Heaters for internal walls at home is a topical issue for suburban buildings, because their walls are usually quite thin and poorly retain heat. To reduce heating costs country house, it is necessary to properly insulate the structure. If external insulation is not possible due to the design features of the building, then thermal insulation is made from the inside. When choosing a heater for walls inside a house in a country house, not only the price of the material is taken into account, but also its characteristics, installation features.

The choice of heaters for internal works huge, but not all materials can be used for thermal insulation of walls Source strodom.ru

Advantages and disadvantages of internal insulation

This type of insulation has several disadvantages:

  • Due to the size of the insulation, the useful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room is reduced - for small rooms this is especially critical.
  • Due to the displacement of the dew point (condensate), if the technology is not followed, condensation and mold may appear on the walls.
  • The premises may not be used during work.
  • Cheap wall insulation can adversely affect human health.

But it is this method that many prefer, which is explained by the positive aspects of internal insulation:

  • Work can be carried out regardless of weather conditions, which allows you to warm the room several times faster.
  • The technology of internal insulation is cheaper than external.
  • It becomes possible to align the walls and change the interior of the room.

The shift of the dew point during internal wall insulation leads to the accumulation of condensate Source sovet-ingenera.com

The formation of condensation on the walls is the main problem of internal insulation. There are several methods to solve it:

  • use a high-quality vapor barrier membrane;
  • choose a heat-insulating material with a minimum thermal conductivity;
  • as finishing material it is better to use moisture resistant drywall;
  • organize additional ventilation in the room.

How to choose the right heater

The choice of heat-insulating material is influenced by the characteristics of the room and the budget for the upcoming work.

Most often used for interior work:

  • mineral wool;
  • Styrofoam;
  • penoplex;
  • ecowool;
  • sprayed materials.

When choosing a material for the internal insulation of a country house, a number of parameters should be taken into account:

  • Thermal conductivity of the insulation- the lower this indicator, the better.
  • Frost resistance- suburban buildings are heated in winter period not constantly, therefore, the insulation will inevitably be affected by low temperatures.
  • Durability- having saved on insulation, you may be faced with the need to replace the heat insulator after 4–5 years.
  • Environmental friendliness- the material for internal insulation should not emit harmful substances.

In addition, the compatibility of the insulation with the material from which the walls are made is also taken into account. The calculation of the thickness of the insulation is carried out based on the thermal conductivity of the material itself, as well as the thickness and type of the walls to be insulated.

Often there is a temptation to choose the cheapest insulation for walls inside the house in the country, not really delving into the study of its characteristics and making preliminary calculations. This approach leads to disappointment with the results of thermal insulation, the appearance of additional problems in the form of mold, fungus, and condensate.

the main problem with improper internal insulation - mold formation Source alayam.com

But it also makes no sense to purchase the most expensive insulation, to make several additional layers to insulate walls in the country. To find the golden mean, to make competent calculations will help professionals who encounter such work regularly. A competent choice of insulation for interior work, compliance with technology is a real way to save money.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool for wall insulation inside the house is one of the most popular and common materials.

Mineral wool is the most popular material for insulation Source eurodach.lutsk.ua

It is a fibrous material. The fibers are formed by pulverizing certain types of slag or basalt. Thanks to this production technology, the material is environmentally friendly, natural.

Properties of mineral wool

Cotton wool does not burn, which is important when used in wooden houses.

Characteristics different types mineral wool Source pro-uteplenie.ru

This heater has several other advantages:

  • Resistance to biological organisms. Does not promote the formation of fungus and mold.
  • Good soundproof characteristics. Randomly superimposed fibers of mineral wool perfectly delay sound waves.
  • It is not subject to shrinkage, which retains the properties of this type of insulation throughout the entire service life.
  • The ability to pass air, which allows you to maintain a healthy microclimate in the room.

The correct functioning of the insulation is possible only in combination with additional moisture insulating materials. When exposed to water, mineral wool loses some of its thermal insulation properties. Over time, mineral wool is able to disintegrate into fibers, which requires replacement of the heat insulator

It should be borne in mind that mice and other small rodents can arrange nests and passages in glass wool. That's why country house before insulation must be protected from rodents.

Mice have chosen glass wool for nesting Source ecousadba.org

Features of mineral wool insulation: the need for additional materials

It is necessary to work with cotton using personal protective equipment - small particles of fibers can get on the mucous membranes and cause irritation.

With such insulation, the finishing material for wall decoration is drywall. For its fastening to the wall, a metal profile and suspensions are used. Warming is carried out in the following order:

  • Waterproofing is fixed to the wall - any rolled material will do. With the help of a construction stapler, the waterproofing is attached to the wall, at the joints the material is laid with an overlap of about 15 cm.
  • Vertical markings are applied to the wall in increments of 60 cm for the convenience of attaching drywall sheets (its standard width 120 cm).
  • After marking, metal suspensions are attached to the wall - dowel-nails are used for this.
  • Mineral wool is put on suspensions, the entire wall is consistently filled.
  • After that, metal profiles are attached to the suspensions, and a vapor barrier film is attached to them.
  • With the help of self-tapping screws, drywall sheets are attached, the joints are puttied.

The result is an insulated wall, ready for fine finish. It can be both puttying and painting, and wallpapering.

The cost of mineral wool

Mineral wool is a relatively cheap insulation. Sold in slabs or rolls. Standard board sizes:

  • 800x600 mm;
  • 1000x600 mm;
  • 1 200x600 mm;
  • 1170x610 mm;
  • 1250x610 mm.

The material in rolls can be selected in various lengths - from 5 to 12 m.

Cost per 1 sq. m of mineral wool is:

  • 50 mm thick - from 50 to 100 rubles;
  • 100 mm thick - from 105 to 210 rubles.

When choosing mineral wool, it is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions of the plates, the thickness of the insulation, but also the need for additional materials necessary for carrying out installation work.

Styrofoam

Budget material, almost 98% air. 2% falls on the main component of raw materials - polystyrene. It can be used as a heater for walls outside the house in the country and from the inside.

Foam specifications Source probalcony.ru

Properties and advantages of foam

Among the advantages of this material:

  • Versatility and ease of installation. This material is used for insulation of any structures. It is easy to cut, installation does not take much time.
  • Low price. One of the cheapest heaters.
  • Safety. During operation, it does not form dust and harmful fumes. You can work with it without protective equipment.

However, the foam combustible material, in direct contact with fire, the sheets light up easily, and the release of harmful substances begins.

Advice! It is undesirable to insulate wooden buildings with foam plastic.

Does not pass steam, practically does not absorb moisture. A significant disadvantage is the attractiveness for rodents. Rats and mice easily make moves in foam plastic, equip holes.

One of the disadvantages of polystyrene is flammability Source depstroi.ru

Features of wall insulation with foam

Instead of guides metal profiles you can use wooden blocks. This method is very convenient when working with foam. The thickness of the foam sheet should be equal to the thickness of the bars, which will be guides for attaching insulation between them.

Depending on the width of the foam, the step of fixing the bars to the wall is selected. Waterproofing is fixed on the surface of the entire resulting structure. Styrofoam sheets are tightly inserted into the resulting recesses between the timber - this avoids additional fixation. If necessary, the joints are filled with mounting foam.

Video description

In this video, we will dwell on the insulation of the house with foam plastic. How safe is polystyrene foam:

After filling the entire wall with insulation, it is closed with a protective vapor barrier. Sheets of plywood are fixed on top, the joints are puttied - the surface is ready for finishing.

Wall insulated with foam plastic Source stroyday.ru

Cost, foam dimensions

Standard sizes of foam sheets:

  • 1000x600 mm;
  • 1200x600 mm.

The thickness can vary from 20 to 100 mm. The cost of foam depends on the density of the material, manufacturer and region.

You can buy foam plastic 50 mm thick in Moscow from 50 rubles per 1 sq. m.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Thermal insulation material, the basis of which is polystyrene, as in polystyrene. But thanks to the manufacturing technology, penoplex, technolex and other similar materials have better performance characteristics than their counterparts.

Comparison of the characteristics of foam and extruded polystyrene foam Source klub-masterov.ru

Main advantages:

  • perfectly retains heat in the room;
  • due to its small thickness, when insulating walls inside the room, it practically does not reduce the usable area;
  • light weight and ease of installation - properties similar to foam;
  • environmental friendliness - does not emit toxic substances and does not require protective equipment during installation work;
  • availability - the material is relatively inexpensive.

This material is universal, used as insulation for walls outside the house in the country, from the inside, for the floor and ceiling.

Video description

The video shows tests of foam for strength, fire safety in real conditions:

Foam insulation

Another popular insulation for walls inside the house is penoplex, the price and quality of which attract buyers with its good ratio.

This material can be attached to the wall without additional preparation. It does not need waterproofing, since it does not let water through, but some experts argue that the film will not be superfluous. Due to its small thickness, it can be fastened with glue or dowels of nails with large caps. After filling the wall with insulation, it is plastered.

This method of insulation is suitable for flat walls. If there is a need to level the plane, then you can not do without guides.

Walls insulated with foam Source market.sakh.com

Penoplex cost

Standard dimensions of extruded polystyrene foam sheets:

  • 1200x600mm;
  • 1185x585 mm;
  • 1180x580 mm;
  • 1180x600 mm;
  • 2360x580 mm;
  • 2500x600 mm.

Insulation thickness - from 10 to 100 mm (depending on the brand of material).

The price of a package of insulation depends on the size, thickness of the material, the manufacturer and the number of boards in the package.

For example, Penoplex Comfort will cost:

  • 1254 rubles for 18 plates measuring 1185x585x20 mm;
  • 1252 rubles for 12 sheets - 1185x585x30 mm;
  • 1234 rubles for 9 plates - 1200x600x40 mm.

Ecowool

Cellulose-based insulation, which is made from waste paper and paper waste. The bulk of the insulation is 80% cellulose fiber. There are additives that prevent combustion and reproduction of microorganisms - boric acid and storm. These additives are practically not harmful to humans.

Ecowool is a safe insulation Source deal.by

Ecowool is a good heat-insulating material, which with its properties is practically not inferior to others. But it has much more significant shortcomings:

  • Loss of thermal insulation properties over time - ecowool is subject to shrinkage.
  • Costly installation. Spraying is carried out with special equipment. Basic skills in working with the material are required to obtain the correct layer of insulation.

Application features

For insulation with ecowool, various technologies are used:

  • dry backfill;
  • wet spraying;
  • wet adhesive plaster.

Each method has its own characteristics. For wall insulation, the wet method is most often used, which requires the use of special equipment, as well as an adhesive.

The use of special equipment for working with ecowool Source chrome-effect.ru

Ecowool cost

Ecowool is packaged in sealed bags of 13–15 kg. The price for 1 kg of insulation is 30–40 rubles.

But the material consumption depends not only on the desired thickness of the heat-insulating layer, but also on the skills of the performer, compliance with the insulation technology.

Issue price

Mineral wool and polystyrene foam are the most budgetary insulation for walls inside the house, the price will depend on the size of the area to be insulated and the method of installation of the insulation. Penoplex is a more expensive material, but you can not build a frame to attach it to the walls.

It is not easy to choose the type, size, thickness of insulation without certain experience and knowledge. Source ursgroup.ru

The process of insulation with mineral wool and foam plastic is almost identical, and foam plastic can compensate for its price with economical installation work.

The price of ecowool is low, but thermal insulation work will require the use of special equipment, which will increase costs.

Conclusion

The choice of insulation method and materials depends on many factors. Before starting work, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons between internal and external insulation, consider which heat-insulating material is suitable in a particular case, determine the thickness of the insulation, and the need for additional materials. Therefore, it is advisable to entrust the purchase of insulation to a competent contractor who will take into account all the features of the internal insulation technology and the wishes of the customer.

Wide range of heaters for wooden houses, they can insulate the house outside, and some even inside the house. Which types are suitable for frame house? Which is the best, consider their characteristics in this article! Correctly carried out will not be superfluous in any climatic conditions.

When it is done correctly, then under its “protection” it will not only be warmer in the house in winter, but also noticeably cooler in summer.

Installation of insulation will create a comfortable microclimate in a room for any purpose - in a residential building, office or production workshop.

In addition, saving heat is an obvious financial savings. It is completely unreasonable to heat the street, despite the fact that the technologies used today provide an opportunity to start saving energy resources at an early stage. construction works. Most of all, those parts of the building that are more adjacent to external environment- , And .

The material produced in this way has excellent properties, besides it is not combustible, and therefore does not pose a fire hazard. But a huge part of the wonderful qualities of a heater can be irretrievably lost when it gets wet. This should be taken into account.

Cotton wool stone

stone wool

This is a fibrous material that goes on sale in the form of rolls and portioned plates, and has an extremely low thermal conductivity.

Most quality product is made from rocks called gabbro-basalt. This non-combustible material is used with equal success in the construction of private facilities and the construction of various production facilities. A wide range of use is also explained by the possibility of its use at extremely high t, reaching a rate of one thousand degrees.

The insulation's complete immunity to fire is complemented by its excellent moisture resistance. This is a hydrophobic material, the peculiarity of which is that it does not absorb water, but repels it.

This ensures that the insulation remains dry even after a long period of time. This, in turn, will allow her to maintain her high working qualities. The unique properties of basalt wool make it possible to use it even in boiler rooms, baths and saunas, where both high humidity and high temperature are combined. Strength in this case is not directly dependent on the density of the material.

This is a fairly soft material, while having a sufficient margin of safety. Its structural stability is due to the special arrangement of the individual constituent fibers - chaotic and vertical. The material has high anti-corrosion properties.

It can quite peacefully coexist with concrete and metal, without the occurrence of various kinds of chemical reactions. High biological stability provides him with immunity to various biological pests: damage by insects and rodents, the occurrence fungal diseases,


Burn test basalt insulation withstood, and organic heaters burned out

Basalt rock is the main raw material for the production of this type of wool.. Processing with formaldehyde resins gives the material a sufficient level of strength, and the modern technologies used in this process guarantee the complete elimination of harmful phenols even at the stage of material production.

The final product that reaches the consumer is a harmless and environmentally friendly material with high insulating qualities.

It is actively used for warming floors of residential and industrial premises, for thermal insulation of roofs and facades, including as an external insulation.

It has found wide application in rooms with extreme levels of humidity and temperature. The best basalt insulation, stone wool made of rocks - a guarantee of high quality for a long time.

Glass wool

The missing 7% is accounted for by specially added flame retardants. Insulation fibers contain lignin, which becomes sticky with increasing humidity. All elements included in the insulation are non-toxic, absolutely non-volatile and harmless to health. Cellulose insulation is not amenable to combustion, rotting processes, has excellent soundproofing and heat-insulating performance.

It can retain approximately 20% humidity while maintaining its working qualities. The material releases moisture to the outside and dries quickly, retaining all its performance. The disadvantage of ecowool can be considered the difficulty of its manual application to the surface, as well as the impossibility of arranging a "floating floor" due to its inherent softness.

Penoizol

Another name for the material is carbamide foam. This modern material with high sound and heat insulating characteristics, which is a cheap insulation. It is a cellular organic foam with particularly low density and low thermal conductivity. The material has a high resistance to fire, resistance to microorganisms, low price. It is easy to handle and has an air content of up to 90%.


Insulation of the attic with penoizol

The tests carried out demonstrated the capabilities of the material. It turned out that the time of its operation, as the middle layer of the structure frame structure, the actual is not limited. Tests of its fire resistance showed that the material can be safely attributed to slow-burning.

This is the only heat-insulating material of polymer nature used, which is not at all adapted to self-combustion. Its fire resistance index refers it to the G2 flammability subgroup.

Even if the highest temperature occurs during a fire, when the metal begins to melt, the carbide foam will only evaporate, and without releasing toxic or harmful substances.

Isocom

This is a special foil material (on both sides or only on one). It is a fabric made of polyethylene foam, covered on the outside with a highly polished aluminum foil. This is a multi-layered vapor, sound and heat insulating material that combines completely different qualities.

With a minimum thickness of the insulating layer, it provides excellent heat reflection properties, successfully combined with the highest (almost maximum) thermal resistance. Properly installed material is characterized by exceptionally effective thermal insulation of the building along its entire contour.

It is a harmless, environmentally friendly material that does not pose a threat to the ozone layer. It does not contain glass or other fibers that are unsafe for human and animal health.

Without changing its exceptional properties, it serves for about 50 years, without deforming or being damaged during all this time.

Installation is quite simple and very convenient: it does not require special equipment. Excellent protection against steam and moisture. Used almost everywhere.

The choice of thermal insulation material is a responsible process. Today, many manufacturers began to produce a heater that is capable of performing several functions at once. It not only makes the surface warm, but also creates reliable protection against wind, moisture, steam and corrosion.

Kinds

If you decide to insulate the walls, then going to a hardware store, you can see that the range is quite wide outside. Each of the available heaters differs not only in its thermal insulation qualities. Consider the main ones.

Liquid materials

A few years ago, builders actively used solid heat-insulating materials for wall insulation. But not so long ago, new ones with a liquid consistency began to appear on the construction market. These products are similar in appearance and consistency to paint, which is why they are often referred to as insulation paint.

Pictured are liquid heat-insulating materials for walls

In terms of composition, liquid thermal insulation is presented in the form of small capsules made of ceramics and glass. They are filled with air or an inert gas. The role of the binder is performed by acrylic polymers. The finished product is a thick dough.

Rigid materials

Rigid heaters can be used to insulate walls, the installation of which is much easier. They are geometrically correct plates, thanks to which you can get a perfectly flat surface. It is then simply plastered or veneered various materials. For the most part, they fit like.

In the photo, rigid heat-insulating materials for walls:

Solid insulation does not shrink and does not crumple. Installation of solid insulation does not require crates, frames and other structures. The materials are highly durable, and their service life is more than 50 years.

Warm plaster

Among the advantages of this material, high strength indicators can be noted. This suggests that the surface is very difficult to damage, which cannot be said about previous materials. Warm plaster refers to a liquid heat insulator. This is nothing more than a cement-sand mortar with the addition of natural and polymeric fillers.

On the photo-warm plaster

Thanks to them, it is possible to reduce the thermal conductivity of the original composition. The thermal conductivity of walls with a heat insulator will directly depend on the fillers used. When laying out a thin layer 1-1.5 cm thick, 50 ml foam can be replaced. But what it looks like and how warm plaster is used for the facade can be understood by looking at the photo and information

Gas-filled plastics

This material for thermal insulation of walls is considered one of the most effective. To obtain it, the foaming method is used. different materials. The result of this process is a sheet foam heat insulator.

Pictured are gas-filled plastics

Its installation is simple and convenient. Expanded polystyrene can be safely attributed to the leaders among all produced foams. You can use a heat insulator to insulate walls from the outside. But what and where exactly it is used is described in this article.

liquid foam

This is another option for liquid insulation. Its name is penoizol. Its filling is carried out with the help of hoses between the walls, in the cracks, formwork at the time of construction. This option of insulation refers to the budget, since its cost is 2 times cheaper compared to other analogues.

Pictured is liquid foam for walls

Liquid foam is able to resist microbes, is breathable, does not burn well, and has a long service life. But what kind of liquid thermal insulation for walls from the inside exists in addition to the above, is described in this

Extruded polystyrene foam

For the manufacture of this material, polystyrene granules are used. They are melted under the action high temperature. The material is then extruded from the extruder and foamed. This gives such .

Pictured is extruded polystyrene foam for walls

Thus, it is possible to obtain a strong, durable and breathable insulation. It is in excellent contact with various wall coverings.

glass wool

This material is a kind of mineral fiber. For its manufacture, glass cullet is used. The release of glass wool occurs with different density and thickness. If you need thin fiberglass, then you need to choose a material with a thickness of 5 cm. This is enough to replace a meter brick wall.

In the photo - glass wool for the wall

Fiberglass is highly fire resistant and resilient. It is characterized by excellent indicators of heat and sound insulation. But when installing fiberglass, you need to take care of your safety by wearing a respirator.

Selection criteria

When choosing a heat-insulating material for the insulation of external and internal walls, it is necessary to take into account a number of requirements:

  1. Thermal insulation indicators. The higher this indicator, the better material will keep warm.
  2. Weight. The lighter the heat insulator, the less difficulties arise during its installation.
  3. Vapor permeability. If this indicator is high, then excess fluid will freely leave.
  4. combustibility. At the same time, indicators can determine how flammable the material is and whether it poses a threat to the house and its residents.
  5. Ecological cleanliness. By purchasing modern insulation, you can be sure that it consists exclusively of natural raw materials.
  6. Lifetime. It is necessary to select a heater that has a long service life so as not to spend extra effort and money on re-work.
  7. Price. And although the price of a heat insulator is indicated by the last criterion, for many it is the most important. Of course, you must understand that the more expensive the material, the higher its specifications.

When working with walls, it is useful to know how it differs.

Thermal insulation of walls is a responsible job that requires the choice of high-quality insulation. Today, there are enough options on the construction market, each of which has its own technical characteristics and is suitable for insulating walls outside or inside the house.

One of the primary tasks that is solved at the stage of construction or repair of commercial and private housing is its insulation. Today it is a question not so much of comfort, how much economy on expensive energy carriers. Therefore, all kinds of insulation for walls, which are used inside and outside buildings, are more relevant than ever.

Market of heat-insulating materials

Modern market thermal insulation materials shows high growth rates. The reason is the proven efficiency of using energy-saving technologies, which allows saving up to 40% on heating resources. This problem is usually solved in a complex way, but one of the important stages is invariably the thermal insulation of walls and facades with such materials:

  • mineral and glass wool;
  • cellulose insulation;
  • expanded polystyrene (polystyrene);
  • fibrolite;
  • liquid ceramic insulation;
  • cork and other materials.

When choosing insulation for walls, buyers pay attention to thermal conductivity, the cost per unit area, the complexity of installation and performance.

Mineral wool is an affordable and popular insulation. This is a material with a chaotic fibrous structure, obtained by melting igneous and metamorphic rocks. Mineral wool is used for insulation frame structures and walls designed for different degrees of load, contours of structures and structures. Its advantages:

  • high resistance to fire;
  • low thermal conductivity;
  • biological and chemical resistance;
  • soundproofing of premises;
  • the ability to repel moisture without saturation with it (hydrophobicity);
  • mechanical strength;
  • resistance to temperature deformation;
  • ease of installation.

And now about the minuses of mineral wool. This insulation contains in its composition harmful components that adversely affect the human body. Respiratory organs, skin and mucous membranes are especially susceptible to them. Phenol in mineral wool, which is used to insulate walls, causes nausea, weakness and headaches. In order to prevent the harmful effects of this building material, it is isolated from direct contact with the air circulating in the room.

Properties and characteristics of glass wool

Glass wool is a type mineral insulation. In its production, waste from the glass industry is used. Glass wool consists entirely of fibrous inclusions and is characterized by high elasticity, strength and vibration resistance. Its thermal conductivity varies from 0.030 to 0.052 W/(m K).

Glass wool is commercially available in the form of mats and rolls. Thanks to the rolled or compressed form pressing technology, it takes up a small volume, which simplifies its transportation, storage and installation on a construction site. Glass wool properties:

  • high soundproofing ability;
  • mechanical strength;
  • flexibility and elasticity;
  • resistance to mold and mildew;
  • environmental Safety.

The main drawback of glass wool is the need to strictly observe personal safety precautions when working with it. Thin and sharp fibers are prone to brittleness, and when they get on the skin or mucous membranes, they cause irritation, injuring them. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the walls with glass wool in overalls that do not leave open areas of the body (the use of mittens is mandatory!).

Properties and characteristics of cellulose insulation

Ecowool, or cellulose insulation, is a loose and lightweight insulating material that covers walls, roofs, partitions and individual structures. 80% of its composition is occupied by paper waste (recycled waste paper), the rest is boric acid or borax, which provides a low ability to burn.

The popularity of cellulose as a heater is due to its affordable cost and environmental friendliness (it gives a second life to the waste that litters the planet). Its main characteristics:

  • density - 30-65 kg / m 3;
  • thermal conductivity - 0.032-0.041 W / (m K);
  • vapor permeability - 0.3 mg/(m h Pa);
  • sound absorption - 36-45 dB.

Cellulose does not cause corrosion of metals in contact with it, has low air permeability, is hypoallergenic and hygienic. During installation, it fills the available hollow spaces, forming a seamless covering on the wall. When laying with a dry method, it is possible to work at sub-zero temperatures.

Benefits of Styrofoam

Expanded polystyrene is a synthetic gas-filled material based on polystyrene, which is foamed with vapors of low-boiling liquids. It looks like a huge amount of fine-mesh granules sintered together. The higher the density of the material, the more durable it is. Other properties of Styrofoam for wall insulation:

  • low thermal conductivity - 0.028-0.034 W / (m K);
  • mechanical strength;
  • chemical and biological stability;
  • low vapor and moisture permeability;
  • ability to sound absorption;
  • long service life (up to 30 years).

Extruded polystyrene foam: properties and characteristics

Extruded polystyrene foam for walls has the same structure as pressed one, but at the same time, closed pores are smaller - 0.1-0.2 mm. The main thing that distinguishes these two materials is the manufacturing technology of the pellets. Because of it, extruded polystyrene foam received less flexibility and a margin of safety than the foamed variety, a different vapor permeability - 0.013 mg / (m h Pa), but retained high thermal conductivity - 0.029-0.034 W / (m K).

Properties and characteristics of fibrolite

Fibrolit - insulation in the form of plates made of wood fibers and binders. The section shows a base made of natural fibers and a layer of Portland cement (60 and 40%, respectively). Characteristics of fiberboard for walls:

  • thermal conductivity - 0.08-0.1 W / (m K);
  • humidity - up to 20%;
  • water absorption - 35-40%;
  • bending strength - 0.5-1.3 MPa.

Fiberboard is a non-combustible insulation, provides excellent sound insulation, does not rot, it is not affected by fungus and mold, and the service life is up to 60 years.

Environmentally friendly cork materials

If you choose an ecological insulation for walls, you should pay attention to cork materials. They are 100% natural, as they are extracted from oak bark. The structure of the cork sheet resembles microcells that are filled with gases.

The heat transfer coefficient of the cork is 0.043-0.050 W/(m·K). The insulation does not burn, does not rot and does not absorb foreign odors. It withstands temperature changes, absorbs sounds and vibrations, easily fits on the wall without special knowledge and tools.

Liquid ceramic insulation: properties and characteristics

Liquid ceramic insulation is a modern insulation in the form of a liquid suspension-foam. This innovative product, replacing the classic solutions to reduce heat loss through the walls. The coating is flexible and dense, evenly fills the available cavities. The maximum effect of thermal insulation is achieved due to the vacuum in the micro-cavities of the substance.

Advantages of liquid ceramic insulation as wall insulation:

  • high anti-corrosion properties;
  • durability (up to 15 years);
  • wide operating temperature range;
  • thermal expansion flexibility;
  • ease of application;
  • environmental friendliness.

Liquid foam is made from a polymer resin that cures in air. For its application it is necessary to use special equipment. This is a practical and inexpensive option to reduce heat loss through walls, roofs or foundations. Liquid foam has the following properties:

  • excellent adhesion with any surfaces and materials;
  • minimal preparation of the base (cleaning and draining the wall);
  • high vapor permeability;
  • no excess pressure after drying;
  • easy application and removal of excess.

Liquid Styrofoam is ideal as insulation for horizontal and sloping surfaces, but also works well in wall insulation.

In the practice of private construction, it is not so common, but there are still situations when heating communications need to be not only spread across the premises of the main house, but also stretched to other nearby buildings. It can be residential outbuildings, extensions, summer kitchens, economic or agricultural buildings, for example, used for keeping domestic animals or birds. The option is not excluded when, on the contrary, the autonomous boiler house itself is located in a separate building, at some distance from the main residential building. It happens that the house is connected to the central heating main, from which pipes are stretched to it.

The laying of heating pipes between buildings is possible in two ways - underground (channel or channelless) and open. The process of installing a local heating main above the ground seems to be less time-consuming, and this option, under conditions self construction come running more often. One of the main conditions for the efficiency of the system is a properly planned and well-executed thermal insulation for outdoor heating pipes. This is the question that will be considered in this publication.

Why do we need thermal insulation of pipes and the basic requirements for it

It would seem nonsense - why insulate the already almost always hot pipes of the heating system? Perhaps someone can be misled by a kind of "play on words." In the case under consideration, of course, it would be more correct to conduct a conversation using the concept of "thermal insulation".

Thermal insulation work on any pipelines has two main goals:

  • If pipes are used in heating or hot water supply systems, then the reduction of heat losses, maintaining the required temperature of the pumped liquid comes to the fore. The same principle is true for production or laboratory facilities, where the technology requires maintaining a certain temperature of the substance transferred through the pipes.
  • For pipelines of cold water supply or sewer communications, it is insulation that becomes the main factor, that is, preventing the temperature in the pipes from falling below a critical level, preventing freezing, leading to failure of the system and deformation of the pipes.

By the way, such a precaution is required for both heating mains and hot water pipes - no one is completely immune from emergencies on boiler equipment.

The very cylindrical shape of the pipes predetermines a very large area of ​​constant heat exchange with the environment, which means significant heat losses. And they, of course, grow as the diameter of the pipeline increases. The table below clearly shows how the value of heat loss changes depending on the temperature difference inside and outside the pipe (column Δt °), on the diameter of the pipes and on the thickness of the thermal insulation layer (data are given taking into account the use of insulation material with an average coefficient of thermal conductivity λ = 0.04 W/m×°C).

The thickness of the thermal insulation layer. mm Δt.°С Pipe outer diameter (mm)
15 20 25 32 40 50 65 80 100 150
The amount of heat loss (per 1 running meter pipeline. W).
10 20 7.2 8.4 10 12 13.4 16.2 19 23 29 41
30 10.7 12.6 15 18 20.2 24.4 29 34 43 61
40 14.3 16.8 20 24 26.8 32.5 38 45 57 81
60 21.5 25.2 30 36 40.2 48.7 58 68 86 122
20 20 4.6 5.3 6.1 7.2 7.9 9.4 11 13 16 22
30 6.8 7.9 9.1 10.8 11.9 14.2 16 19 24 33
40 9.1 10.6 12.2 14.4 15.8 18.8 22 25 32 44
60 13.6 15.7 18.2 21.6 23.9 28.2 33 38 48 67
30 20 3.6 4.1 4.7 5.5 6 7 8 9 11 16
30 5.4 6.1 7.1 8.2 9 10.6 12 14 17 24
40 7.3 8.31 9.5 10.9 12 14 16 19 23 31
60 10.9 12.4 14.2 16.4 18 21 24 28 34 47
40 20 3.1 3.5 4 4.6 4.9 5.8 7 8 9 12
30 4.7 5.3 6 6.8 7.4 8.6 10 11 14 19
40 6.2 7.1 7.9 9.1 10 11.5 13 15 18 25
60 9.4 10.6 12 13.7 14.9 17.3 20 22 27 37

As the thickness of the insulation layer increases, the total heat loss decreases. However, please note that even a fairly thick layer of 40 mm does not completely eliminate heat loss. There is only one conclusion - it is necessary to strive to use insulating materials with the lowest possible coefficient of thermal conductivity - this is one of the main requirements for thermal insulation of pipelines.

Sometimes a pipe heating system is also required!

When laying water or sewer communications, it happens that, due to the peculiarities of the local climate or specific installation conditions, thermal insulation alone is clearly not enough. We have to resort to forced installation of heating cables - this topic is discussed in more detail in a special publication of our portal.

  • The material that is used for thermal insulation of pipes, if possible, should have hydrophobic qualities. There will be little current from a heater soaked with water - it will not prevent heat loss either, and it will soon collapse under the influence of negative temperatures.
  • The thermal insulation structure must have a reliable external protection. Firstly, it needs protection from atmospheric moisture, especially if a heater is used that can actively absorb water. Secondly, materials should be protected from exposure to the ultraviolet spectrum of sunlight, which is detrimental to them. Thirdly, one should not forget about the wind load that can violate the integrity of thermal insulation. And, fourthly, there remains the factor of external mechanical impact, unintentional, including from animals, or due to banal manifestations of vandalism.

In addition, for any owner of a private house, moments of aesthetic appearance laid heating pipeline.

  • Any thermal insulation material used on heating mains must have a range of operating temperatures corresponding to the actual conditions of use.
  • An important requirement for the insulation material and its outer lining is the durability of use. No one wants to return to the problems of thermal insulation of pipes even once every few years.
  • From a practical point of view, one of the main requirements is the ease of installation of thermal insulation, and in any position and in any complex area. Fortunately, in this regard, manufacturers do not get tired of pleasing user-friendly developments.
  • An important requirement for thermal insulation is that its materials must themselves be chemically inert and not enter into any reactions with the pipe surface. Such compatibility is the key to the duration of trouble-free operation.

The issue of cost is also very important. But in this regard, the range of prices for specialized ones is very large.

What materials are used to insulate aboveground heating mains

The choice of thermal insulation materials for heating pipes for their external laying is quite large. They are of a roll type or in the form of mats, they can be given a cylindrical or other figured shape convenient for installation, there are heaters that are applied in liquid form and acquire their properties only after solidification.

Insulation with polyethylene foam

Foamed polyethylene is rightly referred to as a very effective thermal insulator. And more importantly, the cost of this material is one of the lowest.

The coefficient of thermal conductivity of foamed polyethylene is usually in the region of 0.035 W / m × ° C - this is a very good indicator. The smallest gas-filled bubbles isolated from each other create an elastic structure, and with such material, if its rolled version is purchased, it is very convenient to work on pipe sections with complex configurations.


Such a structure becomes a reliable barrier to moisture - when correct installation neither water nor water vapor can penetrate through it to the walls of the pipe.

The density of polyethylene foam is low (about 30 - 35 kg / m³), ​​and thermal insulation does not make the pipes heavier.

The material, with some assumption, can be categorized as low hazard in terms of flammability - it usually belongs to class G-2, that is, it is very difficult to ignite, and without an external flame it quickly fades. Moreover, combustion products, unlike many other thermal insulators, do not pose any serious toxic hazard to humans.

Rolled polyethylene foam for insulating external heating mains will be both inconvenient and unprofitable - you will have to wind several layers in order to achieve the required thermal insulation thickness. It is much more convenient to use material in the form of sleeves (cylinders), in which an internal channel is provided that corresponds to the diameter of the insulated pipe. For putting on pipes, usually an incision is made along the length of the cylinder on the wall, which, after installation, can be sealed with reliable adhesive tape.


Putting insulation on the pipe is not difficult

A more effective type of polyethylene foam is penofol, which has one side. This shiny coating becomes a kind of thermal reflector, which significantly increases the insulating qualities of the material. In addition, it is an additional barrier against moisture penetration.

Penofol can also be of a roll type or in the form of profiled cylindrical elements - especially for thermal insulation of pipes for various purposes.


And all foamed polyethylene for thermal insulation of heating mains is used infrequently. It is more suitable for other communications. The reason for this is a rather low temperature range of operation. So. if you look at the physical characteristics, then the upper limit balances somewhere on the verge of 75 ÷ 85 degrees - higher, violations of the structure and the appearance of deformations are possible. For autonomous heating, most often, such a temperature is enough, however, on the verge, and for central heating, thermal stability is clearly not enough.

Expanded polystyrene insulation elements

The well-known expanded polystyrene (in everyday life it is often called polystyrene) is very widely used for a variety of types of thermal insulation work. Pipe insulation is no exception - for this, special parts are made of foam plastic.


Usually these are semi-cylinders (for pipes of large diameters there may be segments of a third of the circumference, 120 ° each), which are equipped with lock connection by the "thorn-groove" type. This configuration allows you to completely, over the entire surface of the pipe, provide reliable thermal insulation, without the remaining "cold bridges".

In everyday speech, such details are called "shells" - for their clear resemblance to it. Many types of it are produced, for different outer diameters of insulated pipes and different thicknesses of the thermal insulation layer. Usually the length of the parts is 1000 or 2000 mm.

For the manufacture of polystyrene foam type PSB-S of various grades is used - from PSB-S-15 to PSB-S-35. The main parameters of this material are shown in the table below:

Estimated material parametersStyrofoam brand
PSB-S-15U PSB-S-15 PSB-S-25 PSB-S-35 PSB-S-50
Density (kg/m³)to 10up to 1515.1 ÷ 2525.1 ÷ 3535.1 ÷ 50
Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation (MPa, not less)0.05 0.06 0.08 0.16 0.2
Bending strength (MPa, not less than)0.08 0.12 0.17 0.36 0.35
Dry thermal conductivity at 25°C (W/(m×°K))0,043 0,042 0,039 0,037 0,036
Water absorption in 24 hours (% by volume, no more)3 2 2 2 2
Humidity (%, no more)2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4

The advantages of polystyrene foam as an insulating material have long been known:

  • It has a low thermal conductivity.
  • The low weight of the material greatly simplifies the insulation work, which does not require any special mechanisms or devices.
  • The material is biologically inert - it will not be a breeding ground for the formation of mold or fungus.
  • Moisture absorption is negligible.
  • The material is easy to cut, fit to the desired size.
  • Polyfoam is chemically inert, absolutely safe for pipe walls, no matter what material they are made of.
  • One of the key advantages - polystyrene is one of the most inexpensive heaters.

However, it also has many disadvantages:

  • First of all, it is a low level fire safety. The material cannot be called non-combustible and does not spread flame. That is why when using it for warming ground pipelines, fire breaks must be left.
  • The material does not have elasticity, and it is convenient to use it only on straight sections of the pipe. True, you can find special curly details.

  • Polyfoam does not belong to durable materials - it is easily destroyed under external influence. Ultraviolet radiation also has a negative effect on it. In a word, the above-ground sections of the pipe, insulated with polystyrene shells, will definitely require additional protection in the form of a metal casing.

Usually, in stores that sell foam shells, they also offer galvanized sheets, cut into the desired size, corresponding to the diameter of the insulation. An aluminum shell can also be used, although it is certainly much more expensive. Sheets can be fixed with self-tapping screws or clamps - the resulting casing will simultaneously create anti-vandal, anti-wind, waterproofing protection and a barrier from sunlight.

  • And yet even this is not the main thing. The upper limit of normal temperatures for operation is only around 75 ° C, after which linear and spatial deformation of parts can begin. Like it or not, this value may not be enough for heating. Perhaps it makes sense to look for a more reliable option.

Insulation of pipes with mineral wool or products based on it

The most "ancient" method of thermal insulation of external pipelines is with the use of mineral wool. By the way, it is also the most budgetary, if it is not possible to purchase a foam shell.


Used for thermal insulation of pipelines different kinds mineral wool - glass wool, stone (basalt) and slag. Slag wool is the least preferred: firstly, it most actively absorbs moisture, and secondly, its residual acidity can be very destructive to steel pipes. Even the cheapness of this cotton wool does not at all justify the risks of its use.

But mineral wool based on basalt or glass fibers is fully suitable. It has good indicators of thermal resistance to heat transfer, high chemical resistance, the material is elastic, and it is easy to lay it even on complex sections of pipelines. Another advantage - you can be, in principle, completely calm in terms of fire safety. It is almost impossible to heat up mineral wool to the degree of ignition in the conditions of an external heating main. Even exposure to an open flame will not cause the spread of fire. That is why mineral wool is used to fill fire gaps when using other pipe insulation.


The main disadvantage of mineral wool is its high water absorption (basalt is less susceptible to this “ailment”). This means that any pipeline will require mandatory protection from moisture. In addition, the structure of wool is not resistant to mechanical stress, it is easily destroyed, and it should be protected with a strong casing.

Usually, a strong polyethylene film is used, which is securely wrapped with a layer of insulation, with the obligatory overlap of the strips by 400 ÷ 500 mm, and then all this is covered with metal sheets from above - exactly by analogy with a polystyrene shell. Roofing material can also be used as a waterproofing - in this case, 100 ÷ 150 mm of overlap of one strip on another will be enough.

The existing GOSTs determine the thickness of protective metal coatings for open sections of pipelines for any type of thermal insulation materials used:

Cover materialThe minimum thickness of the metal, with the outer diameter of the insulation
350 or less Over 350 and up to 600 Over 600 and up to 1600
Stainless steel strips and sheets0.5 0.5 0.8
Sheet steel, galvanized or color coated0.5 0.8 0.8
Sheets of aluminum or aluminum alloys0.3 0.5 0.8
Tapes made of aluminum or aluminum alloys0.25 - -

Thus, despite the seemingly inexpensive price of the insulation itself, its full installation will require considerable additional costs.

Mineral wool for pipeline insulation can also act in a different capacity - it serves as a material for the manufacture of finished thermal insulation parts, by analogy with polyethylene foam cylinders. Moreover, such products are produced both for straight sections of pipelines, and for turns, tees, etc.


Typically, such insulating parts are made of the most dense - basalt mineral wool, have an external foil coating, which immediately removes the problem of waterproofing and increases the efficiency of insulation. But you still won’t be able to get away from the outer casing - a thin layer of foil will not protect against accidental or intentional mechanical impact.

Warming of the heating main with polyurethane foam

One of the most efficient and safest modern insulation materials It's polyurethane foam. He has a lot of various advantages, so the material is used on almost any structure that requires reliable insulation.

What are the features of polyurethane foam insulation?

Polyurethane foam for insulation of pipelines can be used in various forms.

  • PPU-shell is widely used, usually having an external foil coating. It can be collapsible, consisting of half-cylinders with tongue-and-groove locks, or, for pipes of small diameter, with a cut along the length and a special valve with a self-adhesive back surface, which greatly simplifies the installation of insulation.

  • Another way to insulate a heating main with polyurethane foam is to spray it in liquid form using special equipment. The resulting foam layer after complete hardening becomes an excellent insulation. This technology is especially convenient at complex interchanges, pipe bends, in nodes with shut-off and control valves, etc.

The advantage of this technology is also that due to the excellent adhesion of polyurethane foam spraying to the pipe surface, excellent waterproofing and corrosion protection are created. True, polyurethane foam itself also requires mandatory protection - from ultraviolet rays, so again it will not be possible to do without a casing.

  • Well, if you need to lay a sufficiently long heating main, then, probably, the most the best choice will be the use of pre-insulated (pre-insulated) pipes.

In fact, such pipes are a multilayer structure assembled at the factory:

- The inner layer is, in fact, the steel pipe itself of the required diameter, through which the coolant is pumped.

- External coating - protective. It can be polymeric (for laying a heating main in the thickness of the soil) or galvanized metal - what is required for open sections of the pipeline.

- Between the pipe and the casing, a monolithic, seamless layer of polyurethane foam is poured, which performs the function of effective thermal insulation.

An assembly section was left at both ends of the pipe for welding during the assembly of the heating main. Its length is calculated in such a way that the heat flux from the welding arc will not damage the polyurethane foam layer.

After the installation, the remaining non-insulated areas are primed, covered with a polyurethane foam shell, and then with metal belts, comparing the coating with the common outer casing of the pipe. Often, it is in such areas that fire breaks are organized - they are densely filled with mineral wool, then they are waterproofed with roofing material and still covered with a steel or aluminum casing from above.

The standards establish a certain assortment of such sandwich pipes, that is, it is possible to purchase products of the desired nominal diameter with optimal (normal or reinforced) thermal insulation.

Steel pipe outer diameter and minimum wall thickness (mm)Dimensions of galvanized sheet steel sheathEstimated thickness of the thermal insulation layer of polyurethane foam (mm)
nominal outside diameter (mm) minimum thickness of steel sheet (mm)
32×3.0100; 125; 140 0.55 46,0; 53,5
38×3.0125; 140 0.55 43,0; 50,5
45×3.0125; 140 0.55 39,5; 47,0
57×3.0140 0.55 40.9
76×3.0160 0.55 41.4
89×4.0180 0.6 44.9
108×4.0200 0.6 45.4
133×4.0225 0.6 45.4
159×4.5250 0.7 44.8
219×6.0315 0.7 47.3
273×7.0400 0.8 62.7
325×7.0450 0.8 61.7

Manufacturers offer such sandwich pipes not only for straight sections, but also for tees, bends, expansion joints, etc.


The cost of such pre-insulated pipes is quite high, but with their purchase and installation, a whole range of problems is solved at once. So these costs seem to be quite justified.

Video: production process of pre-insulated pipes

Insulation - foamed rubber

Recently, thermal insulation materials and products made of synthetic foam rubber have become very popular. This material has a number of advantages that bring it to a leading position in the issues of insulation of pipelines, including not only heating mains, but also more responsible ones - on complex technological lines, in machine, aircraft and shipbuilding:

  • Foamed rubber is very elastic, but at the same time it has a large margin of tensile strength.
  • The density of the material is only from 40 to 80 kg / m³.
  • The low thermal conductivity provides very effective thermal insulation.
  • The material does not shrink over time, completely retaining its original shape and volume.
  • Foamed rubber is difficult to ignite and has the property of rapid self-extinguishing.
  • The material is chemically and biologically inert, it never contains any foci of mold or fungus, or nests of insects or
  • The most important quality is almost absolute water and vapor impermeability. Thus, the insulation layer immediately becomes an excellent waterproofing for the pipe surface.

Such thermal insulation can be produced in the form of hollow tubes with an internal diameter of 6 to 160 mm and a layer thickness of insulation from 6 to 32 mm, or in the form of sheets, which are often given the function of “self-adhesive” on one side.

The name of indicatorsValues
Length of finished tubes, mm:1000 or 2000
Colorblack or silver, depending on the type of protective coating
Temperature range of application:from - 50 to + 110 °С
Thermal conductivity, W / (m × ° С):λ≤0.036 at 0°C
λ≤0.039 at +40°C
Vapor permeability coefficient:μ≥7000
Degree of fire hazardGroup G1
Permissible length change:±1.5%

But for outdoor heating mains, ready-made insulation elements made using the Armaflex ACE technology, with a special protective coating ArmaChek, are especially convenient.


Coating "ArmaChek" can be of several types, for example:

  • Arma-Chek Silver is a multi-layered PVC-based shell with a silver reflective coating. This coating provides excellent insulation protection against both mechanical stress and ultraviolet rays.
  • The black "Arma-Chek D" finish has a high strength fiberglass backing that retains excellent flexibility. This is an excellent protection against all possible chemical, weather, mechanical influences, which will keep the heating pipe intact.

Typically, such products using ArmaChek technology have self-adhesive valves that hermetically “seal” the insulating cylinder on the pipe body. Figured elements are also produced, allowing installation on difficult sections of the heating main. Skillful use of such thermal insulation allows you to quickly and reliably mount it without resorting to the creation of an additional external protective casing - there is simply no need for it.

Probably the only thing that hinders the widespread use of such thermal insulation products for pipelines is the still prohibitively high price for real, "brand" products.

Prices for thermal insulation for pipes

Thermal insulation for pipes

A new direction in insulation - heat-insulating paint

You can not miss another modern technology of insulation. And it is all the more pleasant to talk about it, since it is the development of Russian scientists. We are talking about ceramic liquid insulation, which is also known as heat-insulating paint.

This, without any doubt, is an "alien" from the field of space technology. It is in this scientific and technical branch that the issues of thermal insulation from critically low (in open space) or high (during launching ships and landing descent vehicles) are especially acute.

The thermal insulation qualities of ultra-thin coatings seem simply fantastic. At the same time, such a coating becomes an excellent hydro and vapor barrier, protecting the pipe from all possible external influences. Well, the heating main itself takes on a well-groomed, pleasing look.


The paint itself is a suspension of microscopic, vacuum-filled silicone and ceramic capsules suspended in a liquid state in special composition, including acrylic, rubber and other components. After applying and drying the composition, a thin elastic film is formed on the surface of the pipe, which has outstanding thermal insulation qualities.

Names of indicatorsUnitValue
paint colorwhite (can be customized)
Appearance after application and complete curingmatte, even, uniform surface
Flexural elasticity of the filmmm1
Adhesion of the coating according to the force of separation from the painted surface
- to the concrete surfaceMPa1.28
- to the brick surfaceMPa2
- to steelMPa1.2
Coating resistance to temperature difference from -40 °С to + 80 °Сwithout changes
Resistance of the coating to the effects of temperature +200 °C for 1.5 hoursno yellowing, cracks, peeling or blisters
Durability for concrete and metal surfaces in a moderately cold climatic region (Moscow)yearsat least 10
Thermal conductivityW/m °C0,0012
Vapor permeabilitymg/m × h × Pa0.03
Water absorption in 24 hours% by volume2
Operating temperature range°Cfrom - 60 to + 260

Such a coating does not require additional protective layers - it is strong enough to independently cope with all the impacts.


Such a liquid insulation is sold in plastic cans (buckets), like ordinary paint. There are several manufacturers, and among the domestic brands, the brands "Bronya" and "Korund" can be especially noted.


Such thermal paint can be applied by aerosol spraying or in the usual way - with a roller and brush. The number of layers depends on the operating conditions of the heating main, the climatic region, the diameter of the pipes, the average temperature of the pumped coolant.

Many experts believe that such heaters will eventually replace the usual thermal insulation materials on a mineral or organic basis.

Video: presentation of ultra-thin thermal insulation brand "Korund"

Thermal insulation paint prices

Thermal insulation paint

What thickness of heating mains insulation is required

Summing up the review of the materials used for thermal insulation of heating pipes, you can see the performance indicators of the most popular of them in the table - for clarity of comparison:

Thermal insulation material or productAverage density in finished structure, kg/m3Thermal conductivity of thermal insulation material (W/(m×°C)) for surfaces with temperature (°C)Operating temperature range, °СFlammability group
20 and above 19 and below
Mineral wool pierced plates120 0,045 0.044 ÷ 0.035From - 180 to + 450 for mats, on fabric, mesh, fiberglass canvas; up to + 700 - on a metal meshnon-combustible
150 0,05 0.048 ÷ 0.037
Heat-insulating slabs of mineral wool on a synthetic binder65 0.04 0.039 ÷ 0.03From - 60 to + 400non-combustible
95 0,043 0.042 ÷ 0.031
120 0,044 0.043 ÷ 0.032From - 180 + 400
180 0,052 0.051 ÷ 0.038
Thermal insulation products made of foamed ethylene-polypropylene rubber Aeroflex60 0,034 0,033 From - 55 to + 125Slightly combustible
Semi-cylinders and mineral wool cylinders50 0,04 0.039 ÷ 0.029From - 180 to + 400non-combustible
80 0,044 0.043 ÷ 0.032
100 0,049 0.048 ÷ 0.036
150 0,05 0.049 ÷ 0.035
200 0,053 0.052 ÷ 0.038
Thermal insulation cord made of mineral wool200 0,056 0.055 ÷ 0.04From - 180 to + 600 depending on the material of the mesh tubeIn mesh tubes made of metal wire and glass thread - non-combustible, the rest are slightly combustible
Glass staple fiber mats with synthetic binder50 0,04 0.039 ÷ 0.029From - 60 to + 180non-combustible
70 0,042 0.041 ÷ 0.03
Mats and wool made of superfine glass fiber without binder70 0,033 0.032 ÷ 0.024From - 180 to + 400non-combustible
Mats and wool made of super-thin basalt fiber without a binder80 0,032 0.031 ÷ 0.024From - 180 to + 600Non-combustible
Perlite sand, expanded, fine110 0,052 0.051 ÷ 0.038From - 180 to + 875non-combustible
150 0,055 0.054 ÷ 0.04
225 0,058 0.057 ÷ 0.042
Thermal insulation products made of expanded polystyrene30 0,033 0.032 ÷ 0.024From - 180 to + 70combustible
50 0,036 0.035 ÷ 0.026
100 0,041 0.04 ÷ 0.03
Thermal insulation products made of polyurethane foam40 0,030 0.029 ÷ 0.024From - 180 to + 130combustible
50 0,032 0.031 ÷ 0.025
70 0,037 0.036 ÷ 0.027
Thermal insulation products made of polyethylene foam50 0,035 0,033 From - 70 to + 70combustible

But for sure, an inquisitive reader will ask: where is the answer to one of the main questions that arise - what should be the thickness of the insulation?

This question is quite complex, and there is no single answer to it. If you wish, you can use cumbersome calculation formulas, but they are probably understandable only to qualified heating engineers. However, not everything is so scary.

Manufacturers of finished thermal insulation products (shells, cylinders, etc.) usually lay down the required thickness, calculated for a particular region. And if mineral wool insulation is used, then you can use the data of the tables that are given in a special Code of Rules, which is designed specifically for thermal insulation of pipelines and process equipment. This document is easy to find on the web by entering a search query "SP 41-103-2000".

Here, for example, is a table from this handbook regarding the above-ground placement of the pipeline in the Central region of Russia, using mats made of glass staple fiber grade M-35, 50:

Outer
diameter
pipeline,
mm
Type of heating pipe
innings return line innings return line innings return line
Average temperature regime coolant, °С
65 50 90 50 110 50
Required insulation thickness, mm
45 50 50 45 45 40 40
57 58 58 48 48 45 45
76 67 67 51 51 50 50
89 66 66 53 53 50 50
108 62 62 58 58 55 55
133 68 68 65 65 61 61
159 74 74 64 64 68 68
219 78 78 76 76 82 82
273 82 82 84 84 92 92
325 80 80 87 87 93 93

Similarly, you can find the desired parameters for other materials. By the way, the same Code of Rules does not recommend significantly exceeding the specified thickness. Moreover, the maximum values ​​​​of the insulation layer for pipelines are also determined:

Outer diameter of the pipeline, mm Maximum thickness of the thermal insulation layer, mm
temperature 19 ° C and below temperature 20 ° C or more
18 80 80
25 120 120
32 140 140
45 140 140
57 150 150
76 160 160
89 180 170
108 180 180
133 200 200
159 220 220
219 230 230
273 240 230
325 240 240

However, do not forget about one important nuance. The fact is that any insulation with a fibrous structure inevitably shrinks over time. And this means that after a certain period of time, its thickness may become insufficient for reliable thermal insulation of the heating main. There is only one way out - even when installing insulation, immediately take into account this amendment for shrinkage.

To calculate, you can apply the following formula:

H = ((D + h) : (D + 2 h)) × h× Kc

H- the thickness of the mineral wool layer, taking into account the correction for compaction.

D- outer diameter of the pipe to be insulated;

h- the required thickness of insulation according to the table of the Code of Practice.

Ks- coefficient of shrinkage (compaction) of fibrous insulation. It is a calculated constant whose value can be taken from the table below:

Thermal insulation materials and productsCompaction factor Kc.
Mineral wool mats 1.2
Heat-insulating mats "TEHMAT" 1.35 ÷ 1.2
Mats and canvases made of super-thin basalt fiber when laying on pipelines and equipment with nominal diameter, mm:
Doo3
1,5
DN ≥ 800 at medium density 23 kg/m32
̶ the same, with an average density of 50-60 kg/m31,5
Mats made of glass staple fiber on a synthetic binder brand:
M-45, 35, 251.6
M-152.6
Glass staple fiber mats "URSA" brand:
M-11:
̶ for pipes with DN up to 40 mm4,0
̶ for pipes with DN from 50 mm and above3,6
M-15, M-172.6
M-25:
̶ for pipes with DN up to 100 mm1,8
̶ for pipes with DN from 100 to 250 mm1,6
̶ for pipes with DN over 250 mm1,5
Mineral wool boards on a synthetic binder brand:
35, 50 1.5
75 1.2
100 1.10
125 1.05
Glass staple fiber board grades:
P-301.1
P-15, P-17 and P-201.2

To help the interested reader, a special calculator is placed below, in which the indicated ratio is already included. It is worth entering the requested parameters - and immediately get the required thickness of mineral wool insulation, taking into account the amendment.


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