Reflective thermal insulation is a multi-functional insulation, the main task of which is to keep the heat inside the room. The basis of this material is foamed polyethylene, for the return of infrared radiation meets a thin layer of foil. Reflective varieties are recommended to be chosen as an additional method of insulation of structures, the bonus function is the protection of individual elements from hot air and direct exposure to thermal radiation. Striking examples - a heater for a bath, insulation of a roof, economic capacities, pipe communications, heat reflections of radiators.
A heater with a reflecting surface often has a two-layer structure: a foamed polyethylene base and a thin foil layer. This combination allows to reflect at least 95% of the wave energy, closed cells keep the heat well even with a small thickness of insulation. This helps to save space, place behind heating radiators, insulate ventilation and conditioning systems. Installation of reflective insulation is possible for surfaces of any complexity, including corner areas, it is recommended to choose it in conditions of limited space, flexion does not degrade the protective properties.
Additional advantages include: light weight, safety of operation, durability. The material is not susceptible to rotting or corrosion and is practically impermeable to moisture and steam. The latter property allows it to be used to isolate saunas and balconies, but there is also a downside - it closes the air access to the protected structures. As a result, competent installation implies a ventilated gap between the insulation and the outer skin. Declared developer life - 10 years, reviews confirm it.
Varieties
Conditionally, all brands are divided into types:
1. A - universal foam material with a single-sided reflective layer directed into the interior, glue compounds, staples, small nails are used for fixation. The thickness varies from 3 to 10 mm.
2. B - double-sided foil insulation, recommended for cold rooms and if necessary to achieve a "thermos effect", for example, when placing an interlayer in thin walls. The thickness rarely exceeds 5 mm.
3. C - reflective self-adhesive thermal insulation, a more convenient type A analog.
Most species have a foam polyethylene base, but polypropylene grades are encountered, their temperature limit is higher. According to reviews, it is better to choose them for operation in conditions of constant heating - saunas and baths. Separately, mineral wool insulation with a foil layer is highlighted (a striking example is isover), but their characteristics are very different from foamed polyethylene, they rather belong to a different type of construction materials. Depending on the design, roll insulation and special cylinders are distinguished for the protection of pipe communications.
Important technical characteristics include:
- The coefficient of thermal conductivity of the reflective thermal insulation is in the range of 0.038-0.051 W / m · ° C.
- Operating temperature range - the higher, the better.
- Vapor permeability - rarely exceeds 0.001 mg / m · h · Pa.
- Thickness of insulation, mm.
- The coefficient of reflectivity is from 90%.
- The flammability group is from Г1 to Г4, under the conditions of ignition the first variety is acquired.
Sphere and features of application
When selecting reflective insulation, the manufacturer's recommended foundation type and functional purpose are taken into account. For example, using a type B insulation inside a dwelling is not only economically unprofitable, but also dangerous - the steam room effect will be felt already on the first day of operation. For saunas, it is better to choose brands that are resistant to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures (with a limit above 90 ° C). Also insulation is used for:
1. Thermal insulation of roofs, attics, cellars, walls, floors and ceilings.
2. Heat reflections of radiators.
3. Strengthening the thermal resistance of tanks, doors, double-glazed windows, car interiors.
4. Protection of technical equipment, pipes, ventilation and air conditioning systems, refrigeration plants.
5. Packages of important devices during transportation and storage.
The main nuance of installation is the correct direction of the reflective layer - to the source of thermal radiation. In practice, this means the location of insulation by the foil side of the interior of the room, an exception is made only for double-sided brands of type B.
For fixing, any convenient method is used, good reviews have self-adhesive varieties. Unlike many vapor barrier films, including those with reflective abilities, foamed insulation is not placed with overlapping but butt-end. But this does not mean that seams do not need to be sealed, on the contrary, this stage is mandatory, the target material for embedding is a wide metallized scotch.
Review of reviews
"I decided to buy reflective foil insulation Poryleks when the ceiling was insulated, I was satisfied with the cost and quality. For fixing used furniture stapler, left a gap between the skin - about 1 cm. In addition to keeping the heat noted good acoustic protection in the room. "
Fedor, Perm.
"When choosing steam protection for the bath will stop at Penotherm based on foamed propylene, after a year of operation checked the wooden structure, condensation and fungus is not found. The reflective layer in it is made of foil, the effect of the thermos in the steam room is well felt, and the room itself does not cool down for a long time. "
Leonid, Chelyabinsk.
"I bought foil insulation for warming the floor in the apartment, on average, taking into account the adhesive tape for joints, the cost of 1 m2 cost 130 rubles. The achieved effect is satisfied and I think the costs are justified, including due to good absorption of noise. Floors at the same time rose no more than 1.5 cm, placed the canvas next to each other and pasted with adhesive tape. "
Dmitry, Maikop.
"I used reflective foamed insulation when I warmed the loggia, I was generally pleased with the materials. There were no problems with buying the right amount, cutting and fixing, I consider the good advantage of good protection of the apartment from street noise, and the main insulation - from internal condensate. By the minus I include the cost - 60 rubles per 1 m2, in my opinion, foamed polyethylene should be cheaper. "
Daniil, Krasnodar.
"I worked with reflective Porilex insulation when providing repair services, the material is expensive but reliable. Equally well suited for cellars, attics and interior spaces, has an excellent surface density. The only restriction of the application is the high temperature, for a bath it is better to purchase another variety. When cutting, it should be taken into account that it can not be overlapped - the joints will be sloppy, when working with complex shapes it is desirable to make a preliminary marking. "
Nikolay, Moscow.
Cost
| The name of a variety of a heater | Insulation dimensions, mm | Total in a roll, m2 | Price for 1 m2, rubles | Price per packing | ||
| Length | Width | Thickness | ||||
| Tepofol A | 15000 | 1200 | 8 | 18 | 65 | 1170 |
| Porelex A | 5000 | 5 | 6 | 120 | 720 | |
| Penofol A | 15000 | 1200 | 10 | 18 | 85 | 1530 |
| Isover Sauna, minvata | 12500 | 1200 | 50 | 15 | — | 1900 |
| Penofol C | 15000 | 600 | 8 | 9 | 165 | 1480 |
| Amofol B | 25000 | 1000 | 5 | 25 | 125 | 3120 |
Reflective material
Reflective insulation (foil) is, as a rule, a roll material of small thickness. The basis for it can serve almost any insulation (for example, mineral wool or foamed polyethylene), and as a reflective layer is often used dense aluminum foil.
To improve the mechanical properties of such insulation, different grids are used as one of the layers.
Variety of materials
Types of reflective insulation
All reflective thermal insulation is divided into three groups. Each is marked with certain letters:
- Type A is a heater (mineral wool, foamed polyethylene) with foil on one side. The material is universal. It can be installed on any surface. Usually, it is mounted with glue or simply fixed with nails. Used for internal thermal insulation and installed by the reflecting side inward.
- Type B - the basis of a heater of greater thickness (up to 5 mm). The foil is applied on both sides. It is used in the walls of refrigerators, refrigerating chambers and technological structures. Actual for the roof of a private house. The task of this material is not to let the heat out of the room and not let it out of the street.
- Type C is like Type A, only it has a self-adhesive base. Plus such insulation - convenience of installation. Self-adhesive thermal insulation is easy to use and does not require additional fixing.
There are also roll foil insulation from mineral wool.
Application
The foamed insulation is considered as an auxiliary means for warming the walls of an apartment building or the ventilation ducts of ventilation systems, where they can serve as the main ones. There is a specific application of heat-reflective insulation in cases where the use of ordinary materials is of little use or ineffective.
Some features of foil materials:
- reflective insulation has additional properties - moisture and vapor barrier;
- has high environmental performance (safe for humans);
- reflective materials are better used in those places where there are no mechanical damages (foil is easily torn even with insignificant effort);
- reflecting insulation work perfectly in the presence of an air gap.
Important . Foiled heaters minimize heat loss, and bilateral heat barriers prevent the penetration of hot air inwards (the walls of the house do not heat up).
The advantages of reflective insulation
Properties and characteristics of thermal insulation
The performance characteristics of the material allow you to easily make an independent installation. Features of its technology - an obligatory gap between the foil side and the next layer. If you use a double-sided foil insulation, you will have to make two crates, so that the inner foil would work to repel heat and return it to the room, while the outer one would repel heat in the summer, keeping the room cool. Foamed insulation have the following performance characteristics:
Tips for buying and selecting reflective insulation
temperature regime is an important indicator
When buying a reflective insulation, pay attention to the following points:
- Temperature regime. For living quarters and household blocks you can use materials with any indicators. If you make insulation in a hot room (in a sauna, in a bath), then it is better to use polypropylene-based thermal insulation having an upper temperature index of 150 degrees.
- Criterion of price / quality. The best application is a 4 mm thick material.
- Aluminum foil is preferable to metallized film in all respects. The only limitation can be on the electrical conductivity.
- Stitched material or soldered. The quality of reflective materials depends on the manufacturing technology.
Tip . When choosing a foil heater, you need to carefully deploy the roll and view it in a bright light. So you will see the whole structure and uniformity of the material, the presence of prominent spots and stripes. In some cases it is easier to buy material at a higher price, but be completely confident in good quality.
Self-adhesive foil insulation
Self-adhesive foil insulation - an excellent choice, if you are going to do in the house combined insulation. It will be an excellent addition for a heat insulation pie. Also it can be used for warming and regulating the temperature regime of the roof (double-sided foil insulation).
A range of materials used for insulation, noise and waterproofing of buildings is constantly replenished with new types. These include a reflective insulation, which appeared on the market just a few years ago. This product in the form of plates and coils, made of artificial or natural raw materials, covered with a metallized film or foil, capable of reflecting air masses, preserving the heat available inside. This insulation is often called foil.
Manufacturers of reflective thermal insulation position it as a universal insulation for walls, floors, ceilings, ventilation systems and pipelines. The main product layer is made from 4 different materials. On this basis, the following types of insulation are distinguished:
- Polyethylene is produced from a mixture of HD-polyethylene, dyes, anti-foams and refractory additives. The structure is made up of closed polymer cells and bubbles filled with air. As a rule, it is produced in rolls. Widely used for floors, walls and ceilings, as well as ventilation systems.
- Expanded polystyrene is a foamed thermoplastic of increased strength, consisting of fused granules under the influence of high temperature. Produced in slabs, used for heat insulation of heated floors, as well as baths and saunas.
- Products based on mineral wool or glass fiber are available in rolls and plates. Mounted on the inner surface of walls, ceilings and floors.
- Of the fibers of natural material make a high-quality basalt insulation - eco-friendly and fire-resistant. Required for heat insulation of chimneys, rear walls of fireplaces and other objects subject to heating.
The thickness of the base layer ranges from 2 to 50 mm. A thin (14-20 micron) polished aluminum foil is applied over it by thermal welding, and a metallized polypropylene film is used less often. In some cases, a fiberglass mesh is additionally adhered between the substrate and the reflective layer.
Depending on how many sides of insulation have a foil surface, products are distinguished:
- one-sided;
- bilateral;
- on the one hand, covered with a metallized film, on the other - glue.
Manufacturers of reflective insulation
The most popular are:
1. Domestic JSC "LIT" produces products based on polyethylene foam (Olefol, Armofol and Penofol), as well as expanded polystyrene (Tilith). Description of the reflective material Penofol indicates that it is covered with a foil layer, is used for effective insulation of walls, roofing, loggias. Insulation Olefol is reinforced with a glass mesh. Due to this, it has increased rigidity and is recommended for coating the inner surface of the roof. To insulate the bath and steam room, the reflective thermal insulation Armofol B is used - the material, reinforced with a glass mesh, is foaled on both sides. Tilith TP insulation, made of expanded polystyrene, coated with foil and polymer film with special markings, is recommended for heating systems deepened in the floor.
2. Quality insulant brand Izolon manufactured at the Izhevsk Plastics Plant. Its basis is polyethylene foam. As a reflective layer, there is an aluminum foil or metallized lavsan film. Insulation of walls with Insulation allows to receive reliable and safe thermal insulation of premises.
3. The Russian group of companies Penoterm specializes in the production of insulation from expanded polystyrene. Catalog of products contains more than 20 names of different brands intended for insulation of walls, roofs and floors. Reflective surface insulation for the warm floor Peno Premium NPP LF is a thin metallized polymer film, which is marked with a special design for easy installation of heating elements.
4. The Ukrainian enterprise LLC "Galant" offers insulation from foamed polyethylene with foil coating. Multi-layer BestIsol of marks A, B and C is used for internal heat, sound and moisture insulation of walls and roofing. Mark D - good reflective insulation on the ceiling, which allows you to save up to 70% of the heat in winter.
5. The Yegoryevsky plant in Russia isolates Izover. Insulator of Isotec Mat-Al brand based on fiberglass, covered with foil, is used for insulation of air ducts and pipelines in the construction of industrial facilities.
6. The Finnish company Paroc Group produces foil products of Paroc Pro Mat Alu Coat and Paroc Hvaс brand based on basalt fiber. They are often used for insulation of pipelines, aspiration and ventilation systems, as well as walls, floors and ceilings of industrial buildings.
Options
The technical characteristics of the reflecting thermal insulation of walls, floors and ceilings, depending on their variety, are as follows:
| Indicators | Type of insulation | |||
| Polyethylene foam | Styrofoam | Mineral wool | Basalt wool | |
| Coefficient of thermal reflection,% | 95 – 97 | 90 | 95 – 97 | 95 – 97 |
| Thermal conductivity, W / m С | 0,037 – 0,052 | 0,034 | 0,04 – 0,055 | 0,025 – 0,033 |
| Application temperature, ° C | -60 – +100 | -40 – +150 | -60 – +200 | -200 – +750 |
| Water absorption,% | 0,35 – 0,7 | 0,74 | 0,9 | 1,0 |
| Water vapor permeability, mg / m h Pa | 0,001 | 0,001 | 0,50 – 0,55 | 0,30 – 0,31 |
Advantages and disadvantages
A review of heaters reflecting infrared radiation would be incomplete without a description of the pros and cons. Their positive qualities are:
- Low coefficient of thermal conductivity.
- Reliable vapor barrier.
- The use of reflective thermal insulation when insulating the house from the inside gives the dwelling additional protection against noise and moisture.
- Light weight.
- Simplicity of packing.
- Environmental Safety. The foil covering the heater is a category intended for storage of food products.
- Fire resistance.
There are no obvious disadvantages to this type of thermal insulation. However, some shortcomings in the process of exploitation can be manifested:
- According to reviews reflecting the surface of a heater made of aluminum foil is susceptible to corrosion.
- Due to the low density of the base layer of the product may eventually sag.
- Under the direct and prolonged action of water accumulates a large amount of moisture and dries long.
Advice before purchase
For baths or saunas, it is better to buy products, the reflective layer of which is made of metallized polypropylene, since it is not susceptible to corrosion.
2. Before buying a foil insulator, make sure that it is actually coated with foil, not with aluminum spraying. Ask the seller for a certificate of quality for products.
How to properly install insulation
The process of self-packing is not particularly complicated. Since it is used to isolate different building elements, consider the option for a pitched roof. To do this, you need the following tools:
- Reiki wooden thickness of 20-30 mm.
- Roulette.
- Building stapler.
- Nails, a hammer.
- Scotch.
Installation of a reflective foil insulation with their own hands is carried out as follows:
- On the rafters is stuffed a transverse crate of thin bars. Between a roof and a heater the backlash in width in 20-30 mm necessary for free circulation of air is created.
- The insulation plates are laid on the bars between the rafters to each other by a reflective surface inside the room and fastened together with a stapler. Seams between them are glued with scotch tape.
Price
The cost of reflective insulation on average in Moscow is 45-490 rubles / m2, depending on the variety of the main layer. Coverage of foam polyethylene Armofol costs 86-95. The price of open reflective thermal insulation BestIsol - 45-90. Depending on the thickness of the plates, Penofol A insulation with a one-sided foil coating will cost from 47 to 490. Products with a two-sided reflective layer of the brand Penofol B are sold at a price of 75-439 rubles / m2. Buy Izolon 100 or 500 can be in 32-175. Heat insulation of expanded polystyrene, coated with polypropylene film, Tilith TP will cost 270.
As to how effective the foil is for steam baths as a steam and heat insulating material, the opinions are ambiguous. The main argument of opponents of its use is a large thermal conductivity. Supporters emphasize high reflective and vapor-proof characteristics. Before making a choice, study all the types, advantages and disadvantages, get acquainted with the mounting technology and popular brands from the best manufacturers.
Reflecting abilities are the main property that makes aluminum foil a suitable insulant for a bath - a room that needs to be heated quickly and strongly. The second argument in favor of choice is resistance to humidity and high temperatures. Not every material is capable of withstanding the hot conditions of the steam room.
How to use foil with maximum efficiency
In a bath, foil can be used as a self-reflecting heat insulator or as one of the layers in a "cake" with other materials. If you lay the foil between the layer of thermal insulation and the lining, you get the thermos effect. This option of thermal insulation is ideal for bathhouses made of bricks, concrete blocks and constructed using wireframe technology.
Aluminum foil without a heater will only work as a reflector or vapor barrier, protecting sensitive materials from moisture. This option is often chosen to increase the air temperature in small steam rooms, as well as to protect wall materials and for the purpose of fire safety near the stoves.
Insulation of walls under the lining
Advantages and strong arguments for choosing
Essential advantages of foil for bath insulation in comparison with other variants result from its unique properties:
- Non-permeability for gases and vapors. Even a sheet with a thickness of 0.009 mm transmits water vapor in an amount of only 0.01 g per 1 sq. Km. m surface during the day, and starting from a thickness of 0.025 mm, the gas-vapor permeability is practically zero. Atoms of the metal are so dense that only hydrogen penetrates the grid. If you compare with any foil any polymer material, then its permeability will be the most insignificant.
- High resistance to corrosion. In air, the foil is covered with oxide, which protects it from the effects of chemistry and largely prevents the appearance of corrosion.
- Excellent refractory characteristics. Withstands the temperature to 145 degrees.
- Environmental Safety. The foil is non-toxic, does not absorb odors, is not attractive for the reproduction of microorganisms.
- The high reflectivity is 95 to 98%. This screen is like keeping heat inside the room, and serves as a barrier to the penetration of heated or cold air from the outside.
- Unstability of deformation. Canvas can take any form.
- Good ductility, stored in high temperature conditions.
- Resistance to ultraviolet rays, putrefaction, reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
- Absence of harmful fumes.
- Ease of installation.
Foil with mineral wool
Disadvantages of foil insulation
The advantages of foil for baths and saunas are much greater than minuses, but one should not overlook them. The following properties can be attributed to disadvantages:
- The tendency to gradual corrosion, as a result of which the reflective layer becomes cloudy, and the quality of protection is reduced. Therefore, choosing a foil-insulated thermal insulator for the steam room, pay attention to the presence of a metallized film layer.
- Limited temperature range, which is why it is necessary to arrange a vent to prevent overheating.
Mounting the foil on the ceiling
To buy high-quality foil for a bath, you need to choose certified products from manufacturers who have a good reputation in the market.
Foil for a bath on a paper basis
Brief overview of types and brands of foil insulations
Aluminum foil is an excellent sealant and reflector. These qualities contribute to the rapid warming of walls and air in the room, as well as the continued preservation of high temperature. Thin film with a mirror surface is not the only option, the industry produces many types of thermal insulation on its basis.
Rolled foil insulation
Varieties of materials for the arrangement of baths and saunas
Folgoisolone. It is a foil insulation on foamed polyethylene or polypropylene with a thermal conductivity of 0.031 W / mK. The second of them is PES with a density of 33 kg per cubic meter. m, has a thickness of 1.2 to 50 mm. The first, denoted by the abbreviation NPE, low-density material - up to 31.7 kg per 1 cu. m. Its maximum thickness is 15.5 mm. In form, these are rectangular, square sheets or rolls covered with foil on one or both sides.
Folgoisolon on foamed polyethylene
Simple foil in rolls. Available in price material, manufactured in accordance with GOST 618-73. The decisive moment when choosing foil for a bath is the last parameter. The optimal variant is 30-300 mk, and the width can be any. If the marking on the package is in the form of the letter M, then it means that you have a soft or annealed foil in front of you, and a roll with T is a solid unannealed material, which is sometimes let out by sheets.
Aluminium foil
Foil with mineral wool as a basis. It is a heat-resistant foil insulation for a bath with a high thermal insulation ability. On sale there are rolls and rigid plates with a thickness of 5-10 cm with a thermo-insulating layer from 8 to 10 mm. Under the main term can be concealed as basalt wool, obtained from the melt of volcanic rocks, and glass wool, made of glass and sand quartz.
Insulation based on mineral wool foil
Kraft foil. High-strength foil on a paper basis for a bath. This category includes a three-layer material, which has a cellulose, a thin layer of polyethylene and a coating of aluminum. Foil on kraft paper or fabric - the best option for a bath. It operates in the temperature range from 50 to 100 degrees C. If the installation is properly performed, it reflects up to 95% of the heat. It is sold in the form of sheets 0.03-1 mm thick or rolls 1 m wide and 30 m long.
The role of foil on kraft paper
What is Penofol and its variants
Under the trademark "Penofol" is produced a thin material with a dense structure and high thermal insulation performance. To achieve a good effect, a thickness of not more than 10 mm is sufficient. "Penofol", in addition to its main function, serves as a soundproofing device, and also does not let moisture from outside, is hypoallergenic and resistant to mechanical influences. They release the material in rolls, it is very convenient for transportation.
The following brands are sold:
- A - a layer of foil is available on one side, has a wide range of operating temperatures - from -40 to +150 degrees;
- B - foil web two-sided, operating temperature range -40 - +300 degrees;
- C - one side is equipped with a self-adhesive layer, the other - simply with foil. The operating temperature is -40 to +80 degrees. The standard roll has a length of 50 m and a width of 1 m.
Stitched and uncrosslinked "Izolon"
"Izolon" is produced at the Izhevsk Plastics Factory, the material with foil is often used as a heater for a bath in the locker rooms. Depending on the technology used, the material is "cross-linked" and "uncrosslinked". The second type of production is a foamed polyethylene with an unbound molecular structure, and in the first it is modified, which improves its characteristics.
The insulation is covered with foil on one or both sides. It is designed for operation in the range of 60 to 105 degrees. In sales outlets comes in rolls, mats and ribbons. For ease of installation, look for self-adhesive foil. The adhesive layer is protected with special paper or film.
Heater with foil of known brand
"Isover" from the company "Saint-Gobain Isover"
This well-known French company "Saint-Gobain Isover" produces this roll material with a fiberglass base. The foamed isover reflects the heat well, since it is covered on one side with foil, reinforced with glass fiber.
Durable mineral fibers are distinguished by their unique structure. In their composition there are thermal additives, allowing to withstand the temperature up to 400 degrees.
Quality meets international and European standards. The only drawback is the possible separation of glass fiber particles, so the installation should be carried out using protective means.
Foil heat insulator URSA
Insulation for frame structures URSA
The foamed insulation of URSA is produced by a Spanish company. Its basis is a glass charge or staple glass fiber. The production technology also requires the use of dolomite, sand, soda, and other minerals in the manufacturing process. As a result, thin fibers are obtained, glued together with a special composition. Thermal insulation in the form of plates or in rolls - dense and flexible, well lays on the surface.
For frame saunas and baths, the most suitable material is URSA M-11 foil with good heat-reflecting and vapor-proof properties.
Foil insulation of different types
How to choose the best insulation for different tasks
The choice of insulation with foil for the bath depends on the material from which the building is built, and the frequency of its use. In some cases, you can do with a simple aluminum foil, and in others you need a skin with the use of a heat-insulating layer.
Regardless of what kind of bath foil you prefer, you should proceed from the following considerations:
- Buying cheap products of unknown origin, there is a risk to purchase material made from raw materials of poor quality. Its performance properties will be at the lowest level.
- The heater must be covered with real aluminum foil. Some manufacturers practice spraying, but there is not much use for it.
- The threshold of ignition is of great importance. The foil in the bath is exposed to high temperatures, so fire safety is the main criterion of choice.
- It is important to choose the correct thickness of the insulation with foil on the walls for the bath, this will determine the effectiveness of the work you have done.
Sheathing of the bath
What foil insulation is needed for a wooden bath
For a log cabin with well-walled walls, no additional heaters are required. Wood conducts heat poorly, so it is well preserved inside.
In a small building, only the ceiling is lined with foil or kraft foil. If the bath is spacious and you need to update the interior, you can decorate its walls and ceiling with a simple foil, and then ply with wooden lining.
In order to protect the tree from fire, use a wall covering behind the stove. Such a measure additionally raises the temperature in the steam room, since the heat is reflected from the foil.
When choosing an ordinary foil for a bath, do not ignore such a parameter as the thickness of the aluminum layer. It ranges from 0.007 to 0.2 mm, and the vapor tightness of the material is directly proportional to this value.
Foil as a vapor barrier
Sheathing for walls from other materials
Buildings from aerated concrete blocks are considered very warm, but there is a need for a vapor barrier. You can use ordinary foil for such a bath, but it is better if it is pasted onto a waterproof kraft paper. This insulation will become a reliable barrier to the emergence of dampness, keep inside and heat, and steam, do no harm to health.
Baths with skeleton and brick walls are subject to mandatory insulation due to the fact that they keep the temperature poorly. Here you need a foil insulation, the basis of which is mineral wool or polystyrene foam. You can also make a "thermos" made of a thickener and aluminum foil.
Reflective insulation installation technology
When the baths are insulated with foil their own work starts with the thermal insulation of the ceiling, then they move to the walls. These two stages have their differences, although they are basically similar.
Connection of joints with scotch tape
- It is important that the reflective layer of aluminum foil be oriented into the interior of the room.
- Fixation is carried out directly to the wooden slats with the help of staples or nails. With a large width of the canvas, it is fixed both at the edges and in the middle.
- There must be an air gap between the foil and the skin material, which will reduce the thermal conductive properties, and the maximum number of beams that fall on it, will return again to the bath or sauna room.
- Particular attention should be given to the joints in order to exclude cold bridges.
Packing planks
Sequence of work on the insulation of the ceiling
Under the ceiling, the temperature is maximum, therefore, the heat loss through it is large. When the role of insulation is made by mineral wool, the installation of foil on the ceiling should be carried out in the following sequence:
- Pour the ceiling with roll paper.
- Make the crate of wooden racks. The thickness depends on the choice of insulation.
- Lay the batten or plate heater between the elements of the crate, fixing it with temporary slats.
- Proceed to mounting the foil. To lay it it is necessary with an overlap from 20 to 25 sm and an admission on walls.
- Paste the metalized adhesive tape on the joints to create the most tight seal.
- Fill over the 50 mm thick cage rails.
- Treat the nails with which you are going to fasten the trim, with a special compound that protects them from corrosion. Wood cover on all sides waterproof varnish - this will extend its operational life.
- Carry out the installation of the finishing material. Between the foil and the finish there will be an air corridor, equal in height to the thickness of the rail, which will ensure good air convection.
- Cover the chimney with asbestos. Do not lay the heater close to the pipe.
Ceiling mount
Mounting on the ceiling foil insulation, greatly simplifies the process. It is simply cut to lengths of necessary length and fastened to the ceiling. For sealing joints, heat-resistant adhesive tape is used.
Fastening around the window
The technology of warming the walls of the steam room
After completing the work on the ceiling, go to the walls:
- Open the roll material and secure it between the frame elements. For installation, sheets or rolls with a width of 0.6 or 1.2 m are most convenient.
- Cover the insulation with foil, spreading it the same way as on the ceiling - overlapping, making allowance for the floor.
- Seal joints with adhesive tape.
- Install on the foil a wooden crate of 50x50 mm beams, fixing them with screws or pre-treated nails. The distance between the beams is selected by the width of the roll.
- Hang walls with finishing material.
Stacking near the door
Choosing foil to equip a sauna or sauna, you will save from 25 to 30% of the fuel used for heating, protect buildings from the development of mold, harmful microorganisms, thus prolonging its useful life. But all this is possible only with the correct choice of insulating material and its competent installation. Help in these matters can only professionals.
Video: Warmth-keeping
There are a lot of methods of thermal insulation and each has its own advantages. Particularly popular in recent years are heat insulating materials that work on the principle of heat reflection.
Most often reflective insulation is a thin, light and flexible material, covered with a metal layer. Due to the low thermal conductivity of such insulation are perfectly suitable for use both in everyday life and in industrial buildings.
Among the undeniable advantages of this technology, we can particularly note the following:
- ease of use;
- compactness;
- wide range of operating conditions;
- safety and environmental friendliness;
- high reflectance and heat retention;
- low degree of flammability;
- durability.
Let us dwell on some of the above points in more detail.
Basalt reflective material can be used in the temperature range up to 500 degrees Celsius, and the temperature could be higher, since basalt fiber retains its qualities up to 900 degrees, the limitation is due to the coating material - aluminum. Especially valuable is the quality in such applications as baths and saunas.
In the production of the basis for reflective insulation, 100% natural raw materials are used - basalt, which constitutes the greater part of the earth's crust. Manufacturing completely eliminates the use of phenol-formaldehyde resins and other organic fillers. Accordingly, the risk of release of harmful fumes into the atmosphere (if the reflective heat insulation is very hot) is reduced to almost zero.
Such a roll insulator has a very low flammability, close to zero. This quality is used when the building needs to be given additional refractory qualities. Almost all modern metal structures in new buildings, air ducts and smoke removal systems use similar materials.
Reflective thermal insulation of basalt is distinguished by its durability. The life of the material is equal to the lifetime of the structure in which it is used. This is due to the inertness of basalt to acids and alkalis.
Selection of materials for thermal insulation
When buying this material, it is worth remembering that it is very likely the opportunity to purchase a substandard fake. First of all check the roll for flammability - just set it on fire: a good basalt insulator will not prove itself in any way. Further spend something sharp on the aluminum coating - there should not be absolutely no trace. Pay attention to the accompanying information - it is best if the glass incombustible thread is used for the firmware, while dishonest manufacturers use less thin foil and polyethylene film.
Video on installation of reflective thermal insulation
The main recommendation when installing a roll basaltic insulator is to take into account the width of the air layer between the reflective layer and the finish coat, and also the direction of the heat fluxes. Reflective insulation must always be installed with the foil side facing the heat source.
User questions:
- Hello. Many write that the falsified thermal insulation can not be fastened with a stapler, otherwise the effectiveness of the material is lost and if this is so than can be glued to it. Thank you