Two materials are usually used in houses insulation: polystyrene foam; Mineral wool.
Their indicators in terms of thermal conductivity are close, but vapor permeability differs quite seriously. It is this coefficient that affects the choice of material for thermal insulation of certain walls. Also, cotton and polystyrene foams have different indicators in fire resistance, reaction to chemicals and elasticity.
-Polistyrol foam, like houses insulation:
This material is dense slabs, due to which its installation in hard-to-reach places can be difficult.
The vapor permeability of polystyrene foam is lower than that of mineral wool. This is achieved due to low absorption and high diffusion resistance of such insulation.
If the humidity is high in the room, this can cause the appearance of the fungus on the walls, since the insulation simply will not produce moisture out. For basement, semi -basement and basement, it is recommended to use the extruded polystyrene foam XPS.
-Mineral wool – a modern way of insulation of facades
Alternative to polystyrene foam – mineral wool. This is, as the name, elastic material that can be closed any inaccessible places. The vapor permeability of mineral wool is quite high, which makes it a good choice for buildings in which increased humidity can appear from the inside.
Insulated walls breathe and remove moisture outward. Depending on the needs, when warming, a different density of mineral wool is used. You can vary the thickness of the cotton layer.
The minimum layer for effective insulation is 100 millimeters, while it is recommended to select high -density mineral wool. The layer is not to install 200 millimeters thicker: an excess of insulation can lead to cracks and detach thermal insulation. The inevitable consequence of low vapor permeability is, alas, and a decrease in the heat -protective properties of the material. In addition, wet mineral wool dries for a long time.
Features of work on housing insulation
The choice of material is only the beginning of the process of insulation of the house. Before installing thermal insulation, the facade of the house needs to be prepared. Be sure to pay attention to the wires: if you mount an electrician and communication, it is better to complete these works before laying the insulation. They will not interfere with thermal insulation, but the insulation will close access to them.
It is best to lay the wires in protective sleeves and make marks indicating their location. Windows should also be installed before insulation. The reason for this is not only the difficulty of installing slopes on an already insulated wall, but the ability to heat up the possibility of these slopes additionally.
To do this, the windows need to be placed a little smaller in width than the existing window opening. To install the insulated slope, a gap of 3-4 centimeters is enough. A little more heat in the house can be saved by setting new windows further from the inner surface of the wall.