Andrey
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Andrey September 7, 2016Specialization: facade finishing, interior finishing, construction of dachas, garages. Experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. We also have experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and many other things that I don’t have time for :)
Recently, people have begun to pay more and more attention to the environmental friendliness of building materials. In particular, so-called eco-insulation materials have become widespread, and many types of them have appeared on the market, differing in characteristics and areas of application. Therefore, in this article I decided to introduce you to the most popular environmentally friendly insulation materials today and their features.
Eco-friendly thermal insulation
Features of materials
The finest fibers of the material are held together using absolutely safe substances, which can be of synthetic (polyester) or natural (starch) origin. For more than ten years, such insulation materials have been produced all over the world, including Russia. In addition to environmental safety, they have a number of significant advantages. For example, their thermal conductivity and acoustic properties are not inferior to those of mineral wool, and in some cases even exceed it.
In addition, when choosing a particular material that performs the function of insulation, it is necessary to take into account that the effectiveness of insulation work depends not only on the degree of its thermal conductivity, but also on the quality of installation. And here an important role is played by the fact that the plant components at the plant are knocked together into dense, elastic mats or slabs that fit well to the wall, which means they eliminate the appearance of “cold bridges” and reduce heat loss. To take a closer look at the most popular thermal insulators for the home, let’s look at their characteristics in more detail.
Hemp
The hemp plant itself has strong antiseptic properties, so pesticides are not used when growing it.
During operation, it does not rot or become moldy, and also protects the surface of the walls of the house from such misfortunes. The strength of the mats or slabs (up to 40 kg/m³) guarantees long-lasting service without shrinkage.
Scope of application
The plant material is universal and can be used for insulating roof structures, walls, floors, spans between floors, attic floors and frame houses. It is also used for soundproofing partitions. As you can see, hemp insulation is suitable for treating any places and structures, and its high cost is quickly offset by savings on heating and air conditioning.
Composition and form
Absolutely harmless to humans and animals, environmentally friendly hemp-based insulation for house walls consists of 85% natural fibers. To increase the fire resistance of the material, manufacturers add a fire retardant (soda) in an amount of 3 - 5% of the total mass of raw materials. The fibers are held together using polyester (10%). The form of release of such insulation is slabs and rolls, the thickness of which varies from 3 to 18 cm.
Standard sizes of hemp boards are 600x1200 mm, 625x1200 mm, 580x1200 mm and 1000x2400 mm. The following dimensions are relevant for rolls: width – 580, 600 or 625 mm, thickness – 30, 40, 50, 60 and 80 mm, length – 1200 or 2400 mm. In most cases, you can order material according to individual sizes.
Advantages
Vegetable heat insulator has many positive properties, and we will try to list them all. First of all, it has excellent thermal conductivity for a material of this purpose (0.038 - 0.04 W/m*K), which does not change in conditions of high humidity, which is impossible in the case of mineral wool analogues. Thanks to this advantage, you can do without additional vapor barrier. You can also note the high level of thermal inertia, thanks to which the house perfectly retains coolness inside in the summer and warmth in the cold season.
When installing natural insulation, the problem of sound insulation is also solved. Hemp insulation is made from renewable raw materials. They are environmentally friendly during disposal and have a positive effect on reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. What is important for most developers is that the installation of rolls and slabs is very simple, since the material adheres tightly to the surface of walls and other structures.
It is impossible not to mention the possibility of using vegetable insulation when creating ventilation “breathing” facades.
Where is it beneficial to use liquid thermal insulation?
Unlike most thermal insulation materials, liquid ceramic thermal insulation coatings work effectively under conditions of low heat transfer from the outer surface.
Heat transfer is heat exchange (convective or radiant) between the surface of a heated solid and the environment.
Heat transfer from a surface strongly depends on what material the surface is in contact with. It is better if this material is air. In addition, heat transfer by radiation or convection is characteristic of highly heated surfaces .
Products for construction and repair
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This suggests that a coating of thermal insulating paint can be effectively used as a topcoat for highly heated surfaces.
Liquid ceramic thermal insulation is recommended for effective thermal insulation of “hot” surfaces with temperatures up to 200 ºС. Coating with heat-insulating paint allows you to reduce the temperature of the hot surface to a value that is safe according to sanitary standards (up to 45-55 ºС).
At industrial enterprises, liquid thermal insulation is used for thermal insulation of heat and steam pipelines, boilers, energy facilities, oil storage tanks and other metal structures.
Attempts by sellers and manufacturers to force buyers to use liquid thermal insulation to insulate walls, facades, and ceilings in a house, claiming that a thin layer of paint replaces traditional insulation, is a deception .
The use of thermal insulation paint in the household
It is advantageous to use coatings made from thermal insulation paint where applying a thin layer of thermal insulation is sufficient to achieve the desired result.
For example, liquid thermal insulation applied to steel water pipes will help prevent condensation from appearing on their surface and protect the pipes from corrosion.
It is known that in winter the surface temperature of the outer wall is always lower than the air temperature in the room. To increase thermal comfort, it is often enough to increase the surface temperature of the outer wall or ceiling by literally a few degrees from the room side. Application of liquid thermal insulation with a thickness of 1-2.5 mm to the inner surface. often enough to eliminate freezing of a window slope, wall or ceiling, eliminate condensation and mold on their surface.
Liquid thermal insulation can be easily tinted in any color; wallpaper can be glued to the paint layer.
Liquid insulation, as a rule, has to be applied in several layers. Considering the fairly high cost of the material , its use in the household, in the above cases, is beneficial if the coverage area is small.
Promotional video from one of the manufacturers of liquid thermal insulation:
The effect is impressive! You need to take the paint! Is it true?
Please note that the announcer in the video reports the thickness of the liquid thermal insulation: 3 mm. And this is approximately 6 layers of paint!
At the end of the video, the announcer makes a conclusion about the remarkable “fire-retardant” and “heat-saving” properties of liquid thermal insulation.
Each of us did a similar experiment when we picked up a hot frying pan through a rag. But I have never heard anyone claim that the rag is 1 mm thick. in terms of heat-saving properties, it is equivalent to 50 mm. foam!
In all of these experiments, with ice and a frying pan, the heat transfer process is influenced by a combination of thermal conductivity, heat capacity and density of the materials used.
Above in the article, as an example, the thermal conductivity value of liquid thermal insulation from one of the manufacturers is indicated (0.0698 W/(m*°K)). The thermal conductivity of liquid thermal insulation is greater than that of traditional insulation (0.043 W/(m*°K)). For this reason, a thin layer of liquid insulation cannot replace a 50 mm layer. mineral wool or polystyrene foam.
Please note that the above thermal conductivity of liquid thermal insulation was determined using standard methods . The fact is that manufacturers of thermal insulation paint in advertising documents often indicate a wonderfully low thermal conductivity value, which is determined by calculation. For example, in the documents I came across a calculated thermal conductivity coefficient for liquid thermal insulation of 0.0012 W/(m*°C). Buyers usually do not pay attention to this difference in methods. This circumstance allows sellers to mislead buyers. Compare thermal conductivity indicators using different methods and claim that paint is 50 times more effective than foam plastic.
To save heat in the house and reduce heating costs, it is more profitable, efficient and reliable to insulate the wall using one of the traditional methods - a layer of mineral wool or polymer foam insulation.
We were able to find test results of the thermal insulation properties of paint from one well-known brand. The paint was applied to a sheet of drywall and determined how the coating changed the thermal conductivity of the sheet. The results indicate that at room temperature a layer of such paint is 1 mm thick. can only replace 1.6 mm. polystyrene foam
More articles on this topic:
⇒ Insulation from the inside of the walls of a house, apartment, loggia, balcony
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Ecowool
Another name for ecowool is cellulose insulation. This fully characterizes the composition of the insulation, which includes 81% recycled wood raw materials, and the remaining 19% are fire retardants and antiseptics. The thermal conductivity of this material is at the level of 0.036 - 0.041 W/mK.
The main difference between ecowool and other insulation materials is the seamless method of applying it to the surface of the walls of the house, which means you don’t have to worry about the formation of “cold bridges”. Due to the low air permeability of the material, the movement of air flows through the fibers slows down, and heat transfer loses its intensity.
Advantages
Cellulose heat insulator is absolutely non-toxic. It does not contain carcinogens or harmful volatile fractions. Due to the light weight of the material, the scope of its application increases significantly, and by reducing the thickness of the walls, you can save up to 30% on construction. The same applies to savings on heating, which also reaches 30%. The special structure of ecowool allows it to penetrate into all crevices and hard-to-reach places.
For comparison, if we apply a 10 cm thick cellulose coating to the surface, we will get the same thermal insulation coefficient as a 55 cm foam concrete wall or 145 cm brickwork. Among other advantages, the most obvious are:
- protection of surfaces from corrosion;
- resistance to fungi and microorganisms;
- no shrinkage;
- ease of installation.
Fire safety
Separately, I would like to say about the fire safety of ecowool, since the requirements for this type of building materials are very high. All of them are divided into two categories: NG (non-flammable) and G (flammable). Combustible materials are classified into four groups (G1, G2, G3, G4). The division into categories is carried out according to four criteria:
- Temperature indicators of flue gases.
- Degree of damage (length).
- Degree of damage (mass).
- Self-combustion time.
Ecowool belongs to class G1, which is quite good. During testing, a flame from a burner is directed onto a mound of cellulose insulation, and it does not flare up, even though it is made of paper. This can be achieved thanks to fire retardants, which release moisture from molecules, which, in turn, prevents fire from spreading. Also, during combustion, cellulose insulation produces less smoke compared to PVC materials, and it also contains carbon dioxide, which suppresses the combustion process.
Scope of application
Due to its environmental friendliness, cellulose heat insulation can be used everywhere, from residential buildings to healthcare organizations. It adheres perfectly to walls, roofs and floors made of metal, brick, foam concrete and other building materials.
Which insulation to choose for a frame house?
This is a pressing question, because a frame-based structure has a high rate of heat loss. With the help of high-quality material, you can provide maximum protection against heat transfer.
Foam insulation
Foam plastic is considered one of the most popular insulating materials. The popularity is due to the advantages:
- environmental Safety;
- affordable price;
- a light weight;
- does not require a special moisture-proof coating;
- ease of installation;
- there is no need for additional insulation.
This cheap insulation for a frame house also has its drawbacks. It ignites easily, has low noise insulation and is very brittle.
Tip: To insulate a building with an area of 6 m2 with foam plastic, you need about 3 m2 of material, the thickness of which is 50 mm.
Polystyrene foam and mineral wool
Mineral wool as insulation
High-quality insulator, which is in growing demand, is dense compressed slabs. They have a rectangular shape and are easy to cut, which allows you to create a piece of insulation of the required size using a saw and knife.
Mineral wool is produced by heat treatment and the process of pressing basalt or blast furnace slag. The structure in the form of fibers traps air, so a protective barrier is formed for the penetration of cold air.
Mineral wool is different:
- light weight;
- good sound insulation;
- fire resistance;
- durability;
- tolerate deformation well;
- excellent thermal insulation.
The material contains substances harmful to human health. Small particles are especially dangerous; they can penetrate through the respiratory tract and cause various diseases.
Advice: To prevent the negative influence of cotton wool, the walls of the building must be covered from the inside with special vapor barrier films.
Mineral wool is susceptible to the negative influence of moisture, under the influence of which it loses its excellent thermal insulation properties and succumbs to rot. Therefore, when thermally insulating walls, the openings of the frame block should be protected from the outside with special waterproofing materials.
Insulation of the facade of a frame house using Rockwool insulation - step by step
Insulating walls with mineral wool is not a difficult task:
- It is necessary to make a vapor barrier, since wood breathes, the insulation must be protected from condensation.
- Mineral wool is placed between the frame posts. It is recommended to mark and cut the slabs of material with a margin.
- Install thermal insulation between the posts as tightly as possible.
- Mineral wool strips of small width should be used to cover the joints between the thermal insulation and the drains of the frame.
The same method can be used to insulate the outer surfaces of a building. Only in this case is it necessary to apply a waterproofing film over the mineral wool.
When asked which insulation is best for a frame house, reviews confirm this; experts are inclined towards mineral wool, subject to proper installation.
Insulation of a frame house with TechnoNIKOL stone wool
Glass wool for home insulation
Fiber material has been used in construction for a long time. Glass wool is produced by melting waste from glass production, limestone, soda, sand, borax and dolomite. The material is produced in the form of plates and rolls.
When contacting the material, it is necessary to use protective items: gloves, respirators and goggles, since sharp and thin fibers of glass wool pose a danger to humans.
Glass wool has its own advantages:
- excellent heat resistance;
- fire resistance;
- low hygroscopicity;
- resistance to chemical degradation.
Wall insulation for a frame house has excellent thermal insulation properties and does not emit harmful toxic substances in the event of a fire. The material is inexpensive, so it is popular.
When insulating a room, it is recommended to cover the glass wool with a windproof film. This operation allows heat to remain inside the building for a long period of time.
Video - technology for insulating a frame house (wall thickness, vapor barrier layer) - step-by-step instructions
Ecowool insulation
High-quality eco-friendly insulation for a frame house is a modern material made from cellulose.
It has a number of features:
- To carry out the work, you need a special device, which during the insulation process mixes the insulation with water, and then drives the material into the wall cavity - this method is called wet;
- the dry method involves the process of pouring material into the frame space and then compacting it;
- the insulation is not afraid of high humidity, so there is no need to lay a special film.
This is not the best insulation for a frame house, since ecowool is very expensive and it is recommended to use the services of specialists to work with it.
The thickness of the insulation must be calculated taking into account the requirements for thermal insulation. This affects the amount of material that needs to be purchased. It is recommended to invite a professional who will take the necessary measurements and be able to calculate the exact amount of mineral wool required for a particular frame house.
Video - insulation of a frame house with ecowool instructions
You can read more about Rockwool insulation for frame house walls here
Polyurethane foam or penoizol - quality material
Reliable and excellent insulation consists of two components that are mixed together. The resulting mixture is used to fill the cells of a frame-type structure. The result is a monolithic surface. Working with the material can be compared to manipulations carried out with polyurethane foam.
PPU or polyurethane foam has excellent thermal insulation properties, but requires certain skills, experience and knowledge. Therefore, professionals work with the material. The cost of polyurethane foam is relatively high, so if the question is which insulation is better to insulate a frame house and at the same time save money, then you should abandon polyurethane foam.
Thermal conductivity of insulation and building materials
Clay - a proven method
To insulate the room, you can use ordinary clay. This is the most environmentally friendly method. To carry out the work, special clay is used, which has a specific fat content coefficient. Low-fat material does not have the necessary adhesion, so plaster made from it will crumble and crack after a certain period of time.
Linen
A worthy insulation for wooden houses made of logs and timber is flax-based material, which is placed between the crowns, thereby preventing the penetration of cold and the process of rotting at the joints of the wood. For such work, tapes and felt are most often used.
Plates, rolls and mats can be mounted on any surface in buildings for various purposes, as they are absolutely harmless.
Types of insulation
Eco-friendly linen insulation is divided into several types:
- linen slabs;
- tape felt;
- flax tow;
- flax-jute.
All these forms of material release do not accumulate moisture, speed up the process of erecting wooden buildings and are easy to install.
In the production of linen boards, just like hemp boards, polyester or natural binders are used.
In most cases, manufacturers fireproof the material using borax (salt). Mats and slabs made from flax raw materials have a high heat capacity.
Specifications
The density of linen boards varies between 20 – 34 kg/m3. The thermal conductivity coefficient is at the level of 0.038 W/mK, and the vapor permeability coefficient is 0.4 mg/m h Pa. The sound absorption indicator reaches 0.98. The average service life of insulation is at least 75 years.
Installation process
We have already managed to study the features and characteristics that environmentally friendly insulation materials have; it remains to consider the method of installing them on the surfaces being treated. The installation of rolls, slabs and mats made from plant components is no different from the installation of mineral wool.
Preparation
At the first stage, the surface is prepared by removing old sheathing and insulation elements. It is better to plaster large chips and defects.
It is also necessary to clean the walls from dirt and dust. Now you can begin the main work.
Lathing
For the best effect, it is necessary to install a slatted frame made of wooden planks or metal profiles on the external walls of the facade. The thickness of the sheathing should correspond to the thickness of the insulation. The step between the frame elements is marked taking into account the sizes of the slabs or insulation rolls.
Laying the material
Mats or slabs of vegetable insulation are placed tightly and without gaps between the guide rails, starting from the bottom. A cladding is installed on top of the insulation. If the attic space is being treated, the material is placed between the rafters.
Environmentally friendly insulation for interior work
The most popular environmentally friendly insulation for indoor walls and ceilings are mineral wool slabs and mats, since they are made from rocks. The most inexpensive and easiest to install environmentally friendly floor insulation is foamed polyurethane foam (penoizol or penofol). A more expensive option for healthy insulation is ecowool, made from recycled waste paper.
We looked at the pros and cons of the most environmentally friendly insulation materials: basalt wool, fiberglass, ecowool, sprayed polyurethane foam (PPU) and others. You learned about possible difficulties during the installation and operation of these materials, as well as about the advantages of using the considered heat insulators. This information will help you choose the best option for decorating your home.
Application of cellulose insulation
There are two methods of cellulose insulation: “dry” and “wet”. It is better to insulate inclined surfaces and floors using the first option. A hole is cut in closed cavities and, using special equipment, ecowool is blown into the structure. You can also carry out the process by hand, without the use of special equipment. To do this, it is enough to scatter the material over the surface to be treated, compacting it if necessary.
Wet installation of ecowool is suitable for walls equipped with a frame. The material is moistened with water and blown onto a plane to which it will stick very well and create an insulating layer. Excess material must be cut off with a special roller.
This is how you can simply and effortlessly insulate your home using safe and environmentally friendly materials, thereby maintaining a healthy indoor microclimate. The correct choice of insulation and proper installation will help solve the problem of energy saving for many years.
