Heat insulation is not just an additional measure to maintain comfort in the house and a means of saving individual structures, but a regulatory requirement. Therefore, the organization of insulation should be approached responsibly and with knowledge of the nuances of this event. There is a wide range of materials for thermal insulation, but most of them are combined with adhesive mounting technique. An alternative way is fixing on fasteners, but this is rather an exception to the rule. At the same time, the adhesive for insulation itself is presented in a huge assortment, which may well complicate the choice in the eyes of a beginner.
Features of adhesive for thermal insulation
Such compositions have unique combinations of physical and operational properties even against the background of building adhesive mixtures. This is largely due to the fact that the function of this tool converges with the tasks that the insulation itself performs. In particular, such an adhesive should provide, albeit at a minimum, the same thermal insulation, vapor permeability, protection against moisture and at the same time be mechanically resistant. As for the immediate task of mechanical retention of the target material, then for itthe adhesion provided by special modifiers is responsible.
At the same time, the adhesive for insulation is environmentally friendly. Since insulation boards and roll materials are often installed directly in residential areas, this requirement is one of the key ones. The only exceptions are facade products, but in this segment, manufacturers also strive to minimize the content of harmful components, although the general requirements for compositions for outdoor use are much higher.
Foam Tools
Under the general name of polystyrene, a whole group of materials is hidden, which also includes directly polystyrene and extruded polystyrene foam. The peculiarity of gluing such panels is the need to provide a high adhesive force. The form factor of tile insulation itself presents difficulties in terms of performing an adhesive function, so the main focus in the choice is on this property. The laying surface, especially metal, can also complicate the ability of the adhesive to adhere. In this case, formulations that include gasoline, acetone and active solvents should be discarded. These components will not only reduce adhesion, but may also adversely affect the condition of the foam itself.
And what to glue the insulation on? In addition to high adhesive strength, physical durability, stable curing, moisture resistance and non-toxicity should be considered in the composition.
Means for mineral wool
Mineral wool is also in some versions a tile material, but the fibrous structure as such still increases adhesion, unlike polystyrene. And yet you should rely on the quality of the adhesive, which will ensure its strength and reliability. This will help the structure cope with dynamic loads, which are especially dangerous for bas alt fibers. Therefore, a mechanically resistant and hard adhesive for insulation is selected.
Mineral wool may not be enough to form a reliable protective structure, so a reinforcing layer is often used as a reinforcing link - for example, in the form of a plastic mesh that is used for plaster. The adhesive composition forms a three-component bond, which wins in strength qualities. Also, temperature changes and especially humidity are dangerous for mineral wool. Therefore, the composition must be resistant to moisture and have high vapor barrier properties.
Means for facade insulation
The facade thermal insulation device is a more responsible task, since the material will have to withstand a whole range of external threats that are absent in the room. First of all, it is worth choosing a tool for such purposes from temperature-resistant series. As a minimum, the composition must be suitable for operation in the temperature corridor from -30 to 100°C. But the marking should also indicate a separate quality of frost resistance, which means the ability of the adhesive to withstand cold in a large number of freezing cycles withoutperformance degradation. If it is planned to install on concrete or brick surfaces, then we choose an adhesive for insulation with enhanced adhesion, adhesion and hardening properties. It is desirable that the composition is also characterized by improved moisture resistance - a class not lower than D4.
Insulation adhesive manufacturers
One of the leaders in the segment is the Ceresit brand, which offers adhesive reinforcing mixtures for a wide range of applications. The company, in particular, produces modifications of compositions specifically for facade thermal insulation, which can be both fibrous mineral materials and expanded polystyrene.
Recently, the manufacturer Tytan has also become popular. Users note the advantages of the Styro line, thanks to which it is possible to glue on brick, aerated concrete, wood and other surfaces that initially reduce the adhesion effect.
Soudal offers a good quality and cheap polyurethane adhesive for insulation, the price of which is an average of 300-350 rubles. for a can of 750 ml. By the way, the same volume from more eminent manufacturers can cost 500-600 rubles. This, for example, applies to IVSIL products. True, this company provides higher quality in formulations that are based on foreign polymer additives and fractionated sand.
How to choose the optimal composition?
You shouldn't focus on 1-2 characteristics. The approach shouldbe complex, since a currently insignificant quality may appear in the future. The best choice tactic is to evaluate the properties that will prevent the risks of destruction of the insulation itself, since updating the adhesive mass is not as costly as a complete alteration of the insulating layer. So, what glue to glue the insulation on?
For home use, it is desirable to choose environmentally friendly mixtures with a vapor barrier property, which will further affect the general characteristics of the microclimate. Do not forget soundproofing - modern adhesives effectively perform this task as well. As for external insulation, protection from moisture, frost and mechanical resistance should come to the fore.
Adhesive mass consumption
The volume of purchases is also an important choice parameter. Of course, it is better to stock up on material with a margin, but preliminary calculations will help you more accurately determine the number of cans or bags. The standard consumption indicated by manufacturers is about 4-5 kg/m2.
If it is planned to create a reinforcing protective layer, then this value can be increased by 1 kg. This is provided that the thickness of the applied adhesive is 3 mm. These calculations refer to dry mixtures, which are further diluted with water. By the way, the standard packaging in this case is a 25 kg bag. That is, one bag should be enough for an area of 5 m22.
If a can is used, then the consumption of glue for insulation will be as follows: 125 ml/m2. Accordingly, a typical 750 ml cylinder will servesurface for 6 m2.
Installation work
The prepared solution is applied along the perimeter of the panel in strips, the width of which is 4-5 cm. It is advisable to make indents of 3 cm from the edges. You can work with a spatula or scraper, applying the composition with small slaps. In order to increase adhesion, you can also use a notched trowel - it will provide a wavy distribution of the mass, which will improve adhesion to the surface.
If the adhesive for insulation is planned to be used together with a reinforcing mesh, the layer thickness will need to be increased. However, the maximum thickness should not exceed 10 mm. Next, the slab, ready for planting, is superimposed on the target area. For tight fixation, the material should be slightly knocked out with a spatula handle. Between themselves, the insulation panels are always located end-to-end, and the sides will also be treated with an adhesive mass so that there are no cold bridges.
Alternative gluing methods
As an alternative solution, you can offer tools such as PVA, "liquid" nails and mounting foam. The first option may well replace specialized tools when it comes to gluing thin panels to an even and adhesively favorable base in the room. Mounting foam will provide impeccable hitch strength. If mechanical reliability is at the forefront, then this option should be preferred. But it should also be borne in mind that the mounting foam will cause a lot of trouble if you need to dismantle the insulator. "Liquid"nails are also focused on creating a strong bond, but this glue for gluing insulation can only be used outside of residential premises. This is due precisely to the content of toxically harmful components.
Conclusion
Practice shows that the highest quality insulating coatings are formed under conditions when all components of the structure have approximately the same technical and operational properties. Following this principle, we can conclude that polyurethane compounds with polymer additives are more suitable for expanded polystyrene.
What should be the glue for mineral wool insulation in this case? It is desirable for this material to choose environmentally friendly dry mixes in which the content of synthetic elements is minimized. And here it is worth distributing the directions for using the two combinations. So, the use of polystyrene will be the most beneficial as part of the facade finish, since it itself is not ideal in terms of environmental friendliness. Conversely, mineral wool can be used in interior decoration of premises, regardless of their functional purpose.
