All about insulation: types, types, the most popular materials

Insulation of structures is an important stage in the construction of any house, whatever its purpose. Insulation methods, techniques and materials can solve all problems, maximizing the performance of the building.

The main types of insulation

An overview of the most popular home insulation options should begin with a basic classification. It is not enough just to study the catalog of materials and choose the most inexpensive option, it is important to understand what is used and for what purpose. The main types:

Soundproofing;
Thermal insulation;
Vapor barrier;
Waterproofing;
Reflective insulation (necessary if you want to keep the heat in the room without resorting to additional insulation);
Wind insulation (used for surfaces where the thermal insulation layer needs additional protection).

Comparison of all types of insulation leads to one thought: the better the insulation work is done in all directions, the more durable the design. In a house where everything is thought out to the smallest detail, living safely and comfortably.

Types of thermal insulation

Thermal insulation materials are presented in a wide range. First of all, it is worth noting the main varieties of thermal insulation devices by origin:

Organic
Inorganic;
Plastic

Natural raw materials are formed from wood and peat residues. Although the material is environmentally friendly, it is highly susceptible to biological effects, it quickly rots and is “afraid” of water. Inorganic materials are represented by various mineral elements - rocks, slags. Plastic insulation is based on various synthetic resins.

Shape and appearance

By structure, the materials can be fibrous (cotton wool), granular type (perlite) or cellular (foam glass). In form, and, accordingly, in terms of external characteristics, thermal insulation materials are systematized as follows:

Rigid slabs, segments, bricks. Use for work with simple surfaces;
Flexible shape (mat, harness, cords) is widely used for pipe finishing;
Loose form (perlite sand, vermiculite) is ideal for filling various cavities.

All of these options are additionally divided into density and stiffness classes. Density is labeled from 15 to 600. The higher the density, the more the material is suitable for external work, rather than interior decoration. By stiffness, the material is divided into soft, hard and hard type.

Thermal conductivity

Building thermal insulation involves the design of building structures. Installation analogues are designed for thermal insulation of communications and various equipment on an industrial scale. The main criterion by which all materials of these categories are classified is thermal conductivity:

Class A (low);
Class B (middle);
Class B (high).

Class A indicators do not exceed 0.06 W / m. At the same time, increased thermal conductivity reaches the level of 0, 175 W / m.

Soundproofing: main types

The task of any soundproof materials is to absorb all sounds. Materials can be fibrous, granular and cellular, as is the case with thermal insulation. Sound-absorbing characteristics are measured by means of special coefficients - from 0 to 1. 0 - sounds are fully reflected. 1 - the sound is completely absorbed. All materials for sound insulation can be divided by degree of rigidity and structure as follows:

Solid materials. They are made on the basis of mineral wool. The composition includes porous aggregates (perlite, pumice). The absorption coefficient is - 0.5;
Soft materials to absorb sounds. Made of cotton wool, felt and fiberglass. Absorption coefficient from 0.75 to 0.90;
Semi-rigid views. These are mineral-wool materials with a cellular structure - polyurethane foam. The absorption coefficient is from 0.4 to 0.8.

In private apartments it is better to use materials that have a particularly high sound absorption coefficient. Moreover, it is preferable to choose soft and light options.

The main types of vapor barrier

Isolation of rooms from moisture, steam and other liquids is another important process. Any vapor barrier should protect those sectors that come into contact with moist or heated air. The main types:

Standard vapor barrier film;
Membrane film;
Film with aluminum foil.

Separately, the subroofing membranes are divided into several categories: perforated, porous, three-layer and two-layer membranes. Virtually all types of waterproofing materials are combined with insulation or soundproofing sheets. Modern materials for insulation of any type and purpose allow you to perform all construction tasks quickly and efficiently. Insulation ensures that the heat does not leave the house, and extraneous sounds and moisture will not destroy the harmony in the apartment.