Balcony (loggia) - outdoor, non-heated part of the house. To increase the usable area of the apartment balconies are glazed, insulated and conduct heat sources. This allows for more complete room. For thermal insulation using various insulation: foam, mineral wool, penoplex.
Foam - one of the most popular insulation is a white plate, consisting of sintered polystyrene pellets. Granules of polystyrene hollow inside. 98% of the material is air, but only 2% is the polymer itself. This ratio determines the material properties - low weight and high insulation. These qualities make the foam indispensable material for thermal insulation of building structures. The advantages of the foam may also include:
- resistance to putrefaction and mildew resistance;
- environmentally safe - at normal temperature does not emit harmful substances;
- durability - retains its shape and its structure;
- good performance on noise insulation. Ability to choose the brand of foam with increased sound insulation;
- light weight and ease of processing cause convenience and ease of installation;
- resistance to hygroscopicity and temperature changes - the foam retains the structure in a temperature range from -180 to + 80 ° C;
- affordability.
The foam also has some drawbacks:
- low strength - very brittle foam;
- high fire hazard. In the combustion of harmful toxic substances are allocated;
- may cause deformation of the insulation effect of toluene, acetone, or kerosene.
When the balcony insulation is important to calculate the optimal thickness of the foam. The required thickness of the plate depends on the climate, location of the balcony (north or south side), the area to warm the room and density insulation. A thick layer of insulation can reduce some of balcony space. Typically insulation layer is from 5 to 10 cm. The foam is suitable for thermal insulation of the balcony, not only inside but also outside.
When buying a foam should pay attention to the color of the plate - it should be white, the uniformity of the structure and the absence of strong chemical odors. For insulating walls commonly used foam density of from 15 to 25 kg / m³
Before you start laying the insulation, on the surface of the stuffed skeleton of wooden slats. To avoid accumulation of moisture on the surface of the insulation layer is required waterproofing device. As used roofing waterproofing, water-resistant film material or mastic. Styrofoam plates fastened in mezhreechnoe space with glue and screws with mushroom heads. To ensure the insulated monolithic gap between the surface plates is filled with foam (the foam should not contain toluene). The inner part of the surface coated with vapor barrier film. Further it is possible to start finishing insulated surface.
Compliance insulation foam technology will minimize the heat losses on the balcony, even at sub-zero temperatures.
