During the construction of a new house or the repair of ready-made buildings, all owners pay special attention to the hydro and thermal insulation of all its surfaces. At this stage, many choose the most expensive and high-quality materials, trying to make their home as warm and comfortable as possible. But what is the surprise of homeowners when, after a short period of time, the house becomes colder and more and more energy resources are spent on heating it. To avoid such troubles, experienced builders recommend installing a windproof membrane on the walls and roofs of houses. Here, many will ask: what is a windproof membrane? Why is she needed? What causes high-quality insulation to lose its ability? Answers to all these questions and other useful information can be obtained by reading this article to the end.
Why is it necessary to install wind protection and what is it?
Not everyone knows that strong gusts of wind can blow through any insulation material, especially when it comes to a porous and loose insulating layer. Passing through the insulation, violent currents of wind drag its small particles behind them, as a result of whichmaterial gradually loses its performance.
The negative impact on the insulation has moisture that can pass through the cladding, as well as steam penetrating through the walls and roof of the house. Wet material completely loses its ability and fails. To protect the thermal insulation of the house from the harmful effects of natural factors, it is necessary to install a special windproof layer.
Windproof membrane is a multi-layer material that protects the insulation from the effects of wind and moisture penetration. It should be noted that the special design of the material does not prevent the release of water vapor from the insulation and at the same time reliably protects it from moisture from the outside. Also, the windproof layer helps to securely fix the thermal insulation, which has a positive effect on its safety during the entire period of operation.
Material specifications
In addition to their basic properties, windproof membranes have several additional features. Namely:
- material has excellent resistance to sunlight;
- safe for humans, as it does not emit harmful fumes when heated;
- has high strength;
- resistant to bacteria and fungi;
- highly waterproof.
The negative aspects of the wind protection device include additional costs for the purchase and installation of materials. It must be understood, however, that the windproof membranemust be installed in strict accordance with the installation rules for this layer. The slightest mistakes can lead to the fact that moisture will accumulate in the insulation, air exchange will be disturbed, condensation will appear and all materials will need to be replaced.
Types of wind protection
Various materials can be used as a windproof layer. They differ from each other in functional characteristics.
1. perforated materials. These include reinforced films and various combined materials on which small holes are made (no more than 1 mm). This type has a low vapor and water resistance and is most often used as a vapor barrier.
2. Porous and fibrous single-layer membranes. Such materials are made by hot compaction of thermoplastic fibers. Due to the large number of pores, they perfectly pass air and steam.
3. Windproof polyethylene membrane. This option is made from ultra-thin fibers, which is why it has small pore sizes and low density. The vapor permeability of the material is no more than 750 g/m2 (per day), and the breathability is 60 ml per minute. Polyethylene membranes are often used in construction because they have a low cost.
4. polypropylene membranes. Polypropylene membranes are highly durable, but due to the large thickness of the fibers they have low hydro- and windproof abilities. The density of such material is 100-180 g/m2, whileair permeability index - 6000 ml/min. This species is extremely rarely used as a windbreak.
5. cellulose membranes. This material has a very low density, so it requires careful handling during installation. Most often it is used in frame construction to protect the insulation from moisture and wind. It should be noted that at a low cost, the material has high performance, which makes it quite popular.
Roof wind protection
The roof windproof membrane must have high vapor permeability and sufficient strength. This is necessary in order for the material to withstand exposure to ultraviolet rays and be able to protect the house from rain during the absence of the main roofing.
The use of brittle materials can lead to the formation of microscopic membrane ruptures during the installation of the main roof covering. In the future, it will be impossible to determine where the water flows. You will have to completely dismantle the coating and lay a new insulating material.
High vapor permeability is as important as density. The accumulation of condensate in the attic will certainly lead to the failure of all roof elements and the formation of rot, mold and fungus. That is why it is very important to ensure the release of water vapor to the outside and protect the elements of the roof from moisture penetration.
Wall protection
Windproof membrane for walls is installed on insulated and ventilated facades, as well as whenconstruction of houses on frame technology. Unlike a roof, there are no horizontal sections where moisture accumulates, so the requirements for windproof material are slightly different.
For cladding and insulation of ordinary facades, you can use any option with good vapor permeability. Here the main goal is to prevent the penetration of moisture and the accumulation of condensate in the insulation layer.
Ventilated façade systems are especially in need of high-quality wind protection. It is almost impossible to achieve a tight fit of the cladding elements to each other, therefore moisture and wind can appear through the joints. Strong wind currents can be created behind the hinged cladding, which can quickly destroy unprotected insulation (especially if it is mineral wool).
Installation of a windproof membrane helps to tightly fix the thermal insulation material, protect it from destruction and keep the heat indoors.
Floor protection
A windproof floor membrane is installed in all houses built of wood. Such buildings, unlike buildings with concrete floors, are distinguished by the ability to pass wind through the floor. For wooden floors, choose options from polyethylene or propylene, as they are endowed with excellent waterproofing qualities. Waterproofing, an insulating layer, wind protection are laid on the logs, and only then the final floor.
When rightWhen the windproof membrane is installed in the room, an optimal microclimate for a person is established, and the insulation material serves for a long time without losing its abilities. When installing wind and waterproofing, you should choose the material that is most suitable for each area of \u200b\u200bthe house. The windproof membrane for the roof requires special attention. A comparison of all the types described in this article will help you choose the most suitable option that will protect the roof and walls of the house from unwanted phenomena.
