Recently, foam concrete blocks have increasingly been used for low-rise construction. In this case, the laying of blocks is carried out mainly using cement-sand mortar, and not special glue. As a result, the seams are thick, forming places in the air pockets and creating, thereby, bridges of cold. In addition, foam concrete is a rather porous material, which contributes to the penetration of moisture into the structure of foam blocks. Under the influence of temperature differences, the integrity of the blocks is violated, leading to partial destruction of the wall. To avoid these and other problems, it is necessary to correctly insulate the building, while increasing its operational life.

Content

1. The choice of thermal insulation material: mineral wool or polystyrene?
2. External thermal insulation  video
3. Insulation of interior walls  video
4. Advantages of external mineral wool insulation

The choice of thermal insulation material: mineral wool or polystyrene?

Among the insulation materials that are in great demand today, it is worth highlighting 2 types:

1. Mineral wool is produced by the melt of porphyrite, slag, glass and other mineral rocks. The molten substance is sent to a centrifuge, where the action of air and centrifugal forces transform the substance into thin fibers. Randomly arranged fibers are interconnected by resins, forming a porous structure of mineral wool. Mineral wool is produced in rolls, plates, mats.

Depending on the constituent components of mineral wool, it is divided into:

• dolomite;
• slag;
• basalt;
• glass wool.

For facade work, a more suitable option is basalt mineral slabs or mats. Mineral wool in rolls is more suitable for warming the floor than for walls, as it can settle over time.

2. Expanded polystyrene is made by foaming polystyrene granules with subsequent sintering, forming a monolithic product. After cooling, the foam is cut into finished boards of various sizes.

To make the right decision regarding the choice of thermal insulation, a comparative description of the two materials according to the most significant criteria is necessary:

• Thermal conductivity. Both materials have approximately the same coefficient of thermal conductivity.
• Vapor permeability. Polyfoam passes steam 10 times worse than mineral wool.
• Fire resistance. Absolute leadership belongs to mineral wool, because it does not burn even at 1000 degrees. Polyfoam is not only subject to melting, but also supports its own combustion.
• Safety for health. Polyfoam is an environmentally friendly product, not to say about mineral wool. However, the resins present in the mineral wool release harmful substances into the atmosphere only when heated above 1000 degrees, so this insulation can safely be used for both internal and external insulation.
• Convenience of installation. Working with mineral wool implies the presence of a respirator and special clothing so as not to get skin irritation. The installation of foam does not require a special form.
• Cost. Minvata is somewhat more expensive than polystyrene foam, although work on thermal insulation of the structure is approximately the same.

Based on the comparative characteristics of materials, mineral wool is a more suitable option for warming a house + from foam blocks, since it has better vapor permeability. However, mineral wool absorbs water perfectly, losing some of the insulating properties, but with the correct installation of hydro-, vapor barrier, such a disadvantage is practically eliminated.

If polystyrene foam is used as a heater, then you will have to take care of the forced ventilation system. Otherwise, moisture that does not find a way out will create favorable soil for the development of mold, fungus, which is not so easy to get rid of.

External thermal insulation

It is advisable to start warming the house + from the foam block outside after completing all the finishing work inside the building. This is necessary so that the moisture present in the putty, plaster mixes, concrete screed evaporates outward without hindrance.

Tools required:

• screwdriver;
• hacksaw for metal;
• roulette;
• building level;
• hammer;
• container for adhesive solution;
• notched trowel for applying adhesive;
• stationery knife;
• punch for making holes for dowels;
• hard brush for wall impregnation;
• protective gloves, glasses.

Before direct thermal insulation it is necessary to carry out preparatory work. They include:

• Cleaning the walls of dust, dirt;
• Sealing deep cracks;
• Dismantling of slopes of windows, doors, platbands, decorative elements of the facade;
• Impregnation of walls with hydrophobic composition, antiseptics, impregnating primer.

The technology of mineral wool insulation of the facade involves several methods:

• The wet method is the most common:

1. Fixing the cornice around the perimeter of the base to prevent plate displacement during shrinkage.
2. After applying glue to the mineral wool, the plate must be pressed firmly against the wall. Pasting the walls with insulation is made without cracks forming cold bridges and starts from the basement cornice up.
3. After the glue dries, an additional fastening of the minvata corners to the foam block wall follows with anchors or dowels in such a way as to capture adjacent plates.
4. After three days after pasting with a building insulation, the basement cornice can be removed.
5. Glue is applied to the mineral wool plates, into which the reinforcing mesh is recessed. For a better connection, the joint seams overlap.
6. To give rigidity to the external corners of the building, door, window openings, a perforated corner is used.
7. After the adhesive has hardened, a primer is applied to the boards, then the plaster

After drying, you can decorate the facade with any paint or special plaster.

• Well System

It is similar to the wet method, only after fixing the reinforcing mesh is the building lined with siding, panels. Thus, the insulation is between the foam concrete and the facing material.

• Ventilated method

1. Brackets are installed on the prepared walls for subsequent fastening of the crate.
2. Thermal insulation pads are placed between the base of the bracket and the wall.
3. The base profile is also installed at the bottom.
4. A crate is being constructed along the entire perimeter so that the thickness of the mineral wool corresponds to the distance between the rail and the wall.
5. The resulting spaces are filled with insulation.
6. For reliable fixation, the mineral wool is fastened by means of dowels to a depth of 45 cm, going deeper into the foam concrete.
7. The final stage is the cladding of the facade with siding or other material. To do this, a metal profile is attached to the brackets of the crate, at a distance of at least 2 cm from the mineral wool.
8. Siding is mounted to the crate obtained again with self-tapping screws.
9. Separately, the slopes of door and window openings, corner lining and other decorative elements are restored.

The presence of various methods of warming the outer walls with mineral wool allows you to choose the most suitable option for your own preferences and ease of installation.

Insulation of interior walls

The advisability of warming the house + from foam blocks from the inside arises from the impossibility of carrying out facade work. Typically, this may be due to:

• With financial difficulties, since external insulation is much more expensive than internal;
• Facing of the facade was made relatively recently, and the repair is only planned in the room;
• The insulation layer is planned to be changed regularly.

The main disadvantage of internal insulation is the reduction in the useful area of \u200b\u200bthe room.

Technology of work

1. The metal profile is fixed from the wall at a distance equal to the insulation width + 2 cm per air gap.
2. Glue on the miniplate must be applied with slaps to preserve the air gap between the wall and the mineral wool.
3. The vapor barrier is fixed by means of double-sided tape on metal guides.
4. The final stage is the decoration of the resulting structure with drywall.

In principle, insulating the walls from the inside with mineral wool with a competent and conscientious approach to facade insulation or for the purpose of safety is absolutely not required.

Advantages of external mineral wool insulation

Warming the building from the outside, you can not only save useful space indoors, but also

• Accumulate heat inside the house;
• Reduce heating costs;
• Protect the building from environmental influences;
• To increase the operational life of the building.

For perfect thermal insulation of a building, it is necessary not only to warm the walls of the house + from foam blocks, but also to insulate the roof, floor, window and door openings.

Author: Sergey and Svetlana Khuentsov

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