The use of roll insulation. Description of roll insulation: what are they and how to choose? Roll insulation for walls

Insulating boards do not show adequate effectiveness when insulating large areas, as well as pipes and ventilation ducts. This is due not only to their technical parameters, but also to their high density and rigidity, which excludes the possibility of high-quality coating of elements with complex geometry. In such a situation, it is more advisable to use roll insulation, the varieties and features of which will be discussed in this material.

Materials of this group are most widespread in the domestic market. This is due not only to their excellent operational and technical data, but also to an acceptable pricing policy - such a combination is so far unattainable for competitive offers.

Flexibility makes work easier

Assortment and features of species

The term “mineral wool” is a unified designation for a whole range of heat insulators, namely:

basalt wool - for the production of this material, the technology of melting certain rocks is used, followed by the formation of the finest fibers on their basis, woven into a single carpet;
glass wool is a material, although it is considered obsolete, but still has a fairly high demand due to its affordable cost. For its production, remelted broken glass is used;
slag wool - it is based on waste obtained in the metallurgical industry. Due to this, such insulation in rolls has a lower cost than basalt and glass wool.

Material Specifications

Each type of mineral wool has its own distinctive features and characteristics. Thus, glass wool perfectly resists high temperatures, up to 450 degrees - after exceeding this parameter, the material is destroyed irreversibly. The highest density is 130 kg/m3, thermal conductivity values vary in the range of 0.038–0.046 W/m*C.

Glass wool is not flammable, it does not even smolder, it perfectly absorbs vibrations, resists sound vibrations and does not shrink even after long-term use. At the same time, the material is not moisture resistant, and getting it wet completely eliminates the entire range of positive characteristics. It is worth noting the fragility of glass wool, as well as the fact that contact with human skin causes severe itching.

As for basalt wool, such rolled thermal insulation can withstand temperatures up to 700 degrees. Its thermal conductivity is 0.035–0.045 W/m*C, and its density reaches 220 kg/m3. The material is resistant to moisture; slight wetting does not affect its parameters at all. Basalt wool is an environmentally friendly and non-irritating material.

Slag wool has the largest mass, and its density reaches 400 kg/m3. The material is characterized by minimal thermal conductivity - 0.046–0.048 W/m*C, and the highest temperature it can withstand is 300 degrees - its increase causes melting of the slag wool and destruction of its structure.

The dimensions of the materials largely depend on the manufacturer, but most often they have the following standard sizes:

length – varies between 3-6 m or more;
width - standard 0.6 and 1.2 m, although products of individual brands may have a width of 1.22 m and 0.61 m;
thickness – 50, 100 and 150 mm.

Foil insulator and its properties

It is worth noting that manufacturers often cover the heat insulator on one side with a layer of foil, which makes it possible to protect the coating from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays and moisture penetration. Its use is advisable when insulating a room from the inside, and the base can be made of a variety of materials.

The optimal solution for internal thermal protection

Types of insulation and features of each type

The backing is made from foamed polyethylene, cork or expanded polystyrene. Expanded polystyrene is an affordable and very practical rolled foil insulation that does an excellent job of sound absorption, is not hygroscopic and can dampen even minor vibration manifestations.

The Thermo-Tap heat insulator has excellent reviews among consumers, the roll length of which reaches 10 m with a width of 0.5 m. Practice shows that such insulation perfectly resists fungus and moisture, but at the same time has lower thermal insulation values, inferior in this aspect products made of foamed polyethylene.

It is impossible not to mention the cork base for the heat insulator. The material is characterized by high strength, light weight, excellent aesthetic properties and absolute harmlessness to humans. For rooms with high levels of humidity, it is recommended to use a wax-impregnated cork backing. The length of the roll does not exceed 10 m, its width is 0.5 m.

Cork underlay is used for flooring

Foam-based polyethylene is a fabric consisting of tiny cells filled with air, covered with a layer of paper on top, which is attached by lamination. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve the most durable and reliable connection with any type of base.

Thermal insulator with frost protection

The most common type of foam insulation is Polifom, produced in rolls with the following dimensions: length - 14 m, width - 0.5 m, thickness 5 mm. Its density is 30 kg/m3, it perfectly absorbs sounds up to 22 dB, while offering a minimum thermal conductivity of 0.039 W/mK.

External coating and its relevance

The outer covering can be foil or have a metallized coating. Each option has its own characteristics, and its use may be justified in a given situation. Thus, metallized material retains steam well, but does not have the highest heat reflection rates.

It is indispensable when carrying out insulation work in bathrooms and shower rooms, as well as other rooms with high humidity levels. It is worth noting that such spraying does not have high strength - even a slight mechanical impact is enough to damage its integrity.

Rolled insulation with foil has excellent heat-reflecting properties and is resistant to various external influences. It can be placed behind radiators without any problems in order to retain more heat inside the room.

Easy installation

As for the disadvantages, foil insulation has poor vapor permeability, does not withstand direct contact with concrete, and the cost of a product with a thick layer of foil will be quite impressive.

The main advantages of foil insulation

Among the main advantages of foil heat insulators, the following are particularly worth noting:

excellent thermal shielding performance, about 97%;
good functionality and the ability to use not only walls, ceilings and floors, but also all kinds of industrial units for insulation;
minimal roll weight and ease of installation without the need to arrange frames and other structures. Fastening is possible using construction adhesive or regular polyurethane foam;
reasonable cost;
environmental friendliness and safety.

Inter-crown heat insulator and its features

There are also inter-crown roll insulation, which is a rather specific solution designed for filling voids in the inter-crown space. The crown is a level in a house made of timber or logs. No matter how well the installation is carried out, including using profiled timber, there remains free space between the crowns, which is precisely filled with this type of insulation.

It is produced exclusively in narrow rolls, and it is always made from natural and harmless materials, including:

batting;
jute;
flax and others.

The laying of the material is carried out not only during construction work, but also several years after its completion - as it is used, the wood dries out, which necessitates additional caulking (driving insulation into existing cracks using a wide chisel and mallet).

Manufacturers of thermal insulators and their products

Roll insulation from several manufacturers is in greatest demand among consumers.

Knauf is a German brand whose products do not contain formaldehyde, which makes the finished product absolutely safe and harmless, which is important during installation work.

Such insulation materials do not harbor rodents and insects, they have a wide product range, a long service life and can be used for insulation not only of apartments, but also of country houses (cottages).

Isover is a French manufacturer that offers a wide selection of roll insulation with excellent performance characteristics, including foil-coated ones. The product is suitable for carrying out insulation measures both indoors and outdoors; it is not subject to combustion and can be extinguished in a fire.

Insulation for external and internal work

URSA - Spanish insulation materials under this brand are characterized by a long period of operation with full preservation of the main technical parameters. The manufacturer guarantees the highest quality of its products and their effectiveness in both private and industrial construction.

TechnoNIKOL is a Russian manufacturer offering high quality products at quite affordable and affordable prices. These roll insulation materials are produced on the latest equipment using innovative technologies and techniques, which makes it possible to guarantee not only quality, but also a long service life.

When going shopping, it is worth remembering the following aspects of your choice:

Various variations of insulation are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The surface that will be covered with roll insulation also matters. There is a fundamental difference between the materials used to insulate the ceiling and walls. Each of these bases has its own insulation.
It is also important to remember what material the walls are made of. A thermal insulator for a wooden base may not be suitable for a concrete base and vice versa.
When choosing the thickness of the material, it is worth taking into account the temperature conditions in winter and the climate characteristics for a particular region.
Before purchasing, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the quality certificates and other permitting documentation for the selected roll insulation, and in addition, make sure that the packaging is intact. Moisture, even in small quantities, can negatively affect the calculated parameters of the material and its properties.

Choose high-quality material from trusted manufacturers

Insulation in rolls is available on the market in a wide range. Each of them has its own characteristics, positive and negative characteristics. The choice of a specific option is up to the user, but if there are difficulties, you should not rely on chance. It is better to seek help from professionals and save your nerves and money.

Roll insulation is a material with a low thermal conductivity, which is additionally characterized by sufficiently low rigidity, but at the same time holds its shape well. Coatings of this type are flexible, which allows finishing areas of complex configurations. Laying such material is not difficult. However, it is important to choose the right dimensions. Insulation in rolls is attached end-to-end; it is unacceptable to leave significant gaps between adjacent sections of thermal insulation. This will lead to the formation of cold bridges.

This type of material is universal, due to its properties (low rigidity and density, flexibility). This means that it can be used at facilities for various purposes (private, commercial, public, etc.). However, it should be remembered that each type of such material may have restrictions on its use, for example, if it does not meet operating conditions. Roll insulation is suitable for installation on horizontal and vertical surfaces. It is dense enough to maintain its shape.

A coating with a metallized layer is installed on objects and surfaces where it is important to provide the highest level of protection against heat loss: in baths, saunas, when installing water/electric heated floors, etc. The desired effect is achieved due to the presence of a heat-reflecting layer.

Roll insulation is the only affordable materials that are suitable for protecting surfaces with complex configurations: with differences in levels (stepped), bends, joints, and hard-to-reach places. This opportunity is due to flexibility and low rigidity.

Directions for using this type of thermal insulation:

covering walls outside and inside for decorative finishing of any kind (hard boards, soft materials and even wallpaper);
floor protection, in this case the roll insulation is protected from deformation by the lathing;
insulation of flat/pitched roofs;
reduction of heat loss through the ceiling;
protection of pipes for various purposes.

Types of materials in rolls

There are two groups of insulation materials, characterized by flexibility, low density and rigidity:

Based on expanded polystyrene, polyethylene. Such materials are characterized by a closed-porous structure, which is achieved by foaming the raw materials. As a result, most of the volume is a gaseous medium. By foaming polyethylene, a flexible coating of small thickness is obtained. Roll insulation of this type is characterized by low thermal conductivity, wear resistance, and lasts a long time.
Mineral wool is presented in varieties: glass and slag wool, basalt or stone wool. These are natural insulating coatings characterized by low thermal conductivity. Disadvantages include low strength, tendency to sag during operation, and hygroscopicity. The last of the properties is the reason for the short service life of the coating. This insulation is suitable for walls, floors, ceilings, attics, basements, and roofs. If you provide protection from moisture in areas with high loads, you can avoid deformation of the coating.

Foam insulation is divided into types, taking into account differences in the production method:

physically stitched;
chemically cross-linked;
gas-foamed.

The first 2 options are characterized by similar properties, but are manufactured using different technologies. In addition, insulation materials are divided into types, taking into account differences in structure: foam with additives (fire retardants), foil. The last option has improved properties. It not only reduces heat loss, but also reflects thermal radiation, returning it back to the room.

Glass wool

The material is based on glass industry waste and sand. Raw materials are exposed to high temperatures (+1450°C). During the melting process, the finest fibers appear. To obtain a thermal insulation material, a binder is added to glue the fiberglass together. Then molding occurs. In order for the binder component to obtain the desired properties, it must undergo a polymerization process. At the last stage, the material acquires a yellowish tint as a result of dyeing.

This type of thermal insulation layer protects different types of objects. Glass wool is a universal coating option. However, when working with it, you need to use personal protective equipment (respirator, goggles, gloves, closed clothing). This is due to the fact that the insulation contains particles that are characterized by small mass and can be released into the environment under the influence of external factors. Dust enters the respiratory tract, settles on the skin and mucous membranes, which provokes tissue irritation.

To slightly improve the strength indicators, the rolled material is reinforced. The disadvantages, in addition to the release of abrasive particles, include relatively low thermal conductivity. In terms of this parameter, the insulation is inferior to its foam counterparts. Another disadvantage is hygroscopicity. The vast majority of mineral coatings strongly absorb moisture.

Advantages of glass wool:

good sound insulation properties;
sufficient level of strength;
the material is lightweight, which means it will not weigh down the structure;
installation does not require special skills;
flexibility;
vapor permeability;
fire safety;
elasticity, due to which the insulation can restore its original shape;
small width means glass wool will not hide the space;
resistance to mold and fungi;
insulation is unattractive to rodents.

When choosing, not only positive/negative qualities are taken into account, but also coating parameters. Glass wool is characterized by the following properties:

the thermal conductivity value is in the range of 0.039-0.047 W/(m*K);
water absorption coefficient of glass wool for partial immersion - 15%;
This type of insulation is used at temperatures of -60…+250°C;
upon contact with water during the first day, the coating will absorb water in the amount of 1.7% of the total volume of thermal insulation material;
sound absorption rate: from 35 to 40 dB.

In terms of thermal conductivity, glass wool is similar to the following insulation materials: mineral wool, expanded polystyrene.

Izolon

This is foamed polyethylene foam, which is characterized by a closed-porous structure. Available in the following varieties: simple, with a foil layer on one or both sides. Izolon is a fairly dense, but at the same time soft insulation. Its characteristics:

the average thermal conductivity is 31 W/(m*K);
density - 33 g/m³, with a decrease in the value of this parameter, thermal conductivity increases;
the water absorption coefficient is 1%, which indicates that the insulation has no tendency to absorb moisture;
the material does not allow steam to pass through;
the ability to perform its main task (reducing the intensity of heat outflow) at low temperatures - down to -60°C, while the insulation does not lose its properties, does not break, does not deform;
service life is about 100 years;
resistance to negative factors is noted: precipitation, high loads;
no toxic substances are released during combustion;
the material is environmentally friendly;
Izolon insulation protects the object from noise, and a decrease in the intensity of sound waves is noted even with a minimum thickness of the material.

If we consider the foil coating, we should highlight its ability to reflect heat. The insulation reflects 97% of the heat back into the room. Isolon is not deformable. This means that under the influence of moderate loads it retains its properties.

Plates in rolls

In this case we are talking about materials with increased rigidity, which are formed into rolls. These include basalt wool. This material is characterized by a fibrous structure and is superior to glass wool in terms of hygroscopicity and thermal conductivity. In addition, basalt wool in rolls is almost no different in density from isolon (30 kg/m³). Thermal conductivity of the material is 0.039 W/(m*K). In terms of water absorption coefficient, the insulation is inferior to foam analogues (15%). The main advantage of this coating is its non-flammability.

Roll Size Chart

For comparison, we take insulation whose thickness does not exceed 50 mm. This is due to the fact that more massive rolled thermal insulation materials roll up much worse. The review involves fiber coatings. Manufacturers of insulation in rolls:

To compare coatings by cost and determine the most suitable option, take into account the number of strips in the package.

conclusions

Rolled thermal insulation is in many cases preferable because it is characterized by flexibility. In addition, the material of this group has low thermal conductivity, which allows it to be used to insulate an object. However, it should be borne in mind that fiber roll coatings do not tolerate contact with liquids well, so they must be carefully protected with waterproofing.

If you plan to use foam insulation, it is important to remember that they do not allow steam to pass through, which means the microclimate in the room may worsen. To avoid negative consequences when installing this type of insulation, it is recommended to install supply and exhaust ventilation or increase the efficiency of natural air circulation in the room.

Hello, dear friends! When choosing thermal insulation materials for a residential building and outbuildings, you probably paid attention to roll insulation.

It is easy to use, its small thickness does not “steal” space, and the price in most cases is quite reasonable. Where and how can roll thermal insulation be used? What properties, advantages, disadvantages does it have? We'll tell you in this article.

Roll insulation refers to thermal insulation materials produced in rolls, based on expanded polystyrene foam or polyethylene. Now manufacturers are mastering the production of foam roll materials based on environmentally friendly natural raw materials, for example, rubber, balsa wood, cellulose.

Rolled heat insulators based on polymer materials are divided into two types:

Insulation in rolls with foil has high heat-retaining properties. The peculiarity of this type of insulation is that the layer of cellular polyethylene is covered with a layer of foil 0.5–2.0 mm. This material is resistant to high temperatures up to +180 C.
Conventional fine-porous insulation, produced in the form of rolls of various sizes. In this case, there is no foil reflective layer.

There are also mineral-based roll insulation materials - these are mineral wool and basalt wool in rolls. In terms of properties and characteristics, these insulation materials are absolutely identical to ordinary mineral wool.

Thermal insulators in rolls based on foamed polymers have the following properties:

high level of environmental safety;
durability, not susceptible to rotting, exposure to rodents and insects;
excellent heat-retaining properties with small thickness;
low level of moisture absorption;
good sound insulation;
easy to install, can be cut into any parts and shapes without any problems.

Most thermal insulators in rolls have a self-adhesive base, which makes it possible to further simplify the insulation process and save on the purchase of adhesive composition.

Scope of application of roll insulation

Roll insulation materials are used for thermal insulation of vertical and horizontal surfaces. Foil material is indispensable for creating thermal insulation in bath rooms, as it retains heat well and has heat-reflecting properties. This material has also found wide application for thermal insulation of individual structures, joints, and in hard-to-reach places.

Let's look at the main ways to use rolled heat insulators.

Rolled thermal insulation for walls

Rolled wall insulation can be used as a heat-insulating material applied under decorative finishing, including wallpaper.

The application technology is very simple:

self-adhesive material is glued to a wall that has been prepared in advance, leveled and cleared of debris and old finishes;
A cement-based adhesive is applied to the heat insulator layer, its properties reminiscent of liquid plaster;
After the adhesive has hardened, you can begin gluing the wallpaper.

The use of such material for wallpaper will significantly increase the heat-retaining properties of the walls, as well as their sound insulation.

Rolled floor insulation

It is used as a substrate for various types of decorative floor coverings. It not only has heat-insulating properties, but also gives the floor “softness”, eliminates squeaks and sounds when the floor covering shrinks and moves.

In some cases, a foil thermal insulator can be used to insulate the floor; this will increase heat retention; however, the cost of materials reinforced with foil is 30–60% more expensive.

The technology for performing floor insulation work using foamed polymer in rolls is very simple:

the material is glued to a wooden floor or concrete screed using an adhesive composition or self-adhesive properties;
leveled so that there are no “bubbles”;
The floor covering is laid on top.

The advantages of such a heat insulator include ease of installation, lack of debris, durability and environmental safety. When choosing a roll insulation for the floor, it is worth remembering that the “softer” the floor covering, the denser the insulation should be.

In other words, it is better to use a polymer with maximum density under linoleum, otherwise when you walk you will “sink” into the floor covering, but under laminate or parquet you can lay a polymer with any density.

Rolled roof insulation

Suitable for thermal insulation of pitched and flat roofs. A roof insulated with such material will remain warm for several decades. You can install thermal insulation on your own, without involving highly paid specialists. The heat insulator is located between the elements of the roof rafter system, and distortions, the formation of waves and other defects are not allowed.

In some cases, for example, when insulating a residential attic space or in regions with a cold climate, it is recommended to lay the insulating polymer in two layers.

The technology for installing roof thermal insulation depends on the design features. The best option is when thermal insulation is calculated at the design stage. In this case, the work boils down to rolling out the rolled material and gluing it to the inner surface of the roof, laying a layer of vapor barrier material on top and installing the final finish, for example, siding, lining, etc.

Conclusion

Rolled polymer heat insulation is an excellent option for increasing heat retention indoors. It is easy to use, flexible, durable, and not expensive. Foil material is indispensable when insulating a bath or sauna, as it has reflective properties and is moisture resistant.

The not always convenient and functional thermal insulation boards are being replaced by an improved version of thermal insulation - roll insulation, equally effective for walls and ventilation ducts, pipes, roofs and other surfaces. The material has improved technical parameters and, unlike mineral wool in slabs with high rigidity and density, allows it to be used for elements with complex geometries.

The insulation has high performance and technical characteristics and is sold at an affordable price. Roll insulation is used both in repair and capital construction to increase the thermal insulation properties of surfaces:

basement;
attic;
balcony;
gender;
ceilings, etc.

Standard roll insulation based on mineral wool under wallpaper on walls in a residential area allows you to increase the temperature by several degrees by reducing heat loss.

Additionally, the material prevents the development of dampness, the appearance of fungus and mold, and if there is an uneven surface, it hides flaws without additional work.

The wide range of application of mineral wool in rolls suggests its versatility. The material is practically indispensable in modern areas of construction; it allows you to create a truly functional and durable layer of thermal insulation both in apartments and houses, as well as in outbuildings, factories, saunas, baths, etc.

Particularly important is the ability of the material to contact pipes and surfaces of ventilation shafts. In this case, roll thermal insulation is installed primarily due to the elasticity and flexibility of the material. The rolls are easy to use and allow you to finish uneven surfaces, including at sub-zero temperatures.

Advantages of thermal insulation in rolls

Comparing roll insulation with conventional slabs based on mineral wool, the advantages of the first are obvious. These include:

Minimum thermal conductivity indicators, including among budget models.
Resistance to atmospheric conditions, temperature changes, rodents and microorganisms while maintaining basic thermal insulation properties.
A wide selection of materials based on different types of mineral wool for insulating surfaces with different performance characteristics and features.
Resistance to high temperatures (up to 700 degrees Celsius), open flame.
Noise-reducing properties, which allows you to increase the level of heat and sound insulation.
Ease of installation.

Rolled thermal insulation based on mineral wool also has a small drawback - high vapor conductivity, which will require the installation of a vapor barrier layer.

Types and characteristics of thermal insulation in rolls

The insulation in rolls is based on mineral wool, which can be presented in several versions:

in the form of basalt wool;
glass wool;
slagging.

Materials based on basalt wool are created using the technology of melting rocks to form thin rocks woven into a single carpet.

To produce materials based on glass wool, remelted glass waste is used, which can significantly reduce the cost of finished heat insulators.

For thermal insulation in rolls based on slag wool, waste from the metallurgical industry is mainly used. Compared to insulation based on the above-described insulation based on basalt wool and glass wool, it is the cheapest.

Each of the mentioned thermal insulation materials has its own set of characteristics, despite the fact that they are all an improved version of mineral wool. For example, glass wool is quite resistant to high temperatures. The heat insulator is capable of withstanding up to 450 degrees Celsius; when the temperature rises above this mark, the surface is destroyed and cannot be restored.

Materials based on glass wool have the highest density and thermal conductivity. The rolls are non-flammable, do not smolder, cope well with vibration manifestations, suppress sound vibrations and, what is important, do not shrink regardless of the length of service life.

Among the disadvantages of materials based on fiberglass wool, it is worth noting the instability to moisture, as well as the unpleasant consequences that arise when it comes into contact with human skin.

Thermal insulators based on basalt wool in rolls can withstand high temperatures up to 700 degrees, have excellent thermal conductivity and density. Unlike heat insulators based on fiberglass wool, the materials are able to resist moisture while maintaining basic performance characteristics even after getting wet. Thermal insulators belong to the group of environmentally friendly materials that cannot cause allergic reactions.

Slag wool is thermal insulation for insulating surfaces whose operating temperature will not exceed 300 degrees Celsius. The density of materials reaches 400 kg/m3, thermal conductivity ranges from 0.046 to 0.048 W/m*C.

Temperatures exceeding the specified limit will lead to melting of the slag wool with destruction of the structure. Depending on the manufacturer, you can choose materials for thermal insulation based on slag wool with suitable parameters: length - from 3 to 6 m, width - from 0.6 to 1.2 meters, thickness - from 50 to 150 mm.

Heat insulator with foil surface: features

Foil thermal insulation materials have one main feature - a side with a layer of foil, designed to reduce the impact of ultraviolet rays on the surface and provide additional protection from moisture. They use materials for insulating indoor surfaces with a base of different types of wool.

You need to work with foil thermal insulation using a special technology, observing some nuances, for example, not forgetting about a small gap (no more than 1.5 cm) between the finish and the thermal insulation material. This is important because as the temperature rises, the insulation will maintain the temperature, transferring it to the back wall, returning it back to the walls, but not into the room, as necessary.

Another important nuance - unlike insulation in rolls based on basalt, fiberglass or slag wool, foil insulation is mounted on the sheathing, placing it overlapping and treating the joints with insulating material.

Tips for choosing thermal insulation in rolls: what you need to know

Summarizing all of the above, it remains to note several important nuances regarding the choice of materials based on roll-type mineral wool for insulation. Experts recommend first of all taking into account the type of surface and purpose. It is necessary to select materials suitable for thermal insulation of certain surfaces: wood, concrete, brick, etc.

You should not write off the thickness of the base, taking into account temperature indicators and precipitation in the region, especially when it comes to external insulation.

When purchasing materials for thermal insulation based on any of the listed types of wool, you should pay attention to the integrity of the packaging. It is strictly prohibited for moisture to form on the packaging material.

Each of the above types of insulators has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, so the choice must be made after careful analysis, depending on the required functionality.

When insulating large areas, the best efficiency is shown not by insulating boards, but by rolls of insulation. The same applies to pipes and ventilation ducts. Their main difference is increased density, and a consequence of this is high rigidity of the coating, which allows for much better insulation of objects with non-standard geometry.

Features of the species

There are several types of insulation, mainly divided by composition.

Minvata

One of the most common thermal insulation materials on the Russian market is mineral wool. This is mainly due to a combination of price and technological properties of the material itself. It is very easy to use. It is advisable to choose a white, soft and self-adhesive material for the timber.

The name “mineral wool” is inherent in many thermal insulation materials that differ in their composition and properties. Not particularly popular is insulation, which is made by melting certain rocks to form certain fibers. During manufacturing, these fibers are woven into a single carpet; this wool is called “basalt”. Any resident of Russia and the CIS is familiar with the term “glass wool”.

This thermal insulation material is an outdated technology, but due to its price it is still in demand today. It is made by melting broken glass into single fibers. There is also cotton wool obtained by melting waste from the metallurgical industry (slag wool).

Due to the raw materials used in its manufacture, its price is much lower than that of glass wool or basalt wool.

Characteristics, pros and cons

Cotton wool differs from each other in technical characteristics. Glass wool has a high temperature threshold of 450 degrees, after which the material becomes irreversibly damaged. The density of glass wool is 130 kg/m3, and the thermal conductivity is about 0.04 W/m*C. This material is not flammable, it does not smolder, and has a high vibration and sound absorption threshold.

Over time, there is virtually no shrinkage, including options with long-term use.

The disadvantages include the fact that when water gets in, all the positive properties of this material disappear. Glass wool is a rather brittle and brittle material. Upon contact with skin, it causes irritation and itching, which is difficult to remove.

If it gets into the organs of vision, it can seriously harm them, as well as if it gets into the nasopharynx. You need to wear closed clothing when working with such material.

Basalt wool can withstand high temperatures (up to 710 degrees). Its thermal conductivity is about 0.04 W/m*C, density varies between 210 – 230 kg/m3. Unlike glass wool, this material is not afraid of moisture and does not lose its properties. When contacted with skin, roll insulation does not cause irritation or itching.

Slag wool has the greatest mass and density. Its density ranges from 390 to 410 kg/m3, and its thermal conductivity is about 0.047 W/m*C. However, its temperature maximum is much lower (about 300 degrees). The slag melts, and during the melting process its structure is destroyed, irreversibly.

The sizes of these materials vary, depending on the manufacturer's standards. However, the most common ones are:

length from 3 to 6 m;
standard width is 0.6 or 1.2 meters.

Some manufacturers make other width sizes (0.61 m). The thickness of the wool is standard (20, 50, 100 and 150 mm).

Foil material

Often one side of the insulation is covered with a layer of foil material. This allows you to protect the coating from moisture and ultraviolet rays. Most often, such materials are used for internal insulation of premises; the wool itself can be absolutely anything. The types of such material are varied. These include polystyrene foam, cork, and polyethylene.

The most popular material on the market is polystyrene foam. It is very practical and inexpensive. Copes perfectly with sound insulation and vibration. The length of the roll is usually 10 m, the width does not exceed 0.5 m. This material copes well with moisture and fungus. However, in terms of thermal insulation, it is significantly inferior to foamed polyethylene.

Thermal insulation with cork is characterized by high strength, light weight, harmlessness and good appearance. For wet rooms, it is recommended to use cork flooring with wax impregnation. The dimensions of this material are the same as those of expanded polystyrene. A fairly good material is foamed polyethylene. It consists of small cells filled with air, with cardboard or paper along the edges.

The substrate is secured by lamination. Due to this, it is possible to achieve the most durable and reliable connection with any type of base. Roll insulation has good thermal conductivity characteristics. Depending on the purpose, there are foil and metallized coatings.

For vapor reflection, a foil type of material is more suitable; for vapor containment, metallized spraying is required.

Spraying is very fragile and is damaged by small mechanical impacts. The foil material has excellent heat-reflecting characteristics. It is less susceptible to mechanical damage. Today, silver material with a reflector is quite popular.

Manufacturers and selection criteria

One of the leading companies producing roll insulation is a German company Knauf. A distinctive feature of the product is the absence of formaldehyde. In addition, the materials are characterized by ease of use. This company provides installation instructions for almost every roll, which will allow novice builders to do their insulation work better. Due to the composition, insects (beetles, ants) and rodents (rats) will not be able to settle in such thermal insulation.

The French brand is no less famous Isover. This company has a huge selection of roll-type insulation. Foil rolls are also available. The products of this company are used for insulating interior spaces, as well as outside buildings.

Due to its composition, it is fire-resistant; in the event of a fire or brief ignition, it does not support combustion and goes out on its own.

The most common company in the European part of Russia is the Spanish company URSA. Its products are somewhat cheaper than the French brand, the range is in no way inferior to it, which makes the materials in demand among buyers. The company provides a very long warranty on its products; it is better to check the exact warranty figures immediately before purchasing.

The cheapest insulation is produced by a domestic brand "TechnoNIKOL", which is aimed at middle-income people. The quality of this material is incomparable to foreign analogues, but the insulation is in great demand by people involved in their own construction of dachas or private houses. Due to the price, this is the favorite thermal insulation among management companies and other organizations that want to do something voluminous for little money. The mineral wool “Warm House” is also distinguished by its quality.

When purchasing, it is important to remember that different types of rooms require different insulation, just as ceiling insulation is highly undesirable when applied to the floor (and vice versa).

Wall insulation has its own characteristics, because the purpose of each type of insulation is slightly different, as are the properties. Some points also depend on the material of the structure on which the roll insulation is attached. It is necessary to look at how moisture affects the material in order to take this into account when choosing.

Installation technology

The technology for installing roll insulation is slightly different from slabs. They begin to insulate the walls or floor initially. The walls are mainly made of slabs, as is the straight ceiling. Therefore, often, floors and pitched ceilings-walls are suitable for insulation and installation. When insulating the floor, it is worth looking at what type of insulation is available.

Insulation in foil is mainly used, but sometimes rolls of insulation are covered with ordinary heat-insulating foil or metal film. The insulation should extend 1 cm away from the walls. This is due to the fact that when temperature changes, the material contracts and expands. The lack of free space in metallized or foil insulation leads to its deformation and damage over time.

Ceiling (pitched) insulation is attached between the rafters, cutting out a little more in order to insert it better between the boards. They are inserted strictly from bottom to top to avoid voids. After installation, the surfaces are clamped with main profiles or boards for application of additional (for example, vapor barrier) materials on top. The work is carried out especially carefully.