Almost everyone who loves comfort and warmth prefers to additionally insulate their floor. Today this is extremely important, since you can find insulation for every taste in hardware stores. This applies to both the insulating properties and the cost of the material. Nevertheless, only at first glance, the choice may seem obvious, but in reality it is not. Let's figure out what it is, high-quality thermal insulation for the floor and how to choose it.

Some general information

Before proceeding with the choice of material, you need to answer yourself one simple question: do I need it? The fact is that today in many houses and apartments there is no exception, only those premises where the "warm floor" systems are installed, since in this case they must install thermal insulation. After all, the main goal we need to achieve is warmth and comfort. But we must not forget that if we can direct the heat in the right direction, we will also save a significant part of the money. It would seem that everything is simple, but it is not entirely true. First, there is a large number of bases, for each of which it is necessary to use a certain material. Secondly, there are systems such as "warm" or "water" floor. Everywhere has its own nuances, therefore, thermal insulation for the floor should be carried out taking into account even the smallest details.

About the choice of material

Before proceeding with the installation, it is necessary to choose a good material that will satisfy all the requirements. Of course, you must consider your financial capabilities as well. The most popular and at the same time relatively inexpensive thermal insulation material is, In fact, it is an ordinary roll-on seal, the main advantage of which is that it is completely environmentally friendly and clean. But using cork backing limited by several factors: firstly, the floor will rise by about 3-4 cm, and secondly, it is necessary to use reflective material in the kit. If we take into account the last nuance, it turns out that such thermal insulation for the floor becomes quite expensive. But there are several other, more economical options.

Heat insulation for underfloor heating

One of the most popular materials is polypropylene. It is usually used in the form of extruded boards. This is due to the fact that they lend themselves well to processing, and this allows you to correctly install with a complex configuration of the room. What is also important is the non-hygroscopicity and closed cellular structure of polypropylene. Polypropylene can be used at fairly high temperatures (up to 130 degrees).

Often, thermal insulation for a warm floor is made of a material such as expanded polystyrene. Sometimes a patch is used on top, which is a polypropylene film. Extruded polystyrene foam is produced with a thickness of 50-100 mm. By the way, many believe that this is one of best materials under the water floor. It has mechanical properties such as strength, lightness and hardness. In addition, it withstands both high and low temperatures and serves for many years, which is facilitated by the cellular structure.

Thermal insulation for water floor

Let's see which better material choose for such a popular water floor today. As noted above, expanded polystyrene is well suited for these purposes, and we will talk about it. The fact is that in our case it is extremely important to save heat from the coolant as long as possible. Due to the preservation of its operational properties at temperatures from -180 to 180 degrees Celsius, expanded polystyrene is excellent for solving this problem. In principle, it makes sense to note that air itself is a very poor conductor of heat. Therefore, we can safely count on a low coefficient of thermal conductivity.

In detail about expanded polystyrene

We have already figured out that substrates made of this material are very effective. In addition to thermal insulation, polystyrene foam shows excellent sound insulation properties. Again, all of this can be achieved due to the presence of air bubbles, which prevent the conversion of sound energy into heat. Many can say that the sound insulation properties are superfluous. In principle, in a private house this is so, but the tenants of high-rise buildings will definitely not agree with you.

Another feature is resistance to salt solutions and acids. Such thermal insulation for a water-heated floor will not be eaten by insects and rotted. By the way, polystyrene is also good because it can serve for tens of years, and during this time nothing will happen to it. Therefore, the underfloor heating device will not be disturbed. Unlike some other insulating materials, this one does not emit harmful and toxic substances when heated.

What is the best fit for a wood floor?

Usually for completely wooden houses trying to choose an environmentally friendly material. In principle, mineral wool, polystyrene and fiberglass are best suited for these purposes. These materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also good insulators. For example, fiberglass is well suited for wooden houses and structures, and polystyrene can be used for other buildings as well. The first option is more preferable, but the price "bites". The second method is less expensive. Mineral wool, as thermal insulation for a wooden floor, has the following significant advantages:

• low thermal conductivity;
• environmental friendliness;
• incombustibility;
• chemical resistance.

Expanded polystyrene is good in its own way, it is worth noting its following strengths:

• excellent thermal insulation;
• ease of installation;
• lends itself well to processing;
• durable and resistant to mechanical damage.

A little about the durability of materials

When choosing, it always makes sense to look not only at the initial quality of the insulating properties, but also at how long it will all work. Agree, I don't really want to buy an expensive material that will rot in three years or simply lose its technological qualities. For this simple reason, it always makes sense to pay attention to durability. Any floor insulation materials must last at least 10 years. For example, floor heating systems work for 15-20 years. After this period, a partial replacement of the system will be required. It is recommended to change the thermal insulation during such maintenance. Some materials do not regain their original shape after a slight load. This contributes to the fact that insulating properties are lost and appear. Due to this, it decreases overall efficiency insulation.

Something about correct installation

It is necessary to understand that depending on the surface, not only the material differs, but also the method of its installation. For example, mineral wool for a wooden floor should be light color... This will indicate a minimum amount of laying. rough floor... It is necessary to understand that between the rough, finish floor and insulating layer must be left air gap, which is needed for effective moisture removal.

Izolon is much easier to fit. A roll is rolled out on a pre-treated surface, then it is glued with tape. It is important to keep an eye on the absence of visible mechanical defects and bumps. In the same way, the technical plug is laid. By the way, the last material is practically perfect thermal insulation for the floor. The fact is that the thickness of the layer does not exceed 1.5 cm, so you can try to lay 2 layers with minimal floor elevation.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a large number of thermal insulation materials. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages. The same goes for cost. By the way, it is not at all necessary to buy too expensive insulation. Sometimes the same foam is more effective than mineral wool. For example, thermal insulation for an electric underfloor heating requires a concrete base a thick material is needed that will not absorb moisture. At the end of the day, the key is knowing what floors you have in your home. Experts will tell you what to choose. Remember that much depends on correct installation... You can lay the insulation on your own, but this should be done very carefully and slowly so as not to damage the insulation.

Heating efficiency starts with closing off all energy leaks - through windows, doors and floors. The first two tasks are solved by seals and the installation of double-glazed windows. To eliminate the last problem, it is necessary to choose the right insulation. It is important to do this so that in the future the floor temperature differs by no more than 2 C °, otherwise the residents will suffer from frequent colds.

It has been proven that heat loss through floors is 20%. This is how much you will have to pay for heating in the presence of an autonomous system. Insulation is especially necessary in a private house (especially in old wooden houses), on the 1st floor, as well as in the bathroom, kitchen, loggia and wherever the concrete floor is covered with tiles.

Views

All heaters intended for thermal insulation of the floor can be roughly divided into four types:

• wadded;
• foam;
• concrete (expanded clay);
• natural (flax, jute).

Many factors affect their quality and wear - stress, moisture, fungi, insects, rodents. They themselves can have a positive, negative or neutral effect on the health of people living in the house. Perfect look there is no insulation - each has a set of certain characteristics and its own disadvantages due to the lack of certain qualities. Therefore, when choosing floor insulation, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• health safety and environment;
• resistance to temperature and high humidity;
• thermal insulation and vapor permeability;
• resistance to rotting, decay and aging;
• ease of installation and durability.

What is the best insulation to choose?

1. Mineral wool. It is also made of stone, made from alloys of rocks, as well as from slags. It can be sold both in rolls and mats. It has good sound insulation, is low flammable, but is afraid of excess moisture. Therefore, it must be additionally waterproofed or monitored for integrity. protective film... Depending on the amount of slag content, it can have an acceptable (but undesirable) radioactive background.

2. Glass wool. Made from fiberglass - waste from the glass industry. In terms of properties, it is similar to the previous material, only it does not have a radioactive background. However, it has less thermal conductivity (this is a plus), but also a lower density (this is a minus). Suitable for wood floors. Unfortunately, it can ignite in case of fire.

3. Ecowool. It consists of 80% recycled paper, 8% borax, and 12% antiseptic. It is environmentally friendly, has good thermal conductivity, heat resistance, durability.

4. Polyurethane foam, polystyrene, polystyrene foam (polystyrene). The most popular, widely used in country buildings, in summer cottages. It is very convenient to use - it is simply placed on the bottom and connected with foam or construction tape. Resistant to moisture, but flammable. Thermal insulation of floors using foam is not only convenient, but also affordable.

However, it is believed that floor insulation with styrene foam is not very environmentally friendly - when heated, it exudes substances that, over time, harm human health.

5. Isolon. Refers to foamed polyethylene, rodents, insects and fungi do not start in it. 1 cm of isolon replaces 4.5 cm mineral wool, has high performance not only heat, but also sound insulation. Resistant to a wide variety of harsh environments, including chemical and oil solvents.

True, due to its small thickness, it cannot provide sufficiently reliable sound insulation, therefore it makes no sense to use it in multi-storey building on the bathroom floor, for example, where the need arises.

6. Flax. Natural insulation: durable, resistant to moisture and harsh environments. Does not rot over time and does not lend itself to mold. Effectively resists frost, protecting from cold. Those who are prone to allergies or are careful about their health can choose this option for floor insulation, as the most environmentally friendly of all.

7. Jute. Natural fiber that is produced from plants of the linden family. It is often used for the manufacture of carpets, furniture pads and as insulation. In this case, it is made in the form of rolls like gray carpet.

8. Expanded clay. Porous crushed stone of fine fraction, which is obtained by firing clay shale, has either a smooth oval or pointed shape. It is often used as a cushioning and drainage material.

Insulation of floors on logs

This insulation method is applicable for floors built both on the ground and on concrete slabs. It is also suitable for installation in masonry and wooden house... For the soil, you must first compact the soil and cover it with rubble. The prepared pillow should be installed brick pillars at a distance of 2 × 0.5 m. Then they need to be overlaid with waterproofing, after which you can lay logs made of wood. The insulation is overlapped between them. It can also be placed on the joists to prevent the boards from squeaking.

Expanded clay is most often used under the screed on the ground, if the house does not have a basement. First, sand 100 mm thick is poured onto the bottom of the base, and then insulation up to 300 mm. To make the base strong, it is tamped and covered with a reinforcing mesh, then a concrete screed is poured.

Insulation for linoleum

By itself, it has low thermal conductivity. For linoleum, you can use any material, preferably not rotting and not amenable to mold. It is unacceptable for moisture to enter under the floor during work. If they are carried out in compliance with these measures, then the structure will serve for many years.

Manufacturers and prices

The experience of companies has a great influence on the quality of insulation. The longer a company has been on the market, the more the best heaters she offers. Rockwool has been in business for over 70 years. During this time, by trial and error, a mineral and stone wool good quality with reliable sound insulation, vapor permeability, fire and moisture resistance.

Slabs "Penoplex" are suitable for ground floors, foundations, loggias and laying "warm" floors. They have zero water absorption, high compressive strength, are resistant to decay and are easy to install.

PAROC produces stone wool floor mats. Operates in 15 European countries, successfully helping customers reduce energy consumption. Due to the promoted brand, its products are distinguished not only by high quality, but also by a price that is less affordable for an ordinary consumer.

The Zhivoizol company offers products made of flax and jute: they are environmentally friendly, durable, do not cause allergies and do not emit harmful substances... Insects do not start in them, mice do not eat them.

Izolon is engaged in the production of unique material for a floor suitable for underlayment under parquet. The company's products are distinguished by high impact resistance, low thermal conductivity, vapor barrier with a minimum width of only 10 mm.

Insulation for concrete floors is necessary not only for private houses, but, often, for a city apartment, especially if it is located on the ground floor above a cold basement. Therefore, the demand for these materials is increasing every year, especially since the thermal insulation of the floor in a high-rise building often serves not only to preserve heat, but also acts as a sound insulator.

Due to the increasing demand for these materials, manufacturers are constantly developing new options and improving those that were previously manufactured by companies. To decide on the choice of insulation that is suitable for a certain structure and in its own way operational parameters, and in terms of cost, you should take a closer look at the characteristics of the materials on sale.

Types of materials suitable for insulation of concrete floors

If we recall the still relatively recent past, then the most affordable insulation used for different designs, there was glass wool, and by no means best quality, therefore, few decided to use it for the insulation of living quarters, and few were seriously engaged in thermal insulation of floors in apartments. Today, even glass-based cotton wool is of excellent quality, but besides it, manufacturers offer very wide choose thermal insulation materials suitable for concrete floors. Among modern heaters you can find synthetic, that is, artificially created, natural and mixed materials. Accordingly, those that are made only from natural ingredients have a higher price.

• TO synthetic insulation The following materials include:, expanded polystyrene (unpressed, that is, ordinary white foam, or better extruded), polyethylene foam (ordinary sheet or with a reflective foil coating), as well as expanded polystyrene concrete.

• Mixed insulation products, which include both natural and artificially produced substances, include: glass wool, stone wool, gypsum fiber insulation and wood fiber mats.
• The list of natural thermal insulation materials includes expanded clay, vermiculite, ecowool (cellulose insulation), linen plates, cork products, foam glass, sawdust and shavings.

Synthetic insulation

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam belongs to the group of gas-filled plastics, which are 87 ÷ 90% composed of inert gas, due to which this material has low thermal conductivity, being an excellent insulation. The thermal conductivity coefficient lies in a record low range - from 0.024 W / (m × ° K) (theoretically) to 0.035 (in real operating conditions).

Expanded polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene as a heater can be divided into two subspecies - this is the familiar white foam and extruded polystyrene foam. Both one type and the other are produced on the same basis, but using different technologies.

• Polyfoam is produced using the technology of foaming raw materials made from petroleum products. The manufacturing process consists of six stages - this is foaming the raw material, drying it, stabilizing it, baking (combining individual granules into slabs), ripening the finished product and cutting the resulting material into slabs of the desired size.

• The extruded version of expanded polystyrene is produced by the extrusion method. The manufacturing process also consists of several stages. Initially, the raw material is combined with carbon dioxide and freon, heats up to certain temperatures when exposed to high pressure, and the finished mass is passed through an extruder. These operations result in slabs with a high density, with a structure consisting of small, evenly distributed, closed cells.

Expanded polystyrene plates size different manufacturers may vary, and their thickness is usually kept within a certain range of standard values ​​- these are 150, 120,100,80,60, 50, 40, 30 and 20 mm.

Ordinary polystyrene does not have docking locks, so it is mounted end-to-end, and due to the lack of plasticity, there is no getting away from the docking seams, which have to be worked on additionally. Extruded polystyrene foam is often produced with or without thorn-and-groove locks, that is, with flat ends. Locking slabs are used to insulate the floor under a concrete screed to create a seamless coating, and without locks they are used for floors on logs - they put insulation between them.

To clearly see what is the difference between these materials from each other, you can study the comparative table of their technical parameters:

The advantages of extruded polystyrene foam and conventional foam include the following qualities:

• Low thermal conductivity allows you to effectively insulate the surfaces of rooms, facades, attic floors, roof space.
• Both types of expanded polystyrene have a very low mass, so they can be used for floor insulation in an apartment. panel house, since the material will not weigh down the floor slab.

• The cellular structure of materials allows not only insulating, but also, to a certain extent, soundproofing surfaces. In this quality, foam plastic is in the lead, since it has a lower density compared to extruded insulation. But to be honest, the soundproofing qualities, especially against low frequency or impact noise, are not particularly outstanding.
• Extruded polystyrene foam is universal material, since it is used for external and internal insulation in almost any part of the building.
• Not susceptible to biological effects. Mold fungus and other microorganisms-pests do not take root on this insulation.
• Easy installation of plates on any flat surface. Both one and the second version of the insulation can be used to insulate the floor along the logs, as well as under the screed. However, the material is not plastic and when gaps are formed between the lags and the insulation, they must be filled polyurethane foam, in order to avoid the formation of cold bridges.
• The affordable price of regular foam has made it more popular than extruded insulation.

Foam has more disadvantages than extruded polystyrene foam, but both materials have them.

• Destruction of the structure of the insulation under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, if the front part of the walls is insulated with it, then leave it for a long time in open form it is forbidden.
• Insulation materials are incompatible with paints and solutions based on turpentine, acetone and some other substances from this series.
• Insulation toxicity. Over time, expanded polystyrene oxidizes, and during this process various toxic substances that are dangerous to humans are released into the environment - formaldehyde, toluene, acetophenone, methyl alcohol and ethylbenzene. Oxidation begins to occur under the influence of heating the plates to a temperature of 30 degrees. Extruded material oxidizes more slowly than regular foam. It should be noted here that the new, just laid material also releases styrene, since polymerization does not end during the production of the insulation, and the release of harmful substances will continue until this process is completely completed (such is a kind of chemical inertia).

• Flammability of expanded polystyrene. This insulation according to GOST 30244-94 belongs to the flammability groups G3 and G4, which include the most flammable materials. Moreover, when burning, these materials emit a whole "bunch" of toxic compounds that are dangerous not only for health, but also for human life, since they contain hydrocyanic acid, phosgene, hydrogen bromide, etc. In addition, when burning, polystyrene foam melts and turns into a liquid state, is able to spread onto nearby surfaces, spreading fire to them.

If, despite these negative qualities, it is nevertheless decided to purchase this particular material, since it is suitable for the price and insulation characteristics, then you should know what parameters you need to pay attention to when choosing it.

• The letter "C" in the foam labeling means that the material contains flame retardants that reduce its flammability. However, it must be borne in mind that such expanded polystyrene ignites much harder, but if the combustion begins, then it burns no worse than a heater without fire retardants.

• it is worth choosing PSB-S-35 expanded polystyrene, it is best suited for laying under a screed.
• It is also necessary to pay attention to the manufacturer of the products, and if he is unknown, then you should not expect any guarantees of safety, neither in the composition of the material, nor in its flammability. The best on Russian market Insulation materials from the European companies Nova Chemicals, BASF, Polimeri Europa and Styrochem are considered, as well as domestic producers - Technonikol, Penoplex, Thermoplex and Europlex Primaplex.

Polyethylene foam

When it comes to expanded polyethylene, the most popular material from this category usually comes to mind - "penofol". Similar heaters can be produced under other brands, with almost identical characteristics, but to consider their features, we will take penofol as an example.

This is a fairly inexpensive and fairly practical insulation material made from non-cross-linked polyethylene foam. An aluminum layer is applied to one or both sides of the insulation, which is intended to reflect heat flow in the right direction. In addition, the layer is also a reliable vapor barrier.

In addition to aluminum foil, some manufacturers use lavsan for the reflective layer, a polymer-based material that has good reflectivity in the infrared range.

This material is often used to reflect heat into a room when arranging electric cable and infrared "warm floors", laying it under the heating system to be installed.

Penofol is divided into three types:

• "A" - these are canvases with one-sided foil.
• "B" - insulation with double-sided foil.
• "C" - material equipped with a foil layer on one side and an adhesive layer on the other (self-adhesive "Penofol").

The thickness of the base of the insulation, that is, polyethylene foam, can be from 2 to 10 mm, the aluminum layer is usually about 15 microns. However, even this thickness of the foil is enough to reflect up to 95% of the generated heat, and the layer of polyethylene foam retains heat in a traditional way for all heaters.

If we consider the characteristics of each of the types of "Penofol", they will look something like this:

Range permissible temperatures operation of this insulation for all three types ranges from -60 to + 100 degrees.

Penofol is used in the "warm floor" system, is laid under the screed, and is also used in combination with other materials, for example, it is laid under a decorative flooring... It is widely used for other areas of insulation, and its almost zero vapor permeability makes it indispensable for thermal insulation of baths and other rooms with high levels of humidity.

Penofol prices

In addition, penofol absorbs shock and high-frequency sounds well, which means it can also act as a sound insulator.

Polystyrene concrete

Insulation of a concrete floor can also be made with such material as polystyrene concrete, which is sold in the form of ready-made slabs intended for the construction of walls, and in the form of dry mixtures for insulating floors and pouring into the cavities of walls during their construction. In addition, polystyrene concrete can be made independently, having all the components necessary for this.

The composition of the mixture for the production of polystyrene concrete includes the following materials:

• Portland cement
• Porous filler (expanded polystyrene granules)
• Mineral filler (plasticizers)
• Air-entraining additive (modifiers that increase the heat and sound insulation performance of concrete).
• In some cases, a certain amount of sand can be added to the composition.

As you know, expanded polystyrene is practically weightless and has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, therefore, polystyrene concrete will not have a high density, and an insulating layer of this material will not particularly weigh the floor slab.

Polystyrene concrete has the following physical and technical characteristics:

The positive aspects of this thermal insulation composition include the following qualities:

• Excellent load-bearing characteristics with low weight, which allows you to insulate floors in high-rise apartments with this material.
• High coefficients of heat and sound insulation.
• Low flammability group.
• Moisture resistance.
• Resistance to putrefactive processes.
• Durability - service life over 100 years.
• Affordable price.

Polystyrene concrete is laid in almost the same way as a conventional screed - along the beacons. If the floors are made on the ground, it is recommended to equip an embankment of medium fraction crushed stone under the screed.

If the concrete floor is insulated with this material, then it is imperative to lay it under the solution waterproofing film, which will not allow the premature departure of moisture from the solution, and the concrete will harden and gain strength in a natural way.

The average cost for this material (in the form of ready-made mixtures) for 1 m³ is 3200 ÷ 4000 rubles. But it is quite possible to make it yourself - it will turn out much cheaper. There are proven proportions of components - Portland cement PC400, expanded polystyrene granules, water and a special additive SDO (saponified wood resin). All of these components, including the additive, can be purchased at a hardware store.

The proportions of polystyrene concrete are included in the program of the calculator offered to the attention of readers. Below are some explanations for the calculations.

When equipping the floors, do not forget about their thermal insulation, which will prevent cold seepage from below, save heat in the room and distribute it evenly. There are a number of things you should take into account when choosing floor insulation. In this article, I will tell you what you need to do in order for the insulator to serve for a long time, perform its purpose efficiently and be in place.

Criteria for choosing floor insulation

Not right choice Insulation is the main cause of heat loss through the floor surface. Therefore, I first of all fill the gap in your knowledge about the technical qualities and performance characteristics of the main types of heat insulators.

What needs to be considered

Before choosing a specific type insulation material, please note:

• what will be the operating conditions of the insulator;
• condition and temperature of the soil base;
• the presence, as well as the stability or frequency of the level of groundwater;
• the possibility of biological effects (damage to the heat insulator by rodents, the likelihood of the reproduction of harmful fungi);
• Is the floor insulation compatible with their base material?

How to choose a heat insulator

Initially, you need to take into account the future design of the floors: are they wooden on logs, concrete, or they will be equipped with an underfloor heating.

All of these options require different kinds heaters for the floor.

1. For isolation wooden floors porous and loose material is suitable, not retaining its shape, as well as free-flowing analogs. Such insulation, based on its structure, can be poured into the intervals between the lags or put plates, mats, roll cuts there.

It is extremely important that in this case the insulator "breathes", letting in water vapor. Wood flooring is installed precisely for this purpose - to make the building breathe.

1. Rigid heat insulators work well for concrete floor cladding... They perfectly hold their shape, do not undergo deformation from bending and compressive loads. Such qualities are important when concrete mortar is laid on top of the insulation.

At this option vapor permeability of the material is not required. However, the insulator must not absorb water.

1. The "warm floor" system requires the same heat insulators as for concrete pavement... But with one condition. One side of the material should be foil-coated.

This layer will reflect into the room the heat that the warm floor will generate. Here you can use an insulator with aluminum foil or reflective foil.

The material used to improve the thermal performance of the floor should ideally have the following qualities:

1. High level of strength, because the floor surface undergoes maximum mechanical stress.
2. Long service life... After all, floor cladding changes very rarely.

1. It is very important that the quality of the insulation is excellent insulating performance. She will reduce heat losses to the minimum value.
2. It's good if the material is lightweight.... So it will not exert strong pressure loads on bearing structures building.
3. The lower the level of water absorption the material will have, the better.

1. In a wooden house, the vapor permeability of the insulation is important..
2. Sustainability thermal insulation material to fire no less significant.
3. The material must be environmentally friendly and safe.
4. The insulator must be comfortable to work with... This affects its costs and installation time.

Insulation material properties

Before choosing a flooring insulation, pay attention to its most important specifications:

1. Thermal conductivity coefficient... It indicates the ability of the insulator to pass thermal energy.
   This parameter is equal to the volume of heat passing through a layer of material with a thickness of 100 centimeters and an area of ​​1 square meter within one hour. This is with the condition that temperature difference on both sides of the heat insulator is equal to no more than 10˚.

1. Porosity. This most important parameter determines the ratio of the pore volume to the entire volume of the insulation. It affects almost all other material properties.
2. Vapor permeability... This indicator of the insulation predetermines its ability to "breathe", that is, let water vapor and air pass through.

1. Water absorption... Indicates whether the material is moisture resistant or not. The smaller the parameter, the better. Insulation with a low level of water absorption can be used in damp rooms.
2. Strength. It is important for its application where there are significant compressive or bending loads.
3. Biological resistance... It determines whether a material can resist harmful flora and fauna.

1. Fire resistance... It indicates the ability of the insulation, without destroying it, to resist high temperature in a certain period of time.
   The fire safety characteristics of the material are associated with this parameter. These are its flammability, combustibility, the level of smoke generation and the degree of toxicity of combustion products.
2. Heat capacity... It affects the temperature resistance of the insulator. That is, its ability to keep warm with frequent temperature changes.
3. Density... She defines specific gravity insulation.
4. Frost resistance... Indicates how many freeze / thaw cycles it can withstand.

Types of floor heaters

Now about what types of insulators are according to the material of manufacture.

Mineral types of insulation are made from natural raw materials:

1. Mineral wool... There are several varieties of it: glass wool, basalt wool and slag wool. In fact, these are fibers from rocks or production waste, pressed into rolls (mats) or plates.

1. Bulk materials: granulated slag, foam glass, expanded clay (fired and granulated clay).
2. Insulating concrete mixes based on Portland cement with fillers and additives (perlite, expanded clay, vermiculite, sawdust, etc.).

Wood materials are used for arranging the substrate, dry screed, or filling the gaps between the logs:

1. Arbolit.
2. Cork backing.
3. Thick plywood.
4. Shavings and sawdust.
5. Cellulose eco-wool is used for thermal insulation of a wooden floor. It can be puffed out or simply poured.

Polymer materials:

• expanded polystyrene foam in slabs;
• extruded polystyrene foam in plates;
• reflective (foil) insulation in rolls and plates;

• liquid insulators having a foamed structure, such as polyurethane foam;
• ultra-thin insulation (heat-insulating paint).

When thinking about which insulation is better for the floor, pay attention to the technical characteristics of the material, as well as the conditions of its use. The best solution- use several types of insulation at different stages of the floor arrangement.

So, for concrete cover will fit expanded clay as bedding and mineral wool on top of the rough screed.

Please note that polystyrene, extruded polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam emit toxic gases during combustion. They can kill a person in a few breaths. Therefore, I advise you to lay them under the screed only where contact of the insulator with fire is excluded.

Now let's figure out what is the best thermal insulation for a floor, starting from its structure.

Insulation for underfloor heating systems

When deciding on a heat insulator for underfloor heating, keep in mind that it must have one feature - to direct heat in a certain direction and stop it from leaking in an unnecessary one.

Reflective insulation

To reduce the cost of heating the room, I recommend that you select for working together foil insulation with warm floors. It will prevent cold seepage from below. And also redirect the heat energy coming from heating system into the room.

The following brands of foil-clad polyethylene foam are most popular with us:

• Penofol;
• Izolon;
• Energoflex;
• Isoflex.

Such insulation is produced in rolls. They are 0.99-1.2 m wide and 2-5 mm thick. Despite its subtlety, such a material perfectly solves the problem of thermal insulation.

Extruded polystyrene foam

It is one of the most durable, strong and water resistant heat insulators available.

The rest of its advantages are below:

1. This insulation is produced in slabs... They are easy to cut into the desired pieces, convenient for installation.
2. Expanded polystyrene has a dense structure, therefore, does not break or deform under stress.
3. Has a honeycomb structure... The pores of the material are filled with air and closed. Therefore, the insulator is not afraid of water - it does not absorb it and does not swell.
4. Resistant to the action of chemically aggressive substances- alkalis, acids, alcohols.
5. Harmful bacteria and fungi do not grow on the surface of the material.
6. This insulation does not deteriorate under the influence of the atmospheric and environment, does not react with most substances. Therefore, it has a long service life.

Extruded polystyrene foam also has some disadvantages.

1. The material does not "breathe"”, Therefore it is better not to use it in conjunction with wooden floors.
2. This insulator is flammable... It emits toxic gases when ignited.

However, in the underfloor heating system, it is cut off from the environment with a screed. Thanks to this, you can safely apply it.

The table below shows the cost of popular brands of this insulator.

Cork insulation

This material is derived from the bark of the balsa tree.

The advantages of this insulating substrate are as follows:

1. This insulator is natural and environmentally friendly..
2. The material does not rot, does not "shrink", is inert to chemicals, resistant to compressive and bending loads.

1. The plug is easy to cut do it yourself, so it's easy to work with her.
2. Life time this insulation can be up to 50 years old.
3. Does not burn, but only smolders.
4. Withstands temperature up to + 120˚.

This material is produced in plates with a thickness of 2.5 and 5 cm.

Heaters for floors on logs

The logs for the installation of the floor covering are placed in increments of 0.5-1 m. The insulating material is placed on the boards or boards on top of the log. Either on boards nailed to the bottom or metal wire between the timber. Or it is poured into the space between the lags.

In this case, the floor is insulated with mineral wool, bulk materials or foam. To prevent the insulator from getting wet from water vapor, it must be covered with a vapor barrier film on top.

Stone, slag and glass wool

Mineral wool is now the most common insulation, it is more in demand than foam. There are two types of it: in slabs (denser material) and in rolls.

Mineral wool breathes, that is, it is vapor permeable. Therefore she will the best option for thermal insulation of a wooden floor in a room.

The advantages of the material are as follows:

1. Relatively low price.
2. Versatility of application.
3. Simplicity of styling.
4. Long service life - about 30 years.
5. Mineral wool not only has low thermal conductivity, but also has high level sound insulation and fire resistance.

Disadvantages: low level of moisture resistance of mineral wool.

Please note that this material loses most of its insulating qualities when wet. Therefore, when insulating floors with mineral wool, do not forget to waterproof and vaporize it.

Most often, slab types of stone wool insulation are used for thermal insulation of floors on logs:

• Rockwool;
• TechnoNIKOL;
• Isover;
• Tizol;
• Linrock;
• Knauf.

Or glass wool:

• Tisma;
• Isover;
• Ursa.

For rolled wadding, one side of the mat is covered with perforated paper. When laying the insulation, this surface should be at the top.

Slab variety mineral slab one side is stiffer and tighter. It is marked with a blue stripe and must also be on top. The table below shows the cost of popular brands of mineral wool.

Glass wool is similar in its characteristics to mineral wool. It also does not differ in moisture resistance, in addition to this, it is rather weighty.

This floor insulation should be carefully insulated during installation. V otherwise dust from the material, which has an irritating and allergic effect, will penetrate into the room.

Expanded clay

Porous rounded expanded clay granules are obtained by firing heaving types of clay. During the production process, sawdust, peat and some other components are added to the raw materials. The quality of this bulk heat insulator for floors depends on the quality of the raw materials.

The cost of this insulation depends on the size of its granules. With an increase in fractional content, the thermal conductivity of the material increases and its cost decreases. Expanded clay can be used both for floors on logs and under a screed.

I quote the cost of this heat insulator, based on the size of its granules.

Insulation of floors with sawdust

This type of heat insulator is often used in wooden houses for log floors. Sawdust is not as effective as expanded polystyrene or mineral wool. However, this is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly type of insulation. On average, a 50-liter bag of sawdust or shavings costs only 200 rubles.

The material fits between the lags in bulk or nailed to a bar in the form of shields. In the latter case, pressed shavings are used, i.e. chipboard sheets. The thickness of the sawdust insulation layer must be at least 20 cm.

Eco-cotton wool

This insulation is a loose material based on wood pulp. All of its characteristics are 80-90% the same as the qualities of wood. Eco-cotton wool is foamed between the lags.

Its advantages are as follows:

1. The material is able to penetrate into the most inaccessible areas of the subfloor.
2. It forms a monolithic coating without cold bridges.
3. Eco-wool has high heat and sound insulation values.
4. It is easy to lay it down.

There are also disadvantages:

1. Low moisture resistance.
2. For the installation of eco-wool, it is necessary to use special equipment.
3. This material is flammable.

Floor insulators for concrete or cement-sand screed

In the photo - expanded clay as a warming bedding of concrete floors.

I recommend insulating concrete floors in stages because they are the coldest. An excellent option screed insulation on the ground will become expanded clay. It can be used as a backfill or used as a concrete filler.

This material:

1. Resilient to humidity and temperature extremes.
2. Lightweight and due to this it does not load the foundation too much.
3. Has a porous structure, therefore, in addition to excellent thermal insulation qualities, they also soundproof the floor well.
4. Natural, therefore it is environmentally friendly.

Basalt (stone) wool is a type of mineral wool. This strong and tough material in slabs can also be used to insulate screeds.

Such insulation is laid out on the base in a checkerboard pattern before pouring concrete. The mortar layer must be at least 3 cm thick.

The instruction notes that extruded polystyrene foam can also be used for thermal insulation of concrete floors.

Material advantages:

• tough and durable;
• does not deform from pressing loads;
• easy to lay;
• moisture resistant;
• has excellent thermal insulation properties.

Of the minuses, I note:

• flammability of expanded polystyrene;
• fear of ultraviolet radiation;
• vapor permeability.

But when laying this insulation under the screed, all these disadvantages will not matter.

Ordinary foam can also be used to insulate concrete floors. Most often, such floor insulation is used when pouring a floating screed.

Advantages:

1. Low cost.
2. Simple styling.
3. Good thermal insulation properties.
4. Moisture resistance.

Minuses:

1. It is flammable.
2. Has poor sound insulation performance.
3. Serves for a relatively short time - about 20 years.
4. The sheets of material are fragile.

Output

A well-chosen floor insulation will give you the opportunity to equip this surface with durable and high-quality thermal insulation. Suitable for a particular floor design different types insulators, which specifically, I described above.

The video in this article will give you even more thought-provoking information. If you still have questions, then ask them in the comments.

Floor insulation in country house- the necessary process. Reliable and high-quality thermal insulation will keep the warmth in the house for a long time, prevent the appearance of condensation and mold, and allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. Up to 20% of the heat leaves the house through the floor! Today, different insulation materials are made, which differ in cost, quality, strength and other parameters. Let's look at what criteria you need to choose insulation.

How to choose insulation

Before choosing a material, you need to carefully study the characteristics and properties of the product. When choosing, the following parameters are taken into account:

• High thermal insulation is the main criterion. After all, the main function of the insulation is to keep the warmth in the room;
• Terms and conditions of operation. The longer the insulation lasts, the less often it will be necessary to make repairs and update the coating;
• High strength. The floor is constantly exposed to stress, so it is important that the material has high rates strength;
• Resistant to moisture and vapor permeability. The material must be resistant to dampness and temperature extremes, this will avoid the formation of mold and rot, preserve initial appearance and will increase the operational life. The water that accumulates in the insulation reduces the thermal insulation by 15-20%;
• Safety and environmental friendliness are especially important if the insulation is carried out in a wooden house. Natural materials will preserve the ecological purity of wood and will not disturb the healthy atmosphere of the room. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the resistance of materials to fire, in order to ensure safety in case of fire;
• The weight of the material is a weighty criterion if you do not plan to build a powerful and expensive foundation. In this case, you need a lightweight insulation.

In addition, the choice is influenced by the speed and ease of installation, consumption and cost of insulation. You should also take into account the climatic conditions, area and purpose of the room. Let's take a closer look at the types of materials and find out which insulation is best used for the floor in a private house.

Types of heaters

- a widespread and popular type, which is characterized by low weight and easy installation, good thermal insulation and high strength. It effectively resists moisture, so the material can be used on the balcony, basement floor and in other rooms with high humidity... However, expanded polystyrene is not recommended for wood floor insulation.

Penosiol — liquid foam, which is easy to fill in hard-to-reach places. Such material is used to seal seams and cracks in the first stages of building a house, since it fills air voids and prevents heat outflow during further operation of the building. Penosiol is distinguished by its light weight and easy installation, moisture resistance and durability.

- an affordable and inexpensive way of insulation. Tough insulation is added to concrete mix or fall asleep under gypsum-fiber boards. It has a porous structure and high thermal insulation, so the material is used in areas with a cold climate and frosty winters. However, to provide comfortable thermal insulation, 10-15 centimeters of material will be required. This not only increases material costs, but also reduces space.

Mineral and fiberglass wool- cheap materials in the form of slabs or rolls, which are often used for wooden floors. However, they have a large number of disadvantages, including high moisture absorption. As a result, the cotton wool becomes moist and heavy, which shortens the life of the material. To avoid this problem, it is necessary to carry out additional ventilation and make ventilation gaps. In addition, such materials contain chemical substances, which will violate the environmental safety of a wooden house.

- environmentally friendly loose material, which is made on the basis of cellulose. The product is distinguished by high heat and sound insulation qualities, does not require a large consumption of materials, like expanded clay. A big plus is that ecowool is excellent for insulation hard-to-reach places... However, it is not suitable for rooms with high humidity, as it is not resistant to dampness.

- lightweight, soft and thin insulation, which is considered one of the best. It is characterized by high thermal insulation and moisture resistance, strength and long service life. This fiber can be laid under a floor covering or used as a stand-alone covering, which reduces the cost and time for setting up the floor. In the second case, the fiber is polished and coated with varnish or paint. The result is a natural, aesthetic, durable and warm floor that looks harmonious in a wooden house. The only drawback of such material is its expensive cost.

- thin insulation that will reduce material costs. You only need 5 centimeters to organize good thermal insulation. In addition to retaining heat, polystyrene concrete prevents penetration extraneous noise and provides reliable sound insulation. Any covering can be laid on the layer of material. In addition, it will create a flat and smooth surface.

- reliable and durable material, which reflects heat back into the room, and does not hold it inside, like other insulation. Foil is durable and waterproof. The advantage of this product is that it can be used for floor insulation in any type of premises (even in a bathhouse and sauna).

By the way, it is not necessary to use only one type of materials for floor insulation. The combination of several options, for example, layers of foam or wool and foil, will enhance thermal insulation and increase the life of the structure. When you decide what kind of insulation to use for the floor, you can proceed with the installation.

How to properly insulate the floor

To insulate a wooden floor, logs are mainly used. In this case, the bars are laid at a distance of 60 centimeters, and the gaps are filled with boards, to which the insulation is hemmed. It is important to insulate both sides. A waterproofing layer is laid on top of the heat-insulating layer. If you are using foil, the reflective layer should be on the outside!

For a wooden floor, in addition to foil, glass wool and mineral wool, ecowool and cork fiber are suitable. But you cannot use expanded polystyrene! The thickness of the insulation layers depends on climatic conditions... So, at an air temperature in winter of -15; -25 ° C, the thickness of the thermal insulation is at least 150 mm.

For the concrete floor, polystyrene foam is used in the form of slabs. First on dried concrete pavement put waterproofing material, standard is suitable polyethylene film... Next, the insulation is laid, and then waterproofing again. From above, the layers are poured with a concrete screed with a height of at least 50 mm. The flooring can only be laid after the concrete screed has completely hardened!

When insulating the floor, it is important to follow the installation technology and use only high-quality reliable materials. Otherwise, the service life of the structure will be reduced. The heat will quickly go away and the room will become cold. Due to insufficient moisture resistance, mold and rot will appear in the house. To avoid similar problems, ask the professionals for help!

Masters of the company "MariSrub" will select and calculate suitable materials for a house or a bath, they will perform all types of work on insulation and arrangement of floors.