an environmentally friendly and safe product.

Several aspects can be highlighted from the main advantages: Fire safety. The material can easily withstand high temperatures without losing its properties. Low hydrophobicity. The substance repels moisture, which significantly increases the service life of the insulation. Compressibility. Basal wool is very resistant and does not undergo deformation. Chemical resistance.

Rotting, fungus, rodents, mold and harmful microorganisms will no longer become a threat to your home. Despite the coincidence, the materials are of excellent quality, do not deform or crumble. The substances are used everywhere and have many positive reviews. With such insulation, your walls can last more than 100 years.

Mode of production

The material is obtained as follows. At the first stage, a mixture (charge) is prepared from finely ground silicate glass and a carbon-containing gas former, which can be coal coke, anthracite, limestone or marble. Then the mixture is sent to a tunnel furnace, where at a temperature of about 900–1000°C the glass particles are softened to a viscous-liquid state, and gaseous CO2 and CO released as a result of carbon oxidation foam the glass mass, forming closed pores in it. The final product can be presented in the form of granules and crushed stone of different fractions, slabs, blocks. Let's talk about the most popular forms of foam glass in private housing construction.

Thanks to its exceptional properties, foam glass (otherwise known as cellular glass) can provide excellent heat and sound insulation of various building structures: roofs, walls, ceilings, etc.

The best manufacturers

According to builders and customer reviews, the most reliable brands are:

• Isover is a subsidiary of the French construction concern Saint-Gobain. Izover is the only manufacturer in the Russian Federation that simultaneously produces two types of mineral wool - basalt and quartz. The company’s catalog also includes sound and heat insulation solutions made from glass and mineral fibers, expanded polystyrene (for walls, roofs, pipelines, etc.)
• Knauf is a German manufacturer of construction equipment and materials.
• Rockwool is an international group of companies headquartered in Denmark. The Rockwool division is engaged in the development and production of stone wool for heat and sound insulation, as well as fire protection of all types of buildings, ships, and equipment. The materials are made from gabbro-basalt rocks.
• URSA is one of the most famous Spanish companies producing heat and sound insulation materials. The company's name has become a household name in construction. URSA products have been represented on the Russian construction market for more than 20 years. The products meet international quality standards, are safe, environmentally friendly, and durable.
• Penoplex is a Russian manufacturer that produces polymer materials for hydro- and thermal insulation, decorative and finishing works.
• TechnoNIKOL is a Russian manufacturer of thermal and waterproofing insulators, as well as roofing materials.
• ShelterEcoStroy is a Russian manufacturer of environmental insulation materials. The products are distinguished by high heat and sound insulation qualities. The company's product range includes solutions for wind protection and insulation of frame houses, thermal insulation of walls, basements and basements, roofs, as well as technological equipment.

Granular foam glass

Foam glass in the form of granules is the optimal heat insulator for floors on the first floor of a building. Unlike, for example, expanded clay concrete, the material is not hygroscopic, which means there are no conditions for wood to rot. The vapor permeability of expanded clay is 0.21 mg/(m•h•Pa), and foam glass is 0.001–0.005 mg/(m•h•Pa), moreover, it has half the density, so when producing heat-insulating backfill, You can get by with a layer half as thin. But as for the price, there is a clear advantage of expanded clay, which costs significantly less than granulated foam glass: 1450–2750 rubles. versus 6,000-12,000 rubles. per cubic meter.

The concept of thermal conductivity

Insulation materials have different coefficients of thermal conductivity - this is the main indicator of the material.
Thermal conductivity refers to the transfer of heat energy from object to object until the moment of thermal equilibrium, i.e. temperature equalization. In relation to a private house, the speed of the process is important - the longer the leveling takes place, the less the structure cools down.

In numerical form, the phenomenon is expressed through the thermal conductivity coefficient. The indicator clearly expresses the passage of the amount of heat in a certain time through a unit of surface. The larger the value, the faster the thermal energy flows away.

The heat transfer properties of various materials are indicated in the manufacturer's specifications on the packaging.

Foam glass slabs

A wide range of foam glass slabs and blocks designed for insulating various structural elements.
Foam glass slabs are a universal insulation material. In addition to excellent thermal insulation properties, they have high vapor and water resistance and exceptional strength. Foam glass has established itself as a material suitable for the construction of energy-efficient buildings using Passivhaus technology. In practice, it has been proven that if you lay 50 mm thick slabs with a thermal conductivity of 0.052 W/m•°C and a compressive strength of 16 kg/cm² between the base of the house and a brick wall, then with a temperature difference between the street and the room of 35°C (– 15 and +20°C, respectively) no condensation forms in the lower part of the wall, and its temperature is 16.3°C.

In comparison with other insulation materials, the service life of foam glass is practically unlimited, and over time it will not deteriorate its performance, and the slabs will not change their geometric dimensions, thereby eliminating heat loss through breaks in the insulating circuit. Foam glass provides noise absorption up to 56 dB, is environmentally and hygienically safe (does not emit toxic substances), and is immune to chemical influences.

The strength and load-bearing capacity of foam glass is such that a number of blocks laid under brick walls of seven floors can withstand this load without causing settlement and preventing the formation of cold bridges

One of the serious advantages of foam glass insulation is that it does not support combustion (which cannot be said about materials based on polystyrene foam) and does not deform at temperatures up to 450°C. And finally, “glass” will obviously not be to the taste of rodents and will not be harmed by microorganisms.

Slabs are produced with dimensions of 600 × 450 mm and thicknesses from 50 to 80 mm (in increments of 10 mm). For thermal insulation of building envelopes, products with a density of 150–250 kg/m³ are used. The material is easy to install: despite its rigidity, it can be easily machined (cutting, drilling) and glues well. To fasten the slabs and seal the seams between them, you should use compounds selected and recommended by the foam glass manufacturer, taking into account the characteristics of the base.

The slabs are glued outside the house directly to the insulated surface. If it is necessary to use two layers of insulation, the first of them is additionally fixed with dowels, and the second is laid with offset joints, also placing it on glue. Due to the excellent adhesive properties of foam glass, plastering work can be carried out without the use of reinforcing meshes and primers.

Read more in the article “Glass Formula”

6

Rating of the best insulation for home

Ecowool

As the name suggests, the majority of this insulation (about 81%) is recycled paper. The remaining 19% comes from antiseptics against pests and fire retardants that protect against fire. The material is extremely simple to manufacture, so it is inexpensive.

A layer of sprayed ecowool 150 mm in energy saving corresponds to a brick wall 4.5 bricks thick.
But what is more important is that paper insulation (aka ecowool) copes with its responsibilities perfectly. Just 15 cm of paper mixture corresponds in terms of heat conservation to a brick wall 4.5 bricks thick! In this case, the layer turns out to be homogeneous, without seams and voids. It is also important that it “breathes” perfectly, and therefore does not need a vapor barrier.

Another advantage of ecowool is that it can also serve as a sound insulator. A 100 mm thick layer reduces the noise level by approximately 60 dB.

Fire safety.

For material that is shredded paper, this issue is of great importance. As practice shows, cellulose insulation does not ignite upon contact with fire, but only smolders and quickly fades, having lost a heat source. But still, it’s worth dwelling on fire retardants in more detail.

Some manufacturers use ammonium sulfates and phosphates, which emit a pungent and unpleasant odor. But this is not the main problem. The trouble is that over time these additives lose their fire-retardant properties. Therefore, it is better to purchase material impregnated with borax (borax). This fire retardant does not have the disadvantages described above.

Borax protects not only from fire, but also from pests. Rodents cannot tolerate this substance, so they will not settle in the insulation layer.

Water resistance.

It would seem that the paper is not “friendly” with her. First of all, we note that it is impossible to allow any insulation to get wet - this has a very bad effect on its properties. But if an accident does occur, the cellulose fibers will retain some of the moisture that gets on it in the upper layers, from where it will quickly evaporate, so that the material will not be critically damaged.

Cellulose insulation is used to protect walls, attics, attics, roofs and floors on joists. But you can’t lay it under a screed - under the weight that has fallen, the loose material will become dense, which will reduce its useful properties to zero

The consistency of ecowool resembles fluff.
Ecowool is supplied in a compacted state (briquettes), which means that it must first be loosened. If manual installation is intended, this can be done with any convenient tools in a large container. Then the paper pulp is poured into the cavities of frame walls and ceilings. It is very important to observe the application density: for horizontal structures it is 35–40 kg/m³, for vertical structures it is 60–70 kg/m³. Obviously, this work requires a lot of time and effort. It is much faster and easier to apply the material using a special blow molding machine. It loosens the insulation itself and delivers it under pressure over a distance of up to 200 m horizontally and 40 m vertically. At the same time, ecowool penetrates into the smallest cavities and forms a uniform heat and sound insulating layer. The application density can be adjusted.

Expanded polystyrene insulation in country and cottage-type houses

Many developers use the material for external insulation of facades and ceiling structures of country houses, which are being converted for year-round living. The main range of applications for polystyrene foam insulation is finishing foundations, blind areas, and insulating cement screeds under floor tiles.

Unlike mineral wool, expanded polystyrene does not require film or mastic waterproofing, so it can be mounted directly on a flat ground surface.

• The optimal thickness of polystyrene foam insulation laid between the floor joists does not require changing its height. Sealing installation gaps and joints with a moisture-resistant putty composition allows you to exploit the properties of the insulation with the highest possible efficiency.
• Foundation thermal insulation significantly reduces temperature changes, and the absence of dampness in the basement has a positive effect on the comfort of the microclimate in the house and reduces heating costs in the winter.
• Expanded polystyrene detachable casings block heat leakage from heating and hot water supply pipes, and prevent freezing of water and sewer lines located at shallow depths.

The more than moderate cost of polystyrene foam materials is complemented by the possibility of do-it-yourself installation, which allows you to reduce the cost of thermal insulation work by 35-40%.

Buy high-quality Penoplex insulation from our company right now at a competitive price!

Flaws

So, it would seem that there are no obvious problems. So why is this insulation not popular among us? There are several reasons.

Let's start with the fact that in Russia there are no standards for the composition of paper insulation, so the manufacturer can regulate the quality of the product itself. It is unnecessary to say what this sometimes leads to.

During installation, there are also moments of risk. Workers interested in saving material may apply it in a looser layer than necessary. This means strict control is needed.

Although ecowool does not burn, it smolders, which means that when insulating attics and attics, you will have to insulate chimney pipes with non-combustible materials.

And finally, the most noticeable drawback is the price. The material itself is cheap, but workers’ services and equipment depreciation will also have to be paid for. The average cost of 1 m³ on a turnkey basis varies from 1,700 to 5,200 rubles.

Read more in the article “Boo...smears”

7

The main mistakes when choosing insulation for walls

Let's look at the main mistakes when choosing thermal insulation materials. This will save you from unnecessary expenses and rework.

• Saving. A low-quality thermal insulator will not only quickly become unusable, but will also compromise the integrity of the wall. Poor insulation can cause mold, mildew, or even the collapse of part of the façade. Therefore, when choosing insulation, you should not take the cheapest product in the store.
• Fire safety. The insulation must not only be non-flammable or low-flammable, but also environmentally friendly. When choosing between synthetic and natural insulation, give preference to the latter.

Sawdust

Sawdust insulation can confidently be called a time-tested technology. In the USSR it was actively used, which is reflected in SNIP II-A.7-62 “Construction heating engineering. Design Standards" 1962. Moreover, sawdust-fill houses erected in the 19th century still stand and are in use today.

To be fair, it is worth noting that most old buildings have rather thin walls - about 10-12 cm, and in cold weather they have to be heavily heated. In modern houses, the layer of sawdust insulation is much thicker - 30-35 cm, and they fully comply with heat transfer resistance standards. But what makes progressive developers abandon polyurethane foam and stone wool in favor of wood waste?

Disadvantages of the high thermal conductivity of copper and its alloys

Copper has a much higher value than aluminum or brass. But meanwhile, this material has a number of disadvantages that are associated with its positive aspects. The high thermal conductivity of this metal forces the creation of special conditions for its processing. That is, copper billets must be heated more accurately than steel. In addition, there is often pre- or auxiliary heating before starting treatment. We must not forget that pipes made of copper imply that careful thermal insulation will be carried out. This is especially true for those cases when the heating supply system is assembled from these pipes. This significantly increases the cost of installation work. Certain difficulties arise when using gas welding. To get the job done, a more powerful tool is required. Sometimes, to process copper with a thickness of 8 - 10 mm, it may be necessary to use two or even three torches. In this case, one of them welds the copper pipe, and the rest are busy heating it. In addition, working with copper requires more consumables.

Working with copper requires the use of specialized tools. For example, when cutting parts made of bronze or brass with a thickness of 150 mm, you will need a cutter that can work with steel with a large amount of chrome. If it is used for processing copper, then the maximum thickness will not exceed 50 mm.

Advantages of sawdust

An important advantage of sawdust is its low cost.

A bag with a capacity of 50 liters costs on average 100-300 rubles, a compressed briquette weighing 20 kg will cost 200-230 rubles. And with some luck, you can get wood waste for free. Many industries are ready to give them away for free in order to save themselves the hassle of garbage disposal.

According to the thermal insulation characteristics of sawdust, covered with a layer of 10 cm, corresponds to 8-9 cm of mineral wool or 7 cm of polystyrene foam

However, the affordable price is not the only advantage of sawdust. This material has amazing durability.

Synthetic insulation materials, such as polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam, last on average about 30 years (PIR boards retain their stated characteristics for up to 50 years). Mineral wool “lives” a little longer - 50-70 years. Shredded wood can retain its performance properties for 100 years or even more.

It is also worth noting such a useful quality for insulation as vapor permeability.

Sawdust “breathes” perfectly, which has a beneficial effect on the microclimate of the house. In addition, the developer has the opportunity to save on vapor barrier membranes, which are simply not needed for this type of thermal insulation.

But that is not all. A house insulated with sawdust is never too damp or dry.

The fact is that crushed wood is able to absorb condensation if the air becomes too humid, and evaporate it in the opposite situation. Polymer materials cannot boast of this.

And finally, let us mention the environmental friendliness of sawdust. They do not emit unpleasant “chemical” odors and do not pose a threat to the health of the inhabitants of the house.

What is thermal conductivity and what is it like?

Any solid body requires a certain time to cool or warm up, and we are not talking about the surface of the body, but about its entire volume. Thus, thermal conductivity is the ability of a body to transmit thermal energy through a volume, while it is expressed quantitatively by a coefficient.

Metal materials have the highest thermal conductivity coefficients, while heat insulators, for example, foam plastic or brick, conduct heat hundreds of times worse.

The thermal conductivity coefficient determines the ability of a material to retain thermal energy. In the case of mineral wool and other similar insulation materials, we are talking about the amount of heat that is lost per square meter of area with a thickness of 1 m in 1 hour and a temperature difference of 1 degree Celsius.

To install a reliable layer of thermal insulation, insulation materials are chosen, including those based on mineral wool with the lowest thermal conductivity coefficients. Typically these are insulators with a cellular porous surface that can guarantee an optimal amount of heat.

It is believed that the more rigid the thermal insulation material, the lower its thermal conductivity.

For mineral wool slabs, thermal conductivity coefficients range between 0.032 and 0.039 W/(m°C). If we compare the frequently used foam plastic for thermal insulation with mineral wool, it becomes clear that the level of thermal conductivity of these materials is almost the same, despite the fact that in terms of quality characteristics the latter is noticeably inferior to insulation based on mineral wool.

Disadvantages of sawdust

Of course, speaking about the advantages of sawdust, we cannot help but talk about the disadvantages. The first and main one is fire hazard.

. Despite the fact that compacted insulation does not readily ignite and smolders rather than blazes with a bright flame, it is much more afraid of fire than other materials.

In a house insulated with sawdust, it is important to strictly follow fire safety rules and keep a fire extinguisher on hand. A fire alarm would also be a good idea.

When giving preference to wood insulation, you should take into account that mice can live inside frame walls.

However, this applies to all fill-in insulation. A fine-mesh metal mesh will provide reliable protection against rodents.

Another problem is susceptibility to rotting,

which can occur due to leaks, ineffective ventilation, etc.

And finally, the complexity of the installation process.

Sawdust cannot simply be poured out of a bag and left to its own devices. They will settle, decreasing in volume by one and a half to two times, and voids will form at the top of the walls, which will become bridges of cold. Tamping required. It is made using a small wooden block or cutting a board every 20 cm of material.

In addition, pouring with lime milk is advisable. It makes tamping more efficient and also serves as an antiseptic for the wood, preventing possible rotting.

Read more in the article “And there is sawdust in my wall...”

8

If you explain it on your fingers

For clarity and understanding of what thermal conductivity is, you can compare a brick wall, 2 m 10 cm thick, with other materials. Thus, 2.1 meters of brick laid into a wall using ordinary cement-sand mortar is equal to:

• a 0.9 m thick wall made of expanded clay concrete;
• timber, diameter 0.53 m;
• wall, 0.44 m thick, made of aerated concrete.

If we are talking about such common insulation materials as mineral wool and expanded polystyrene, then only 0.18 m of the first thermal insulation or 0.12 m of the second is required for the thermal conductivity values ​​of a huge brick wall to be equal to a thin layer of thermal insulation.

Comparative characteristics of the thermal conductivity of insulating, building and finishing materials, which can be done by studying SNiPs, allows you to analyze and correctly compose an insulating cake (base, insulation, finishing). The lower the thermal conductivity, the higher the price. A striking example is the walls of a house made of ceramic blocks or ordinary high-quality bricks. The former have a thermal conductivity of only 0.14 - 0.18 and are much more expensive than any of the best bricks.

Different materials have different thermal conductivity, and the lower it is, the less heat exchange between the internal environment and the external environment. This means that such a house remains warm in winter and cool in summer.

Thermal conductivity is a quantitative characteristic of the ability of bodies to conduct heat. In order to be able to make comparisons, as well as accurate calculations during construction, we present the figures in the table of thermal conductivity, as well as strength and vapor permeability of most building materials.

Straw

The design of the wall of a domed house insulated with straw blocks
It is difficult to believe that in the twenty-first century builders still use straw, but nevertheless it is so. Threshed, crushed and well-dried stems, pressed into blocks, can serve as both thermal insulation and wall material. “Bricks” are laid between the frame posts and plastered both outside and inside.

Straw blocks have many advantages. These are high thermal insulation characteristics, the ability to absorb irritating noise, low weight, and, importantly, low price. The average cost of one block 36 × 46 × 75 cm is 150-300 rubles.

Unfortunately, there are also many disadvantages - flammability, “phobia of water”, susceptibility to biological damage and low load-bearing capacity. Turning to straw when constructing a year-round residential building is quite risky. But in small summer buildings it can be used without fear.

Important!

The frame can only be filled with straw blocks after the roof has been erected. This is necessary to protect the material from getting wet.

Rye straw is considered the best raw material for the block (rodents do not like it), but wheat straw is also used. The optimal size of the “brick” is 40 x 50 x 50 cm

9

Practical application of thermal conductivity coefficient

The thermal conductivity coefficient is necessary to calculate the volume of insulation in a climate zone.
After a theoretical comparison of materials, it is necessary to take into account their division into thermal insulation and structural groups. Structural raw materials have the highest heat transfer indices, so they are suitable for the construction of ceilings, fences or walls.

Without using raw materials with insulation properties, you will need to lay a thick layer of thermal insulation. Referring to the thermal conductivity table, you can determine that low heat transfer of reinforced concrete structures will only occur if their thickness is 6 m. The finished house will be bulky, may sink under the soil, and construction costs will not pay off even after 50 years.

Sufficient thickness of the thermal insulation layer is 50 cm.

The use of thermal insulation materials reduces construction costs and reduces overpayments for energy in winter. When purchasing insulation, you need to take into account thermal conductivity parameters, main characteristics, cost and ease of self-installation.

Review of hygroscopicity of thermal insulation

High hygroscopicity is a disadvantage that needs to be eliminated.
Hygroscopicity is the ability of a material to absorb moisture, measured as a percentage of its own weight of insulation. Hygroscopicity can be called the weak side of thermal insulation and the higher this value, the more serious measures will be required to neutralize it. The fact is that water, getting into the structure of the material, reduces the effectiveness of the insulation. Comparison of hygroscopicity of the most common thermal insulation materials in civil engineering:

A comparison of the hygroscopicity of home insulation showed the high moisture absorption of foam insulation, while this thermal insulation has the ability to distribute and remove moisture. Thanks to this, even when wet by 30%, the thermal conductivity coefficient does not decrease. Despite the fact that mineral wool has a low percentage of moisture absorption, it especially needs protection. Having absorbed the water, it holds it, preventing it from leaving. At the same time, the ability to prevent heat loss is catastrophically reduced.

To prevent moisture from entering the mineral wool, vapor barrier films and diffusion membranes are used. Basically, polymers are resistant to prolonged exposure to moisture, with the exception of ordinary polystyrene foam, which quickly deteriorates

In any case, water does not benefit any thermal insulation material, so it is extremely important to exclude or minimize their contact

What properties of Penoplex determine the high level of consumer demand?

When choosing a material, its unique low thermal conductivity, light weight, simple installation and long service life are taken into account.

• New generation extruded polystyrene foam thermal insulation differs from polystyrene foam in its perfectly homogeneous structure, resistance to compression loads and other adverse external influences.
• For all its advantages, mineral wool has strict weight restrictions. Therefore, to insulate devices that do not have a sufficient safety margin, lightweight materials based on polystyrene foam are used.

The disadvantages of Penoplex Facade, which you can buy from our company at any time of the year - zero vapor permeability and fairly low heat resistance, are partially or fully compensated by the use of façade systems with slot ventilation and the installation of heat-resistant protective and decorative coatings.

As for the insulation of underground structures, including foundation ones, in this case moisture- and frost-resistant polystyrene foam does not have a worthy alternative.

The strength of the foundation lining is sufficient to protect the waterproofing from damage by seasonal movements of heaving soils. The range of polystyrene foam insulation includes panels of different sizes: from 30 to 100 mm thick. In most central regions, panels with a thickness of 50-60 mm are in high demand. You can buy Penoplex 50 mm in Moscow with significant discounts at promotional and seasonal sales of building materials.

Density and thermal conductivity of thermal insulation in the form of plates and segments

The table shows the density values ​​and temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity of thermal insulation molded in the form of slabs, segments, etc., as well as their maximum operating temperature.

Thermal insulation density, thermal conductivity and temperature are indicated for such thermal insulation as: diatom segments, sovelite segments and shells, newel shells, asbestos cement segments, vulcanite slabs, vermiculite shells, foam concrete segments, foam glass slabs, cork segments, peat segments, mineral wool segments, alfol smooth sheets (segments), corrugated aluminum foil (segments), ball insulation backfilled into segments, rod thermal insulation backfilled into segments (porcelain rods with a diameter of 0.5 mm).

The lightest thermal insulation is alfol; according to the table, it has a density of 200 kg/m3 and a maximum operating temperature of up to 500°C. High-temperature thermal insulation (up to 2000°C) includes ball and rod insulation. However, such thermal insulation has a high density and low thermal conductivity, equal to 0.23...0.39 W/(m deg). The thermal conductivity of thermal insulation depends on temperature. The table presents formulas for the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity of thermal insulation and its maximum operating temperature.

Note: to calculate the thermal conductivity coefficient from the dependencies in the table, it is necessary to enter the temperature in degrees Celsius.

Types and characteristics

The range of mineral wool is quite diverse and can satisfy the needs of even the most demanding consumer.

"Rocklight"

This type is characterized by low weight and standard dimensions of minislabs, as well as a low content of formaldehyde and phenol. Due to its durability, the material is widely used for insulating country houses and cottages, allowing for a long time without worrying about repairing thermal insulation.

The slabs are suitable for finishing vertical and inclined surfaces and can be used to insulate attics and attics. The material has excellent vibration resistance and is neutral to alkalis. The slabs are not of interest to rodents and insects and are not prone to fungus.

“Rocklight” is distinguished by high thermal resistance: a 12 cm thick layer of mini-slab is equivalent to a thick brick wall 70 cm wide. The insulation is not subject to deformation and wrinkles, and during the freezing-thawing process it does not settle or swell.

"Technoblock"

Medium-density basalt material used for installation on layered masonry and frame walls. Recommended for use as the inner layer of a ventilated facade as part of two-layer thermal insulation. The density of the material is from 40 to 50 kg/m3, which guarantees excellent sound and heat insulation properties of this type of slabs.

"Technoruf"

High-density mineral wool designed for insulation of reinforced concrete floors and metal roofing. Sometimes used to insulate floors that are not equipped with a concrete screed. The slabs have a slight slope, necessary to drain moisture to the drainage areas, and are covered with fiberglass.

"Technovent"

A non-shrinking board of increased rigidity, used for insulation of ventilated external systems, and also used as an intermediate layer in plastered facades.

"Technoflor"

The material is intended for insulation of floors subject to severe weight and vibration loads. Indispensable for arranging gyms, production workshops and warehouses. The cement screed is poured over the mineral slabs. The material has low moisture absorption and is often used in combination with a “warm floor” system.

Mineral wool used for external heat and sound insulation of brick and concrete walls under plaster.

"Technoacoustic"

A distinctive feature of the material is the chaotic weave of fibers, which gives it excellent soundproofing characteristics. Basalt slabs cope well with airborne, impact and structural noise, absorbing sound and providing reliable acoustic protection of the room up to 60 dB. The material has a density of 38 to 45 kg/m3 and is used for interior decoration.

"Heat roll"

Rolled material with high sound insulation properties and having a width from 50 to 120 cm, a thickness from 4 to 20 cm and a density of 35 kg/m3. It is used in the construction of private houses as a thermal insulator for pitched roofs and ceilings.

"Techno T"

The material has a narrow specialization and is used for thermal insulation of technological equipment. The slabs have increased hardness and high heat resistance, allowing the mineral wool to easily withstand temperatures from minus 180 to plus 750 degrees. This allows you to isolate gas ducts, electric precipitators and other engineering systems.

STRIP FOUNDATION without insulation and with foam glass crushed stone

Classic strip foundation, buried below the freezing level

Strip foundation using foam glass crushed stone

Efficiency of multilayer structures

Density and thermal conductivity

Currently, there is no building material whose high load-bearing capacity would be combined with low thermal conductivity. The construction of buildings based on the principle of multilayer structures allows:

• comply with design standards for construction and energy conservation;
• keep the dimensions of enclosing structures within reason;
• reduce material costs for the construction of the facility and its maintenance;
• achieve durability and maintainability (for example, when replacing one sheet of mineral wool).

The combination of structural and thermal insulation materials ensures strength and reduces thermal energy loss to an optimal level. Therefore, when designing walls, calculations take into account each layer of the future enclosing structure.

It is also important to take into account the density when building a house and when insulating it. The density of a substance is a factor influencing its thermal conductivity and ability to retain the main heat insulator - air

The density of a substance is a factor that affects its thermal conductivity and ability to retain the main heat insulator - air.

Calculation of wall thickness and insulation

Calculation of wall thickness depends on the following indicators:

• density;
• calculated thermal conductivity;
• heat transfer resistance coefficient.

According to established standards, the value of the heat transfer resistance index of external walls must be at least 3.2λ W/m •°C.

Calculation of the thickness of walls made of reinforced concrete and other structural materials is presented in Table 2. Such building materials have high load-bearing characteristics, they are durable, but they are ineffective as thermal protection and require an irrational wall thickness.

table 2

Structural and thermal insulation materials are capable of being subjected to fairly high loads, while significantly increasing the thermal and acoustic properties of buildings in wall enclosing structures (Table 3.1, 3.2).

Table 3.1

Table 3.2

Thermal insulation building materials can significantly increase the thermal protection of buildings and structures. The data in Table 4 shows that the lowest values ​​of the thermal conductivity coefficient are found in polymers, mineral wool, and slabs made from natural organic and inorganic materials.

Table 4

The values ​​of the tables of thermal conductivity of building materials are used in calculations:

• thermal insulation of facades;
• general building insulation;
• insulating materials for roofing;
• technical insulation.

The task of choosing optimal materials for construction, of course, implies a more comprehensive approach. However, even such simple calculations already at the first stages of design make it possible to determine the most suitable materials and their quantities.

How to choose materials for thermal insulation at home

Note that there is no universal best insulation. For each individual case, you need to select the appropriate material.

To figure out how to choose thermal insulation for your home, consider its types:

Mineral wool. Easy to install and insulates well. But it cannot withstand pressure and is not suitable for wet areas. Depending on the type of raw material from which it is produced, there are stone (basalt), glass and slag. Basalt-based home insulation is completely non-flammable and does not chip. Glass wool has two main advantages: it is non-flammable and very cheap. But working with it is not at all comfortable, since the material is itchy and causes allergies. Slag wool is only suitable for attics and non-residential buildings as it is not environmentally friendly.

• Foam glass
  . Available in blocks, durable. This is a new and expensive material.
• Styrofoam
  . Its popularity is determined by its low price. Does not absorb moisture, is partially vapor permeable, does not rot, does not mold. Durable. But it has low strength. Rodents love to build nests in polystyrene foam. The optimal density is 25 kg/m2.
• Expanded polystyrene
  . This insulation is made from the same material as foam, but it is modern and more durable. Used for walls, foundations, flat roofs. At the same time it provides moisture insulation. Currently, polystyrene foam is the leader in the thermal insulation rating.
• Sheet polyurethane foam
  . Its properties are similar to expanded polystyrene, but it is breathable and easily absorbs water.
• Foam
  . It is made on the basis of polyurethane foam or penoizol. Good for insulating walls outside. Covers the surface completely, without cold bridges, due to which the walls after treatment have minimal thermal conductivity. But insulation in this way is expensive - the technology requires the use of special equipment and qualified personnel.
• Foamed polyethylene foam
  . There is PPE or NPE. Take only PPE - it is more durable. It is used for insulating pipes, internal walls, and floors. There are options with reflective foil film.

Important characteristics:

• Thermal conductivity
  . Shows how much heat in watts the material will lose. The lower the coefficient, the better. The average value is 0.038–0.046 W/mK.
• Vapor permeability
  . The ability of the material to breathe, allowing moisture vapor to pass through. Quality required for timber structures.
• Shrinkage
  . It is desirable that it be minimal or absent. Otherwise, over time, under the influence of its own mass, the thermal insulation will decrease in volume and deteriorate its properties.
• Hygroscopicity
  . Determines the ability of a material to absorb water vapor. Materials with high hygroscopicity are less effective because liquid increases thermal conductivity. Also, such insulation cannot be used in damp places.

• Operating temperature
  . Correctly selected insulation for this parameter will serve with high quality and for a long time. For example, in the northern regions frosts can reach -40 and -50 °C. In summer, metal roofs heat up to 80–90 °C.
• Flammability
  . Insulation materials are flammable and non-flammable. Indoors it is better to use non-flammable or low-flammable ones. Also, non-combustible insulation materials should be used in fire hazardous areas.
• Environmental friendliness
  . Important for use in residential areas. Environmentally friendly materials do not emit harmful substances.
• Firms
  . There are a lot of manufacturers of high-quality thermal insulation. Among the brands that have proven their effectiveness are the following: Rockwool, Isoroc, Energoflex, Penoplex, Akterm Nord, TechnoNIKOL, URSA, Hotrock, KNAUF, Isover, Ecostroy.