Wall insulation is an operation that is designed to solve several problems at once.

First, in this way calculation errors can be corrected when designing a house, when the walls do not have the required thickness and do not cope with heat-saving functions.

Secondly, insulation can be initially incorporated in the project of the house as part of the construction plan, reducing material consumption and increasing functional ability outside walls.

There are two options for insulation that should be considered carefully.

Two types of wall insulation are used:

• Outside.

Comparing these options with each other is not entirely correct., since the process of wall insulation is literally possible only with the external location of the insulation.

The outer wall of the house has three main functions:

• Mechanical barrier to protect against penetration into the room.
• The supporting structure of the building.
• Barrier to outside cold air.

Thus, when the insulation is located outside, all the working functions of the wall are preserved, plus an additional barrier appears, excluding contact with cold air, which is why inner warmth does not dissipate into the atmosphere. Accordingly, the temperature of the wall rises, dew point shifts outward, the process of moisture condensation and wetting of the material stops. All problems are solved in the most efficient way.

Comparison of insulation methods

With the internal location of the insulation, the wall completely ceases to perform heat-saving functions, remaining only supporting structure and an obstacle. The fact is that the wall is not insulated from the inside, but, on the contrary, is cut off from contact with warm internal air.... Its temperature sometimes drops to the degree of equalization with the outside, which creates a lot of problems for organizing the extraction of steam from the interior of the house.

If the insulation allows steam to pass through, then the wall will definitely get wet, which is fraught with undesirable consequences.... The solution to this problem is a complex procedure, which includes the need to organize supply and exhaust ventilation, ensure the most tight cutoff of the internal atmosphere from contact with the insulation, etc.

The presence of such problems quite eloquently convinces of the preference of external insulation as an effective process, practically devoid of disadvantages or harmful consequences.

The most common insulation materials

Almost all commercially available insulation materials are suitable and common materials.

These include:

Minvata

Most good option — , a dense fibrous material made from molten rock. It has high heat-saving qualities, conducts water vapor well, which is important for external wall insulation.

Not conducive to the appearance of insects or rodents, does not burn. The disadvantage of the material is the ability to absorb moisture, requiring the organization of high-quality water protection.

Basalt wool

Polyfoam (PPS)

The material is extremely popular because of its low cost and very high heat-saving qualities.... Consists of many small sealed granules filled with gas bubbles and welded together into a single mass using hot steam.

It has a convenient manufacturing format, is easy to process and keeps its shape well, which is very helpful during installation. Wherein, almost impervious to moisture or water vapor, which requires the adoption of appropriate measures to remove it.

In addition, it is not elastic - it crumbles or breaks when deforming loads appear.

Styrofoam

Expanded polystyrene (EPS)

Chemically, the material is an analogue of foam, but a different manufacturing technology significantly changes its characteristics.- a solidified foamed mass that does not consist of individual particles, but is a continuous porous plate.

That's why permeability to water or steam at EPSP is practically zero... The heat-saving properties of the material are very high, it is durable, it is produced in the form of rigid plates. At the same time, it is much more expensive than polystyrene, which somewhat reduces its use.

Expanded polystyrene

Polyurethane foam

How insulation is used , which is applied by spraying using special equipment ... The most useful property of polyurethane foam is the ability to apply it to the surface as tightly and tightly as possible, without the formation of cracks or gaps.

A layer of solidified foam is formed, quite dense and at the same time light, which does not allow steam or water to pass through... It is quite expensive, in addition, equipment is required, as well as a specialist who can work with PPU. It is used most often for internal application.

Polyurethane foam

Penoplex

A kind of EPS, which has similar qualities to it, but somewhat modernized. Manufactured different types- for walls, for foundations, etc. The material is ideal for insulation and waterproofing of buried sections of walls or structures; it has proven itself as a heater for interior work.

Available in slabs of various thicknesses.

Penoplex

What material is best for wall insulation?

largely depends on the general climatic and atmospheric characteristics of the region, as well as on the material of the walls... The main selection criterion is the ratio of the steam permeability of the wall and the insulation, which ensures the unhindered withdrawal of steam from one layer to another without the formation of accumulations or barriers.

NOTE!

The basic rule of warming must be followed: the vapor permeability of materials should be maximum inside and decrease as they go outside.

Compliance with this condition guarantees high-quality work of the wall cake, durability, preservation of the properties of wall materials and insulation.

Consider the most common wall options:

Foam concrete

Such a porous material conducts steam most easily and absorbs moisture. Such properties determine the choice of insulation that can easily pass steam - mineral wool... At the same time, it is necessary to provide high-quality external steam and hydraulic protection, which ensures the removal of vapors to the outside and does not allow moisture to penetrate inside.

The best choice would be a one-way waterproofing membrane.

Thermal insulation of foam concrete walls with mineral wool

Wooden

From the point of view of insulation, wood is itself a reliable insulation... Risky areas in this case are the joints of logs or beams, connecting planes and corner beams. The meaning of the entire procedure in this case is transferred to the plane of waterproofing and cutting off cracks.

Therefore, both mineral wool and foam can be used as insulation., although in any case, careful preparation of the surfaces will be required and, in particular, the sealing of all cracks. Without this, a positive result is not guaranteed.

From time immemorial, Russian huts were saved by the presence stove heating- the draft carried away excess steam particles, and the kindling mode contributed to this. Currently required high quality ventilation premises.

Thermal insulation of wooden walls with mineral wool

Brick

Brick is the most dense material, of the named, it is least able to pass water vapor... At the same time, having the maximum density, the brick has a rather high thermal conductivity, it easily gives off heat to environment.

Therefore, the most effective heat insulator is required, capable of retaining heat, protecting the wall from external influences. The recommended material can be mineral wool, polyurethane foam or polystyrene (expanded polystyrene), moreover, waterproofing will be required for the mineral wool, and the foam will create a risk of moisture accumulation on the outer border of the insulation wall.

Thermal insulation with polyurethane foam

How to calculate the thickness of the insulation?

The calculation of the thickness of the outer insulation can be made according to several parameters:

• By the location of the dew point.
• By the thermal conductivity of the material.

Both methods require a lot of special data and are produced using complex formulas. Most importantly, such calculations do not take into account the impact of subtle effects that can completely unpredictably change current processes. Therefore, in practice, they usually use ready-made data from similar projects that have shown themselves positively in operation, or they use online calculators, of which a sufficient number is offered on the network.

Specifications

You just need to substitute the necessary data and get the finished result. For reliability, you should check it on several others to get the most accurate average.

How to avoid mistakes when insulating walls?

The cause of all errors is a lack of information about the technology and a poor understanding of the meaning of the actions being performed. Therefore, you should study the issue as fully as possible, find out all the nuances of vaporization and finding the dew point.

In addition, it is necessary to carefully analyze the technological processes used to insulate walls in these conditions and on this material, clarify all weaknesses and find out the most effective ways to eliminate them. Only then should you start work.

Dew point

External wall insulation - the most successful and effective procedure... The main condition for success is right choice material and possession of the necessary knowledge, skills or other information. This approach guarantees quality and reliable insulation external walls, creating a cozy atmosphere in the house.

Useful video

In this video you can watch an overview modern species thermal insulation:

In contact with

A comfortable temperature for living is in the range of 20-25 ° C and humidity from 50 to 60%. In order to have such a microclimate in the house, you need to make thermal insulation of the walls. The optimal insulation for the walls of the house is selected taking into account the material itself and must meet a number of requirements. The main criterion for any heat-insulating material is the coefficient of its thermal conductivity.

Each of the types of modern insulation for the walls of the house has its own characteristics and characteristics, as well as a price range. You need to choose a material taking into account the characteristics.

The main differences between heaters:

It is also important to consider the way in which the consumer prefers to install insulation outside the walls of the house. The video shows the possibility of independent work.

Water absorption and vapor permeability are taken into account to ensure maximum protection of the entire room from moisture, selected taking into account the climate and depending on the installation method. Thermal conductivity is used to calculate the required thickness of the thermal insulation material.

Most often, the following types of materials are used for wall insulation outside:

• expanded polystyrene;
• extruded polystyrene foam;
• polyurethane foam;
• mineral wool;
• basalt heaters;
• liquid insulation, etc.

External wall insulation gives a much better effect than insulating a house from the inside. In addition to its basic functions, insulation protects walls from atmospheric precipitation, mechanical damage, weathering, and this prolongs the life of the entire structure. Installing insulation does not require special knowledge or skills, and most homeowners can easily handle this task on their own. But in order to do everything as high quality as possible, you need to know what materials are available for the walls outside and how to fix them correctly.

Advantages of installing heaters to save heat:

1. When installing wall panels, protection against sudden temperature changes in different periods of the year is guaranteed. Therefore, the scheme will protect residents from severe frosts but will also protect against the heat in summer. When the work is done well, cold bridging and heat loss are prevented.
2. Such a device does not affect the size of the building and its total area.
3. Outdoor insulation protects the interior from mold and moisture.
4. Insulation does not require a lot of time and money. Thermal insulation using special materials has enough level protection of the building.
5. The appearance of the wall improves, the level of sound insulation increases.

All the benefits are the same for each material, but some require thicker layers or money to purchase and installation of large layers of thermal insulation.

The main task of wall insulation- create comfortable conditions while minimizing the cost of heating the room.

Consider first existing technology thermal insulation of external walls.

Most often, they resort to external insulation of the already vaulted wall of the building. This approach is able to solve as much as possible all the main problems of thermal insulation and preservation of walls from freezing and the accompanying negative phenomena of damage, weakening, and corrosion of building materials.

So, plaster with an insulated surface (it is often called "Thermoshuba") is quite complex in independent execution, if the owner of the house does not have stable plastering skills. The process is quite messy and time consuming, but the total cost of materials is usually less than other types.

There is also a "comprehensive approach" to such external wall insulation - this is the use of facing facade panels, the construction of which already provides a layer of thermal insulation. Plastering work in this case is not expected - after installation, only the seams between the tiles need to be repaired.

These materials are essentially a small air bubble wrapped in polystyrene. Air does not move through them, and they perform well the function of insulation. Polystyrene has low cost, which increases its popularity. Although he has almost no flaws. The main ones are only fragility and popularity with rats and mice.

But, as the insulation of the walls from the outside, the foam is very good. It is quite suitable for further plastering or exterior decoration. artificial stone or wall panels.

NS this material has a high cost, but at the same time, its technical characteristics are much better. The most famous of these wall heaters can be safely called penoplex. It is a fairly strong material, although it has a porous structure. It is very convenient to plaster it. Installation is carried out on special mastics, adhesive bases without the use of acetone, but the best option for exterior decoration, you can call special plastic fasteners.

For rodents and various pests, such insulation is not of interest. In addition, in its production, such substances are used that do not lend themselves to fungal formations. There are no actual disadvantages, except for the high cost, of such a heater. Its weight is small, which allows one person to work on the outside insulation of the house without help.

Such material has been known for a long time and has found application not only as a thermal insulator. Used as a filler in armchairs and sofas, car seats. Simply put, this is a foaming agent that is known to every person.

As insulation, it can only be used under the panels. Its soft structure does not allow plastering. Although some homeowners, using it as insulation, after covering it with plywood or chipboard, can plaster the walls.

Its huge disadvantage is its instability to high temperatures... In addition, due to its chemical composition, this thermal dielectric, when ignited, emits very toxic substances that are easily poisoned, in contrast to extruded polystyrene, which does not burn.

Many are now talking about the harm that phenol supposedly releases from this material. However, the opinions of scientists are divided here. Some say that this is a completely neutral material, while others say that it is very harmful to the body. It is worthwhile to limit ourselves to finding out the facts - this material is used nowadays in almost all furniture, in cars and even as a filler for pillows.

Mineral wool as a heat insulator

This insulation can be used inside building blocks or in external thermal insulation walls, followed by finishing with siding or wall panels. It is most widely used in the construction of ventilated facades and insulation. soft roof... Most often, for this purpose, they use its various slabs of a certain size with basalt insulation, the price of which is relatively low.

Mineral wool has a higher thermal conductivity and vapor permeability than previous versions. That is why it is the cheapest insulator. With its use, there is enough heat in the house. Quite an unpleasant moment can be noted that when working with mineral wool, the skin begins to itch. In addition, it is a rather fragile thermal insulation of the walls from the outside. But for insulation such as a ventilated facade, such an insulator is practically irreplaceable.

Outdoor use of ecological cotton wool

To insulate the ecowool, it is also necessary to arrange a frame for wall cladding. First, the frame is made. Then a heater is applied to the wall, which consists of cellulose mixed in certain proportions with water. Ecowool is glued to the wall, forming a continuous seamless thermal insulation layer... After drying, the excess is removed, which is outside the outer plane of the frame. Then the sheathing is made, siding or similar material is laid.

Warm plastering

The positive qualities of the insulation process is the use of the desired layer warm plaster ... In some situations, you can do without the use of mesh reinforcement. Pre-leveling the surface for these insulating materials not required. This can be done with the plastic layer itself.

Before applying the plaster, it is advisable to process outer surface abrasive material. It is convenient to do this using electromechanical devices, but manual processing is also allowed.

You need to know that the use of polystyrene foam films is prohibited in rooms with increased requirements for fire safety eg in hospitals, kindergartens, etc. In this case it is necessary to use warm plasters.

This technique, among other things, has several disadvantages:

• such a surface cannot be finished quickly;
• before the layer of the wall, it should be treated with a primer;
• work is done only on a dry wall;
• the material has poor sound insulation properties;
• warm plaster requires a solid base.

The term "liquid insulation" for walls and other structures is just slang among consumers. This material is somewhat different from others.

The material is mastic or paint, which includes:

• hollow microgranules in the form of spheres (0.02-0.1 mm in diameter) made of ceramics, glass, polymers;
• microporous particles of titanium dioxide;
• the more commonly used binder is acrylic or latex.

Since the consistency of the material is liquid, it is applied on treated surfaces in the usual ways: with a brush, roller or spray. At the same time, a thin film forms on the surface - at least 1 mm. And that's enough for thermal protection.

But why does such a thin coating create a warming effect? Here you need to understand how heat flows through the walls of the house:

Manufacturers today liquid insulation offer different compositions that are used for different building structures... Since wall insulation materials can be disassembled from the outside, it is necessary to choose a mastic intended for application to building facades. The name "Facade" is always present in its name. For example, Korund-Facade. Although many of the universal Thermokol, for example, can be used for thermal insulation of external walls of buildings.

Criteria for choosing insulation for exterior walls of the house

The main indicator by which a choice should be made is the thermal conductivity of the material. The smaller it is, the better it will be.

The second criterion is the hygroscopicity of the material. This property is referred to as - "absorbs moisture". The fact is that humid air vapors that penetrate inside the insulation begin to turn into ice at low temperatures, which will lead to the loss of all characteristics of the thermal insulation material. We learned to deal with this by closing the heating layer on both sides of the steam and waterproofing films... But these are the following material costs. Although in some cases this cannot be done.

The third criterion is strength. The outer side of the wall is the part where various loads, more often mechanical, pass.

The fourth rule of choice is the price of the product. There is a fairly wide line here, which has very cheap materials and very expensive ones. Of course, the quality is determined by the price. But there are offers on the market in which the ratio of price and quality is within optimal limits. Therefore, you should understand all the proposed insulation and choose not the most expensive ones, but with good technical and operational characteristics.

All of the above types of insulation for walls outside the house, which are widely used in cottages, are now on sale, country cottages and high-rise buildings... All of them differ from each other in price and characteristics. There are a huge number of insulation materials on the market, and the choice is up to the consumer.

The use of thermal insulation systems in building structures can significantly reduce heating costs. The use of all kinds of insulation makes it possible to accelerate the pace of construction and reduce the budget for building a house. In order for them to cope with the responsibilities, you need to know how to choose them. Do you agree?

We will tell you how to choose the right insulation for the outside walls of the house. In the article presented by us, all types of heat-insulating materials used in practice and features of operation are described. Independent owners of country estates will find here the technology for insulating facades.

Heat losses through walls average about 40%, depending on the structural integrity and wall thickness. With the rise in gas and electricity prices, it becomes unacceptable to spend money on heating the street.

Therefore, it is necessary to insulate the walls from the outside, which gives the following advantages:

• the thermal insulation of the house from the outside does not take away useful area living space inside the premises;
• a layer of insulation performs decorative and protective functions for walls, extending their useful life;
• walls insulated from the outside do not freeze and do not become saturated with moisture from steam, as with internal insulation;
• thermal insulation materials also have a soundproofing function.

But the main reason for insulating the facade of the house is still economic, because this simple procedure can almost halve the amount in receipts for heating.

For a competent selection of material designed to reduce heat loss, you need. The article we recommend will acquaint you with its examples and formulas.

Types of insulation materials

So what is the best way to insulate a house from the outside to reduce heat loss? Manufacturers offer many materials suitable for this purpose. But there are several main types. Among them: polystyrene, basalt wool, glass wool, extruded expanded polystyrene, mineral wool and others.

Less effective way insulation is considered to be the application of a layer of plaster to the outer part of the walls. This is an inexpensive way to reduce heat loss, but it requires experience and certain skills - just desire will not be enough.

External wall insulation requires certain professional skills from the performer. They will come in handy, both when choosing a material and when installing it.

Wooden houses are often insulated with a double frame. In this case, any of the listed materials is attached to the walls, and cladding is performed on top. At the same time, an air "cushion" remains between the insulation and the decorative layers for air ventilation.

Option number 1 - foam

Expanded polystyrene has gained the greatest popularity among thermal insulation materials. First of all, this is due to its low cost. Distinctive feature insulation is also low in weight.

Other advantages of the material:

• low thermal conductivity;
• affordable cost;
• long service life.

Among the disadvantages, one can single out the fact that the foam does not allow steam to pass through. This feature does not allow it to be used for insulation. wooden houses.

Among other disadvantages, it is essential that expanded polystyrene is a combustible material that emits substances harmful to humans during combustion. In addition, the fragility of the material, which leads to damage to the insulation, even with minor mechanical influences, significantly complicates its installation.

Foam insulation is a great way to reduce heat loss, both in a private house and in an apartment or industrial enterprise, and for quite a bit of money

Option number 2 - mineral wool

This material is also deservedly popular with owners of residential and non-residential premises.

Benefits of mineral wool:

• high vapor permeability, which prevents wooden structures from rotting, and the bricks are not saturated with moisture, which prevents the appearance of mold and mildew on the surface of the walls;
• low cost;
• light weight of mats, which makes it easier to work with them and reduce transportation costs;
• the material is not flammable, there are no toxic odors;
• long service life.

There are three types of mineral wool: slag wool, glass wool and stone (aka basalt). Each of the materials has its own characteristics.

Basalt wool is considered the most suitable for residential buildings, since it is made from safe raw materials, unlike glass wool. At the same time, the material is stronger and more durable than slag. But the high cost of basalt wool is its disadvantage.

Mineral wool, made in the form of mats, is the most practical option for insulating low walls and small rooms. And everyone who knows at least a little about construction will be able to cope with its installation.

Modern glass wool is considered safe to use. Unlike the material of the same name, made ten years ago, it does not irritate the respiratory tract. It can be used to insulate not only outdoor, but also interior walls, and overlap.

Differs in ease of installation, low weight. Can be purchased in rolls or slabs. Roll material it is more advisable to buy for insulation of long walls. And glass wool slabs are suitable for small walls.

The following advantages of the material are distinguished:

• does not absorb moisture from the air;
• there are no toxic odors;
• not flammable;
• does not change shape during operation;
• high rates vapor permeability;
• good sound insulation properties;
• does not interact with chemicals;
• can be used in all climatic zones planets.

In some cases, rolled glass wool will cost less than manufactured in the form of slabs. You can use ordinary sharpened knives to cut it.

There are not very many disadvantages of the material. Among them:

• when insulating walls with glass wool, you need to work in protective gloves and glasses;
• fragility of the fibers of the material, due to which a lot of synthetic substance is in the air during installation and prevents safe breathing.

Although modern insulation This material is an order of magnitude more environmentally friendly and safer for humans; with a significant amount of polymer particles in the air, it is better to use a respirator.

In some cases, rolled glass wool will cost less than manufactured in the form of slabs. You can use ordinary sharpened knives to cut it.

Option number 3 - e extruded expanded polystyrene

This material is made from ordinary foam.

After special processing, it receives the following benefits:

• increased compressive strength;
• low moisture absorption;
• low flammability or its complete impossibility, which depends on the amount of fire retardant substance;
• reduced thermal conductivity.

For such a material, you will need to pay a higher price than for ordinary foam. But more durable and reliable.

Another disadvantage is the smooth surface of the slab of the material. Because of this, solutions do not "grasp" with it, therefore, without preliminary preparation such foam surfaces cannot be used in a "wet facade" construction.

You will need to process the smooth side of the shallow sandpaper to give it a rough surface. Additionally, you can apply a layer of adhesive primer, which will increase the penetration of the solution into the insulation material.

Option number 4 - bulk insulation

Bulk materials can also be used for external thermal insulation.

Among them, the most popular are:

• vermiculite;
• perlite crushed stone;
• expanded clay.

Vermiculite can be used not only for wall insulation outside the room, but also from the inside. They insulate sewer and water pipes, floors, attics, foundations. It can be manufactured in the form of slabs. There are technologies by which this material is added to concrete or mortars.

Vermiculite - natural material that does not emit harmful toxic odors. Its advantages are: durability, lightness, fire resistance, low thermal conductivity and sound absorption. It also does not absorb moisture.

For insulation outer wall bulk material can be added to the mortar or poured between the main wall and the decorative one, erected on a foundation of facing brick... This method is more costly, as it requires expansion of the foundation. An additional load on the foundation slab is also assumed.

Vermiculite is sold in paper bags, usually 25 kg each. It is very convenient for transportation, because you can get by with your own light transport for delivery.

Perlite, depending on the fractions, it can be different sizes... It is also used for roof and floor insulation. It is a volcanic glass-like rock, odorless. It is widely used not only in construction, but also in metallurgy and agriculture.

Material advantages:

• porous structure;
• low cost;
• easily absorbs and gives off moisture without losing its qualities;
• fire resistance;
• low thermal conductivity.

A perlite layer of only 3 cm has the same thermal insulation efficiency as a 25 cm wide brickwork.

Expanded clay- granular porous material obtained by artificial means. When several components are burned (peat, swollen clay, diesel oil, sawdust, sulphate alcohol stillage), a low-melting raw material is obtained. It is foamed and thermally treated to give the final shape.

To save on buying expanded clay, you need to buy it from the manufacturer. Of course, this is not always convenient, but there is a guarantee that the material is really high quality

The material is sold in fractions from 2 mm to 40 mm. The most popular is expanded clay from 10 mm to 20 mm. It is they who need to fill the space between the walls - the main one and the decorative one.

An interlayer of only 100 mm replaces 1000 mm brick masonry in terms of thermal conductivity. In the frosty season, the insulation will not allow the house to lose a lot of heat, and in the summer heat it will keep the room cool due to the extremely low thermal conductivity.

Advantages of wall insulation with expanded clay:

• this is one of the cheapest heaters;
• reduction of heat losses reaches 75%;
• can be used at any outside temperature and humidity;
• long service life;
• there is no burning and decay of the material;
• expanded clay does not attract insects and rodents;
• you can insulate the house on your own, since high technical skills and special tools are not required.

Expanded clay can be poured into the interlayer between the decorative and the bearing wall in pure form, or mixed with cement. Proportion 1:10 - one part of cement and ten parts of expanded clay. You will need a concrete mixer and water to dissolve the cement. The ready-made mixture is poured into the empty space between the walls.

This is how a cement mixture with expanded clay looks like, which can be poured as insulation between two walls. Certainly insulation cement mixture rather lengthy process, but worth it

You can also act differently: first, pour expanded clay to a height of 300 mm, and then saturate it with prepared cement "milk". Then fill up the insulation again. And so, repeat until the height of the insulation reaches the desired level.

Either way will not worsen thermal insulation properties material.

Facade insulation technologies

There are three main technologies for insulating facades:

• Well method- construction of a multi-layer wall;
• Wet method- under plastering;
• Dry method- "ventilated facade" technology.

Depending on the choice, you should choose suitable thermal insulation materials for implementation.

"Wet" method is the application of a topcoat on a layer of insulation in the form plaster mix... Since the mixture is rich in moisture, it is necessary to use only materials that do not absorb water. Styrofoam is best suited for this, but mineral wool is also used.

Depending on the strength of the wall and the integrity of the brickwork, the plastering system can be “light” or “heavy”. In the first case, the main goal is to reduce the weight of the thermal insulation layer.

The insulation is fixed to the wall with glue and dowels. It is protected from the outside by a thin aluminum metal profile. Only a thin decorative layer of plaster is applied to it to level the surface of the wall and give it a complete visual appearance.

In a "heavy" system, the insulation is fixed with metal anchors and pressed reinforcing mesh... A layer of plaster of 5-5.5 cm is applied on top. This design is reliably protected from temperature extremes and moisture.

With the "dry" method insulation, plaster is not used at all. The insulation is fixed on the wall with glue and mounting "umbrellas". In this case, it is ideal, for which telescopic fasteners with wide heads and other mounting elements are specially produced.

WITH outside the insulation is protected by a membrane layer, the main task of which is to provide protection from atmospheric water. The membrane is fixed with spacer metal or wooden strips that form a ventilation gap between the thermal insulation and the skin.

The width of the gap is up to 5 cm. The cladding layer can be made of various panels: wood, steel. It can also be "half-brick" masonry, tiles or siding. This method of insulation is more durable, in contrast to the "wet" one, and can reach a service life of half a century.

By multilayer technology the surface is insulated with two more layers: insulation and an outer brick wall. This method of insulation was described above. Various bulk materials that are resistant to steam, condensate and moisture (expanded clay, perlite, etc.) are suitable for it.

For a competent choice of insulation, you need to take into account several more factors that can affect the quality of the work performed.

Condition of walls and foundations. If the house is old, and the foundation or brickwork already cracked, then it is necessary to abandon heavy insulation structures. In this case, the installation of lightweight and durable materials is best suited. It is better to fix them using special adhesives.

The architectural complexity of the building. Polyfoam and mineral wool are well processed and make it possible to provide reliable insulation of walls with recesses, patterns and other decorative elements.

Resistant to insects and rodents... Often, small rodents and insects, for example, mice or ants, can make nests for themselves under a layer of heat insulator.

If there is such a problem on the site, then it would be advisable to carry out insulation using bulk materials... Expanded clay is well suited, since it does not attract animals.

It is also imperative to take into account other factors, such as the price of the insulation, the features of its installation, the material of the walls, the impact on the environment, resistance to fire, etc.

If you plan to install a thermal insulation system from the inside of the house, it is worth reading, in which the materials and methods of their use are analyzed in detail.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

To avoid common mistakes when choosing materials for insulation, we recommend watching the following videos:

With all the variety of materials and insulation methods available, you can always choose the most suitable one. Despite the fact that some of the works seem to be easy to perform, it is still better to entrust them experienced builders and heating technicians.

Do you want to talk about how you selected insulation for arranging your own country house? Do you have information that will be useful to site visitors? Please write comments, ask questions on controversial or interesting points, post a photo in the block below.

House walls are insulated when the house is intended for living and the walls do not retain heat sufficiently.

All appliances for heating a house (steam, stove, gas heating) consume maximum energy, but heat is not saved.

By carrying out thermal insulation, you can provide a comfortable environment in the house by insulating the walls, because a wall is a vulnerable place in a house that experiences a large wind load.

With insufficient wall insulation, the cold easily penetrates into the house.

Insulating walls from the inside or outside is an individual solution. A less popular way to insulate is from the inside.... With this method, the area of ​​the room is significantly reduced.

This disadvantage of the method plays an important role in deciding the method of conducting thermal insulation in favor of external works for insulation. In addition, there is a high probability of moisture inside the wall, this is especially true in regions with high humidity.

Insulation of walls from the outside is significantlymore often... This method requires more costs, but the internal area for living in the house is preserved, which is important especially in houses, the area of ​​which is already small.

Wall insulation methods

Types of insulation, their advantages and disadvantages

Among the many heaters, those that are most suitable in terms of their physical characteristics and thermal insulation properties prevail.

What is the best way to make external insulation? The main types of wall insulation designed for external thermal insulation are:

• (good heat insulator, resistant to deformation, waterproof, but poor vapor permeability, risk of damage by rodents, toxic when burning);
• (low water resistance, durability, resistance to temperature extremes, but it is vapor tight, susceptible to rodents);
• (strong, low thermal conductivity, durability, resistance to temperature extremes, no seams during application, however, it can create pressure in building cracks, is subject to the influence of ultraviolet radiation, low fire safety during application);
• (excellent heat insulator, sound insulator, non-flammable, durable, but during installation it emits harmful formaldehydes);
• (waterproofing, sound insulation, environmental friendliness, durability, absence of seams, not affected by mold, rodents, however, it shrinks when applied, which can provoke flaking, it is recommended for combined insulation);
• glass wool(thermal insulation, sound insulation, not subject to the influence of mold, rodents, fire safety, moisture resistance, non-toxicity, but due to the fragility of the fibers, it requires additional protection);
• fibrolite(thermal insulation, sound insulation, environmental friendliness, fire resistance, durability, but with all the positive properties it is short-lived, not recommended for rooms with high humidity: baths, saunas);
• cork material(lightweight, durable, non-combustible, environmentally friendly, heat insulator, sound insulator, but quite expensive). In addition, there are other materials, but they are less popular.

The choice of insulation

Differences in insulation of aerated concrete, wooden, brick house

The method of insulation depends on what material the walls of the house are made of. If we compare houses made of wood, brick and aerated concrete, then we can highlight the following points that deserve attention:

• unlike brick walls and houses made of aerated concrete, a prerequisite for installation is the installation of lathing to ensure ventilation. Installation of the lathing block walls performed only under or other hinged cladding;
• the most suitable heaters for aerated concrete and brick walls are materials with high rate moisture resistance (penoplex, expanded polystyrene), while for wooden houses, breathable mineral wool slabs are ideal insulation;
• thermal conductivity brick wall higher than that of aerated concrete, therefore, the wall must either be insulated with a thicker layer of insulation, or the thickness of the brickwork must be increased;
• with external insulation of a wooden house, the surface should be carefully prepared by treating it with antiseptics;
• most often for fixing the layers of the cake wooden wall installation of cladding made of chipboard or OSB is required.

In addition, one should keep in mind all indicators of the materials from which the walls are erected, such as moisture resistance, thermal conductivity and thermal resistance.

How to calculate the thickness of the insulation for the walls

Before buying insulation, you need to correctly calculate the thickness of the purchased material.

The indicator of the thickness of the material is the result of thermal resistance. The value for each region is different and is determined in accordance with the indications of SNiP.

For the region of the central part of the Eurasian continent, it is approximately equal to three.

The thickness of the insulation layer is equal to the difference between this indicator according to SNiP and the total amount of thermal conductivity of each material that is present in the wall.

To determine the coefficient of thermal conductivity for each material, use the formula:

P = R / K ,

where R is the thickness of the material, K is the indicator of its thermal conductivity (the manufacturer indicates on the package).

After adding all the coefficients, the value is subtracted from three... It turns out the thickness of the material required for insulation.

Wall cake device

A wall cake is a collection of layers of materials that are stacked vertically in a specific order.

Each layer of the wall cake has its own styling characteristics. If the sequence of layers is violated, then there is a risk of destruction of the entire structure.

The device of a wall cake for external insulation must correspond to the order of laying materials, starting with inside walls:

• interior decoration;
• inner bearing layer (plasterboard, sheathing);
• vapor barrier (required in frame houses);
• bearing wall;
• insulation;
• waterproofing (depending on the insulation);
• lathing;
• ventilation gap (depending on the heat insulator);
• finishing.

Wooden wall cake

Such a scheme for laying materials should be followed if the house is lumber, frame or log.

If the wall is brick or aerated concrete, then the wall cake is slightly different:

• interior decoration;
• Brick wall;
• insulation;
• ventilation gap (if mineral wool is used);
• bearing layer outside or lathing (if you want to mount facade materials);
• finishing (plaster, siding, porcelain stoneware).

Wet wall cake

Particularly important should be given to waterproofing and vapor barrier.

Installation of the lathing

Lathing with external insulation is necessary when attaching siding as an external wall decoration... With vertical siding, the lathing is fixed horizontally, and vice versa: with horizontal siding - vertically.

The lathing can be made of wooden beams or their metal profile.

Lathing made of beams

Before proceeding with the crate, it is necessary to prepare the beams: treat with an antifungal agent.

• saw off the timber of the required size;
• fix the brackets around the entire perimeter with self-tapping screws according to the preliminary marking;
• fix the timber as guides on the right and left side of the wall;
• if there is no thermal insulation, then it is necessary to fix the timber to the wall by drilling holes for the dowels and fixing it with self-tapping screws.

Run the lathing along the entire wall, if it is necessary to level the surface, use special mounting wedges.

Lathing made of beams

Profile lathing

The metal profile should be fixed using hangers and brackets.

Installation of metal lathing:

• fix the profile on the right side of the wall and on the left so that from the corner to the guide is at least 100 mm;
• according to the marking, drill holes for the dowels and attach the brackets along the entire wall;
• if thermal insulation is installed, then the insulation plates are pricked onto the brackets;
• lay the vapor barrier in the same way as the insulation;
• install a metal profile along the edges of the wall;
• set the height of the profile with a thread and fix the profile along the entire wall;
• between the elements, fix the stiffeners from the remains of the profile.

NOTE!

It is better to choose a metal profile for siding with curved edges.

It is best to use a good quality aluminum profile.

Profile lathing

Why do you need a counter grill

Lathing and counter-lathing are often confused concepts. The lathing is necessary for attaching the covering elements to it.

The counter grill is fixed perpendicular to the crate and performs the function of ventilation and at the same time fixes the hydro-barrier.

Counter-rails must be installed in the walls on the sheathing, or on the rafter boards.

The walls of houses that are equipped with counter-lattice are called ventilated.

With a ventilated façade, the properties of the cake materials are preserved and the formation of moisture and mold is prevented.

Installation of waterproofing and vapor barrier

When installing waterproofing outside the wall of a wooden house, it can be done:

• by applying a special solution to the walls;
• by using additional materials(waterproofing polyurethane foam).

If the wall is brick, then you can use special solutions or resort to an adhesive form of waterproofing: roofing material. Glue it vertically, with an overlap, removing the formed air bubbles and gluing the joints with mastic.

When using decorative facing materials, use a special plaster waterproofing.

Mineral wool waterproofing

When installing the vapor barrier from the outside, films should be used that protect the wall surface from the outside and allow moisture to pass from the side of the walls.

Installation of vapor barrier films is reduced to the rules:

• they should be laid between the insulation layer and the wall;
• provide a gap for ventilation between layers;
• overlap the film, glue the joints, fasten the film with staples.

If the vapor barrier is installed on a round bar, then there is no need to install a ventilation gap.... In the case of square boards, this is a must.

External wall insulation with mineral wool for siding

For effective wall insulation with mineral wool prepare the surface for subsequent installation works : clean up debris, close up cracks, remove gutters and other decorative elements, apply markings, attach suspensions.

• laying mineral wool slabs from the bottom up between the guide posts end-to-end, placing the material on the hangers and attaching it with dowel-nails;
• seal the cracks with pieces of insulation;
• cover the vapor barrier membrane in the same way as insulation;
• fasten the racks to the hangers;
• then proceed to facing.

Metal crate

This method is suitable for metal profiles.

If a wooden beam is used, then the insulation with mineral wool is somewhat different:

• attach the beams to the prepared wall with corners at a distance of the width of the mineral wool slab;
• the insulation is placed end-to-end between the racks, fixed with a pair of dowels, the gaps are closed polyurethane foam;
• if a second layer of insulation is needed, then counter-rails are attached to the racks and mineral wool slabs are laid between them;
• a diffusion membrane is attached to the frame with staples;
• a counter-lattice is installed, which serves as the basis for fastening the siding panels and creates an air gap in the wall cake.

Wall cake for siding

Fastening mineral wool to the wall with dowels

External insulation technology using foam

To insulate the walls of a private house outside, you can use polystyrene foam. The order of work on foam insulation provides for the sequence of work performed:

• preparation of walls (cleaning from debris, filling gaps, priming);
• drawing the necessary markings;
• attach a profile at the bottom of the wall, which will serve as the basis for even laying the first row of slabs;
• attach the foam by applying adhesive, starting from the bottom corner. The second row of sheets is fastened in a criss-cross pattern;
• after the glue has completely dried, fix the foam with umbrellas;
• the joints are sealed with polyurethane foam, if large - with pieces of foam. After hardening, the excess foam is cut off;
• for finishing slopes and corners, special corners should be used, which are glued to the reinforcing mesh tape.

Stacking sheets in a checkerboard pattern

Fastening sheets

CAREFULLY!

It is better not to insulate wooden houses with foam., since with a breathable tree it is better to use a porous insulation that can pass moisture and air vapors.

In this case, mineral wool is ideal.

The main mistakes of insulation

External insulation of the walls of a country house must be carried out in accordance with the requirements and rules for the installation of materials. Errors that most often occur during insulation contribute to improper circulation of air flows and the formation of moisture inside the cake, which leads to a weakening of the thermal insulation qualities:

• incorrect calculation of thermal resistance;
• in the absence of a basement strip at the bottom of the wall, the insulation may come into contact with the ground;
• polystyrene foam during installation should not be left in the sun for a long time;
• the gaps between the insulation plates lead to the appearance of cold bridges;
• Expansion dowels should be installed at the corners of the building and around doors and windows to securely attach the material.

In addition, you should not save on materials, since in addition to their correct installation, the low quality of the material should not cause poor-quality insulation.

Thus, when the walls are insulated, the living space is preserved, a thorough study of details is required to calculate the amount of materials and determine the order of installation work.

Useful video

Mineral wool insulation technology in the video instructions:

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Content

Not only comfort, but also people's health depends on the microclimate in the house. The optimum temperature for living quarters is 20–25 ° C, and the humidity level is 50–60%. In severe winters, much of the heat energy is emitted through walls, roofs, doors and windows. In order to keep warm as much as possible, the wall structures must be insulated.

Choosing insulation for the walls of the house outside

It is recommended to insulate private house outside, since internal insulation has many disadvantages. Insulation for exterior walls of a house is not uncommon on the market. Therefore, in order to select a high-quality material, it is enough to take into account the technical parameters and installation features when choosing. This allows you to select the ideal thermal insulation.

The principles of insulating the outer walls of the house

It is important to understand why facade insulation is a priority over thermal insulation of residential premises from the inside. There are situations when it is not possible to mount outside thermal insulation material and exterior decoration buildings, in these cases, internal insulation is the only possible option.

The problem lies in the location of the "dew point" - the place where heat meets cold, which provokes condensation. And in a living room, moisture in the air is always present due to the vapors of bodies, respiration, and the use of water for domestic needs.

The dew point in a non-insulated wall is located approximately in the middle of the building envelope. This means that the wall is picking up moisture from the side of the room. If you mount the insulation on the inner surface of the walls, the structure will freeze through and the slightest access of warm moist air behind the insulating layer will lead to condensation - the wall will get wet under the insulation.

Experts say that it is better to insulate the house from the outside. In this case, the wall structures will be isolated from contact with cold air, as a result of which the walls will not freeze. Depending on the insulation technology used from the outside, wet warm air that goes through the wall:

• will not come into contact with the cold one, since the insulating layer is mounted directly on the wall structure;
• gets into the ventilation gap between the wall and the heat insulator, the moisture will quickly evaporate, so there will be no conditions for the wall to get wet - with external insulation, the dew point is located outside the structure.

To choose the best option for external insulation, you need to take into account the characteristics of the materials from which the house is built, as well as the technical characteristics of heat insulators.

Heat insulator properties

Thermal insulation with mineral glass wool

Insulation for a house, regardless of the type of building, is characterized by a low thermal conductivity. But heat insulators are compared not only by this parameter. It is equally important to evaluate other characteristics that affect the durability, safety and functional properties of the material for external insulation:

• vapor permeability and water absorption indicators;
• impact on the microclimate of the room;
• resistance to aggressive environments;
• fire resistance;
• environmental friendliness and safety for health;
• resistance to biological damage (mold, rodents, insects);
• physical and mechanical parameters (including tendency to shrinkage, resistance to mechanical stress, elasticity, etc.);
• noise-absorbing properties;
• installation technology and convenience during work;
• the ability to create a seamless thermal insulation coating;
• the possibility of using on surfaces of complex configuration with big amount hard-to-reach places;
• strength and durability of the service life.

When designing wall insulation, it is necessary to calculate the thickness of the thermal insulation layer using the value of the thermal conductivity of the selected material. Pay attention to the indicators of water absorption and vapor permeability of the insulation, because they affect the technology of installation work.

Types of heat insulators

Examples of different heat insulators

On the market there are different kinds insulation for walls, each of which has its own advantages. Thermal insulation of the facade is most often carried out using:

• polystyrene (expanded polystyrene);
• extruded polystyrene foam (polystyrene foam, EPS, extruded expanded polystyrene);
• sprayed polyurethane foam;
• mineral wool (basalt);
• liquid insulation.

Good thermal insulation should be chosen taking into account the material from which the wall is erected, as well as the planned option for external decoration.

Styrofoam

Thermal insulation of external walls with foam

Expanded polystyrene plates are actively used for external thermal insulation of building structures. Advantages of polymer material: light weight, easy installation, moisture resistance, affordable price. In addition, the heat insulator does not become a shelter for fungus and is not damaged by pests. If you prevent UV light from getting on the insulation, the material will last more than 50 years.

At the same time, the material also has a number of serious drawbacks - it is flammable, it is easily damaged by rodents. At a density of less than 35 kg / m3, the foam has a loose structure, and it is vapor-permeable due to the pores between interconnected foamed polymer granules. The denser the material, the higher its thermal insulation properties.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Warming with expanded polystyrene

EPPS, penoplex is a foamed polymer material with a closed-cell structure. Polymeric heaters for thermal insulation of a house have the same advantages, but extruded polystyrene foam differs from polystyrene for the better:

• low flammability (combustion is supported only with constant contact with the flame, in the absence of a fire source, the material self-extinguishes);
• vapor tightness;
• resistance to damage by rodents.

EPS is widely used as outer insulation if graphite nanoparticles are used in its production, the material has higher energy-saving properties and strength.

Spray polyurethane foam

An example of thermal insulation with sprayed polyurethane foam

PPU is a heat-insulating material with a closed-cell structure. Due to the fact that 90% of the weight is air enclosed in cells, modern insulation is characterized by low thermal conductivity.

Polyurethane foam is resistant to biological damage, does not spread combustion, due to its low weight, such wall insulation does not load structures and the foundation base. The material is moisture and gas tight, provides an airtight coating.

The spraying method allows the use of polyurethane foam to create seamless elastic thermal insulation on surfaces of any configuration. Polyurethane foam has high adhesion and reliably adheres to all types of substrates - wood, brick and block structures.

The disadvantages of PPU include high cost and the need to use professional equipment during installation.

Mineral wool

Thermal insulation of walls with mineral wool

Fibrous materials for wall insulation outside are stone wool, slag wool, glass wool. The type of mineral wool depends on the raw materials used. They can be waste glass production and metallurgical industry, melt of stone (basalt) rocks.

To choose the right mineral wool heat insulator, it should be borne in mind that slag wool is not environmentally friendly, it is better for it to insulate non-residential buildings. Glass wool tends to cake over time, losing its thermal insulation properties. The ideal option is basalt wool, which holds its shape well, does not burn, is easy to install, dampens sound waves, is not afraid of biological damage and is durable.

Basalt wool can be used to insulate walls from building blocks, bricks, timber. Facade insulation works are carried out at any temperature.

Fibrous material is vapor-permeable and capable of absorbing moisture, which requires reliable vapor barrier during installation internal insulation and external thermal insulation under the cladding. Moisture condensation reduces the thermal insulation properties of the material.

However, vapor permeability is a useful property if the thermal insulation of external walls made of "breathing" materials is performed using the "under plaster" technology. In such a situation, moist warm air from the room passes through the mineral wool and is discharged outside, and a favorable microclimate remains in the house.

Liquid insulation

Applying liquid thermal insulation

Liquid thermal insulation - an innovative material for insulation wall structures outside. It is used for the processing of metal structural elements (prevents the emergence of cold bridges), as well as for the insulation of walls made of foam blocks, bricks, wood.

Ceramic multicomponent composition visually looks like paint, but has a porous structure with vacuum voids. The total volume of voids reaches 80% of the material, due to which thermal insulation properties are provided.

The list of material advantages includes:

• integrity of the coating, no seams;
• an easy way to apply to the walls from the outside (using a roller, brush or vacuum spray);
• the ability to use on surfaces of any configuration;
• resistance of the heat-shielding layer to external influences(high and low temperatures, moisture, ultraviolet light, mechanical damage);
• decorative appearance (the building does not need finishing on top of the insulating layer);
• protection of structures (protects metal from corrosion, wood - from UV radiation and moisture);
• resistance to biological damage.

With the help of liquid thermal insulation, you can successfully insulate the facade of a residential private house, an outbuilding, an industrial facility.

External insulation methods

The materials used to insulate a house from the outside are mostly universal and suitable for wall structures built from any materials. But it is important to understand how the insulation will affect the ability of the wall to "breathe" with a particular installation technology. Pay attention to the exterior finish on the outside of the insulation. As a rule, plaster is used, facade panels, siding, facing brick.

There are three main ways to insulate a building from the outside:

• fastening the heat insulator under the plaster;
• arrangement of an unventilated three-layer system;
• installation of a ventilated facade.

The application of a liquid heat-insulating composition has not yet become widespread.

Insulation of walls for plastering

"Pie" of the wall with mineral wool insulation

For installation under plaster, plate heaters are used for the outer walls of the house. The material is attached with special glue and umbrella fasteners to the aligned walls ( wooden structures pretreated with an antiseptic). Sheathing elements are mounted "in a runaway" so that there are no long joining seams.

Then plaster is applied with the obligatory use of mesh for reinforcement. To plaster layer did not fall off the polymer insulation over time, its smooth surface is recommended to be abraded for better adhesion and to use a plaster material with high adhesion.

When choosing a heat insulator, it is important to consider:

• If as insulation material use foam or extruded polystyrene foam, the house turns into a thermos, since these materials are vapor-proof. To prevent the walls from getting damp from the inside, an effective exhaust ventilation must be provided in the house.
• By using mineral wool, you will maintain the vapor permeability of the wall, but provided that the plaster is not painted acrylic paint because it creates a film.

Non-ventilated three-layer system

Wall section when installing a non-ventilated three-layer system

It is used if the wall material is brick or blocks. The procedure for wall insulation when installing a three-layer non-ventilated system:

• any type of heat insulator is attached to the wall using glue or spray;
• with an indent for the air gap, the outer cladding of the house is mounted from decorative bricks.

If you insulate a house using this technology with foamed polymer, you need to take care of good ventilation, as the walls stop "breathing". The advantages of technology include the ability to perform beautiful brick facade at home. It is also possible to mount facade panels.

Ventilated facade

Wall insulation with a ventilated facade

The most common option, provides for the possibility of sheathing the house with siding, decorative panels, clapboard. The material for the facade insulation can be mineral wool, EPS boards, and polystyrene.

The construction of the "pie" is as follows:

• lathing made of boards to create a ventilation gap;
• fastening of waterproofing and vapor barrier;
• lathing (on boards) for laying a heat insulator;
• insulation in the resulting sections;
• windproof film;
• counter grill to create an air gap;
• finishing with the selected material.

Note! A common mistake is to install waterproofing directly on the wall of the house. In this case, the vapor permeability of the structure is lost.

Conclusion

To prevent the wall to be insulated from the outside damp and not covered with mold, it is required to use a technology that does not violate its vapor permeability, or it is necessary to mount a high-quality ventilation system.