Insulating a balcony with your own hands. Proper insulation of a balcony and loggia from the inside. How to insulate a balcony
Owners of city apartments often wonder how to insulate the inside of a balcony with their own hands. This procedure is actually simple. However, it is still necessary to follow the required technologies when performing it. First of all, of course, you will need to decide how to insulate the inside of the balcony with your own hands. The type of cladding of the parapet, walls and ceiling will largely depend on the type of material chosen.
Expanded polystyrene or mineral wool?
These two materials are most often chosen for insulating balconies and loggias. Expanded polystyrene is a little more expensive than mineral wool. However, it is also the best answer to the question of how to insulate the inside of a balcony. The fact is that when covering the loggia from the side of the living quarters, the so-called one is located inside the insulating “pie”. Therefore, it is much better to use moisture-resistant material for insulation. Inexpensive mineral wool, unfortunately, does not differ in such properties. It gains moisture very quickly. Of course, you can use it. However, in this case you will have to pay maximum attention to waterproofing. So the best answer to the question of how to insulate the inside of a balcony with your own hands is still polystyrene foam.
Material characteristics
When choosing sheets for balcony insulation, you should pay attention to the following factors:
density,
Expanded polystyrene sheets produced by modern manufacturers have standard sizes: 2x1, 0.5x1 or 1x1. Those who are wondering how to cover the inside of a balcony should think about purchasing smaller sheets. Install too large slabs in limited space the loggia will be very inconvenient. Best for the balcony suitable option 0.5x1 or, as a last resort, 1x1.
As for thickness, you can buy absolutely any polystyrene foam for a balcony. The only thing you should be guided by in this case is such an indicator as the area of the loggia. After assembling the insulating pie, there should be enough free space left on the balcony for a comfortable pastime. Most often, loggia owners standard houses Soviet-built polystyrene foam with a thickness of 40-50 mm is chosen.
The density of this type of insulation can be found by looking at the markings. The best answer to the question of how to sheathe the inside of a balcony would be to use expanded polystyrene grade 15-25. The higher the numbers, the lower the thermal conductivity of the material, and the more fragile it is. If the expanded polystyrene is intended to be covered with decorative plaster or wallpaper in the future, it is worth purchasing thicker slabs. If lining or panels are used, you can take loose sheets that retain heat well.
Where to begin?
So, now you know how to insulate the inside of a balcony with your own hands. Next, let's figure out how to do it right. Before proceeding with the installation of the insulating “pie”, it is necessary to carefully prepare the loggia itself. First of all, wooden floors are dismantled. Then they begin to repair the parapet. If there are through gaps in it, they must be sealed with sealant. The chips are being repaired cement mortar or moisture-resistant putty. The walls, floor and ceiling are prepared in the same way.
Loggia waterproofing
Having asked the question of how to properly insulate a balcony inside with your own hands, apartment owners should first of all ensure that small room it was always dry. Waterproofing when performing this operation is considered mandatory (especially when using mineral wool as insulation). In its absence:
the service life of the balcony finishing will be reduced;
all metal structures will quickly rust;
because of high humidity will begin to develop various kinds fungi, which will result in the appearance of bad smell.
Sometimes on balconies not insulated in this way they even begin to collapse. support structures, which, of course, is very dangerous.
The easiest way to waterproof a balcony is to use bitumen-polymer mastic. It is heated to a liquid state, the floor is poured with it and the parapet is coated in 2-3 layers. Sometimes roll materials are used to waterproof a balcony.
What kind of glue is needed
Those who are wondering how to insulate the inside of a balcony with polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene should, among other things, take care to use suitable glue to fix the sheets. This material can be mounted directly on mastic (on polymer-bitumen - immediately, on bitumen - after complete drying). In this case, special glue should be used. It's called Bitumast.
What else will you have to buy?
Thus, you now know how to insulate the inside of a balcony with your own hands. Photos of polystyrene foam sheets - the most suitable material for this purpose - can be seen on the page. However, in addition to them and glue, to insulate the balcony you will also need to prepare:
reinforcing mesh,
mushroom dowels,
polyurethane foam (without toluene),
decorative plaster or wallpaper.
Pasting technology
So, next, let's look at how to insulate a loggia from the inside. Installation of sheets should begin from the corner. This rule is true both when gluing the parapet, and walls or ceiling. The actual installation operation itself is performed as follows:
Expanded polystyrene sheets are given a rough feel. To do this, they are passed with a special needle roller. Treated this way, they will hold up much better.
A support rail is attached to the bottom of the parapet.
The adhesive solution is evenly applied to the surface of the wall, ceiling or parapet.
Press the polystyrene foam tightly to the surface.
The material for insulating the balcony from the inside should be installed in such a way that the joints between the sheets have a T-shaped appearance (as when laying bricks). After the plate is glued, it should be additionally secured with mushroom dowels (5 per sheet). Holes for them can be drilled directly through the sheets. On final stage process the joints. In this case, construction foam is used.
Gluing reinforcing mesh
Expanded polystyrene is an excellent answer to the question of how best to insulate the inside of a balcony. However, decorative plaster does not hold up very well on this material. To correct the situation, a special reinforcing mesh is used. Mount it as follows:
The polystyrene foam surface of the ceiling, parapet and walls is first completely coated with glue (for foam plastic).
Another layer of glue is applied on top of it. Its thickness should be such that the joints of the mesh do not protrude above the surface plane.
Finishing
So, we found out how to insulate a balcony with our own hands. A step-by-step photo of this process is presented above. As you can see, this procedure is relatively simple. At the final stage, the dried adhesive surface is passed with a special grater to give it roughness. Next, start applying decorative plaster. You can also wallpaper your balcony.
Second way
The loggia insulation method discussed above is suitable when using dense polystyrene foam. What if the owners decided to buy mineral wool as an insulator? How to insulate a balcony with your own hands? A step-by-step (photo of the process is presented below) guide to performing the work in this case will look like this:
A frame made of wooden beams is attached to the parapet, walls, floor and ceiling. The pitch between its elements should be equal to the width of the slabs of the selected insulation. The timber can be secured to the concrete parapet with self-tapping screws. For balconies with metal fencing an independent paving structure is assembled.
Next, the insulation itself is inserted between the frame elements. The material is attached to the concrete parapet with “fungi” (expanded polystyrene can be additionally glued). If the fence is metal, it is better to use cotton wool and insert it into the fence. If polystyrene foam is chosen for insulation, you can, for example, attach plywood to the back side of the frame and glue the material to it.
It is stretched over the insulation. It is better to secure it with thin slats (two on each side of the beam).
the balcony is finished with clapboard, plastic panels, plasterboard or plywood. Attach the material to the frame beams.
How to insulate a floor
The base of the balcony is insulated last. The floor is pre-waterproofed and then logs are installed on it. The answer to the question of how to insulate the inside is simple. Most often, polystyrene foam or mineral wool is laid between the beams. You can also use expanded clay. A vapor barrier is attached on top of the insulation, and then the flooring or edged board. Then the floor is covered with linoleum or finished with any other suitable material.
Balcony heating
Whatever answer to the question of how to insulate the balcony inside, the owners of the house choose, if the installation technology is followed, in the future it will be possible to have a good time here, including in winter. However, on very cold days, even an insulated loggia may require additional heating. Removing central heating is strictly prohibited by regulations. That's why the best solution will install a regular electric heater here. It should be placed near the wall separating the balcony and the apartment. It is not recommended to install heating devices near the parapet. The fact is that in this case, due to the rising warm air The windows on the balcony will begin to fog up heavily.
You can also arrange it on the loggia
Warm floor
This work is done as follows:
Thermal insulation material is laid on the floor.
Metal is installed
The heating cable is laid.
The thermostat is hung on the wall.
Poured concrete screed 30-40 mm thick.
The flooring is being laid.
Well, we hope we have answered the question in sufficient detail about how to insulate the inside of a balcony with your own hands and how to do it correctly. The most important thing when assembling a “pie” is not to break the required technology. In this case, the balcony will be cozy and warm.
Today's balcony in many apartments turns into a full-fledged room, a functional space. This is especially true for small apartments, whose residents value every centimeter. If the balcony is insulated, it becomes an office, storage room, resting place, mini greenhouse, dining room or additional sleeping area. There are many options for using it. The main thing is to do the work on its insulation efficiently. Only in this case will the balcony be warm and cozy.
Features and Benefits
IN warm time The whole family can relax on the balcony all year, but when autumn comes, this room becomes useless. If you insulate it, the situation will change. The advantage is that all the planned work can be easily done independently. Additionally warm room is a space in which it is easy to create a small work corner or relaxation area. In addition, the presence of a warm balcony will automatically make the apartment more comfortable and warmer. You can attach a living room or a kitchen to it, depending on its location. This will create additional space.
Before doing any insulation or glazing, you should consult a specialist. He will definitely tell you what load he can withstand warm balcony, is it worth strengthening it? If the basis is a powerful concrete slab, the question of amplification does not arise. But the metal parapet must be strengthened with foam blocks or light bricks from ceramic material. The same should be done in case of weak fastening of the reinforced concrete base.
For insulation, double-glazed windows in wooden frames can be used. They are environmentally friendly, allow windows to “breathe”, but are expensive. Aluminum windows insulated with polyamide inlays increase the thermal insulation of the room. The most optimal option would be to install PVC windows with double glazed windows that will reliably retain heat.
Such windows are cheaper than wooden ones, but at the same time their thermal insulation is not inferior to aluminum ones.
What materials are better to choose
Today there are many types of finishing materials for finishing balconies or loggias, with the help of which they give even the smallest room an original and attractive look. The main thing is to do right choice finishing material. For insulation, experts recommend using cork, plastic panels, lining with a wooden or plastic base, plasterboard, plaster, MDF panels, decorative rock, aluminum profile, penoplex, expanded polystyrene, penofol.
Mineral wool, foam finishing is an excellent solution for self-insulation rooms.
In the case of an uninsulated balcony, it is better to give preference artificial stone, plastic frost-resistant lining, cork panels or tiles. Most often used for finishing following materials:
Drywall
- This material is distinguished by the fact that it is based on no toxic substances, it is easy to process and is combined in design with other finishing materials. Drywall can be plastered, painted, wallpapered, paneled and clapboarded. With the help of this universal material it’s enough to simply turn the balcony into a full-fledged one living room.
PVC panels
- A practical solution, but it is better not to use this material if the constant temperature on the balcony is below five degrees. This problem can be solved with the help of frost-resistant panels developed using new technologies. This material is not afraid of moisture, but can quickly lose color from direct sun rays. This point should be taken into account if the room is located on the south side. Advantages: low cost, quick and easy installation using glue.
Cork panels
- They create coziness that cannot be achieved using other finishing materials. Cork panels are pressed bark of the cork oak tree. Cork panels are easy to install and are suitable for any type of balcony, regardless of the room temperature level. Cork panel does not absorb foreign odors, including the smell of tobacco. The disadvantage of the material is the high price. Inexpensive penoplex is also used for insulation; mineral wool is also perfect.
How to properly insulate a balcony with your own hands: step-by-step instructions
A balcony in a city apartment is a special space. This piece of the house, taken out under open sky, can become an office, a greenhouse or a relaxation corner, you just need to glaze and insulate it.
Insulating a balcony with your own hands will save a lot of money. Sheathing in panel house, in the “Khrushchev” is done taking into account the characteristics of the apartment and the building.
- Step 1. To begin with, the old frames are dismantled, the surface is prepared and things are taken out. Insulation from the inside - important stage the whole process.
- Step 2. At the second stage it is necessary to glaze the balcony. The best option would be windows plastic PVC. Many people prefer to leave the old wooden frames. However, remember that even if wooden structures V good condition, then they will not be able to organize the same heat conservation. There are cracks in the wood, so doing insulation in this situation is pointless.
- Step 3. After the plastic windows are installed, you can begin to insulate the floor. Be prepared for the floor to be higher. Take this into account if the ceiling in the room is low.
- Step 4. Wall covering is carried out after installing windows and insulating the floor. The walls on the balcony are considered side walls, except capital. At the final stage of insulation, finishing work is carried out. The choice of materials depends on the budget. During the finishing process they are installed window slopes overlooking the balcony.
Required tools and materials
- In order to insulate a balcony or loggia, you will need the following tools: a hacksaw or a stationery knife; roulette; level; pencil, marker or any other writing instrument; tool for applying glue - brush, spatula, etc.; other tools. The materials you need are glue and insulation itself. In addition, you will need a vapor barrier film and a windproof membrane.
A frame structure will also be required. In this case you will need wooden beams, as well as nails to secure them. You may also need special fasteners - nails with very wide heads. They are used when polystyrene is not attached using glue.
Insulation inside
- High-quality thermal insulation in combination with double glazing, it turns the balcony into a living space. It is necessary to insulate not only the walls, but also the floor and ceiling. Materials for insulation must be durable, lightweight, and safe for humans. Due to precipitation and condensation, the walls of the balcony can become damp and moldy, which means that hydro- and vapor barrier is needed.
These requirements are best met by polystyrene foam: traditional polystyrene foam and Penoplex thermal insulation boards. The first one is very light, compressive, and waterproof. Penoplex is insulation made from extruded polystyrene foam. Its strength and durability are superior to conventional foam, and its shape makes it easy to install in the clutch and provides perfect insulation. Sheathing a balcony with slabs can be done both inside and outside.
Insulation closed balcony begins with surface preparation. It is necessary to carefully seal the cracks and joints between the floor, walls and parapet polyurethane foam without toluene in the composition. Metal structures need to be cleaned of rust and coated oil paint and treat with a construction antiseptic.
Before laying the insulation, windows and doors are installed. Window sills and slopes are installed at the last stage of work. Balcony glazing depends on the parapet. If it is only a metal sheathing, it needs to be built up with ceramic (lightweight) bricks or foam blocks. The thickness should not exceed ten centimeters. To protect the foam blocks, at the finishing stage they are covered with corrugated sheeting.
Floor
Can be installed on a reinforced concrete parapet window designs immediately, using various installation and sealing compounds. Metallo plastic windows They have excellent characteristics; when installed skillfully, they reliably protect the balcony and look aesthetically pleasing. When choosing a model, you should focus on swing frames with double glazing.
Floor
- In order to insulate the floor, you can resort to two different directions at once: make it warm or constantly heat it up. We are talking about installing a heated floor system, for example, electric. Installing a water system on a balcony is very inconvenient and almost impossible, but installing an electric or film system is easy to do.
photos
It all starts with preparation. A waterproofing film is laid on the floor under the tiles, protecting the floor from moisture from the outside. Next, the sheathing is arranged. Instead of logs, a timber five centimeters thick is used. If you do not want to raise the floor too much relative to the old covering, it is better to use low-height timber. Timber is perfect square section 50x50 mm. The beams are laid every 40-60 cm.
To prevent moisture from entering the insulation from the inside, it is covered with a vapor barrier film. It is laid on top of the beams and attached to them using a construction stapler. For internal fastening A fastening step of 50 cm is sufficient so as not to create unnecessary holes in the film. Polystyrene must be protected from moisture on all sides. Therefore, it is better to lay the film overlapping on the walls. All gaps between the beams and the walls should be sealed with the same insulating material or polyurethane foam.
Walls
- Many people do not insulate the walls, believing that the cold from the side of the house does not reach the balcony. In many ways this is true, but work needs to be done. The walls themselves are not sources of cold, but the joints between them and the side walls of the balcony can be. For this reason, all work can only consist of installing penofol, which is vapor-tight and thin. It will protect the walls from icing and condensation entering the balcony.
- Ceiling. If we are talking about a private house, then it is best to make a special roof structure. Recommended to do pitched roof, the slope of which is directed away from the house. The roof is made of rafters and sheathing. A waterproofing film is attached on top of it. Attached to film roofing material, and waterproofing on top of double-sided vapor barrier film, absorbent side inward. The bottom of the rafters is hemmed with a vapor-permeable windproof membrane.
The floor slab, that is, the horizontal part, must have several layers at once: insulation; vapor barrier layer; load-bearing beams with interior finishing. The device begins with the installation of the frame, namely rafter system. Next, a double-sided vapor barrier membrane is attached to it using the specified method. Then they arrange the sheathing and lay it waterproofing layer. You can use classic roofing felt or special polyvinyl chloride films.
- Insulation from outside. In order to insulate a balcony from the outside yourself, you will need skills. Do it yourself quality work, taking into account the characteristics of the building is not easy. Finishing the outside means saving up to thirty percent on heating costs. Remember that external work is associated with some difficulties: if the balcony is located above the second floor, then you will have to involve industrial climbers.
Before you begin insulation, obtain the consent of officials from the architecture department. The appearance of the balcony can spoil the overall picture, but if you finish it in the same style as the entire building, you can get permission. Insulation from the outside has a number of advantages:
- the reinforced concrete slab remains warm, moist air from the room passes freely through it and is released into the atmosphere;
- saving usable area;
- you can install a layer of thermal insulation of any thickness, this will not affect the internal space balcony
The materials can be used the same as for internal works. Preference is given to sprayed thermal insulation, as it is the lightest and most effective. Experts recommend using polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene. Mineral wool is sensitive to moisture, so its installation requires special care and precision.
The independent procedure for insulating a balcony is complex. All steps must be completed on high level, otherwise the room will not be completely isolated. Glass, panoramic, stained glass balcony- an excellent solution for small space. Designers advise connecting it to a room for expansion. Glazed balcony, connected to the kitchen on top floor- a luxurious solution.
To avoid disputes about the need to obtain permission to insulate balconies or loggias, it is worth taking a closer look at this issue. Conventional insulation of loggia walls from the inside without installing external glazing systems can be carried out without registration permitting documents.
If it is envisaged to carry out window fillings to the balcony, this work is equivalent to redevelopment and requires obtaining established permits.
Permission to redevelop loggias with insulation
Order project documentation and order certificates from supervisory organizationsConsidering that non-glazed structures do not retain heat, it is possible to insulate floors, walls and ceilings, but this is an ineffective exercise. Warmth is reliably retained in the premises of loggias where external glazing is installed; such work, according to the legislation of the Russian Federation, is a redevelopment and requires a permit to carry it out. Cases when a permit cannot be issued are determined by law:
- The building is classified as an architectural heritage monument.
- The structures of a residential building will not withstand the additional load (the building is dilapidated or is intended for demolition).
- The loggia insulation plan provides for the use of outdated building materials with an increased degree of fire.
- If the redevelopment plan provides for the installation of heating systems and heated floors with their connection to general building communications.
In other cases, you will have to go through the procedure of obtaining a permit before starting construction and installation work on insulation and glazing of the loggia.
To obtain permission to carry out work on redevelopment of the loggia, you will need to order design documentation from an organization that has licenses to design residential buildings, as well as obtain the necessary certificates from a number of organizations.
The finished project is coordinated with the department of architecture and interested organizations (SES, management fire safety and others).
Carrying out work on insulating loggias without obtaining the established permits may entail:
- bringing the premises into original appearance at your own expense.
- penalties in the amount of 2 to 2.5 thousand rubles.
Insulation technology
The sequence of insulation of the loggia is determined by the technology of work. Where to start insulating a loggia or balcony? First you need to perform a number of preparatory steps.
First of all, the loggia room is cleared of things stored there: they are cleaned old furniture, boxes and flower pots. The clotheslines are removed, and the clothesline holders mounted on the walls or ceiling are dismantled.
If the loggia floors have a coating, it must be disassembled, and then the slab must be inspected. If necessary, repair the surface of the slab base, especially if chips of concrete and exposed reinforcement (iron rod without concrete coating) are found on the surface.
The front fence of the loggia is dismantled, observing safety regulations.
Before dismantling structures, it is necessary to fence off the home area with cords and post warning signs to prevent the occurrence of dangerous situations.
The procedure for insulating a loggia includes the following technological processes: glazing; insulation of floors, ceilings, walls; reliable waterproofing device; external insulation; finishing. More details about each stage of work and the intricacies of the technological process below.
Glazing
Single-row glazing will protect from bad weather, but not from frost When planning to glaze a loggia, it is worth noting that all efforts to insulate structures will be reduced to zero if low-quality double-glazed windows are chosen. Window fillings with single-row glazing will provide guaranteed protection from bad weather, but such windows are not able to protect against frost.
When choosing the material for window fillings, you should abandon wooden windows, because there is a danger of condensation on the loggia, which can negatively affect the condition of the wooden frames. Aluminum and plastic windows can be installed on loggias without fear of increasing the maximum permissible load on the slab. Aluminum window structures are lighter in weight than PVC structures, are not subject to corrosive processes, suitable for finishing loggias in any style.
Installation of window blocks should be carried out after strengthening the parapet, which can be made of monolithic concrete or foam concrete blocks (ceramic bricks). The thickness of the parapet is provided at least 10 cm.
When installing window fillings, an additional profile is often used, which is installed around the perimeter of the window.
Insulation of the loggia from the inside
The process of insulating the balcony can be continued after installing double-glazed windows. The walls of the loggia can be conditionally divided into “cold” and “warm”, bordering on heated rooms. Usually only “cold” surfaces of structures are covered with insulation, so as not to reduce the free space of the loggia. For details on insulating the loggia, see this video:
Choosing insulation among the abundance modern brands does not present any special difficulties, but when purchasing a certain type of material, it is necessary to take into account climatic conditions region.
Expanded polystyrene The most popular insulation materials are:
In addition to the main insulation, you will need a number of materials to help carry out work in the loggia: polyurethane foam, polyurethane foam cleaner, foil tape, antiseptic primer, galvanized metallic profile, fastening hardware, plasterboard sheets.
Penoplex wall insulation technology
Let's consider the technology of laying insulation on the walls of a loggia using the example of installing penoplex foam.
First, you need to treat the walls of the loggia with a primer; such a coating will prevent the spread of fungal infections and mold in the event of unfavorable conditions (high humidity, condensation). After applying the primer, allow the wall surfaces to dry thoroughly. For more information about penoplex insulation technology, watch this video:
Using a sharp utility knife, it is convenient to cut the insulation to size. In cold climates, it is worth considering laying penoplex in 2 layers with an overlap of adjacent sections of at least 5 cm.
Work should begin with securing the first layer of insulation with special dowels to the surface of the walls. The second layer can be attached on top of the first using mounting foam or the same dowels.
Foam sheets are fixed in a similar way.
Insulation of ceiling structures
Insulation of the loggia ceiling begins with fixing galvanized hangers and guide profiles. Holes for hangers are pre-cut in the insulation sheets.
These holes can be corrected with polyurethane foam. The cut insulation is fixed to the ceiling using polyurethane foam or dowels with different cores. Plastic dowels are designed to secure light materials, metal dowels are used for heavy slabs.
Loggia floor: laying insulation
The loggia floor is considered the “coldest” surface and needs to be provided with maximum insulation. It is from the floor, which is poorly insulated, that the cold spreads throughout the loggia, so it is worth considering laying insulation in 2 layers. For more information about insulating the loggia floor, watch this video:
After cleaning the slab, assessing it technical condition, a decision is made to perform a leveling screed, which must dry thoroughly before continuing the insulation process.
The floors are treated 2-3 times with a protective solution against the appearance of fungus and mold, after which waterproofing can be done.
The next stage is laying the slats and cross beams, which are secured using galvanized self-tapping screws, it is important to ensure that all the logs are of the same thickness.
The best material for floor insulation is mineral wool; the material ideally fills the sheathing, reliably insulating the slightest gaps and holes.
Upon completion of laying the mineral wool, the construction of the subfloor begins. What material to choose for the device finishing flooring in the loggia depends on the style of the room and the personal tastes of the owner. To learn how to treat mold and mildew, watch this video:
When starting a conversation about external insulation, it is worth warning about the inadmissibility of independent actions at height; professional industrial climbers should be hired to carry out such work. The remaining work on insulation and finishing of loggias can be easily done with your own hands, having some experience in construction work.
Until recently, the balconies of city apartments served as a kind of storage room - people stored preserved food and various things there. Why, they took everyone out onto the balconies unnecessary trash, which it was a shame to throw away. However, today these premises are increasingly used as additional living space. And to implement such an idea, you need to take care of insulating the balcony.
If you insulate your balcony, you will be able to not only expand the living space of your apartment relatively cheaply, but also significantly reduce heat loss from your home. The fact is that it is through the balconies that the most of heat. But in order for everything to be done efficiently, you need to know where to start. With a well-designed scheme, turn cold balcony albeit in a small, but almost complete room, it will be much easier.
So, first sketch out a rough work plan - it will include:
Important information! The balcony can be insulated both from the inside and outside. But since you will be doing the work on your own, that is, without the help of specialists, it is better to resort to internal insulation.
Stage No. 1. Choosing insulation
On modern construction market There are a lot of thermal insulation materials, but for a balcony they are more suitable:
As for foam plastic and EPS, the laying of these materials is carried out using almost the same technology (the only exception is the form of adhesion - with EPS it is better due to the use of grooves).
It is better not to use mineral wool for a balcony - the installation procedure will be more labor-intensive, and the condensation that inevitably forms on the balcony is undesirable for this material. Expanded clay, for obvious reasons, can only be used for floor insulation (the insulation technology will be described in detail below).
And if we add to all of the above the fact that the balcony should in no case be overloaded, then it becomes obvious: the most suitable option- this is foam plastic 4-5 cm thick, which costs less than polystyrene foam or mineral wool.
Stage No. 2. We carry out glazing
If your balcony is already glazed, you can skip this step. The glazing procedure itself largely depends on the parapet installed on the balcony. If we are talking about iron sheathing, then you must build it up using foam blocks or ceramic brick. It is important that the resulting wall thickness exceeds 10 cm. And if you have a reinforced concrete parapet, you can immediately begin installing windows.
Today, many (especially admirers of environmentally friendly building materials) prefer double-glazed windows with wooden frames. It is worth remembering that such structures need to be treated with an antiseptic and painted regularly. You can learn about installing double-glazed windows with wooden frames from the video below.
Video - How to install a wooden window with double glazing
However, the majority of consumers still buy PVC windows. When purchasing, choose a special plastic profile that is characterized by increased rigidity and strength characteristics. In addition, the profile must have good thermal insulation properties.
Plastic windows should also have:
- 5-chamber profile;
- 2-chamber (if you live in middle lane) or 3-chamber (if in a more severe climate) double-glazed window;
- reinforced reinforcement.
After installing the PVC structure ordered according to the dimensions of the balcony (the work must be carried out by specialists), you can proceed directly to insulation.
Stage No. 3. We insulate the floor
Let's look at how to insulate a balcony from the inside with your own hands using polystyrene foam (although the technology described below is also suitable for polystyrene foam).
Table. Insulating the floor on the balcony
| Steps, no. | Short description | Illustration |
|---|---|---|
| Step #1 | First, prepare the working surfaces - seal with foam all the cracks found in the concrete, as well as at the joints between the slabs and the wall. |
|
| Step #2 | Mark the floor for the subsequent construction of the sheathing. In this case, it is important that the pitch of the sheathing exceeds the width of the insulation sheets by approximately 10 mm. |
|
| Step #3 | Lay the slats according to the previously made markings (the approximate size of the bars is 4x4 cm, but their width must correspond to the thickness of the insulating material). The first and last slats should be 50-100 mm away from the walls. Connect the slats using self-tapping screws. |
|
| Step #4 | Place sheets of foam plastic between the lathing slats, gluing them to the floor liquid nails or special glue. Blow out any resulting voids with polyurethane foam. |
|
| Step #5 | Lay a vapor barrier layer on top of the insulation. Lay a vapor barrier layer on top of the insulation (necessary to increase thermal insulation and prevent the formation of condensation). If you use regular PET film, then under no circumstances place it on the “cold” side of the insulator. If you are laying foil insulation, then do it with foil to the foam. |
|
| Step #6 | Attach sheets of plywood or chipboard on top, and the thickness flooring must be at least 20 mm. Attach the sheets to the slats using self-tapping screws. |
|
| Step #7 | All that remains is to lay the finishing coating, which can be carpet or linoleum. |
|
Important information! There is another way to insulate the floor on a balcony with polystyrene foam: sheets of foam plastic are attached to a leveled and cleaned surface, and a thin screed from a previously prepared dry mixture solution is poured on top. Ceramic tiles can be used as a finishing coating here.
Alternative option. We use expanded clay
As noted earlier, the floor on the balcony can also be insulated using expanded clay. This material is also inexpensive, and its installation is not difficult. Let's get acquainted with the algorithm of actions.
Step #1. Lay it on the floor first waterproofing film with an exit to the walls of 10 cm.
Step #2. Place the beacons around the perimeter in increments of approximately 25 cm, being careful not to lean them too far against the walls.
Step #3. Cover the floor with a 15 cm thick layer of expanded clay and distribute the material evenly over the surface.
Step #4. Moisten the expanded clay using cement laitance (this is water solution cement).
Step #5. Fill the expanded clay with a layer of concrete or self-leveling mixture. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the structure of the insulator.
Step #6. Wait for the screed to dry completely. After this, you can begin laying the topcoat.
Stage No. 4. We insulate the walls
The technology here is almost the same as for floor insulation. Follow these steps:
Step #1. Mark the future location of the slats on the walls (as well as for the floor).
Step #2. Attach the slats in accordance with these markings.
Step #3. Apply polyurethane foam to the surface using wave-like movements. At the same stage, you should drill holes for the dowels.
Step #4. Attach the foam sheets using plastic mushroom dowels.
Step #5. Blow out all the resulting cracks with foam, then seal with mounting tape.
Step #6. Lay a waterproofing layer on top - for example, penofol, which will also serve as thermal insulation.
Step #7. Seal the seams at the joints with foil tape.
Step #8. Mount the counter-lattice on top of the foam foam and install the finishing material.
Stage No. 5. We insulate the ceiling
This procedure is also performed using a similar technology, but some differences still occur.
- First, make a marking along which the hangers for attaching the guides will be installed.
- Install the hangers themselves necessary to fix the guides (for the latter, use a galvanized profile or timber).
- In appropriate places, cut small holes in the insulator (foam or EPS) for hangers.
- Next, secure the insulation boards using the same mounting foam.
If the insulation weighs too much, you can use dowels for fastening. Blow out the cracks with foam. Otherwise there are no significant differences.
Finishing features
In most cases, balconies are lined from the inside with clapboard or profile, but plasterboard is also used, followed by wallpapering. PVC panels are also used for cladding. Concerning exterior finishing, then it is better to entrust it to professionals, especially if your apartment is located higher than on the ground floor.
Important information! It is forbidden to take there central heating, so if additional heating is required, you can lay a film “warm floor” under the linoleum.
You can also install an outlet on the balcony to which an electric heater will be connected. The described room is small, so heating will take a minimum of time. We also note that the double-glazed window weighs quite a lot, so the remaining materials (including the insulator itself) must be of minimal weight. By the way, this is another reason why it is better to give preference to EPS or foam boards.
Video - Instructions for insulating a balcony
Now you know about the strong and weaknesses materials suitable for insulating a balcony, as well as technologies for laying polystyrene foam and expanded clay. Therefore, it's time to get to work! Moreover, there is nothing complicated here if you are armed step by step instructions and all necessary materials. If you do everything correctly, you will turn the balcony into a full-fledged living room with all the ensuing advantages.
Insulating a balcony or loggia is a rather labor-intensive and not quick process. It is usually performed by professionals specializing in this type of work. But if you know how to insulate balconies from the inside with your own hands, have the necessary tools and are not afraid of work, then this is a completely feasible task.
Moreover, the area of the balcony is usually small, and with proper planning and compliance with the technology of work, and especially using boards of insulating material “Penotex”, this process will not last long.
Preparing the balcony for insulation
Usually balconies and loggias are insulated from the inside with your own hands. External insulation of a balcony parapet is rarely used, since it is not only dangerous in terms of work, especially if you live on the upper floors of a high-rise building, but may require special permission from local authorities that supervise the appearance of building facades.
No permits are required for insulation from the inside.
Answering the question: how to properly insulate a balcony from the inside? Should be observed whole line conditions and not to violate the order of work. First of all, the balcony is cleared of things and plants on it, building materials and other things that could interfere with the work. After this, the existing cracks, crevices, holes in the places where the parapet meets the wall and in general wherever you notice flaws are carefully sealed with mounting foam or cement mortar.
This must be done because otherwise, with an unfavorable cold wind, even very good insulation may freeze, it will be even worse if it gets into the cracks rainwater or snow. For most types modern insulation materials water is not dangerous, mold does not develop on them, and they practically do not absorb moisture. But on brick or panel walls moisture accumulated between the wall and the expanded polystyrene board can serve as a place for mold to grow. Then an unpleasant smell of dampness may appear on your insulated balcony or loggia.
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After this stage, you can begin the actual insulation with your own hands.
Ceiling insulation
Technologically, it would be more correct and better to start work by insulating the ceiling of a balcony or loggia with your own hands, then move on to the walls and complete the work by insulating the floor. Depending on the type of insulation you choose and its thickness, the ceiling may become lower by up to 10 cm. If you already have plastic windows installed on your balcony, you will either have to sacrifice top part windows, since the PVC profile rarely exceeds 50 mm in width, or use a thin one insulation material, which will not allow you to achieve the effect you were hoping for. Therefore, if windows are not installed, first insulate the balcony ceiling and only then call a measurer.
Currently, there is no question of how to insulate the balcony inside. Choice various types insulation is great. Depending on the selected insulation (mineral wool, polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam "penoplex", penofol), it can be installed either on a pre-mounted wooden sheathing or directly on balcony slab. Insulation with mineral wool mats can only be done using wooden sheathing, otherwise it will be impossible to fix it on the ceiling.
Customized to size wooden blocks equal in cross-section to the thickness of the insulation you have chosen can be attached to the ceiling using plastic dowels and long screws. The distance between the bars should either exactly correspond to the width of the insulation board, or be 30-40 mm. narrower if mineral wool mats are used so that they enter the space between the bars with force and do not fall out in the process further work on your head. It is better to lace them by passing a nylon rope between the bars with small nails stuffed into them.
If you are insulating yourself with expanded polystyrene or polystyrene foam, and in the future you do not expect to finish the ceiling with wooden “lining” or plastic panels (as an option finishing material for the ceiling - plasterboard), then there is no need to install lathing. Penotex expanded polystyrene slabs are glued directly onto the balcony slab, cleaned of paint layers, using any waterproof adhesive mastic used in construction and finishing works. It is better to use adhesive materials such as waterproof mastic or “liquid nails” glue, since in the cold season, if the balcony located above is not insulated, the dew point will shift behind the insulation and condensation will form there. Expanded polystyrene boards do not require additional sealing of joints, since they have grooves at the ends that prevent the formation of “cold bridges”. But the joints between polystyrene foam boards can be sealed with polyurethane foam and taped with foil tape.
An additional layer of insulation material, which will significantly reduce heat loss, is best made from thin foil insulation penofol or isolon. In this case, the material is glued onto the mounted slabs of thicker insulation, always with the metallized side facing the inside of the balcony. All joints of penofol sheets are glued with foil tape. At this stage, the insulation can be completed, but you can lay a heat-heating film, which is perfect for these purposes and works from electrical network 220V.
Further finishing with your own hands depends on the availability of the material and its type; if these are plastic panels or “lining”, they are mounted either directly on the insulation boards or on wooden blocks passed over it. It is better not to use a galvanized metal profile used for plasterboard structures, as it will freeze and moisture will condense around it.
If you did not use penofol as an additional insulating material, then the surface of the polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene can be plastered with your own hands, after gluing a fiberglass reinforcing mesh, and then painted.
After completing the work on insulating and finishing the balcony ceiling, proceed to insulating the walls. Only the parapet and side walls of the loggia are subject to insulation. The room wall does not need to be insulated.
The entire process of insulating walls with your own hands is completely identical to the process of insulating the ceiling, with the only difference being that you can use thicker insulating material, especially if the parapet is made of metal structures or has a thin wall made of lightweight concrete.
You can also lay a heat-heating film over the layer of insulation laid on the parapet wall, but this is not at all necessary.
Floor insulation
This is perhaps the most labor-intensive stage of work, since depending on the floor covering you choose, from which you will make a “clean” floor, there are two possible options for working: with the installation of sheathing - if the floor is planned to be covered with such building material as boards, mineral wool or polystyrene foam is used, or without it - if polystyrene foam “Penotex” is used.
Penotex boards have different densities. For DIY work on insulating the floor of a balcony or loggia, grade 45 will be the most suitable.
It can easily support the weight of an adult without bending, and you can directly lay a concrete screed on it or lay any type of coating (laminate, linoleum, ceramic tiles).
After laying and gluing the Penotex polystyrene foam slabs to the slab, just like on the ceiling, it is better to secure it at the corners of the slab with dowels-“fungi”. A layer of penofol with foil up is laid on top and then a cable of the “warm floor” system with wiring and automation elements. The cable must cover at least 70% of the balcony floor area and be 50 mm away from the walls. After laying the cable, the floor is filled with either cement mortar or special leveling mixtures “self-leveling floor”. You can also use a topcoat based on epoxy resins, which can be of the most varied colors and, after polymerization, can be used as a “clean floor” without any additional processing. Before pouring the screed, a 20 mm thick damper tape must be laid around the perimeter of the balcony to prevent thermal deformation of the screed.
No one can guarantee that when the temperature drops sharply, the coolant (water) in them will not freeze and they will not burst. But you can become the culprit of a serious accident and you can leave an entire entrance without heat.
Conclusion
Although insulating a balcony from the inside is labor-intensive, the effect achieved by insulation can fully justify all your efforts. Such a balcony becomes not only a place of relaxation in the warm season, but also an excellent room for growing indoor and garden flowers, and seedlings of garden plants.
