How can you insulate a wooden floor? Insulation of floors in a wooden house and optimal heat insulators. Insulation of wooden floors on joists

Thermal insulation of a wooden floor in a house is necessary because the main heat losses private house carries precisely through the floor and roof. Despite the fact that wood has excellent insulating qualities, it alone is not enough to maintain comfortable temperature. Without thermal insulation in the floor, the structure will not be able to retain heat. Insulating a wooden floor in a private house is somewhat similar to similar work in an apartment. Before insulating a wooden floor, you need to select materials and installation method. The choice depends on various factors: whether the house stands on posts directly on the ground or on a foundation, whether there is a basement, how many floors there are in the house.

Materials

The choice of materials for floor insulation in a house or apartment is very rich. New insulation materials appear regularly, and insulating qualities are improved. The choice depends on the preferences of the owner, his capabilities, as well as the functionality of the room itself. Below we will look at the most popular and proven floor insulation in wooden house based on consumer reviews.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is one of the most popular materials for thermal insulation. Vata happens:

• stone;
• slag;
• glass.

The main advantage of mineral wool, in addition to its excellent thermal insulation properties, is its non-flammability. In addition, cotton wool has a high level of sound insulation.

The disadvantages of such insulation are low strength and good moisture absorption. Cotton wool absorbs liquid and significantly loses its insulating properties. Therefore, when using it, great attention should be paid to vapor barrier at the bottom and top of the insulation. In addition, working with mineral wool requires compliance with safety precautions, since it itself and its dust can cause harm to health.

This also includes isovol, an insulation material made from mineral fibers. It has the same insulating properties as mineral wool, but withstands moisture much better.

Expanded polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene is also known as polystyrene foam. It occupies a leading position as a material for insulation, both in private houses and apartments. The explanation for this is a bouquet of thermal insulation qualities, affordable prices, strength and durability. Such properties are achieved thanks to the cellular structure.

The weak point of polystyrene foam is contact with water. Due to its structure, it absorbs water and deforms when temperature changes. There is extruded polystyrene foam, which has the advantages of regular polystyrene foam, but tolerates moisture better. In any case, insulating a wooden floor with foam plastic requires high-quality vapor and waterproofing.

Penofol

Penofol is one of the most modern insulation materials. This is a rolled material that consists of a layer of insulation, such as polyethylene foam and a layer of thin aluminum foil. There are various types of penofol on the market, made from a variety of materials and different quantities layers. Penofol has excellent insulating properties, has a small specific gravity and is resistant to mechanical damage. Plus, it eliminates the need for vapor and waterproofing, since foil plays this role. Penofol is often used to insulate floors in dachas and private houses; in apartments it is used to install underfloor heating systems.

Ecowool

Ecowool has high thermal insulation characteristics, does not burn, retains its properties after contact with moisture and, in addition, complements environmental cleanliness wooden floor in the country house, as it consists of natural materials. The only drawback is its price. It can be laid on top of the old coating, outside and inside the building. It can be used as a bulk material or applied by spraying with a special installation, where ecowool is mixed with water under pressure and carbon dioxide, forming a sticky mixture.

Bulk materials

Insulation of a wooden floor with expanded clay, wood concrete, shavings, sawdust - methods that have been known for a long time and have positive reviews. The peculiarity of such insulation materials is their light specific weight. They can be used both for the first floor and for the second. Among the disadvantages, one can note the labor intensity of the work.

Floor insulation methods

Floor insulation methods vary in the complexity of installation and the degree of insulation, and are selected based on means, preferences, and what is located underneath the house. Houses with a foundation made of a full foundation and brick columns on the ground will have different heat losses. The number of floors, area of ​​the house and climate zone also play an important role in the choice.

Thermal insulation of the second floor in a private house is required if one of the floors is not heated or, as often happens, the first floor is built from a warmer material than the second. Then the temperature difference between below and above will be very large and insulation is necessary. If the design allows you to maintain the same climate throughout the house, then there is no need for floor insulation.

Double floor device

In this case, it is correct to start insulating floors from the bottom up. Therefore, first of all, logs and subfloor are installed, then work is carried out to insulate it. The first layer is a vapor barrier. Simple polyethylene can be used as a vapor barrier material. Insulation is laid on top of the vapor barrier, the denser the better. Then another layer of vapor barrier and the insulation of the subfloor is completed. This method is suitable for houses with any foundation, regardless of the presence of a basement. This kind of work can also be done in an apartment, especially on the first floor, if the ceiling height allows. Further in the video, see recommendations on how to properly arrange a double floor in an apartment

Thermal insulation over a high subfloor

The method is similar to the previous one, with the difference that the work is carried out not indoors, but outside. This method is possible if there is a basement or any space at the bottom of the house that allows access to load-bearing beams. Correct order the work looks like this:

• Laying a layer of waterproofing;
• Installation of insulation;
• A second layer of vapor barrier to protect the insulation from moisture;
• Additional layer of waterproofing;
• Sheathing with sheets of plywood, fiberboard or OSB.

Any materials except bulk materials can be used as insulation. The advantage of this method is that the floors in the room will not rise. The disadvantage is the inconvenience of installation from the outside and from bottom to top. It is also worth taking care that rodents do not make homes for themselves in the floor layers.

An example of this method of insulation from the outside can be seen in the video

This method is perfect for ground floor apartments suffering from cold floors.

Foam insulation

This method is most suitable for the second floor. First, all the cracks in the rough coating are eliminated, then logs are installed in increments of approximately 0.7 m. A layer of vapor barrier is laid on top and secured with staples. It is correct that the vapor barrier layers overlap and are secured with tape. Then all free space is covered with foam. It is recommended to seal the joints polyurethane foam. Next, everything is covered with a layer of waterproofing, and, finally, with floorboards. Also, if the ceiling height allows, you can insulate in this way directly on top of the old floor, without dismantling.

When insulating floors in this way, not only polystyrene foam can be used, but also any other insulation materials. An example of such technology in the video

Spray insulation

Fast and available method thermal insulation. Its advantage is its unpretentiousness to the application surface. Expanded polystyrene foam is applied to the subfloor, instead of, on, or under the old insulation, using a special device. It penetrates into the smallest holes and has the highest insulating properties. Perfect for insulating wooden floors in a private house and apartment.

Warm floor

Universal insulation method. Suitable for flooring in country houses and apartments, installed on top of almost any surface. Its essence lies in the fact that thermal communications are laid under the finishing layer. It can be electric, water, or infrared heated floor. By the names you can understand how the heating occurs. The advantage of this floor is its unpretentiousness and versatility. Any finished floor can be laid on top of it, from linoleum to tiles.

Drastic measures for insulation

If none of the methods worked or did not give the desired result, the most decisive method remains - insulating the base. This is a difficult and long process, but, judging by the reviews, it has a clear positive effect. All work will be done outside. To begin with, along the ground around the house, close to the foundation, you need to dig a ditch about 50 cm wide and about 0.5 m deep. A screed of expanded clay concrete is made at the bottom. Then, outside, around the perimeter of the house, the insulation is attached using glue. The joints of thermal insulation sheets are sealed with polyurethane foam. Then we install formwork around the perimeter, on top of the insulation, and fill the entire space with expanded clay concrete. Thus, the house becomes insulated from the ground, and the floors from the cold. Obviously, this method is only suitable for private houses and cottages.

Alternative methods

There are several more interesting ways how to insulate a wooden floor. For example, using insulated linoleum as a finishing coating. This linoleum differs from regular linoleum in the presence of a felt or jute backing. But it’s better not to count on it as an independent insulation. Insulated linoleum is an addition to an already insulated floor. The advantage of linoleum is its availability, durability and ease of installation. It can be laid directly on top of the old coating. In addition, linoleum is waterproofing.

Cold winters still exist, and you need to prepare well for them so that living in your home is 100 percent comfortable. Warm floors are the basis on which it depends how pleasant it is to be indoors when it’s cool outside. There are convenient options for insulating this part of the building without removing the top layer - it’s easy to do yourself if you follow simple recommendations.

We insulate floors from the basement - when is it advisable?

Any wooden house quickly loses heat, this is due to the nature of the material. Therefore, insulation of all parts related to the external environment is mandatory. Walls are only part general design, which must undergo a thorough heat blocking procedure. The process of working with the floor will solve problems such as:

• excessive energy consumption for heating the room;
• high humidity – important for transitional seasons;
• rotting wooden elements buildings;
• the appearance of fungus and mold, which poses a danger to the health of the residents of the house.

Most often, cottages have insulated floors above a cold basement, because... in the cold season they quickly cool down and have low temperature even if the room is heated using its own boiler system. Poor thermal insulation or its absence means icy floors that are useless to lay on. carpets. The problem can only be solved proper insulation, there are simple techniques that can be used without removing the old floor. It is better to spend money once on such an event than to constantly spend extra gas or electricity on double heating of rooms.

In the event that the building has already been built and there is a need for additional insulation floors, it is more expedient to do this from below, i.e. without removing floor coverings. Advantages of the lower technique:

• The ceiling height in the rooms will remain the same, because... there will be no need to raise the floors due to insulation;
• there is no need to specifically spend money on insulating compounds of increased density and rigidity due to the load of furniture, appliances and other items in the house;
• you will protect not only the floor itself, but also all floor structures from freezing, which will extend their service life and generally make your home warmer;
• there will be a change in the location of the dew point from the inside to the surface of the ceiling - this will help get rid of rotting of wooden elements.

The method of insulating the floor from below has only one limitation - the subfloor is too low, in which it is impossible to be in for work. Such cottage buildings are quite rare. If this is your case, choose the option of insulating the floors from above, i.e. with the procedure for opening it and filling it with suitable insulating material.

Mineral wool - fiber insulator

Mineral wool is construction insulation, consisting of many fibers, presented in three separate types: glass; stone or basalt; slags For working with the floor, basalt cloth is preferable, because... it is easiest to install under the floor structure. Of the two options - rolled and mats in the form of slabs - choose the second one, because... it holds its shape well. Advantages:

• good level of thermal insulation;
• simple installation technology;
• comparatively not high level perception of moisture from the environment;
• reasonable price;
• heat resistance and fire safety;
• The material does not harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew.

Flaws:

• When laying with your own hands, you must use special protection - gloves, clothing, a respirator, glasses, because... there will be many particles of fibers and dust in the air, causing irritation to the skin and respiratory system;
• protection from moisture is required, because the structure is susceptible to vapor absorption;
• If installed incorrectly, severe shrinkage may occur;
• when laying between the joists, you need to leave a gap of 5 centimeters to the main structure.

If you decide to choose mineral fiber, select the material of the desired thickness. Specific data depends on climate zone, for example, for middle zone An indicator of 100-150 millimeters is suitable for Russia. Basalt wool is suitable for all types of floors, including attics.

Polystyrene foam - airy material made from granules

Polystyrene foam consists of foamed PVC granules containing a maximum of air inside, this gives it good thermal insulation qualities. Advantages:

• has strength, stability, rigidity;
• almost does not absorb moisture - the percentage is lower than that of mineral mats;
• is light in weight;
• easy to install, because does not change shape;
• inexpensive;
• durable, does not mold, does not rot.

Flaws:

• susceptible to fire;
• fragile to break;
• Base ventilation is required, because does not allow steam and air to pass through.

For insulating floors in an ordinary private house, foam boards of the PSB-S-15 brand ten centimeters thick are suitable. When purchasing, do not confuse them with granulated polystyrene foam, which easily crumbles into small PVC balls. The latter can also be used as insulation if the renovation budget is very small. The material has good thermal conductivity, but has a relatively short service life - no more than ten years.

Polyurethane foam - do you need a device to work with it?

This building material consists of two types of foam - light and hard. To work with the floor, the second option is used, because it does not require special vapor barrier from the basement and has better thermal insulation characteristics. The first type is very similar to mineral wool - in the same way, when working with it, you will have to leave gaps for ventilation and waterproof the lower surface. PPU consists of two components:

1. 1. polyol or hydroacid with emulsifiers, polyesters and reagents responsible for foaming;
2. 2. isocyanate or polyisocyanate and diphenylmethane diisocyanate mixed with each other, which are strong reagents in combination.

Advantages of the building material:

• fills all cracks and corner spaces thanks to spraying technology;
• suitable for installation from below;
• does not shrink, is fireproof;
• does not require protection from vapors;
• durable - lasts up to 50 years;
• high level of adhesion to all materials;
• high installation speed;
• complete environmental friendliness;
• has no seams, because represents a single canvas after drying.

Disadvantages include high cost, need for skill in application and use special equipment– apparatus high pressure, which can be rented.

Installation technology - how to preserve heat quickly and efficiently?

Mineral wool and polystyrene foam, in the form of slabs, are installed on the “underside” of the floor from the basement side using the same technology. Attach bars with a cross-section from 50 to 100 millimeters to the rack-beams from below. Place a layer of thermal insulation material on top, like on shelves. The beams should be located under the “top” floor at such a distance that there are a few centimeters between it and the top surface for ventilation. Hem the bottom of the heat-insulating “pie” with boards, apply waterproofing to prevent vapors from penetrating into the material from the basement.

The waterproofing function can be performed by ordinary polyethylene film - this is the cheapest and most convenient option. A moisture-proof membrane will cost more - it is stronger and does not prevent air movement, unlike cellophane. In order for the materials to last longer, the top surface of the main thermal insulation will need to be covered with film. The order of all layers from top to bottom will be as follows:

1. 1. flooring;
2. 2. concrete screed or expanded clay;
3. 3. overlap;
4. 4. vapor barrier from the side of the room;
5. 5. a layer of mineral wool or polystyrene foam;
6. 6. waterproofing from the basement;
7. 7. holding boards.

The application of polyurethane foam is carried out on a specially prepared floor surface; it is necessary to remove dust and debris from it and make sure that it is completely dry and free of grease. Foam does not adhere to polyethylene and fatty compounds. The procedure can be carried out at temperatures above 10 degrees, otherwise the material will not stick to the ceiling as it should.

To work, you will need a high-pressure apparatus - it is very expensive to buy, you can rent it from specialized companies. It is connected to two containers with the first and second components. When you press the start button, the compositions are combined in a vortex chamber, then they are sprayed in the form of a small and light mass. The pressure in the car must be at least 140 atmospheres. When choosing equipment, pay attention to the current source - the required one must match your home network.

Apply polyurethane foam evenly, after putting on protective equipment– glasses, respirator, gloves. The procedure to be performed by a professional takes about an hour, if you are confident in your abilities, you can try it yourself, but it will take more time due to insufficient experience. Apply polyurethane foam not only to the space between the joists, but also to the joists themselves - this will protect them from rising steam from the ground.

After applying a layer of about 10 centimeters, turn off the device and leave the room to dry. Complete hardening of the material and its ideal adhesion is achieved in two days. There is no need to specially treat the bottom layer, because it is not exposed to moisture and holds well top part floor.

Let's consider the main stages of thermal insulation work:

1. Flooring by subfloor lag This operation is carried out as in repair work, and construction wooden house. The main advantage of this flooring system is that there is no pressure on the insulation during the operation of the house. In this case, any insulating material can be used. The subfloor is made from untreated boards - inch boards (board thickness 25 mm). Before installing the boards, treat them with an antiseptic. The logs are attached to brick posts, and the edges of the logs do not reach close to the walls. The distance between them is up to 1 meter; subfloor panels are attached to them from below. You should pay attention to large gaps between the floor boards: they need to be eliminated. Next, a waterproofing film layer is laid.
2. The insulation is installed in the joist openings. It can be sheet, tile or roll.
3. Installation of a vapor barrier, and, if necessary, another layer of waterproofing (when using mineral wool or glass wool). It can be impregnated, painted and pasted over. Pasted - this is cellophane film, the most common type. Roofing felt and isoplast are also often used. When creating a vapor barrier, layers of film are overlapped on top of each other. Joints and distances near walls and partitions are taped with special tape.
4. Laying a clean floor and final finishing. A gap between the vapor barrier and the floor is required to provide an air gap. Planed boards are used, about 5 mm thick, and a special lock is milled onto them along the length of the board.

Scheme for insulating a wooden floor in a wooden house

Choice of insulation

Let's consider all types of insulation:

Insulation with Penofol

To carry out insulation between joists, it is better to use a combination of insulation. For example, first fill the space with mineral wool. All gaps are filled with foam or sealant. Penofol is laid on top, with an overlap between the layers and on the walls of about 10 cm, with the foil facing up.

Sheets of insulation are attached with a stapler or tape and chipboard is laid on top of the joists. A gap of about one and a half centimeters is left to the walls. It is also necessary to remember about the gap between the insulation and the floor. Then the finishing floor is laid. You can only insulate with Penofol without slabs.

But there is another way to insulate with Penofol. We clean the old floor from uneven areas and lay an insulating layer. Then slats are attached to create a ventilation gap, and everything is also covered with chipboard and a clean floor. Very easy way thermal insulation.

Sheets of insulation are attached with a stapler or tape and chipboard is laid on top of the joists.

How to insulate a floor with penoplex

We lay a layer of waterproofing (polyethylene or roofing felt) on the subfloor. Then we lay Penoplex sheets into logs without gaps. We fasten the edges together with tape or glue the sheets to the base. We lay a layer of vapor barrier on top and cover it with a clean floor. When working, it is necessary to use basic rules and recommendations - the overlap between the thermal and vapor barrier panels should be at least 10 cm.

Floor insulation with penoplex

The peculiarity of this type of insulation is that a screed is made on top of the expanded clay layer, and a wooden floor is attached to it. Recommendations – it is better to entrust the calculation of the expanded clay layer to a specialist. In a wooden house, it is better to use several sizes of expanded clay granules to fill the voids as much as possible.

In a wooden house, it is better to use several sizes of expanded clay granules to fill the voids as much as possible.

Mineral wool for insulation

It is better to use slabs or mats. Rolls are inconvenient to work with and a lot of waste remains when adjusting to size. The gaps between the slabs should be filled well. Cold bridges can form here, leading to heat loss. Expanded clay can be used as an additional layer. This will further increase the thermal insulation of the wooden floor in the house.

Every person wants to live in a warm, comfortable and cozy home. But not all people at the initial stage of building houses think about thermal insulation. If you have decided to build a house from natural wood, then it will delight you with its high thermal insulation qualities, the natural smell of wood, and durability. Insulation of the floor below is simply necessary in this type.

There are many options for insulating floors. TO basic materials include:

• dry screed;
• glass wool;

Let's look at them in more detail and talk about each option separately, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Attention: carrying out major work in wooden buildings when insulating walls and floors is only necessary after complete shrinkage of the structure. As a rule, it takes about a year to settle a new house. And if the house was built from, then shrinkage can take 5-7 years.

When choosing a material for insulation, it is necessary to take into account such characteristics as:

• thermal conductivity;
• moisture resistance;
• thickness and weight;
• environmental friendliness and safety;
• fire resistance;
• price.

The choice of material also depends on where and on what surface you will place it: below or above, from the basement, to insulate the attic floor or inside the rooms.

It is best to consult with qualified builders before making your final choice.

Insulation with mineral wool

Most often, people resort to insulation using mineral wool. This is explained:

• high heat and sound insulation qualities;
• long service life;
• affordable cost;
• resistance to high humidity and fire;
• environmental friendliness.

Also, the advantages of mineral wool include it resistance to various types damage, both mechanical and chemical. Mineral wool has wide range applications. But if you plan to use it to insulate the underground, where high humidity air, then this is not the most best option. For such rooms it is better to choose ones that are more resistant to moisture. synthetic materials, such as polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam and others.

Foam insulation

As for foam plastic, this material also has a number of advantages and positive qualities. The special structure of the material provides low level thermal conductivity and vapor permeability.

Also foam is fireproof, is reliable and resistant to mechanical and chemical damage. It has a high level of operation, simple and convenient to use.

Please note

Foam does not allow air to pass through.

Insulation with sawdust

The traditional method of insulating floors in wooden buildings is sawdust. They are different affordable and low cost and ease of use. But keep in mind that this material does not deteriorate after several months of use, it must be carefully prepared.

Important: Fresh sawdust is not suitable for thermal insulation of floors.

They must be kept in a dry and well-ventilated area for at least 6 months before use. To prevent mice and other pests from growing in sawdust, add slaked lime to it.

Sawdust and lime are mixed in a ratio of 1:4 and poured into the space between the finishing and subfloor. To reach maximum effect, it is necessary to make a layer of at least 20 cm.

TO benefits The uses of sawdust include:

• naturalness and safety; low cost;
• high thermal insulation qualities.

How to insulate with expanded clay

As for thermal insulation, this method is also widely used in our country. This material is: natural and safe, lightweight, strong and durable. It absorbs moisture perfectly. To make the embankment more dense, it is necessary to use 2 fractions of expanded clay: sand and gravel.

Expanded polystyrene

Insulation with polystyrene foam is more modern methods. This material is similar to foam, but it is more durable. Expanded polystyrene does not allow not only moisture to pass through, but also steam. It is an excellent waterproofing agent. It is used not only for insulation wooden houses, but also for roads and concrete foundations.

Dry screed

Insulation with dry screed is applied only after the wood shrinkage process. The advantages of dry screed include:

• excellent thermal insulation properties;
• fire resistance;
• ease of installation;
• small material thickness;
• excellent soundproofing qualities.

Dry screed does not tolerate well high humidity and is deformed under its influence. This does not in any way affect the thermal insulation properties of the material, but can lead to damage to the finish coating.

Glass wool

As for glass wool insulation, the positive characteristics of this material include: non-flammability, ease of use and environmental safety.

But keep in mind glass wool shrinks, due to which the integrity of the thermal insulation layer may be compromised.

Proper insulation along the joists

Any do-it-yourself insulation in a private house must be carried out in accordance with building regulations and rules. All thermal insulation work is complex and is aimed at preventing the entry of cold air into the room.

Insulation of floors is carried out only after all basements and basements have been insulated.. Insulation using joists is a common method.

Before you begin the workflow, you must:

1. Remove old flooring.
2. Logs are laid on a clean, dry and flat surface, which are pre-treated with an antiseptic.
3. The insulation you choose is placed between the joists.
4. Waterproofing is done on top.
5. Next, a board, plywood, fiberboard or chipboard is laid on the logs.

Arrangement of a double floor

This method is suitable for buildings with high ceilings:

1. Dismantle the old baseboards, inspect the wooden support elements for damage and fill the gaps with construction foam.
2. Lock wooden joists in increments of 60-90 cm.
3. Check the horizontality of the joists. If they deviate from the horizontal, use a plane to get rid of excess wood.
4. The top surface of the base must be covered with moisture-proofing material.
5. Next, the insulation you choose is placed between the joists.
6. Thermal insulation is covered with a waterproofing film.
7. Install the flooring elements.
8. Lay the covering and attach the baseboards.

Features of thermal insulation of the first floor

Because natural wood prone to deformation, cracks may form in the floor over time. Therefore, the following work needs to be done:

1. Remove old flooring.
2. Inspect the joists for rotting or deformation and replace rotten beams if necessary.
3. Pour or lay insulation.
4. Install a vapor barrier.
5. Install the finishing floor covering.

A cake made from additional vapor and heat insulating layers will provide good and reliable protection from condensation and drafts.

Features of thermal insulation of the second floor

To insulate interfloor ceilings in a wooden house, you should use rolled materials . They are lighter in weight and do not carry loads on structures. To create a thermal insulation pie on the second floor you will need to do the following:

1. Place insulation on the base.
2. Fix the heat insulator to the wooden base.
3. Secure the seams with masking tape.
4. Lay the finishing coat.

Insulation of concrete floor

To insulate a concrete floor, it is necessary to create multilayer construction. This process is carried out in several stages:

• the first stage is carried out before pouring the rough screed;
• the second stage is carried out when arranging the concrete structure;
• the third stage is before laying the finishing floor covering.

As practice shows, this technology prevents heat loss.

Insulating the attic floor

To insulate attic space can be used any heat insulators. Before laying the thermal insulation layer in the attic, it is necessary to make a frame from timber. Next, we proceed to arranging a vapor barrier and installing insulation.

Mineral wool or glass wool are perfect for attic floor insulation.

How to calculate the thickness of insulation

Please note, the choice of thermal insulation layer plays an important role. The thickness of materials is calculated individually for each individual building and depends on climatic conditions, features of the building and the type of insulation you choose.

To summarize, it can be noted that you can insulate floors in a wooden house on your own. The main thing is to choose the right one consumables, familiarize yourself with the basic technologies and laying scheme and prepare the tools.

Useful videos

In the video below, look at the option of floor insulation along joists in a wooden house:

This video highlights a common mistake in floor insulation - condensation, wet insulation:

Video - floor insulation with penoplex over joists:

How to insulate floors with polystyrene foam, what tools are needed, all the technology - see the video below:

If you follow all the rules and regulations for the installation of insulation, then you can cope with the assigned tasks in a fairly short time.

Additional insulation of the floor in a wooden house will reduce heat loss and thereby reduce heating costs. Despite the fact that wooden floors have low thermal conductivity, heat leakage can occur due to the high temperature difference in the basement and on the first floor. In this article we will tell you which material is best to use for thermal insulation of the first and second floors in a private house with a wooden base.

Features of thermal insulation

How to insulate a floor in a wooden house? The process of installing thermal insulation is relatively simple. However, the quality of work is largely determined technical features coatings used for insulation. Before purchasing material for covering the rough foundation, you need to take into account several important nuances:

• expected load on the coating;
• humidity level;
• temperature loads;
• height of thermal insulation coatings.

The base insulation technology itself is simple and consists of several stages:

1. installation of logs;
2. fixation from below on wooden sheets on joists;
3. installation of insulation on joists;
4. covering the base with vapor barrier material;
5. finishing of the rough base.

When planning work, it is very important to take into account the microclimate in the room. To insulate the first and second floors, various heat insulators are used, correctly. Moreover, technologically the insulation process also has some differences, which we will talk about a little later.

Optimal thermal insulators

What material is best to use for finishing? rough coating with your own hands? To insulate wooden floors, both natural and synthetic thermal insulators are used. The most popular of them include:

• Wood sawdust;
• Expanded clay;
• Minvatu;
• Izolon;
• Foam;
• Penofol.

Each material has its own technological features and thermal insulation parameters. To understand their disadvantages and advantages, let’s consider all of the above heat insulators in more detail.

Thermal insulation with sawdust

Insulation with sawdust is one of the most budget options thermal insulation wooden floors. The environmentally friendly material is quite light, so it can be used to insulate interfloor ceilings. The thickness of the heat insulation layer can be easily varied due to its flowability. Thus, it is possible to regulate the level of heat loss in the room.

When finishing the base with sawdust, you can use the following types of wood-based coatings:

• Blocks of pressed sawdust. The material is produced from copper sulfate, sawdust and dry cement. As a rule, it is laid between the joists when insulating the first floor. Lightweight blocks of small thickness - up to 15 mm, can be used for wall cladding;
• Pellets with sawdust. Granulated bulk material made from wood sawdust treated with an antiseptic and glue. Hard-to-burn sawdust can be insulated interfloor ceilings, since they do not create a large static load due to their low weight;
• Arbolit. In this case, the base material is mixed with synthetic and organic additives, and then molded into blocks. The non-flammable thermal insulator has high bending strength, while it is hygroscopic. Therefore, during its installation it is necessary to use waterproofing layers;
• Sawdust concrete. Externally, blocks with sawdust resemble cinder blocks. They are made from a mixture of wood chip granules, cement and sand. Suitable only for thermal insulation of the first floor of a house.

Insulating the floor along joists with sawdust in any case involves the use of a waterproofing layer. Hygroscopic material is a good environment for the development of mold and pathogenic flora, so during the operation of the coating it is necessary to exclude the possibility of moisture ingress.

Thermal insulation with expanded clay

Expanded clay - granular insulation with good performance sound and heat insulation. Why is it worth insulating foundations with expanded clay? The heat insulator has considerable advantages, which include:

• environmental friendliness;
• frost resistance;
• strength;
• low thermal conductivity;
• non-flammability.

When finishing the coating with expanded clay with your own hands, you need to take into account the low level of hydrophobicity. The material quickly absorbs moisture, although it does not deform. However, insulation with expanded clay is fraught with the formation of mold under the floor. Therefore, during the installation process it is necessary to think about additional waterproofing.

How to properly make thermal insulation with expanded clay?

1. Before expanding expanded clay, lay a layer of waterproofing on the base. It can be plastic film or roofing felt;
2. The layer thickness should vary from 10 to 50 mm, no more;
3. As you can see in the photo, a vapor barrier is placed on top of the insulation;
4. Coatings with a foil layer can be used as a vapor barrier. The best option will become Penofol.

If you want to insulate a plank floor with expanded clay with your own hands, under which there is a basement, it is advisable to pour a layer of sand underneath. Thanks to it, condensation will not accumulate under the floor, which will significantly reduce the risk of mold or mildew.

Thermal insulation with mineral wool

Is it possible to insulate wooden base on joists with mineral wool? The environmentally friendly thermal insulator is made from fibers obtained from glass containers and slag. The advantages of finishing the rough base with mineral wool include:

• ease of installation;
• low cost;
• light weight;
• environmental friendliness;
• resistance to mold;
• good thermal insulation.

However, in the case of treating the floor along joists with mineral wool, several must be taken into account negative points, namely:

• Upon contact with water, a coating insulated with mineral wool loses its thermal insulation qualities;
• It is not recommended to use the material for cladding the second floor due to low vapor permeability;
• It is not advisable to insulate rooms with a high static load with mineral wool due to its low strength.

What is the work schedule?

1. Preparing the base. From below you need to install a plank floor treated with an antiseptic;
2. Waterproofing. It is necessary to make additional waterproofing using polyethylene film, pre-clean up the house;
3. Cladding with mineral wool. During the installation process, you need to ensure that the layers of material are laid on the joists very tightly to each other;
4. Installation of vapor barrier. It is better to make a high-quality vapor barrier with Penofol;
5. The final stage. On at this stage install the finishing coating.

The thickness of mineral wool is determined by the microclimate in the room. If there is a basement below the room, the material can be laid in two layers.

Ecowool thermal insulation

Why is it better to make thermal insulation with ecowool? 100% natural coating has good technical parameters and relatively low cost. It is made from cellulose and mineral additives, so even when heated, the ecowool coating does not emit caustic chemicals. Soaked boric acid the product is practically invulnerable to fungus and mold.

What advantages does this type of insulation have?

• Good heat and sound insulation;
• Fire safety;
• Environmentally friendly;
• Low thermal conductivity.

As you can see in the photo, finishing the rough base using ecowool joists can be done in two ways:

1. Manual. In this case, finishing with ecowool involves installing insulation along the joists on boards attached below. To prevent heat loss, the joints are treated with polyurethane foam;
2. Mechanical. To finish the base of ecowool, blowing machines are used: through a special hose, crumbly insulation is evenly distributed over the coating. In this case, the layer thickness should be at least 3-4 mm.

The process of thermal insulation of ecowool floors is shown in more detail in the video clip.

Thanks to the glue that is included in the thermal insulator, it can be used for insulation not only floor base, but also walls. It is also worth noting that ecowool is convenient for insulating not only the first floor of a house, but also interfloor ceilings. The vapor-permeable coating does not contribute to the accumulation of condensation and the development of mold.

Insulation with Izolon

How to properly insulate joists with isolon? The heat insulator, made of foamed polyethylene, has low thermal conductivity. Due to this quality, it has recently begun to be used for insulating floor coverings. What are the advantages of Izolon?

• Small thickness (2-10 mm);
• Low thermal conductivity;
• High hydrophobicity;
• Environmental safety.

As can be seen from the photo, the material is produced in rolls, which greatly facilitates the DIY installation process. Insulating wooden floor Izolon, you need to consider the following points:

• The coating has good sound insulation, so when laying it it is not necessary to use additional sound-proofing layers;
• To reduce heat loss in the room, when laying Izolon with your own hands, the material is not joined, but overlapped;
• The seams between adjacent sheets are treated with polymer glue or bitumen mastic.

Thermal insulation work can be seen in the photo below.

Insulation with Penofol

Is it possible to insulate wooden floors with penofol? Penofol is a new generation insulating coating, available in roll form. To be more precise, Penofol is used for shielding, which prevents the dissipation of radiant energy. Lightweight and easy to use, the insulation has a reflective layer that prevents large heat losses. That is why it began to be used everywhere for finishing interfloor ceilings.

What are the benefits of Penofol?

• withstands heavy loads;
• non-hygroscopic;
• has low thermal conductivity;
• easy to install;
• does not involve the use of vapor barrier.

FYI. The technology for insulating bases with Penofol is not much different from insulating with Izolon. As in the previous version, the sheets are laid overlapping to prevent heat loss.

Features of insulation by logs

How to properly insulate a rough foundation along the joists? During the installation of the thermal insulator, the following scheme must be observed:

1. The rough base is lined with boards that must be attached to the joists;
2. To prevent moisture from getting under the coating, lay a layer of vapor barrier;
3. Then the base is insulated with polystyrene foam, mineral wool or other materials.

If you need to make high-quality thermal insulation of a room above a non-residential and unheated room, then it is better to use mineral wool with a thickness of more than 40 mm as insulation. In this case, the “pie” made from a vapor barrier and mineral wool will retain heat in the room, preventing heat exchange between the cold basement and the first floor.

Features of thermal insulation of the first floor

Since wood tends to deform, over time, cracks may form in the floor, through which heat gradually begins to escape from the room. How to make high-quality insulation of the first floor in an old house?

1. The first step is to remove the old flooring;
2. Then the lag is inspected for deformation or rotting;
3. If necessary, rotten beams are replaced;
4. Then they treat the wood with an antiseptic with their own hands;
5. From below, blocks for laying wooden boards are nailed to the joists;
6. Insulation is poured onto the boards;
7. Next, lay a layer of vapor barrier;
8. The work is completed by installing the finishing coating.

The insulation technology is shown in detail in the video.