Floor insulation of the first floor

To insulate in the house the floors on the ground floor is a mandatory task. It cannot be the only solution to achieve complete comfort in the dwelling and often is only a stage from a whole complex of measures to provide heat. We are talking about insulation of walls, ceiling, entrance groups and window openings. But it is most logical to start taking care of thermal insulation still from the floor. The article will talk about warming the floor of the first floor.

Content:

The floor of the first floor

To begin with, it is worth deciding what type of widest assortment of materials will be insulated. The most in demand at the moment are:

styrofoam;
polystyrene foam;
dry clay screed;
glass wool;
mineral (stone) cotton wool.

They differ not only in cost, but also in a number of characteristics that should be considered in more detail. Since some of the proposed materials are similar or mistaken for analogues, a comparative characteristic will help to decide on the choice.

Floor insulation for the first floor

Foam or foamed polystyrene

If we talk about kinship, then these two heater, undoubtedly, have. Foam is somewhat older, polystyrene foam is rather its improved version.

Differences begin at the production stage. Polystyrol granules are used as raw materials. To obtain foam, they are treated with a stream of hot air, and they, expanding, are connected. A product with a porous structure is formed. The extrusion method is more progressive, and as a result of its use, granules of the source material are melted. The output is material with a single structure, more dense than the above copy. In this case, the cellular structure, which helps to keep heat, is preserved in it.
The foamed polystyrene is stronger than his brother for bending 5-6 times, and he will not crumble if the conditions of the external environment change. In addition, polystyrene foam absorbs moisture worse, and thanks to the improved density indicator, it absorbs noise more effectively.
Both materials are small and non -toxic (subject to the use of high -quality construction products from trusted brands). They are also not subject to decay and mold does not form on them. Fires are good for both products. It is more advisable to use foam to warm floors in those rooms where small cross -country ability is expected, and the surface will not experience additional loads from, for example, massive furniture. It is also suitable for those who want to save. However, as follows from the above technical characteristics, such a desire is not always appropriate.

Glass wool or mineral wool

Another difficult task is to choose between glass wool and mineral wool.

The latter has very impressive indicators for refractory, so it is most often used when warming the wooden floor. The natural inorganic origin of stone cotton wool gives the right to talk about its environmental friendliness, resistance to the propagation of pathogenic microorganisms.
The thermal insulation properties of the mineral wool are not questioned. It is safe to say that its use will reduce the cost of heating the premises. It will also provide a high level of sound insulation. All these wonderful properties will not work if the installation technology is broken during the insulation of the floor. Therefore, when giving preference to Rockwell, you should clearly follow the recommendations for installation.
The glass wool differs in that it is based on a broken glass, that is, in fact, there is no related attitude to mineral cotton wool. At the same time, she loses to her (slightly) in the indicator for thermal insulation and even in the ability to shrink over time. In addition, working with her is not as comfortable as with Rockwall due to the formation of fine glass dust, annoying the respiratory tract and hands, if they are not protected. But it will cost much cheaper than a stone analogue. So those who agree to experience some discomfort when laying the material and want to save, you can opt for the glass wool.

The advantages of expanded clay

This porous material is, in fact, clay. It is formed by granules and processed at high temperatures. As a result, an excellent insulation is obtained, its make -ups allows you to easily fill all the voids.

It is good in several indicators:

durability;

environmental friendliness;

non -combustibility;

complete resistance to the development of microorganisms, does not cause interest in rodents and other pests;

cheapness.

Due to the porous structure, it is a fairly light material, but inferior in this indicator to other heaters, including those described earlier. And expanded clay creates a beautiful layer that contributes to natural ventilation. Sound insulation achieved after its application is considered one of the best.
The thickness of the floor of the first floor can also play against expanded clay, since the organization of a high -quality layer of thermal insulation will require a significant supply in height. The minimum recommended bedding layer is 20 cm, and 40 cm is considered optimal. And again, one should not forget to add the height of the screed.

Tips for choosing insulation for the floor of the first floor

To finally decide on the material for insulation, you will need to take into account many factors. At the cost of glass wool, foam or expanded clay, the most preferred options.
If the time is a decisive indicator, then the foam is easily and easier to lay.
When you need to complete the procedure according to all the rules and requirements of fire safety, mineral wool will be the best choice.

And also an important criterion were and remain the needs and capabilities of the owners of the structure. But in any case, on your own, to do all the work for any home master.

Thermal insulation of the floor of the first floor using expanded clay

Ceramzit is very well gaining moisture. This is the main disadvantage of this material. Therefore, the construction of a high -quality waterproofing layer becomes the first and very priority step. Next, a detailed floor of the first floor floor will be painted when using expanded clay.

Moisture protection. The most commonly used for these purposes the material is a polyethylene film. You need to take as strong as possible. Naturally, one canvas cannot be dispensed with, so the junction of the joint is carefully glued with construction tape. The calculation when creating a waterproofing panel should be with an emphasis that its edges should be exceeding the entire alleged add -on along with the screed. Extra centimeters after you can cut.
Cooking the insulation. The preparation of a mixture from the material of various fractions is contributed to the maximum effect. The use of expanded clay dimensions from 5 to 20 mm will serve as the best distribution of granules and will create a more acceptable base for adhesion to concrete.
Lighthouses. Their exhibition is necessary to create a perfectly flat surface without drops and slopes. The first is located at a distance from the walls of a few centimeters. Fixation is carried out on small heaps of a fairly thick cement mortar. Further, the beacons are placed in parallel to the first. The installation distance corresponds to the length of the rule. It will be used for subsequent alignment of the screed. Usually, a metal profile is used for guides. If the floor insulation followed by filling is carried out independently for the first time, then it is better not to save on the number of lighthouses.

The prepared expanded clay can be filled up. It is evenly distributed and slightly compacted. The level of backfill needs constant control to avoid slopes. Then you need to impregnate the pouring with a solution of liquid cement. Such cement milk will give the strength of the insulation layer and allow it to remain in the original position with further pouring. A reinforcing layer of a metal mesh will become a final step at this stage.
Pouring. The prepared solution is evenly distributed from the wall by the level of beacons. Smooth the rule. So gradually move to the entrance to the room.
You can walk on the screed not earlier than after 7 days, but completely the coating will harden and will be ready for the finish in a month. While the drying process is underway, in order to avoid cracking, we should moisten the future floor with water. Verification for readiness can be carried out in this way: put a glass down a glass jar. If condensate is formed on its walls, it means that there is a lot of moisture in the floor and proceed to laying the finish coating so far.
The result is a durable and warm flat surface, on which tiles, laminate or any other type of flooring will look perfect.

As an option, you can consider a dry screed using expanded clay and GVL (gypsum fiber sheets).

Creating a waterproofing layer. It is mounted, as in the first case, the joints are overlapped by about 20 cm, and a stock of 6-7 cm is made on the walls.
Along the entire perimeter of the room, the places of contact with the wall are closed with a damping ribbon.
Lighthouses are exhibited.
Ceramzit is falling asleep in portions. It is leveled and slightly compacted. After that, be sure to check the correspondence of the height by level. This operation is performed gradually in separate areas. As soon as one piece of floor is prepared, it is immediately covered with a slap of GVL. It is laid in two layers, gluing with each other and additionally fastened with self -tapping screws.

The seams at the joints of the GVL are spit, you can walk along them with a layer of bitumen waterproofing.
The remains of the film and the damping tape are cut off, the base is ready for the finish.