≡× MENU

• Interior
• Window
• Walls
• Projects
• The buildings

Thermal insulation table. Comparison of different types of insulation. Insulated Swedish Plate

To enjoy the warmth and comfort of your home in winter, you need to take care of its thermal insulation in advance. Today this is not difficult to do, because there is a wide range of insulation materials on the construction market. Each of them has its own pros and cons and is suitable for insulation under certain operating conditions. When choosing a material, such a criterion as thermal conductivity remains very important.

What is thermal conductivity

This is the process of releasing thermal energy in order to obtain thermal equilibrium. The temperature regime must be equalized; the main thing remains the speed with which this task will be carried out. If we consider thermal conductivity in relation to the house, then the longer the process of equalizing the air temperatures in the house and outside, the better. Speaking in simple words

, thermal conductivity is an indicator by which you can understand how quickly the walls in the house cool down. This criterion is presented in numerical value and is characterized by the coefficient of thermal conductivity. Thanks to it, you can find out how much thermal energy can pass through a unit of surface per unit of time. The higher the thermal conductivity value of the insulation, the faster it conducts.

thermal energy

The video shows types of insulation and their characteristics:

The lower the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient, the longer the material will be able to retain heat on winter days and coolness on summer days. But there are a number of other factors that also need to be taken into account when choosing an insulating material.

Expanded polystyrene

This heat insulator is one of the most popular. This is due to its low thermal conductivity, low cost and ease of installation. On store shelves the material is presented in slabs, 20-150 mm. Obtained by foaming polystyrene. The resulting cells are filled with air. Polystyrene foam is characterized by different densities, low heat conductivity and resistance to moisture.

Since polystyrene foam is inexpensive, it is widely popular among many developers for insulating various houses and buildings. But polystyrene foam has its drawbacks. It is very fragile and ignites quickly, and when burned, releases harmful toxins into the environment. For this reason, it is better to use polystyrene foam for insulating non-residential buildings and non-load-bearing structures. For residential premises, you should pay attention to foil ones.

And in this article you can see the table of thermal conductivity of expanded clay concrete blocks. For this you should go

Extruded polystyrene foam

This material is not afraid of moisture and rotting. It is durable and easy to install. Easy to give in machining. It has a low level of water absorption, so extruded polystyrene foam retains its properties at high humidity. The insulation is a fireproof material, it has a long service life and is easy to install.

In the photo - extruded polystyrene foam

The presented characteristics and low heat conductivity allow extruded polystyrene foam to be called the best insulation for strip foundations and blind areas. When installing a sheet with a thickness of 50 mm, you can replace a foam block with a thickness of 60 mm in terms of heat conductivity. At the same time, the insulation does not allow water to pass through, so there is no need to worry about auxiliary waterproofing.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is an insulation material that can be classified as natural and environmentally friendly. Mineral wool has low coefficient conducts heat and is completely unaffected by fire. Insulation is produced in the form of plates and rolls, each of which has its own rigidity indicators. In the article you can read about the benefits of mineral or.

In the photo - mineral wool

If you need to isolate a horizontal surface, then it is worth using dense mats, and for vertical surfaces - rigid and semi-rigid slabs. As for the downsides, it has low resistance to moisture, so when installing it you need to take care of moisture and vapor barrier.

You should not use mineral wool for arranging a basement, cellar, or steam room in a bathhouse. Although if you lay out the waterproofing layer correctly, the mineral wool will serve for a long time and with high quality. But what is the thermal conductivity of mineral wool, information from

Basalt wool The result is a material with a fibrous structure and excellent water-repellent properties. The insulation is non-flammable and completely safe for health. In addition, basalt has excellent performance for high-quality insulation sound and heat. Can be used for insulation both outside and inside the house.

On the picture - basalt wool for insulation

When installing basalt wool, you must wear protective equipment. This includes gloves, a respirator and goggles. This will protect the mucous membranes from cotton wool splinters. When choosing basalt wool today, the Rockwool brand is very popular. In the article you can find information about.

During the operation of the material, you don’t have to worry about the slabs compacting or caking. And this indicates excellent properties of low thermal conductivity, which do not change over time.

Penofol

This insulation is produced in the form of rolls, the thickness of which is 2-10 mm. The material is based on foamed polyethylene. On sale you can find a heat insulator, on one side of which there is foil to form a reflective background.

The thickness of the material is several times smaller than the previously presented materials, but this does not affect the thermal conductivity at all. It is capable of reflecting up to 97% of heat. Foamed polyethylene boasts a long service life and environmental friendliness.

In the photo - Penofol insulation: Isolon is completely light, thin and easy to install. Rolled heat insulation is used when arranging wet rooms, which include a basement or balcony. In addition, the use of insulation will preserve usable area

premises if installed inside the house.

But what is the thermal conductivity of ceramic bricks and where such a building material is used, information will help to understand

What is the thermal conductivity of the substrate under the laminate and how to make calculations correctly is described in this

Table 1 – Thermal conductivity indicators of popular materials

Thermal conductivity is one of the main criteria when choosing a thermal insulation material. If you install insulation with a low thermal conductivity coefficient, this will allow you to retain heat in the house for longer, thereby creating comfortable living conditions. The requirements for private houses and apartments in terms of heat retention have increased significantly. Many resort to additional finishing of attic floors, external walls

due to the constant increase in energy costs. Behind Enough materials have appeared that can significantly improve heat conservation in a private house or apartment. They also have a number of other properties, which overall make them an excellent alternative to major renovations.

Varieties and description

Consumers are offered materials with different mechanical properties to choose from.

The ease of installation and properties largely depend on this. According to this indicator, they distinguish:

1. Foam blocks. Made from concrete with special additives. As a result of the chemical reaction, the structure becomes porous.
2. Plates. Building materials of varying thickness and density are produced by pressing or gluing.
3. Cotton wool. Sold in rolls and characterized by a fibrous structure.
4. Granules (crumbs). with foam substances of various fractions.

It is important to know: selection of material is carried out taking into account properties, cost and purpose. Using the same insulation for walls and attic floors will not achieve the desired effect unless it is indicated that it is intended for a specific surface.

The raw materials for insulation can be various substances. They are all divided into two categories:

• organic based on peat, reeds, wood;
• inorganic - made from foam concrete, minerals, asbestos-containing substances, etc.

Basic properties

The effectiveness of a material largely depends on three main characteristics. Namely:

1. Thermal conductivity. This is the main indicator of the material, expressed by a coefficient calculated in watts per 1 square meter. Depending on the level of heat retention, different amounts of insulation are required. It is significantly influenced by the moisture absorption rate.
2. Density. No less important characteristic. The higher the density porous material, the more efficiently heat will be retained inside the building. In most cases, it is this indicator that is decisive when choosing insulation for walls, floors or roofs.
3. Hygroscopicity. Moisture resistance is very important. For example, basement floors, which are located in damp places, it is important to insulate them with a material with the lowest hygroscopicity, such as, for example, plastiform.

You need to pay attention to a number of other indicators. These are resistance to mechanical damage, temperature changes, flammability and durability.

Comparison of key indicators

To understand how effective this or that insulation will be, it is necessary to compare the main indicators of the materials. This can be done by looking at Table 1.

Material	Density kg/m3	Thermal conductivity	Hygroscopicity	Minimum layer, cm
Expanded polystyrene	30-40	Very low	Average	10
Plastiform	50-60	Low	Very low	2
	60-70	Low	Average	5
Styrofoam	35-50	Very low	Average	10
	25-32	low	low	20
	35-125	Low	High	10-15
	130	Low	high	15
	500	High	Low	20
Cellular concrete	400-800	High	High	20-40
Foam glass	100-600	Low	low	10-15

Table 1 Comparison of thermal insulation properties of materials

However, many people prefer plastiform, mineral wool or cellular concrete. This is due to individual preferences, installation features and some physical properties.

Features of application

Before deciding on materials for finishing a private house or apartment, it is necessary to correctly calculate the thickness of the layer of a particular insulation.

1. For horizontal surfaces(floor, ceiling) you can use almost any material. The use of an additional layer with high mechanical strength is mandatory.
2. It is recommended to insulate basement floors with building materials with low hygroscopicity. Increased humidity must be taken into account. Otherwise, the insulation will partially or completely lose its properties under the influence of moisture.
3. For vertical surfaces (walls), it is necessary to use plate-sheet type materials. Bulk or rolled ones will sag over time, so you need to carefully consider the method of fastening.

Installation of various types

When choosing a particular material for better heat retention in a house or apartment, you need to take into account the features of its installation. Complexity and set of tools for carrying out installation work largely depends on the form of thermal insulation. Namely:

• expanded clay It is used exclusively for floors and interfloor ceilings. You need an entrenching tool and additional building materials (screed or boards). You will also need a waterproofing layer in the form of roofing felt or other similar material.
• mineral wool. Proper installation involves using hand tools to secure the frame. Mineral wool is very easily installed in pre-prepared cells, but uniform fastening is required over the entire plane. Waterproofing layer on top of insulation - a prerequisite for long-term operation. Can be used for vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Note: When installing any type of insulation, it is important to remember about hydro- and vapor barriers. It is very important to protect the finish from direct exposure to moisture.

• Styrofoam. The slabs are attached to the surface with dowels with “nickels”. Among necessary tools screwdriver, hammer drill, construction knife and dowels. The shape of the building material and light weight even allows you to independently complete the entire volume of work in a short period of time.
• foam glass. For a tight connection to the surface, they are used mechanical fastenings or solutions (cement, mastic and other adhesive compositions). The choice depends on the wall material. Blocks are very popular, but slabs and granules are also available.

What to choose

Every year new building materials appear at various exhibitions. With their help, you can significantly reduce energy costs during the cold season. But which one will it be? optimal solution in all respects. Expert opinions differ in many respects.

The selection of material is based on properties, cost and ease of installation. Manufacturers apply certain markings to products, which greatly simplifies the choice. For example, foam plastic for walls, floors or roofs has different properties and has special marks.

Many people prefer mineral wool in dry rooms, polystyrene foam in rooms with high humidity, and sprayed insulation for hard-to-reach places.

Which insulation is better: ecowool, stone wool or polystyrene foam, see the following video:

People also have different thermal conductivities, some heat like feathers, while others, like iron, take away heat.

Yuri Serezhkin

The word “also” in the above statement shows that the concept of “thermal conductivity” is applied to people only conditionally. Although…

Did you know: a fur coat does not warm, it only retains the heat that the human body produces.

This means that the human body has the ability to conduct heat in a literal and not just a figurative sense. This is all rhetoric, but in reality we will compare insulation materials based on thermal conductivity.

You know better, because you yourself typed “thermal conductivity of insulation” into a search engine. What exactly did you want to know? But jokes aside, it’s important to know about this concept because different materials behave very differently when used. Important, although not key point When choosing, it is precisely the ability of the material to conduct thermal energy. If you choose the wrong heat insulating material it simply will not perform its function, namely to maintain heat in the room.

Step 2: Theory concept

From your school physics course, you most likely remember that there are three types of heat transfer:

• Convection;
• Radiation;
• Thermal conductivity.

This means thermal conductivity is a type of heat transfer or movement of thermal energy. This is due to the internal structure of bodies. One molecule transfers energy to another. Now would you like a little test?

Which type of substance transmits (transmits) the most energy?

• Solids?
• Liquids?
• Gases?

That's right, the crystal lattice of solids transmits the most energy. Their molecules are closer to each other and therefore can interact more efficiently. Gases have the lowest thermal conductivity. Their molecules are located at the greatest distance from each other.

Step 3: What can be insulation

We continue our conversation about the thermal conductivity of insulation. All bodies that are nearby tend to equalize the temperature among themselves. A house or apartment, as an object, tends to equalize the temperature with the street. Are all building materials capable of insulation? No. For example, concrete transmits heat flow from your home to the street too quickly, so the heating equipment will not have time to maintain the desired temperature regime in room. The thermal conductivity coefficient for insulation is calculated using the formula:

Where W is our heat flow, and m2 is the area of ​​the insulation at a temperature difference of one Kelvin (It is equal to one degree Celsius). For our concrete this coefficient is 1.5. This means that conditionally, one square meter concrete with a temperature difference of one degree Celsius is capable of transmitting 1.5 watts of thermal energy per second. But, there are materials with a coefficient of 0.023. It is clear that such materials are much better suited for the role of insulation. You may ask, does thickness matter? Playing. But, here you still cannot forget about the heat transfer coefficient. To achieve the same results you will need concrete wall 3.2 m thick or a sheet of foam plastic 0.1 m thick. It is clear that although concrete can formally be used as insulation, it is not economically feasible. That's why:

Insulation can be called a material that conducts the least amount of thermal energy through itself, preventing it from leaving the room and at the same time costing as little as possible.

The best heat insulator is air. Therefore, the task of any insulation is to create a fixed air layer without convection (movement) of air inside it. This is why, for example, polystyrene foam is 98% air. The most common insulating materials are:

• Styrofoam;
• Extruded polystyrene foam;
• Minvata;
• Penofol;
• Penoizol;
• Foam glass;
• Polyurethane foam (PPU);
• Ecowool (cellulose);

The thermal insulation properties of all the materials listed above are close to these limits. It is also worth considering: the higher the density of the material, the more energy it conducts through itself. Remember from theory? The closer the molecules are, the more efficiently heat is conducted.

Step 4: Compare. Table of thermal conductivity of insulation

The table provides a comparison of insulation materials according to the thermal conductivity declared by the manufacturers and those corresponding to GOST standards:

Thermal conductivity comparison table building materials, which are not considered to be insulation materials:

The heat transfer index only indicates the rate at which heat is transferred from one molecule to another. For real life this indicator is not so important. But you can’t do without a thermal calculation of the wall. Heat transfer resistance is the reciprocal value of thermal conductivity. We are talking about the ability of a material (insulation) to retain heat flow. To calculate the heat transfer resistance, you need to divide the thickness by the thermal conductivity coefficient. The example below shows the calculation of the thermal resistance of a wall made of timber 180 mm thick.

As you can see, the thermal resistance of such a wall will be 1.5. Enough? It depends on the region. The example shows the calculation for Krasnoyarsk. For this region, the required resistance coefficient of enclosing structures is set at 3.62. The answer is clear. Even for Kyiv, which is much further south, this figure is 2.04.

Thermal resistance is the reciprocal value of thermal conductivity.

This means the abilities wooden house resisting heat loss is not enough. Insulation is necessary, and with what material - calculate using the formula.

Step 5: Installation Rules

It is worth saying that all the above indicators are given for DRY materials. If the material gets wet, it will lose its properties by at least half, or even turn into a “rag”. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the thermal insulation. Polystyrene foam is most often insulated under wet facade, in which the insulation is protected by a layer of plaster. Superimposed on mineral wool waterproofing membrane to prevent moisture from entering.

Another point that deserves attention is wind protection. Insulation materials have different porosities. For example, let's compare polystyrene foam boards and mineral wool. While the first one looks solid, the second one clearly shows pores or fibers. Therefore, if you install fibrous thermal insulation, for example, mineral wool or ecowool on a wind-blown fence, be sure to take care of wind protection. Otherwise, there will be no benefit from the good thermal performance of the insulation.

conclusions

So, we discussed that the thermal conductivity of insulation is their ability to transfer thermal energy. The heat insulator must not release the generated heat heating system Houses. The primary task of any material is to retain air inside itself. It is gas that has the lowest thermal conductivity. It is also necessary to calculate the thermal resistance of the wall to find out the correct thermal insulation coefficient of the building. If you have any questions about this topic, please leave them in the comments.

Three interesting facts about thermal insulation

• Snow serves as a heat insulator for the bear in the den.
• Clothing is also a heat insulator. We are not very comfortable when our body tries to equalize the temperature with the ambient temperature, which can be -30 degrees, instead of our usual 36.6.
• The blanket is a heat insulator. It prevents the heat of the human body from escaping.

Bonus

As a bonus for the curious who read to the end interesting experiment with thermal conductivity:

Penoplex or mineral wool

Penoplex is a polystyrene derivative and is a product of organic chemistry. Mineral or basalt wool is a product of thermal processing of mineral raw materials. Both materials are successfully used in the creation of heat-insulating layers, but there are peculiarities in the use of each of them, which is explained by some physical indicators.

Physical indicators mineral wool:

• density – varies widely and can be from 10 to 300 kg/m3;
• thermal conductivity (at a density of about 35 kg/m3) – 0.040-0.045 W/m*K;
• moisture absorption – more than 1% (depending on density);
• vapor permeability – 0.4-0.5 mg/hour*m*Pa;
• maximum holding temperature 450 C and above.

Analysis of these values ​​shows that the worse thermal conductivity of mineral wool is compensated by better vapor permeability, resistance to high temperatures and non-flammability. Usage min. cotton wool is justified precisely in those conditions where the listed parameters are important.
It is advisable to use glass wool insulation in garages, workshops, industrial facilities, wherever there is an increased risk of fire. It is better to insulate wet rooms, such as saunas, baths and swimming pools, also using mineral insulation, since in this case the vapor permeability of the insulator is important.

The environmental safety of insulation based on polystyrene and mineral wool depends on the conditions of use. In case of fires, polystyrene derivatives can support combustion and emit toxic smoke. Mineral heat insulators are resistant to high temperatures and do not decompose, but over time they can age and release dust in the form of microfibers that make up the material. External method Insulating walls with basalt wool is safe in this regard.

The insulation design must take into account possible exposure to water. Mineral materials are subject to greater accumulation of liquid, while their thermal conductivity will be increased.

Features of thermal conductivity

Expanded polystyrene retains not only heat, but also cold well. Such possibilities are explained by its structure. The composition of this material structurally includes a huge number of sealed multifaceted cells. Each has a size from 2 to 8 mm. And inside each cell there is air, consisting of 98%. It is this that serves as an excellent heat insulator. The remaining 2% of the total mass of the material is made up of polystyrene cell walls.

You can verify this if you take, for example, a piece of foam plastic. 1 meter thick and 1 square meter in area. Heat one side and leave the other side cold. The difference between temperatures will be tenfold. To obtain the coefficient of thermal conductivity, it is necessary to measure the amount of heat that passes from the warm part of the sheet to the cold one.

People are accustomed to constantly asking sellers about the density of polystyrene foam. This is because density and heat are closely related. To date modern foam plastic does not require checking its density. The production of improved insulation involves the addition of special graphite substances. They make the thermal conductivity coefficient of the material unchanged.

Comparative analysis of the main technical characteristics of basalt wool and expanded polystyrene

Fire resistance

Compared to expanded polystyrene, basalt wool has higher fire resistance. Basalt wool fibers are sintered at a temperature of about 1500 degrees. However, the maximum permissible temperature The use of this thermal insulation material in the form of mats and slabs is limited due to the binders that were used in the formation of the finished products. At a temperature of about 600 degrees, the binders are destroyed, and basalt slab or the mat loses its integrity. It should be noted that polystyrene foam can withstand temperatures that do not exceed 75 degrees without any consequences.

Flammability

No less important is such an indicator as flammability - the ability of a material to burn. Modern building materials are usually divided into:

• non-flammable (NG) - able to withstand exposure to very high temperatures without ignition, loss of strength, deformation of the structure and changes in other properties.
• flammable (G) - the degree of flammability is determined by indicators such as flammability, smoke generation ability, flame spread, toxicity.

It is important to note that if materials of class NG are not only completely fireproof, but also prevent the spread of fire, then materials of class G are fire danger Always.

The flammability of basalt wool, which is based on inorganic materials that by their nature cannot burn, is determined depending on the amount of organic binders used in the production of insulation. High-quality basalt wool (for example, trademark"Beltep") contains no more than 4.5% of binders, therefore it is assigned the NG group. In the case of a higher content of organic substances, the flammability group of basalt wool changes to group G1 (lowly flammable materials) or G2 (moderately flammable materials).

Expanded polystyrene, regardless of the type of material, always belongs to class G. Moreover, the flammability group of this thermal insulation material can vary from G1 (lowly flammable material) to G4 (highly flammable material).

Water absorption

Basalt wool has open porosity, therefore it is able to absorb moisture (up to 2% by volume, and up to 20% by weight). And since water is an excellent conductor of heat, when moisture gets in, the thermal insulation characteristics of basalt wool significantly deteriorate (up to complete unsuitability). And although manufacturers treat basalt wool with water-repellent additives that prevent moisture absorption, experts recommend reliably protecting this thermal insulation material from moisture with vapor and waterproofing barriers.

Unlike basalt wool, polystyrene foam has a closed closed porosity, therefore it is characterized by high resistance to capillary water absorption (up to 0.4% by volume) and water vapor diffusion.

Strength

Strength characteristics mean such indicators as the strength of the material to peel off layers, compression at 10% deformation, shear/shear, bending, etc.

The strength characteristics of basalt wool depend on the density of the material and the amount of binders. For expanded polystyrene, these indicators depend solely on the density of the material. At the same time, expanded polystyrene is characterized by higher compressive strength at 10% deformation than basalt wool with a lower density (for example, the compressive strength at 10% deformation of expanded polystyrene with a density of 35-45 kg/m3 is about 0.25-0.50 MPa, while for basalt wool with a density of 80-190 kg/m3 this figure ranges from 0.15-0.70 MPa). Note that for basalt wool with a density of 11-70 kg/m3, it is not the strength characteristics that are measured, but the compressibility value under a load of 2000 Pa.

Thermal conductivity

One of the most important indicators of any thermal insulation material is its thermal conductivity. Research has shown that both materials we are considering have almost the same thermal conductivity: for basalt wool - 0.033-0.043 W/m °C, for expanded polystyrene - 0.028-0.040 W/m °C. Note, however, that air has the lowest thermal conductivity (0.026 W/m °C), and both one and the other thermal insulation material are effective insulation.

Thermal conductivity concept and theory

Thermal conduction is the process of moving thermal energy from heated parts to cold parts. Metabolic processes occur until the temperature reaches complete equilibrium.

A comfortable microclimate in the house depends on high-quality thermal insulation of all surfaces

The heat transfer process is characterized by a period of time during which temperature values ​​are equalized. The more time passes, the lower the thermal conductivity of building materials, the properties of which are shown in the table. To determine this indicator, a concept called thermal conductivity coefficient is used. It determines how much thermal energy passes through a unit area of ​​a certain surface. The higher this indicator, the faster the building will cool. A thermal conductivity table is needed when designing the protection of a building from heat loss. This can reduce the operating budget.

Heat loss on different areas buildings will be different

Thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam from 50 mm to 150 mm is considered thermal insulation

Expanded polystyrene boards, colloquially referred to as polystyrene foam, are an insulating material, usually white. It is made from thermally expanded polystyrene. In appearance, the foam is presented in the form of small moisture-resistant granules; during the melting process at high temperatures, it is smelted into one whole, a slab. The sizes of the granule parts are considered to be from 5 to 15 mm. The outstanding thermal conductivity of 150 mm thick foam is achieved due to a unique structure - granules.

Each granule has a huge number of thin-walled micro-cells, which in turn increase the area of ​​contact with air many times over. We can say with confidence that almost all polystyrene foam consists of atmospheric air, approximately 98%, in turn, this fact is their purpose - thermal insulation of buildings both outside and inside.

Everyone knows, even from physics courses, that atmospheric air is the main insulator of heat in all thermal insulation materials; it is in a normal and rarefied state, in the thickness of the material. Heat-saving, the main quality of polystyrene foam.

As mentioned earlier, polystyrene foam is almost 100% air, and this in turn determines the high ability of polystyrene foam to retain heat. This is due to the fact that air has the lowest thermal conductivity. If we look at the numbers, we will see that the thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam is expressed in the range of values ​​from 0.037 W/mK to 0.043 W/mK. This can be compared with the thermal conductivity of air - 0.027 W/mK.

While the thermal conductivity of popular materials such as wood (0.12 W/mK), red brick (0.7 W/mK), expanded clay (0.12 W/mK) and others used for construction is much higher.

Therefore, the most effective material One of the few materials used for thermal insulation of external and internal walls of a building is polystyrene foam. Residential heating and cooling costs are significantly reduced through the use of polystyrene foam in construction.

Excellent qualities polystyrene foam boards They have also found their application in other types of protection, for example: polystyrene foam, which also serves to protect underground and external communications from freezing, due to which their service life increases significantly. Polystyrene foam is also used in industrial equipment ( refrigeration machines, refrigeration chambers) and in warehouses.

Main characteristics of insulation

Let us first provide the characteristics of the most popular thermal insulation materials, which you should first pay attention to when choosing. Comparison of insulation by thermal conductivity should be made only on the basis of the purpose of the materials and room conditions (humidity, presence of open fire, etc.)

Comparison of building materials

Thermal conductivity. The lower this indicator, the less thermal insulation layer is required, which means that insulation costs will also be reduced.

Moisture permeability. Less permeability of the material to moisture vapor reduces during operation negative impact for insulation.

Fire safety. Thermal insulation should not burn or emit poisonous gases, especially when insulating a boiler or chimney.

Durability. The longer the service life, the cheaper it will cost you during operation, since it will not require frequent replacement.

Environmental friendliness. The material must be safe for humans and surrounding nature.

Comparison of insulation materials by thermal conductivity

Expanded polystyrene (foam)

Expanded polystyrene (foam) slabs

This is the most popular thermal insulation material in Russia, due to its low thermal conductivity, low cost and ease of installation. Polystyrene foam is produced in slabs with a thickness of 20 to 150 mm by foaming polystyrene and consists of 99% air. The material has different densities, has low thermal conductivity and is resistant to humidity.

Due to its low cost, polystyrene foam is in great demand among companies and private developers for insulation. various rooms. But the material is quite fragile and ignites quickly, releasing toxic substances when burned. Because of this, polystyrene foam is preferable to use in non-residential premises and for thermal insulation of non-loaded structures - insulation of facades under plaster, basement walls, etc.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Penoplex (extruded polystyrene foam)

Extrusion (technoplex, penoplex, etc.) is not exposed to moisture and rotting. This is a very durable and easy-to-use material that can be easily cut with a knife to the desired size. Low water absorption ensures minimal changes in properties at high humidity; the boards have high density and compression resistance. Extruded polystyrene foam is fireproof, durable and easy to use.

All these characteristics, along with low thermal conductivity in comparison with other insulation materials, make Technoplex, URSA XPS or Penoplex slabs ideal material for insulation of strip foundations of houses and blind areas. According to the manufacturers, an extrusion sheet 50 millimeters thick replaces 60 mm of foam block in terms of thermal conductivity, while the material does not allow moisture to pass through and you can do without additional waterproofing.

Mineral wool

Izover mineral wool slabs in packaging

Mineral wool (for example, Izover, URSA, Tekhnoruf, etc.) is made from natural natural materials– slag, rocks and dolomite according to special technology. Mineral wool has low thermal conductivity and is absolutely fireproof. The material is produced in slabs and rolls of varying hardness. For horizontal planes less dense mats are used for vertical structures use rigid and semi-rigid slabs.

However, one of significant shortcomings This insulation, like basalt wool, has low moisture resistance, which requires additional moisture and vapor barrier devices when installing mineral wool. Experts do not recommend using mineral wool for insulation of wet rooms - basements of houses and cellars, for thermal insulation of steam rooms from the inside in baths and dressing rooms. But even here it can be used with proper waterproofing.

You should not use mineral wool for arranging a basement, cellar, or steam room in a bathhouse. Although if you lay out the waterproofing layer correctly, the mineral wool will serve for a long time and with high quality. But what is the thermal conductivity of mineral wool, information from

Rockwool basalt wool slabs in packaging

This material is produced by melting basalt rocks and blowing the molten mass with the addition of various components to obtain a fibrous structure with water-repellent properties. The material is non-flammable, safe for human health, and has good thermal insulation and sound insulation properties. It is used for both internal and external thermal insulation.

When installing basalt wool, you should use protective equipment (gloves, a respirator and goggles) to protect the mucous membranes from cotton wool microparticles. The most famous brand of basalt wool in Russia is materials under the Rockwool brand. During operation, the thermal insulation slabs do not compact or cake, which means that the excellent properties of low thermal conductivity of basalt wool remain unchanged over time.

Penofol, isolon (foamed polyethylene)

Penofol and isolon are roll insulation materials with a thickness of 2 to 10 mm, consisting of polyethylene foam. The material is also available with a layer of foil on one side to create a reflective effect. The insulation is several times thinner than previously presented insulation materials, but at the same time retains and reflects up to 97% of thermal energy. Foamed polyethylene has long term operation and environmentally friendly.

Isolon and foil penofol are lightweight, thin and very easy to use thermal insulation materials. Use roll insulation for thermal insulation of wet rooms, for example, when insulating balconies and loggias in apartments. Also, the use of this insulation will help you save useful space in the room when insulating inside. Read more about these materials in the section “Organic thermal insulation”.

Distinctive features of PPE insulation

Specifications

Thermal insulation made of foamed polyethylene is a product with a closed-porous structure, soft and elastic, having a shape appropriate for its purpose. They have a number of properties that characterize gas-filled polymers:

• Density from 20 to 80 kg/m3,
• Operating temperature range from -60 to +100 0C,
• Excellent moisture resistance, in which moisture absorption is no more than 2% of the volume, and almost absolute vapor tightness,
• High noise absorption even with a thickness greater than or equal to 5 mm,
• Resistant to most chemically active substances,
• No rotting or fungal damage,
• Very long service life, in some cases reaching more than 80 years,
• Non-toxic and environmentally safe.

But most important characteristic polyethylene foam materials have very low thermal conductivity, due to which they can be used for thermal insulation purposes. As you know, air retains heat best, and there is plenty of it in this material.

The heat transfer coefficient of polyethylene foam insulation is only 0.036 W/m2 * 0C (for comparison, the thermal conductivity of reinforced concrete is about 1.69, plasterboard - 0.15, wood - 0.09, mineral wool - 0.07 W/m2 * 0C).

INTERESTING! Thermal insulation made of foamed polyethylene with a layer thickness of 10 mm can replace a 150 mm thickness of brickwork.

Application area

Foamed polyethylene insulation is widely used in new and reconstructive construction of residential and industrial facilities, as well as in automotive and instrument making:

• To reduce heat transfer by convection and thermal radiation from walls, floors and roofs,
• As reflective insulation to increase the heat output of heating systems,
• To protect pipe systems and pipelines for various purposes,
• In the form of an insulating gasket for various cracks and openings,
• For insulating ventilation and air conditioning systems.

In addition, polyethylene foam is used as packaging material for transporting products that require thermal and mechanical protection.

Is polyethylene foam harmful?

Supporters of use in construction natural materials may indicate the harmfulness of chemically synthesized substances. Indeed, when heated above 120 0C, foamed polyethylene turns into a liquid mass, which can be toxic. But under standard living conditions it is absolutely harmless. Moreover, insulation materials made of polyethylene foam are superior to wood, iron and stone in most respects. Building structures using them are light, warm and low cost.

Thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam in comparison

If you compare polystyrene foam with many other building materials, you can draw colossal conclusions.

The thermal conductivity of foam plastic ranges from 0.028 to 0.034 watts per meter/Kelvin. If the density increases, thermal insulation properties extruded polystyrene foam without graphite additives are reduced.

A 2 cm layer of extruded foam can retain heat as much as a 3.8 cm layer of mineral wool, a 3 cm layer of regular polystyrene foam, or similar wooden plank, the thickness of which is 20 cm. For brick, these abilities are equivalent to a wall thickness of 37 cm. For foam concrete – 27 cm.

Indicators for different brands of polystyrene foam

From the given simplified formula we can conclude that the thinner the insulation sheet, the less efficient it is. But in addition to the usual geometric parameters, the density of the foam also influences the final result, albeit slightly - only within 1-5 thousandths. For comparison, let’s take two slabs of similar brand:

• PSB-S 25 conducts 0.039 W/m°C.
• PSB-S 35 at a higher density - 0.037 W/m °C.

But with a change in thickness, the difference becomes much more noticeable. For example, the thinnest sheets of 40 mm with a density of 25 kg/m 3 can have a thermal conductivity of 0.136 W/m°C, while 100 mm of the same polystyrene foam transmits only 0.035 W/m°C.

Comparison with other materials

The average thermal conductivity of PSB lies in the range of 0.037-0.043 W/m·°C, and we will focus on it. Here, foam plastic, in comparison with mineral wool made from basalt fibers, seems to benefit slightly - it has approximately the same indicators. True, with twice the thickness (95-100 mm versus 50 mm for polystyrene). It is also customary to compare the conductivity of insulation with the various building materials necessary for the construction of walls. Although this is not very correct, it is very clear:

1. Red ceramic brick has a heat transfer coefficient of 0.7 W/m °C (16-19 times more than foam). Simply put, to replace 50 mm of insulation you will need masonry about 80-85 cm thick. Silicate insulation will need at least a meter.

2. Solid wood is better in this regard compared to brick - here it is only 0.12 W/m °C, that is, three times higher than that of expanded polystyrene. Depending on the quality of the wood and the method of constructing the walls, the equivalent of a 5 cm thick PSB can be a log house up to 23 cm wide.

It is much more logical to compare styrene not with mineral wool, brick or wood, but to consider closer materials - polystyrene foam and Penoplex. Both of them are classified as foamed polystyrene and are even made from the same granules. It’s just that the difference in the technology of “gluing” them gives unexpected results. The reason is that styrene beads for the production of Penoplex with the introduction of blowing agents are simultaneously processed under pressure and high temperature. As a result, the plastic mass acquires greater homogeneity and strength, and air bubbles are evenly distributed in the body of the slab. Polystyrene foam is simply steamed in a mold like popcorn, so the bonds between the expanded granules are weaker.

As a result, the thermal conductivity of Penoplex, an extruded “relative” of PSB, also improves noticeably. It corresponds to 0.028-0.034 W/m °C, that is, 30 mm is enough to replace 40 mm of foam. However, the complexity of production also increases the cost of XPS, so you should not count on savings. By the way, there is one curious nuance here: usually extruded polystyrene foam loses a little in efficiency as its density increases. But when graphite is added to Penoplex, this dependence practically disappears.

Prices for foam plastic sheets 1000x1000 mm (rubles):

What you need to know about the thermal conductivity of foam plastic

The ability of a material to transfer heat, conduct or retain heat flows is usually assessed by the thermal conductivity coefficient. If you look at its dimension - W/m∙C o, it becomes clear that this is a specific value, that is, determined for the following conditions:

• The absence of moisture on the surface of the slab, that is, the thermal conductivity coefficient of polystyrene foam from the reference book, is a value determined in ideally dry conditions, which practically do not exist in nature, except perhaps in the desert or in Antarctica;
• The value of the thermal conductivity coefficient is given for a foam thickness of 1 meter, which is very convenient for theory, but somehow not impressive for practical calculations;
• Thermal conductivity and heat transfer measurement results were performed for normal conditions at a temperature of 20 o C.

According to a simplified method, when calculating the thermal resistance of a layer of foam insulation, you need to multiply the thickness of the material by the thermal conductivity coefficient, then multiply or divide by several coefficients used to take into account the actual operating conditions of the thermal insulation. For example, strong watering of the material, or the presence of cold bridges, or the method of installation on the walls of the building.

How the thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam differs from other materials can be seen in the comparison table below.

It's actually not that simple. To determine the thermal conductivity value, you can create it yourself or use a ready-made program for calculating insulation parameters. For a small object this is usually done. A private owner or self-builder may not be interested in the thermal conductivity of the walls at all, but rather lay insulation from foam plastic material with a margin of 50 mm, which will be quite enough for the harshest winters.

Large construction companies Those who carry out insulation of walls over an area of ​​tens of thousands of squares prefer to act more pragmatically. The calculation of the insulation thickness is used to draw up an estimate, and the actual thermal conductivity values ​​are obtained on a full-scale object. To do this, glue several sheets of foam plastic of different thicknesses onto a section of the wall and measure the actual thermal resistance of the insulation. As a result, it is possible to calculate optimal thickness polystyrene foam with an accuracy of a few millimeters, instead of approximately 100 mm of insulation, you can lay exact value 80 mm and save a considerable amount of money.

How beneficial the use of polystyrene foam is in comparison with standard materials can be assessed from the diagram below.

Using thermal conductivity values ​​in practice

Materials used in construction can be structural and thermal insulating.

There are a huge number of materials with thermal insulating properties

The most great importance thermal conductivity of structural materials that are used in the construction of floors, walls and ceilings. If you do not use raw materials with heat-insulating properties, then to retain heat you will need to install a thick layer of insulation for the construction of walls.

Often simpler materials are used to insulate buildings

Therefore, when constructing a building, it is worth using Additional materials. In this case, the thermal conductivity of building materials is important; the table shows all the values.

In some cases, insulation from the outside is considered more effective.

What is the thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam Properties and characteristics

Thermal conductivity is a value indicating the amount of heat (energy) passing through 1 m of any body per hour at a certain temperature difference on one side and the other. It is measured and calculated for several initial operating conditions:

• At 25±5 °C - this is a standard indicator enshrined in GOSTs and SNiP.
• “A” – this means dry and normal humidity conditions in the premises.
• “B” – all other conditions are included in this category.

The actual thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam granules pressed into a lightweight slab is not as important in itself as in conjunction with the thickness of the insulation. After all, the main goal is to achieve an optimal level of resistance of all layers of the wall in accordance with the requirements for a particular region. To obtain the initial numbers, it will be enough to use the simplest formula: R = p÷k.

• Heat transfer resistance R can be found in special tables of SNiP 23-02-2003, for example, for Moscow they take 3.16 m ° C / W. And if the main wall, according to its characteristics, does not reach this value, it is the insulation (mineral wool or the same polystyrene foam) that should cover the difference.
• The p index indicates the required thickness of the insulating layer, expressed in meters.
• Coefficient k is precisely what gives an idea of ​​the conductivity of bodies, which we focus on when choosing.

The thermal conductivity of the material itself is checked by heating one side of the sheet and measuring the amount of energy transferred by conduction to the opposite surface per unit time.

Features of the production of basalt wool and expanded polystyrene

The production of basalt wool is based on the melt of rocks of the gabbro-basalt group. Melting occurs in furnaces at temperatures above 1500 degrees. The resulting melt is transformed into thin fibers, from which a mineral wool carpet is formed. Then the mineral wool carpet is treated with binders and heat treated in a polymerization chamber, resulting in finished goods- mats and slabs.

Expanded polystyrene is a lightweight gas-filled polystyrene-based material, which is characterized by a uniform structure consisting of small (0.1-0.2 mm) completely closed cells. Today, the construction market offers two types of this material: regular and extruded polystyrene foam. The main difference between these two types of expanded polystyrene is the production technology, and, as a consequence, the properties of the finished product.

Conventional polystyrene foam is formed by sintering granules under high temperatures.

Extruded polystyrene foam is made by swelling and welding granules under the influence of hot steam or water (temperature 80-100 degrees) and subsequent extrusion through an extruder.

The main difference between extruded polystyrene foam and regular polystyrene is that it is more high rates rigidity and less water absorption. Another difference is due to the production technology - the limitation on the thickness of the slabs (maximum 100 mm) made from extruded polystyrene foam.

Thermal conductivity of foam

The main characteristic due to which expanded polystyrene has gained wide recognition as the No. 1 insulation material is the ultra-low thermal conductivity of foam. The relatively low strength of the material is more than compensated by such advantages as resistance to most aggressive compounds, low weight, non-toxicity and safety during operation. The good thermal insulation properties of polystyrene foam make it possible to insulate a house at a relatively low price, while the durability of such insulation is designed for a period of at least 25 years of service.

The main types of insulation used to reduce heat loss

To carry out thermal insulation measures of any type, the following types of insulators are used:

• extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), refers to polystyrene derivatives (represented by various manufacturing enterprises, has many brands);
• polystyrene foam, its production also involves the processing of polystyrene, but using a different technology (it has a sufficient number of manufacturers, the breakdown by brand is not clear, it is positioned as “foam plastic”).
• mineral or basalt wool, is fundamentally different from polystyrene products and is the main competitor of foamed polystyrenes (presented on the insulating goods market a large number manufacturers).

The number of manufacturing companies, both domestic and foreign, is measured in dozens. When choosing products, you need to rely on physical properties each individual product.

Styrex or penoplex

Stirex is an extrusive polystyrene foam, like penoplex. At its core, the applicability of Styrex is justified where the applicability of penoplex is, that is, there are no decisive differences. Preference may be given to one material only if it is convenient to cut slabs of a given size, to reduce waste, and in case of increased strength requirements, since Styrex has better bending strength.

Physical properties of Styrex:

• density – 0.35-0.38 kg/m3;
• thermal conductivity – 0.027 W/m*K;
• moisture absorption, no more than – 0.2%;
• compressive strength – 0.25MPa;
• bending strength – 0.4-0.7;
• vapor permeability – 0.019-0.020 mg/hour*m*Pa.

At large deltas of external and internal temperatures, the slightly lower thermal conductivity of Styrex makes this material more advantageous, however, with an average difference of 0.003 W/m*K this will be barely noticeable.
The production of insulation under the Stirex brand is located in Ukraine.

Preface. On the building materials market today there is a large selection of various thermal insulation materials, varying in cost, thermal conductivity and their characteristics. How to understand this diversity and accept correct solution in favor of a certain material? What parameters are important when choosing? In this article we will compare insulation materials by thermal conductivity and other characteristics.

Comparison of insulation characteristics

To begin with, we will provide the main characteristics of thermal insulation materials that you should pay attention to when choosing them. Comparison of insulation materials according to these characteristics should be made based on the purpose and characteristics of the room being insulated (presence of open fire, humidity, natural conditions etc.). We have arranged the main characteristics of insulation in order of their importance.

Thermal conductivity. The lower the thermal conductivity, the less insulation layer is required, which means your insulation costs will be reduced.

Moisture permeability. Lower moisture permeability reduces the negative impact of moisture on the insulation during subsequent use.

Fire safety. The material should not support combustion and emit toxic fumes, but should be self-extinguishing.

Economical. Insulation must be affordable for a wide range of consumers.

Durability. The longer the period of use of the insulation, the cheaper it is for the consumer during operation and does not require frequent replacement or repair.

Environmental friendliness. The material for thermal insulation must be environmentally friendly, safe for human health and the environment. This characteristic is important for residential premises.

Material thickness. The thinner the insulation, the less the living space of the room will be “eaten up”.

Material weight. Less weight of the insulation will result in less weighting of the insulated structure after installation.

Soundproofing. The higher the sound insulation, the better protection residential premises from noise from the street.

Easy to install. The moment is quite important for those who like to do home renovations with their own hands.

Comparison of the characteristics of popular insulation materials

Foam plastic (expanded polystyrene)

This insulation is the most popular due to its ease of installation and low cost.

Polystyrene foam is made by foaming polystyrene, has very low thermal conductivity, is resistant to moisture, is easy to cut with a knife and is convenient during installation. Due to its low cost, it is in great demand for insulating various rooms. However, the material is quite fragile and also supports combustion, releasing toxic substances into the atmosphere. It is preferable to use polystyrene foam in non-residential premises.

Penoplex (extruded polystyrene foam)

The insulation is not subject to rotting or moisture, is very durable and easy to use - it can be easily cut with a knife. Low water absorption ensures minor changes in the thermal conductivity of the material in conditions of high humidity; the slabs have high compression resistance and do not decompose. Thanks to this, extruded polystyrene foam can be used to insulate strip foundations and blind areas. Penoplex is fireproof, durable and easy to use.

You should not use mineral wool for arranging a basement, cellar, or steam room in a bathhouse. Although if you lay out the waterproofing layer correctly, the mineral wool will serve for a long time and with high quality. But what is the thermal conductivity of mineral wool, information from

The material is made from basalt rocks by melting and blowing with the addition of components to obtain a fibrous structure of the material with water-repellent properties. During operation, Rockwool basalt wool is not compacted, which means its properties do not change over time. The material is fireproof and environmentally friendly, has good sound insulation and thermal insulation. Used for internal and external insulation. In wet areas requires additional vapor barrier.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is produced from natural materials - rocks, slag, dolomite using special technology. Izover mineral wool has low thermal conductivity, is fireproof and absolutely safe. One of the disadvantages of insulation is its low moisture resistance, which requires the installation of additional moisture and vapor barrier when using it. The material is not recommended for insulating basements and foundations, as well as in wet rooms - steam rooms, baths, dressing rooms.

Penofol, isolon (foil heat insulator made of polyethylene)

The insulation consists of several layers of foamed polyethylene, having different thicknesses and porous structures. The material often has a layer of foil for a reflective effect and is available in rolls and sheets. The insulation is several millimeters thick (10 times thinner than conventional insulation), but reflects up to 97% of thermal energy; it is a very light, thin and easy-to-use material. Used for thermal insulation and waterproofing of premises. It has a long service life and does not emit harmful substances.

Comparison of insulation materials. Thermal conductivity table

Comparison of insulation materials by thermal conductivity. Table

This table of thermal conductivity of insulation gives a complete picture and idea of ​​which insulation is best to use. All that remains is to correlate the data in this table with a comparison of the cost of insulation from different suppliers. You can find out prices for insulation materials and compare their costs in the company catalog. And so as not to make a mistake in choosing insulation on our website.