Everyone wants to have a large and comfortable house, but do not forget that one of the conditions for a comfortable stay is the temperature in the room. It should not be cold in winter, but not hot in summer. Thermal insulation helps to cope with this issue. First of all, it is required to carry out wall insulation from the outside, since, by isolating the internal walls, many have to deal with a considerable amount of difficulties, namely:
- Reduced vapor permeability of the walls, which leads to the formation of condensation, and as a result, to the formation of mold. In order to eliminate this problem, the use of additional vapor barrier material is required. It is also necessary to install additional ventilation in the room;
- Installation requires an additional frame.
Today, external wall insulation, as a rule, is made using polystyrene foam or mineral wool boards. Calculation of the thickness of the insulating material is based on the building design, which takes into account all the structural features.
Mineral wool
This heat-saving material is made on the basis of basalt and silica. Subsequent special processing of the fibers increases the water resistance of the material and its strength. The main advantages are water resistance and excellent vapor absorption, which distinguishes mineral wool as an environmentally friendly insulation. In addition, it is extremely versatile, because with its help it is possible to conduct insulation of walls both outdoors and indoors. There are several options for the insulation. Mineral wool is offered in rolls, semi-solid or solid plates or combination sheets (on the one hand, hard, on the other, soft "wool"). In the case of the latter, it is worth noting that their use is convenient for the insulation of uneven walls. If during the construction process it was not possible to achieve perfect smoothness of the walls, then it is combined insulating materials that can correct this situation . Cutting slabs is required with a knife or saw. Rolls can be cut even when folded.
Expanded polystyrene
Lightweight and inexpensive thermal insulation material. Quickly cut and fastened to the facade. Such insulation for exterior walls can be of different densities. Depending on this indicator, such characteristics as strength, thermal conductivity and price are added. Choosing a material of a certain density, you should focus on the parameters of the building. As for the shortcomings, the external insulation of the walls with expanded polystyrene is far from environmentally friendly. Firstly, the material is endowed with an extremely low level of vapor permeability. Secondly, it is highly flammable. Expanded polystyrene requires additional isolation from the external environment. In addition to the fact that the material has an extremely limited service life (up to 30 years), direct sunlight reduces it even more. In addition, do not forget about rodents, for which the "foam" quite quickly becomes the best housing.
Separately, it is worth considering such an option as a ventilated facade. Wall insulation from the outside with its help does not require plastering. This in turn removes the restrictions associated with the seasonality of work. Installation can be carried out both in summer and in winter. Ventilation is provided due to the fact that lining, plastic siding, a blockhouse or facade panels are attached to the insulation for external walls (if there is a battens). Their installation not only increases the life of the heat insulator (usually mineral wool), but also changes the appearance of the building, making it more modern and practical.
When planning work and choosing the material, it is worth remembering that the insulation of walls outside and inside the house does not tolerate savings. Disassembling improperly installed insulation is an expensive and time-consuming job. Avaricious pays twice, and sometimes three times. Choose in consultation with specialists.