Almost everyone who loves comfort and warmth prefers to additionally insulate their floor. Today it is extremely important, since in construction stores you can find insulation for every taste. This applies to both the insulating properties and the cost of the material. Nevertheless, only at first glance the choice may seem obvious, but in reality it is not. Let's figure out what it is, high-quality thermal insulation for the floor and how to choose it.
Some general information
Before proceeding with the selection of 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 they must be insulated. In the end, the main goal we need to achieve is warmth and comfort. But we must not forget that if we can direct the heat in the right direction, we will also save a significant part of the money. It would seem that everything is simple, but this is not entirely true. Firstly, there are a large number of bases, for each of which it is necessary to use a certain material. Secondly, there are such systems as a “warm” or “water” floor. Everywhere its nuances, therefore, thermal insulation for the floor should 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 the requirements. Of course, you must consider your financial capabilities. The most popular and at the same time relatively inexpensive thermal insulation material is a cork substrate. In fact, this is a conventional roll compactor, the main advantage of which is that it is completely environmentally friendly and clean. But the use of cork substrate 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.
Thermal insulation for underfloor heating
One of the most popular materials is polypropylene. It is usually used in the form of extruded plates. This is due to the fact that they lend themselves perfectly to processing, and this allows you to correctly perform installation with a complex configuration of the room. What is also important is non-hygroscopicity and a closed cellular structure of polypropylene. Polypropylene can be used at fairly high temperatures (up to 130 degrees).
Often, thermal insulation for a warm floor is made of a material such as expanded polystyrene. Sometimes a patch is used on top, which is a polypropylene film. Extruded polystyrene foam is available in a thickness of 50-100 mm. By the way, many believe that this is one of the best materials for a water floor. It has mechanical properties such as strength, lightness and hardness. In addition, it withstands both high and low temperatures and serves for many years, which is facilitated by the cellular structure.
Thermal insulation for water floor
Let's look at what is the best material to choose for such a popular water floor today. As noted above, polystyrene foam is well suited for these purposes, we’ll talk about it. The fact is that in our case it is extremely important to save heat from the heat carrier 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 heat conductor. Therefore, we can safely count on a low coefficient of thermal conductivity.
In detail about polystyrene foam
We have already figured out that substrates from this material are very effective. In addition to thermal insulation, polystyrene foam shows excellent soundproofing properties. Again, all this can be achieved thanks to the presence of air bubbles that impede the conversion of sound energy into thermal energy. Many can say that the soundproofing properties are superfluous. In principle, this is true in a private house, but residents of high-rise buildings will definitely not agree with you.
Another feature is resistance to the effects of salt solutions and acids. Such insulation for a water floor heating will not be eaten by insects and rot. By the way, polystyrene is also good because it can last for decades, and nothing will happen to it during this time. Consequently, the device of the thermal floor will not be disturbed. Unlike some other insulating materials, this one does not emit harmful and toxic substances when heated.
Which is better for a wooden 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, and polystyrene can be used for other buildings. The first option is preferable, but the price "bites". The second method is less expensive. Mineral wool, as thermal insulation for a wooden floor, has such significant advantages:
- low thermal conductivity;
- environmental friendliness;
- incombustibility;
- chemical resistance.
Expanded polystyrene is good in its own way, it is worth noting the following strengths:
- excellent thermal insulation;
- ease of installation;
- good at processing;
- durable and resistant to mechanical damage.
A bit 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 this 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 have been operating 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 insulation. Some materials do not restore their former shape after a small load. This contributes to the fact that insulating properties are lost and cold bridges appear . Because of this, the overall efficiency of insulation is reduced.
Something about proper installation
It must be understood that, depending on the surface, not only the material differs, but also the method of installation. For example, mineral wool for a wooden floor should be light in color. This will indicate a minimum amount of phenol-formaldehyde resins. Laying is carried out on the rough floor. It must be understood that between the rough, finishing floor and the insulating layer, it is necessary to leave an air gap, which is necessary for the effective removal of moisture.
Isolon stacks much easier. On a pre-treated surface roll out a roll, then stick it with tape. It is important to monitor the absence of visible mechanical defects and bumps. Similarly, the technical traffic jam fits. 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 a minimum of raising 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 polystyrene is more effective than mineral wool. For example, thermal insulation for an electric underfloor heating requires a non-combustible insulation, and a thick material is required under the concrete base, which will not absorb moisture. In the end, the main thing is to know what floors you have at home. Specialists will tell you what to choose. Remember that a lot depends on the correct installation. It is possible to install thermal insulation on your own, but this should be done very carefully and slowly so as not to damage the insulation.