Almost everyone who loves comfort and warmth prefers to additionally insulate their floor. Today, this is extremely important, since in construction stores you can find a heater for every taste. This applies to both insulating properties and the cost of the material. However, at first glance, the choice may seem obvious, but in reality it is not. Let's see 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 floor insulation, the only exceptions are those rooms where the "warm floor" systems are installed, since in this case it is necessary to laythermal insulation. In the end, the main goal that we need to achieve is warmth and comfort. But we must not forget that if we can direct the heat in the right direction, then we will also save a significant part of the money. It would seem that everything is simple, but it is not quite so. Firstly, there are a large number of bases, for each of which it is necessary to use a certain material. Secondly, there are systems such as "warm" or "water" floor. Everywhere has its own nuances, so thermal insulation for the floor must be carried out taking into account even the smallest details.
About material selection
Before proceeding with the installation, it is necessary to choose a good material that will satisfy all requirements. Of course, you should consider your financial capabilities as well. The most popular and at the same time relatively inexpensive thermal insulation material is a cork substrate. In fact, this is an ordinary roll compactor, the main advantage of which is that it is completely environmentally friendly and clean. But the use of a cork underlay 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.
Heat insulation for underfloor heating
One of the most popular materials is polypropylene. It is usually used in the form of extruded boards. This is due to the fact that they are perfectly processable, and this allows you to correctly install with a complex configuration of the room. What is also important is the non-hygroscopicity and closed cellular structure of polypropylene. Polypropylene can be used at fairly high temperatures (up to 130 degrees).
Often, thermal insulation for underfloor heating is made of a material such as expanded polystyrene. Sometimes an overlay is used on top, which is a polypropylene film. Extruded polystyrene foam is produced with a thickness of 50-100 mm. By the way, many believe that this is one of the best materials under the water floor. It has such mechanical properties as strength, lightness and hardness. In addition, it withstands both high and low temperatures and lasts for many years, which is facilitated by a honeycomb structure.
Insulation for water floor
Let's consider what is the best material to choose for such a popular water floor today. As noted above, expanded polystyrene 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 as long as possible. Due to the preservation of its operational properties at temperatures from -180 to 180 degrees Celsius, expanded polystyrene 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 coefficientthermal conductivity.
Expand Styrofoam Details
We have already figured out that the substrates of this material are very effective. In addition to thermal insulation, expanded polystyrene shows excellent soundproofing properties. Again, all this is achieved due to the presence of air bubbles, which prevent the conversion of sound energy into heat. Many may say that soundproofing properties are superfluous. In principle, this is true in a private house, but the residents of high-rise buildings will definitely not agree with you.
Another feature is the resistance to s alt solutions and acids. Such thermal insulation for a water-heated floor will not be eaten by insects and rot. By the way, polystyrene is also good because it can serve for decades, and nothing will happen to it during this time. Therefore, the device of a heat-insulated floor will not be broken. Unlike some other insulating materials, this one does not release harmful and toxic substances when heated.
Which is best for a wood floor?
Usually for completely wooden houses they try to choose environmentally friendly 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, mineral wool and fiberglass are well suited for wooden houses and structures, while polystyrene can be used for other buildings. The first option is more preferable, but the price"bites". The second way is less expensive. Mineral wool, as a thermal insulation for wooden floors, has the following significant advantages:
- low thermal conductivity;
- sustainable;
- flammability;
- chemical resistance.
Styrofoam is good in its own way, it is worth noting the following strengths:
- excellent thermal insulation;
- easy installation;
- works well;
- 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 work. Agree, I would not really like to buy expensive material that will rot in three years or simply lose its technological qualities. For this simple reason, it always makes sense to pay attention to durability. Any materials for thermal insulation of the floor must serve 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. During such maintenance, it is recommended to change the thermal insulation. Some materials do not recover their original shape after a small load. This contributes to the fact that insulating properties are lost and cold bridges appear. Because of this, the overall effectiveness of insulation is reduced.
Something aboutcorrect mounting
It must be understood that depending on the surface, not only the material is different, but also the method of its installation. For example, mineral wool for a wooden floor should be light in color. This will indicate the minimum amount of phenol-formaldehyde resins. Laying is carried out on the draft floor. It must be understood that between the rough, finishing floor and the heat-insulating layer, it is necessary to leave an air gap, which is needed for effective moisture removal.
Isolon fits much easier. A roll is rolled out on a pre-treated surface, then it is glued with adhesive tape. It is important to monitor the absence of visible mechanical defects and bumps. The technical plug is laid in the same way. By the way, the last material is almost perfect 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. All of them 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 foam is more effective than mineral wool. For example, thermal insulation for a warm electric floor requires a non-combustible insulation, and a thick material is needed for a concrete base that will not absorb moisture. In the end, the main thing is to know what kind of floors you have at home. Experts will tell you what to choose. Remember that a lot depends on the correct installation. You can lay the thermal insulation on your own, but this should be done very carefully and slowly so as not to damage the insulation.
