Advice on how to insulate the floor on the ground floor. Insulation of the floor of the first floor

How to insulate the floor on the ground floor is not an idle question for many owners of private houses who are busy improving the energy efficiency of their home. Reducing heating costs with steadily rising energy prices is an important task that can be accomplished by thoroughly insulating all external surfaces of a building and adjacent structures.

Insulating the floor of a private house - the way to save energy

Why you need to insulate the floor on the first floor

The floor of the first floor is the boundary that separates the interior warm rooms from the unheated basement or ground. In winter, the cold outside air and frozen soil cool the foundations, plinths and walls adjacent to the floor.

When cold and heat meet, condensation occurs. This leads to freezing of structures, their constant humidity. Fungi settle on the surface and in the thickness, destroying not only wood, but also brick and concrete with the released substances. Floor covering, wall decoration suffers.

In addition to the discomfort caused by the damp ice surface, heating costs increase. Up to 15% of heat is released through the non-insulated floor into the ground and the atmosphere.

Losses through non-insulated floor reach 15%

We have to maintain a more intense heating mode, which sometimes does not help much. The air in the house warms up enough and the floors stay cool.

Special attention should be paid to the insulation of the floor of the first floor of a private house. This will help maintain a favorable indoor climate, reduce costs during the heating season, and extend the service life of materials and structures.

Types of floor insulation and their characteristics

The construction industry produces a variety of materials for thermal insulation that meet the requirements of GOST and SNiP.

For thermal insulation of the floor, apply:

granulated - expanded clay, blast-furnace slag, vermiculite, foam glass;
roll - stone, glass, slag wool, foamed polyethylene, expanded polystyrene, technical cork;
plates with and without foil coating - basalt wool, expanded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, wood concrete, plywood, chipboard or oriented strand boards, chipboard, OSB;
concrete-based mixtures - expanded clay concrete, slag concrete, foam concrete, polystyrene concrete, sawdust concrete.
foams, liquids - polyurethane foam, ecowool, heat-insulating paints.

Modern thermal insulators increase the energy efficiency of the home

Together with insulation, a system of underfloor heating is often installed - laying a heating cable, infrared emitters, electric mats or thin tubes filled with water. Heating is carried out from the power supply or from the heating boiler.

General characteristics possessed by thermal insulation materials:

low thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.03-0.3 W / m ° C, which effectively reduces heat loss even when laying a layer of small thickness;
high fire resistance - most heat insulators belong to the class NG, G1 or G2, which means incombustibility or a low degree of flammability;
biological inertness - materials do not rot due to the chemical composition or antiseptic impregnation, they are resistant to mold growth;
durability - with proper installation and operation, the service life declared by the manufacturer is 20 years or more;
low density and low weight - the structure of heat insulators is porous or fibrous, therefore, coatings made of them are light, not creating a load on the supporting structures;
manufacturability - insulation is easy to lay on horizontal surfaces, fix or apply with special equipment, it does not take much time.

Polymer heaters are several times more effective than natural materials

The advantages of heat insulators include environmental friendliness. They do not emit harmful vapors and radiation into the environment. This is very important for indoor insulation applications.

The choice of insulation option

The method of floor insulation is chosen taking into account:

base material and structure;
the presence of a basement;
characteristics of the heating system;
climatic conditions.

In a wooden house related to fire-hazardous structures, it is advisable to arrange thermal insulation from non-combustible materials - expanded clay, perlite, foam glass, mineral wool in rolls or slabs, polyurethane foam.

Concrete floors can be insulated with polymer insulators - penoplex, expanded polystyrene. They do not support combustion, but emit corrosive smoke when heated. According to the standards, such materials must be covered with a protective layer of cement-sand mortar with a thickness of at least 30 mm.

Fibrous and bulk insulation tend to absorb water vapor from the environment. A moisture barrier is created using a variety of films and membranes, which are laid from the side of unheated basements or subfields. Insulators are often covered with aluminum foil, the function of which is to reflect infrared rays into the room, additionally to protect it from heat loss.

Before choosing a heat insulator, you need to consider all the options.

When choosing a heater for the ground floor floor, the important criteria are:

price category;
labor intensity of work.

The most inexpensive thermal insulation is polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, penoplex. Polymers are offered at a price of 1800 rubles / m³. A layer with a thickness of 50-100 mm is usually laid on the floor, which corresponds to 36-89 rubles / m².

Expanded clay will cost 1200 rubles / m³, in terms of a square meter of floor 240 rubles. (layer 20 cm).

Basalt wool in rolls or non-stitched mats costs 170-180 rubles / m² on average.

The cost of laying is calculated based on the established prices for work in the construction market. If we do the repairs ourselves, we can install the insulation without the help of teams.

The smallest labor intensity when installing thermal insulation from foam and related materials or mineral wool. It is more difficult to lay expanded clay or slag, their specific weight is 400-600 kg / m³. To transfer and fill 100 m² of floor with a layer of 20 cm, you will need 20m³, which is 8-12 tons. For such work, you need at least an assistant, and preferably 2 or 3.

Ecowool is an increasingly popular cellulose insulation. It is applied with professional pressure-generating equipment. This type of insulation is not mounted on its own. The price per square meter is announced by specialized firms. It is from 170 rubles / m² and depends on the surface configuration, layer thickness.

The blowing of cotton wool is carried out by professionals

Ecowool can be scattered over the surface by hand, similar to granular materials. The quality of such insulation is significantly lower than that of dry blowing.

Climatic conditions impose certain requirements on the choice of floor insulation. For example, in cold Siberian regions, in order to insulate the surface with expanded clay, a layer of about 40 cm will be required (determined by the heat engineering calculation). Therefore, it is advisable to perform work using lightweight thermal insulators with a lower thermal conductivity coefficient.

Thermal insulation with bulk materials

The oldest bulk insulation is dry earth. Later, people began to use wood shavings or sawdust. They are still used now, impregnated with antiseptics and fire retardants or mixed with lime, cement, clay. But the most popular insulation is obtained by swelling of shale clay.

It is easy to use, inexpensive, and is not loved by rodents. A layer of expanded clay can be spread over the ground, having previously spread the waterproofing. It will protect the material from moisture.

Expanded clay is very easy to use

To insulate the floor of the first floor, use a mixture of granules with a size of 15 mm and smaller fractions so that the gaps between large elements are filled. Layer thickness - not less than 20 cm. Thermal insulation is performed by dry, wet or combined method.

The sequence of "dry" works with the use of bulk insulation:

Fill the space between the logs of the wooden floor with expanded clay, vermiculite or other materials.
They are laying sub-floors made of MDF, plywood, boards, chipboard, OSB.
Lay the topcoat.

"Wet" floor insulation:

Expanded clay is mixed with a cement-sand mortar.
Claydite concrete is laid on the base.
Align, wait for complete drying.
Arrange a finishing coating.

With the combined method, first, a layer of dry insulation is poured, then it is poured with a cement-sand mortar. Align and after hardening, lay the finishing materials. It is possible to lay a reinforcing mesh in the screed for strength.

Screed for dry expanded clay

The disadvantages of bulk insulation are the tendency to shrinkage, moisture. In order to level them, during installation, the granules must be compacted, protected with waterproofing from the side of possible wetting.

Insulation with roll materials

Basalt wool is the most common floor insulation in private houses. Produced in rolls, mats or slabs. The first two types - inexpensive and loose, are intended for thermal insulation of wooden floors. Plates are denser, stronger, but more expensive. They are used under a concrete screed.

Algorithm for stacking roll materials:

Waterproofing - films, membranes is spread over the boards or boards of the subfloor.
Insulation with a thickness of 10-20 cm is laid between the lags without gaps and without excessive compaction, the layers should overlap each other.
A vapor barrier is placed on top, which will not prevent moisture from evaporating from the heat insulator if it gets wet.
Counter-rails are mounted on the lags to form a space for ventilation.
Finishing coating with an additional layer of sound insulation completes the insulation.

Thermal insulation with rolled mineral wool

If foil varieties are used, they turn the metal surface towards the room. Heat rays must be reflected into the room.

Installation of plate heaters

Expanded polystyrene and penoplex are types of polystyrene. Consist of closed balls filled with air. Due to their structure, polymers have the lowest thermal conductivity among building materials - 0.03 W / m ° С and are widely used in private housing construction for thermal insulation of floors on the ground floor.

Expanded polystyrene is very unpretentious - it does not absorb moisture, like mineral wool or expanded clay. It can be laid on the ground, concrete or backfill. During operation, it does not lose its properties for a long time, since it does not thicken over time.

Laying expanded polystyrene is a simple task. The main stages of installation for the floor on the ground:

The base is prepared - the bedding is compacted, the rough screed is poured.
Lay a waterproofing film.
Slabs are mounted by combining the groove and the ridge along the edges of two adjacent elements.
Another layer of waterproofing is spread.
A reinforcing mesh is placed on top, a screed is poured.

In the same sequence, work is carried out when insulating a concrete monolith, with the exception of a bedding device and a rough screed.

Foam boards are easy to lay on your own

If you lay a foil film on top, then the base for the installation of a warm floor system is ready.

Concrete or floors on the ground with mineral wool slabs are insulated according to the scheme:

On a solid base - gravel backfill or concrete - waterproofing is laid in 2 layers with an overlap of 15-20 cm.
Install mineral wool slabs, making sure that no gaps remain.
Another layer of waterproofing is spread on top, which will protect the screed from leaks of cement laitance.
A concrete screed with a thickness of 50 mm or more is poured.
Arrange a finishing coating.

The greatest efficiency in floor insulation can be achieved if:

thermal insulation of adjacent structures - basement, foundation, blind area;
protect the insulation from moisture with waterproofing, and provide a ventilation gap of at least 50 mm for water evaporation;
fill the joints and gaps between the plates with scraps of material or polyurethane foam;
from the invasion of rodents, use special fine-mesh (up to 8 mm) nets, they are laid in places of possible access of animals;
if a floor covering is laid on a layer of insulation, stepping back from the wall by 10 mm, an additional soundproofing effect will be obtained.

The owner decides how and how to insulate the floor of the first floor. The advantages of thermal insulation are obvious - while reducing heating costs in rooms in winter, comfortable conditions are maintained. Modern materials are available and technologically advanced.

The floor is the coolest surface in the room. Up to 20-30% of the heat can escape from the room through a poorly insulated floor! This mainly happens on the ground floors with an unheated basement. At the same time, heating bills increase, but the rooms are still cold. In this case, it's time to start thinking about how to insulate the floors in the apartment. This will help reduce heat loss and create a more comfortable indoor climate.

Warming of floors is important not only for a private house. Often it is necessary to carry out floor insulation in an apartment on the ground floor, in this case it is simply necessary. It is possible to do the insulation work with your own hands, the main thing is to choose the right material and familiarize yourself with the installation technology.

Materials for floor insulation must meet certain requirements: lightness, strength, durability, high thermal insulation characteristics.

Materials with the desired properties include: mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, polystyrene, expanded clay, wood shavings.

Mineral wool. Effective for sound and heat insulation. Fireproof (has high fire resistance), not susceptible to mold and fungus. Flaw- it is hydroscopic, the ingress of moisture reduces its properties.

Expanded polystyrene, polystyrene. Lightweight, durable, retain heat well, do not let external noise into the room. They are not afraid of water ingress, do not deform, and are easy to install.

Expanded clay, wood shavings. Loose materials, inexpensive, environmentally friendly. They have rather significant disadvantages. The shavings are afraid of moisture and are prone to decay, insects and mice grow in it. Expanded clay is not afraid of water, is durable, but can exert a strong load on structures if the layer for insulation is too large.

Penoplex. Modern material is rapidly gaining popularity. Simple installation technology, it is possible to carry out the insulation yourself. Available in the form of slabs.

Methods for insulating the floor of an apartment on the first floor

When choosing a method to carry out thermal insulation, one should take into account the structural features of the building and the peculiarity of the method of laying the insulation. Warming of floors in a ground floor apartment can be done in several ways:

Installation of thermal insulation from the outside, from the basement side... This method is very effective for insulating the floor of an apartment located on the ground floor.
Insulation of the floor along the logs. This will require a complete dismantling of the old coating.
With a screed over the insulation.

It remains only to choose a more convenient method. After all the work, heat leaks will stop, a comfortable microclimate will be created in the apartment, and heating bills will decrease.

Insulation of the floor of the apartment on the first floor from the basement side with polystyrene foam

In ordinary houses, concrete floor slabs are used, which on the ground floor are bordered by the basement. An unheated and damp room absorbs an overwhelming amount of heat. To achieve the maximum result, it is necessary to carry out work on the insulation of the floor of the apartment from the basement side. How to do it?

You don't need expensive insulation materials. It is possible to insulate the floors in the apartment on the first floor from the basement with 50 mm thick foam.
Before you start installing the insulation, it is necessary to blow out all the cracks between the plates and around the perimeter from the basement side with foam.
Next, treat the concrete surface of the slab with a deep penetration liquid primer. It is applied with a brush.
It remains to insulate the subfloor with foam sheets. They are glued to the ceiling using Ceresit glue or construction glue, they will ensure reliable fastening of the insulation to the surface.
When the glue is completely cured, the gaps between the boards must be sealed with sealant or polyurethane foam.

This method can be used to insulate wooden floors. Only in this case, it is recommended that the foam sheets be additionally fixed with the help of umbrella-like undercoats. This will help keep your home warm and additionally protect your wooden floors from dampness from the basement.

Indicators of a comfortable temperature in living quarters are regulated by state regulations, measurements are carried out in various rooms at a height of 1.5 meters from the floor level. If the floor has high thermal conductivity, but in the area where people are staying, the temperature drops significantly, you have to increase the consumption of thermal energy for heating. At the current prices for energy carriers, the problem of saving heat carriers takes an important place.

One more nuance. In developed countries (recently in our country), space heating systems using warm floors have become widespread. They provide maximum comfort with minimum waste. In this regard, great attention must be paid to the insulation of floors.

In this article, we will consider two options for insulating floors in an apartment and in a private wooden house using the most effective materials.

Manufacturing companies offer consumers a wide range of different heaters, this makes it possible in each case to choose the best option depending on the technical parameters of the building and its purpose. To make the right decision, you should familiarize yourself with the brief characteristics of the most common of them.

Insulation type	Performance and Recommended Applications
	Quite new materials, most often penoizol is used. Advantages - completely cover the space, eliminate the likelihood of cold bridges. Disadvantages - special equipment is required for insulation; it is not recommended to use it in children's rooms and bedrooms. Another drawback is that the technology excludes natural ventilation of wooden structures, which has a negative impact on the durability of operation. In addition, the front boards must be thick; during the hardening, liquid insulation increases significantly in volume and can deform the floor covering. The technology of floor insulation provides for a phased coating of boards and insulation, only through such an algorithm it is possible to guarantee an even distribution of insulation throughout the entire volume.
	Expanded clay is most often used, less often slag. There is only one advantage - the low cost of materials. Bulk materials are much inferior to other types of insulation in terms of performance; to ensure effective insulation, their thickness must be increased. It is allowed to use expanded clay during the preparation of concrete or cement-sand mortars.
	One of the most popular heaters, they do not emit harmful chemical compounds. They can be pressed or rolled, with or without additional waterproofing coatings. Disadvantages: high cost, negative reaction to high humidity. The installation technology must provide for reliable protection against the appearance of condensation, otherwise the thermal conductivity indicators increase sharply.
	Materials of universal use, modern types are well resistant to open combustion. Extruded polystyrene foam can withstand significant loads, it is used both separately and during combined floor insulation. According to the characteristics of thermal conductivity, it almost does not differ from mineral wool, and is cheaper in cost.

Prices for Rockwool mineral wool

rockwool mineral wool

Types of load-bearing floor slabs

Wooden beams... Professional builders recommend using lightweight insulation for them, foam, extruded polystyrene foam, mineral wool (rolled or pressed) and glass wool are excellent. During insulation, special measures must be taken to ensure natural ventilation of wooden structures, its complete absence causes the appearance of rot and fungal diseases.
Concrete... They are distinguished by the highest bearing characteristics. On such ceilings, you can use all existing insulation, including concrete and cement-sand mixtures with expanded clay.

The stronger the overlap, the more options not only for floor insulation, but also for finishing floor coverings.

Types of floors

Covering the floors of the first floor can be made with various materials, this factor also influences the choice of insulation.

They are heavy, it is recommended to be installed on a cement-sand screed on a concrete base. Extruded polystyrene foam or solutions with the addition of expanded clay can be used as insulation. All other materials are not designed for great efforts and are unsuitable for floor insulation.

Ceramic tile. It is lighter than artificial stone. Modern technologies make it possible to make such floors on OSB boards or plywood on wooden beams or reinforced concrete floors. Due to the fact that the slabs are laid on special shields along the logs, it becomes possible to use soft materials for insulation, including mineral wool.

Natural boards, various types of laminate. Quite lightweight structures, for the insulation of such floors, there are no restrictions on the choice of insulation.

Linoleum or other soft surfaces. The floors are laid on screeds; for insulation, you need to use durable insulation. Extruded polystyrene foam or bulk insulation is recommended.

The technology of insulating the floors of the first floor should provide for a set of special measures to protect the insulation from the harmful effects of moisture. For example, consider the step-by-step instructions for insulating the floors of the first floor in a private house and a city apartment.

Insulation of floors in the apartment

Extrusive polystyrene foam is used as a heater, floor slabs are made of reinforced concrete. The material is not afraid of moisture and direct contact with water, all micropores are closed. In connection with such features, the technology of its laying is somewhat simplified, various types of steam and moisture protection are not used.

Extruded polystyrene foam is considered the most common and versatile insulation; it can be used for loaded floors or under wooden floors with natural ventilation. The material can withstand loads of 150-200 Pa, which is quite enough for all types of residential premises.

Floor insulation

To complete the work, you will need a tape measure, a marker, a hand saw for wood with fine teeth, a marker and an assembly knife.

Step 1. Decide on the amount of material. There is no need to make a large supply of expanded polystyrene, the technology almost eliminates unproductive waste. But there will always be surpluses, polystyrene foam is sold in plates of standard sizes.

Important. For high-quality insulation of the floor of the first floor, the thickness of the insulation should be at least 5 cm, if the buildings are located in regions with harsh climatic conditions and without insulated basements, then the recommended thickness of the insulation increases to 10-15 cm.

Step 2. Prepare the surface. It should be leveled, all protruding parts removed. If the slab has large irregularities, then you need to make a cement-sand screed, the minimum thickness is at least one centimeter. It should be ensured that the seams between the slabs are located in the same plane, otherwise cold bridges will form in these places, which will have a negative impact on the efficiency of the first floor floor insulation.

Step 3. Make a preliminary layout of the slabs. Most of them have an L-shaped edge around the perimeter, it covers the cold bridges and increases the strength of the coating. Due to the edge, it is easier to control the quality of laying, the coating self-aligns horizontally, etc.

If you plan to use several rows of thin slabs, then you need to make a breakdown of the seams, due to this, heat losses are minimized. Make sure that there are no gaps between the rows of plates. Air moves in them, such a movement carries heat out, the effectiveness of insulation is noticeably reduced.

Step 4. The next row of slabs starts at half the width of the first row, in the standard case the parameter is 60 cm. Mark the size on the slab, draw a line perpendicular to the edge and cut the sheet with a hacksaw. If possible, it is recommended to purchase a special hacksaw for cutting polystyrene plates. The special sharpening makes it easy to cut the material, and the special teeth eliminate the appearance of foam dust. Dust is carried by drafts throughout the apartment; cleaning it will take a lot of time.

Cutting should be done on a flat surface in a comfortable position. Take special care when finishing cutting, as a thin piece of the board may break off. The breaking line is uneven, you will have to take measures to prevent the appearance of cracks.

Practical advice. Expanded polystyrene may deform slightly when the dimensions of the plates fluctuate; to ensure stability, it is recommended to install a damper tape approximately 5 mm thick around the perimeter of the room.

There is no need to fix the slabs to the base with staples or dowels, due to this, the time of work is significantly reduced.

Step 5. Form a distribution layer on the expanded polystyrene plates, with its help the loads are evenly distributed, which eliminates the likelihood of mechanical damage. It can be done from a cement screed or using gypsum fiber boards, plywood, etc. A cement screed requires a lot of time and effort, a lot of construction debris is generated during work, and it takes at least 2-3 days for the mortar to harden.

Decking GVL sheets

Professionals recommend using plates to create a pressure layer, all work can be completed within one working day. But make a specific decision depending on your wishes and the material of the final flooring.

Step 1. Draw a line on the sheet based on the selected width. GVL sheets are quite soft, you can cut them with an assembly knife. First cut the paper on one side, then turn the sheet over and cut on the other.

Step 2. Lay GVL on top of the insulation with a gap in the seams, press the materials tightly against each other, do not allow cracks to appear. If heavy loads will act on the floor, then it is recommended to make the prefabricated screed in two layers.

Important. If the heat-insulating layer is closed with a cement-sandy heavy, then the insulation should be covered with plastic wrap or the joints should be sealed with tape. This is necessary so that cement milk does not get into the joints and does not form cold bridges.

Step 3. Fasten the prefabricated screed sheets with ordinary self-tapping screws. Stagger them about 30 cm apart. When working with gypsum plasterboards, pay attention to the pulling force, the plates have low strength, the self-tapping screw can be easily turned.

This technology of insulation of the first floor does not imply the use of various cement-based mixtures, it is called dry and can be used for various premises.

Step-by-step instructions for floor insulation on the first floor of a frame house

Insulation is done on the subfloor from scraps of boards. Wooden beams, the distance between them is approximately 50-60 cm. Specific values are selected taking into account the maximum loads and the thickness of the finished floor boards. Mineral wool is used for insulation.

Step 1. Place a vapor barrier on the joists and sub-floor. Carefully study the markings on the material, lay it in the right position, otherwise moisture will not be removed from the space under the floor. The rough side allows steam to pass through, it should always face the rock wool. The manufacturer's logo is applied on this side.

Important. It is strictly forbidden to use plastic wrap under mineral wool insulation. The fact is that in winter the dew point is located in the thickness of the mineral wool. If it has high humidity, then the steam condenses, the cotton wool gets wet and catastrophically loses its heat-shielding properties. Vapor barrier allows moisture to gradually escape, which prevents condensation.

Some inexperienced builders, in order to save materials, cut the vapor barrier into small pieces for laying them between two logs. Professionals do not recommend doing this for several reasons. Firstly, the production time of work is much longer. It is necessary to measure the width of each section, cut off the vapor barrier and fix it with brackets around the entire perimeter. Secondly, theoretically, the total savings do not exceed a few centimeters, which will not affect the cost of materials in any way. But in practice, due to errors during circumcision, not savings are obtained, but an increase in consumption.

Step 2. Place thermal insulation between the joists. You can use both rolled and pressed types. Leave no gaps while styling. Always cut off the cotton wool with a margin; during laying, the edges should be tightly pressed against the wooden structures. If the insulation is in two layers, then be sure to overlap the joints of the first with the second layer.

Step 3. Lay the vapor barrier material on top of the insulation, taking into account the above tips, secure it with a stapler. Be sure to install the vapor barrier on the walls, take all measures to protect the cotton wool from moisture.

Step 4. Nail counter-rails 2-3 cm thick to the lags. They are needed to create ventilation gaps between the floor and the insulation layer, otherwise the boards will not dry out, which has a very negative effect on the building's operating time.

Important. Do not forget about the vapor barrier overlaps, the overlap width is at least 10 cm. It is recommended to glue the joints with tape.

The slats can be fixed with self-tapping screws or ordinary smooth nails. The length of the hardware should be at least 30% longer than the thickness of the rails. Drive nails in at a slight angle, this will exclude the possibility of splitting.

There are recommendations to exclude steam from entering the holes of the hardware to put butyl rubber tape under the slats. This is an expensive material, to save money, the tape is cut into small pieces and glued only to the places where nails are driven. In order not to be mistaken, marks are made on the front surface of the rails. If you wish, you can follow these recommendations. But experienced builders do not waste time on such events. The fact is that the rail is tightly pressed against the logs, due to this, the holes in the vapor barrier are sealed, there is no need to engage in additional work.

This completes the work on thermal insulation of the floor of the first floor of the wooden house, you can start laying. There are a lot of options here, it all depends on your wishes and capabilities.

Frequent mistakes during thermal insulation of houses and apartments

Large gaps between cut Styrofoam or Styrofoam pieces. They need to be sealed with polyurethane foam. Before laying the cut piece, a small amount of foam is applied to the end of the already lying one, after hardening, the excess material is carefully cut off with an assembly knife.

Using foam for insulating the first floor of a wooden house. The floors must have air vents for natural ventilation, through which rodents penetrate into the underground. After a short time, they turn the foam plates into dust, the effectiveness of thermal insulation tends to zero. It is recommended to use glass wool in wooden houses, it has a large fiber diameter, which is not pleasant to pests. Unfortunately, rock wool does not become an obstacle for rodents, they easily make moves in it and build nests.

Non-observance of safety precautions when working with mineral wool. Do not trust manufacturers' advertisements that rock wool does not cause allergic reactions. The skin and mucous membranes are slightly damaged, which causes itching. Always wear protective clothing and gloves, and the respiratory system should be protected with respirators.

All elements of wooden structures under an insulating layer must be impregnated with antiseptics. Any of the most modern vapor barriers significantly impair natural ventilation, and a prolonged increase in humidity is unacceptable for wooden structures.

A layer of expanded clay can create a thermal protection effect only in the complete absence of air movement. This means that on both sides you need to make a reliable windscreen made of plastic wrap. Remember that this method is unacceptable when insulating timber structures. As for the use of this material in cement-sand or concrete mixtures, the thermal insulation performance is an order of magnitude inferior to modern materials.

Wrong choice of insulation. Before making a final decision, carefully analyze the characteristics of the structure, take into account the materials for the manufacture of supporting structures. Another important factor is that when choosing thermal insulation, take into account the characteristics of the finish flooring.

If the work is carried out without haste and with knowledge of the matter, then the thermal insulation of the floor of the first floor will save significant funds during the heating season, and will increase the comfort of staying in the room.

Video - Floor insulation in an apartment on the first floor

The cold floor in the apartment is the number one problem. Inhabitants of the first floors suffer from constant blowing from below. Even by insulating the ceiling and walls, you will not correct the situation, since the main contact area is the floor covering. There is only one way out. High-quality floor insulation will not only create comfort in the rooms, but also reduce material costs for heating payments.

Types of insulation, which is better to choose

The types of insulation available allow you to make a choice that is most suitable for each individual case. Bulk materials, slabs, roll version, as well as liquid composition, each is suitable for floor insulation on the ground floor.

Bulk materials
The varieties of bulk insulation materials include expanded clay, foam chips, slag and some others. Their advantage is the ability to fill the space between the existing crate as much as possible. In addition, expanded clay has low thermal conductivity, high strength and durability.

Slab materials
This type of insulation is also subdivided depending on their main component. These are mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, polystyrene, basalt fiber, vermiculite and others. They are lightweight and have low thermal conductivity. To increase thermal insulation, they are used in conjunction with roll insulation.

Polyfoam is an environmentally friendly finishing material, affordable, but it is fragile and melts when heated. A more successful option is expanded polystyrene, which has a high density, moreover, it is not flammable.

Vermiculite is also an environmentally friendly material, but expensive in slabs. An alternative would be its granular form, which is much cheaper.

Roll materials
In this form, mineral wool, cork mats, foil insulation with a different number of layers are produced.

Some species in this category are thin, so to keep the floor warm, it is better to combine them with thick varieties. As for mineral wool, which is an excellent thermal insulator, it copes with the task as an independent option. Add even its low cost and you get an excellent solution to the problem.

Liquid insulation materials
This insulation is a mixture of cement mortar with expanded clay, foam chips or wood shavings.

A popular liquid insulation is penoizol. It is a polymer with a foamed structure. It fills the entire space with the help of specialized equipment.

There is also an environmentally friendly, but rejected by many material. Plant fiber from straw, pressed into mats, is an excellent alternative to modern materials. The only negative point is that it decomposes over time, like any organic matter.

One of the factors influencing the choice of insulation is the type of floor base - concrete or wood. Also, the presence of a basement or its absence affects the design features of the insulation process.

On the one hand, the concrete base is durable, which is why it is the main material for overlapping in apartment buildings. But it keeps the cold firmly. This is especially noticeable on the ground floor, regardless of whether there is a basement or the floors are close to the ground. In any case, a thermal insulation device is required.

If there is a basement, waterproofing should also be provided, since the dampness that forms below will be deposited on the walls in the form of mold.

It is necessary to start floor insulation with preparatory work. Remove the clean coating, check the concrete base for cracks, cracks and other deformations. Eliminate existing defects by filling with cement mortar, leave until completely dry. Then the surface is treated with an impregnation specially designed to strengthen cement and concrete.
Next, a waterproofing layer is laid, which is successfully used as a polyethylene film. Its edges should be brought onto the walls by 15 cm.
The device of the frame for insulating material. Logs are placed on the pre-laid bars, and the structure itself is attached to the concrete base.
The next stage is laying the insulation. The first layer can be free-flowing. On top of it, the space between the structural elements is filled with any other type of insulation product.
For moisture resistance, the structure is covered with a waterproofing film, fixing it to the logs with staples.

This completes the warming process. But if the height of the room and the family budget allows, you can enhance the thermal insulation properties of the floor base. Plywood or planks are suitable as subfloors, depending on the type of clean flooring.

Wood floor is notable for its practicality, aesthetic appearance, environmental friendliness, it is warmer than concrete. But even this type of coating on the ground floor needs to be insulated. The technological process follows a certain sequence.

Dismantle the existing coating, checking its integrity.
Fill the space between the joists with sheets of mineral wool or foam. If expanded clay is used as insulation, choose fine granulation. Pour loose and tamp down so that the backfill is even and dense. But before dealing with expanded clay, lay the waterproofing in the form of a plastic film.
The next layer is gypsum fiber sheets, which differ from drywall in increased strength. Putty the seams and you can lay the finished floor.

Warming with expanded clay is the most reliable option for keeping warm. It can also be laid on a concrete base. Differs in minimal thermal conductivity, low density, very light.

External insulation options

External insulation will play a huge role in insulating the floor on the first floor, that is, a number of activities carried out in the basement. This is not always realistic, and not every material is suitable for these purposes, but when conditions permit, this opportunity is worth using.

It is impossible not to take into account the presence of existing communications that interfere with the work. The use of mineral wool is unacceptable in case of high humidity in the basement. Observing fire safety standards, foam insulation also has a certain risk, but in some cases it is possible. Glue sheets of insulation to the ceiling of the basement with a ready-made compound sold in specialized stores. Fill the joints with polyurethane foam.

The most optimal solution is to insulate the basement door. Let it be a little, but this way you can keep warm. The access of cold air will be stopped if the ventilation hole in the basement is closed for the winter period.

Insulated floors of a new type, in addition to maintaining the thermal regime of the flooring, also increase the air temperature. Their varieties differ in the principle of operation and cost, both during installation and during operation.

Infrared floors are special purpose films. Placed directly under the finishing coat.
Electric ones are mounted in a screed or on top of a subfloor. Installation of such a floor is quite simple, but the negative point is its high energy consumption.
Water pipes are a tube with circulating water. They go deep into the screed. This is the most economical option for installation and operation. One of the classic insulation materials is first laid on the floor to reduce heat loss. Reinforcement mesh is laid on top, designed for fastening pipes by means of clamps. The tubes themselves are arranged in a spiral, water is poured into them. And only after special testing is the screed performed. When it dries up, you can start installing a clean floor. The effect obtained from insulation in this way will meet all expectations.

Each person is characterized by the desire for savings and comfortable conditions. To get both at the same time, it is enough to use one of the methods of floor insulation in an apartment on the ground floor. You will feel the comfort instantly, but the economic effect will be your companion throughout your stay in a warm room.

Video: floor insulation over a cold basement

Anton Tsugunov

Reading time: 4 minutes

Thermal insulation of apartments, especially in old buildings, often leaves much to be desired. This primarily applies to floors in apartments located on the ground floor. As a rule, the room is separated from the unheated basement only by a concrete floor slab, which does not have good thermal insulation properties, which is why in the cold season all the inhabitants of the apartment feel uncomfortable. How to insulate the floor in an apartment on your own to save the situation and make your home warm and cozy?

What materials should be used for floor insulation?

There are various options for insulation and a variety of insulation, the choice of which depends on the characteristics of the apartment and financial capabilities. What insulation materials can be used to insulate the concrete floor of the first floor with your own hands?

First of all, such materials should be:

Durable. After all, this is the floor - this is the surface that experiences the greatest stress in the apartment. Therefore, the insulation must withstand significant pressure.

If the selected type of thermal insulation does not have high strength, then you should choose a method of installation that would not involve heavy loads on the thermal insulation material.

Lightweight. It is not necessary to create additional load on the floors. In addition, lightweight material is more porous, which means it retains heat better.
Moisture resistant. The insulation should not lose its properties when wet or moistened, or should be protected by reliable waterproofing.
Long lasting. It is advisable to carry out such a procedure as insulation of a concrete floor only once during the entire stay in the apartment. It takes too much time, effort and money, even if everything is done by hand.

Note! Insulation of the floor in an apartment almost always has a side effect in the form of a decrease in the height of the room due to the thickness of the insulation.

How to insulate the floor in the apartment?

Let us consider which materials will be most preferable in the case of insulation of the concrete floor of the first floor.

Expanded clay. Some time ago, this material was quite often used for floor insulation. Its main disadvantages are low moisture resistance and a rather large thickness of the heat-insulating layer.
Perlite. In terms of thermal insulation properties, it surpasses expanded clay, but is heavier than it.
Expanded polystyrene or polystyrene. Very convenient for do-it-yourself floor insulation. They are not afraid of water, rodents and microorganisms, they are absolutely harmless. However, polystyrene foam is quite fragile and less durable than polystyrene foam boards.
Mineral wool. Do-it-yourself concrete floor insulation is most often carried out using this particular material. In addition to heat-insulating properties, it also possesses good sound insulation, is lightweight and has a relatively low price.

The use of mineral wool for floor insulation presupposes the construction of a frame made of logs and the obligatory use of waterproofing, since mineral wool loses its properties when it gets wet.

Cork based insulation. It has excellent qualities, but due to its high cost it is rarely used.

Floor insulation methods

To insulate the concrete floor of the first floor, it is not enough just to put warm linoleum or carpet on a thick substrate on the floor. There are three options with which you can solve the problem of floor insulation:

using sheets of plywood or chipboard;
a concrete screed over a layer of insulation;
using a lag structure.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. But regardless of the choice of option, it is necessary to observe the general principles of laying thermal insulation.

The old floor covering must be removed. Ideally, you need to get to the concrete floor slab. If this is difficult, for example, ceramic tiles are laid on the floor, then linoleum or carpet with a thick backing can be laid on chipboard plates without removing the tiles. The main thing is that the surface is flat. But it is better to dismantle wooden coatings before insulating the floor so as not to face problems in the future.
Insulation of floors should provide for mandatory waterproofing. Concrete is renowned for its ability to pass and even attract water. Therefore, it is necessary to reliably protect the room from moisture penetration.
The surface must be leveled before laying the insulation. This is easier to do at the initial stage than to level the floor with logs or a screed later.

Insulation with chipboard or plywood

This is the fastest and easiest way to insulate the floor in an apartment, which does not involve the use of special insulation. With it, you can make a heat-insulating substrate with your own hands in a short time before laying linoleum or carpet. However, it should be borne in mind that this method cannot be called an ideal option for insulating the floor of an apartment located on the first floor, since it provides a relatively low level of thermal insulation. Floor insulation works are performed in the following sequence:

The old base is cleared of dirt and dust.
To ensure waterproofing, a layer of polyethylene film is laid on the base, the joints of which are glued with tape.
Before laying chipboard or plywood sheets, it is necessary to form a thermal gap of 1.5–2 cm between them and the walls. This will avoid warping of the coating caused by the expansion of the sheets when the temperature changes.
Covering slabs are stacked in two layers with offset relative to each other. Thus, the sheets of the upper layer should overlap the seams formed between the slabs of the lower one. Dowels are used to fasten the sheets.
Seams are treated with a solution of putty and oil paint. Reinforced mesh can be used.
A topcoat in the form of carpet or linoleum is laid on the resulting substrate. You can simply press it down with baseboards. Another way is to glue the carpet to an insulating backing using a bustilate.

Insulation under the screed

This method will require much more effort than insulation with chipboard sheets. But the thermal insulation that this method provides will be much better. Simultaneously with an increase in thermal insulation properties, you can also level the floor surface. How to insulate a concrete floor in an apartment under a screed?

Initially, the existing coating is removed from the floor, preferably down to the concrete slab. After that, the surface is cleaned of dust and debris.
A layer of vapor barrier is laid, which will prevent the penetration of moisture into the insulation. The vapor barrier film must be brought onto the walls by about 3-5 cm, and the joints must be glued with tape.
The insulation is laid tightly, and then another layer of vapor barrier is laid.

If foam or expanded polystyrene is used as insulation, the second layer of vapor barrier can be omitted.

A metal mesh is laid over the entire surface of the floor and attached around the perimeter of the room.
The screed is being poured. The thickness of the concrete layer after drying must be at least 5 cm, otherwise such a substrate may simply not withstand the loads and crumble. The entire screed must be poured at one time using grade 200 mortar, stirring the cement in the appropriate proportion.
After the solution has dried, the surface is primed. The floor covering is laid on top. It can be laminate, linoleum or carpet.

Performing thermal insulation along the logs

If the selected heat-insulating material is not able to withstand significant loads, then it is necessary to carry out insulation along the logs. For the construction, even bars with a cross section of 50 to 100 mm are suitable, which it is very desirable to pre-treat with an antiseptic solution. It will protect the lags from the penetration of fungus and extend their service life.

After cleaning the surface of debris, it is waterproofed. To do this, using a brush, you need to apply a layer of bitumen mastic, also grabbing the walls to a height of 5 cm.
Logs are laid from a bar, the first and last logs should be located close to the wall.

Advice: in order not to cut the material for insulation, supplied in the form of rolls or sheets, the distance between the logs can be chosen equal to its width, but not more than 90 cm.In the case of using bulk material, the rule applies: the thinner the logs, the smaller the distance between them ...

The laid logs are leveled and secured with anchors. You do not need to fasten it if the beams are firmly against the wall.
Having laid the insulation between the logs, if necessary, lay a layer of vapor barrier and lay sheets of plywood or chipboard, fixing them with self-tapping screws on the logs. It is recommended to lay two layers, shifting them relative to each other. A gap of 1.5-2 cm is left between the sheets and the wall.
On the substrate obtained in this way, a finishing coating is laid, which is a laminate, carpet or linoleum.

Self-insulation of the floor on the ground floor is not particularly difficult, and the variety of materials and technologies allows you to choose one of several methods that are most suitable in terms of labor costs and financial investments. May your apartment always be warm and cozy!