Many Russian families live in small apartments and it is very important for them to use every centimeter rationally. And, as a rule, the best way to solve this problem is to improve the balcony. But it is not enough to glaze it, hang shelves and cabinets for household items, plant flowers. To make this space useful, you need to know how to insulate a balcony.
Characteristics of thermal insulation materials
In order for the ongoing work to be beneficial, you should not make a mistake when choosing insulating materials. It is recommended to purchase those that have the following characteristics:
- well tolerate high humidity;
- have a light weight, without creating an excessive load on the floor;
- characterized by low thermal conductivity;
- breathable.
Those apartment owners who have figured out how to insulate a balcony are looking for such materials in construction markets and in large specialized stores. There, any sales assistant will be able to answer the question of how to properly insulate the balcony.
What should be purchased
As a rule, the following materials are used to warm the balcony :
- Polyfoam (or expanded polystyrene). The advantage of this material is its light weight. Thanks to this, you can significantly reduce the overall load on the floors. Its important qualities include environmental safety and resistance to certain chemicals (alkali, lime, weak acids). For someone who has decided how to insulate a balcony, its resistance to putrefactive processes is also important. Expanded polystyrene has high soundproofing characteristics, it is easy to work with. The correct geometric shape of this material allows for installation work with high accuracy.
- Penofol. This combination material is also useful for those who know how to insulate a balcony. The basis of penofol is foamed polyethylene coated with aluminum foil. The main advantages of this material are its flexibility and light weight. In addition, it effectively performs vapor barrier and insulation functions.
Builders appreciated these materials for their excellent heat-saving properties and small thickness, which makes them indispensable for such work, when every centimeter is saved.
Work procedure
If a balcony is to be insulated, the technology may be as follows. On the inside of this room should make a frame. Builders recommend using only carefully dried wood for this. After the styrofoam and penofol are laid, it is necessary to fill all the joints as tightly as possible with special mounting foam.
Another important point is the glazing of the balcony with plastic windows. Best of all, if the choice stops at a two-chamber double-glazed window. After installing the window, you will need to carefully check all the mounting seams around the perimeter. They must be treated with foam in the most thorough manner.
In addition, when carrying out such work, you should think about the heating system of these square meters. One of the popular methods is the installation of electric heaters. As a rule, electric fireplaces and oil heaters are used for this. Another option is the installation of floor heating (warm floor). Some believe that this method is energy-consuming and financially unprofitable. In fact, a warm floor is a fairly profitable option for heating a balcony. Some are ready to use air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature in this room, which can work not only in summer in cooling mode, but also in winter as a heater.