For owners of private houses, the issue of insulating the walls of the house has always been relevant. If you choose the right materials and follow the installation technology, then in the cold season you will be able to get rid of drafts, as well as significantly reduce heating costs. According to professional builders, there are no bad or good heaters, but there are materials that are either suitable or not suitable for each specific situation.
In this regard, the choice of such products should be approached thoughtfully and competently, especially since modern hardware stores offer a wide selection of these products. To make this task easier for you, we decided to rank the best heaters for your home. This article will talk about the scope of each material, its composition and other useful information that will be very useful for a home master. In addition, here we will give a number of useful tips regarding the choice of products. Let’s start with this.
How to choose the right insulation for your home?
It is quite natural that one of the main qualities that people pay attention to when choosing a product is its thermal insulation properties. The worse the material will pass heat and cold through itself, the better. Another important point is the mass of products. Lightweight insulation is much easier to attach to the walls, its transportation will be much cheaper, installation can be done on your own, and the load on the walls will be minimal.
Be sure to pay attention to the vapor permeability of the selected product. It must be very high. In this case, excess moisture from the living quarters will be quickly removed, and areas affected by mold or fungus will not appear in them. If the vapor permeability is relatively low, then it will be necessary to think over an improved ventilation system, often in this case it is even necessary to install a forced exhaust, due to which the cost of work will be much higher, and additional heat losses will also begin to occur.
It would not be superfluous to inquire about the possibility of subsequent finishing of the insulation — the more decor options there are, the easier it is. Be sure to take into account the period of operation of the material, check whether it is environmentally friendly and combustible. In addition, pay attention to the thickness of the insulation. If you purchase too thin products, then the effect of its use will be almost invisible.
Today, heaters are produced based on various materials. The most modern of them are expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene foam. Their average service life is over 25 years. At the same time, they are trimmed by absolutely any means. However, it must be taken into account that this is a low-combustible product, therefore it is not recommended to sheathe wooden buildings with it, the maximum height of the building should be no more than 2 floors. It is desirable to provide a coating with reliable protection against ultraviolet rays. Mineral wool does not burn at all, but it will have to be additionally sewn up with finishing materials, for example, plastic or metal siding, use a block house, and so on.
When choosing products to be included in our rating of the best heaters, we were guided by all the analyzed factors. However, a number of other points were taken into account — user reviews, as well as value for money. We tried to choose not the most expensive, but the most effective and versatile products so that they fit every owner of a private house. Now it’s time to start a direct examination of the products included in our rating.
Basalt compositions
2. Rockwool
Such a mineral wool composition allows you to efficiently and quickly insulate even a fairly large house with minimal financial costs. The product is an absolutely environmentally friendly material, which is produced according to the original technology of melting rocks and then drawing them into thin threads. They are connected to each other by means of a binding component. As a result, the output is stone wool with a fibrous structure. It perfectly passes moisture through itself, while not absorbing it. The material has high soundproofing qualities, is resistant to compression, various kinds of deformations. The basalt component makes it possible to ensure the incombustibility of the composition — the insulation is able to withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees.
Products are designed for both outdoor and indoor use. With its help, you can build partitions, insulate floors and ceilings. Largely due to its useful characteristics, such mineral wool is widely popular with both professional builders and home craftsmen. The insulation practically does not allow heat to pass through itself, the gaps between the mats can be sealed with absolutely any composition, for example, with a standard sand-cement mortar. Produced in the form of plates or rolls.
Advantages:
- Multifunctional products;
- Acceptable cost;
- Available in two versions — in rolls and in plates;
- High soundproof characteristics;
- Does not retain moisture;
- Long service life.
Flaws:
- When using insulation for interior work, the room after installation of the product should be thoroughly ventilated so that all volatile carcinogens are vented.
rockwool
1.Hotrock Smart
Universal insulation, which, among other things, has excellent soundproofing characteristics. It is produced only from 100% basalt fiber. This product is suitable for both load-bearing walls and self-supporting structures, which are often used as partitions in houses and apartments. Often, the product is used in direct construction, for example, in the construction of frame-panel structures of a residential or economic type. The insulation is characterized by low weight, during installation and operation does not emit harmful or toxic substances into the environment. It is able to maintain its original shape during the entire period of operation, which reaches 50 years. The base has a minimum load, so the master does not have to think about its additional reinforcement. The composition of the organic binder, which could absorb moisture, contains a minimum amount.
The thickness of the products can be 50 or 100 mm. It is absolutely not susceptible to moisture, as well as to high temperatures, including open fire. It is manufactured in strict compliance with Russian and international quality standards, therefore it fully complies with all applicable standards.
Advantages:
- Very reasonable cost of production;
- Excellent workmanship;
- Does not emit harmful compounds into the room air;
- Long period of operation;
- Several thickness options.
Flaws:
- During installation, it is advisable to wear gloves, as you can sensitively prick yourself on basalt fibers.
Hotrock Smart
Fiberglass insulation
2. Isover Warm House
The products manufactured by this manufacturer have long been known to the domestic consumer due to their excellent performance. It is used both in domestic conditions and in the construction of industrial, public and even utility buildings and premises. The insulation is able to reliably protect the interior from heat, cold, external noise, and besides, it retains its original shape and characteristics for a very long time. The material is produced on the basis of special glass fibers obtained in the process of melting quartz sand and subsequent drawing of threads using the original TEL technology. As a result, the thickness of such threads does not exceed 4-5 microns, their length varies from 110 to 150 microns. They are combined into a single structure using original synthetic resins that do not emit harmful or toxic substances into the environment.
Available in mats and slabs. The former are more suitable for interior work, the latter were originally developed for outdoor use. However, at its core, the products are universal, the difference lies solely in the ease of attachment. The thermal conductivity of the material is very low, so the effect of a thermos is created in the room — heated or cooled air will not leave the room. Vapor permeability is high: experts generally say that this material is breathable. It does not accumulate moisture, almost instantly conducts it through itself, preventing rapid dampening of the walls of the room.
Advantages:
- Easy to transport and install;
- Products are absolutely safe for human health;
- High-quality and convenient packaging;
- Acceptable cost.
Flaws:
- Not much information is given directly on the packaging regarding the properties of the insulation — you have to look for additional information on the official website.
Isover Warm House
1 Ursa Geo
The most widely used material in the entire range of products manufactured by this company. The basis here is fiberglass, made on the basis of purified quartz sand, to which special minerals are added. The insulation is made using a special innovative technology, the secret of which the company carefully guards. However, the output is a finishing material that is absolutely safe both for the environment in general and for humans in particular. Although today it is not possible to completely eliminate the use of organic binders, their percentage tends to zero, which also greatly contributes to an increase in the service life of products and an improvement in performance.
The insulation not only does not burn, but also actively prevents the spread of flame. Also, it does not rot and does not decay, you can be absolutely sure that various kinds of microorganisms and insects will not start in it. The release form is very convenient, the insulation itself has considerable elasticity, it can last at least 55 years.
Advantages:
- The material is able to withstand significant physical stress, which makes it ideal for outdoor use;
- Manufactured in compliance with all environmental standards;
- Resistant to low temperatures and high humidity;
- Long service life;
- Due to its low weight and optimal dimensions, it is very easy to install — no special skills or tools are required.
Flaws:
- Somewhat more expensive than other similar products.
Ursa Geo
Foam insulation
2. PSB S 15-O
Products of this kind are characterized by low density — this indicator is one of the lowest among all similar materials. The structure of the insulation is porous, which ensures high vapor permeability. Thermal conductivity is negligible — even a thin layer of foam will seriously reduce heat loss in the cold season. However, it should be remembered that a low density entails low strength, so a layer of such insulation will need to be covered from above with some kind of finishing material. Otherwise, it can quickly become unusable. Experts recommend using products for warming various structural elements that are not subjected to regular physical exertion. 98% of the total volume of the material is air, which is located in the porous structure of the insulation.
The products are devoid of foreign smell, do not emit harmful substances and do not increase the overall dust load in the room. The weight, even in a large package, is insignificant, therefore, if necessary, it can be stored and transported alone. For quite a long time, the insulation is able to withstand temperatures of about 90 degrees, and it will retain both its performance characteristics and its original shape. It is resistant to various chemical compounds, is not a breeding ground and habitat for various kinds of microorganisms, including mold or fungi.
Advantages:
- Cheap and very effective finishing material;
- Weighs a little;
- Well resists the formation of fungi;
- Long service life;
- Easy to mount.
Flaws:
- Low strength requires additional finishing of the insulation.
PSB S 15-O
1. Knauf Therm House
The material is produced by a well-known German company engaged in the manufacture and sale of building and finishing materials. Products are manufactured using exactly the same technology as other foam insulation products on the Russian market. The main raw material here is extruded polystyrene foam, however, all components potentially hazardous to health have been replaced by absolutely harmless ones. In particular, there are no compounds containing chlorine, aldehyde and phenolic substances, which emit toxic substances during operation. Despite the low density, the product is characterized by fairly decent compressive strength. In production, each foam plate is coated with flame retardants that increase low flammability. Due to this, the products can withstand significant temperature loads for a long time.
In terms of its thermal insulation properties, a 120 mm thick material is equivalent to a 450 mm brick wall or a concrete slab, the thickness of which must be at least 2100 mm. It does not absorb moisture, but it passes perfectly. It can be used in absolutely any climatic conditions, so the material is well suited for both the middle lane and the northern regions.
Advantages:
- Does not have a foreign smell;
- The composition does not contain resins, other harmful compounds;
- You can work with the material without any kind of protection;
- Hypoallergenic composition;
- Acceptable cost;
- You can cut with the most ordinary clerical knife.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Knauf Therm House
Expanded polystyrene heaters
2. Penoplex Comfort
This finishing material is made of special extruded polystyrene foam. All the main performance characteristics of the insulation are determined by the original cellular structure. The cell size is 0.1-0.2 mm, and they are evenly distributed over the entire volume of the plate. This allows for a high level of product strength, as well as excellent thermal insulation properties. The material is universal — it can be used to insulate absolutely any structural elements — external walls, roofs, attic spaces, and so on. Due to its texture, it creates a microclimate in the room, ideal for the human body. The mass of one mat is quite comparable with polystyrene — literally a couple of hundred grams heavier, so there should not be any particularly serious problems with transportation and installation. Due to the homogeneous structure, crumbling of the material is completely excluded.
The coefficient of thermal conductivity here is minimal. It does not absorb moisture into itself, therefore, products are allowed to be used for warming especially damp buildings, which include baths, saunas, pools, and so on. Parasites do not settle inside and on the surface of the material, respectively, fungal or moldy areas will not appear. Sufficiently high level of tensile and compressive strength. It does not burn at all, as it is processed with special compounds during the production process.
Advantages:
- Insignificant mass;
- You can work with bare hands, without the use of protective equipment;
- Universal products;
- Easy to install;
- Resistant to moisture, insects, mold and fungus.
Flaws:
- Relatively expensive.
Penoplex Comfort
1. TechnoNicole XPS Technoplex
It was developed specifically for private houses, but can also be used in an apartment. In particular, such a heater is perfect for arranging a floor heating system, insulating a balcony or loggia. Due to its original characteristics, it can even be used to work with floors on the ground. In the production of the material, very fine particles of graphite are used, so the plates have a light silver color. The efficiency of heat preservation here is about one and a half times higher compared to standard foam plastic, and the overall thermal insulation qualities are twice as high as stone wool and already obsolete glass wool. Over time, the products do not shrink and retain their original shape for a very long time.
The composition does not contain formaldehydes, resins and other substances that can have a depressing effect on living organisms. During production, these products are impregnated with special compounds that repel rodents, so they are not afraid of mice and other rodents. Insulation is quite simple to use, it is mounted almost instantly, no special skills are required for this. It can be cut with an ordinary knife or saw, with the help of this product even significant irregularities can be leveled.
Advantages:
- Economical products;
- Absolutely non-toxic material;
- High efficiency;
- Extended functionality;
- Long service life;
- Insensitive to rodents, chemicals and moisture.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
TechnoNicole XPS Technoplex
Polyester fiber insulation
2. Shelter EcoStroy ShES standard
In the manufacture, adhesives and various chemical compounds that can harm the human body are not used. The production technology is based on the method of bonding fibers by exposure to high temperature. In this regard, the insulation incorporates only those materials that can significantly increase the heat and sound insulation characteristics of walls, partitions and other structures. It is used in both industrial and domestic construction. It will fit snugly to any surface, fills the cavities well, it is often used in the construction of houses using the frame method. If desired, the products are used to create a heat-insulating layer of the roof, to ensure soundproofing of interfloor ceilings, and so on.
It does not interact with water at all, although water vapor passes through itself perfectly, so it can be used when decorating saunas and baths. When building a house from a log house, the products are used as an interventional sealant. Also, this insulation is well suited for the equipment of ventilation and air conditioning systems. It not only prevents condensation, but also ensures quiet operation. Another important quality is the unlimited period of operation of the product — in other words, it will serve as long as the structure is idle. From rodents, insects, fungi and other microorganisms protects perfectly. The heater does not support the combustion process.
Advantages:
- Absolutely environmentally friendly material;
- Convenient packaging;
- Easy to mount;
- Universal products;
- Reliability and durability.
Flaws:
- The slight density of the material forces it to be fixed more carefully with the outer skin of the building.
Shelter EcoStroy ShES standard
1. Shelter EcoStroy ShES arctic
The leader of this part of the review of the best home insulation has very high thermal insulation properties, which provide the most effective heat preservation in the room. In addition, this product is absolutely not subject to aging, so its service life is not limited. If necessary, the material can be dismantled and reused for insulation of other buildings. During installation, it does not disintegrate, moreover, no waste remains during operation, which helps to save additional money when purchasing insulation. The products have a high degree of flexibility, so absolutely any surface can be insulated, including hard-to-reach areas, curved surfaces, various hidden cavities, where it is not possible to use heaters in the classical sense.
It is made from original organic fibers, so during installation you can not be afraid of irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, work with it without protective equipment. The insulation is well protected from rodents — they bypass it, do not start nesting in it, so the product retains its integrity and hygiene for a very long time. It practically does not absorb water, so the packages can even be stored outdoors all year round, without fear of rain or snow. The composition does not contain phenol and various kinds of chemicals. If there are no tools at hand, then the material can simply be torn by hand into pieces of the required size.
Advantages:
- Elementary use;
- Affordable price for its class;
- Long period of operation;
- Possibility of repeated use.
Flaws:
- Fire protection was not thought out.
Shelter EcoStroy ShES arctic
In conclusion, a useful video
So our review of the best heaters for the home has come to an end. For each product, we have collected as much information as possible so that you can accurately determine which product is the most suitable for your specific conditions. If you still have some doubts or if you can’t decide on a choice from several rating positions, then comments on this article are at your complete disposal. We will try to respond promptly to your message and provide you with an additional data package to further facilitate the selection problem.