In modern construction, the insulation of the walls of residential buildings is not a whim, but a necessity. Properly performed thermal insulation can significantly improve the temperature conditions in the rooms: significantly reduce heating charges in the cold months of the year, and in the hot summers - keep the rooms cool. The second is not entirely obvious, but it is. Remember the thermos: if you pour hot water into it, the process of cooling it will be slowed down; however, the same is true for cold water - its natural heating to ambient temperature will be much slower than outside the thermos, although, of course, the efficiency coefficient will be lower than in the first case. In addition, the insulation of brick walls is a kind of cosmetic repair. Properly done once, it subsequently practically does not require attention.
A person who has decided to perform the insulation of the walls of the house, before starting work, must remember the main rule - insulation layers must be mounted on the outside! Due to this, the wall will not freeze, which is not only more optimal from the point of view of heating costs, but also saves the wall itself from destruction due to displacement of the dew point. Internal heat-insulating layers are also acceptable (and give an even greater effect), but their installation should occur after external insulation of the walls is completed.
The following feature that must be taken into account: it is impossible to insulate rooms with a high level of humidity, such as a bathroom, without having to worry about effective ventilation in advance. Otherwise, the moisture will be "closed", causing the destruction of the walls.
And, finally, wall insulation without replacing windows with modern metal-plastic ones, installation regarding hermetic doors, floor and ceiling insulation seems half measure. The issue of thermal insulation must be addressed comprehensively, because ignoring even one point can negate all efforts.
After completing the entire scope of work, it may turn out that the air exchange is insufficient. For example, according to modern sanitary standards, in residential premises the entire volume of air must be updated at least once in two hours. But heat-insulating wall layers, no matter what they consist of, no matter how “breathing” they are, if they do not interrupt the renewal of air through the walls, they substantially slow it down. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the forced ventilation system (there are simple but effective ready-made solutions).
Warming of frame walls should take into account all of the above. The peculiarity of their design is that it is extremely undesirable to get moisture into heat-insulating blocks. This causes a decrease in efficiency, the appearance of a fungus, a long drying out.
When all the nuances are taken into account, you can proceed to the selection of insulation material. Among the popular destinations, only a few can be noted:
- thermal insulation of the walls with foam;
- mineral wool;
- construction of additional walls from porous materials (cellular concrete);
- use of siding with a simple air gap.
Technologies are constantly being improved, so it is quite possible that new ones have already appeared.
The most affordable option is polystyrene boards. Their installation can be performed even by one person. Mineral wool, similar in size, has a much larger mass, and if we take into account the total weight, then such an additive is unlikely to "like" the foundation. Roll insulation is light and effective, but they will have to be covered with layers of sheathing (plaster will not work). The construction of new walls is, indeed, a very capital decision, requiring large financial costs.