How to insulate a floor with wooden ceilings. Insulation of the floor in a wooden house from below

In any structure, the floor is, as a rule, the most problematic part, since the penetration of cold air masses through it is quite likely with well-insulated walls. They won't help solve the problem, no matter how great heating system, nor carpets. Wooden floors are more vulnerable than others.

The most logical solution would be proper insulation floor using special materials, but first of all it is worth studying the structural features of wooden flooring.

Peculiarities

Even correct styling The durability of floorboards without cracks and gaps disappears over time due to the nature of the wood structure. The boards can dry out and heat loss is inevitable. Up to 30% of heat escapes through a floor that has not been reconstructed, so It is necessary to insulate a wooden floor, but it is worth remembering the peculiarities of this work.

A wooden floor does not consist of boards alone; it has a more complex structure. The base of the floor is logs, which are wooden blocks. Either a subfloor, consisting of untreated boards, plywood, chipboard, and is the basis for finishing coatings (laminate, parquet), or a finished floor, the basis of which consists of milled boards, is attached to them.

To make the floor comfortable, we use different kinds insulation, but for normal operation insulation alone is not enough - it is necessary to use layers of waterproofing.

Their presence is necessary, since excessive moisture in the space promotes the formation of fungus and the development of insects that destroy the wooden structure.

Insulated rooms

Most often, wooden floors are present in private buildings, and therefore it is important to know how to insulate a wooden floor in village house. And this depends on many factors. First of all, this is the time of construction of the structure. If the house is new, then you need to wait the time necessary for the wood structure to shrink (6-7 months). If the house is old, then after dismantling the old coverings, it is necessary to pay attention to the wear of the joists, removing even partially rotten logs.

When choosing a material for thermal insulation in a village house, it is necessary to take into account the area of ​​the room and the height of the ceiling, the type of surface, the placement of the floor structure, the temperature and humidity of the room, the load, and, of course, the purpose of the house. Each of these factors directly affects the choice of material.

The ceiling height in a village house for effective and economical heating should be within 2.35-2.50 m. The height of the room after laying the insulation should not be less than 2.35 m, otherwise the space will not be very comfortable, and higher than 2.5 m to avoid increasing heating costs.

The thickness of the insulation also depends on the purpose of the house. For houses used in the summer, you can get by with insulation 5 cm thick, but for a house that will be used constantly, it is better to purchase material at least 20 cm thick.

The choice of material is directly dependent on the floor design, as this affects the installation method. There are several types of flooring:

• The flooring is laid either at a short distance from the ground or on a special bedding. Both floorings were laid without ventilation.
• The flooring is located above a basement or cellar with high humidity.
• The flooring is located on the joists, there is a pile foundation with grate.
• Laying the flooring along the joists; below there is a ventilated basement with good air ventilation due to the presence of vents.

When choosing a material for village house it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the insulation itself. In addition to thickness, characteristics such as environmental Safety, fire resistance, insulation service life.

To insulate the floor in a toilet located in a private wooden building, it is worth not only taking into account the above characteristics of the insulation, but also taking care of the waterproofing of the underground space of this room, and also considering the ventilation system.

You can also insulate wooden floors in your apartment. The choice of material and installation method will depend on the floor of the apartment. For the first floor where there is soil nearby or basement, insulation will be both from the side of the apartment and from the basement, if there is one. To insulate the floor on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th floor, the material is laid only from the side of the apartment.

In a private house, insulating the floor on the 2nd floor makes sense only if one or the other floor is not heated, or more warm materials compared to the second, resulting in a temperature difference.

Floor installation

Floor insulation can be done different methods. The choice of method depends on the initial condition of the coatings, the location or absence of utility rooms.

The simplest, most reliable and most often used method is the insulation method using joists. It is suitable for insulating floors both for private wooden structures and for floors located in apartments located on the 1st floor. IN in this case the principle is that The coating is divided into fine and rough.

Insulation of a wooden floor occurs due to the sequential laying of various materials.

The rough layer consists of wooden boards joined to joists. At the bottom of the boards there are cranial bars running along each joist. The logs themselves are bars that are laid over the entire surface of the floor at a certain distance from each other, usually from 0.6 to 1 meter. They can be attached to the foundation of a building, embedded in the base of a structure, mounted on load-bearing beams or fixed on erected posts made of durable material (brick, concrete, stone).

The vapor barrier layer is laid on the subfloor and on top of the joist. It is only needed when using a certain type of insulation, and the insulation itself is placed between the joists. The gap between the insulation and the vapor barrier layer should be at least 4-5 cm. This value ensures proper ventilation of the space. If there is not enough height, counter battens are placed on the joists.

If the building is located in an area where there is high groundwater, then instead of a vapor barrier layer, you need to lay a waterproofing layer that will prevent the insulation from getting wet. In addition, some types of insulation do not require the presence of a vapor barrier layer.

Get rid of high humidity Installing special vents outside the house, installed in increments of 4-5 m, and an exhaust pipe will also help. The presence of these elements promotes good air circulation and increases the efficiency of floor insulation work.

It is possible to insulate a wooden floor without dismantling the old covering using linoleum on a jute or felt basis, but it is better to use it not as an independent type of insulation, but as an addition to warm floor. This durable and easy-to-install coating performs the function of waterproofing.

Another method of insulation without dismantling is liquid foam, which is driven under the floor through holes with a special device. But using this method, it is worth remembering that the space is filled unevenly, and therefore this option is not perfect.

How to choose the right insulation

All types of materials of natural or artificial origin used for insulating wooden floors, are divided into:

• fibrous;
• foamed;
• backfill;
• cellular stone.

Any insulation has both advantages and disadvantages.

The most common and affordable material is mineral wool. Insulating floors with mineral wool has many advantages. This material, in addition to its direct purpose, has very high noise insulation properties, has good fire resistance, and has low thermal conductivity. This eco-friendly material is easy to install and has different shapes release (rolls, mats), which is important to consider when choosing.

Variety mineral wool is a brand insulation "Isover", produced by Finnish manufacturers for more than 20 years. The basis of this material is fiberglass. Izover insulation will protect a wooden structure from the development of fungi, bacteria, and invasion of rodents and insects.

But this material has its drawbacks. First of all, they include poor moisture resistance, so it is better to use mineral wool in combination with a waterproofing layer.

Unlike mineral wool, polystyrene foam does not allow water to pass through easily. This lightweight, non-toxic material is not subject to deformation due to exposure to temperature changes. Having even a small thickness, it does not lose its good thermal insulation properties. But it also has some disadvantages. The fragility of the material comes first, so the fitting of the material must be done as accurately as possible.

Durable polystyrene foam has improved characteristics. In addition to high noise insulation and low thermal conductivity, the material is distinguished by increased strength. Installation with extruded polystyrene foam, in addition to insulation, will protect the house from rodent invasion and the development of mold fungi.

Vapor-tight roll materials isolon or penofol are small in thickness and therefore cannot provide the required degree of insulation. Most often these materials are used together with others. Penofol or isolon is used to lay the rough surface of the floor, using it as a waterproofing layer on which the insulation is laid.

Bulk materials materials used as insulation, such as expanded clay and sawdust, are used for structures without basements.

Insulating the floor with sawdust makes it possible to save money, since sawdust has a low cost. In addition, the form this insulation allows you to fill even the most difficult to reach places. Very often, sawdust is combined with other substances to enhance thermal insulation, antiseptic and other properties.

The floor is insulated with expanded clay if there is close proximity to the ground. This lightweight material has a porous structure, due to which, in addition to thermal insulation, it provides good sound insulation. It is not afraid of temperature changes, and even an inexperienced person can handle the installation.

Insulation technology

After analyzing the floor design, it is necessary to consider the best solutions for a particular room. There is a certain sequence of floor insulation, suitable both for insulation with joists and without them.

First, it is necessary to dismantle the old covering, if the insulation process takes place in an old room, and lay or replace the logs. Then start installation rough coating, on which a waterproofing or vapor barrier layer is laid. Its edges should extend 15-20 cm onto the walls, and the joints should be taped.

One of the common and important problems of a private house made of wood is a cold floor. This is due to the outflow of cold water from the earth. air flow that penetrate through cracks. To make the room warm and comfortable, it is necessary to insulate the floor in wooden house below. How to do this, what materials are used for this and the main points installation work are described in this article.

Helpful advice! Working with cotton wool requires special protective clothing for the body, gloves and glasses. This is due to the fact that during installation work, small fibers are separated from the slabs. They can cause irritation and itching of the skin.

Floor insulation with expanded clay

Expanded clay is small round porous balls of shale or clay. They are obtained by firing materials in a furnace at high temperature. Expanded clay is considered a safe and environmentally friendly material. Among its advantages are:

• high sound insulation;
• resistance to low temperatures;
• environmental safety for humans.

A noticeable disadvantage of this material is compaction under its own weight. Expanded clay balls are pressed together. This leads to an increase in the weight of the substance and a decrease in thermal insulation properties.

Helpful advice! There's no need to choose this material for floor insulation in a wooden house on screw piles. An increase in the weight of the floor covering can lead to subsidence of the foundation of the building.

Using sawdust for floor insulation

Sawdust is a waste product from the wood processing industry. They have good vapor and sound insulation characteristics, retain heat, and are environmentally friendly for humans. Sawdust is inexpensive. The resulting thermal effect is no worse than that of expensive materials. Thanks to the cement component, they are also well suited for insulating the floor in a ground floor apartment. Subsequently, laminate, linoleum, tiles, etc. can be laid on such a screed.

Before use, sawdust is subjected to special treatment. This helps prevent rodents and bugs from infesting them. Afterwards, they are mixed with cement and water and applied evenly over the entire flooring area.

Helpful advice!Instead of mortar, you can use clay. This material is environmentally friendly and has the best thermal insulation characteristics than cement.

Sawdust is ideal for insulating floors on the ground, especially if the structure does not have a strong and solid foundation.

Floor insulation with foam plastic

Floor insulation with polystyrene foam is popular. Most often this material is called polystyrene foam. Advantages of this insulation:

• low vapor and sound permeability;
• low thermal conductivity;
• resistant to impact external factors and chemicals;
• does not lose its properties for a long time;
• easy to install.

A significant disadvantage of polystyrene foam is its susceptibility to moisture. He can absorb it into himself. This has a negative impact on the main operational characteristics. He is also afraid of the effects of fire and high temperatures. But the simple and inexpensive technology of floor insulation with polystyrene is its significant advantage. This is what, in most cases, the home owner focuses on.

Helpful advice! If your dacha or a private house located on close-lying land groundwater or a high risk of flooding, you should not choose polystyrene foam as insulation. If the choice has already been made, you should take care of good waterproofing.

Ecowool

Polyurethane foam (ecowool) – great way solve the issue of floor insulation in an apartment on the ground floor and a private house (dacha). This material is blown into the free space using a compressor. This way it evenly fills all the voids. The small particles that make up ecowool provide excellent vapor barrier. The material is not exposed to moisture, so no additional waterproofing is needed during its installation. This allows you to reduce insulation costs.

Related article:

How to lay it correctly. Peculiarities different types insulation materials. Tips for caring for your floor. Popular manufacturers and cost of materials.

After hardening, a solid, even layer is obtained. It can withstand the load perfectly. Low weight does not increase the weight of the structure. The service life of this insulation is more than 20 years.

A significant disadvantage of ecowool is the need to use special industrial equipment.

Helpful advice! Professionals say that when insulating with this material, waterproofing is not needed. However, when insulating the floor in a country house without a foundation, it is better to lay an additional waterproofing layer.

Penofol: floor insulation

The combination of polyethylene foam and a thin layer of aluminum foil is called penofol. It is sold as a rolled roll. The thickness of the seal is from 3 to 10 mm. Penofol retains heat well, is environmentally friendly, and has high sound insulation.

Retains heat well

The big disadvantage of this material is its susceptibility to moisture due to the presence of aluminum foil in the composition. Another disadvantage is that penofol does not have long-term use. After five years, it is necessary to re-insulate.

Key points of installation work

All materials used for floor insulation have their own methods of fastening. However, there are the main points of the thermal protection device. They are recommended to be followed when installing any material.

The order of arrangement of the main layers when installing floor insulation in a wooden house with your own hands:

• waterproofing layer;
• thermal insulation layer;
• vapor barrier material;
• direct structural elements of the floor;
• flooring.

Experts say that this arrangement of the main layers will allow for optimal thermal conditions inside the room. This technology maintains the necessary circulation of moisture in the house.

Helpful advice! When insulating the basement floor in a wooden house, you can choose beams with a cross-section from 50 to 100 mm. They are fixed from below, and a layer of insulation is laid between them. Additionally, the resulting “pie” should be covered with boards.

Waterproofing

When insulating the floor in a private house, you cannot do without waterproofing. Due to the ability of cold air to condense on a warm surface, the wooden floor is exposed to moisture. Its constant presence in the room leads to the active development of fungus, mold and causes rotting of the structure itself. Especially if no special means were used during the construction of the house.

When laying thermal insulation without a waterproofing layer, exposure to moisture negatively affects the thermal conductivity properties of the material. The result is an increase in indoor humidity and a decrease in temperature. Waterproofing helps to avoid these unpleasant moments.

A waterproofing layer is laid on the side exposed to cold air currents.

Vapor barrier laying

Human heat and equipment operating in the house emit warm air. It passes through the ceilings and condenses when it encounters cold air. The problem with this phenomenon is that moisture settles inside the structure. As a result, the tree swells and begins to rot from the inside. It will not be possible to prevent this process by treating with special means. Therefore, when insulating the floor in a wooden house from below with penoplex or other material, the presence of a vapor barrier is mandatory.

When carrying out installation work from below, the vapor barrier layer is laid first. The simplest and most affordable material for this is polyethylene film. It is excellent for both vapor and waterproofing.

The presence of such layers in the floor covering must be designed in advance. If this was not done on time, then it is necessary to lay the film immediately after putting the house into operation.

Helpful advice! Moisture-windproof membranes are an excellent material for hydro- and vapor barrier. This material allows air to circulate and retains moisture from it. It can be used when insulating the floor with penofol or other insulation.

The main stages of laying insulation

The most the best option installation involves laying floor insulation along the joists. These cross boards are used for subsequent flooring.

Main stages of work:

• The logs are installed on the finished foundation. The recommended distance between the bars is no more than 1-1.2 m;
• after this, thick plywood is installed or chipboard sheets. They are secured with self-tapping screws. This is how the base is prepared for laying the heat-insulating layer;
• Insulation is laid between the wooden joists. Depending on the material used, the thickness of this layer may vary. In any case, it should not exceed the size of the logs themselves;
• Next, a layer of waterproofing is laid. Although this step is recommended by experts for maximum results, it can be skipped. This is due to the resistance of some materials to moisture;
• Now you can lay the flooring. It may be old. Or it can be replaced with a new one.

Compliance with the specified sequence will allow you to insulate a wooden floor with penoplex or other insulation.

Features of sawdust insulation

Floor insulation with sawdust - environmentally friendly and affordable way keep the house warm. When choosing this insulation, you must adhere to a number of recommendations:

• Broken glass should be added to the prepared mixture of sawdust and cement or clay. This will prevent rodents from appearing. Do not forget about the use of special solutions;
• the mixture consists of five parts sawdust, one part cement (clay) and half water. This proportion must be observed. When mixing a steeper solution, you will get durable insulation, but with a low thermal conductivity coefficient;
• carefully fill the voids between the joists. This will allow you to get an even layer of insulation. If you do not maintain this technology, the thermal insulation will be “leaky” and the floor will remain cold.

Helpful advice! Due to the availability of a large number of insulation materials on the market and the time required to prepare the mixture, sawdust is rarely used for insulation. However, they will help solve the issue of insulation with a limited financial budget.

Features of penoplex insulation

Due to its high strength and affordable cost, floor insulation with penoplex in a wooden house is more common than other materials.

Among the installation features of this insulation, we note the following points:

• penoplex is laid between the joists and attached to the floor from below with assembly glue;
• It is necessary to accurately and tightly fit the edges of the slabs. This will prevent cold air from entering;
• the joints are additionally glued for maximum adhesion;

• laying a waterproofing layer is required. This is especially important for a private house or cottage in a swampy area;
• before laying penoplex, wooden beams and crossbars are processed special solution. This will avoid rotting and the appearance of bugs.

Helpful advice! If you live in an apartment building, then choosing penoplex as floor insulation is The best decision. This material is laid thin layer and does not affect the height of the room.

Due to its light weight, penoplex is excellent for floor insulation in frame house. The load on the foundation of the building will be minimal. This will prevent the house from shrinking over time.

The main points of insulation with expanded clay

This insulation is installed according to the technology described above. However, there are a number of features that you need to know. To insulate the floor in a wooden house with expanded clay, you must:

• be sure to lay a cushion of sand. It is poured in an even layer and compacted thoroughly;
• A layer of liquid mastic is applied on top of this pillow. It plays the role of waterproofing;

• Now expanded clay is poured. To ensure that the layer is as even as possible and without voids, it is recommended to use a material of different fractions. This will allow the granules to fit more tightly to each other;
• a vapor barrier is required. Only after this can the main floor covering be laid.

Due to the noticeable weight of this material, insulating a wooden floor with expanded clay is best done with a solid foundation.

Do-it-yourself insulation of a wooden floor in a house: video

Today there are a great many educational videos on the Internet. self-installation insulation. Viewing them will allow you to understand the technology of performing the work, the principles of selection and the main stages of laying materials. In addition, such videos contain a large number of useful points. This way you can learn, for example, about the correct filling of a floor screed with polystyrene foam insulation.

To make the floor in the house warm, you need to take into account many nuances. Right choice insulation plays an important role in this. When choosing a material for yourself, you should not be based on price or installation technology. Consider the type of structure, the nuances of the landscape and the features of the house’s operation (permanent or seasonal). Based on this you can choose ideal insulation for the floor.

Houses made of wood require a more careful approach to floor insulation work. This is necessary, first of all, to preserve the structure itself from rotting and fungus. Warm floors make the house cozy, pleasant and comfortable to be in.

Before you start insulating the floor yourself, you need to familiarize yourself with the types and features of insulation. As well as an algorithm for performing work. This is exactly what our article will discuss.

Peculiarities

Wooden floors, unlike concrete, are much warmer. Wood is a capricious material and when building a house it is not always possible to achieve the desired effect. The ratio of thickness and thermal conductivity is often disproportionate, so insulating floors in a wood house is simply necessary.

The possibility of floor insulation exists not only in new houses, but also in those built a long time ago.

• dampness;
• the appearance and proliferation of mold;
• the appearance of microorganisms and fungi that adversely affect the health of those living in the house;
• high consumption of thermal energy to heat the house;
• damage and destruction of the building.

You can carry out floor insulation work yourself. This will significantly reduce the budget. IN construction stores There is a wide range of materials that can be worked with even without specific skills.

Insulation of structures implies different types works:

• insulation of floors above ground floor;
• insulation of interfloor ceilings;
• insulation of the floor between the living space and the attic.

In each case, materials are used not only to maintain optimal temperature regime, but also for sound insulation. A well-insulated first floor is a guarantee that the house will become comfortable for living.

Types of floor

In houses made of wood, two types of floors are used: concrete and wood.

The second option is divided into two categories:

• floor boards, laminated wood;
• parquet board and laminate.

You can make a concrete floor yourself without involving specialists. There are two options for laying concrete: on the ground and on logs. The most common is the first option.

All work is carried out in several stages:

• priming;
• sand;
• thermal insulation;
• waterproofing.

The next step is to fill the floor with concrete screed. If a warm floor is installed, then it must be installed at this stage.

Wooden floor, like concrete covering, also has several layers:

• bulk floor (rough);
• waterproofing layer;
• thermal insulation layer;
• fine coating.

If installation of a heated floor system is necessary, it is carried out at the construction stage between the finishing and rough coatings. Wooden floor is natural material, and therefore environmentally friendly. During operation, substances harmful to humans will not be released into the air. This coating has an aesthetic and noble appearance.

How can you insulate it?

Insulation of the floor in a wooden house is carried out in order to reduce heat loss. The most commonly used and inexpensive insulation materials are expanded clay and sand. Below is a list of other popular floor insulation materials.

• Mineral wool. The main features of this heat insulator are low thermal conductivity, durability, high noise insulation properties, and moisture absorption. It is also worth noting that mineral wool is environmentally friendly pure material.

In order to determine whether the product in front of you is of high quality or not, you need to check its color. Mineral wool, made from natural raw materials, has Brown color. A product in the production of which prohibited substances were used will have a yellow tint.

This insulation is produced in slabs and rolls. Roll insulation most common when used over large areas. Mineral wool is very convenient and is not required during work. special knowledge and skills. Everything can be done with your own hands. The material is lightweight and breathable.

• Polyurethane foam. The insulation is quite expensive. This will require not only the help of specialists, but also special equipment. The material's properties are close to polystyrene foam. But he won't stand the screed. They can be used to insulate the floor from below. Average term The service life of such insulation is 30 years.

• Expanded clay. The material is quite common. Expanded clay is granules of baked foamed clay. The material has high operational properties, easy. But with all the variety of advantages, there is one serious drawback. Expanded clay absorbs moisture very well, so when using it, it is imperative to install waterproofing.

• Sawdust is a bulk insulation option. Sawdust mixed with slaked lime powder is used against mice: 8 parts sawdust to 2 parts lime. Such insulation can be poured between the rough and finished floors. The average layer thickness is 20-40 cm, depending on climatic conditions.

• Isolon is polyethylene, which has a foam structure. The thickness of this coating is 10 mm. Foil coated on one or both sides. Placed on top of the cotton wool. It is also used as a covering for underfloor heating.

Which is better to choose?

A wooden house can be placed on a foundation and have a ground floor (basement), or it can be located on stilts.

Houses on stilts are in great demand among consumers. This is due to the fact that such a design does not require a large amount of time and energy during construction and operation. There are also no requirements for the soil on which the building will be located. Choosing insulation for a house on stilts requires taking into account the design features. At the right approach the house will become not only warm, but also cozy.

But with all the advantages, there is also a disadvantage: the house is located at a distance from the ground. The building is not protected by the ground floor and is exposed to winds. In this case, it turns out that the house is protected from soil moisture, but at the same time the entire floor area is exposed to winds and frost. In order for a house to please its owners, it is worth making high-quality insulation floors

Floor insulation in houses on stilts is carried out in several stages:

• Preparation. Before starting work on floor insulation, it is worth ensuring full access to the joists. This is done for the sake of opportunity control check. Once work begins, inspection will not be possible.
• Rough floor. There are a lot of ways to create a subfloor, but still builders often use the traditional one. It is necessary to nail a beam onto the logs, which will later serve as a support for the flooring made of boards. Timber and logs are processed by special means against rotting and fungus.

But you should not use products that create a film. This will prevent the wood from breathing, which will lead to rot. Flooring boards under the subfloor should also be treated. This is necessary to increase the service life of the material. When calculating, it is worth taking into account the weight of the insulation that will be used. Plywood can be used as flooring for lightweight insulation. If, for example, polystyrene is used, then to strengthen the bottom layer you can use reinforced mesh. This will help distribute the weight.

• Vapor barrier. A vapor barrier must be used to prevent moisture from entering the insulation. For this it is better to use polyethylene or roofing felt. These materials belong to economy class. When laying them, it is necessary to provide ventilation ducts. The vapor barrier layer should be both on top of the insulation and below. This will prevent condensation formed due to temperature changes from getting onto the materials.

• Finish floor. The finishing floor is the final stage of floor insulation, which can also be a finishing coating. For this, absolutely any materials can be used (solid wood, chipboard, plywood).

To make a house on stilts look presentable, as well as for additional protection from influences climatic conditions, experts advise doing easy option ground floor.

Caring for insulated floors

Manufacturers

Many companies are engaged in the production of materials for floor insulation. Among them are world-famous brands and those who are just starting their journey. Most of the companies have almost a century of history. To help you make your choice, below is a rating of the most popular manufacturers. All of them present materials with proven quality.

• Knauf. The international manufacturer has over 90 years of experience. Insulation materials are popular all over the world. Products are made from natural raw materials the latest technologies. All insulation materials are environmentally friendly and harmless. Knauf has been a leader in the market for many years.

• Rockwool. The company operates on modern technologies and specializes in basalt thermal insulation materials. The advantage of this raw material is its high performance qualities and affordable price. In Russia, branches are located in Moscow, Chelyabinsk and Leningrad regions. The company is in second place in the ranking of manufacturers of insulation materials.
• Paroc. The company also specializes mainly in the production of mineral wool. Time-tested quality. The manufacturer focuses on saving thermal energy for heating living spaces and excellent sound insulation. But the disadvantage of this company is that all insulation materials have enough high price. That is why the company ranks third.

The floor is one of the coldest parts of the house. This especially applies to the first floors of multi-storey buildings, as well as private wooden houses. This is primarily due to the fact that cold air tends to fall down, and drafts also blow from under the floor. Therefore, in order to obtain a warmer floor and reduce heat loss in the house, the floor must be properly insulated. This is especially necessary if the floor of the house is made of wood. Even if the docks were packed tightly together, over time they will dry out and leaks will begin to leak from the crevices. As a result, heat loss in the house can reach 30%. You can insulate a wooden floor with your own hands; the technology is quite simple. However, before insulating a wooden floor, it is necessary to study the properties of various insulation materials.

Floor insulation is an integral part in the construction and renovation of private houses.

Wood floor insulation technology

Before you begin the process of floor insulation, you need to decide on a number of important parameters, namely: the possible height of the thermal insulation layer and the entire structure, surface operating conditions (indoor conditions - humidity and temperature, load, purpose). Only after you have decided on these parameters will it be possible to properly insulate a wooden house.

The technology for insulating such a floor is quite simple, you can easily handle it yourself. Properly installed thermal insulation consists of a layer of thermal insulation material, a vapor barrier and a floor covering. In the process of designing a thermal insulation layer, you need to determine its thickness. The thickness of this layer depends on climatic conditions and the type of insulation. It is selected individually for each building.

Insulation of wooden floors on joists

Most often, the method of insulation on joists is used to insulate a wooden floor in a house.

Scheme of floor insulation on joists.

It is relatively simple, but at the same time very effective, making it possible to eliminate significant heat loss. This method is only relevant for floors located close to the ground (plinths, first floors).

This insulation technology is carried out as follows. At first wooden joists They are installed with a T-shaped notch into the log house or on the foundation in increments of 60-100 cm. Next, you need to secure the boards or panels on which the insulation layer will be laid. Shields (boards) are hemmed from below or secured to special cranial bars. Next, you need to lay insulation on the flooring between the joists.

The next stage is laying a waterproofing and vapor barrier layer. This stage is needed only in certain cases - depending on what material is used for insulation. For example, protection from moisture and vapor is needed in the case of insulation using mineral wool or ecowool. The vapor barrier is overlapped by 10-15 cm, and its edges are bent to a height of up to 10 mm. Ordinary polyethylene film can be used as a vapor barrier material. In this case, the film must be laid so that it goes around each rafter, is in an even state and is secured with staples to load-bearing elements roofs. Film is one of the most inexpensive vapor barrier materials. Despite its relatively low cost, polyethylene film copes well with the tasks.

The final stage of insulation on joists is the installation of floorboards and finishing with the selected floor covering.

What is the best way to insulate a wooden floor?

Insulating floors with polyurethane foam is a durable, reliable coating.

You can insulate a wooden floor using a variety of different materials. Most often, mineral wool, polyurethane foam, ecowool, penofol, and polystyrene are used for this. You can insulate the floor using sawdust, foam plastic and expanded clay. The choice of a specific material depends on many parameters and personal preferences of the home owner.

Insulation of the subfloor is carried out in the same way as for joists. That is, first you need to secure the bars to the sides of the logs, after which you need to lay boards on them using self-tapping screws or nails, which should be cut out in accordance with the distance between the logs. When all the boards are secured and a complete surface is formed, it is covered with a vapor barrier material. After this, the selected insulation should be laid tightly between the lags, without gaps. Finally, a layer of vapor barrier is laid again. This concludes the work on insulating the subfloor. When using certain thermal insulation materials, a vapor barrier layer may not be necessary.

One of the simplest and available materials, with which you can insulate the floor, are sawdust. Despite its simplicity, sawdust has very good characteristics. The main advantages of this material are its low cost (compared to other types of thermal insulation materials) and ease of backfilling, which allows you to insulate even hard-to-reach and narrow places. As you know, sawdust is obtained as a result of processing natural wood, which means that it is an environmentally friendly, natural material. Of all materials made on the basis of sawdust, sawdust in its pure form is mainly used for insulating wooden floors.

The most economical and environmentally friendly material for floor insulation is sawdust.

You can insulate a wooden floor using mineral wool, which can be glass, slag or stone. One of the main advantages of this material is its absolute non-flammability. In addition to this, mineral wool has a number of other advantages: biological and chemical resistance, fire resistance, high heat and sound insulation characteristics. Among the disadvantages are low vapor permeability and low mechanical strength.

Penofol is one of the modern thermal insulation materials. Penofol appeared relatively recently and is not yet widely used. This is a rolled multilayer material consisting of insulation and a reflective layer, which is thin polished aluminum foil. Almost any insulation material can act as a base (insulating material). The most preferred are translucent materials, which include foamed polyethylene.

Expanded polystyrene is also very popular. This is due to many advantages and an almost complete absence of disadvantages. Such insulation is characterized by low vapor permeability and thermal conductivity, fire resistance, high strength, chemical and biological resistance (does not decompose, does not undergo mold formation, and is not afraid of rodents). The cellular structure of the material makes it durable and very effective as thermal insulation for wooden floors.

Penofol is a modern insulation material. It is thin, lightweight, and has high thermal insulation properties.

You can insulate a wooden floor using ecowool. This material consists of 80% cellulose and 20% various natural additives. The organic antiseptic lignin and boric acid are used as a binding component. It is due to this composition that the main advantage of ecowool is determined - its environmental friendliness and complete safety for humans.

Polyurethane foam is obtained by synthesizing two components - isocyanate and polyol components. By changing the recipe and processing mode, it is possible to obtain various materials: from plastic and soft to hard, differing in density and physical and mechanical characteristics.

How best to insulate a floor: stages of work

To properly insulate a wooden floor, you need to have a number of tools and accessories on hand. Some of them will be used constantly, while others are needed occasionally. You will need:

To insulate the floor you will need a level, drill, screwdriver, saw, tape measure and pencil.

1. Drill for drilling various holes.
2. Level - length at least 200-250 cm.
3. The rule is a special rail made of metal or wood, the length is from 120 to 200 cm.
4. Mixer - equipment for mixing various compositions.
5. A screwdriver is a device for tightening various fasteners.
6. An electric jigsaw is a device that automates sawing work.
7. Ordinary saw.
8. Roulette.
9. Chop.
10. Pencil.

The process of insulating a wooden floor may vary slightly depending on what material was chosen as thermal insulation. Next, the most popular and widespread method will be considered.

Chipboard is very often used as flooring, which can be explained by its relatively low cost and fairly high quality.

Scheme of insulating floors in a house with penofol and penomplex.

Laying on the foundation or tying waterproofing material (roofing felt) is carried out. This material is needed so that the sand does not absorb water and other liquids that can get into it from the foundation. The sand layer itself should not be too large.

Leveling sand cushion can be done with almost any available means, for example, using a shovel or rake. Next, polyethylene film is laid. Much attention should be paid to its thickness. Actually, the thicker the film, the more efficiently the system will cope with the tasks assigned to it.
Polyethylene film is attached to the base. A construction stapler is used for this.

The next step is flooring foam (or laying another material of your choice). This material is excellent as thermal insulation. Firstly, it retains heat remarkably and provides high noise protection. Secondly, this material is not dangerous to human health, it does not ignite and is characterized by chemical inertness.

Make sure that no extraneous holes remain after installation. All cracks must be eliminated without fail.

The final stage is the creation of the last two layers. The layers are made from chipboard. That's all, the process of insulating a wooden floor in a private house is over. In reality, any construction works look simple and easy only on paper. However, if you strictly follow the instructions given, then you will definitely succeed.

Properly done thermal insulation of a wooden floor can significantly reduce heat loss and ultimately significantly save on heating bills. Wood is an excellent material, very well suited for arranging floors in residential premises. But over time, its structure changes, the material begins to gradually deform, which leads to the appearance of cracks through which up to 30% or more of the heat can escape from the house.

The technology for insulating a wooden floor is extremely simple; it can be mastered even without such skills. You just need to understand the main stages of thermal insulation and additional features of working with the most popular insulation materials.

The procedure for installing thermal insulation on a wooden floor remains virtually unchanged for different materials. However, before starting work, you should determine the conditions under which the floor will be used in the future. By them we must understand the expected load on the surface, the main purpose of the room, temperature and humidity indicators.

Be sure to determine the possible height of the floor “pie” in general and the thickness of the insulation in particular.

Insulation work is carried out in the following order:

• first, wooden logs are installed;
• boards or wood panels are attached to them from below;
• The selected heat insulator is installed between the lags. It is recommended to lay the material as tightly as possible. It is customary to use sealant to seal gaps. You can also use foam;
• A vapor barrier is laid on the laid insulation. Typically polyethylene film is used. The material must be fixed on the joists, and any kind of gaps, various joints, etc. glue with metallized adhesive tape;
• Finally, it is necessary to lay the plank flooring and perform the finishing touches.

In the process of preparing for work, you should determine optimal thickness heat insulator. Usually it ranges from 5-15 cm and depends mainly on the climate in the region where the building is located and the type of insulation chosen. This parameter is determined individually and is one of the most important.

The procedure for self-insulation by joists

An extremely simple, but very effective and popular method of insulation in private construction is a technology that involves laying insulation boards along joists. This method is especially good for floors that are located a short distance from the ground (first floors and basements).

Having mastered the procedure for installing joists, you will be able to perform insulation using almost all existing insulating materials used for thermal insulation of wooden floors.

First you need to prepare or buy ready-made logs of a special T-shape. They are installed on the foundation or secured by cutting into wooden frame. Elements should be placed at a distance of 60-95 cm from each other.

After installing the logs, proceed to securing boards or wood panels. Thermal insulation will be laid directly on them in the future.

These elements can be secured using special cranial bars or hemmed from below. Placed on the flooring thermal insulation material. Afterwards it is laid layer of hydro- and vapor barrier.

Depending on the chosen insulation, a heat and moisture protection device may not be necessary. For example, mineral wool needs such protection.

The vapor barrier material should be laid with an overlap of 10-15 cm, bending the edges onto the wall by about 10 cm. The vapor barrier can be done using ordinary polyethylene, or you can buy special materials for this; it all depends solely on the budget and desires of the developer. Lastly, the floorboards are installed. and the planned finishing.

There is also a method in which wooden logs are placed on brick posts. A wood gasket is fixed between the contacting elements. The space between adjacent joists is tightly filled with the selected insulation. It is most convenient to use the material in slab format.

What materials are suitable for floor insulation?

For high-quality insulation of a wooden floor, you can use a wide variety of materials. The most popular and most frequently used thermal insulation materials.

1. Sawdust.

2. Mineral wool and its varieties.

3. Penofol.

4. Foam plastic.

When choosing a specific material, you need to take into account not only the owner’s personal preferences and the thickness of his wallet, but also a number of other significant factors, ignoring which will not allow you to obtain high-quality thermal insulation.

Special attention should be paid to the insulation of such an element as the subfloor. Thermal insulation is carried out along logs. First, wooden blocks are attached to their sides. Next, the boards are fixed using self-tapping screws or ordinary nails. The craftsman needs to cut the boards in advance to the size corresponding to the distance between the lags to be fixed. After installing all the boards and obtaining a complete surface, a vapor barrier material is laid and secured. Usually used plastic film, glassine also works well.

Next, thermal insulation material is placed in the space between the joists. It must be placed without gaps, as tightly as possible. After filling the entire planned space with insulation, a second layer of vapor barrier is laid on top of it and the work is considered complete.

A vapor barrier does not need to be used in all situations. Some insulation materials feel great without it. All these points are clarified individually and depend on the properties of the specific insulation.

Guide to DIY insulation using sawdust

Sawdust is the most affordable and simple view thermal insulation for wooden floors. Their main advantage is relatively low price, ease of installation, environmental friendliness and absolute safety for human health.

Can be insulated with sawdust even in a clean state. But sometimes various special materials made on the basis of sawdust are used for thermal insulation.

1. It is based on sawdust mixed in certain proportions with cement and copper sulfate. In the case of floor insulation, they are practically not used; they are more suitable for wall finishing.
2. Granular thermal insulation material made from sawdust and various additives that increase its fire resistance and other important properties.
3. Made from sawdust, water, sand and cement. The most environmentally friendly of all materials considered in this list. Needs high-quality double-sided waterproofing.
4. Made from cement different brands, sawdust (chips) and chemical additives. Sold in the form of slabs with good sound and heat insulation properties. Does not burn, is extremely easy to pre-assemble, differs good performance strength. It does not tolerate contact with moisture well, so it needs thorough waterproofing.

“Clean” sawdust is most often used. Direct insulation is extremely simple. First, the logs are fixed, as described earlier, and then the space between them is filled with insulation. The material is very convenient, it can be used to fill even the most difficult to reach places. The thickness of the layer should be selected taking into account the climate of a particular region.

Using mineral wool as insulation

Mineral wool is the most common thermal insulation material. Available in many varieties. It does not support combustion, withstands biological and chemical influences, and has good heat and sound insulation characteristics. Disadvantages include weak mechanical strength and mediocre vapor permeability.

Mineral wool must be protected from contact with water, because... under its influence, the thermal insulation qualities of the material deteriorate. In view of this, vapor barrier should be given Special attention. Another big disadvantage is that mineral wool is not environmentally friendly. It is because of this that its use has been actively abandoned recently.

Sold as rigid or flexible slabs, ready to install. You just need to first cut them into elements of the required width. On the harder side, a marking is applied to the slab, usually in the form of a blue stripe. When laying insulation between the joists, this strip should face upward. The insulation is laid in 1 layer.

The advantage of using mineral wool is that this material, in addition to its thermal insulation properties, is characterized by excellent noise-absorbing properties, which is especially important when finishing floors in a multi-story building.

It is one of the most modern, available in the form roll material, consisting of a layer of thermal insulation and reflective material in the form of thin aluminum foil. The thermal insulation layer can be represented by almost any existing insulation. The most the best option is foamed polyethylene.

The insulation can be fixed to almost any base using glue without any problems. Installation is carried out as quickly as possible and without unnecessary difficulties. Places directly on the floor surface. Sheets can be laid end-to-end or overlapped. The joints should be fixed using metallized adhesive tape. Penofol eliminates the need to use moisture and vapor barrier materials, because The material of the second layer – aluminum foil – copes well with this function.

Foam plastic has long been one of the leaders in the insulation market. It is also well suited for insulating wooden floors. It has many advantages, including: good thermal insulation qualities, resistance to rotting, mold formation, damage by insects and rodents. Thanks to its cellular structure, insulation using foam plastic is as effective and durable as possible.

The disadvantages of this insulation include its poor tolerance to contact with moisture, which reduces its thermal insulation properties. Therefore, the installation of insulation must be carried out with a parallel device of high-quality moisture and vapor barrier.

Also, a big disadvantage of polystyrene foam is that it is not environmentally friendly. Here everyone must decide for themselves which thermal insulation properties are more important to them.

Thus, in self-insulation there is nothing complicated about a wooden floor. All work comes down to fixing a certain number of lags and fixing the selected insulation. Knowing the properties of the most popular insulation materials, you can choose the most suitable option specifically for your case and ensure the highest quality insulation of a wooden floor.

Good luck!