10 best wall insulation
House insulation can significantly reduce the cost of heating the living space. Along with the installation of energy-efficient windows and doors, complex insulation of the roof and foundation, it is important to reliably protect the walls from the cold. There are many different types of insulation on the construction market, but not all of them can claim to be the best material. Some of them can be used outside the house for siding, others are best used inside the house. It all depends on the type of wall and the characteristics of the heat insulator. To choose the most effective insulation, and at the same time not go broke, it is useful to get acquainted with the recommendations of experts.
- First of all, it is necessary to take into account the thermal conductivity of the material. It must match the climate of the region. The effectiveness of the insulation must be matched with its thickness. Preference should be given to thinner materials with the same thermal conductivity.
- More advantageous look universal heaters, which at the same time protect the house from cold, noise, moisture, etc. This will significantly save on work.
- The choice of insulation also depends on the type of wall. It is easier to glue a heat insulator to brick bases, it is more convenient to attach it to wooden walls with nails or self-tapping screws.
- The best result is provided by complex wall insulation. Outside, a weather-resistant material is selected, inside it is necessary to use environmentally friendly insulation.
- Do not forget about such a moment as biological resistance to mold and mildew. In any case, the insulation has a certain moisture content, which becomes a breeding ground for microorganisms. But not all of them breed bacteria.
- A useful property of a heat insulator is its resistance to ignition. It is from the insulation that the ignition begins when it is short-circuited in the wiring.
Our review includes the best insulation for walls. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:
- innovativeness of the material;
- environmental friendliness of insulation;
- specifications;
- price;
- expert opinion;
- consumer reviews.
The best insulation for walls outside
Outside heaters are selected taking into account their resistance to weathering. It is also better to give preference to materials that do not attract insects (wasps, hornets) and rodents (mice, rats).
5 Thermal insulation ETIZ Steamglass Strong 180
In many technical characteristics, thermal insulation Strong 180 made by the Russian company ETIZ surpasses traditional heaters. The solid porous material is made from water glass by foaming and subsequent curing. The heat insulator was developed and patented by Russian scientists. Experts compare foam glass insulation with eggshells. It creates ideal protection against cold and noise for the inhabitants of the house. The unique properties of the material are explained by the cellular structure, so the foam glass can be mounted on glue and then plastered. Thermal insulation with a density of 180 kg / cu. m is perfect for finishing frame, brick walls from the outside due to fire resistance, chemical and biological resistance, high vapor permeability and durability.
Not all users can afford to use Strong 180 Parglass due to its high cost. Also, the material is afraid of shock loads.
4 Polyfoam PSB-S 15
Foam plastic remains one of the most demanded heaters in construction. Foamed polystyrene foam of the PSB-S 15 brand has the lowest price, which is the reason for the popularity of the material. When using this heat insulator, its features should be taken into account. Polyfoam PSB-S-15 is white and consists of foamed fused granules. Of all brands, this insulation has the lowest density.Therefore, the material does not withstand mechanical stress, which affects the scope of application. With the help of polystyrene, walls in a frame house or under siding are insulated, it can be attached to brick or block bases.
To the advantages of expanded polystyrene, users note biological safety, resistance to moisture and microorganisms, and durability. Of the obvious disadvantages, one can single out the fragility of the insulation, flammability. In addition, rodents often make nests in it.
3 EcoVata SoundGuard EcoAcoustic
One of the most environmentally friendly wall insulation materials is ecowool. However, the material is most often used as an external insulator. The fact is that the heat insulator is able to absorb a large amount of moisture, but it evaporates badly. Therefore, experts recommend applying a thermal insulation coating to the outside of the building. Ecowool is produced in the form of a loose homogeneous mass, which is applied by spraying, or in the form of SoundGuard EcoAcoustic boards. The insulation is distinguished by excellent soundproofing properties, which makes its use economically viable.
The experience that users shared on thematic forums testifies to the high efficiency of this heat and noise insulator. Rodents and insects do not start in it. The material is not suitable for residents of the house who are allergic to paper dust.
2 Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) PENOPLEX Comfort
The technology for the production of extruded polystyrene was invented by the Americans in 1941. Since 1998, the Russian company Penoplex has been supplying moisture-proof insulation to the domestic market. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a foamed organic compound bead that is formed after being pushed through a die. Excellent thermal insulation qualities are formed due to the large number of small closed cells. The material also has other useful properties for homeowners, such as sound insulation and moisture resistance. Unlike foam, extruded polystyrene foam has a high compressive strength, which expands its scope.
Users call it the best insulation for outside walls at home. It is suitable for both brick and wood substrates. The disadvantages of the material include flammability, high price and "friendship" with insects.
1 Polyurethane foam (PPU) Wetisol SprayFoam-50
The universal insulating material is polyurethane foam (PPU). It can be used to insulate walls outside a frame, brick or wooden house. The material is becoming more and more popular in the Russian market due to its excellent heat, sound and waterproofing properties. Experts consider it to be the best outdoor broad spectrum insulator. Wetisol SprayFoam-50 liquid insulation has excellent adhesion to any surfaces, low thermal conductivity, high penetrating ability. By creating a continuous layer, it is possible to neutralize the cold bridges formed in the frame or lathing.
Users who have used Wetisol SprayFoam-50 insulation, note the high efficiency of thermal insulation, resistance to decay and damage by insects or rodents. The disadvantage of the material is the high price, the need to use special equipment for application.
The best insulation for walls from the inside
When choosing an internal insulation, the environmental friendliness of the material comes to the fore. Continuous contact with the heat insulator can negatively affect the health of people who are sensitive to allergens.
5 Penofol 2000
The best insulating qualities are demonstrated by the material Penofol 2000. It is a combined protection against cold and noise. In addition, the insulation has high vapor barrier properties. The basis of penofol is polyethylene foam, in which the air pores are closed.On one side (in some modifications, on both sides), aluminum foil is attached to the polyethylene foam. Its thickness is only 14 microns, so the metal part does not make the heat insulator much heavier. Penofol can be used both as the main insulating layer and for additional insulation inside the premises.
Users most often used penofol to insulate old wooden houses. The simplicity of installation, affordable price, fire resistance deserve flattering words. The downside of the material is the lack of thermal conductivity for use in regions with cold climates.
4 Liquid insulation Altermo Standard
An interesting novelty in the field of thermal insulation materials is the liquid thermal insulation Altermo Standard. This product is sold as a white emulsion that can be applied by roller, brush or spray. The manufacturer has applied a unique technology that has made it possible to obtain acrylic-bonded evacuated microspheres. The composition also contains anti-corrosion and antifungal additives. Externally, the two-layer coating is a regular paint. Only the heat-insulating layer is distinguished by high elasticity and excellent vapor permeability. The test results showed that applying 1 mm of liquid insulation is equivalent to using a 50 mm layer of mineral wool. If the technology is observed, the service life is 20 years.
Most often, users used liquid insulation to insulate walls on loggias and balconies. Even a tactile surface is warmer than a regular brick surface.
3 Mineral wool ISOVER Optimal
Mineral wool is an inorganic insulation with a fibrous structure. The material is found on the domestic market in different designs. Differs in mineral wool and composition. Stone (basalt) wool is best suited for laying heat insulators inside buildings. The leading position is occupied by the company ISOVER, which offers the consumer a variety of insulation options. For walls, mineral wool looks best in the form of slabs or rolls. The choice depends on the wall lathing, the type of base, etc. The popularity of mineral wool is explained by its affordable price, good heat and sound insulation qualities, and ease of installation.
Along with low thermal conductivity and excellent elasticity, users have noticed some disadvantages of this insulation. This is a deterioration in thermal conductivity when wet and a high level of dust. Causes controversy and environmental friendliness of the material due to the presence of formaldehyde resins.
2 Fiberboard GB-600
The best qualities of stone and wood combine innovative fiberboard panels. They are absolutely safe for human health, which allows them to be used as internal insulation. The GB-600 slab is produced with a thickness of 14 to 50 mm, so you can choose the material for any climatic conditions. The composition of the heat insulator contains components such as wood wool, water glass and Portland cement. The scope of application is not limited to wall structures, fiberboard has proven itself well as a heater for floors, foundations and roofs.
Many users use fibreboard as a structural material, for example, in the form of a permanent formwork. The weak point of the insulation is considered to be low water resistance, which, combined with temperature changes, leads to destruction.
1 Wicanders technical plug
The best indoor wall insulation is Wicanders technical cork. This natural material is made from cork oak and is intended for indoor thermal insulation. Depending on the purpose, a roll or plate with a certain thickness is selected. For walls, experts recommend cork insulation in the form of plates with a thickness of 4 to 10 mm. The uniqueness of the material lies in its versatile qualities.It is not only a good heat insulator, but also effectively reduces noise, does not allow moisture to penetrate, is not afraid of temperature extremes, and does not burn.
Cork does not cause allergies, which is especially important for a certain category of people. The insulation does not attract rodents and insects, does not rot, and microorganisms do not develop on it. One of the main disadvantages of a technical plug, according to users, is its high price.
