The foundation base is constantly in contact with the soil, so in summer it is saturated with moisture, and in winter it is exposed to frost. In addition, temperature changes have a destructive effect on this element of the house structure, as a result of which the walls can crack and collapse. Thermal insulation work on the foundation will reduce heat loss, and as a result - heating costs. Condensation will not form in the room, and the building itself will last much longer.
How to choose materials for foundation insulation
Modern technologies allow using different methods of work with the use of many materials. As a rule, the following factors are taken into account when choosing the required insulation:
- water absorption rate and material reaction to moisture;
- thermal conductivity;
- resistance to deformation under loads;
- soundproofing properties;
- resistance to rodents and various microorganisms.
The most commonly used materials include expanded clay, polystyrene foam, mineral wool, foam plastic, and polyurethane foam. Any of these types of raw materials requires certain installation features. An important item in the list of works is the arrangement of ventilation and drainage when insulating the foundation. Do not forget about the drainage system, which will drain groundwater from the foundation, preventing its accumulation and increasing the efficiency of thermal insulation.
How to insulate a foundation: algorithm of actions
Insulation with expanded clay and sand is a cost-effective method that can be used on clay soils. The process involves preparing a pit around the perimeter of the outer side of the building, after which a drainage layer is laid. It is formed from crushed stone, pipes, geotextiles in a certain sequence. Next, the base is cleaned and dried, waterproofing is formed. At the final stage, a layer of sand and expanded clay is poured into the trenches with subsequent tight ramming.
If you need to insulate the foundation yourself with foam plastic, then the action scheme will be as follows:
- the foundation is dug around the perimeter of the blind area - the depth of the trench should be 10 cm below the freezing threshold, and the width - 1 m;
- waterproofing using polymer-based mastics;
- laying foam plastic slabs with closure in the grooves;
- covering the base with a reinforcing mesh to protect against rodents, which is laid on glue;
- backfilling the base of the foundation, which is located underground, with sand - this should be done after the glue has completely dried;
- fixing the insulation above the ground using dowels with wide heads.
Before laying the cotton wool, you need to form a frame. It is very important to protect the material itself from getting wet, since mineral wool is destroyed by water. The technology of work involves preparing the foundation, when it needs to be cleaned, dried, cracks and crevices sealed. Then a metal profile frame is formed, with subsequent laying of the material. Next, the cotton wool needs to be covered with a vapor-wind-water-protective film and a protective brick wall needs to be installed.
The most modern and at the same time expensive material for insulation is polyurethane foam. It is carried out using specialized equipment, and therefore in this case, the help of specialists will be needed. The process is carried out under pressure by applying to a prepared clean surface. Its advantages are reliability, speed, excellent heat and sound insulation properties, elasticity, absence of seams and joints, as well as a long service life of the insulation.
