Thermal insulation for the floor: how to choose the right one? What should be the thermal insulation for the warm floor?

Almost everyone who loves comfort and warmth prefers to insulate their floor. Today it is extremely important, as in the building stores you can find a heater for every taste. This applies to both the insulation properties and the material cost. Nevertheless, only at first glance the choice may seem obvious, in reality it is not so. Let's figure out what it is, the quality insulation for the floor and how to choose it.

Some general information

Before proceeding with the choice of material, one must answer one simple question: do I need this? The fact is that today in many houses and apartments there is no warming of the floor, except for those rooms where "warm floor" systems are installed, since in this case it is necessary to lay thermal insulation. In the end, the main goal that we need to achieve is warmth and comfort. But do not forget that if we can direct the heat in the right direction, we will also save a significant part of the funds. It would seem that everything is simple, but it's not entirely true. First, there are a large number of grounds, under each of which it is necessary to use a certain material. Secondly, there are such systems as "warm" or "water" sex. Everywhere their nuances, so the insulation for the floor should be carried out taking into account even the smallest details.

About the choice of material

Before proceeding with the installation, it is necessary to select a good material that will satisfy all the requirements. Of course, you must consider your financial capabilities. The most popular and at the same time relatively inexpensive thermal insulation material is a cork substrate. In fact, this is a conventional roll seal, the main advantage of which is that it is completely ecological and clean. But the use of a cork substrate is limited by several factors: firstly, the floor will rise about 3-4 cm, and secondly, a reflective material should be used in the kit. If you take into account the last nuance, it turns out that such insulation for the floor becomes quite expensive. But there are several other, more economical options.

Thermal insulation for underfloor heating

One of the most popular materials is polypropylene. Usually it is used in the form of extruded plates. Due to the fact that they are very amenable to processing, and this allows you to properly perform the installation in a complex configuration of the room. What is still important is the non-hygroscopicity and closed cellular structure of polypropylene. Polypropylene can be used at rather high temperatures (up to 130 degrees).

Often the thermal insulation for the warm floor is made of a material such as expanded polystyrene. Sometimes an overlay is used on top, which is a polypropylene film. Extruded polystyrene foam is produced in the thickness of 50-100 mm. By the way, many believe that this is one of the best materials under the water floor. It has such mechanical properties as strength, lightness and hardness. In addition, it can withstand both high and low temperatures and serves for many years, facilitated by the cellular structure.

Thermal insulation for the water floor

Let's look at which material is better to choose for such a popular water floor today. As noted a little bit above, for these purposes polystyrene foam is good, we'll talk about it. The fact is that in our case it is extremely important to save heat from the coolant as long as possible. Due to the preservation of its performance properties at temperatures from -180 to 180 degrees Celsius, polystyrene foam is excellent for this task. In principle, it makes sense to note that air itself is a very poor conductor of heat. Therefore, we can safely rely on a low coefficient of thermal conductivity.

In detail about expanded polystyrene

We have already figured out that the substrates of this material are very effective. In addition to thermal insulation, polystyrene foam shows excellent sound insulation properties. Again, all this can be achieved through the presence of air bubbles, which prevent the conversion of sound energy into thermal energy. Many can say that soundproofing is superfluous. In principle, in a private house it is so, but here tenants of high-rise buildings with you just do not agree.

Another feature is the resistance to the effects of hydrochloric solutions and acids. Such a thermal insulation for a water-heated floor will not be eaten by insects and rotted. By the way, polystyrene is also good because it can serve for decades, and during this time nothing will happen to it. Consequently, the device of the heat floor will not be disturbed. Unlike some other insulating materials, this one does not emit harmful and poisonous substances when heated.

What is better for a wooden floor?

Usually for fully wooden houses they try to pick up environmentally friendly material. In principle, for these purposes, mineral wool, polystyrene and fiberglass are best. These materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also good insulators. For example, mineral wool and fiberglass are good for wooden houses and structures, and polystyrene can be used for other buildings. The first option is more preferable, but the price "bites". The second method is less expensive. Mineral wool, as a thermal insulation for a wooden floor, has such significant advantages:

• Low thermal conductivity;
• Ecological compatibility;
• Incombustibility;
• Chemical stability.

Styrofoam is good in its own way, it is worth noting the following its strengths:

• Excellent thermal insulation;
• Ease of installation;
• It is easy to process;
• Durable and resistant to mechanical damage.

A little about the durability of materials

When choosing, it always makes sense to look not only at the initial quality of the insulating properties, but also at how long all this will work. Agree, I do not really want to buy expensive material, which in three years will rot or just lose its technological qualities. For this simple reason, it always makes sense to pay attention to durability. Any materials for floor insulation should be used for at least 10 years. For example, the systems "warm floor" work for 15-20 years. At the end of this period, a partial replacement of the system is required. During such maintenance it is recommended to change the thermal insulation. Some materials do not restore their original shape after a small load. This contributes to the loss of insulation properties and the appearance of cold bridges. Because of this, the overall efficiency of insulation decreases.

Something about the correct installation

It is necessary to understand that, depending on the surface, not only the material differs, but also the way of its installation. For example, mineral wool for a wooden floor should be light colored. This will indicate a minimum amount of phenol-formaldehyde resins. The gasket is carried out on the rough floor. It is necessary to understand that between the roughing, finishing floor and the heat-insulating layer it is necessary to leave an air layer, which is necessary for effective drainage of moisture.

Isolon fits much easier. On a pre-treated surface roll a roll, then it is glued with adhesive tape. It is important to monitor the absence of visible mechanical defects and bumps. The technical plug also fits the same way. By the way, the last material is practically the ideal thermal insulation for the floor. The fact is that the thickness of the layer does not exceed 1.5 cm, so you can try to lay 2 layers with a minimum raising of the floors.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of thermal insulation materials. All of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. The same applies to cost. By the way, do not necessarily buy too expensive insulation. Sometimes the same foam is more effective than mineral wool. For example, thermal insulation for a warm electric floor requires a non-combustible heater, and a concrete substrate requires a thick material that will not absorb moisture. In the end, the main thing is to know what kind of floors you have at home. Specialists will tell you what to choose. Remember that much depends on the correct installation. You can lay the insulation in your own strength, but this should be done very carefully and slowly, so as not to damage the insulation.