What should be the thickness of insulation for a floor in a wooden house?

A wooden house is eco-friendly and cozy. However, in order to be comfortable in our climate, the house must be properly insulated. Insulation work includes not only adding additional thickness to the walls and ceiling, but also measures to insulate the floor - a lot of heated air can leak through cracks and holes in the floor.

In a house with an insulated floor, you can’t wear socks in winter—you’ll have to wear felt boots or UGG boots. And in general, living in such a room is uncomfortable, especially if there are small children who like to crawl on the floor. The importance of floor insulation in a wooden house is undeniable - we will consider this issue in more detail in the article.

Peculiarities

Wooden floors, unlike concrete, are much warmer. Wood is a capricious material and when building a house it is not always possible to achieve the desired effect. The ratio of thickness and thermal conductivity is often disproportionate, so insulating floors in a wood house is simply necessary.

The possibility of floor insulation exists not only in new houses, but also in those built a long time ago.

Floor insulation helps maintain an ideal indoor microclimate and serves as a guarantee against such unwanted problems:

• dampness;
• the appearance and proliferation of mold;
• the appearance of microorganisms and fungi that adversely affect the health of those living in the house;
• high consumption of thermal energy to heat the house;
• damage and destruction of the building.

You can carry out floor insulation work yourself. This will significantly reduce the budget. Construction stores offer a wide range of materials that can be worked with even without specific skills.

Insulation of structures involves different types of work:

• insulation of floors above the ground floor;
• insulation of interfloor ceilings;
• insulation of the floor between the living space and the attic.

In each case, materials are used not only to maintain optimal temperature conditions, but also for sound insulation. A well-insulated first floor is a guarantee that the house will become comfortable for living.

This is interesting: Mineral wool for floor insulation

Key points of installation work

All materials used for floor insulation have their own methods of fastening. However, there are the main points of the thermal protection device. They are recommended to be observed when installing any material.

The order of arrangement of the main layers when installing floor insulation in a wooden house with your own hands:

• waterproofing layer;
• thermal insulation layer;
• vapor barrier material;
• direct structural elements of the floor;
• flooring.

When choosing insulation, it is worth calculating the height of all layers.
Experts say that this arrangement of the main layers will allow you to obtain optimal thermal conditions inside the room. This technology maintains the necessary circulation of moisture in the house.

Waterproofing

When insulating the floor in a private house, you cannot do without waterproofing. Due to the ability of cold air to condense on a warm surface, the wooden floor is exposed to moisture. Its constant presence in the room leads to the active development of fungus, mold and causes rotting of the structure itself. Especially if no special means were used during the construction of the house.

Layout of waterproofing for floor insulation

When laying thermal insulation without a waterproofing layer, exposure to moisture negatively affects the thermal conductivity properties of the material. The result is an increase in indoor humidity and a decrease in temperature. Waterproofing helps to avoid these unpleasant moments.

A waterproofing layer is laid on the side exposed to cold air currents.

Vapor barrier laying

Human heat and equipment operating in the home release warm air. It passes through the ceilings and condenses when it encounters cold air. The problem with this phenomenon is that moisture settles inside the structure. As a result, the tree swells and begins to rot from the inside. It will not be possible to prevent this process by treating with special means. Therefore, when insulating the floor in a wooden house from below with penoplex or other material, the presence of a vapor barrier is mandatory.

Scheme of laying a vapor barrier during insulation of a wooden floor

When carrying out installation work from below, the vapor barrier layer is laid first. The simplest and most affordable material for this is polyethylene film. It is excellent for both vapor and waterproofing.

The presence of such layers in the floor covering must be designed in advance. If this was not done on time, then it is necessary to lay the film immediately after putting the house into operation.

Types of floor

In houses made of wood, two types of floors are used: concrete and wood.

• floor boards, laminated wood;
• parquet board and laminate.

You can make a concrete floor yourself without involving specialists. There are two options for laying concrete: on the ground and on logs. The most common is the first option.

All work is carried out in several stages:

• priming;
• sand;
• thermal insulation;
• waterproofing.

The next step is to fill the floor with concrete screed. If a warm floor is installed, then it must be installed at this stage.

A wooden floor, like a concrete floor, also has several layers:

• bulk floor (rough);
• waterproofing layer;
• thermal insulation layer;
• fine coating.

If installation of a heated floor system is necessary, it is carried out at the construction stage between the finishing and rough coatings. Wooden flooring is a natural material and therefore environmentally friendly. During operation, substances harmful to humans will not be released into the air. This coating has an aesthetic and noble appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages

The leadership of mineral wool in the environment of floor thermal insulation in the house is determined by the following points:

• high class of non-flammability. An insulator of this category is a barrier to the spread of fires. Varieties of the product are characterized as means of additional fire protection of structures for various purposes. The material is relevant, including when arranging fire-hazardous structures. For example, the operating temperature range of stone wool varies up to +1000°C;
• low thermal conductivity coefficient. The fibrous structure provides an air layer that prevents the transfer of thermal energy. If the installation technology is followed, this type of insulation helps maintain a comfortable microclimate in the room;
• high noise absorption rates. The composition is able to actively resist the propagation of sound waves. Due to its decent sound insulation characteristics, this insulating agent is applicable in various structures, including roofing pie, construction of interfloor ceilings or engineering infrastructures in the house;
• frost resistance. The material is not exposed to negative temperatures and is able to provide maximum protection against heat loss, regardless of the climatic conditions of the area;
• vapor permeability. The composition compares favorably with other insulators by its ability to “breathe”;
• inertness to chemical and biological threats. Insulation based on mineral fibers does not react to the effects of active chemical compounds and pathogens;
• ease of installation. It is convenient to fill any volume of space with mineral wool, since the composition is lightweight and of sufficient thickness;
• efficiency. The material is sold in an affordable segment, which is due to the simplicity of the manufacturing process.

It is convenient to fill any amount of space with mineral wool, as it is light in weight and sufficiently thick

When planning floor insulation with mineral wool, you should know the disadvantages of the resource:

• impressive volume in height. The thickness of the insulating product is of considerable importance when organizing a frame made of wooden logs; this argument negatively affects the overall height of the floor structure;
• exposure to moisture. Not all varieties of mineral wool have moisture-resistant properties. For example, glass wool and slag wool lose their functionality when exposed to a humid environment. Compositions made from volcanic rocks - basalt - are highly resistant to moisture;
• certain difficulties in installation. To work with glass wool and slag wool, you must use special clothing and accessories. It is necessary to avoid direct contact with the composition of small particles with sharp ends that can damage the skin, respiratory tract and eyes.

A big disadvantage is the unsafety of certain types of mineral wool due to the presence of chemical components in the composition. When exposed to high temperatures, compounds are released that are harmful to health and the environment. At the same time, the basalt variety of mineral insulation is quite safe and is used when arranging floors and other structures in the house.

Resources based on mountain volcanic rocks are characterized as effective heat and sound insulation agents. In addition, stone insulator provides high fire resistance, resistance to mechanical loads and moisture. The only disadvantage of basalt insulation is its relative high cost compared to slag and fiberglass.

General requirements

What characteristics should a modern safe and high-quality insulation have?

• Lightness . The insulation should not weigh down the building structure.
• Durability and reliability . Properly chosen material will definitely become a reliable support for the entire house.
• Safety . Mandatory requirement. It is important that the selected material fully complies with all sanitary standards and is non-toxic.
• Easy to install . Installing insulation should not be difficult.
• Low level of thermal conductivity . This is the main characteristic of the material, since its main functional purpose is to retain heat in the house.
• Density _ The higher the density of the material, the better it will protect your home from winter cold.

In the video - insulation for the floor in a wooden house:

Rules for caring for insulated wooden floors

Floor ventilation in a wooden house

For all its advantages, an insulated wooden floor has a number of weaknesses that negatively affect the quality of the structure and its service life. The main enemies of the system are dampness and insects. Fighting them is not difficult and does not require large investments.

Coatings must be regularly treated with antiseptics. They can be delivered to functional materials through holes in the flooring or after its dismantling. Dampness must be eliminated by installing ventilation grilles, including the installation of exhaust fans. You can make inconspicuous hatches through which you can add moisture absorbers to the subfloor and replace them periodically.

Which is better to choose?

A wooden house can be placed on a foundation and have a ground floor (basement), or it can be located on stilts.

Houses on stilts are in great demand among consumers. This is due to the fact that such a design does not require a large amount of time and energy during construction and operation. There are also no requirements for the soil on which the building will be located. Choosing insulation for a house on stilts requires taking into account the design features. With the right approach, the house will become not only warm, but also cozy.

But with all the advantages, there is also a disadvantage: the house is located at a distance from the ground. The building is not protected by the ground floor and is exposed to winds. In this case, it turns out that the house is protected from soil moisture, but at the same time the entire floor area is exposed to winds and frost. In order for the house to please its owners, it is worth making high-quality insulation of the floors.

Floor insulation in houses on stilts is carried out in several stages:

• Preparation. Before starting work on floor insulation, it is worth ensuring full access to the joists. This is done to enable control checks. Once work begins, inspection will not be possible.
• Rough floor. There are a lot of ways to create a subfloor, but still builders often use the traditional one. It is necessary to nail a beam onto the logs, which will later serve as a support for the flooring made of boards. Timber and logs are treated with special agents against rotting and fungus.

But you should not use products that create a film. This will prevent the wood from breathing, which will lead to rot. Flooring boards under the subfloor should also be treated. This is necessary to increase the service life of the material. When calculating, it is worth taking into account the weight of the insulation that will be used. Plywood can be used as flooring for lightweight insulation. If, for example, polystyrene is used, then reinforced mesh can be used to strengthen the bottom layer. This will help distribute the weight.

• Vapor barrier. A vapor barrier must be used to prevent moisture from entering the insulation. For this it is better to use polyethylene or roofing felt. These materials belong to economy class. When laying them, it is necessary to provide ventilation ducts. The vapor barrier layer should be both on top of the insulation and below. This will prevent condensation formed due to temperature changes from getting onto the materials.

• Finish floor. The finishing floor is the final stage of floor insulation, which can also be a finishing coating. For this, absolutely any materials can be used (solid wood, chipboard, plywood).

To make a house on stilts look presentable, as well as for additional protection from the effects of climatic conditions, experts advise making a lightweight version of the basement floor.

How to properly insulate walls with mineral wool

Let's first talk about what can ruin all your work.

Errors in installing mineral wool slabs

• Lack of surface preparation. It should be smooth, clean and treated with an antiseptic (if it is wood).
• Carrying out work during rainfall or leaving finished work unprotected from rain.
• Insufficient application of glue. It is correct when it is distributed over the entire surface, including the perimeter. The most suitable glue is polyurethane foam or dry mixture. The first product is easier and faster to work with, but it is a little more expensive. Both products are resistant to external influences and guarantee good adhesion.
• Unfilled seams between insulation parts. They can only be closed with inserts made of the same material. The maximum gap is 2 mm.
• Intersection of slabs at window and door corners. There should be no joint in these places.
• Lack of mechanical fastenings. Anchors and dowels are used as additional connections for heavy sheets. The optimal quantity is 3-4 pieces per piece (two in the corners, 1 or 2 in the center).
• Smooth mounting, joint to joint. Craftsmen advise installing elements in a checkerboard pattern - this makes it easier to avoid gaps in the structure.

These are the main mistakes that people make when doing thermal insulation at home on their own.

Instructions for insulating the walls of a house with mineral wool from the outside

You will need a metal profile or timber to create the sheathing, accompanying tools for building the frame, a knife or saw, fasteners and a membrane film for vapor barrier. There are two methods. Let's consider one of them. The work is carried out in several stages.

• Surface preparation. You need to remove all old layers of plaster and other finishing from it, clean off dirt and mold, carry out processing and remove all unevenness with a primer.
• Installation of the frame. After the primer has dried, mount the guides at a short distance from the facade - approximately 10-15 cm in increments of 60-100 cm, 1-2 cm less than the width of the block or roll.
• A film is placed under the first layer - with the smooth side facing the stove and the vapor-absorbing side inside. It is attached with double-sided tape or a stapler.
• The first layer of cotton wool is attached on top. Usually a softer one is chosen so that it hides any depressions or bulges if they remain after leveling. The slabs are laid from bottom to top, and the rolls from top to bottom.
• Next, more rigid elements are installed. For reliability, they can be secured with a construction stapler or mushroom dowels.
• Another layer of vapor barrier is placed on top (the film is not stretched), lathing and cladding.

In the case of mounting under a frame, it is important to know in advance the size of the mineral wool insulation for the walls in order to correctly calculate the distance between the profiles.

Insulating the floor with mineral wool involves creating a complex structure to protect the floor from external influences. The resource with a fibrous structure is characterized by high heat and sound insulation properties and ease of use. Knowing the characteristics of the material and installation technology, it is easy to insulate the floor with mineral wool with your own hands.

What types of floor insulation are there?

All insulation materials on the market can be divided into 4 large groups. Let's get to know them.

Table. Types of insulation materials.

Note! The most popular insulation materials include sawdust, ecowool, mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, penofol and expanded clay. Each option has its own characteristics, strengths and weaknesses that you definitely need to know about.

Calculator for calculating the thickness of insulation for insulating a wooden floor on the first floor

Go to calculations

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On concrete

Concrete foundation means the use of floor slabs or concrete screed over soil or another type of floor. The result is still the same concrete, which ensures the strength and durability of the floor, but does not protect against heat loss and feels even colder to the touch.

Insulation is carried out in two main ways, which allow you to actually use any thermal insulation material.

Floating screed

In the first case, a floating screed is formed. Waterproofing is spread on top of the leveled concrete surface and a heat insulator is laid.

The material needs to be durable, moisture-resistant and preferably with minimal vapor permeability. Next, sheet material (MDF, plywood, plasterboard, etc.) is laid on top of the insulation and another layer of screed is formed, only this time so that it does not touch the walls, for which damper tape is used.

The following insulation materials are suitable for this option:

• Expanded polystyrene;
• extruded polystyrene foam;
• rigid stone wool slabs;
• foil insulation, Penofol.

Expanded polystyrene is one of the most used insulation materials under screed.
The first three insulation materials are almost equivalent in terms of characteristics and thermal insulation, however, mineral wool boards have high vapor permeability and, even taking into account treatment with hydrophobic compounds, can accumulate moisture over time, so they are not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity.

Foil insulation is a base made of foamed polyethylene or polypropylene with aluminum foil or a polymer composition applied on top that can reflect heat. Their main task is not to delay the penetration of heat, but to turn most of the radiant energy back into the room. They do not significantly increase the thermal resistance of the floor, but are able to separate the cold base and the warm floor in the room. Most often, penofol and similar materials are used in combination with other insulation materials.

Warm screed

Expanded polystyrene concrete and expanded clay concrete should be considered separately. In fact, these are concretes in which granular thermal insulation materials are used as filler. A simple and effective way to insulate a floor without losing strength and without using complex multi-layer structures at all.

These materials can replace both the rough screed and the finishing screed for laying any floor covering or installing a self-leveling floor. If you only need to slightly increase the thermal resistance of the floor, then expanded polystyrene concrete and expanded clay concrete will be the best solution.

Insulation by joists

You can use almost any thermal insulation material on top of concrete when forming a subfloor along joists. Logs are installed on the floor slabs - beams from 50x50 to 150x50, leveled and subsequently covered with a floorboard that forms the subfloor.

Niches are formed between the lags into which heat-insulating material can be placed. This can be virtually any option from the table.

Mineral wool in rolls or in the form of slabs is a universal option. Taking into account the mandatory presence of a ventilated gap to remove moisture from the underground space, ideal conditions are created for the use of this material.

Foamed polyurethane, liquid polystyrene foam, ecowool can fill niches of any shape and provide good thermal insulation without gaps and cold bridges. They are perfect for insulating floors over uneven concrete bases, which is often found in old buildings.

Preference is given to breathable materials with high vapor permeability: mineral wool, polystyrene foam (not extruded), ecowool. When using wooden logs, effective ventilation will be required to remove excess moisture.

The use of expanded clay or dry screed is justified only if only minor insulation is required or there is a large space that can be allocated for screeding. Expanded clay is only relevant for insulating the first floor to separate the floor in the room from the basement or ground surface.

When is the best time to insulate the floor?

Insulation of the floor between the joists
If you have finished building your house, but have not yet started interior decoration, then there is no need to rush. It's time to think about insulating the structure. Do not forget that it is important to take care not only of the thermal insulation of the foundation, walls and roof, but also of the partitions. Insulating the floor of the first floor is carried out last, but this is not so important. If the construction project has a basement, then in most cases, laying insulation can be abandoned. As a rule, it is on the ground floor in non-residential premises that heating devices are located, which properly provide comfort and coziness to all residents. Experts say that due to proper floor insulation, it becomes possible to gain from 20 to 30 percent of natural heat. If you carry out numerical calculations, then such a solution will justify all the investments due to additional savings on resources. Below we will look at the main methods and modern technologies that will be useful in solving this issue.

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Technology and stages of work

The multi-stage process of arranging floor thermal insulation is carried out taking into account the specifics of the technology, which implies a clear algorithm of operation.

Materials and tools

Before starting work, you must prepare the following set of tools and accessories:

• roulette;
• large stationery knife, scissors;
• construction stapler;
• aluminum coated tape.

Tools for dismantling old flooring and repairing/constructing a new multi-layer base structure:

• screwdriver;
• nail puller;
• hammer;
• pliers;
• set of hardware.

You should also ensure that you have protective clothing, a respirator, and goggles. It is necessary to take into account that to work with glass wool and slag wool you will need rubber gloves; other processes are carried out in simple cotton gloves.

Preparatory work

The process begins with removing the old flooring. If you are going to dismantle the finishing layer, which you plan to use again, it is advisable to carefully remove the elements and mark them for ease of re-installation. Next, clean the surface of the subfloor from debris and dust.

Leveling the surface

If, when checking the rough foundation, defects in the form of unevenness, cracks, chips or depressions are revealed, a set of works is carried out to eliminate them. This is necessary to ensure a tight fit of the insulating layer to the surface being constructed. After eliminating the defects of the concrete base, they begin to level the surface using a screed. The modern construction industry offers a wide variety of leveling methods, among which it is not difficult to choose the best option depending on your budget.

Laying vapor barrier

Vapor barrier

After the screed has completely dried to protect the insulation, the concrete base is covered with polyethylene film for vapor barrier. As experts note, a special membrane is a priority for these purposes. The product is a thick canvas made of several layers of waterproofing materials. The vapor barrier is carefully leveled and pressed tightly against the screed, overlapping the wall, taking into account the height of the guides and mineral insulation.

Installation of guides

Thermal insulation of a wooden floor along the joists allows you to lay the mineral wool tightly and evenly, and the pace of work is also accelerated. To install the guides correctly, the following points must be considered:

• the working interval between the logs depends on the parameters of the insulation and the scale of the space being developed;
• preliminary calculations should be carried out to ensure that the gaps between the lags are identical;
• the maximum distance between guides should not exceed 1 m.

Also, gaps between the guides and the perimeter of the wall are not allowed.

Laying mineral wool between joists

Installation of mineral wool

When preparing the insulation, the material is cut with a margin of 1 cm around the perimeter in order to eliminate gaps between the insulator and the joists during installation. Mineral wool is laid in 1 or 2 layers. In this case, the second layer of coating is laid so that the joints of the lower layer are covered with the upper one using the bricklaying method.

Waterproofing

Since the mineral insulator is susceptible to moisture, the next step is to protect the coating with the selected waterproofing agent. This layer is an analogy of a vapor barrier and consists of dense polyethylene.

Finished floor installation

Secrets of choosing insulating material for the floor in a wooden house

To begin with, we note that if previously floors were insulated only with sawdust and mineral wool, today there are many other materials that are more modern and effective. You have already become familiar with the best of them.

In order to choose the right insulating material, be sure to consider the following factors:

• how many floors are in the house, where exactly the insulation will be carried out;
• how humid and warm the house can be;
• what are the operating conditions;
• what house construction technology is used;
• how much does the floor pie weigh, in what conditions was it arranged;
• what should be the height of the floor (and therefore the thickness of the insulation).

Scheme of floor insulation in a wooden house

If you find out and take into account all these points, you can easily choose the appropriate thermal insulation material.

Note! It is often better to insulate floors from below - this will ensure high-quality insulation without reducing the height of the ceilings. In addition, the condensate settling line will be located below the floor level, and this is extremely important! After all, unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of condensation.

Floor insulation using joists or beams

We have already reviewed the rating of the best floor insulation, and now we will figure out what you should pay attention to when choosing this or that option.

• Weight of materials . This point is especially important if the floor of the second floor is insulated or we are talking about a multi-story building. On the ground floor, the weight of materials is unlikely to matter much. Remember that some materials can add significant weight to the entire home structure.
• Fire safety . For a wooden house this is a very important point. The insulation must have low flammability so that in the event of a fire it does not contribute to the spread of fire. It is also desirable that even when burning the material does not emit toxic substances.
• Life time . Different insulation materials have their own service life; over time, any of them wears out and needs to be replaced. The shorter the service life, the sooner the thermal insulation material will need to be replaced.
• Easy to install . Of course, the easier it is to install the insulation, the better for you. Especially if the floor is insulated with your own hands. Give preference to the material that is easiest to work with.
• Moisture resistance . The material should have good enough quality. As noted above, in any case, condensation will accumulate in the floor pie, and in certain rooms (for example, in the bathroom) there may be an increased level of humidity, which can negatively affect the material.
• Thermal conductivity . The lower this indicator of insulation, the better it will retain heat inside the house, preventing it from being wasted.

Video - Mistakes when insulating the floor in a house

Thermal insulation methods

Insulation of the floor in a wooden house can be done using two methods - using joists and a rough base.
The first method is used to insulate wooden or concrete floors. Any of the above materials can be used as insulation. The entire load is evenly distributed on the surface of the logs, so the strength and density of the material used is not important. When insulating the floor using joists, you should take into account the fact that the height of the room will decrease by about 10 cm due to raising the floor. Floor insulation methods

The second method requires a more durable and rigid material as insulation to eliminate the possibility of it settling under the influence of loads. The role of the rough foundation can be performed by wooden flooring, concrete screed or tightly compacted soil. Installation of the thermal insulation layer can be carried out under the floor covering. The result of the work done will depend on the correctness of the actions performed and the quality of the insulation used.

Floor insulation on a rough base

The best manufacturers

Insulation materials are produced by many well-known companies. Let's consider those of them that supply products with proven quality, and therefore are the most popular.

Knauf . This company, which has existed for more than 90 years, produces insulation materials that are popular all over the world, using innovative technologies and natural raw materials. All heat insulators (for example, the TeploKnauf brand) are safe and environmentally friendly.

Safe and environmentally friendly insulation materials TeploKnauf

Ursa . The manufacturer produces both mineral wool and fiberglass. The products are quite affordable. Ursa entered the domestic market relatively recently, and therefore the products of this brand are not very popular in our country yet. However, demand is constantly increasing due to low prices.

Ursa mineral wool is convenient and easy to install

Rockwool . One of the leaders in its segment, primarily engaged in the production of basalt insulation materials, characterized by affordable prices and excellent performance characteristics.

Rockwool company is one of the leaders in its segment

Isover . This company also focuses primarily on mineral wool and supplies stone and glass wool to the building materials market (which is good, because both options are often used in construction). Isover insulation materials are very durable and elastic, and are excellent value for money.

Isover company produces environmentally friendly materials that are safe for human health.

Paroc . Another manufacturer of insulation materials that specializes more in mineral wool (its quality has been tested over the years). The company focuses on saving heat when heating and effective sound insulation. But Paroc insulation is quite expensive, this is their main disadvantage.

Paroc insulation does not retain moisture and does not lose its properties when temperature changes

Video - Insulation testing: Rockwool, Teploknauf and Teploknauf NORD

How to choose mineral wool products

First you need to pay attention to several characteristics:

• Thickness of mineral wool for wall insulation. The thicker the insulating layer, the higher its fire safety, sound insulation and strength. For interior partitions and frame structures, mats of 5 cm are suitable. For facades - from 5 to 10 cm.
• Density (P). We wrote about it above. The rigidity of the structure and its ability to withstand loads depend on it. For facades, the indicator should be in the range of 100-125 kg/m³. If plaster is chosen as finishing, then 150 kg/m³. For interior partitions - 75-90 kg/m³.
• Thermal conductivity. The smaller it is, the better. In this regard, basalt and fiberglass products have proven themselves well.
• Vapor permeability. The coefficient suitable for private buildings is that of stone wool. Designated MU1. The larger it is, the better the product.
• Fire resistance. The fire resistance level of fiberglass is 600⁰ C, material made of rock alloys is 1000º C.

What else to pay attention to

If you are planning work on the outside of the building, choose basalt slabs. When it is necessary to insulate from the inside, fiberglass coating is also suitable. When purchasing, look at the storage conditions.

• If the product gets even a little wet, there is no point in purchasing it. Check that there are no tears in the packaging.
• Blocks and rolls should be kept under cover and not outdoors.

The most famous manufacturers of mineral insulation are Isover, URSA, Rockwool, Knauf. Their products are certified and quality tested.

Insulation thickness

Let's consider how to correctly calculate such an important indicator responsible for maintaining heat in a house as the thickness of the insulation.

It should be noted that for each specific house this indicator is calculated individually - and the thickness of the material that is suitable for a house in southern latitudes may differ radically from the thickness of the material for a northern cottage. This calculation also includes other features.

To calculate the optimal insulation thickness suitable for your home, you need to use the formula prescribed in SNiP “Thermal protection of buildings”. The formula is: insulation thickness = R x A.

On the video, the thickness of the insulation for the floor in a wooden house:

What do these mysterious letters mean:

• R is the level of thermal resistance of the structure. This level is different for each climate zone. You can find it out from the application map that is attached to the SNiP.
• A is the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the insulation. Each type of insulating material has its own. You can see it on the packaging of the material. Some coefficients are also indicated in SNiP.

Using this formula, you can accurately determine what thickness of insulation is suitable for you, so that you are guaranteed not to freeze and achieve the optimal temperature in the house.

Attention: if according to the formula it turns out that the insulation layer in your house should be thin, then experts recommend in this case using expanded polystyrene or rolled materials. Such insulation can best protect the house, even if the layer is not too thick.

Read detailed material about thermal insulation for underfloor heating.

General characteristics

The product is sold in two forms: slabs and rolls. The dimensions of the sheets are established by GOSTs. In the rolled version, the length of the mat can reach 10 meters, the width - from 1 to 1.5 meters. Slab parameters: 1250*610 mm. Thickness varies from 2 to 15 cm. Density is another important indicator, which indicates the number of fibers per 1 m³. On the packaging it is indicated by the letter P. Values ​​from 35-150 are suitable for working with walls. The higher the value, the greater the load on the base.

How can you insulate it?

Insulation of the floor in a wooden house is carried out in order to reduce heat loss. The most commonly used and inexpensive insulation materials are expanded clay and sand. Below is a list of other popular floor insulation materials.

• Mineral wool. The main features of this heat insulator are low thermal conductivity, durability, high noise insulation properties, and moisture absorption. It is also worth noting that mineral wool is an environmentally friendly material.

In order to determine whether the product in front of you is of high quality or not, you need to check its color. Mineral wool, made from natural raw materials, is brown in color. A product in the production of which prohibited substances were used will have a yellow tint.

This insulation is produced in slabs and rolls. Roll insulation is most common when used over large areas. Mineral wool is very convenient; no special knowledge or skills are required during operation. Everything can be done with your own hands. The material is lightweight and breathable.

• Polyurethane foam. The insulation is quite expensive. This will require not only the help of specialists, but also special equipment. The material's properties are close to polystyrene foam. But he won't stand the screed. They can be used to insulate the floor from below. The average service life of such insulation is 30 years.

• Expanded clay. The material is quite common. Expanded clay is granules of baked foamed clay. The material has high performance properties and is lightweight. But with all the variety of advantages, there is one serious drawback. Expanded clay absorbs moisture very well, so when using it, it is imperative to install waterproofing.

• Sawdust is a bulk insulation option. Sawdust mixed with slaked lime powder is used against mice: 8 parts sawdust to 2 parts lime. Such insulation can be poured between the rough and finished floors. The average layer thickness is 20-40 cm, depending on climatic conditions.

• Izolon is a polyethylene that has a foamed structure. The thickness of this coating is 10 mm. Foil coated on one or both sides. Placed on top of the cotton wool. It is also used as a covering for underfloor heating.

Polystyrene concrete

This is a relatively new material for insulation; it combines the strength of concrete and the lightness of polystyrene. The material has excellent heat and sound insulation properties and at the same time is a durable screed. It is ideal for thermal insulation of large rooms, since it is very easy to pour and level; a team of experienced craftsmen can pour up to 500 m2 of polystyrene concrete per day.

Due to its low weight, polystyrene concrete does not place a large load on the floors, unlike traditional liquid screed. It does not require waterproofing or additional insulation. You can lay tiles or laminate on a thick backing directly on top of polystyrene concrete. To lay soft coverings such as carpet or linoleum, a thin layer of traditional screed, no more than 30 mm thick, is poured over the insulation.

Polystyrene concrete floors are being poured

For effective thermal insulation of the first floors of private houses, 300 mm of polystyrene concrete above the ground is sufficient; if there is a basement under the floor, then the layer can be reduced to 200 mm. 100 mm of insulation is usually poured into the floors between the floors of private houses; in apartment buildings, a layer of 50 mm is sufficient.

Which material is best?

It’s worth saying right away that there is no single correct answer to this question. Today there is a huge variety of advanced materials that will help insulate the floor. Of course, the choice is yours, because all the offered options differ not only in their appearance, quality characteristics, but also in cost, respectively. Construction experts strongly do not recommend saving on floor insulation, which is why in this article we will consider all the selection criteria, installation features, as well as the possibilities of making the entire range of work as budget-friendly as possible.

Warm floors are the key to comfort and coziness

What should an ideal insulation be like? At a minimum, it must meet the following criteria:

• Safety. The best material for insulation work is the one that is environmentally friendly. Since it will constantly be subject to mechanical and climatic influences, it is important that during operation it does not emit any toxic substances.
• Simplicity and ease of installation. As a rule, construction work related to floor insulation can take from one to three days, depending on the material you choose.
• Resistant to moisture and temperature changes.
• Fire resistant. This criterion is especially important if we are not talking about residential premises, but about floor insulation in industrial enterprises and facilities.

Mineral wool in insulation works

Thickness of wall insulation of a frame house

The thickness of the insulation is calculated depending on the climate and the properties of the insulation used. The following insulation thickness sizes can be used in different regions of Russia.

In the Leningrad region

In the Moscow region

The Moscow region is considered warmer in terms of climate than the Leningrad region. Residents of Moscow in the summer can feel comfortable in houses without insulation. Only warm houses are suitable for all-season living here.

In Siberia

• 200 mm for ecowool;
• 150 mm for foam boards;
• 250 mm for mineral wool;
• 200 mm for basalt wool, expanded polystyrene (foam).

In the Urals

• 200 mm for basalt wool, expanded polystyrene (foam);
• 250-300 mm for foam floors.

In Novosibirsk

• 200 mm for ecowool;
• 150 mm for foam boards;
• 250 mm for mineral wool.

Manufacturers

Many companies are engaged in the production of materials for floor insulation. Among them are world-famous brands and those who are just starting their journey. Most of the companies have almost a century of history. To help you make your choice, below is a rating of the most popular manufacturers. All of them present materials with proven quality.

• Knauf. The international manufacturer has over 90 years of experience. Insulation materials are popular all over the world. The products are made from natural raw materials using the latest technologies. All insulation materials are environmentally friendly and harmless. Knauf has been a leader in the market for many years.

• Rockwool. The company works using modern technologies and specializes in basalt thermal insulation materials. The advantage of this raw material is its high performance and affordable price. In Russia, branches are located in the Moscow, Chelyabinsk and Leningrad regions. The company is in second place in the ranking of manufacturers of insulation materials.
• Paroc. The company also specializes mainly in the production of mineral wool. Time-tested quality. The manufacturer focuses on saving thermal energy for heating living spaces and excellent sound insulation. But the disadvantage of this company is that all insulation products have a fairly high price. That is why the company ranks third.

• Isover. The manufacturer focuses on the production of mineral wool and offers two solutions - glass wool and stone wool. This is a distinctive feature of the manufacturer, since both options are often used in construction. The materials have high elasticity and strength. According to their characteristics, mineral wools of this brand are the best. There is a good price-quality ratio here.
• Ursa. The company works using new technologies and offers both mineral wool and fiberglass. Product prices are affordable. The company recently entered the Russian market, so it is not yet very widespread. But, thanks to prices that are significantly lower than the prices of other market representatives, there is a demand for the products.

Mineral wool differences

As we have already said, there are three types of mineral wool insulation. Each of them is made from different raw materials and has its own properties.

Glass wool

A material consisting of molten glass cullet, dolomite, sand, soda or limestone.

Advantages:

• Breathability.
• Fire resistance.
• Elasticity, vibration resistance.
• Withstands low temperatures.
• Lower cost than other mineral wool.

Minuses:

• Short shelf life - 5-10 years.
• Shrinkage 80%.
• Strongly absorbs moisture.
• If it comes into contact with the skin, it causes itching or even an allergic reaction.

As for the scope of application, it is usually mineral wool for insulating walls inside the house.

Slag

Produced from metallurgical waste. Inferior in characteristics to other types of insulation.

• Does not provide adequate sound insulation.
• Does not withstand strong heat. It does not burn, but it sinteres and loses its thermal insulation qualities.
• Does not tolerate temperature changes.
• Protective clothing and a respirator for installation are also required.
• It is impossible to insulate damp rooms with metal fasteners, since under the influence of moist air, slag will promote corrosion.
• High hygroscopicity.

Plus, such a layer in the wall does not attract rodents and insects. Most often used on dry surfaces of temporary buildings or non-residential buildings.

Stone

The most expensive material. It is usually chosen for exterior work in private houses, including frame wooden houses. Rocks are used in production. Thanks to this, the final product has many advantages:

• High density and therefore strength.
• Fire resistance. Does not ignite at any temperature.
• Minimum shrinkage (5%).
• Long service life (up to 50 years).
• Provides excellent sound insulation.
• Almost does not break during operation, which happens with other types of products.
• Vapor permeability. The fibers repel moisture.

Foam plastic as a budget and reliable insulation

It is no secret that polystyrene foam is extremely popular during the construction of absolutely any structure. It is lightweight, affordable and very durable. But many people consciously refuse to use it for insulation work, doubting its safety for human health. Many years of scientific research have proven that no toxic substances are released during the direct use of the material as the main insulation, so if you are considering polystyrene foam as one of the options, then take a closer look at it. It will provide excellent protection for the concrete floor of the first floor, but in no case is it recommended to use it for insulating logs, because due to the lack of gaps, moisture will accumulate under the sheets of material, as a result of which the likelihood of fungal formations will increase.

Of course, the insulation layer must be placed on the outer sides of the enclosed elements. Thus, for the floor of the first floor it is from below. It is not recommended to use foam plastic in any other insulation work, because it will not be able to maintain the temperature level at the proper level.

Foam insulation of the subfloor

Polystyrene foam is a budget-friendly and very popular building material, especially in the field of private housing construction. The most suitable thickness of insulation for the floor is 200-300 mm. » data-lazy-type=»iframe» src=»data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″>

Styrofoam

Usually this word refers to foamed polystyrene and extruded polystyrene (penoplex). In terms of chemical composition and thermal insulation properties, these materials are practically the same, however, penoplex has much greater bending strength and resistance to crumbling than traditional polystyrene foam. For this reason, recently most consumers are abandoning foamed polystyrene (foam) in favor of extruded polystyrene (penoplex).

The advantage of this type of thermal insulation is its low price, ease of installation and moisture resistance. The disadvantages include the flammability of this material, and when polystyrene burns, a large amount of toxic substances is released.

Polystyrene slabs are produced in thicknesses from 5 mm to 50 mm; a special chamfer is made on the edges of the slabs so that during installation, gaps and, consequently, “cold paths” do not appear at the joints.

If a layer thickness of more than 50 mm is required, then two or even three layers of polystyrene are laid, with each new layer being laid offset relative to the previous one so that the joints of the slabs of the upper row fall on the centers of the slabs of the lower one.

Screed diagram with foam plastic

When insulating a floor located directly above the ground, the foam layer must be at least 300 mm for a house with a wooden floor, and 200 mm for a house with self-leveling concrete floors. You should lay at least 4 layers of the thickest foam panels, offset from each other.

If there is a cold basement under the floor, then the foam layer can be reduced by 50mm.

To insulate floors between floors of a private house, 150 mm of foam is sufficient for wooden floors and 100 mm for concrete floors.

If you are insulating floors in an apartment building, then for all floors except the first it is enough to lay one layer of foam plastic 50 mm thick. On the ground floor the thickness can be increased to 80-100 mm.

Calculated thicknesses of Penoplex thermal insulation

What is the basis for calculating the thickness of thermal insulation?

Even those readers who are not comfortable with physics and mathematics will be able to independently make such a calculation. Moreover, we invite them to take advantage of the built-in online calculator.

What is the basis for determining the required thermal insulation thickness?

The fundamental principle of the implementation is this: the total thermal resistance (or, more correctly, heat transfer resistance) of the enclosing building structure should not be less than the established value. This value is called normalized, and it is calculated for all regions taking into account their climatic characteristics. In addition, this indicator also takes on different values ​​depending on the type of structure - there are standards for walls, coverings and ceilings.

It’s easy to find out this normalized value for your region of residence. Such information is probably available at any local construction organization. But it will be even easier to take the value from the schematic map below, covering the entire territory of Russia.

Normalized values ​​of thermal resistance for building structures of residential buildings by regions of Russia

So, the normalized thermal resistance is known, but what does this tell us? The fact is that this total value is the sum of the thermal resistance indicators of each of the homogeneous layers of the structure.

If we look at a wooden floor by floor beams or joists, it will look something like this:

Schematic diagram of insulation of a wooden floor on joists or floor beams

1 – floor beams or joists – load-bearing parts of a wooden floor.

2 – cranial bars or support boards. Necessary for laying subfloors.

3 – subfloor boards. They can be mounted as a continuous flooring or sparsely. Sometimes, instead of boards, sheet material is used, for example, OSB boards or plywood. In some cases, for example, when thermally insulating the floor with rigid polystyrene foam blocks, the subfloor is completely abandoned - only a few jumpers are left to support the insulating layer.

4 – windproof membrane, which must have the property of vapor permeability - for the free release of moisture into the atmosphere. Not used when insulating with vapor-tight and wind-resistant materials, for example, extruded polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam.

5 – insulation layer. Different materials can be used - bulk, block, roll, sprayed. But in any case, it is the thickness of this layer that we will calculate.

6 – hydro-vapor barrier membrane that protects the insulation from moisture from the premises.

Prices for vapor barrier membrane

vapor barrier membrane

7 – flooring. These can be boards attached directly to the joists. Another option is plywood or OSB flooring with a thickness of 15÷20 mm, which becomes the basis for any chosen floor finish.

Which of these layers can have a significant impact on the degree of thermal insulation of the structure? There are not many of them - three or two. And one of them is the layer of thermal insulation itself.

Rest:

• First, a subfloor made of boards or wood-based sheet material. But only if it is made solid, without gaps.
• Secondly, this is the flooring itself on top of the joists - boards, plywood or OSB.

We will not take membranes into account - they do not have any serious insulating qualities. Let's also take the finishing floor covering out of the equation - due to its insignificant thickness or, for some decorative materials, too high thermal conductivity.

It should be correctly understood that the diagram shown above demonstrates only the principle of floor thermal insulation, but does not in any way reflect the entire possible variety of options. Just off the top of my head - two more schemes. Changes are obvious, but the general principle of the structure of the “insulating pie” does not undergo any special “transformations”.

Two more possible schemes for the structure of an insulated floor on floor beams and joists. In fact, there may be much more options.

Go ahead.

The thermal resistance of each homogeneous layer of the overall structure can be determined by the formula.

Rc = hc / λc

hc is the layer thickness expressed in meters.

λc is the thermal conductivity coefficient of the material from which this layer is made. These coefficients are tabular values. And finding them for almost any building or thermal insulation material is not at all difficult; there are plenty of these tables on construction sites.

You may be interested in information about how thermal calculations of floors based on soil are carried out online

So, if the owner of a house under construction already knows the approximate design of the planned floor of the first floor, then it will not be difficult to calculate the thickness of the insulation, which ensures that the total thermal resistance is brought to the standard value.

This is what the calculator below is based on. Below it there will be several notes regarding how to use the program.

You may be interested in information about how the thickness of insulation for a floor in a wooden house is calculated

Expanded clay

Expanded clay is a popular thermal insulation material used in wooden floors and floors with dry screed based on gypsum fiber board. In the latter case, in addition to thermal insulation, it is also a leveling material.

Expanded clay is one of the cheapest materials for thermal insulation; it does not burn, is safe for health and is lightweight. At the same time, it easily absorbs water, which reduces its thermal insulation properties and significantly increases its weight. Therefore, the use of expanded clay requires reliable waterproofing. Another disadvantage of expanded clay is that when working with it, a large amount of dust rises into the air.

Expanded clay as thermal insulation

In terms of thermal insulation properties, expanded clay is inferior to most synthetic materials, so it requires backfilling with a thicker layer, which reduces the height of the ceilings in the room.

Using expanded clay for insulation. The photo shows expanded clay being poured with lean concrete

For effective thermal insulation of the first floors of buildings from the ground, the expanded clay layer must be at least 400 mm when using wooden floors and 300 mm when using concrete floors.

Between the floors of private houses, at least 200 mm of expanded clay should be poured into the floors for wooden floors and 150 mm for concrete floors. In apartment buildings, a layer of expanded clay of 50-80 mm is sufficient.

Properties of mineral wool in slabs as insulation

The thickness of the insulation depends on the base.
Mineral wool is a stone-based insulation that allows you to create thermal insulation for a structure. Lava rocks are heated and melted to make the material. Binders are added to shape and tighten the fibers. The final product retains the properties of basalt:

• Thermal conductivity from 0.03 to 0.04 W/m – the ability of insulation to maintain temperature. The indicator of mineral material with a thickness of 10 cm is comparable to 25 cm of timber, 200 cm of sand-lime brick and 117 cm of ceramic.
• Density - the indicator ensures the use of slab isolate and is on average 60-80 kg/m3. To install a pitched roof, you will need light slabs of 30-50 kg/m3, for a flat roof - from 100 kg/m3. For industrial purposes, models from 160 kg/m3 are used, which do not deform under the influence of external load.
• Fire resistance class NG. Basalt fibers do not ignite, do not spread fire, and can heat up to +750 degrees. Non-flammable modifications heat up to 1000 degrees for 2 hours.
• Moisture absorption. Minplates have an indicator of 1-2%, i.e. do not absorb condensation and precipitation.

The thermal conductivity index depends on the direction of the fibers. The best option is a chaotic location.

Features of houses made of timber with foundations on stilts

A pile-screw foundation is most often used in the following cases:

The basis of a pile-screw foundation is metal pipes with a special tip, which are screwed into the ground using specialized equipment or manually. As the pile rotates, it digs deeper and deeper into the soil; as it rotates, the soil is compacted to increase the stability of the piles.

After installing the piles, their tops are cut to the same level and the caps are installed, which allows you to evenly distribute the loads from the house. The next step will be laying waterproofing, which will protect the walls of the house, trim and floors from moisture. Next, strapping boards are laid (usually timber with a large cross-section), which combine all the supports into one load-bearing structure. It is these boards that serve as the basis for laying the floor and erecting walls.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of basalt wool
Products are supplied wound in a roll and then cut. Mineral wool is suitable for all types of insulation work due to the advantages:

• sound insulation - can be installed in houses near the roadway and production workshops;
• absence of cold bridges - sheets do not shrink at the joints;
• special structure - the fibers are arranged in a chaotic direction or intertwined, which prevents warm air from leaving the room;
• ease of installation - the slabs can be easily cut with a knife or hacksaw on site;
• wear resistance - the insulation retains its properties for 20-70 years;
• environmental friendliness - made on the basis of natural basalt rocks.

The disadvantages of mini-slabs include the difficulty of installation due to high vapor permeability.

Penofol insulation

Insulation with penofol
Penofol is a multilayer material that consists of a base and polished foil. Polyethylene foam of different densities, sizes and internal structures is used as a base. The foil used in penofol is polished to a coefficient of 97%. Its thickness is only 20 microns. It can be applied to both sides of the material. By the way, this material came to us from the space industry. It was used in the production of space suits.

The peculiarity of this material is that it does not retain the heat coming from the room, it reflects it in the opposite direction.

Slab parameters depending on the area of ​​use

Characteristics of slabs of different densities
Mineral wool is characterized by ease of installation and high performance - the dimensions and scope of application of the material depend on its rigidity. Manufacturers produce the following modifications:

• Lightweight - with a density from 10 to 35 kg/m3. With their help, frame buildings can be insulated and protected from noise.
• Elastic - density from 35 to 120 kg/m3. The insulation is suitable for walls, its dimensions can be adjusted to the configuration of buildings. Mineral wool can withstand minor external loads.
• Hard – the density indicator is 120-180 kg/m3, which is suitable for working with ventilation systems, organizing thermal protection of baths and industrial premises.

The width of the insulation is determined by the climatic characteristics of the region. Buildings in the southern regions are decorated with sheets 120-180 mm wide, in the central - from 180 to 240 mm, in the northern - up to 360 mm.

The final parameters are determined by the type of insulated object.

Facade slabs

Facade products eliminate the cost of materials during construction. They are attached to a supporting frame, have good vapor permeability, do not shrink, and do not deform when exposed to temperature.

The dimensions of a standard cut of mineral wool supplied in slabs are 100x50x5 cm. For facades with a non-standard configuration, material 120x60x20 mm is suitable.

Roofing slabs

The material parameters depend on the region in which the roof is insulated. You can calculate the parameters using an online calculator or yourself, taking into account the standards for the climate zone, the layer-by-layer thickness of the structure, and the thermal conductivity of each layer. When choosing manufacturers, you will need to take into account the type of roofing structure.

The pitched roof is insulated with materials PAROS UNS 37 (610x1220x50 mm) and Extra (250x50 mm), Knauf (5500x1200x150 mm), Rocklight (1000/2000-500/600-50/100 mm), Techno (100x60x5/10 mm), Izover ( 1170x610x50 mm), Isovat (1000x600x50/100 mm).

For flat structures, the best options would be the products PAROS Rob (1200/1800x600/900/1200 mm), Monrock Max (2000x1200x50/200 mm), Tekhnoruf N (1200x600x100 mm).

For work in attics and attics with height differences and complex configurations, rolled glass wool with a density of 11-15 kg/m3 is suitable.

For walls

The suitable size of slab mineral wool is 120 cm in length and 100 cm in width. The thickness of the product is 2.5-5 cm. The material is used for external and internal work, insulation of rooms with high humidity, ventilated facades and sandwich panels.

Rigid modifications with a density of 150 kg/m3 are suitable for installation on metal or reinforced concrete floors. For fire protection purposes, a material with a density of 200 kg/m3 is optimal.

Mineral wool is laid on walls vertically and horizontally.

For floor

You can insulate the floor from cold air using products with dimensions of 600x800 and a density of 100-150 kg/m3. The length and width are adjusted to the coating parameters.

Thermal insulation with sawdust

When building a private house made of wood or stone, the developer must solve many problems, and one of them is creating effective insulation of the building.

Thermal insulation with sawdust

There is a large selection of materials on the market for room insulation, in particular floors, but many believe that one of the best options is to use sawdust. At the same time, they are guided by the following criteria of cheapness and environmental friendliness of this material.

Sawdust is considered the lowest cost material that can be used for thermal insulation. This insulation represents waste that is obtained during wood processing. It should be noted that many houses built in the past, or even the century before last, that have survived to this day, are insulated with sawdust and have not lost their thermal insulation properties.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this material?

The undoubted advantages include:

Cheapness. Many wood processing companies are willing to give this material away for free. In this case, there will be costs for their delivery to the construction site. Sawdust does not emit any harmful substances, they do not cause allergic reactions in residents. In addition, they have high thermal insulation rates; in this parameter they are comparable to mineral wool.

To adequately evaluate this insulation, one cannot fail to mention its shortcomings. These include:

This is a flammable material. They can become a place for small rodents and insects to live

To avoid these shortcomings, cement, gypsum and some other materials are added to sawdust. After obtaining the mixture, it is treated with copper sulfate. As a result of these operations, the sawdust will not burn, and rodents will not like such food.