Is it possible to insulate the ceiling with foil insulation inside?

Different materials are used to insulate the ceiling surface. In some cases, not only the thermal conductivity of the thermal insulation layer is important, but also its thickness. This is especially important when installing insulation on the residential side. Insulating the ceiling with foil insulation provides many advantages, but the main one is maintaining the height of the room. Let's consider the features, advantages and disadvantages of foil heat insulators, as well as the nuances of their installation on the ceiling surface.

What is Penofol and its analogues

Thin polymer insulation is made from the following materials:

1. The main insulating layer is foamed polyethylene 3...10 mm thick with closed air pores. The thermal conductivity coefficient λ of this layer lies in the range of 0.037–0.051 W/(m • °C) depending on operating conditions.
2. The outer reflective layer is aluminum foil 14 microns thick, securely glued to a polymer base.
3. The third layer on the back side of the polyethylene can be glue for ease of installation or the same aluminum.

Reference. All given characteristics are taken from the official website of the manufacturer. Thermal insulation parameters of other brands may vary. For example, the thickness of a similar material reaches 150 mm.

A special feature of the material is its impermeability to moisture, the declared indicator is simply scanty - 0.001 mg/m • h • Pa. The insulation is quite light - the density ranges from 16...35 kg/m³, and is sold in rolls. Thanks to these parameters, the material serves well as an internal vapor barrier.

"Penofol" is available in 3 versions:

• double layer type A;
• three-layer – the base is coated with aluminum on both sides (type B);
• the same, with an adhesive layer - Type C.

The foil side works as a reflector of the radiant (infrared) component, polyethylene foam resists direct heat transfer. For exterior wall cladding, a perforated version of Penofol, shown in the photo, is offered. Many small holes are designed to allow water vapor to escape from the thickness of building structures.

External wall cladding is made with special insulation with perforation

Types of insulation and their application

There are about several dozen different types of insulation, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on whether the buildings are ventilated or not, your region and financial capabilities, you can choose the ideal coating.

We suggest considering the main ones:

Insulation with mineral wool, ecowool or mineral wool is the simplest and cheapest way to create roof insulation from the inside. This material is known for its ease of installation and excellent heat retention properties. In addition, mineral wool is quite durable if you follow all the rules during its installation.

Photo - Insulation with mineral wool

Polystyrene foam is another industry leader. Insulation with polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam (PPU) is rarely done from the inside; it is mainly used for flat roofs from the outside (facades, walls, etc.). It helps keep cold air out of the house, does not spread various fungi and pathogenic bacteria, and is also very affordable. Inversion roofs are sometimes made with foam plastic.

Photo - Roof insulation with foam plastic

Penoplex is the older brother of polystyrene foam. This new generation material is distinguished by its thinness, but at the same time excellent insulating properties. It is easy to install on both flat and sloping roofs; its design resembles a children's construction set, which also contributes to ease of installation.

Scope of application

With the help of Penofol, you can significantly increase the energy efficiency of any home - a private house or apartment. Where the material is used:

• thermal insulation of the roof of an attic or cold attic;
• covering ceilings and walls from the inside - as an addition to the “pie” of basic insulation;
• under the finished floor covering laid along the joists;
• strengthening the outer thermal insulation layer;
• internal insulation of balconies and loggias;
• coating of heating pipes and ventilation ducts.

Addition. Many drivers use “penofol” type C (adhesive surface) to insulate the car body – interior floors, doors and roof. The cut blanks are glued to the metal on top of the bitumen vibration insulation.

It is not advisable to use the material as an independent insulation of external fences - you will not achieve the desired effect, only protect the building from wind blowing. An exception is products of large thickness from 20 to 150 mm of the Tepofol brand, suitable for complete insulation of a house.

Frequent mistakes and advice from experts on installing insulation

A common mistake when insulating a wooden ceiling with isolon from the inside is that the strips of material are laid with an overlap. This cannot be done, because condensation will form between two layers without an air gap. Strips of foil insulation are laid only joint to joint. All seams must be taped with reinforced tape. You can use silicone sealant instead.

Attention! Under no circumstances should the seams between strips of insulation be left unprotected.

Do not connect the insulation to the wall surface. It is placed on the walls to a height of 10-15 cm. Also, the foil side of the insulating material must not come into contact with the power supply wires. Since aluminum conducts electricity well, the junction points with the wiring are carefully insulated.

If penofol or isolon is used as an independent insulation, then choose the thickest type of material that has a double-sided foil layer. If the temperature behind the insulated surface drops below zero, then foamed polyethylenes are used only in conjunction with other more effective heat insulators.

Penofol ceiling insulation technology

The product can be laid on a floor made of any material, but operations must be performed in a certain sequence. Deviation from the technology of installing penofol on the ceiling will reduce the expected effect. In addition to the insulation, you will need glue to fix the insulator and metallized tape for the joints. The rules for choosing the components of the insulating “pie” are written below.

Tools and materials for work

If the ceiling is insulated with isolon (penofol) from the inside, then the following materials and tools will be needed for the work:

• wooden slats for lathing;
• drill or hammer drill;
• screws and dowels;
• wood screws;
• hacksaw;
• laser level;
• Ruler and pencil;
• roulette;
• foil insulator (material of the smallest thickness and a product of primary purpose);
• reinforced tape;
• ceiling primer;
• roller;
• putty;
• putty knife;
• containers for mixing solutions;
• scissors or a stationery knife for cutting insulation;
• construction stapler and staples;
• ladder.

Selecting consumables

For reliable insulation, along with penofol, glue is purchased for fixing to the surface and adhesive tape for connecting parts of the canvas. There are several modifications of penofol that can be used to insulate the ceiling:

1. Type "A"
   . Foil on one side only. Usually used with other thermal insulators as additional insulation.
2. Type "B"
   . Foil film is located on both sides. It has proven itself well as the main heat insulator.
3. Type "C"
   . There is a sticky layer that makes it easy to attach.
4. Type "ALP"
   . The metal coating is protected with polyethylene film. They are often placed on the floors of specialized premises - greenhouses, incubators, chicken coops. Film-reinforced insulation is used in basements where it is not protected by a suspended ceiling.

It is not recommended to buy Penofol-2000. Its cost is low, but it retains heat poorly. Before insulating the ceiling with penofol, check the quality of the product. Pay attention to the following factors:

• The product must be manufactured in accordance with the requirements of TU 2244-056-4696843-98.
• The material is sold in rolls, the length of the product depends on its thickness.
• Tears and through holes are not allowed on the canvas.
• The winding of the rolls is tight, without distortions. The product is packaged in plastic film, the edges of which are secured with adhesive tape.
• Make sure that the product is stored on racks or pallets at a temperature of 20 degrees and a relative humidity of 50-70 percent. It is not allowed to store material closer than 1 meter from heating devices.

Products must have a label containing basic information:

1. Name of the manufacturer;
2. Basic dimensions;
3. Release date and warranty period, usually the manufacturer allows storage of the material for no more than 1 year;
4. Thermophysical indicators;
5. Scope of application of the material;
6. The protective layer on type “C” samples should be easy to peel off.

Characteristics of penofol and isolon

The main foil insulator is foamed polyethylene. The material is covered with foil on one or both sides.

There are several types of such insulation:

1. Products of type “A” are most often found on sale. They have a foil layer on one side.
2. Class “B” is characterized by the presence of foil on both sides.
3. Type “C” coatings have foil on one side and a self-adhesive layer on the other.
4. Insulators marked “ALP” have a double-sided foil layer. One of them has a protective film coating.
5. Material marked “R” or “M” is a one-sided foil insulator with a relief structure.
6. Products marked “AIR” and “NET” are used during the installation of air ducts, for insulating heating mains and pipelines.

For domestic purposes, the first three types of polyethylene foams are usually used for thermal insulation of ceilings and other surfaces. The first type is considered a vapor barrier and is used in combination with other thermal insulation materials. Products marked C or B are usually used as independent insulation.

Insulating the ceiling with penofol from the inside or isolon can reduce heat loss in the room. The insulation strips are laid end-to-end with the seams taped with reinforced tape.

Important! To ensure that the insulator reflects heat, it is mounted with a foil layer inside the room.

Such insulation is most effective when an air gap is formed on both sides of penofol or isolon. To do this, a sheathing is constructed on the ceiling surface, to which the heat-insulating material is attached. From the outside, foamed polyethylene is pressed against another lathing.

It is impossible to lay foil insulators overlapping, because this reduces the effectiveness of thermal insulation. There is also a risk of condensation accumulating and flowing into the room along the coating.

Polyethylene foams are rarely used as independent insulation. They are usually combined with polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene. But if there is a room above where the temperature does not drop to extreme values, then type C insulator can be used as an independent insulation.

What is the difference between the materials

Pros and cons of insulating the ceiling with expanded clay in a private wooden house

Isolon is a polymer material with a closed-cell structure. It is used for sound and heat insulation of premises. There are several varieties of isolon:

• self-adhesive tapes;
• products of grade 100 are non-crosslinked polyethylene foams;
• Isolon class 300 is chemical cross-linked polyethylene foam;
• Category 500 material is polyolefin foam that is physically cross-linked;
• reflective insulator – lavsan metallized film (foil polyethylene foam).

Technical characteristics of Izolon insulation:

• protection against penetration of steam and moisture;
• density – 20-100 kg/m³;
• low thermal conductivity;
• reflection of infrared radiation reaches 97%.

Penofol consists of layers of foamed polyethylene with unequal density, porosity and thickness. In addition, the material has a foil layer. This thin and light product is used for heat, steam and waterproofing of surfaces. Reasonable price and easy installation make it quite popular.

Important! The main difference between penofol and isolon is the structure of the material. The first consists of several layers of polyethylene foam, and the second has the structure of physically and chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam.

Advantages and disadvantages of such insulation

Among the advantages of foil insulators are the following:

1. Due to the lightness of the material, any base can be insulated without the need for preliminary strengthening.
2. The insulators have a small thickness, which allows them to be mounted on the inside of the room without reducing its height.
3. Compared to rigid insulation, such as polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene, foil-foamed polyethylene foams are flexible and elastic. Thanks to this, the base does not require preliminary leveling.
4. Foil insulators are multifunctional products. When using them, there is no need to buy vapor and waterproofing films or additional fasteners, which significantly reduces the cost and speeds up the construction process.
5. The material is easily cut with ordinary scissors or a stationery knife.
6. The main advantage of foamed polyethylene coatings is zero water absorption. Thanks to this, the product itself does not absorb moisture and protects other surfaces from its absorption. Protection from moisture extends the service life of all floor structures.
7. Environmental cleanliness and safety. The material does not contain toxic substances and does not release them when heated.
8. The product is not susceptible to damage by mold, rot, insects and rodents.
9. Reasonable price and simple installation are the common advantages of all foamed polyethylenes.

The disadvantages of foil heat insulators include their flammability. Polyethylene melts and drips during a fire, which helps the fire spread to other surfaces and materials. Another disadvantage of penofol and isolon is their low efficiency as independent heat insulators, so the products are recommended to be used in combination with other more effective insulating materials, for example, expanded polystyrene, polystyrene foam or mineral wool.

Advantages of foil insulation

An important advantage of such insulation is the foam base. Thanks to it, a layer of air is securely retained, which has minimal thermal conductivity. This is what allows maximum retention of warm air inside the room.

It is not necessary to level the surface before using insulation

Other advantages that insulation has:

• The material is not flammable. This makes it possible to safely use it indoors in any room. Including residential ones.
• High sound insulation rate. Foil insulation is often used as additional protection against noise penetration into the room.
• Lightweight and thin. These characteristics allow the installation of canvases in conditions where other types of insulation cannot be installed.
• The structure of the material allows moisture and steam to pass through. Thanks to these indicators, there is no need to use additional moisture insulation around the insulation.
• Good elasticity. Most types of foil insulation have a similar indicator. This saves time on leveling the surface.
• Environmentally friendly. All types of foil-based insulation are absolutely safe for human life. The fabrics are not able to emit harmful fumes during the entire period of operation.
• Relative ease of installation. To attach material, it is not necessary to have special skills or involve specialists. You can do this kind of work yourself. To carry out installation, it is enough to prepare a minimum set of tools (stapler, scissors, stationery knife, tape measure, pencil).

Finishing foil insulation with wooden clapboard
Like all materials, foil insulation has its drawbacks. One of these is the insufficient rigidity of some types. For this reason, canvases cannot be covered with a finishing layer or plastered. This is especially true for foil polyethylene foam. As for fastening, it is not recommended to fix such material with glue. The best option is nails and staples. That’s why, by the way, polyethylene foam manufacturers invented and launched the production of self-adhesive versions of this insulation.

Peculiarities

Instead of a metallized film, foamed polyethylene can be covered with a layer of polished aluminum foil - this does not in any way affect the thermal insulation properties of the product, but helps to increase its strength.

The moisture absorption of the insulation tends to zero, which guarantees protection of surfaces from moisture penetration, as well as the formation of condensation inside the material.

In addition to high thermal efficiency, foil-coated isolon demonstrates good sound insulation (up to 32 dB and higher).

Another plus is the lightness of the material, combined with increased strength properties. The low weight allows the insulation to be attached to any surface without requiring prior reinforcement.

It is important to remember that you cannot apply plaster or glue wallpaper on top of isolon. These and other finishing materials, fixed directly to the insulation, will pull it back under their weight.

Since the material is not designed to withstand such loads, it will simply fall off. Finishing should be done only on a special sheathing.

Along with environmental friendliness, it is worth highlighting the biostability of the product : its surface is not susceptible to attack by microorganisms, the insulation does not become covered with mold or mildew, and does not become a home or food for rodents.

The metal film demonstrates chemical inertness, resistance to mechanical damage and atmospheric conditions.

The calculations show that after its installation it is possible to reduce the cost of heating the room by 30%. It is important that the service life of the material is at least 100 years.

If sound insulation performance is important, then preference should be given to PPE, the sound insulation of which reaches 67%, while the same figure for NPE is only 13%.

NPE is suitable for organizing refrigeration equipment and other structures exposed to low temperatures. The operating temperature is -80... +80 C, while the use of PPE is possible at temperatures -50... +85 C.

PPE is denser and thicker (thickness from 1 to 50 mm), moisture-resistant material. NPE is thinner and more flexible (1-16 mm), but is slightly inferior in moisture absorption.

Today you can find several modifications of folgoizolone on the market.

Is it worth insulating a house with foil insulation?

This also helps to reduce external noise levels and get rid of drafts. The anti-corrosion properties of aluminum foil are useful in rooms with high humidity (baths, saunas) or when condensation occurs. Insulating the chimney, in particular with stone wool insulation, will help avoid unnecessary heat loss into the air.

Important positive qualities include low cost with a long service life - up to 50 years. The ability to install the insulator yourself without involving specialists is also appreciated.

The disadvantages of this material stem from its advantages: insulation with foil retains not only heat, but also moisture and odors. These side effects are most noticeable when you want to wrap the entire house in foil: floor, walls, ceiling. In this case, regular ventilation of the premises is recommended.

With maximum use of foil insulation, especially in rural areas, the cellular signal strength is likely to decrease, which can lead to frequent disconnections while talking or using the Internet. Placing the PC or the subscriber itself closer to the window will solve this problem.

How to properly glue foil insulation

Instructions for use of stekloizol and folgoizol

Folgoizol and stekloizol grades K (FK and SK) are intended for the installation of the top layer of rolled carpet on roofs with various slopes and configurations of buildings located in climatic zones 2, 3 and 4.

Folgoizol and stekloizol grades G (FG and SG) are intended for the installation of a protective waterproofing coating for thermal insulation of pipelines.

Work on installing a roof or protective waterproofing must be carried out in accordance with current building codes and regulations (SNiP 3.04.01-87 Insulating and finishing coatings, VSN 32-81 “Instructions for waterproofing bridges and pipes on railways, highways and city roads”) .

The installation of a roof or protective insulation can be carried out on a pre-primed base by melting or liquefying (plasticizing) the binder layer, as well as gluing with hot or cold adhesives. The base surface for roofing or insulation must be properly prepared:

compacted and leveled; cleared. dust free. dried if necessary;

primed with a continuous layer without gaps or breaks.

Insulation and roofing work can be carried out from 60 ° to minus 30 ° C in the environment (with the use of hot mastics - at a temperature not lower than minus 20 ° C; when gluing the binder layer by liquefaction (plasticization) with the simultaneous laying of rolled carpet, liquefaction should be carried out at a temperature air not lower than 5 ° C).

When working in sub-zero temperatures, glass (foil) insulation must be heated to a temperature of at least 15 ° C within 20 hours, rewound and delivered to the place of installation in an insulated container.

Before sticking, roll materials must be marked at the place of installation; The layout of panels of rolled materials must ensure that their overlap is 100 mm. when sticking (on the roof ridge the overlap on the opposite slope should be 250 mm - when sticking panels across the slope and 1000 mm - when sticking along the slope).

Cottage and House - Vapor permeability of materials on the Perm scale

Vapor permeability of materials on the Perm scale

The vapor permeability of building materials in the USA is measured in comparative units Perm (from the term permeability - permeability).

The article was written based on materials from the brochure “Vapor Permeability of Common Building Materials” EEM-00259, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, 2011.

In cold and humid climates, the best vapor barrier is polyethylene film with a thickness of 150 microns or more. In wet rooms (bathrooms), the thickness of the film vapor barrier must be at least 250 microns.

Construction materials are divided into:

Vapor-tight (vapor permeability less than 1 perm): Polyethylene, foil materials up to 0.1 perm Roofing felt 0.4 perm Oil paint, vinyl wallpaper, EPS - up to 1 perm

Conditionally vapor-permeable (vapor permeability 1-10 perm): OSB - 1-2 perm Plywood, foam plastic, glassine, latex paints from 1 to 10 perm Kraft bitumen paper (glassine) 1.5 perm

Vapor permeable (vapor permeability more than 10 perm): Gyprok, ecowool (cellulose insulation), glass wool, thin glassine - more than 10 perm

Vapor barriers according to the International Building Code 2009 (IRC 2009) are divided into three classes: Class I: vapor permeability less than 0.1 perm. II class 0.1 -1 perm. III class 1-10 perm.

Materials such as OSB-3 are “smart vapor barriers.” Thus, at normal humidity, the vapor permeability of OSB is about 2 perm, and when humidity increases to 85%, the vapor permeability of OSB increases to 12 perm.

Rating of vapor permeability of building materials in perm (perm).

Attention! For every doubling of the thickness of a layer of building material, vapor permeability decreases by 50%.

Thermal insulation with foil for pipes

Shell with foil for pipes based on mineral wool.

Foil thermal insulation for pipes is needed when laying communications through the air or underground. Also, to reduce heat loss by the coolant, such material is used even in a room, especially an unheated one, which is not uncommon for a boiler room in a cottage, which is usually located on the ground floor.

Installation does not require special instructions, since using insulation with foil is as easy as shelling pears. You just need to put the shell on the required segment and, in some cases, remove the protective film from the adhesive surface applied along the end of the longitudinal cut. The reflective surface protects communications from solar radiation if it is applied only on the outside. If there is a reflective surface on the inside, then it transfers heat back to the pipe.

How to insulate with penofol

Important. Unlike various thin films, the installation of penofol sheets is carried out not overlapping, but end-to-end. In this case, the foil side should be facing inside the room, and the joints should be carefully taped with aluminum tape.

Note. Perforated penofol is used as insulation for the walls of a wooden house in cases where it is necessary to ensure vapor permeability of the structure.

Finally, about other use cases

Home craftsmen use insulation made from foamed polyethylene for a wide variety of purposes:

• protection of heating and hot water pipes from freezing;
• interior decoration of entrance door leaves;
• reflective screen glued to the outer wall behind the heating radiators;
• inexpensive thermal insulation of outbuildings - sheds, workshops, garages;
• exotic – shoe insoles made of 3 mm thin sheet insulation.

Polymer insulator "Penofol" is a material that deserves attention. If applied according to the instructions, it will serve as a good insulator. But do not try to save money and solve all thermal insulation problems using thin polyethylene alone; use other effective insulation materials.

Complex insulation of a balcony with Izolon

In the photo the balcony is ready for finishing.

Insulation of a balcony with Izolon, like a loggia, should be carried out comprehensively. This means that thermal insulation must be installed everywhere: on the floor, ceiling and walls. Please note that without good, energy-saving windows, no insulation will help. The lion's share of the heat escapes through the glass (this is if everything is sealed). We have already written about how to check heat loss. High-quality insulation of a balcony with Isolon alone is nonsense; thick thermal insulation materials are needed. The best option is foam with a density of 25 kg/m. cube

We present to your attention the fastest and easiest way to comprehensively insulate a balcony:

• foam is glued to the walls and ceiling with adhesive foam;
• guides are placed on the floor level;
• between the guides you can simply put polystyrene foam in two layers with the joints spaced apart, all the cracks are foamed with the same adhesive foam;
• the entire balcony is covered with foil insulation with the shiny side in the middle of the room, the joints are taped;
• Logs are placed on the floor guides, and everything is covered with OSB board - the floor is ready;
• wooden blocks are drilled into the walls and ceiling through the foam plastic - this is the sheathing;
• trim is attached over the sheathing.

This method minimizes the use of an impact drill, and there is no need to dilute universal construction adhesive. It saves time and nerves, and the results are excellent. Everything will hold securely and will never fall off; you won’t even be able to tear it off on purpose.

Now let’s summarize our article today about Izolon. Insulation for floors, walls and ceilings without foil works more as sound insulation, protection from steam and moisture. Often used as a lining under laminate or even linoleum. The thermal insulation qualities of foamed polyethylene are quite high (0.037 W/m*C), but with a small thickness the effect is insignificant. Foil materials emit IR rays, which is very useful, especially in a bathhouse. There should be a gap of 15 mm or more between the foil and the trim.

Subtleties of using foil-coated isolon

Isolon needs careful handling; it is important that its surface remains intact and undamaged.
The methods of its installation may differ, depending on which part of the building is planned to be insulated. If we take an internal wall, then for insulation the foil insulation must be between the wall and the finishing material and so that there is an air gap between the wall and the insulator. In this case, it would be more correct to fill thin wooden slats and then fasten the isolon on them with small nails, having previously prepared the material of the required size. All joints are taped with special aluminum tape. For such work, a material coated with foil on both sides is best suited.

When insulating concrete floors, it is best to first use another insulation and place it between the floor joists, and then lay down the insulation material. After insulation, you need to lay the main floor covering. Isolon is often used as a substrate for laminate flooring.

When insulating balconies, experts recommend multi-layer installation. One-sided isolon with external reflection is laid first, after which you can lay, for example, polystyrene foam, and then again isolon, applied according to the principle of the first layer. Next, you need to make the sheathing, which is necessary for finishing work.

Such modern material as isolon allows you to perform different types of work. Its lightness and elasticity and other unique properties have made it indispensable in construction. A thin layer of isolon does not reduce the area of ​​the room , creating a comfortable indoor microclimate, and for little money.