Basalt insulation with foil for the sauna. It should be warm in the steam room: the secrets of choosing foil for a bath. Key features of insulation: what you need to know

Timely and high-quality insulation of saunas and baths can provide reliable protection of finished building structures from high humidity, fungus and further destruction.

Foil insulation for a bath contributes to effective energy saving, which leads to the accumulation of 98% of heat in the room. This allows you to save on fuel and at times speed up the process of heating the steam room.

What is the foil for?

Bath foil is the thinnest aluminum layer, which is used in its original form or in an effective combination with fiberglass, roll insulation or kraft paper. The web thickness is from 30 to 300 microns.

Aluminum foil has a high thermal conductivity, therefore it is a powerful reflector of heat that is released by the firebox. This type of insulation does not absorb infrared radiation, but reflects it, effectively distributing it around the entire perimeter of the room.

Due to this, all the heat generated is accumulated inside the steam room. Among other things, such material is successfully used as a sound insulator.

According to experts, this is the best thermal reflector designed for modern baths, capable of reflecting up to 98% of the infrared radiation emitted by the firebox.

Aluminum foil is an effective vapor and water seal, which means that it prevents moisture from escaping outside the premises. A steam room lined with foil heats up faster and cools down more slowly.

Features and Benefits

Taking into account the operational features of various bath rooms, foil thermal insulation must meet the following requirements:

• High vapor and moisture resistance;
• Excellent refractory properties;
• Resistance to corrosion processes;
• High level of thermal reflectivity (up to 98%) due to the mirror top layer;
• Sufficient thermal conductivity;
• Resistant to high temperatures;
• Absence of toxic substances.

High vapor barrier characteristics prevent steam from escaping from the heated room and reduce the likelihood of condensation. This ensures a long service life and excellent appearance of the insulation.

• Bath foil has the following advantages:
• Resistance to deformation and plasticity during heating;
• Preservation of the original consumer characteristics;
• Inert to the effects of ultraviolet radiation;
• Protection of premises from the occurrence of condensate, fungal formations and harmful organisms;
• Resistance to chemicals;
• Simplicity and accessibility in carrying out installation work;
• Durability, practicality and wear resistance;
• Hygiene and environmental friendliness;
• Affordable cost.

Aluminum foil is able to withstand high temperatures up to 150 degrees, which, in combination with increased reflectivity, contributes to the effective preservation of the generated heat indoors.

Such unique characteristics allow you to create the effect of a thermos in a bath, so the material is ideal for insulating wall, ceiling and floor surfaces in steam rooms and technical rooms.

Foil varieties

Depending on the type of application and the auxiliary components included in the composition, the material is divided into several types:

The material is represented by a thin aluminum layer with a thickness of up to 300 microns, a roll width of up to 150 cm. It is designed for a wide temperature range, therefore it is used for steam baths and saunas. Taking into account the high probability of deformations and breaks during laying, it is recommended to apply the foil on a refractory heat-insulating base with fixation on metal staples.

It is a cellulose base with an aluminum top layer. The paper can withstand high temperatures from 50 to 125 degrees, so it is suitable for auxiliary and technical rooms of baths.

Material consisting of a fiberglass base and an aluminum layer. It has high sound, heat, steam and moisture insulation characteristics, is resistant to decay and mold.

A special type of insulation, the basis of which is expanded polystyrene foam, covered with a thin aluminum layer. It is presented in rolls and sheets. The advantages of this material are resistance to high temperatures, excellent refractory, heat-insulating characteristics and ease of installation.

The basis of the material is mineral wool, covered with a thin layer of aluminum. It has high heat and vapor barrier properties.

Plates are easily installed on ceiling and wall surfaces, therefore they are intended for use in any bath rooms.

Criterias of choice

The most effective option for warming the premises of the bath is aluminum foil.

When choosing a foil insulation for a bath, it is important to follow simple recommendations:

• The main criterion for choosing foil in rolls is the thickness of the aluminum layer, which determines the vapor barrier coefficient. This indicator is from 0.007 to 0.2 mm. The greater the thickness, the more reliable the protection.
• A high-quality heat insulator should consist of 99% aluminum.
• When choosing an aluminum foil reflector, you should pay attention to its marking. So, the letter "M" marks soft annealed material; "T" - solid unannealed base.
• A high-quality insulation must have all the necessary quality certificates and conclusions. Therefore, it is recommended to choose products from reliable and trusted suppliers.
• Foil sheathing is mounted using metal-based adhesive tape (to hide joints), as well as galvanized nails, self-tapping screws and staples.

How to make your own foil lining

Thermal insulation of a wooden bath is carried out by caulking. But mineral wool can be used as an additional insulation.

The use of foil sheathing is an important procedure that helps to reduce heat loss in rooms. In this case, the material is used as a heat reflector, which is mounted on walls made of logs or boards. Next, a wooden lining is installed.

The sequence of installation work for warming the bath with foil:

1. A wooden frame made of thin planks with a section of 5 × 5 cm is installed on wall or ceiling surfaces. The planks are fixed using self-tapping screws. If necessary, a heater is laid - mineral wool.
2. Foil sheets are mounted on the crate with a reflective layer overlapping inward (18-20 cm) with fixation on galvanized nails or metal staples. With a significant width of the material, its fixation is carried out not only at the edges, but also in the middle.
3. To prevent deformation or rupture of the material, the joints are glued with adhesive tape on a metallized basis.
4. The fixed foil is sewn up with clapboard, while leaving the necessary technological gap of 1.5 cm for proper air exchange. This will provide better thermal conductivity of the material and high-quality reflection of infrared radiation in the room.
5. The lining is fastened to a wooden crate installed on top of the foil. For this, strips 2 cm thick are used with fixation on self-tapping screws.

Thermal insulation of steam rooms with the use of foil reflectors allows you to save up to 30% on raw materials for fireboxes, as well as extend the life of the wooden structures of modern baths, preventing rotting, mold and pathogens.

Aluminum foil for a bath: which one is better to choose, characteristics and installation

This type of insulation does not absorb infrared radiation, but reflects it, effectively distributing it. Aluminum foil has a high thermal conductivity, so it is a powerful heat reflector.

All the subtleties of using foil in a bath for insulating walls and ceilings

An ideal bath implies a quick heating of the steam room and a long preservation of heat. To achieve this, you either have to put a log house with thick walls, or additionally insulate the walls with the ceiling. The second method is cheaper, but not every heat-insulating material is able to withstand bath conditions. Traditional heaters will not work, but aluminum foil for a bath is exactly what you need. However, there are some pitfalls here.

What is the use of foil in the steam room: "divorce" or indisputable benefits

Some argue that foil insulation in a bath is of no use, while others say that it is an ideal heat insulator. Some masters simply use foil, while others prefer to combine it with heat-insulating material. These discussions are endless, but the choice must be made.

The principle of the material

Heat in the steam room is transferred due to:

On the one hand, aluminum foil has a high thermal conductivity, but on the other hand, it reflects almost all infrared radiation that falls on it.

The first point is often mentioned by opponents of this material. But they forget to say that the foil at the same time is able to heat up only from the skin or walls of the bath. First, the lining should glow, and only then it will transfer part of the heat to aluminum. The foil surface itself will give off thermal energy to the walls.

Important! The high thermal conductivity of the foil will play a negative role only if the area of ​​its contact with the skin is large. The crate for lining is not able to give off a significant amount of heat due to the minimal contact between these two building materials.

With infrared radiation, everything is quite the opposite, just here the fun begins. It is he who is emitted in the bath by hot stones and a stove. However, due to its IR properties, the foil almost completely reflects back into the room. Therefore, it is more correct to call it a heat reflector, and not a heater.

There is one more nuance - a hermetically laid layer of foil is an excellent vapor barrier. As a result, heated steam remains inside the room, raising the temperature of the bath air. The bath heats up faster, and after the firewood burns out, it cools down more slowly.

Benefits of using

Among the advantages of using foil in a bath, it is worth mentioning:

1. No harmful emissions and hygiene.
2. Preservation of the coating with prolonged exposure to excess moisture and high temperatures.
3. Easy installation.
4. Rot resistance.
5. Increasing sound insulation.
6. Fire resistance and heat reflective material.

However, if the foil layer has holes, then its usefulness will decline sharply. It's all about the condensate. It will not fall out on the outside of the foil inside the bath, but on the inside facing the wall. The accumulation of moisture will inevitably lead to the appearance of mold and rotting of the wood.

What foil material is better to choose for a bath

In addition to the usual roll foil, there are a lot of different foil materials designed for wall insulation. But not all of them are applicable in the bath, where the temperature and humidity are high. Here it is extremely important to choose the right and harmless heat insulator, otherwise visiting the steam room can lead to health problems. An additional layer makes the foil more durable or improves its thermal insulation characteristics.

You can insulate the bath:

• kraft foil (on a paper basis);
• foil cloth (on fiberglass);
• foilizolone (on polyethylene foam).

The first option is a complete analogue of standard aluminum foil, only with a reinforcing layer of paper. The second is the most durable and fire-resistant of all, and the third, thanks to foamed polyethylene, creates an additional layer of classic thermal insulation.

Advice! Near the stove, experienced craftsmen recommend sheathing the walls and ceiling of the bath exclusively with foil on fiberglass. It is durable, harmless and can withstand temperatures up to several hundred degrees.

The polyethylene substrate calmly transfers the heat of the steam room. But near the firebox, this foil material should not be sewn onto the walls. In the heat of a red-hot stove, it will inevitably begin to melt.

Mineral wool-based foil heaters are also on sale, but they are not recommended for use in a bath. Some of them contain formaldehydes, which begin to be released when the temperature of the material rises, while others lose all their thermal insulation properties when wet.

Even thick aluminum foil without a substrate can be easily damaged during installation. It should be used in the bath only as a last resort. It is best to choose the option on fiberglass, produced in three types:

1. "A" with one-sided foiling (working temperature from -40 to +150 ° C).
2. "B" with foil coating on both sides (working temperature from -40 to +300 ° C).
3. "C" with an adhesive base and one layer of foil (working temperature from -40 to +80 ° C).

All of these materials are sold in rolls of various sizes and thicknesses. They are easily cut to the desired size. And their fastening in the bath is made with galvanized nails or stapler staples.

The nuances of installing foil and foil insulation in the sauna

The choice of a foil heat insulator depends on the material from which the bath is built. In some cases, just aluminum foil is enough, while in others, it is recommended that sheathing be done using insulation only.

Option #1: Log house insulation

If the walls of the bath are made of thick logs, then covering them with foil is money down the drain. Here, the quality of caulking is more important, and it is simply pointless to additionally insulate the log house. In this case, there will be little positive effect from the heat-insulating layer.

In a log sauna, foil insulation should only be used when lining the ceiling. At the top of it, there will be at least some sense, especially if the ceiling is made thin and without an insulating layer on top.

You can also cover the walls around the stove with aluminum foil without a backing. Such a screen will reflect heat in the form of infrared radiation into the steam room, instead of wasting it on useless heating of the wall behind the heater.

When covering the ceiling, the foil insulation is laid with a reflective layer down, overlapping and with a small, 5-10 cm, approach to the walls. Joints must be glued with special aluminum tape. It is very important to create an airtight layer without the slightest loopholes for steam.

After installation, the foil can be left as is. So it will definitely not accumulate condensation. But from an aesthetic point of view, it is better to cover it with clapboard. To do this, you need to fill a crate of 40x40 mm bars, to which wooden planks will be nailed.

Option # 2: Sheathing a brick or frame structure

If the walls of the sauna are made of brick or frame technology is used, then it will be necessary to insulate them with foil heat-insulating material. Otherwise, the heat in such a bath will not linger for a long time.

The sequence of work in this case is absolutely identical to the technology used in a log cabin. Only foil sheathing is made in a circle over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe walls and ceiling to make a thermos. It is necessary to block all possible ways of escaping heat to the maximum.

Advice! When insulating a sauna with aluminum foil, special attention must be paid to windows and doors. The laid material should be securely nailed to the jambs and glued with adhesive tape.

Ideally, the crate for lining should be made independent, with a gap between the frame and the foil. The more this space, the better ventilation and less condensation. And this is the most important moment in warming the steam room.

According to the technology, foil-lined walls with a ceiling in the bath receive reliable protection from moisture, and the foil coating works as a thermal mirror, helping to maintain comfortable temperatures in the steam room. You can insulate the bath yourself, there is nothing complicated in this matter, you just need to consult with a specialist in choosing an insulating substrate.

Foil for thermal insulation of the bath: which one to choose and how to install

Will aluminum foil be useful in a bath? Which foil insulation is better to choose for a bath. The nuances of installing foil in a steam room.

What is the best aluminum foil for a bath

An ideal bath building should warm up as quickly as possible and retain thermal energy for a long time. To do this, the walls and ceiling in it are insulated. Such a heat insulator as aluminum foil for a bath is one of the most popular materials, as it is resistant to high temperatures and humidity.

foil properties

Among the characteristics that bath and sauna foil has, the most important is the ability to reflect about 97% of infrared rays. If the steam room is completely covered with this material, thermal energy will be saved as much as possible. The fact is that IR rays are not absorbed by the walls, but are reflected towards the room.

Foil for a steam room is ideal because:

• the material is able to withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees and even higher - this property depends on its type;
• does not emit substances harmful to the human body;
• has a small specific gravity.

In addition, aluminum foil has the following advantages:

• moisture resistance;
• plasticity;
• durability;
• vapor tightness;
• resistance to corrosion processes.

When using this material, almost all the heat remains in the steam room, while the insulation for the bath with foil on the walls will be reliably protected from condensate. The fastening process is simple, the main thing in the work is to prevent deformation, and do not leave gaps between the canvases.

To achieve a greater effect, not only walls, but also the ceiling surface are sheathed with foil insulation for a bath, since steam and hot air rise first.

Rolled Aluminum Foil

Foil is produced both in rolls and in sheets. Rolled material can have a thickness of 0.007 to 0.2 mm, a width of 10-1500 mm. The percentage of aluminum content in it is up to 99.5%.

Depending on the type of surface, the foil is:

• smooth, without additional finishing;
• for finishing;
• finishing.

According to the scope of application, the material is divided into canvas:

Depending on the manufacturing method, foil is distinguished:

• soft (annealed), marked "M";
• solid (unannealed) - it is assigned the letter "T".

A quality product is a canvas that does not have wrinkles, spots, tears and other inclusions on the surface. When viewed through the light of a thin canvas, it should not have gaps and tiny holes. Thick foils are allowed to have a small number of holes, which is regulated by the technical parameters of the equipment used.

A thin web is wound on bushings having different diameters. Thick foil is produced in sheets.

Before starting work on insulation, developers are interested in how much bath foil costs. Rolled products of domestic production will cost less than imported material. With a roll length of 25-30 meters, the price will be approximately 20-30 dollars.

Using foil for warming baths

To determine which foil to use for a bath is better, you need to consider what material the structure is built from and the conditions for its operation. If the building is a log building with carefully caulked walls, then it does not require a foil heat insulator.

In the case when the bath is built of natural wood, but large in area and does not warm up well, experts recommend sheathing the ceiling and walls from the inside with thin foil, and then closing it with clapboard. You can use a foil cloth for the surface behind the heating unit, as a result of which the steam room will warm up faster.

Despite the fact that a foam concrete bath building is considered warm, it requires high-quality vapor barrier, so the use of foil will be justified, but it is better to opt for laminated products.

Frame and brick buildings must be insulated. For this, heaters for a bath with foil based on polystyrene foam and mineral wool are ideal. The type of this material is chosen for ceilings, taking into account the thickness of the ceiling and the absence / presence of attic thermal insulation.

In addition, operating conditions matter. If the bath is used infrequently and the procedures are taken for a short time, there is no need to insulate it with foil. When the steam room is used frequently and is in it for a long time, high-quality thermal insulation will save fuel, and the room will quickly warm up and cool down for a long time.

Performing a simple bath cladding

When sheathing the walls of bath buildings, the foil sheet is attached to the surface or over the thermal insulation layer. Such work will take little time and will not require much effort.

The process looks like this:

1. Before sheathing the bath with foil, a frame made of wooden planks is fixed on the wall.
2. A heater is placed between the rails.
3. The top of the heat-insulating material is covered with overlapping foil, the joints between the strips are glued using aluminum tape.
4. The foil is sheathed with clapboard and a 15-20 cm air gap is necessarily made between it and the surface of the foil. This is a prerequisite for efficient heat transfer.

The air gap will reduce the thermal conductivity of aluminum, and since the hot lining will not come into contact with the foil, direct heat transfer will become impossible due to the insulating qualities of the air. At the same time, infrared rays falling on the surface of the foil sheet will be reflected towards the steam room.

Types of heaters with foil for a bath

In the process of work, a thin soft sheet of foil is easily crumpled and torn, so new technologies for its application have appeared.

Now on sale are:

foil paper

Its other name is laminated foil on a paper basis for a bath. It is an elastic and dense material and has excellent vapor barrier characteristics. It is produced in two types: foil plus kraft paper and foil plus paper plus polyethylene.

Foil paper can withstand 130-degree heat. Resists compressive loads. It holds its shape and cuts easily. The standard band width is 120 centimeters. For its fastening, self-tapping screws, building brackets and nails are used. The material is used for lining baths from the inside. It is not recommended to use laminated foil for the surface of the walls adjacent to the stove.

Foil fabric (foil fabric)

This soft two-layer material is made from fiberglass and foil. The thickness of the foil fabric is in the range of 0.12–3 mm. Cloths need to be fastened end-to-end. Foil fabric is used to insulate the premises of the baths; it can be used to sheathe the walls near the heating unit.

Its main characteristics:

• the ability to withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees;
• resistance to mold and other harmful microorganisms;
• good moisture resistance.

Foil Styrofoam

The insulation is made on the basis of expanded polystyrene and covered with the thinnest layer of aluminum foil. The material is produced in sheets measuring 1.2x0.6 meters with a thickness of 2-10 centimeters. They are used for the purpose of warming the premises of a bath building from the inside. The sheets are equipped with stepped locks that prevent the formation of cold bridges.

Foiled polystyrene foam has the following qualities:

• does not absorb moisture;
• reflects about 98% of thermal energy;
• differs in vapor barrier properties;
• resistant to chemical influences;
• safe for health;
• has a long service life.

Foil polyethylene foam

This roll insulation with a thickness of 2 to 10 centimeters has a one-sided or two-sided foil coating. It is used in the arrangement of thermal insulation of the interior of baths.

This material is able to withstand temperatures up to 100 degrees. It is not used for covering surfaces near the furnace.

Foil mineral wool

It is produced in rolls or in the form of mats of different thicknesses. Possesses excellent heat-insulating qualities. Ideal for warming frame bath buildings. The use of foil rolls or mats makes finishing work easier and more convenient.

The best material for warming a bath

Since the cost of energy is constantly growing, the owners of baths and saunas are forced to look for ways to save the cost of operating a steam room. When building a new building, it is necessary to use materials that have heat-saving characteristics. Baths built from bricks, foam concrete, cinder block and other building materials, except for natural wood, need additional protection from heat loss.

When arranging a steam room, you should be especially careful when deciding which foil is best for a bath, since the material must be environmentally friendly and reflect heat well. All these requirements are met by heaters having a foil-coated aluminum coating.

Advantages of foil insulation:

1. The material is universal, since it is used for walls, ceilings and bath floors.
2. Foil-coated insulation has good light reflection.
3. Products are produced in a wide range.
4. They are used in wet areas, while they do not need to be treated with fungicidal compounds.
5. They have high hygienic indicators. The properties inherent in aluminum do not create a breeding ground for the growth of fungus and mold.
6. They do not deform and do not melt in the steam room at elevated temperatures.
7. The material is comfortable to work with. It is easy to mount and fix on different planes: vertical, horizontal and inclined.

Tips for warming baths:

1. If the bath building does not have a commercial purpose, it will be enough to finish the walls with 3 mm foil in rolls.
2. For commercial enterprises, the solution to the problem of which foil is better to choose for a bath will be the use of laminated products based on basalt mineral.

When insulating a bathhouse located inside a capital building, it is necessary to take into account the functioning of central heating, since it warms up the air additionally.

Aluminum foil for a bath: which one is better to choose, whether to use paper-based in a sauna and steam room, foil insulation, how to sheathe walls

Aluminum foil for a bath: which one is better to choose, whether to use paper-based in a sauna and steam room, foil insulation, how to sheathe walls

Aluminum foil for bath insulation: a myth of thermal insulation or a brilliant reality?

Ideally, the bath should heat up quickly and retain the resulting heat for a long time. To do this, they try to isolate the walls and ceiling with high quality, blocking all exits outside the steam room to heat flows. The traditional insulating layer has a complex structure, but aluminum foil is almost always its unchanged component. This component is as popular as it is controversial. Philosophical battles, backed up by theory from physics textbooks, have been going on in the forums of bath lovers for more than a year. Some argue that foil is a wonderful heater for a bath, others that it is practically useless as a heat insulator. Where is the truth? Let's try to figure it out.

Aluminum foil: another "divorce" of manufacturers?

Aluminum foil for bath insulation is a thin (on average 30-300 microns) layer of aluminum, which is used unchanged or in combination with kraft paper, fiberglass, roll insulation. The main argument against the use of foil in the bath is that aluminum has a high thermal conductivity.

Based on this, thermal energy can freely pass through the metal layer and be outside the steam room. In fact, it's not quite like that. Firstly, high thermal conductivity will “work” against us only in case of direct contact of the foil with a heated body (for example, with a wooden clapboard or blockhouse). Secondly, in addition to thermal conductivity, there are other methods of heat transfer.

Three ways to transfer heat

Heat transfer can be carried out in three different ways in nature:

In the case of foil, it is worth considering only the last method - radiation. The stove in the steam room during kindling begins to intensely emit infrared rays, which a person perceives as heat. Now the fun begins. IR rays, falling on the aluminum foil layer, are not absorbed by it, but are reflected in the opposite direction, that is, back to the steam room. Reminds me of a mirror effect. Therefore, we can say that foil for baths is not a heater in the truest sense of the word, it is more correct to call it a heat reflector. Moreover, it reflects up to 97% of all IR rays.

In addition, the foil is a vapor barrier - a sealed material that does not allow water or steam to pass through. Accordingly, it prevents the heated steam from escaping to the outside and thereby also contributes to the preservation of heat.

Due to all this, the steam room, lined with foil, heats up much faster and does not cool down longer.

The foil can be mounted directly on the walls of the bath or on a layer of insulation (basalt wool, glass wool, etc.). The latter option is more effective and is most often used as a traditional warming "pie" in steam rooms.

The fact is that the foil is not able to reflect all the heat. Part of it, due to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum, passes further. In order for it not to go beyond the steam room, a heat-insulating material is fixed behind the foil layer. High-quality thermal insulation "catches" what the foil missed and sends it back.

This is especially true in frame, brick, concrete baths and saunas. Without good thermal insulation, it is problematic to bring such a bath “to standard”, especially in winter, - the lion's share of the heat flows emanating from the stove will immediately be carried away through the walls to the street. But good Russian log-baths with a real brick oven do not need special thermal insulation, except for caulking.

Covering the bath with foil: how to do it right?

In order for aluminum foil to perform all its functions assigned to it by the manufacturer, you should know how to fix it correctly. In this case, there are some nuances, the failure to comply with which nullifies its heat-reflecting and vapor barrier properties.

The plating process is simplified like this:

1. A frame of wooden planks is attached to the walls of the bath, between which a heater (roll or slab) is laid.
2. Foil is attached to the slats over the insulation. All joints are carefully glued with special adhesive tape - for tightness.
3. The foil is sewn up with lining. It is very important that an air gap of 15-20 mm be maintained between the aluminum surface and the lining. This will not allow the high thermal conductivity of aluminum to fully manifest itself. The heated lining and foil will not come into contact, which means there will be no direct heat transfer (air is a good heat insulator). At the same time, the IR rays reaching the foil will be almost completely reflected back.

Such a warming "pie" using foil is arranged according to the principle of a thermos. Simply put, a thermos is a double-walled flask with a vacuum layer between the walls. A mirror layer is applied to the inner surface of the smaller flask (the one with which the heated liquid is in contact). The vacuum prevents the propagation of heat through thermal conduction, and the mirror layer through infrared radiation. The same processes, only with a lesser degree of intensity, occur in the foil-coated insulating layer. In this case, the role of a mirror reflecting surface is played by the foil, and the role of a vacuum with very low thermal conductivity is played by the material of the heat insulator located behind the foil.

Thus, using foil as part of the insulating layer of the walls and ceiling of the steam room, you can significantly reduce the time of heating the bath, enjoy concentrated steam and heat longer, save the amount of firewood or electricity.

Aluminum foil for bath insulation: debunking the myths of thermal insulation

Is foil as good for warming a bath as they say about it? Does it really have the heat-reflecting properties that are attributed to it? Review with advice from experts.

Let's start with the fact that many do not know at all whether foil is needed for a bath. The question is relevant for most of the owners of country houses. If you believe the professionals, then the foil must be used when finishing the bath, since a sufficiently high temperature is required inside, which, in addition, must also last a long time. It is for this reason that the ceiling and walls are covered with insulating material that prevents heat energy from escaping outside the room. In almost all cases, the “pie” that is formed on the inside of the bath for the purpose of insulation includes aluminum foil. The latter, in turn, is produced in several versions at once.

Be that as it may, we note that the foil recommended by some people for use in the bath is categorically denied by others, and the dispute between the parties has not subsided for a long time. That is why we have to figure out whether the foil is really so necessary or can we refuse it? In parallel, we will find out what this material is, what it can be, how much it costs approximately and how to properly install it for maximum efficiency of the insulation layer.

And now, having familiarized ourselves with the features and main varieties of the material described in the article, we can begin to consider some popular brands. For the convenience of visitors, the information below is presented in the form of a small summary table.

The price of foil for warming the bath

Table. Popular foil heat insulators for a bath.

Name, photo	Characteristics, description	Average market value, in rubles
1. Annealed foil	Sufficiently soft material, the thickness of which is 100 microns. Sold in rolls of 10 square meters. As for the total length of one roll, it is equal to 10 meters. Corresponds to GOST.	From 1400 rub. (for one roll)
2. "Izover Sauna"	The brand of insulation mentioned above with a thickness of 5 centimeters is also sold in rolls of 12.5 meters in length. The total area of ​​one roll is 15 square meters. It is characterized by the fact that it also has soundproofing properties.	From 2200 rub. (for one roll)
3. "Park MAT ALUCOAT 35"	High-quality Finnish heat insulator, still sold in rolls. The thickness of this material is 3 centimeters, and the length of one roll is only 8 meters. In addition, the total area of ​​one roll of insulation is 7.2 square meters.	1800 rub. (for one roll)
4. Rockwool Sauna Butts	And this is foil mineral wool, which is sold in slabs. The thickness of this material is 5 centimeters, and the dimensions of one plate are 60x100 centimeters (WxD). The total area of ​​one plate is 0.6 square meters.	750 rub. per pack (8 plates)
5. URSA GEO M-11F	High-quality rolled insulation - mineral wool with a foil coating. Characteristically, this bath foil lined with kraft paper. The thickness is 5 centimeters, and the length of one roll is 12.5 meters. The optimum operating temperature is +270 degrees.	2100 rub. (for one roll)

As you can see, the cost of foil varies and depends not only on the variety, but also on the specific manufacturer.

Is the foil layer in the bath really necessary?

As a rule, baths today are insulated with thin foil (thickness varies between 30-300 microns). Tellingly, the aluminum layer can either be applied directly to the heat insulator or kraft paper, or sold separately for later use in tandem with other insulation materials.

Those who are against the use of foil claim that there is no sense in it, since its thermal conductivity is quite high, and therefore it is simply unable to retain heat indoors. Opponents of this method believe that buying / laying a foil heat insulator is just a waste of money. Note that this is partly true, because the use of foil can only be effective if it is installed correctly.

That is why the room, which was decorated with bath foil, warms up faster and retains heat longer. Therefore, it would be quite logical to conclude that it will be more comfortable to bathe in such a bath, while heating costs will noticeably decrease.

The main advantages of bath foil

In view of the operational and climatic features of the bath room, a number of requirements can be distinguished, which the used aluminum foil must necessarily comply with:

• high moisture and vapor resistance;
• appropriate thermal conductivity;
• fire resistance;
• high reflectivity (from 95 to 98 percent), which is obtained due to the special polishing of the outer layer;
• excellent anti-corrosion properties.

As we have already found out, high vapor barrier characteristics prevent the leakage of heated steam from the room, while it will not accumulate in the coating.

In addition, aluminum foil for a bath has other advantages:

• it does not deform and does not lose its original properties;
• it protects neighboring premises, if any;
• the material is plastic, even if exposed to high temperatures for a long time;
• differs in the increased resistance to chemicals;
• does not emit harmful gases and compounds;
• hygienic, durable;
• resistant to UV radiation;
• extremely easy to install.

Note! If the foil is handled carefully, even the thinnest sheets will not tear and deform. But in any case, it is necessary to purchase material with a small margin (at least 5 percent).

The maximum temperature that the foil can withstand can reach 145 degrees. Thanks to the creation of the so-called thermos effect, the heat inside is retained for about 2.5 hours longer. We also note that the material can be used both for walls and for floors and ceilings (that is, it is universal), and does not need any special treatment with fungicides at all.

What to look for when choosing foil for a bath?

If you intend to purchase the right foil, you must take into account several factors that affect the durability of the material, ease of installation, and future efficiency. Consider the main selection criteria in more detail.

Key varieties of foil heat insulators for baths

There are many types of foil, as well as combined insulation in which it is present, and all of them differ not only in cost, but also in various characteristics. Today we will consider only the most common of the materials.

Option #1. Roll foil (no backing)

This material is quite thin, and its strength can hardly be considered high. The thickness of such a heater can reach 0.2 millimeters, while the width varies between 100-150 centimeters. The material is sold, as you might guess from the name, in rolls 5-20 meters long. It is used for mounting on walls over an already existing base heat insulator. It must be fastened with an overlap, and the joints must be glued with metallized adhesive tape to obtain the most sealed reflective coating.

Note! The material can be used at a temperature of no more than +650 degrees, so the steam room, trimmed with foil, will quickly warm up and retain heat for a long time.

In addition, such a foil is resistant to corrosive processes, and does not emit any toxic substances when heated.

Option #2. kraft foil

It is made with a paper base or, preferably, in a three-layer design (paper - foil - PE), also known as "Izolan". The strength is quite high, the material can be laid on top of the timber without the use of an additional heat insulator (provided that the walls are well caulked). The material is environmentally friendly, its thickness can reach 1 centimeter. It can be operated at temperatures not exceeding +100 degrees. The installation requirements are the same as in the previous case, however, it is more convenient to work with such material, since it is more durable and does not wrinkle so much.

Option No3. Folar

In this case, we are talking about a vapor barrier, which can consist of one / two layers of foil material, as well as a reinforcing fiberglass mesh (the cells of the latter have dimensions of 4x4 mm). This kind of reinforcement allows the material to retain all its original characteristics even at temperatures from -60 to +300 degrees! This material is also environmentally friendly, able to withstand considerable loads (including mechanical ones). Produced in several varieties. Sold in rolls 100 cm wide and 50 meters long.

Option number 4. "Folgoizolon"

The next, so to speak, bath foil is foil-coated PE foam. Sold in sheets / rolls, may have different thicknesses. Very durable material that can be mounted without the use of the main insulation. It can be used not only for log walls (as the main heat insulator), but also for concrete / brick walls (as an auxiliary one). The maximum allowable operating temperature is about +125 degrees, dimensions (WxDxT) are 60x120x2x11 centimeters. It is easy to cut the material, as well as to mount it to the crate, but at the same time it does not deform.

Option No5. Mineral wool foil

The last type of foil that we will consider today. It is sold in plates and rolls, the thickness varies between 0.5-10 centimeters. Sizes can be different, and here much depends on the specific manufacturer. Excellent reflectivity - up to 97 percent, maximum allowable temperature - +300 degrees.

Note! There are many types of foil mineral wool, but one of the most popular (at least in Russia) is Izover Sauna, which has all the properties that the specifics of this room require.

Video - Rockwool heat insulators for a bath

Key features of insulation: what you need to know?

Before proceeding directly to the insulation, you should learn about the rules for its implementation, as well as what you should definitely pay attention to. So that the foil takes part in maintaining the required indoor climate, consider the following important points.

• The room must be well ventilated. Otherwise, all heat-insulating layers will be saturated with moisture and lose their original characteristics. The foil material itself will become simply useless.
• Ventilation gaps must remain between the finishing material and the insulation layers.
• Fasten all layers correctly, in accordance with the requirements, also do not forget to seal the joints between the sheets.

Remember that if you do not fulfill at least one of the listed requirements, then probably all your efforts will be wasted, and the final thermal and sound insulation properties of the foil will be almost zero.

What should be the thickness of the thermal insulation in the bath?

Here, much depends on the thickness of the walls, as well as on the material from which they are made. So, for brick / concrete walls with a thickness of 25 to 35 centimeters, it is necessary to use a heat insulator with a thickness of 10-15 centimeters. For the same walls, but with a thickness of more than 35 centimeters - within 8-10 centimeters. If we are talking about wooden walls with a thickness of 10-15 centimeters, then the thickness of the heat insulator should be approximately 6-8 centimeters, if 15-20 - then approximately 4-6 centimeters, finally, if more than 20 - then about 2-4 centimeters . As you can see, there is nothing complicated here, so we proceed directly to the installation work.

Step-by-step instructions for warming the bath

To begin with, we note that if the steam room is small, then foil in rolls or kraft foil, the thickness of which is at least 0.3 centimeters, will be quite enough. But if the steam room is quite large, then it is better to give preference to materials based on mineral wool. It is also mandatory to think over how the condensate will be discharged: if the ceiling is insulated, then the foil from it must be removed to the walls, and if the latter are insulated, then to the floor. In this case, the overlap should be approximately 15-20 centimeters, and all joints, we repeat, should be glued with metallized tape.

Note! Still do not forget about the ventilation gap between the insulation layer and the finish (about 1.3-1.8 centimeters). In this case, you will achieve a healthy microclimate in the room.

The installation process itself is not complicated and consists of several simple steps. Let's consider the features of each of them in more detail.

Step one. To begin with, build a crate on the walls, using a beam of 5x5 centimeters for it. As for the pitch of the crate, in this case it depends on the width of the insulation. If it is 60-120 centimeters, then the step, respectively, should be 60 centimeters; for foil, the width of which is 100-150 centimeters, it is 50. Use self-tapping screws of a suitable length to fasten the bars.

step two. Lay insulation material between the battens. Try to do this in such a way that the heat insulator does not go beyond the level of the slats.

Step Three. When the main insulation is installed, lay a foil coating on top of it, without fail placing the latter with a reflective layer inside the room. To seal the joints between the sheets, you can use metallized adhesive tape, however, remember that the glue, being under prolonged exposure to high temperature, softens, which means that the sheets may well disperse, which leads to a violation of the tightness of the entire coating.

It is desirable that bath foil fixed with nails or staples - the latter should be nailed directly to the bars. And if the width of the foil is large enough, then it should be fixed both at the edges and in the center.

Step Four. Sheathe the fixed foil with clapboard, while not forgetting about the air gap 1.5 centimeters thick. This layer is necessary in order to reduce the thermal conductivity of the foil in order to limit the reflection of all the rays that hit the coating back into the room. Obtaining this kind of air "pocket" is possible due to the construction of a wooden crate for lining. For this crate, try to use bars, the thickness of which is within 1-2 centimeters, and for fixing, use all the same self-tapping screws.

Sometimes the crate can be built on top of the insulation layer - in this case, the foil will be stuffed immediately over the entire area of ​​​​the steam room, even on the bars. If so, then there is no special need to create air "pockets", and the lining can be fixed directly on the crate. However, practice shows that the use of combined materials, including a foil layer, is preferable not only in terms of economics, but also because of the significant simplification of all installation work.

Video - Finishing the steam room in the bath

Thanks to the use of foil when finishing the steam room, you can save from 25 to 30 percent on fuel for the stove, in addition, the service life of the entire structure will increase markedly, as you will prevent the development of mold, fungi and various microorganisms that are harmful to health .

Video - How to sheathe a steam room in a bath with foil

Bath ventilation features

As noted earlier, the arrangement of a high-quality ventilation system is necessary for the normal functioning of the heat-insulating cake. This should be taken care of in advance - even before proceeding directly to the insulation. There are several schemes for the location of ventilation holes at once, let's take a brief look at each of them.

First

We are talking about the scheme indicated in the illustration above by the letter "a". This is natural ventilation, the supply vent for it is arranged at the bottom of the wall next to the heater, and the exhaust vent is on top of the opposite one. The option is simple, but its effectiveness leaves much to be desired. For example, some open doors to enhance such ventilation.

Second

Option "b", in which both vents are located on the same wall, and the heater is on the opposite wall. Suitable for baths with one outer wall. A fan is used to reinforce the system (in the air inlet).

Third

As for option "c", it must be implemented even during the construction of the bath, since the air in this case will move under the finishing floor. The location of the ventilation windows is the same as in option No. 1, but the fan should be placed already in the exhaust hole (the one on top). Quite an effective system, it is worth noting.

Fourth

Finally, the “g” scheme is effective only when firing the stove. There is only one hole here - the supply one - and it is located on the wall opposite from the heater.

As a result, we note that the size of the ventilation holes depends on the specific area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. So, for every square meter of the steam room there should be at least 24 square centimeters. That's all, good luck with your work!

To keep the steam room warm and always have enough steam, you should find out why foil is needed. To do this, you need to figure out how to choose the right option, what materials are offered by leading manufacturers. We offer you to get acquainted with the main types that are used for thermal insulation of bath rooms, and their distinctive characteristics.

PHOTO: stroy-podskazka.ru

Foil when warming a bath can perform a different function. It is used as an independent reflective heat insulator or as one of the layers of a heat-insulating pie. By placing the foil between the lining and the layer of thermal insulation, it is possible to create the effect of a thermos. This is the best option for a brick, concrete or frame structure.

When used alone, the foil acts solely as a reflector or vapor barrier to protect vulnerable materials from moisture. With its help, it is possible to increase the air temperature in a small steam room, to protect the walls of the bath, adjacent to the stove, from possible ignition.

PHOTO: 1.bp.blogspot.com

Operating principle

The distribution of heat in the steam bath is carried out by conduction, convection and infrared radiation. Aluminum foil reflects infrared rays well. At the same time, it has a high thermal conductivity. However, this does not in the least impair its performance due to minimal contact with the lining.

PHOTO: stroy-podskazka.ru

The main effect is achieved due to the reflection of the infrared radiation generated by the stove and hot stones by the foil. Due to the performance characteristics, it is possible to almost completely return the heat back to the room.

Also, a hermetically laid layer of foil acts as a vapor barrier. Thanks to him, it is possible to keep the steam heated to a certain temperature inside the room.

PHOTO: pechnoi.ru

Performance characteristics by type

Manufacturers offer foil for. This determines their geometric parameters and operational characteristics. We offer you to get acquainted with the main varieties, their features, so that it is easier to make an informed choice.

PHOTO: zharpar.rf

Roll foil

This material is available in sheets and rolls. The thickness of the rolled material is 0.007 - 0.2 with a width of 0.01 -1.5 m. For the insulation of the bath, materials with a thickness of 30 - 100 microns are mainly used. Contains about 99.5% aluminium. Depending on the version, the surface of the rolled foil can be:

• smooth, not requiring additional finishing;
• . After insulation, a finishing material is attached to the surface;
• finishing.

PHOTO: i0.wp.com

Paper based foil and foil fabric

Paper-based foil is often referred to as foil-backed or laminated. The material has sufficient elasticity, has an optimal density and excellent vapor barrier properties. Manufacturers offer two types: based on kraft paper and paper with polyethylene. Such a heater:

• able to withstand heat at + 130ºС, which is especially important for a bath;
• resists compressive stress well;
• keeps the shape
• easy to cut;
• allows various mounting methods. It is possible to use nails, staples, self-tapping screws;
• installed inside the bath.

Attention! Laminated foil is not suitable for finishing the walls of the bath adjacent to the stove.

PHOTO: bannydvor.com

Foil fabric consists of two layers: foil and fabric. It has a thickness of about 0.12 - 3 mm. Cloths in the bath are fastened end-to-end. The material can be used for cladding walls adjacent to the heating unit. Such material for the bath:

• able to withstand heating up to 500ºС;
• resistant to mold and harmful microorganisms;
• has good moisture resistance.

PHOTO: i.sunhome.ru

Foiled polystyrene foam and polyethylene foam

The basis of foiled polystyrene foam is expanded polystyrene, on which the thinnest layer of aluminum foil is applied during the manufacturing process. Supplied in sheets measuring 1.2×0.6 m. It can be 2–10 cm thick. The presence of stepped locks prevents the appearance of cold bridges. Foiled polystyrene foam is safe for health. Does not absorb moisture. For such a material for a bath:

• reflection up to 98% of heat;
• good vapor barrier properties;
• chemical resistance;
• long service life.

PHOTO: pol-exp.com

Foil polyethylene foam for a bath has a thickness of 2 - 10 cm. The foil can be attached on one or both sides. It is actively used in the arrangement of the interior of the bath. It can be heated to a temperature of not more than 100ºС, which excludes its use for sheathing the surface adjacent to.

PHOTO: avatars.mds.yandex.net

Foiled mineral wool in rolls and mats

Foil mineral wool is supplied in mats and rolls. May have different thicknesses. It has good thermal insulation characteristics. It can be used for warming frame baths. The convenient form of release considerably simplifies performance of installation works.

PHOTO: vosaduly.ru

Advantages and disadvantages

The benefits of bath foil include:

• absence of harmful substances;
• hygiene;
• maintaining performance characteristics during prolonged exposure to high temperature and high humidity;
• ease of installation. Minimal time required;
• biological durability. The material, despite the harsh operating conditions, does not rot;
• good soundproofing characteristics;
• fire resistance of the formed layer;
• good reflectivity.

PHOTO: pechiexpert.ru

Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the low mechanical strength. When damage occurs, the effectiveness of the coating is significantly reduced. The reason for this is that condensation does not form inside the bath, but on the surface facing the wall. As a result, due to the constant accumulation of moisture, the wooden base begins to rot.

PHOTO: stroy-podskazka.ru

Leading manufacturers

Quality products can be found in the catalogs of domestic and foreign manufacturers. Attention deserves products manufactured under trademarks:

• Penofol. The manufacturer offers a thin material with a fairly dense structure;
• Izolon. Products are manufactured at the Izhevsk Plastics Plant. The manufacturer uses different technologies. The user is presented with "crosslinked" and "non-crosslinked";
• Isover. High-quality material is offered by Saint-Gobain Izover;
• Rockwool. The heat-insulating material of this manufacturer copes well with the tasks;
• URSA. The products of the Spanish company are in demand in many countries.

PHOTO: sprb.by

Popular foil materials

When choosing the right option, you should pay special attention to materials that are especially popular. By insulating a bath with their help, you can ensure a comfortable temperature inside and a long service life.

ISOVER "Sauna": rating 5/5

The basis of the rolled material is fiberglass, which is sheathed with aluminum foil to ensure the necessary properties. Does not support combustion. The manufacturer offers plates of various thicknesses. It has a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.041.

PHOTO: stroy-sms.ru

Feedback on foil insulation ISOVER "Sauna":

Read more on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_7448841.html

ISOVER "Sauna"

SPU Sauna Satu: rating 5/5

The material is able to withstand exposure to sufficiently high temperatures. Features easy installation. Does not rot in high humidity conditions. Foil is available on both sides. Due to its compact dimensions, it can be mounted even in a steam room of a small volume. Allows the formation of an airtight layer.

PHOTO: puukeskus.ee

Review of foil insulation SPU Sauna Satu:

Read more on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_2070509.html

Foil insulation SPU Sauna Satu

Penofol: rating 4.5/5

The manufacturer offers a fairly dense material with good thermal insulation characteristics. To ensure a sufficient level of insulation, it is worth giving preference to a material having a thickness of more than 10 mm. Does not emit toxic substances. It has a high level of thermal resistance. Easy to mount.

PHOTO: penofol.by

Folgoizolone: ​​rating 4.5/5

Foil material is used for insulation measures. Sold in rolls. May have different thicknesses. Easy to mount. Does not deform during installation. Able to withstand heat up to 125ºС.

PHOTO: polypek.ru

Feedback on foil insulation " Folgoizol":

Read more on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_2135074.html

Folgoizolone

Megaflex: rating 5/5

The insulating material reflects heat well, significantly reducing heat loss and providing comfortable conditions in the steam room. When laying it, it is possible to keep the steam inside the sauna or bath. It is mounted directly on the insulation layer with foil inside. When installing the finishing material, a gap of 4–5 cm is necessarily provided. Allows operation at a sufficiently high temperature. Withstands the effect of "dry steam", heated up to 100ºС - 120ºС. With significant heating does not emit harmful substances.

PHOTO: stroy-market63.ru

Feedback on the material "Megaflex":

Read more on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4459590.html

Megaflex

Foil for a bath: how to choose a heater for a different type of base

When choosing a foil, be sure to take into account the characteristics of the base to which it will be attached. We offer you to get acquainted with important criteria that will help you make the right choice.

PHOTO: steemitimages.com

from brick

If the walls are built of brick, it is impossible to do without warming the inner surface. Otherwise, it will be quite difficult to create a comfortable temperature in the bath. The foil in such a room is mounted around the entire perimeter of the room and on the ceiling. After that, a crate is stuffed onto the foil and a lining is attached.

Advice! To keep the room always warm, special attention should be paid to doors and windows.

After attaching the material to the jamb, carefully glue the foil with tape. The crate should be made independent. The greater the distance from the wall, the better. With sufficient clearance, it will be possible to ensure good ventilation and prevent condensation.

PHOTO: idea.build2last.ru

Concrete

Although the bath from is warm enough, you can’t do without arranging a vapor barrier. The use of ordinary foil should be immediately abandoned. The preferred option is a material glued to some kind of base. It will prevent the appearance of excessive dampness, will keep the steam inside and will not have a negative impact on human health.

from wood

If thick logs are used to make the walls of the bath, the use of foil can be abandoned. To create comfortable conditions, it is necessary to perform high-quality caulking. With the help of foil in a log bath, only the ceiling is insulated. In this case, it is possible to achieve the greatest effect. Acting as a screen, such a layer will return infrared radiation back to the steam room.

Foil insulation is attached with a reflective layer down. Laying is carried out with an overlap of 5 - 10 cm with a call to the walls. The joints are carefully glued with a special aluminum tape.

If you don’t like the appearance of the foil without finishing, you can hide it under the lining. To do this, a lattice is stuffed from bars with a size of 40 × 40 mm², to which wooden planks are “sewn”.

PHOTO: bestlandscapeideas.com

In order to form a high-quality foil layer, the work on ceiling insulation should begin with the thermal insulation of the ceiling. After that, they begin to attach the foil to the walls. Wherein:

• the material is positioned so that the foil layer is inside the bath;
• for fastening use nails and staples;
• fixation is carried out in the middle and along the edges;
• leave an air gap between the skin and the foil;
• provide a hermetic connection of the joined layers to prevent the appearance of cold bridges.

Ceiling insulation is performed in the following sequence:

• the crate is attached;
• insulation is laid, which is most often mineral wool. It is fixed with the help of temporary strips;
• foil is laid with an overlap of 20 - 25 cm. It is very important to position it correctly: shiny side down. Provided for the overlap on the walls;
• joints are glued with metallized adhesive tape to ensure a sufficient level of tightness;
• crate slats 50 mm thick are stuffed on top;
• finishing material is attached.

Wall mounting is done in the same way. For fastening the crate, bars measuring 50 × 50 mm² are used. The width between the bars is chosen equal to the width of the heat-insulating material.

Share in the comments, have you ever used foil to protect the bath? Are you satisfied with the result?

Bath and sauna are rooms in which it is necessary to create and maintain a special microclimate. The temperature in the steam room reaches 70-90°C. To reduce heat loss, a thermal insulation system is considered at the construction stage. From a wide range of building materials, experts recommend using foil insulation for a bath. It is resistant to high humidity and effectively reflects infrared radiation.

The need for thermal insulation of the bath

Foil insulation significantly reduces heat loss in the bath

The steam room is good for health, it promotes skin rejuvenation, dilates blood vessels, speeds up metabolism. When building a bath, builders take into account the special requirements for the design. It should warm up quickly and hold a high temperature for a long time. To fulfill these requirements, reflective thermal insulation for the bath is mounted. Without high-quality insulation, the steam room will not be able to function, or the heating cost will be huge. Practical owners of baths note the advantages of thermal insulation:

• the service life of the bath is extended;
• the amount of time the temperature rises to a maximum is reduced;
• the consumption of firewood, coal or electricity for heating the sauna is reduced;
• basalt insulation increases the fire safety of the building.

Thermal insulation is installed inside or outside buildings. In the case of steam room insulation, material for interior work is chosen. Several layers are successively installed, including vapor and waterproofing. The use of insulation for baths and saunas with foil makes it possible to get by with one material that performs all of the above functions.

Criteria for choosing a heater for a sauna

Insulation must withstand high temperature and humidity

When choosing the optimal insulation for a bath, you should focus on the basic requirements for the material:

• coefficient of thermal conductivity;
• the presence of a reflective layer;
• moisture resistance;
• working temperature;
• thickness;
• combustibility.

The specificity of the sauna with high humidity and temperature requires paying attention to the quality of the material. Difficult conditions adversely affect the insulation, reducing its life. Manufacturers take into account the requirements for thermal insulation of baths, create special series with the appropriate marking. An important factor is the absence of harmful emissions during heating. When buying a heater, it is worth reading the manufacturer's information.

In saunas with wood-burning stoves, the combustibility index of the material should be taken into account. Basalt or mineral wool does not support combustion, polyethylene foam melts.

Characteristics of heaters with foil

Characteristics of heaters

Using insulation for a bath on the walls from the inside with foil or a metallized coating allows you to create the effect of a thermos. Heat transfer from heating devices occurs due to infrared radiation. So that the energy does not leave the premises, a metallized screen is installed that reflects it. It is desirable to cover all parts of the structure with thermal insulation: ceiling, walls, floor. A continuous coating will reduce heat and moisture loss.

Mounting foil without a layer of insulation is impractical. This is a thin material that is easily damaged during installation. In addition, aluminum has a high thermal conductivity, which is unacceptable in the bath and sauna. Proper installation and a layer of thermal insulation material eliminate the problem.

The main characteristics of foil insulation:

• High ability to reflect infrared radiation 90-97%.
• Low thermal conductivity due to the cellular or fibrous structure of the material.
• Vapor impermeability - the coating of the aluminum layer does not allow vapor molecules to pass through, installation of additional protective films is not required.
• Waterproofing - the material does not absorb moisture.
• High temperature resistance - insulation is designed for a wide operating temperature range, the upper limit is 150-300 ° C.
• Availability of installation - most insulation materials are available in the form of rolls and mats, which allows you to install them yourself.

In addition to thermal insulation qualities, sauna insulation with foil has vapor barrier and sound-absorbing properties.

Choice of foil material

Roll heat insulator

Thermal insulation with foil for a bath differs in technical characteristics and properties. The choice of insulation is influenced by the design features of the room, fire safety requirements, and the complexity of installation. Mineral wool is recommended for stone and concrete buildings. It is a reliable material of considerable thickness, which will provide the appropriate level of insulation.

A building made of timber or logs does not require much effort to maintain temperature. Wood itself is a good thermal insulator. In this case, penofol or kraft foil is enough. An overview of popular options will help you decide which material is best to use.

Roll heat insulator

Insulation in the form of a rolled sheet can be from 20 to 150 m long. The thickness of the material ranges from 2 to 40 mm. The basis is foamed polyethylene or propylene. Due to the thin coating of aluminum, the material reflects thermal radiation. Penofol is popular in the domestic market. The material is produced with a one-sided or two-sided foil coating with a self-adhesive backing.

Roll foil without a base is laid on the surface of the walls after the insulation. Strips 1-1.5 m wide are mounted with an overlap. The resulting surface is highly resistant to temperature (up to 650°C), moisture and steam.

Basalt wool with a foil layer

Basalt wool with foil

Mineral or basalt wool is a universal fibrous insulation. It is resistant to fire and moisture, provides excellent thermal insulation of the room. Foiling the outer layer reduces heat loss, creates a vapor barrier. Among the range of leading manufacturers Izover, Parok and Rockwool, you can choose special materials with foil for warming the bath.

• For anti-condensation insulation, ROCKWOOL ALU is recommended. The material is supplied in mats. Its fibers are located perpendicular to the surface. During operation, the strength and elasticity of cotton wool is not lost. The Sauna Butts series is designed for warming saunas and baths. Mineral wool slabs 50 and 100 mm thick serve as heat and vapor barrier. The material is designed for indoor installation.
• Roll insulation Izover Sauna is quickly installed on the walls and floor, provides reliable insulation. It is safe for health, has no harmful emissions when heated and wet. The material allows you to save on the installation of membranes and films.
• The popular Paroc brand insulation is offered in the form of lamella and stitched mats. They are easy to use, quickly mounted on a heat-insulated surface. The aluminum layer is reflective. Basalt wool does not change its thickness during operation.

The quality of thermal insulation depends on the thickness of the selected mineral wool. The best option is 5-10 cm. Basalt wool is fireproof, does not rot from moisture, and has a long service life.

kraft foil

The use of insulation with a layer of aluminum allows you to achieve maximum preservation of infrared radiation inside the steam room. The sandwich construction consists of kraft paper and foil, in some cases polyethylene is added to reinforce the material. Common types:

• foilizolone or foil glassine - an elastic material based on cardboard with a corrugated aluminum coating;
• foil fabric - fiberglass insulation, duplicated with foil, reflects up to 97% of radiation, withstands temperatures of about 200 ° C;
• isolar - foil for a bath with a thickness of 50 and 100 microns with the addition of a polyethylene film, resistant to fire, temperatures up to 300 ° C.

Among the varieties of insulation, it is worth noting a novelty - PIR plates from TechnoNIKOL with foil lining. The product line for bath insulation creates a reliable barrier between the cold from the street and the hot, moist air of the steam room. The plates are light in weight, low water absorption, resistance to deformation

Installation of insulation with foil

Joints are glued with aluminum tape

When installing foil insulation for a sauna, you must follow the rules:

• The layer with aluminum foil is directed inside the room.
• When installing the material on the ceiling, a descent is made to the walls, from vertical surfaces to the floor. This is necessary for the outflow of condensate.
• The steam room needs ventilation.
• A gap of at least 30 mm is left between the foil layer and the bath finish.

The sequence of installation work depends on the type of insulation. A roll of penofol is rolled out, cut into sheets of the desired length and fixed on the walls with a stapler. Under the basalt wool, it is necessary to make a frame according to the thickness of the material. The mats are placed in the finished crate. The joints of the canvases are glued together with metallized tape. Over the heat-insulating layer, slats 30 × 50 mm are stuffed. The crate will provide the necessary ventilation gap between the insulation and the sheathing of the steam room.

Aluminum foil for baths and saunas has the optimal combination of qualities required for thermal insulation in this type of premises. And keeping warm is a top priority for a quality steam room.

If the heat will easily leave the premises, then the following troubles await us:

• The enormous cost of trying to heat a rapidly cooling building.
• The lack of the proper effect of relaxation and treatment with hot steam.

Warming the bath with foil will help to avoid its transformation into an ordinary gazebo. In this article we will consider the technical characteristics of this material and the stages of its installation.

Aluminium foil

Important to know: aluminum has a high thermal conductivity and a high reflectivity. Therefore, heat is stored not by containing it, as with other heaters, but by reflecting it back into the room.

For high-quality thermal insulation of the steam room, the insulation material must have increased water resistance and fire resistance.

Foil for baths and saunas is ideal for such parameters.

Specifications

• There is no deformation effect at high temperatures.
• Aluminum does not emit fumes harmful to humans.
• High level of vapor barrier. Thanks to this, hot steam does not leave the room, but fulfills its purpose.

• No accumulation of steam in the material itself. This greatly increases the service life.
• Acceptable price.
• There is no condensation on the walls. This is especially important in the case of wooden walls. Since the presence of condensate can lead to the appearance of mold and rotting processes.
• Insulation of the material from the harmful effects of excessive moisture and other possible effects. This extends the life of the building itself.
• Heat reflection effect. The aluminum surface reflects heat radiation, which significantly accelerates the heating of the steam room, which saves on heating.
• Ease of installation. Affordable do-it-yourself implementation.
• Durability. Does not rust, does not rot, is not attacked by pests.

This solid list of advantages applies in general to foil as a heater. But today the manufacturer offers different types that have some features.

Kinds

What foil is best for a bath?

Let's look at its most prominent representatives:

• Folgoizolone for a bath is a polyethylene coated with aluminum foil. To all the above qualities, a high level of sound insulation is added and strength increases. And the preservation of heat is carried out not only due to reflective properties, but also due to a decrease in thermal conductivity.

• Paper-based bath foil significantly increases the strength and reliability of the product and is an environmentally friendly material.

• Foil insulation for a bath is any classic insulation material, such as isolon or even mineral wool, in which one of the sides is covered with a layer of foil to increase waterproofing, fire safety and protection from the aggressive environment of the steam room. The cost accordingly increases depending on the combined insulation.

Thus, all varieties are simply adding an additional layer that adds some quality, but also increases the cost. In order to save money, ordinary foil in a bath is suitable, which already has a sufficient number of necessary qualities.

Installation

The following instructions will help you in mounting the foil:

• We buy a sufficient amount of foil with a thickness of 100 microns.
• We fix the foil on the boards with a stapler, furniture nails or buttons. At the same time, we make overlaps of several centimeters.
• We fasten the aluminum strips together with mounting tape.

Tip: Aluminum has a high electrical conductivity. Therefore, be sure to carefully insulate the possible wiring in the bathhouse.

• From above we install a crate of wooden planks, which will serve both as a reinforcement for the foil layer and as a basis for interior decoration.

• We mount the inner finishing layer.

It should be noted that when using an additional insulating layer, it is installed in front of the foil.

For example, if it is mineral wool, then we do the following:

• We nail wooden bars with a section of 5 cm by 5 cm on the walls and ceiling of the steam room. At the same time, we observe the distance between them equal to the width of the insulation boards.
• We put insulating material between them.
• This is followed by the above installation steps with one clarification: the foil is fixed to the intermediate strips.

If you use a heater for a bath with foil, then the sheathing process is even more simplified and becomes more cost-effective than purchasing and installing them separately.

Output

Necessary for their full functioning. A steam room, unable to keep warm, is nothing more than a comfortable gazebo. One of the most economical ways is to cover the inside of the walls and ceiling with a layer of foil.

It should be understood that such a material does not work like most other heaters that retain heat indoors due to their low thermal conductivity. The aluminum coating allows it to reflect heat radiation, which not only saves heat energy, but also speeds up the process of heating the bath.

The combination with classic warming materials allows you to achieve an even higher effect. But at the same time, it increases the cost of the final work.

The video in this article will provide additional materials on the topic.

It will only give you real pleasure and improve your health!