With the arrival of autumn, temperatures drop, making a stay outside the city or at your beloved dacha uncomfortable. 30% of heat is lost through air circulation through the walls. If your dacha is built of wood, the best option for year-round use is external insulation of the building's enclosing structures: walls, roof, and gables. Finishing the façade with thermal insulation should be done before the cold weather sets in.
Purpose
Insulation protects a building from unwanted heat loss during cold periods. Its purpose is to reduce heat loss and maintain a constant indoor temperature despite fluctuating outdoor temperatures. Insulation reduces heating costs, leading to savings in heating systems. The shorter the operating time of a gas or electric boiler or wood stove, the less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. This helps prevent the greenhouse effect.
You may be interested in:Requirements
To obtain a high-quality insulating layer, the insulation material must meet the requirements.
- Durability.
- Strength.
- Resistance to high temperatures and exposure to sunlight.
- Easy to install.
- Fire resistance.
- Resistance to insects and rodents.
Types
The following thermal insulation materials are used to protect the dacha:
- polystyrene foam boards (foam plastic);
- mineral wool;
- polyurethane foam;
- ecowool.
You may be interested in:Styrofoam
It has a cellular structure, offers high thermal insulation properties, is lightweight, and repels water. It serves as a base for plaster mortars used in façade finishing. It is resistant to aggressive environments and easy to install. Expanded polystyrene prevents mold and microbial growth. Its service life can reach up to 50 years.
Mineral wool
It has a fibrous structure. The fibers are highly chemically resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius. The material's structure promotes air and water exchange, preventing condensation and mold formation. It also acts as a sound insulator, repels rodents, and is lightweight. When choosing this type of insulation, additional protective equipment for installation is recommended: gloves, goggles, and a respirator. These will protect the installer from hygroscopic dust.
PPU
A liquid polymer mixture that represents an advanced type of insulation. A special machine applies it to the surface under pressure. It gradually hardens, forming a cellular surface, allowing for insulation in hard-to-reach areas and is easy to apply. It is suitable for all types of exterior building envelopes: brick, wood, concrete, and metal. It retains heat well, does not absorb water, and is resistant to temperature fluctuations.
Ecowool
It consists of 80% cellulose fibers and is made from paper industry waste. 20% contains antiseptics and fire retardants. Application can be done dry or wet. Ecowool fills all voids, is environmentally safe, fire-resistant, and resistant to fungi, bacteria, and insects. It has a long service life and is affordable. Disadvantages include high hygroscopicity and labor-intensive application.
You may be interested in:Installation technology
You can insulate your dacha's exterior yourself. Installation steps:
- treatment with antiseptic solutions to prevent destruction of wall material;
- fastening the vapor barrier layer;
- installation of a frame made of boards with a pitch equal to the width of the insulation boards;
- installation of insulation;
- cladding the facade with finishing material in the form of siding or profiled sheet.
By insulating the exterior walls, you can retain heat in your dacha. The type of insulation chosen depends on the type of wall material. Installation can be done independently or by qualified professionals.