The construction of a thermal insulation system cannot be done without the necessary adhesive-filler mixtures. These mixtures are intended for gluing and filling thermal insulation boards, most often made of expanded polystyrene /styrofoam/. The possibility of thick-layer gluing and filling makes this material preferred and easy to work with.
Thermal insulation is mandatory in new buildings. But in old neighborhoods, where homes were built 40-50 years ago, when energy saving was not on the agenda, renovation is necessary.
Renovation, in addition to saving energy, also leads to a more comfortable living climate. It is an investment that pays for itself over time.
WHY HAS THERMAL INSULATION BECOME A NECESSITY?
The purpose of installing external thermal insulation is to reduce the heat exchange between the internal and external environment and to interrupt the heat energy losses, which mainly come from uninsulated external walls. After making a quality renovation, we can achieve an increase in the internal temperature by 8-10 degrees in winter and a decrease by 6-8 degrees in summer. This can save up to 50% of heating and air conditioning costs.
Well-made thermal insulation protects against negative external weather influences, while at the same time preventing the appearance of mold and condensation on the walls. Renovation is the only effective way to deal with moisture and mold. The appearance of moisture and subsequently mold is a fairly common problem, especially in homes with recently replaced windows. The cause of moisture on external walls is usually the formation of condensation, which is the result of temperature differences in the wall from the inside and outside. The prevention of these temperature differences is achieved through external thermal insulation, which moves the freezing point from the outside of the wall to the outside of the insulation. This way, your home becomes a cozy and well-balanced place to live.
Additional advantages of renovation are the significant extension of the life of the building, the better and more beautiful finished appearance, the achievement of a soundproofing effect and, last but not least, the increase in the market value of the already energy-efficient property. This makes the installation of external thermal insulation a very reasonable and profitable investment, which pays off in about 3-4 years by reducing the costs of heat and electricity, after which it brings real profit to the owner. That is why nowadays, in the conditions of constantly increasing prices of energy sources, the installation of thermal insulation has become a necessity.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED FOR THERMAL INSULATION?
The use of quality materials is a prerequisite for the construction of effective thermal insulation. Of course, the quality of the materials is inevitably related to their price. The main materials for the construction of a thermal insulation system include the following elements: thermal insulation boards, glue, dowels, reinforcing mesh, putty, plaster. Along with the adhesive-putty mixtures, the most important elements for any thermal insulation system are the thermal insulation boards (which determine the main characteristics such as thermal conductivity, vapor permeability, etc.) and the plaster (representing the final, outer layer, coming into direct contact with atmospheric conditions, on which the durability, resistance and aesthetic appearance of the thermal insulation depend).
TYPES OF PLASTERS FOR THERMAL INSULATION?
An essential component in the construction of a thermal insulation system is the plaster - the final layer, on which the durability and aesthetic appearance of the thermal insulation depend to a large extent. In general, thermal insulation plasters can be divided into two main types:
- Dry plasters: they are made from natural materials - on a lime-cement basis with various additives. The advantages of this type of plaster are reduced to the higher vapor permeability compared to polymer (dry) plasters, as well as to their significantly lower price. The main disadvantage is the much lower resistance to atmospheric conditions. Dry plasters are moisture-absorbent, as a result of which, over time, rain and various leaks on the facade (especially if the thermal insulation is without metal cladding) leave permanent marks on the wall. In addition, this type of plaster is also poorly resistant to sunlight, which causes changes in color and over time the formation of stains (especially with colored plasters).
- Ready-made (polymer, silicone) plasters: they are produced on a chemical basis (polymer dispersion in combination with artificial resins, etc. substances). This type of plasters has excellent resistance to atmospheric conditions - they do not absorb moisture and are not affected by sunlight, and do not impair their aesthetic appearance over time. Their disadvantage can be primarily the higher price and the more complex and labor-intensive application process. Ready-made plasters require two layers of putty as a base and the mandatory application of a primer before the plaster, which increases the final price for the implementation of a thermal insulation system.
TYPES OF THERMAL INSULATION PANEL
The other important component for the thermal insulation system are the boards. The main thermal insulation boards offered in our country are the following:
- EPS (expanded polystyrene): known as styrofoam. It is an artificial organic polymer, which consists of about 95% air and 5% polystyrene spheres in which it is enclosed. Its main advantage is its high vapor permeability (µ=25-40). Thermal conductivity λD 0.039 – 0.040 W/Mk.
- EPS-Neopor (graphite insulation): is EPS to which graphite particles have been added. The graphite reflects infrared and UV rays, thus greatly reducing thermal conductivity. EPS-Neopor combines low thermal conductivity (with coefficients similar to those of XPS - λD 0.029 – 0.032 W/mK) and good vapor permeability.
- XPS (extruded polystyrene): based on the same polymer as EPS, but with a different extraction technology (it contains 3% solids and 97% gas). XPS is characterized by very good thermal insulation properties (λD 0.030 W/mK,), significant density and strength as a material. The main disadvantage is the low vapor permeability (µ=170-200).
- Stone wool: a natural, fibrous product. It is obtained through a special technology of melting volcanic rocks, from which threads are drawn, subsequently soldered with special additives (resins and silicone compounds). Stone wool has good thermal insulation properties (λD 0.030 W/mK) and excellent vapor permeability (µ=1). However, the technological installation process is more complex compared to other thermal insulation boards, which increases the final price of the thermal insulation system.
HOW IS THERMAL INSULATION INSULATED?
The correct installation of a thermal insulation system is essential for its effectiveness. The technological sequence of the individual processes in the construction of a thermal insulation system is as follows:
1. First of all, the correct positioning of the thermal insulation system - the exact determination of the level from which the insulation should begin and its height. A mandatory condition is that the thermal insulation covers the lower and upper slabs (provided, of course, that the lower and upper apartments are not insulated. For example, in panel houses (which have standard dimensions) the height of the insulation is determined as follows: 2.60 m (internal height) + 2 slabs x 0.20 m + 0.10 m overlap = 3.10 m.
2. After the correct positioning of the thermal insulation system, the walls are inspected and prepared for gluing the insulation boards - removal of cracked plaster and other elements compromised by moisture and the influence of atmospheric conditions; filling of joints, cracks, etc.; priming - where necessary.
3. Gluing and doweling the thermal insulation boards - gluing the insulation boards is the main stage that largely determines the efficiency and durability of a thermal insulation system.
RULES FOR GLUING THERMAL INSULATION PANEL
- First of all, choose a quality adhesive, specifically designed for gluing thermal insulation boards.
- Applying the glue to the boards in a linear-dotted manner (a continuous line along the edges and a few dots inside), preventing the presence and circulation of air between the thermal insulation and the wall. In order for the air between the wall and the sheet to escape during gluing, it is advisable to leave a small hole somewhere in the glue frame.
-It is mandatory to glue the thermal insulation boards according to the masonry principle, i.e. with deviation and overlap at the corners, which is a condition for the strength and durability of the thermal insulation system. It is recommended to start placing the thermal insulation boards from the bottom up to avoid their possible displacement and sagging, which can lead to the formation of thermal joints between them and subsequent disruption of the integrity of the finishing coating (cracking). Depending on the surface of the wall, the thermal insulation boards are coated in whole or in part using a comb, and when necessary with balls of different sizes of adhesive mixture.
After gluing the tiles, the adhesive-putty mixture must be allowed to dry for about 48 hours, depending on weather conditions.
- The doweling of the glued thermal insulation boards takes place after the glue has dried - usually the next day or after a few hours, depending on the specifics of the glue itself, weather conditions or other factors. The number of dowels is usually 10 per 1 sq. m with the following arrangement: one at each of the four ends and one in the middle.
- Applying putty and reinforcing mesh - the application of putty together with the reinforcing mesh is done from top to bottom, and it is especially important that the individual meshes overlap by at least 10 cm, which prevents cracking and falling of the plaster. It is essential that the mesh is folded and glued to the wall along the edges of the insulation (especially at the top and bottom), which prevents the penetration of moisture and air and further strengthens the thermal insulation system.
After the putty has dried, if necessary, a second coat of putty is applied (e.g. when applying polymer plaster subsequently or if there are irregularities and roughness that make it difficult to apply plaster).
- Installation of metal cladding: before applying the final layer - plaster, it is advisable to install metal cladding over the insulation. This protects the insulation from inevitable leaks on the wall during precipitation, which greatly impair the aesthetic appearance of the thermal insulation (especially in thermal insulation systems with dry plaster), and over time, moisture may damage the screed at the top of the insulation and penetrate behind it, which is fatal to the effectiveness of the thermal insulation system. Usually, the cladding is made of special galvanized sheet metal profiles, which are attached to the wall with dowels-nails. It is mandatory to apply a thick layer of silicone between the cladding and the wall, as well as on the joints between the individual profiles.
- Plaster: the final stage of the installation of the thermal insulation system is the application of the final layer - the plaster. It is applied to a well-dried base and under suitable atmospheric conditions. Structured plasters (so-called scratched plaster) can be structured in three ways: vertically, horizontally or circularly.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
With us you will find quality adhesive-putty mixtures for thermal insulation systems, which are the product of the most modern technologies in the industry. They are designed for working with various facade thermal insulation boards /made of EPS, XPS, mineral wool, cork/, as well as for applying protective putty reinforced with fiberglass mesh.
Some of the products have the characteristics of a full adhesive, while others have the characteristics of an adhesive-putty. Both types are represented in our nomenclature under the MASTERHAUS brand, produced specifically for our company. This group also includes proven brands such as WEBER, CERESIT, ROFIX, CAPAROL, BORO.
The prices are affordable.
