The thinnest floor insulation. Which floor insulation is better? Insulating material foam

When building a cozy and comfortable home, you need to insulate all areas through which the cold penetrates inside. The floor is just such a zone, its proximity to the ground and insufficient thickness significantly reduces the temperature of the coating. High heating costs change the situation slightly, so home owners have to decide how best to insulate the floor.

You can carry out floor insulation work in a house or apartment on your own, the main thing is to choose the right material. To avoid mistakes, you need to analyze the main characteristics thermal insulation materials:

• fire resistance;
• low thermal conductivity;
• environmental safety, absence of toxic fumes during operation;
• strength, no deformation;
• life time;
• vapor permeability, the material should easily release accumulated moisture;
• difficulty of installation.

Floor insulation technology

The purpose of thermal insulation is to create a reliable barrier against the cold. To do this, between the base of the floor ( concrete slab, earthen embankment, logs) and finishing coat place a layer of insulation. The material is covered with a vapor barrier film. To achieve maximum effect and protect it from moisture, before insulating the floor, it is necessary to lay waterproofing.

The sequence of work depends on the type of base, operating conditions of the room, and the permissible thickness of the insulating layer.

Floor insulation, what to choose?

Polystyrene foam is popular not only because of its low cost; the material has low thermal conductivity and is resistant to moisture. He will become optimal choice for insulating basements and basements. Polystyrene foam is environmentally friendly, and when placed under a layer of concrete screed, it is not at risk of fire. Floor insulation is universal in use; it can be laid on concrete, ceramics, wood or brick.

Expanded polystyrene is an improved version of polystyrene foam. It is denser (40 kg/m3 versus 10 kg/m3), absorbs less moisture, and has a uniform structure. Expanded polystyrene does not rot, has low thermal conductivity and weight. Insulation boards do not wrinkle, serve as sound insulation, and are suitable for concrete and wooden floors.

Expanded clay - natural material, which is used in dry form and as an additive to concrete. It is made of clay, so it is safe for health. Expanded clay does not burn and is resistant to temperature changes. As part of the screed, it significantly reduces the thermal conductivity. When used in the form of bulk granules, the insulation is sensitive to moisture, so waterproofing is required. The effective layer of material is up to 20 cm; not everywhere it is possible to raise the floor level to such a height.

Mineral wool is offered in three types:

• Glass wool is an elastic and durable floor insulation, an excellent heat and sound insulator. Its disadvantage is fibers that irritate the skin. Modern mineral wool is made from high-quality raw materials, it is less dangerous and caustic.
• Stone is a fragile insulation material with high hygroscopicity. Plus mineral wool is low cost.
• Basalt wool is resistant to fire, frost and biological effects. The insulation, made in the form of rigid slabs, is not prone to wrinkles and deformation. Its density is 30-35 kg/m3. Basalt wool is safe for health, has good vapor permeability, and can be used for up to 30 years. The material loses its properties when wet, so during installation it is carefully protected from moisture. Basalt wool is most often used as thermal insulation for wooden floors.

Cork insulation is characterized by high elasticity and sound absorption. It is environmentally friendly, retains heat and is not afraid of moisture. Available in rolls, allowing you to quickly cover the floor in a room. Cork material in the form of slabs is laid between the joists under the wooden covering.

Polyurethane foam has minimal thermal conductivity due to low density. When sprayed, the composition forms a cellular structure, providing high insulating properties. When hardened, polyurethane foam forms a continuous surface without seams. Due to the high moisture resistance of the insulation, it is not necessary to lay a vapor barrier sheet. The polymer composition is used under a screed or subfloor made of plywood.

High moisture resistance allows you not to cover the polyurethane foam with a vapor barrier film.

Thermal insulators with a layer of foil, such as penofol, reflect infrared waves back into the room. A thin layer of foamed polyethylene with aluminum coating is indispensable as a substrate for laminate or linoleum. The density of penofol is quite high, it does not deform under load. The material is used independently or in combination with other insulation.

Warm floor system - types and installation possibilities

Installing a water-heated floor in a private home will forever solve the problem of cold flooring. It is mounted under concrete screed and reveals in an economical way support comfortable temperature in the room.

Except hot water, circulating through plastic pipes, an electric cable can be used to heat the floor.

It is impossible to install such a system in an apartment due to the high load on the floor. An infrared floor on film became a replacement for wires and pipes under the screed. The coating strips are easily installed and laid under tiles, laminate, parquet and linoleum.

Thermal insulation of wooden floors

Wood has low thermal conductivity, but the thickness of the boards is not enough to prevent the penetration of cold; in addition, over time, cracks form in the coating, creating a draft. Recommendations on how to properly insulate a floor will help you cope with the work yourself.

• The entire length of the floor is laid wooden beam(lags).
• Plywood or cuttings of boards are attached to the bottom of the logs, which will become the basis for the insulation.
• Thermal insulation material - mineral wool, penofol, expanded polystyrene - is tightly placed between the beams. The thickness of the floor insulation depends on the location of the room - on the ground floor you will need a more substantial layer.
• The insulation is covered with plastic film or glassine for vapor barrier.
• Boards are laid flooring.

How to insulate a concrete floor

Cannot be used indoors concrete base without multilayer insulation. To work, you will need a dense, durable, load- and moisture-resistant material. When choosing how to properly insulate a concrete floor, we will consider several options.

Laying heat insulation under the screed.

• During the initial installation of the floor, a cushion is made of a mixture of gravel and sand, which is poured thin layer concrete.
• Rolled waterproofing is laid on top of the screed.
• Insulation is placed on the canvas to protect it from moisture: expanded polystyrene, basalt wool, foam glass. The slabs of material are laid close to each other to prevent the formation of cold bridges.
• A damper tape is placed between the thermal insulation and the wall.
• A polyethylene film is spread over the insulation and a reinforcing mesh is laid.
• The concrete screed is poured.

Adding perlite or expanded clay to concrete reduces the thermal conductivity of the material. Installation of "raised floor". This method is suitable for rooms with high ceilings.

• Placed on a concrete base wooden joists from timber 5×10 cm.
• Waterproofing is laid with an overhang of 10 cm on the walls.
• Insulation is placed between the logs: expanded clay, polystyrene foam, basalt wool.
• The thermal insulation material is covered with moisture-resistant plywood or fiberboard.
• The finishing coating is being laid.

Having studied the performance characteristics and installation technology of popular insulation materials, you can insulate the floor without any problems.

Select floor insulation in wooden house can be compared operational properties. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the design of the floor and the compatibility of thermal insulation with the elements of the structure.

In low-rise individual buildings, a wooden house means a house built using one of the following technologies:

• log house - sanded or rounded log;
• timber cottage – good analogue log house, but without locks on the corners;
• frame - assembly of walls using the Platform or Balun method;
• panel room - factory-ready kits;
• panel - self-supporting SIP panels with pre-installed PSB insulation;
• half-timbered – powerful power frame, filling the space between it with translucent and decorative materials.

All buildings turn out to be light; a budget columnar or pile grillage is sufficient for them. However, due to soil conditions, topography, project features and developer preferences, floating and insulated slabs are often used, strip foundations different depths. What influences the choice of floor and ceiling design for a home.

Types of flooring in a wooden house

Depending on the design of the foundation, the ceiling and floor of the cottage can have several options:

• floating or warm USHP slab - often used for log houses on wet soils, a wooden floor on joists or a leveling screed for any other coverings or installation of a heated floor is possible;
• strip foundation - floor on the ground or floor on beams;
• the grillage is low - on a flat area, options similar to a strip foundation are possible;
• hanging grillage - only the ceiling on the beams.

Wood is present in the structure of the floors along the beams, and in the floors along the ground and slab foundations he's not there.

Choice of insulation

When designing insulation for floor or floor structures, it is not enough to calculate the thickness of the layer. It is necessary to take into account the mutual influence of the materials of these pies on each other:

Overlap on beams:

• the heat insulator is placed between the timber;
• even when using the most reliable vapor barrier membranes, moist air inevitably penetrates into the structure;
• if the thermal insulation is absolutely vapor-tight (EPS or PSB), all the moisture will be absorbed into the timber and will not be able to escape due to tight contact with the insulation;
• problems (rot, fungus, insects) are possible after 1 – 1.5 years of operation;
• but they will not occur when using hygroscopic thermal insulation materials (ecowool, mineral wool, sawdust, expanded clay, cork granules), which will absorb part of the water along with the beams, and then release it outside through the waterproofing (membrane).

Floor on the ground

• in this design, the heat insulator is laid on a sub-concrete or membrane under the screed;
• cotton wool and bulk materials do not have sufficient strength to withstand operational loads (some manufacturers have exceptions in the form of high-density mineral wool);
• these insulation materials are hygroscopic, there is always a possibility of them getting wet, even due to capillary suction of concrete;
• In any case, moisture will not be able to escape through the screed without dismantling the structure, and besides, moisture is not harmful to concrete;
• Therefore, in floors on the ground it is better to use polystyrene foam, which does not absorb water at all and has a high density.

Advice! Polystyrene foams and polystyrene foams are considered incompatible materials for wooden structures and wood-containing boards. Therefore, it is better for an individual developer not to use the technology of house construction from SIP panels.

Polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam

Due to the above laws of building heating engineering, vapor-tight materials are only suitable for floors on the ground. The layer thickness is usually:

• from 5 to 10 cm for EPS;
• up to 5 to 13 cm for PSB.

Important! With a slight decrease in this characteristic, the user will not experience a significant deterioration in living comfort, but will overpay the energy supplier by 10-20% of the family budget on a monthly basis.

Mineral wool

In contrast to previous materials, mineral wool is not recommended for floor screeds on the ground, but it sharply increases the service life of lumber in wooden floors. Depending on the heat loss inside the structure, the layer thickness will be:

• 20 – 30 cm for the basement;
• 10 - 15 cm for all subsequent floors.

Important! Interfloor ceilings without thermal insulation sharply increase heat loss in the roof, and the sound insulation of the building’s load-bearing structures decreases.

Shredded waste paper and cardboard packaging impregnated with a protective fire retardant - borax and an antiseptic - boric acid are called ecowool. The material has features:

• not suitable for flooring on the ground, as it does not have the necessary density to withstand loads;
• the only insulation in which rodents do not live or move;
• counts better thermal insulation for floors on beams;
• The layer thickness is 25 cm and 20 cm for the basement and subsequent floor levels, respectively.

Advice! Without changing the thermal conductivity of 0.04 W/m*K and 20% hydrophobicity, the density of ecowool can be adjusted on site independently. For floors, a maximum value of 40 kg/m³ is used.

Compared to popular mineral wool and polystyrene, foamed polymers are more expensive. These materials are created to save working space, which is not relevant in floors on the floor and ceilings on beams.

When foil modifications are poured into concrete, the gap between the heat source and the reflective insulation disappears, and it stops working. Foamed polymers are best used in thin-layer structures under floor coverings, but not in slabs and screeds.

Foam glass

After foaming quartz raw materials, foam glass is obtained, the weight of which is 5 times less than that of dry wood. By analogy with expanded polystyrene, this material is a vapor barrier that can withstand high loads without destruction from 40 t/m² and reduces sounds by 50 dBa.

Available in slabs on which loaded trucks can easily move, or in granules for filling in wooden floors. With a density of 150 kg/m³, the layer thickness for the basement and all subsequent floors is 18 cm and 15 cm, respectively.

Expanded clay

With the advent of highly effective thermal insulators, expanded clay is used selectively. Given its characteristics - thermal conductivity 0.01 W/m*K, it will be necessary to increase the layer thickness by 4 times in comparison with basalt wool or 6 times relative to Ecowool. Such a volume will not fit in the ceiling along the beams, and when added to concrete, the thermal conductivity increases even more. Therefore, for floors on the ground, expanded clay is pure form rarely used.

Thermal insulating material fiberboard is obtained by mixing wood wool with liquid glass and cement. The slabs are considered universal, as they extinguish structural and airborne noise, reduce heat loss in load-bearing structures buildings after pasting with this material.

They produce fiberboard in Satka near Chelyabinsk, in Bulgaria it is known under the brand Zidarit, in Austria it is called Heraclitus. Since the material is hygroscopic, it should not be embedded into floors along the ground. But for floors on beams and for pies of other structures made of lumber, Fibrolite is ideal. Recommended layer thickness 10 cm for upper floors and 15 cm for the basement.

Sawdust

To reduce heat loss in basement floor along the beams, you will have to lay at least 30 cm of sawdust on it. Therefore, in its pure form, the material is used only for backfilling slabs in unused attics. Most often, sawdust serves as raw material for more effective thermal insulation and construction materials with similar properties.

Considering the above, if there is a floor in the structure wooden elements nessesary to use vapor permeable insulation- mineral and ecowool. Foam glass or high-density extruded polystyrene foam should be laid on the ground in a concrete floor.

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Heating efficiency starts with stopping all energy leaks – through windows, doors and floors. The first two problems are solved by seals and installation of double-glazed windows. For elimination 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 exactly how much you will have to overpay for heating if you have 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.

Kinds

All insulation materials intended for floor insulation can be divided into four types:

• cotton wool;
• foam;
• concrete (expanded clay);
• natural (linen, jute).

Their quality and wear are influenced by many factors - loads, moisture, fungi, insects, rodents. They themselves can have a positive, negative or neutral effect on the health of people living in the house. There is no ideal type of 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 influences and high humidity;
• thermal insulation and vapor permeability;
• resistance to rotting, decomposition and aging;
• ease of installation and durability.

Which insulation is better to choose?

1. Mineral wool. It is made of stone, made from alloys rocks, as well as from slags. Can be sold both in rolls and mats. It has good sound insulation, is not flammable, but is afraid of excess humidity. Therefore, it must be additionally waterproofed or its integrity monitored. protective film. Depending on the amount of slag content, it may have an acceptable (but undesirable) radioactive background.

2. Glass wool. Made from fiberglass - waste from the glass industry. Its properties are similar to the previous material, but it does not have a radioactive background. However, it has lower thermal conductivity (this is a plus), but also lower density (this is a minus). Suitable for wooden floor. Unfortunately, it can ignite in the event of a fire.

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

4. Polyurethane foam, polystyrene, polystyrene foam (foam plastic). The most popular, widely used in suburban buildings, at the dachas. 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 polystyrene foam is not only convenient, but also affordable.

However, there is an opinion that floor insulation with polystyrene foam is not very environmentally friendly - when heated, it emits substances that over time harm people's health.

5. Izolon. Refers to foamed polyethylene; rodents, insects and fungi do not grow in it. 1 cm of isolon replaces 4.5 cm of mineral wool and has high rates of not only heat but also sound insulation. Resistant to a variety of unfavorable environments, including chemical and oil solvents.

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

6. Linen. Natural insulation: durable, resistant to moisture and adverse environments. Does not rot over time and does not succumb to mold. Effectively resists frost, protecting against 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 existing ones.

7. Jute. A natural fiber produced from plants of the linden family. Often used to make carpets, furniture pads and as insulation. In this case, it is made in the form of rolls like gray carpet.

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

Insulation of floors along joists

This insulation method is applicable for floors built both on the ground and on concrete floors. It is also suitable for installation in brick and wooden houses. For soil, you must first compact the soil and fill it with crushed stone. Place on the prepared pillow brick pillars at a distance of 2x0.5 m. Then they need to be covered with waterproofing, after which you can lay wooden logs. The insulation is overlapped between them. It can also be placed on beams to prevent the boards from creaking.

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

Insulation under linoleum

By itself it has low thermal conductivity. For linoleum, you can use any materials, preferably those that do not rot or mold. It is unacceptable for moisture to get under the floor during work. If they are carried out in compliance with these measures, then the structure will last long years.

Manufacturers and prices

The experience of companies has a great influence on the quality of insulation. The longer a company operates on the market, the more likely it is the best insulation materials she offers. The Rockwool company has been operating for over 70 years. During this time, mineral and stone wool were obtained by trial and error. good quality With reliable sound insulation, vapor permeability, resistance to fire and moisture.

Penoplex slabs are suitable for ground floors, foundations, loggias and laying “warm” floors. They have zero water absorption, high compressive strength, are resistant to rotting and are easy to install.

The PAROC company produces floor mats made of stone wool. Operates in 15 European countries, successfully helping clients reduce energy consumption. Due to the well-promoted brand, its products differ not only high quality, but also at a less affordable price for the average consumer.

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

Izolon is engaged in production unique material for floors suitable as underlays for parquet. The company's products are characterized by high impact resistance, low thermal conductivity, vapor barrier with a minimum width of only 10 mm.

For many of our fellow citizens it remains topical issue How to properly insulate the floor in a private house. In our article we will get acquainted with the need to use insulation work, the advantages and disadvantages of various thermal insulation materials, Special attention Let's turn to insulation technology.

When to insulate the floor

Many people know that flooring takes up a significant usable area not only a specific room, but also the entire building. In this regard, during system heat exchange a large number of heat escapes into the surrounding space through the floors. Take, for example, an uninsulated concrete base. Many people know that such material has high strength and durability, but in itself it is dense, which means cold. It will help to increase the efficiency of the design in question high-quality insulation floor.

According to experts, cold coating creates uncomfortable living conditions for people. This is especially true for apartments located on the 1st floor. In this case, an unheated basement is located below the living quarters. Temperature changes lead to the formation of dampness on the walls of the home, and this is a direct path to the appearance of fungus and mold. To prevent such phenomena from occurring, it is necessary to install high-quality thermal insulation. Such work is not particularly difficult or labor-intensive, since most insulation can be installed with your own hands.

Floor insulation

When going to a hardware store you may find huge assortment various materials for insulation work. When insulating the floor in a private house, it is necessary to select products that meet the following requirements:

• long service life;
• high strength;
• minimum thermal conductivity coefficient;
• sufficient density of the product (this is especially true when insulating the floor);
• minimal moisture absorption;
• high level of environmental safety;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• ease of installation.

When selecting one or another type of insulation, it is necessary to focus not only on specifications, but also on the advantages or disadvantages of operation. Next we will consider the most popular insulation materials for gender, their strengths and weaknesses.

Penoplex

Such insulation as penoplex appearance very similar to the polystyrene foam that many are familiar with. Both of these products are quite lightweight and consist of interconnected balls. If, during the production of polystyrene foam, the raw materials are exposed to water vapor, then the extrusion method is used to produce penoplex (first, the raw materials melt, then the granules are foamed, as a result of which the final products acquire additional strength indicators. Penoplex can be used to insulate floors, building facades and other structures that susceptible to moisture.

Advantages of the material:

• good thermal insulation properties;
• the surface of the products does not absorb moisture;
• penoplex can be used in the temperature range -50...+75 degrees;
• high strength indicators;
• the material is easy to lay and process, it can be cut into pieces with a regular knife;
• The service life of such products reaches 50 years.

Flaws:

• The main disadvantage of using penoplex for floor insulation in a private home is its relatively high cost.
• The products in question may be destroyed under the influence of direct sun rays, therefore the surface must be protected from such influence with a finishing layer.
• The insulation can be attacked by mice and other rodents.
• Another disadvantage is the fact that penoplex supports combustion.

Mineral wool

A thermal insulation material such as mineral wool is made by melting certain rocks under the influence of high temperatures. The products in question consist of thin threads that are connected to each other using special glue. The products in question are supplied to hardware stores in the form of separate rolls or mats. Mineral wool is used to insulate the external walls of buildings, roofs and attics. In addition, the material in question can be used as insulation under flooring, and especially in a wooden house.

Advantages of using mineral wool:

• Reliable and high-quality insulation of premises, protection of residential buildings from cold and wind.
• Basalt wool does not support combustion processes, but its structure can melt under the influence of high temperatures.
• The facade of a house finished with mineral wool has good vapor permeability. Fungus and mold will not appear on the surface of such products, but they must be protected from moisture.
• In addition to high thermal insulation qualities, the material absorbs extraneous noise, so the mats can be laid in interior partitions or entrance doors.
• The products in question have high durability.
• Mineral wool is too tough for various rodents and other pests. Mold does not appear in the structure of such products.

The main disadvantages of insulation include:

• While working with stone wool needs to be protected open areas body respiratory organs and eyes special protective equipment. The fact is that such products, during mechanical impacts, release tiny particles into the air that can be harmful to humans.
• The products in question contain toxic substances formaldehyde, which are harmful to human health.
• Thermal insulation loses its basic properties when wet.

Expanded clay

Concrete floors or other types of foundations can be insulated using expanded clay. This material consists of sintered clay particles, which are balls with air bubbles contained inside. Expanded clay is quite durable and lightweight, it can be used not only for floor insulation, but also for filling into voids in brick walls. In addition, similar products can be used for roof insulation; they are used to make reinforced concrete slabs floors and other building structures.

Advantages of expanded clay:

• The main raw material for the production of expanded clay is considered to be natural clay. That is why the insulation in question has maximum performance environmental safety.
• The granules have a porous structure, which affects high heat and sound insulation properties.
• The material can be laid by pouring granules or leveling the floor using concrete mortar, laid between the beacons.
• The insulation in question is characterized by increased resistance to temperature changes.
• Expanded clay is quite light, it does not exert a significant load on the foundation of the building.
• The material is resistant to moisture and is not damaged by rodents, fungus and mold.

The disadvantages of using expanded clay are as follows:

• Insufficient strength of granules. This must be remembered when compacting a leveled surface;
• Expanded clay can absorb a certain amount of moisture, which is not released into the atmosphere immediately, but as the surface dries.

How to insulate a floor in a wooden house

Many owners of country real estate do not know how to insulate a wooden floor, however, the technology for performing such work is quite simple, even a novice builder can do it. On preparatory stage should stock up on this construction tool, such as a level, pencil, tape measure, stapler, nails, hammer, plane and hacksaw. As additional.

One of the most popular methods of insulation is the use of a double floor system. This structure consists of two wooden limiting elements between which a waterproofing and vapor barrier film and insulation are laid. In practice, two types of thermal insulation cakes are used.

Method number 1:

• base;
• expanded clay granules;
• sheet of cardboard;
• 3 centimeters per air gap;
• finishing floor covering.

Method No. 2 (used mainly for apartments on the first floor of a residential building):

• plank base;
• polyethylene film or other waterproofing material;
• wooden logs;
• mineral wool slabs or other insulation;
• vapor barrier;
• finishing floor covering.

To make a subfloor, select wooden plank up to 2 centimeters thick, while the width of the products should be within 20 centimeters. It is not recommended to nail the base elements to the joists; they are held on wooden blocks lathing with a cross section of 5*5 centimeters. The boards are secured with nails, the presence of small gaps is allowed, the gaps are compensated after laying the thermal insulation.

Next, we’ll look at how to insulate a floor with penoplex. At the preparatory stage of work, it is necessary to buy products of sufficient density from a hardware store that can withstand a load of at least 35 kilograms per square meter. First you need to dismantle the old flooring to the level of the subfloor. After this, the logs are installed in accordance with the dimensions of the insulation, for example after 70 centimeters.

At the next stage of work, we fix it to the base vapor barrier film. This product is attached to the surface using a stapler and staples. Tape is glued at the joints of the panels. Next, the insulation sheets are cut (1 centimeter more than the distance between the joists). This is necessary for a better fit of the thermal insulation. After this you need to put plastic film and you can begin laying the final floor covering.

How to insulate a concrete floor

One of the methods of reducing energy costs in a private home is to insulate the concrete floor along the joists. A sheet base made of plywood or chipboard is used as the final leveling layer. In this case, there are no wet processes; in addition, the load on the heat-insulating material is reduced. IN in this case Dense mineral wool is used as insulation, as well as expanded clay (if you need to slightly raise the level of the finished floor).

If under the living room there is unheated room, That minimum thickness mineral wool should correspond to 5 centimeters or 3 centimeters above the heated ones. In the latter case, the thermal insulation is covered on both sides with waterproofing and vapor-permeable film. It is not recommended to use a vapor barrier for this purpose, especially if the floor is located between the living room and a cold basement. In this case, the temperature difference will lead to the formation of condensation, which will negatively affect the properties of the insulation.

On initial stage work, wooden logs are secured to the prepared base using anchor bolts. The distance between these elements is chosen 1 centimeter less than one of overall dimensions insulation. Strips of roofing material are placed under the logs, and the products themselves are treated with an antiseptic. Now we lay the insulation and vapor-permeable film, secure the sheet screed and the finishing layer of the floor covering.

About the flammability of insulation

one of the most important characteristics Any insulation is considered flammable, which is directly related to the release of smoke and some harmful substances. Of all the types of thermal insulation materials considered, penoplex has the maximum flammability. Such products support the combustion process, which is accompanied by the release of smoke and various harmful substances.

Expanded clay granules, as well as mineral wool, resist the effects of open fire well. The maximum harm from the use of these products can also be associated with changes in their structure. As a result of melting of materials, deformation of the insulation occurs. In mineral wool, this is associated with the release of harmful substances, but expanded clay granules do not emit such components.

Almost everyone who loves comfort and warmth prefers to additionally insulate their floor. Today this is extremely relevant, since in construction stores you can find insulation to suit every taste. This applies to both insulating properties and the cost of the material. However, only at first glance the choice may seem obvious, but in fact 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 you start choosing a 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, the only exceptions are those rooms where “warm floor” systems are installed, since in this case thermal insulation is required. In the end, 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 this is not entirely true. Firstly, there are a large number of bases, for each of which it is necessary to use a specific material. Secondly, there are systems such as “warm” or “water” floors. Every place has its own nuances, so thermal insulation for the floor must be carried out taking into account even the smallest details.

About the choice of material

Before proceeding with installation, you must select good material, which will satisfy all requirements. Of course, you must also consider your financial capabilities. The most popular and at the same time relatively inexpensive thermal insulation material is essentially a regular roll seal, the main advantage of which is that it is completely environmentally friendly and clean. But use cork backing is 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.

Thermal insulation for heated floors

One of the most popular materials is polypropylene. It is usually used in the form of extruded slabs. This is due to the fact that they are easy to process, and this allows for correct installation in complex room configurations. What is also important is the non-hygroscopicity and closed cellular structure of polypropylene. Polypropylene can be used for quite high temperatures(up to 130 degrees).

Often, thermal insulation for heated floors is made from a material such as polystyrene foam. Sometimes an overlay is used on top, which is a polypropylene film. Extruded polystyrene foam is produced in thicknesses of 50-100 mm. By the way, many believe that this is one of the the best materials under the water floor. It has mechanical properties such as strength, lightness and hardness. In addition, it can withstand both high and low temperatures and lasts for many years, which is facilitated by the cellular structure.

Thermal insulation for water floors

Let's look at what better material choose for such a popular water floor today. As noted above, polystyrene foam is well suited for these purposes, and we’ll talk about it. The fact is that in our case it is extremely important to save heat from the coolant for as long as possible. Due to the preservation of its performance properties at temperatures from -180 to 180 degrees Celsius, polystyrene foam 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 thermal conductivity coefficient.

In detail about polystyrene foam

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

Another feature is resistance to salt solutions and acids. Such thermal insulation for water heated floors will not be eaten by insects and rot. By the way, foam plastic is also good because it can last for decades, and during this time nothing will happen to it. Consequently, the arrangement of the heated floor will not be disturbed. Unlike some other insulating materials, this one does not emit harmful and toxic substances when heated.

What is best for a wooden floor?

Usually for completely wooden houses trying to choose environmentally pure 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. The first option is more preferable, but the price is steep. The second method is less expensive. Mineral wool, as thermal insulation for wooden floors, has the following significant advantages:

• low thermal conductivity;
• environmental friendliness;
• non-flammability;
• chemical resistance.

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

• excellent thermal insulation;
• ease of installation;
• easy to process;
• 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 wouldn’t really want to buy expensive material, which in three years will rot or simply lose its technological qualities. For this simple reason, it always makes sense to pay attention to durability. Any materials for floor insulation must last at least 10 years. For example, “warm floor” systems work for 15-20 years. After this period, a partial replacement of the system will be required. It is recommended to change the insulation during such maintenance. Some materials do not recover their previous shape after a slight load. This contributes to the fact that insulating properties are lost and appear. Because of this, the overall effectiveness of insulation is reduced.

Something about proper installation

It is necessary to understand that depending on the surface, not only the material, but also the method of its installation differs. For example, mineral wool for a wooden floor should be light color. This will indicate minimum quantity Laying is carried out according to subfloor. It is necessary to understand that between the rough and finished floor and the thermal insulation layer it is necessary to leave air gap, which is needed for effective moisture removal.

Isolon is much easier to install. A roll is rolled out on a pre-treated surface, then it is glued with tape. It is important to ensure that there are no visible mechanical defects or bumps. The technical plug is installed in exactly the same way. By the way, the latter material is almost ideal 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 raising of the floors.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a large number of thermal insulation materials. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages. The same applies to cost. By the way, it is not at all necessary to buy too expensive insulation. Sometimes the same polystyrene foam is more effective than mineral wool. For example, thermal insulation for an electric heated floor requires thick material that will not absorb moisture under a concrete base. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to know what kind of flooring you have in your home. Experts will tell you what to choose. Remember that a lot depends on correct installation. You can install thermal insulation yourself, but this should be done very carefully and slowly so as not to damage the insulation.