Contents
- Editor’s Choice
- Top 3 best mineral wool insulation
- Top 3 best polystyrene foam insulation
- Top 3 best PIR heaters (PIR)
- How to choose a heater for a frame house
- Popular questions and answers
- What parameters should a heater for a frame house have?
- By what principle should you choose the material of insulation for a frame house?
- What are the optimal thickness and density of insulation for a frame house?
- Is additional insulation required during installation?
- Is it true that heaters for a frame house are harmful to health?
- Sources of
Frame houses are now in trend. It’s all about the ratio of price and quality, as well as the accelerated construction time. Some projects can be implemented without a massive base and foundation. Let’s say a team of workers may well build a small country house in a week. It is very important not to spare money and effort to insulate a frame house in 2022. Indeed, behind the layers of decoration and cladding, fixing something after that will be unrealistic.
In 2022, two types of heaters are sold in stores and markets. The first one is natural. They are made from sawdust and other waste from woodworking and agricultural industries. Cheap, but their environmental friendliness and fire safety of the material is extremely doubtful, so we will not touch on them in this material. They can still fit to insulate a balcony, but not a frame house.
We will talk about the best artificial (synthetic) insulation for a frame house in 2022. In turn, they are also divided into types.
- Mineral wool – the most popular material, made from a mixture of different minerals that are melted and mixed, binding components are added. There is stone (basalt) wool and fiberglass (glass wool). Less commonly, quartz is used for the production of mineral wool.
- PIR or PIR plates – made from polyisocyanurate foam. This is a polymer, the name of which is encrypted in the abbreviation. For 2022, it remains the most innovative and high-quality material.
- Styrofoam expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) are foam and its improved version, respectively. XPS is more expensive and better in terms of thermal insulation. In our rating, we included only manufacturers of XPS insulation for frame houses, since classic foam plastic is a very budget option.
In the characteristics, we give the parameter the thermal conductivity coefficient (λ). Thermal conductivity is the molecular transfer of heat between contiguous bodies or particles of the same body with different temperatures, at which the exchange of energy of movement of structural particles occurs. And the coefficient of thermal conductivity means the intensity of heat transfer, in other words, how much heat a particular material conducts. In everyday life, the difference in thermal conductivity of different materials can be felt if you touch walls made of different materials on a summer day. For example, granite will be cold, sand-lime brick is much warmer, and wood is even warmer.
The lower the indicator, the better the insulation for the frame house will show itself. We will talk about reference (ideal) values below in the section “How to choose a heater for a frame house”.
Editor’s Choice
Isover Profi (mineral wool)
The brand’s most popular insulation is Isover Profi. It is suitable for the entire frame house: it can be lined with walls, roofs, ceilings, floors, ceilings and partitions inside the housing. Including you can not be afraid to place it in the ceiling above a cold basement or in an unheated attic.
You can install in the frame without additional fasteners – all due to the elasticity of the material. The manufacturer claims that this insulation repels moisture, the technology is called AquaProtect. Sold in slabs, which are wound into rolls. If you take two or four slabs in a package, they will be cut into two equal slabs.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 50 and 100 mm |
| Packaged | 1-4 slabs (5-10 m²) |
| Width | 610 or 1220 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0,037 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
TechnoNIKOL LOGICPIR (PIR-panel)
The product of this brand is one of the best heaters for a frame house called LOGICPIR. There are hundreds of cells filled with gas inside the panel. What kind of substance it is, the company does not disclose, but assures that there is nothing dangerous for humans in it. The LOGICPIR thermal insulation does not burn. You can directly order plates of the required thickness from the company – it is convenient that it will be possible to select an individual material for each project.
On sale there are also PIR-plates with different facings: from fiberglass or foil, separate solutions for underfloor heating, balconies and baths. There are even lined with reinforced laminate (PROF CX / CX version). This means that it can even be laid under a cement-sand or asphalt screed.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 30 – 100 mm |
| Packaged | 5-8 slabs (from 3,5 to 8,64 m²) |
| Width | 590, 600 or 1185 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 3 best mineral wool insulation
1. ROCKWOOL
The brand specializes in the production of stone wool insulation. All in a slab form factor. For a frame house, the Scandic universal product is most suitable: it can be placed in walls, partitions, ceilings, under a pitched roof.
There are also niche solutions, for example, thermal insulation for fireplaces or specifically for plastered facades – Light Butts Extra. Standard thicknesses are 50, 100 and 150 mm.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 50, 100, 150 mm |
| Packaged | 5-12 slabs (from 2,4 to 5,76 m²) |
| Width | 600 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Knob North
This is a sub-brand of Knauf, a major player in the building materials market. He is directly responsible for thermal insulation. Eight products are suitable for frame houses. The top one is called Nord – this is a universal mineral wool. It is made without the addition of formaldehyde resins.
Most manufacturers continue to use formaldehyde in 2022, as it is the easiest and most reliable way to bond the structure of mineral wool. They assure that the level of harmful substances does not exceed the norms. However, in this heater did without them. The manufacturer can also find niche solutions – separate insulation for walls, roofs, baths and balconies. Most of them are sold in rolls.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 50, 100, 150 mm |
| Packaged | 6-12 slabs (from 4,5 to 9 m²) or roll 6,7 – 18 m² |
| Width | 600 and 1220 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0-033 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Izovol
They produce stone wool insulation in the form of slabs. They have six products. The brand, unfortunately, allows labeling that is not very readable for the consumer: the name is “encrypted” by an index of letters and numbers. You will not immediately understand for which construction site the material is intended.
But if you delve into the specifications, you can determine that F-100/120/140/150 is suitable for a plaster facade, and CT-75/90 for a ventilated facade. In general, study carefully. Also, different types of insulation of this brand are positioned, for example, specifically for the top and bottom of the facade.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 40 – 250 mm |
| Packaged | 2-8 slabs (each 0,6 m²) |
| Width | 600 and 1000 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0-034 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 3 best polystyrene foam insulation
1. Ursa
Perhaps this manufacturer has the widest selection of XPS boards for 2022. There are five products in the assortment at once. The packaging indicates the areas of application: some are suitable for roads and airfields, which is superfluous in our case, while others are just for walls, facades, foundations and roofs of frame houses.
The company has a slightly confusing marking inside the line – a set of symbols and Latin letters. So look at the specifications on the packaging. From each other, the products mainly differ in the maximum permissible load: from 15 to 50 tons per m². If you are completely confused, then for private housing construction the company itself recommends the Standard version. True, it is not suitable for roofs.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 30 – 100 mm |
| Packaged | 4-18 slabs (2,832-12,96 m²) |
| Width | 600 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0,030-0,032 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. “Penoplex”
The company produces thermal insulation for all possible fronts of work in the construction of a country house. There are products for foundations and walkways, especially for walls and roofs. And if you don’t want to bother with the choice, but take one material for the entire project at once, then take the Comfort or Extreme product.
The latter is more expensive, but at the same time the most durable. We also advise you to look at the professional line of XPS heaters of this brand. For frame houses, the Facade product is suitable. It has the lowest thermal conductivity.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 30 – 150 mm |
| Packaged | 2-20 slabs (1,386-13,86 m²) |
| Width | 585 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0,032-0,034 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. “Ruspanel”
The company is focused on the production of a variety of “sandwiches” and panels. Outside, they are finished with materials at the discretion of the buyer. For example, LSU (glass-magnesium sheet) or OSB (oriented strand board) – both are suitable for the facade of frame houses and immediately for finishing.
Another variation of the edges of the “sandwich” is a polymer-cement composition. This is a cement in which a polymer has been added for strength. Inside this pie, the company hides classic XPS. Yes, it turns out to be more expensive than just buying a couple of pallets of Styrofoam and sheathing a house. On the other hand, due to the reinforcement with external materials, such a heater is clearly more convenient in finishing and has better thermal conductivity.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 20 – 110 mm |
| Packaged | sold individually (0,75 or 1,5 m²) |
| Width | 600 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0,030-0,038 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 3 best PIR heaters (PIR)
1. ProfHolod PIR Premier
The insulation is called PIR Premier. It is sold in covers made of paper, foil and other materials – they are needed to protect the contents from water, rodents, insects, and at the same time reduce thermal conductivity. Before buying, you need to choose what is your priority.
For example, paper lining is more convenient for finishing, the film is more resistant to moisture (convenient for rooms with high humidity), and fiberglass is suitable for laying out under the roof. The company has received a European certificate for this product that everything is done in accordance with the standards.
Our GOSTs are not yet familiar with this type of insulation. It is suitable not only for residential, but also industrial premises – and there, as you know, heating is even more expensive, and there is more space. Therefore, the margin of safety of the insulation is very important. Of course, for an ordinary frame house, this will only benefit.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 40 – 150 mm |
| Packaged | 5 pcs (3,6 m²) |
| Width | 600 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0,020 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. PirroGroup
A company from Saratov, not as popular as its competitors. But the price of its thermal insulation, even taking into account price increases in 2022, remains democratic. There are three types of PIR-plates for frame houses: in foil, fiberglass or craft paper – lining on both sides with the same one. Choose based on the tasks: the foil is where it is wetter, and fiberglass is better for plastering on the base.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 30 – 80 mm |
| Packaged | sold by the piece (0,72 m²) |
| Width | 600 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0,023 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. ISOPAN
A plant from the Volgograd region produces an interesting product. In the strict sense of the word, these are not classic PIR panels. The products are called Isowall Box and Topclass. In fact, these are sandwich panels in which PIR plates are embedded.
We understand that such a solution is not universal for all projects of frame houses, since the issue of finishing remains open – it all depends on what they wanted to sheathe the facade with. By default, the panels of this brand come with metal skins.
There is not so much aesthetics in it (although it’s not for everybody!): for a garden house, a bathhouse, a shed it will still fit, but if we are talking about a cottage, then the visual component will be lame. However, you can make a crate and already fix the desired skin on top. Or use the material only for the roof.
Main characteristics
| Thickness | 50 – 240 mm |
| Packaged | 3-15 panels (each 0,72 m²) |
| Width | 1200 mm |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) | 0,022 W/m*K |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a heater for a frame house
Be mindful of materials
After reading our review of the best frame house insulation for 2022, a fair question may arise: what material to choose? We answer succinctly.
- The budget is limited or the house is used only in the warm season and at the same time you do not live in a cold region – then take XPS. Of all materials, it is the most flammable.
- The most popular material for warming a frame house is mineral wool, but with its styling it is necessary to tinker.
- If you want to do it qualitatively and forever, you live in a cottage all year round and in the future you want to significantly reduce heating costs – PIR plate at your service.
How much to take
Measure the parameters of the future home: width, length and height. Mineral wool and XPS can be applied in two or three layers. Please note that panels are usually 5 cm (50 mm) or 10 cm (100 mm) thick.
Building codes state that for Central Our Country the insulation layer must be at least 20 cm (200 mm). Directly, this figure is not indicated in any document, but is derived by calculations. Based on the document SP 31-105-2002 “Design and construction of energy-efficient single-family residential buildings with a wooden frame”1.
If the house is used exclusively in summer, then 10 cm (100 mm) will suffice. For the roof and floor +5 cm (50 mm) from the thickness of the insulation in the walls. The joints of the first layer must be overlapped by the second layer.
For cold areas Siberia and the Far North (KhMAO, Yakutsk, Anadyr, Urengoy, etc.) the norm is twice as high as in Central Our Country. For the Urals (Chelyabinsk, Perm) 250 mm is enough. For hot regions like Sochi and Makhachkala, you can use an ordinary norm of 200 mm, since thermal insulation also protects the house from excessive heating.
Disputes about the density of insulation
For 10-15 years, density was a key indicator of insulation. The higher the kg per m², the better. But in 2022, all the best manufacturers as one assure: technology has moved ahead, and density is no longer a key factor. Of course, if the material is 20-25 kg per m², then it will be simply inconvenient to lay it due to excessive softness. It is better to give preference to materials with a density of 30 kg per m². The only advice from professional builders – under plaster and cement, choose a heater with the highest density in the line.
Coefficient of thermal conductivity
Look for the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient (“lambda”) (λ) on the packaging. The parameter should not exceed 0,040 W / m * K. If more, then you are dealing with a budget product. The best insulation for a frame house should have an indicator of 0,033 W / m * K and below.
How long will it last
The thermal insulation of a frame house can serve up to 50 years without significant changes in properties, while it does not need maintenance. It is important to initially install everything correctly – according to the principle of the pie. From the outside, the insulation must be protected with membranes that will protect against wind and water.
The gaps between the frame need to be foamed (polyurethane foam sealant, also known as polyurethane foam). And only then do the crate and cladding. Attach a vapor barrier to the inside of the house.
Do not start work in the rain, especially if it rains for a couple of days and the air has high humidity. The heater absorbs moisture quite well. Then you will suffer from mold, fungus. Therefore, watch the weather forecast, calculate the time and effort, and then proceed with the installation. Didn’t have time to complete the insulation of the whole house before the rains? Rather, attach a waterproofing film to areas with thermal insulation.
It is not recommended to use panels and sheets of thermal insulation above three meters between two racks of the frame, otherwise it will sag under its own weight. To avoid this, fasten horizontal jumpers between the racks and mount the insulation.
When installing thermal insulation, remember that the width of the plates should be 1-2 cm larger than the frame racks. Because the material is elastic, it will shrink and not leave a cavity. But the insulation must not be allowed to bend in an arc. So you should not be zealous and leave a margin of more than 2 cm.
Not only suitable for exterior walls and roofs
If you are ready to invest in building a house as it should, then you can use thermal insulation in the walls between the rooms. This will increase the overall energy efficiency (which means it will be possible to save on heating) and serve as soundproofing. Be sure to lay the insulation in the floor coverings above the foundation.
Read the manufacturer’s label on the packaging. Companies try to describe in detail the characteristics (types of premises, scope, design temperatures) of their products.
Popular questions and answers
The KP answers questions from readers Escapenow engineer Vadim Akimov.
What parameters should a heater for a frame house have?
• Environmentally friendly – the material does not emit harmful substances, does not harm the environment.
• Thermal conductivity – how much the material retains heat. The indicator should be about 0,035 – 0,040 W / mk. The lower the better.
• Low water absorption, since moisture significantly reduces the thermal insulation properties.
• Fire safety.
• No shrinkage.
• Soundproofing.
• Also, the material must be unattractive to rodents, must not be a favorable environment for the reproduction of mold, etc., otherwise it will gradually collapse from the inside.
Rely on the parameters indicated on the packaging or see the specifications on the official website of the manufacturer.
By what principle should you choose the material of insulation for a frame house?
Mineral wool absorbs water well, so when using it, it is necessary to make an additional waterproofing layer.
One of the best materials today is PIR – thermal insulation based on polyisocyanurate foam. It can insulate any surface, the material is environmentally friendly, holds heat well, is resistant to temperature extremes and external factors. The cheapest is sawdust, but it is better to use it only for floor insulation.
What are the optimal thickness and density of insulation for a frame house?
Is additional insulation required during installation?
Is it true that heaters for a frame house are harmful to health?
For example, heaters made on the basis of mineral wool lose their properties and become harmful when water enters. That is why it is important to know and not neglect the safety requirements, protection during the installation of insulation.
Sources of
- https://docs.cntd.ru/document/1200029268