Types of insulation for the walls of a house from the inside: materials for insulation and their characteristics. The best thermal insulation materials: types and properties New generation reinforced house insulation

Modern thermal insulation has all the characteristics to protect our home. With the arrival of cold weather, every building and structure needs its own thermal insulation to provide a comfortable living space for the people living in it. It is very important to carry out the insulation process correctly for your private home so that it does not have dangerous “thermal bridges” that remove heat from you and can harm your home.

In this article, we will try to provide you with information about modern thermal insulation materials to help you choose the best one for your needs.

What is modern thermal insulation? This material should serve several functions, all of which relate to creating a comfortable and healthy atmosphere in your living space.

Requirements for modern thermal insulation

The main requirements for modern thermal insulation materials are:

1. Thermal conductivity. The best insulation materials should have the lowest thermal conductivity to reduce the overall heat transfer coefficient. Thus, less insulating material will be required. Gas is one of the best insulating materials. The insulating properties of commercially available insulation materials are determined by the amount of gas retained within the material and the number of gas pockets.

Therefore, the higher the number of cells (which can support gas stagnation) and the smaller their size, the lower the thermal conductivity of such an insulating material. Cells holding gas should not be connected to each other, as this leads to convection of heat. So, we need high thermal characteristics - the better the material insulates from low temperatures winter and high temperatures in summer are better.

2. Vapor permeability moisture. The best modern insulation materials should have very low permeability to moisture. Thus, water absorption becomes negligible. Moisture condensation and corrosion are reduced to a minimum. Do not confuse moisture permeability with vapor permeability. High vapor permeability - allows you to easily remove excess moisture from the premises to avoid the appearance of fungus and mold.

3.Low weight modern thermal insulation - will provide you with cheap transportation and ease of operation; there will be no need to strengthen walls, foundations, etc.

4. Resistance/installation functions. The insulation material must be resistant to water, solvents and chemicals. It must be durable and not lose its insulating effectiveness over time. The material should allow wide choose glue for its installation. Modern thermal insulation material should be easy to install, light and easy to handle.

It is advisable for installation work You can use regular tools. Modern insulation must be economical, with significant savings in initial cost, and it must also provide savings in long-term effectiveness.

Modern thermal insulation is environmentally friendly and durable

5. Security features. The insulating material must be rated as non-flammable and non-explosive. Flammability - the lower the flammability of a material, the less additional investment will be required. In the event of ignition of insulating material, combustion products must not form toxic impurities. Modern thermal insulation is an environmentally friendly product; the material must be safe for human health.

6. Choice of finish– the material must be able to decorate; the more variety of finishes you can use, the better.

7. Durability– a necessary condition for the long-term operation of modern thermal insulation material.

8. Price – good materials cannot be cheap, the optimal price-quality ratio is enough for us.

The most effective insulating materials:

• Expanded polystyrene;
• Extruded polystyrene foam;
• Basalt mineral wool;
• Laying density of aerated concrete;
• Penofol foil rolls;
• Ecowool;
• Foam glass;

Expanded polystyrene

The main advantage of thermal insulation boards when you are insulating with polystyrene foam is their small thickness. This material is suitable for any additional events for insulation and finishing without special training.

The advantages include the absence of reactions of polystyrene foam to soap compositions and mineral additives. Modern thermal insulation - polystyrene foam does not interact with bitumen mastics, cement mortars, lime, gypsum materials and asphalt emulsions. Resists aggressive attacks well groundwater, is not destroyed under their influence.

Modern thermal insulation polystyrene foam, this is the usual polystyrene foam

The guaranteed service life of this type of insulation is more than 25 years. It will always protect you from exposure ultraviolet radiation, foam plastics are very resistant to solar radiation.

Its only big drawback is that it is a highly flammable material. It is not recommended to insulate with expanded polystyrene wooden houses. In addition, you should avoid getting turpentine and acetone on polystyrene foam; many types of varnish, as well as drying oil, can completely dissolve this material. Expanded polystyrene also dissolves in all products created by oil distillation.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Modern thermal insulation - (XPS) consists of closed cells and provides improved surface roughness, higher rigidity and reduced thermal conductivity. If you like, extruded polystyrene foam is the older brother of expanded polystyrene.

Extruded foams are made by mixing polystyrene with a solvent, adding gas under pressure, and finally extruding the mixture to the desired thickness of the material. The extrusion process improves the characteristics of the final product.

Extruded polystyrene foam and the expanded polystyrene foam we have already discussed consist of the same substance, the difference is the technology for creating granules. As a result of the formation of independent pores during the extrusion process, mechanical resistance improves and the material becomes more homogeneous.

The material is inexpensive and has good thermal conductivity properties and characteristics. This type of insulation has a guaranteed lifespan of over 25 years, but tests have now shown that modern XPS insulation lasts up to 50 years.

Extruded polystyrene foam is highly flammable, so additional protection and ventilation must be provided. On the stage finishing works, any suitable material can be used, but when applying layers, for better adhesion, the XPS surface must be well prepared by creating roughness on it mechanically(scratch).

Mineral wool

Modern thermal insulation is quite expensive. It is not surprising that buyers’ demands for it are increased. Mineral wool has excellent vapor permeability and does not burn. Using this material, a so-called “protective” type of thermal insulation is created.

Thermal coating insulation is performed using fiber coverings. It is a durable, lightweight material made from alumina, zirconium and quartz ceramic fibers. Mineral wool has a high density, which ensures durability of more than 25 years. Another advantage is the possibility of finishing any types of building materials.

Modern thermal insulation aerated concrete

Super thick and heavy modern insulation, but it has good vapor permeability. Is not flammable material. It should also be noted that this material is structural and is a wall material. Aerated concrete will significantly reduce the relative cost of the share of thermal insulation in building construction. It is possible to use lightweight aerated concrete.

Modern thermal insulation is aerated concrete, easy to process with the usual tools.

Penofol foil rolls

Modern thermal insulation foil penofol. Thermal insulating film rolls (polyethylene foam with glued foil on one or both sides) have good heat resistance and weight. Quite an expensive material compared to other types of thermal insulation. A prominent representative of thermal insulation is the brand - cellular, foamed polyethylene foam.

Thermal insulation of building walls with film rolls makes the process even more expensive, since additional investments have to be made in ventilation systems and ventilation measures.

Modern thermal insulation foil-lined penofol.

Properties of this material (no adhesion polymer materials and cement) greatly limit the choice of finishes and reduce the range of applications where it can be used.

The presence of foil on both sides of this insulating material does not affect the thermal resistance of the walls, a slight improvement in thermal resistance is only observed in an enclosed air space, the effect of which is measured within the mathematical error. The material is rarely used in the layers of a building structure. This is mainly roof finishing.

Ecowool

Inexpensive and very practical modern thermal insulation. made from cellulose, so its main advantage is quite obvious - it is natural, very environmentally friendly pure material. Due to its friability and weak bearing capacity a wide choice of finishes is not possible. Ecowool can be diluted with water and poured into brickwork(creating a so-called “well”) or spray into the frame of the frame structure using special equipment.

Modern thermal insulation of walls with ecowool.

The flammability of this material prohibits its use in mass construction. The guaranteed service life of this type of insulation is about 10-15 years.

Foam glass FOAMGLAS

Unique modern thermal insulation Foam glass FOAMGLAS®. Life time thermal insulation material is practically unlimited. Modern thermal insulation does not age. Saves physical properties throughout the entire life of the building. The exceptional insulation properties of FOAMGLAS® show effectiveness even in extreme conditions.

modern thermal insulation FOAMGLAS®

Foam glass is used as an insulating material and has the following advantages:

• high fire resistance;
• high resistance to microbiological attack;
• good resistance to most chemicals;
• high temperature resistance;
• available in a variety of presentations (eg blankets, mats, loose fill and slabs);
• low thermal conductivity.

Modern fiberglass insulation is available in rolls of varying thicknesses, also called blankets and mats. The width of blankets and mats will depend on how they need to be installed, and some face foil or kraft paper on one side to act as vapor barriers.

However, the main technical limitations of fiberglass as insulation are:

• poor structural strength or compressive strength;
• tendency to install after installation if not installed properly;
• its permeability to moisture.

Rigid panels can be made with compressed fiberglass. These lightweight insulation boards have relatively high R-values ​​for their thickness.

We hope this article has helped you in case you are looking for some information about modern insulation materials.

Insulation for interior walls home is enough actual question for country houses, because their walls are usually quite thin and do not retain heat well. To reduce heating costs country house, it is necessary to properly insulate the structure. If external insulation is not possible due to design features buildings, then thermal insulation is carried out from the inside. When choosing insulation for walls inside a country house, not only the price of the material is taken into account, but also its characteristics and installation features.

The choice of insulation for interior work is huge, but not all materials can be used for thermal insulation of walls Source strodom.ru

Advantages and disadvantages of internal insulation

This type of insulation has a number of disadvantages:

• Due to the size of the insulation, the useful area of ​​the room is reduced - for small rooms this is especially critical.
• Due to a shift in the dew point (condensation), if the technology is not followed, condensation and mold may appear on the walls.
• The premises cannot be used for living while work is being carried out.
• Cheap wall insulation can negatively affect human health.

But many people prefer this method, which is explained by its positive aspects. internal insulation:

• Work can be carried out regardless of weather conditions, which allows you to insulate the room several times faster.
• Internal insulation technology is cheaper than external insulation.
• It becomes possible to align the walls and change the interior of the room.

A shift in the dew point during internal wall insulation leads to the accumulation of condensation Source sovet-ingenera.com

The formation of condensation on the walls is the main problem of internal insulation. There are several methods to solve this:

• use a high-quality vapor barrier membrane;
• choose heat insulating material with minimal thermal conductivity;
• as finishing material It is better to use moisture-resistant drywall;
• organize additional ventilation in the room.

How to choose the right insulation

The choice of heat-insulating material is influenced by the characteristics of the room and the budget for the upcoming work.

Most often used for interior work:

• mineral wool;
• Styrofoam;
• penoplex;
• ecowool;
• sprayed materials.

When choosing a material for the internal insulation of a country house, a number of parameters should be taken into account:

• Thermal conductivity of insulation– the lower this indicator, the better.
• Frost resistance– country houses are not constantly heated in winter, so the insulation will inevitably be affected by low temperatures.
• Durability– having saved on insulation, you may be faced with the need to replace the insulation in 4–5 years.
• Environmental friendliness– the material for internal insulation should not emit harmful substances.

In addition, the compatibility of the insulation with the material from which the walls are made is also taken into account. The thickness of the insulation is calculated based on the thermal conductivity of the material itself, as well as the thickness and type of insulated walls.

There is often a temptation to choose the cheapest insulation for the walls inside a country house, without delving too deeply into the study of its characteristics and carrying out preliminary calculations. This approach leads to disappointment with the results of thermal insulation, the appearance additional problems in the form of mold, mildew, condensation.

the main problem if internal insulation is improper, mold will form Source alayam.com

But it doesn’t make sense to purchase the most expensive insulation or make several additional layers to insulate the walls in your dacha. Professionals who deal with such work regularly will help you find the golden mean and make competent calculations. A competent choice of insulation for interior work and adherence to technology is a real way to save money.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool for insulating walls inside the house is one of the most popular and widespread materials.

Mineral wool is the most popular material for insulation Source eurodach.lutsk.ua

It is a fibrous material. The fibers are formed by atomizing certain types of slag or basalt. Thanks to this production technology, the material is environmentally friendly and natural.

On our website you can find contacts construction companies who offer house insulation services. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.

Properties of mineral wool

Cotton wool does not burn, which is important when used in wooden houses.

Characteristics of different types of mineral wool Source pro-uteplenie.ru

This insulation has several more advantages:

• Resistance to biological organisms. Does not contribute to the formation of fungus and mold.
• Good soundproofing characteristics. Mineral wool fibers randomly superimposed on each other perfectly retain sound waves.
• It is not subject to shrinkage, which retains the properties of this type of insulation throughout its entire service life.
• The ability to allow air to pass through, which allows you to maintain a healthy indoor microclimate.

Proper functioning of the insulation is only possible in combination with additional moisture-proofing materials. When exposed to water, mineral wool loses some of its thermal insulation properties. Over time, mineral wool can disintegrate into fibers, which requires replacing the thermal insulation

It should be taken into account that mice and other small rodents can make nests and passages in glass wool. That's why country house Before insulation it is necessary to protect it from rodents.

Mice have chosen glass wool for making nests Source ecousadba.org

Features of mineral wool insulation: the need for additional materials

It is necessary to work with cotton wool using means personal protection– small particles of fibers can get on the mucous membranes and cause irritation.

With such insulation, the finishing material for finishing the walls is plasterboard. To attach it to the wall, a metal profile and hangers are used. Warming is carried out in the following order:

• Waterproofing is fixed to the wall - any will do roll material. Using a construction stapler, the waterproofing is attached to the wall; at the joints, the material is laid with an overlap of about 15 cm.
• Vertical markings are applied to the wall in increments of 60 cm for easy fastening of plasterboard sheets (its standard width is 120 cm).
• After marking, metal hangers are attached to the wall - dowel-nails are used for this.
• Mineral wool is placed on the hangers and the entire wall is sequentially filled.
• After this, metal profiles are attached to the hangers, and a vapor barrier film is attached to them.
• Drywall sheets are attached using self-tapping screws, and the joints are puttied.

The result is an insulated wall, ready for finishing. This can be either puttying and painting, or wallpapering.

Cost of mineral wool

Mineral wool is a relatively cheap insulation material. Sold in slabs or rolls. Standard sizes slabs:

• 800x600 mm;
• 1,000x600 mm;
• 1 200x600 mm;
• 1170x610 mm;
• 1250x610 mm.

The material in rolls can be selected in various lengths - from 5 to 12 m.

Cost per 1 sq. m of mineral wool is:

• 50 mm thick – from 50 to 100 rubles;
• 100 mm thick – from 105 to 210 rubles.

When choosing mineral wool, it is necessary to take into account not only the size of the slabs, the thickness of the insulation, but also the need for additional materials necessary for installation work.

Styrofoam

Budget material, almost 98% consisting of air. 2% comes from the main component of the raw material – polystyrene. Can be used as insulation for walls outside and inside a country house.

Specifications foam plastic Source probalcony.ru

Properties and advantages of polystyrene foam

Among the advantages of this material:

• Versatility and ease of installation. This material is used for insulation of any structures. It is easy to cut and installation does not take much time.
• Low price. One of the cheapest insulation materials.
• Safety. During operation, it does not generate dust or harmful fumes. You can work with it without protective equipment.

However, polystyrene foam is a flammable material; in direct contact with fire, the sheets easily catch fire and the release of harmful substances begins.

Advice! It is not advisable to insulate wooden buildings with polystyrene foam.

Does not allow steam to pass through and practically does not absorb moisture. A significant disadvantage is its attractiveness to rodents. Rats and mice easily make passages in the foam and create holes.

One of the disadvantages of polystyrene foam is flammability Source depstroi.ru

Features of wall insulation with foam plastic

Instead of guides metal profiles can be used wooden blocks. This method is very convenient when working with foam. The thickness of the foam sheet should be equal to the thickness of the bars, which will be guides for attaching the insulation between them.

Depending on the width of the foam, the step of fixing the bars to the wall is selected. Waterproofing is fixed over the surface of the entire resulting structure. Sheets of foam plastic are tightly inserted into the resulting recesses between the beams - this avoids additional fixation. If necessary, the joints are filled with polyurethane foam.

Video description

In this video we will take a closer look at insulating a house with polystyrene foam. How safe is polystyrene foam?

After filling the entire wall with insulation, it is covered with a protective vapor barrier. Sheets of plywood are fixed on top, the joints are puttied - the surface is ready for finishing.

Wall insulated with foam plastic Source stroyday.ru

Cost, foam sizes

Standard sizes of foam sheets:

• 1000x600 mm;
• 1200x600 mm.

Thickness can vary from 20 to 100 mm. The cost of polystyrene foam depends on the density of the material, manufacturer and region.

You can buy foam plastic 50 mm thick in Moscow from 50 rubles per 1 sq. m. m.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Thermal insulation material, the basis of which is polystyrene, as in polystyrene foam. But thanks to manufacturing technology, penoplex, technolex and other similar materials have better performance characteristics than their counterparts.

Comparison of the characteristics of polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam Source klub-masterov.ru

Main advantages:

• perfectly retains heat in the room;
• due to its small thickness, when insulating walls indoors, it practically does not reduce the usable area;
• light weight and ease of installation - properties similar to polystyrene foam;
• environmental friendliness - does not emit toxic substances and does not require protective equipment during installation work;
• accessibility - the material is relatively inexpensive.

This material is universal, used as insulation for walls outside a country house, inside, for floors and ceilings.

Video description

The video shows tests of penoplex for strength, fire safety in real conditions:

Penoplex insulation

Another popular insulation for walls inside the house is penoplex, the price and quality of which attract buyers with its good ratio.

This material can be attached to the wall without additional preparation. It does not need waterproofing because it does not allow water to pass through, but some experts say that the film will not be superfluous. Due to its small thickness, it can be attached using glue or dowel nails with large heads. After filling the wall with insulation, it is plastered.

This method of insulation is suitable for smooth walls. If there is a need to level the plane, then you cannot do without guides.

Walls insulated with penoplex Source market.sakh.com

Penoplex cost

Standard sizes of extruded polystyrene foam sheets:

• 1200x600 mm;
• 1185x585 mm;
• 1180x580 mm;
• 1180x600 mm;
• 2360x580 mm;
• 2500x600 mm.

The thickness of the insulation is from 10 to 100 mm (depending on the brand of material).

The price of insulation packaging depends on the size, thickness of the material, manufacturer and number of slabs in the package.

For example, Penoplex Comfort will cost:

• 1254 rubles for 18 slabs measuring 1185x585x20 mm;
• 1252 rubles for 12 sheets – 1185x585x30 mm;
• 1234 rubles for 9 slabs - 1200x600x40 mm.

Ecowool

Cellulose-based insulation, which is made from waste paper and paper waste. The bulk of the insulation is 80% cellulose fiber. There are additives that prevent combustion and proliferation of microorganisms - boric acid and borax. These additives are practically not harmful to humans.

Ecowool - safe insulation Source deal.by

Ecowool is a good thermal insulation material, which in its properties is practically not inferior to others. But it has much more significant disadvantages:

• Loss of thermal insulation properties over time - ecowool is subject to shrinkage.
• Costly installation. Spraying is carried out using special equipment. Basic skills in working with the material are required to obtain the correct layer of insulation.

Features of application

Various technologies are used to insulate ecowool:

• dry backfill;
• wet spraying;
• wet-adhesive plaster.

Each method has its own characteristics. To insulate walls, the wet method is most often used, which requires the use of special equipment, as well as an adhesive.

The use of special equipment for working with ecowool Source chrome-effect.ru

Cost of ecowool

Ecowool is packaged in sealed bags of 13–15 kg. The price for 1 kg of insulation is 30–40 rubles.

But material consumption depends not only on the desired thickness of the thermal insulation layer, but also on the skills of the performer and compliance with insulation technology.

Price issue

Mineral wool and polystyrene foam are the most inexpensive insulation materials for walls inside a house; the price will depend on the size of the insulated area and the method of installing the insulation. Penoplex is a more expensive material, but you don’t have to build a frame to attach it to the walls.

Choosing the type, size, thickness of insulation without specific experience and knowledge is not easy Source ursgroup.ru

The process of insulation with mineral wool and polystyrene foam is almost identical, and penoplex can compensate for its price with economical installation work.

The price of ecowool is low, but carrying out thermal insulation work will require the use of special equipment, which will increase costs.

Conclusion

The choice of insulation method and materials depends on many factors. Before starting work, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons between internal and external insulation, think about which thermal insulation material is suitable in a particular case, determine the thickness of the insulation, and the need for additional materials. Therefore, it is advisable to entrust the purchase of insulation to a competent contractor who will take into account all the features of the internal insulation technology and the wishes of the customer.

Many homeowners are faced with the problem of insulating their home, and, consequently, choosing a thermal insulation material. After all warm house- this is not only comfortable living, but also decent savings on heating. Practical owners take a responsible approach to choosing insulation. The most popular and available materials, which can be purchased without any problems at any hardware store, we discussed in previous articles.

And now let’s dwell on the new products of the modern market - innovative developments that are confidently entering our lives.

Liquid heat insulators: CORUND, Izolat, Teplomet, Astratek and others

Liquid insulation in Russia is produced by several companies, therefore trade marks have different names. But the essence of their action is the same, and the general names are thermal paint or liquid ceramic thermal insulation. Externally, it is a viscous white suspension with good adhesion to any type of surface. The liquid insulation is applied with a brush, roller or spray. The result is a thin, elastic, durable polymer coating that can significantly reduce heat loss.


Thermal paint reflects and scatters radiation, it is not harmed by UV rays in any way, it is ideal for insulating structures with high temperatures. The composition of liquid heat insulators includes ceramic microspheres filled with rarefied air and an acrylic binder component. In addition, fire retardant additives are introduced into this mixture to prevent corrosion and fungus formation.

The invention of thermal paint made it possible to obtain a long-sought set of properties: this heat insulator is lightweight, flexible, applied in a thin layer, stretches and is suitable for any surface.


Advantages:

• saves usable space;
• has a high thermal insulation ability;
• has low weight;
• hides noise well;
• protects not only from cold, but also from summer heat;
• easy to apply;
• safe for human health and does not harm the environment.

Thermal paint can be used to insulate walls, floors and roofs. In addition, it is suitable for surfaces with complex geometries (slopes, pipes, shut-off valves, containers different forms). After painting the facades of buildings, you can carry out subsequent finishing cladding, and after applying it to the walls from the inside, you can glue wallpaper.

The only disadvantage of liquid thermal insulation is the price. But there are all prerequisites that with the development and spread of the technology for its creation, thermal paint will become more accessible.

Plastmigran

Plastmigran is new material, created on the basis of mineral wool and polystyrene dust. After mixing the components, the composition is placed in a metal module with perforation, where under high pressure blown with steam. The absence of chemical additives ensures that the material is environmentally friendly. Plastigran is durable, waterproof and fire resistant.

Plastigran is literally devoid of disadvantages. But due to the high cost of equipment for its production, it was not widely used. Externally, these are thin plates or molded products that are easy and convenient to install.


plastic.

Flaws:

• for better adhesion to the base, degreasing with special chemical compounds is required;
• high cost of production;
• shortage in the domestic market;
• high price.

Plastigran is perhaps the most unfamiliar word for potential clients interested in thermal insulation materials. But many experts are confident that the future lies with it.

Teplolen

This insulation is not so new, but we included it in the list of innovations due to the fact that in our country few people are familiar with it, despite all its positive qualities. So, what is teplolen? This is an insulating material created on the basis of flax fiber.

Linen has long been known for its unique properties: linen clothes are warm in winter and cool in summer. These abilities were taken into account when creating the heating plant. In order for the insulation to keep its shape, 15% of the thermal bonding fiber is introduced into the flax fibers.


The material will certainly be of interest to people interested in creating an eco-friendly home. Installation of a heating system does not involve the creation of a vapor barrier; it perfectly regulates moisture exchange and also has bactericidal properties, which is especially valuable when we're talking about about wooden buildings. Thermal insulation is installed similarly to other fiber insulation materials. And its price is comparable to the price of extruded polystyrene.


So, the advantages:

• environmental friendliness;
• good heat and sound insulation properties;
• ensuring a comfortable microclimate due to smooth changes in temperature and humidity;
• absence of painful microflora;
• simplicity and familiarity of installation;
• no shrinkage;
• durability.

Teplolen is very popular in Finland, there are three factories producing it. And in Russia, insulation has just begun to conquer the market, but they are already predicting a great future for it.

Modern variations of fiberboard: Green Board®

Many will say that fiberboard is not an innovation, but a well-forgotten old thing, because it was produced back in Soviet times, and in the West has long been known as WWCB plates. But the material we will be talking about is an improved fiberboard created on the basis of wood fiber, liquid glass and Portland cement.

This insulation has unique property: Its temperature begins to change only 10 hours after the outside temperature changes. So, in hot weather, fiberboard will warm up only in the evening, while mineral wool will warm up in about a couple of hours.


Advantages.

One of the primary tasks that is solved at the stage of construction or renovation of commercial and private housing is its insulation. Today it is a question not so much of comfort as of saving on expensive energy resources. Therefore, all kinds of wall insulation materials that are used inside and outside buildings are more relevant than ever.

Market of thermal insulation materials

Modern market thermal insulation materials shows high growth rates. The reason is the proven effectiveness of using energy-saving technologies, which allows saving on heating resources up to 40%. This problem is usually solved comprehensively, but one of the important stages Thermal insulation of walls and facades with the following materials is invariably:

• mineral and glass wool;
• cellulose insulation;
• expanded polystyrene (foam);
• fiberboard;
• liquid ceramic insulation;
• cork and other materials.

When choosing insulation for walls, buyers pay attention to thermal conductivity, cost per unit area, complexity of installation and performance characteristics.

Mineral wool is an affordable and popular insulation material. This is a material with a chaotic fibrous structure, obtained by melting igneous and metamorphic rocks. rocks. Mineral wool is used for insulation frame structures and walls intended for different degrees loads, contours of structures and structures. Its advantages:

• high resistance to fire;
• low thermal conductivity;
• biological and chemical stability;
• soundproofing of premises;
• the ability to repel moisture without becoming saturated with it (hydrophobicity);
• mechanical strength;
• resistance to temperature deformation;
• ease of installation.

And now about the disadvantages of mineral wool. This insulation contains harmful components that negatively affect the human body. The respiratory organs, skin and mucous membranes are especially susceptible to them. Phenol in mineral wool, which is used to insulate walls, causes nausea, weakness and headaches. To prevent the harmful effects of this building material, it is isolated from direct contact with the air circulating in the room.

Properties and characteristics of glass wool

Glass wool is a type mineral insulation. Glass industry waste is used in its production. Glass wool consists entirely of fibrous inclusions and is characterized by high elasticity, strength and vibration resistance. Its thermal conductivity varies from 0.030 to 0.052 W/(m K).

Glass wool is available for sale in the form of mats and rolls. Thanks to the pressing technology, when rolled or compressed, it occupies a small volume, which simplifies its transportation, storage and installation at a construction site. Properties of glass wool:

• high sound insulation ability;
• mechanical strength;
• flexibility and elasticity;
• resistance to mold and mildew;
• environmental Safety.

The main disadvantage of glass wool is the need to strictly observe personal safety precautions when working with it. Thin and sharp fibers are prone to fragility, and when they get on the skin or mucous membranes, they cause irritation, injuring them. Therefore, it is necessary to treat glass wool walls in special clothing that does not leave exposed areas of the body (the use of gloves is mandatory!).

Properties and characteristics of cellulose insulation

Ecowool, or cellulose insulation, is a loose and lightweight insulating material that covers walls, roofs, partitions and individual structures. 80% of its composition is made up of paper waste (recycled waste paper), the rest is boric acid or borax, which provides low combustion ability.

The popularity of cellulose as insulation is due to its affordable cost and environmental friendliness (it gives a second life to waste that litters the planet). Its main characteristics:

• density - 30-65 kg/m3;
• thermal conductivity - 0.032-0.041 W/(m K);
• vapor permeability - 0.3 mg/(m h Pa);
• sound absorption - 36-45 dB.

Cellulose does not cause corrosion of metals in contact with it, has low air permeability, is hypoallergenic and hygienic. During installation, it fills the available hollow spaces, forming a seamless covering on the wall. When laying using the dry method, you can work with sub-zero temperature.

Advantages of expanded polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene is a synthetic gas-filled material based on polystyrene, which is foamed with vapors of low-boiling liquids. It looks like a huge amount of fine-cellular granules sintered together. The higher the density of the material, the more durable it is. Other properties of polystyrene foam for wall insulation:

• low thermal conductivity - 0.028-0.034 W/(m K);
• mechanical strength;
• chemical and biological resistance;
• low vapor and moisture permeability;
• sound absorption ability;
• long service life (up to 30 years).

Extruded polystyrene foam: properties and characteristics

Extruded polystyrene foam for walls has the same structure as pressed polystyrene, but the closed pores are smaller - 0.1-0.2 mm. The main thing that distinguishes these two materials is the technology for making granules. Because of it, extruded polystyrene foam received less flexibility and safety margin than the foamed variety, a different vapor permeability - 0.013 mg/(m h Pa), but retained high performance thermal conductivity - 0.029-0.034 W/(m K).

Properties and characteristics of fiberboard

Fibrolite is insulation in the form of slabs made from wood fibers and binders. The cut shows a base made of natural fibers and a layer of Portland cement (60 and 40%, respectively). Characteristics of fiberboard for walls:

• thermal conductivity - 0.08-0.1 W/(m K);
• humidity - up to 20%;
• water absorption - 35-40%;
• bending strength - 0.5-1.3 MPa.

Fibrolite is a non-flammable insulation, provides excellent sound insulation, does not rot, is not affected by fungus and mold, and has a service life of up to 60 years.

Eco-friendly cork materials

If you choose environmental insulation for walls, you should pay attention to cork materials. They are 100% natural, as they are extracted from oak bark. The structure of the cork sheet resembles micro-cells that are filled with gases.

The heat transfer coefficient of cork is 0.043-0.050 W/(m K). The insulation does not burn, does not rot and does not absorb foreign odors. It withstands temperature changes, absorbs sounds and vibration, and can be easily installed on the wall without special knowledge or tools.

Liquid ceramic insulation: properties and characteristics

Liquid ceramic insulation is a modern insulation in the form of a liquid suspension-foam. This is an innovative product that replaces classic solutions to reduce heat loss through walls. The coating is flexible and dense, evenly filling accessible cavities. Maximum effect thermal insulation is achieved due to vacuum in the microcavities of the substance.

Advantages of liquid ceramic insulation as wall insulation:

• high anti-corrosion properties;
• durability (up to 15 years);
• wide range of operating temperatures;
• flexibility during thermal expansion;
• ease of application;
• environmental friendliness.

Liquid foam made from a polymer resin that hardens in air. To apply it, you must use special equipment. This is a practical and inexpensive option to reduce heat loss through walls, roofing or foundations. Liquid foam has the following properties:

• excellent adhesion to any surfaces and materials;
• minimal preparation of the base (cleaning and drying the wall);
• high vapor permeability;
• absence overpressure after drying;
• Easy application and removal of excess.

Liquid foam is ideal as insulation for horizontal and inclined surfaces, but has also proven itself in wall insulation.

When building houses, our ancestors paid little attention to thermal insulation. Because of this, a lot of energy had to be spent on keeping the rooms warm. And finding a suitable material with good thermal insulation qualities was not easy before. Today, all homeowners understand the need to insulate their homes, as energy prices are constantly rising. Thanks to development chemical industry on construction market Many affordable and effective thermal insulators have appeared. They differ in price, installation method, technical parameters. Therefore, the choice has become richer and more complex. What properties should the consumer pay attention to first?

1. To create a cozy microclimate inside the building, you can insulate the outside or inside of the building. For a private home, insulation from the outside looks optimal, but apartment owners are often forced to install thermal insulation inside the premises.
2. The main criterion for good insulation is low thermal conductivity. The lower the coefficient, the better the material retains heat inside the house. However, few people want to live in a warm but humid room. Therefore, a heat insulator is selected with good air permeability, but at the same time it should not allow moisture inside.
3. When choosing a material, do not forget about safety. The insulation must be fire-resistant, resistant to biodestruction and environmentally friendly.
4. The price factor often plays a decisive role. Sometimes you have to sacrifice some qualities due to a limited budget.

Our review included the best insulation materials for home. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:

• affordability;
• specifications;
• scope of application;
• expert opinion;
• user reviews.

The best insulation in the form of plates and rolls

The most popular insulation materials are still traditional slabs and rolls. They allow you to independently create a thermal insulation layer outside and inside the house, saving on the work of builders. At the same time, you should remember about the joints and cold bridges through which cold can penetrate into the house.

5 Foam glass

The highest thermal insulation properties
Average price: 985 rub. (0.27 sq. m., 0.027 cubic meters.)
Rating (2019): 4.6

Foam glass is one of the most modern and effective heat insulators. Solid cellular panels are suitable for insulating foundations, walls and roofs. In some Western countries foam glass blocks are becoming the main building material, which is used to build walls. In our country, panels are usually attached externally to brick or concrete foundations. Thanks to the set useful properties foam glass not only protects the house from the cold, but also from noise. The noise absorption level reaches 56 dB. The material does not absorb moisture, is not subject to biodestruction, and is resistant to large temperature changes.

Builders note such positive properties of foam glass as excellent thermal insulation qualities, environmental friendliness, strength, fire resistance, chemical and biological resistance, and durability. However, due to the high price, the material is not often used in private housing construction.

4 Glass wool

The most famous insulation
Average price: 795 rub. (15 sq. m., 0.75 cubic meters)
Rating (2019): 4.7

Glass wool has been used in construction for a very long time. This thermal insulation material is obtained by melting minerals such as sand, dolomite, soda, limestone, and waste from the glass industry. Glass wool was especially popular in the construction of wooden houses. This is due to reliable protection against rodents. And now wooden or frame buildings are insulated using glass wool. The material is sold in the form of slabs and rolls. When working with this heat insulator, it is important to follow safety precautions, using goggles, a respirator and gloves.

Despite the somewhat archaic nature of glass wool, professional builders use it because of several advantages. These are fire resistance, excellent insulating ability, versatility, low price and ease of installation. The disadvantages of the material are the fragility of sharp fibers, severe shrinkage and danger to the body.

3 Extruded polystyrene foam (sandwich panel)

Modern insulation for slopes
Average price: 573 rub. (1.25 sq. m., 0.0125 cubic meters.)
Rating (2019): 4.8

A lot of heat loss in the house occurs through window units. Therefore, when installing windows, builders insulate the slopes. A very effective heat insulator is a sandwich panel made of extruded polystyrene foam. It not only prevents heat loss, but also gives the window unit a finished look. The panel consists of two thin layers PVC, between which there is 10 mm thick polystyrene foam. Slopes made from such sandwich panels are not afraid of moisture, and fungus or mold does not appear on them. For builders, the use of sandwich panels is the best option in terms of speed of window installation. Turnkey windows with slopes can be delivered within one day.

Extruded polystyrene foam in the form of sandwich panels has become a popular thermal insulator. Installers note such advantages as the speed of design of window blocks, moisture resistance, environmental friendliness and durability. The disadvantages include the high price.

2 Foam

The most popular and affordable insulation
Average price: 300 rub. (2 sq. m., 0.2 cubic meters.)
Rating (2019): 4.8

Foam plastic is extremely popular in private housing construction. This is explained by the availability of the material and good insulating qualities. White and light panels are obtained by steam foaming polystyrene. Experts consider water resistance to be one of the important advantages of polystyrene foam. Therefore, over the years, mold or mildew will not appear in the insulator. In addition, the thermal insulation does not shrink over time, installing the panels is convenient and simple, and further finishing is quite easy. When choosing polystyrene foam, it is necessary to take into account the density of the proposed product. The material can be used for insulating wooden, brick, gas silicate walls, and also lay it under the siding.

The advantages of polystyrene foam for builders include moisture resistance, a light weight, low thermal conductivity and ease of installation. Obvious disadvantages are flammability, fragility and poor sound insulation.

1 Mineral wool

The best universal insulation
Average price: 480 rub. (3 sq. m., 0.15 cubic meters)
Rating (2019): 4.9

The most versatile thermal insulation material, according to professional builders, is mineral wool. Insulation can be used for both external and internal insulation. This heat insulator is used to finish walls, partitions, floors and roofs. Mineral wool is made from metallurgical slag or basalt by pressing and heat treatment. Therefore, the material is often called stone or basalt wool. Thanks to the fibrous structure, which is filled with air, it turns out reliable protection from the penetration of cold masses into the house. Mineral wool is available in the form of rolls or slabs.

Behind for a long time the existence of mineral wool has found many adherents. They note such advantages of the material as affordable price, low thermal conductivity, durability, environmental friendliness and fire resistance. One of the disadvantages of insulation is hygroscopicity.

The best spray insulation

Continuous thermal insulation is gaining popularity. It can be created using sprayed materials. This type of insulation has no joints or cold bridges. Only special equipment is required to apply the heat insulator.

3 Penoizol

Vapor permeability, no expansion
Average price: 1500 rub. (1 cubic meter)
Rating (2019): 4.7

Penoizol has become one of the popular liquid insulation materials. It is a urea-formaldehyde foam, which is sold in cylinders. When applied to building construction it hardens at temperatures above +15°C. Experts consider vapor permeability to be one of the most valuable qualities of penoizol. Moreover, unlike polyurethane foam, this heat insulator does not expand when it hardens. Therefore, the material is often poured into brick walls, frame buildings or under siding. Experts also highly appreciate the fire safety of penoizol; it does not burn, but melts without emitting toxic substances.

Builders consider the main advantages of liquid heat insulation to be good thermal conductivity, high vapor permeability, and fire safety. However, the porous structure must be protected from moisture penetration; over time, the heat insulator shrinks, and application requires a special apparatus.

2 Polyurethane foam

Easy to apply, reliable installation
Average price: 450 rub. (1 l)
Rating (2019): 4.8

The two-component liquid compound is polyurethane foam. It is easy to apply and is reliable in installation. The heat insulator is produced in two modifications. Closed-cell polyurethane foam has a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity and water absorption. And the open-cell variety has greater vapor permeability. Therefore, depending on the thermal insulation option, you should choose the most suitable sprayed insulation. The material can be applied both to a brick wall and to wooden beam thanks to excellent adhesion. It is important to consider the expansion coefficient, which is 1 in 30 for closed type and 1 in 90 for open-cell polyurethane foam.

Experts include good adhesion to the advantages of the material. different surfaces, low heat and sound conductivity, environmental friendliness and durability. But unlike penoizol, the cost of this insulation option is much higher.

1 Ecowool

The most environmentally friendly insulation
Average price: 535 rub. (15 kg)
Rating (2019): 4.8

Ecowool has now become the most environmentally friendly and fashionable heat insulator. It can be used to insulate floors, walls and ceilings. Ecowool is produced from waste paper and paper waste, which makes the material absolutely harmless. Although it should be noted that some manufacturers add antiseptics and fungicides to protect against microorganisms. Therefore, the environmental friendliness of products may differ. When insulating the floor, ecowool can simply be spread in an even layer, and special equipment is used to apply it to the walls. Paste is added to the paper base, and when sprayed onto brick or wooden wall The heat insulator adheres reliably.

Ecowool has a number of important advantages. These are environmental friendliness, breathability, vapor permeability, the formation of a homogeneous coating without cold bridges. The disadvantages include caking and the need to use special equipment.