From a cold warehouse to an additional room: how to insulate a balcony. Do-it-yourself loggia insulation: step-by-step photo instruction with recommendations Step-by-step loggia insulation

Creating a favorable microclimate on the loggia involves not only wall insulation, the entire space must be airtight. The floor and ceiling surfaces are also sheathed with a material with a low degree of thermal conductivity. In our article, you will learn how to properly insulate a balcony from the inside.

The choice of heat insulator

Advantages and disadvantages are inherent in each type of thermal insulation. In order to choose the most suitable insulation, you should compare the main characteristics of heat insulators.

The most common options for heat insulators:

• Extruded polystyrene foam (penoplex);
• Foamed polyethylene (penofol);
• Polyurethane foam (PPU);
• Styrofoam;
• Mineral wool.

Mineral wool

The thickness of the sheets varies from 2 to 20 cm. Mineral wool is divided into three types, depending on the components of the raw materials:

An example of a mineral wool device on a loggia. The material is placed in the prepared structure. The frame for mounting can be made of metal profiles or wooden bars.

Manufacturers produce cotton wool in the form of mats and soft rolls. In some cases, one side is covered with foil. Aluminum foil improves the level of thermal insulation.

The main disadvantage is that moisture acts destructively, a vapor barrier device is necessary.

Polymer-based insulation

Penoplex, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, foamed polyethylene are polymers treated with foamed compounds.

Advantages:

• The presence of gas bubbles provides not only a good level of thermal insulation, but also a small weight of the plates;
• High degree of moisture resistance;
• The materials are durable;
• Antifungal resistance;
• Simplicity and convenience when laying plates or sheets, as well as rolls (polyethylene foam);
• An economical repair option, subject to the choice of foam as a heater.

Main disadvantage: support the spread of flame during a fire, emit harmful substances in the combustion process.

When choosing foam and other materials based on polymers, it is necessary to correctly select the thickness of the plates and determine the density

1. Styrofoam sheets

Insulator plates (expanded polystyrene) in the process of laying.

Styrofoam refers to budgetary methods of warming a loggia, however, it is considered a rather fragile material, so a crate is required for installation. A worthy replacement is extruded polystyrene foam; its installation does not require the creation of a special frame.

2. Penoplex

Extruded polystyrene foam boards (thickness 50 mm) are used as insulation. The seams between the elements are sealed with mounting foam. Penoplex is attached with the help of special dish-shaped dowels ("fungi").

3. Penofol

The material is used as a separate heat insulator, and with the help of penofol it is possible to provide a vapor barrier of expanded polystyrene. Due to the foil side, warm air is reflected and retained in the room.

In order to speed up the insulation of the structure, you can use alternative method thermal insulation - spraying polyurethane foam (PPU).

4. Polyurethane foam

PPU is one of the most modern heat insulators. The cost of application services is considered high compared to other analogues, but many managed to appreciate operational properties PPU. This insulation is characterized by high thermal insulation performance, due to the finely porous structure.

The main stages of work on the insulation of the loggia space

In order to increase the usable area in your home and operate the premises all year round necessary:

1. Close the gaps, if any. Carefully study the room to eliminate all design flaws. As a rule, the gaps are filled with mounting foam, even if they are of a significant size.

After complete drying, it is necessary to trim the excess.

2. Glazing with reliable double-glazed windows.

3. Arrange a waterproofing layer. To protect against moisture, waterproofing with penetrating properties is used - Penetron, Aquaton, etc. The composition is applied with a roller, brush, or sprayed. Such impregnation penetrates into the thickness, so the walls become maximally resistant to adverse weather, and strength characteristics are improved.

5. Installation of a vapor barrier layer. In order to make a vapor barrier, special polymer membranes (“breathing”) should be used, as well as films “Rockwool”, “Izospan”, penofol.

Balcony decoration

Purposes of creation interior decoration:

• External masking of the heat insulator;
• Organization of a favorable internal environment in the room.

To create an interior balcony, you can choose various options finishes. Plaster, plastic panels, MDF, lining, plywood, plasterboard sheets and even a block house are perfect for the finishing layer.

The lining panels are environmentally friendly and reliable. One of the main advantages of the finishing material is rigidity. The lining is fixed on wooden frame- crate.

The walls of the loggia are lined with clapboard, the flooring is laminate.

Facing the balcony with a block house.

The plastic panels have grooves for connecting elements. The plastic version of the lining has less rigidity and strength than wood.

Installation of GKLV sheets on metal profiles. Plasterboard slabs can be decorated with wallpaper, painted, or lined with decorative plaster.

Wall decoration with wallpaper over GKLV sheets.

Bamboo wallpaper. The basis for finishing - drywall.

Video

1. The result of warming the loggia.

Glazed balcony. Demonstration of electrical outputs. Testing the strength of extruded polystyrene foam. The use of foam plastic with a thickness of 30 and 50 mm, wall finishing with putty. Concrete floor screed over insulation boards.

2. Stages repair work on the balcony.

Sequential process of arranging the premises. Scheme of thermal insulation of walls with polystyrene foam and foamed polyethylene, finishing - plastic panels. Floor: leveling, thermal insulation, OSB cladding, installation of laminate lamellas.

What and how best to insulate the balcony from the inside with your own hands

The loggia is a part of the apartment that requires high-quality insulation. If you leave it in its original state, then in winter the cold will penetrate into the rest of the premises, and this is an extra cash cost for heating. Owners who do not know how and with what to insulate the balcony on their own invite workers whose services cost a lot of money. And it’s good if hired craftsmen turn out to be professionals, because contractors with a lack of qualification often come to the call.

If we take professionals as an example, they first visually assess the condition of the balcony and take into account the year in which the apartment building was built. Then they pay attention to the frame (metal or wooden) and evaluate the dilapidation of the skin. Last but not least, experienced workers compare neighboring loggias and can offer the owner to make a design in the same style as them.

Because of the old-style balconies, all the work becomes more complicated, especially if this building is not closed, but open. In this case, the craftsmen are engaged in additional strengthening of the structure and replacing rotten parts: they cut off the rusted metal elements of the frame and reconstruct the concrete site. The upper and lower parts of the balcony are reinforced without fail.

It is after the restoration of the structure that specialists are engaged in facing and internal thermal insulation premises. Often, owners prefer to equip their balconies with foam blocks and double-glazed windows. The stones are laid out at half the total height of the loggia, and the open space is closed with windows. The result is not only an attractive appearance buildings, but also significantly increases its strength. By the way, a double-glazed window will significantly warm the room.

If the owner of the apartment changes the windows to plastic ones, then it is advisable for him to purchase products with double glass, since single ones retain heat by only 30% in the cold season.

Without preparing the balcony, one cannot approach subsequent cardinal actions. Before purchasing materials for warming the loggia, inside the premises, specialists carry out the following work:

The interior arrangement of the loggia concerns not only the ceiling and walls. It is equally important to insulate the floor, for example, with penofol.

For internal insulation of almost all structures, expanded polystyrene is very widely used. Its low cost does not affect the quality. It is sold in the form of plates with a thickness of 5 cm or more. If the apartment is located in the conditions of the north, then it is better to use sheets 15 cm thick. For the installation of foam, they make a crate with the same cells. Expanded polystyrene is convenient in that it can be easily cut with an ordinary knife.

The positive aspects of this insulation is that it is odorless, does not emit harmful substances, environmentally friendly and does not affect human health. Sheets, as a rule, are fixed on special "umbrellas" or building glue. As a savings, it is better to insulate the balcony inside it.

Mineral wool is also quite popular. Such insulation is slightly more expensive than foam plastic, but this is due to the additional sound insulation that the material has. Therefore, using mineral wool, you can not only insulate the structure with high quality, but also eliminate street noise. It is sold in the form of yellow rolls.

The fire safety of this heater is on high level, and the absence of a specific smell makes mineral wool one of the most popular. The material begins to melt at a temperature of 1000 degrees. Under such rolls, it is also necessary to make a crate. Another plus is easy cutting. The disadvantage is due to the composition, which includes powdered glass, which sticks into the skin when working and causes itching and redness.

Penoplex - a new insulation that appeared on the market building materials relatively recently and has already become popular. It has a low weight, due to which it is convenient to work with it. Penoplex is produced in the form of rectangular sheets, the cutting of which is possible even with a clerical knife. According to the method of attachment, it is similar to foam, which is glued or fixed with fasteners. The surface of the material is rough, so it does not slip in the hands.

Granular expanded clay is often laid on the floor. Such insulation for a balcony inside has a porous structure and consists of baked clay, so it is environmentally friendly. Builders use it to insulate floors and ceilings.

The work process is simple, it is enough to create a layer of expanded clay and spill it with liquid cement so that the granules are held together. But keep in mind that such material will take 15-20 cm of height from floor to ceiling. In addition, a thin-layer screed will have to be poured over the expanded clay, because the relief surface will not be suitable for laying, for example, the same parquet or laminate.

Another option for insulation - penofol. It is made from polyethylene foam. The material is especially suitable for water-heated floors, as it has a foil coating with a heat-reflecting effect. This insulation has 4 advantages: it does not let the wind through, retains heat, prevents the penetration of water and has vapor barrier properties. Penofol is flexible and easy to cut, and environmentally friendly substances do not harm human health. They produce insulation in the form of rolls, therefore, it is convenient to work with it. The installation process takes no more than 1 hour.

As previously mentioned, foam plastic is cheap, but nevertheless it is practical, many builders use it. What is the best way to insulate a balcony from the inside with polystyrene foam:

The thickness of the wall from the edge of the interior to the exterior, taking into account the foam block, should be 30 cm. This is enough to retain heat and prevent the penetration of cold into the room.

Pouring concrete, expanded clay layer and similar methods cost a lot of money. You can make a similar insulation, but at the same time save money. An option for a cheap finish made of wood and foam can be like this:

Specialists always start finishing from the walls and ceiling, and at the end they deal with the floor. If everything is done the other way around, then the base will be damaged, and the front surface will be scratched.

How to insulate a balcony with your own hands: from a refrigerator to a warm island

To begin with, it is worth saying that there are two ways to insulate a balcony - from the inside and outside. External insulation, of course, is more convenient - precious centimeters of area are not “eaten up”, and the cladding of the balcony facade becomes more pleasant. But this is a laborious process that requires the involvement of a construction team and industrial climbers. Therefore, in the article we will focus on how to properly insulate a balcony in an apartment from the inside - this can be done independently.

For insulation inside the balcony, first of all, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work. They include several important steps:

• How to start warming a loggia or balcony? Free up space from all unnecessary. It is best if the balcony is completely empty: it is much easier to work this way. Also, get rid of the old finish in advance.
• Seal all the cracks - a lot of heat escapes through them. For small gaps, a weather-resistant sealant is suitable, fill larger gaps with mounting foam - it will not only fill the voids, but also serve as an additional heat insulator.
• To make it easier for you to carry out work on insulation, it is important to even out cracks and irregularities on the walls and ceiling with cement mortar.
• If you plan to place light bulbs or lighting fixtures on the balcony, you should take care of the wiring in advance. To hide unpresentable cables, place them in plastic boxes.
• Before starting work, cover the opening between the balcony and the adjacent room with a film so that building dust and other pollutants do not get into the apartment.

Is it possible to insulate a balcony in winter? Yes, you can. Only when working in winter, it is necessary to choose frost-resistant materials, in particular mounting foam.

How to insulate a balcony: what materials are better to choose

To understand how to insulate a loggia or balcony, let's first figure out what properties the materials should have:

• high strength;
• fire safety;
• water resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• relatively low cost;
• ease of installation (if we want to do all the work with our own hands).

Most often, mineral wool, polystyrene foam, polystyrene, etc. are used for insulation. Sometimes several of these materials are combined. We have reflected the pros and cons of each heat insulator in the table:

insulation Advantages Flaws Expanded clay Low cost;
Durability;
fire safety;
Not afraid of mold and mildew;
Light weight;
Easily takes any shape High moisture permeability;
Suitable only for floor insulation;
May be difficult to install Mineral wool Good sound and heat insulation;
Environmental friendliness;
fire safety;
Easily takes any shape Deterioration of properties when exposed to water;
The thickness of the insulation "steals" the usable area Styrofoam Low cost;
Ease of installation;
Light weight;
Not afraid of mold and mildew fragility;
combustibility Extruded polystyrene boards High strength;
Ease of installation;
moisture resistance;
Durability Relatively high cost polyurethane foam(liquid insulation) High strength;
moisture resistance;
Durability;
Fills cavities of any shape Relatively high cost;
Mandatory availability of special equipment Penofol(foamed polyethylene with a layer of metal foil) moisture resistance;
Durability;
Small thickness;
Good thermal and waterproofing Rarely used as an independent heat insulator, usually only in combination with other materials

What is the best insulation for a balcony? The answer to this question depends on your preferences and financial capabilities. You can read more about the characteristics of heaters, as well as about the insulation of an apartment as a whole, in our blog.

How to insulate a balcony with your own hands: step by step photos and instructions

A balcony is a place in an apartment that can be used for various purposes. Someone stores various things there, someone uses it to dry clothes, and someone makes a favorite resting place out of the balcony or even small room. In any case, balcony insulation is very important point which deserves close attention. If you want to know how to insulate a balcony with your own hands: step by step photos and detailed instructions can be easily found on the Internet. The main thing is to avoid common mistakes and strictly adhere to the correct sequence of actions.

There are several points where many people make mistakes when self-insulation balcony:

• Rush. Often the insulation of the balcony occurs on hastily. Usually, this involves filling the cracks with putty, installing warm windows and plugging in a radiator. At the same time, the heat from the apartment continues to leave through the balcony, which is very surprising to its owner.
• Use of poor quality materials. Therefore, how to insulate the balcony inside is an important question that must be asked before starting work. A balcony is a fairly large space, so bad windows or improperly installed flooring can create a serious leak of warm air.

In order for the balcony and the entire apartment to be as protected from the cold as possible, a certain procedure should be followed. So you save time, effort and get high quality insulation. If you want to know how to insulate a balcony with your own hands, step-by-step photos will help you with this.

Installation of double-glazed windows

The first stage, from which the insulation of any room begins, is the installation of modern double-glazed windows. If you have old wooden frames, then a very large amount of heat escapes through them, no matter how insulated. But when installing double-glazed windows on a balcony, there is one nuance that distinguishes it from other rooms - the parapet. On many old balconies, it is not strong enough to support the weight of heavy plastic windows. In this case, it will have to be further strengthened.

Useful advice! It is best to strengthen the parapet with reinforcement. The thick iron bars and cement will hold up well to any extra weight. The brick version is also good, but it is thicker and heavier.

Before you insulate the balcony with your own hands, you need to decide on the material of the window structures - these can be frames made of PVC, aluminum or wood.

Stages of work on the insulation of the balcony

Properties of different types of windows

Wooden frames are the cheapest, but not the best option in terms of window properties. Wooden windows do not hold heat well, are not airtight. It is worth using them only if there are no severe colds in your latitudes.

Aluminum windows are more expensive, but retain heat better. In addition, they are the most reliable and durable, excellently resist corrosion and other negative influences.

PVC frames - the best option in terms of price and quality. Polyvinyl chloride is not afraid of dampness and temperature changes. It is not as resistant to stress as aluminum, but it provides the highest level of thermal conductivity.

How to insulate a balcony so that it is warm in winter? The following types of windows are well suited for this purpose:

With hinged doors;

With double glazing;

with extended profiles.

How to insulate a balcony with your own hands: step by step photos

When insulating a balcony, one of the most important points is the thickness of the insulation layer. Often it turns out that it is necessary to insulate not only the walls, but also the floor with the ceiling. The main criterion for a material for insulation is its thermal conductivity. This figure is inversely proportional to the amount of heat that the material can hold. One of the most frequently asked questions when insulating is what is the best way to insulate a balcony: foam or mineral wool? It all depends on your financial capabilities.

The most common material for insulating balconies is extruded polystyrene foam. It is thin, light, easy to cut and install, durable and resists moisture and corrosion well. Its only drawback is the rather high cost. In this case budget option insulation for the balcony is foam. It is also lightweight and easy to install, however, less durable.

Crack sealing

There are gaps in any old balcony - this is an axiom. Heat will escape through numerous cracks even if you have installed the warmest and most modern double-glazed windows. It is best to seal them with polyurethane sealants and mastics, which are quite plastic, hold for a long time and are resistant to different kind natural influences such as frost or wind.

The cracks are sealed with a special gun or a plastic nozzle that comes with the balloon. After the mastic or sealant has completely dried, you can proceed to the installation of the insulation. If you do not know how to insulate a balcony with your own hands, a step-by-step photo will help you in this moment.

How to insulate the floor and walls on the balcony with your own hands

After choosing and buying a heater, it must be fixed. Usually, this is done with dowels or construction adhesive. When mounting with glue, you need to choose a composition without toluene - it can corrode the material. If you decide to attach the insulation with dowels, then they must be placed around the perimeter with a calculation of approximately 10 dowels per one square meter.

When insulating a balcony with your own hands, use step-by-step instructions, photos and videos that can be found on specialized resources.

Stages of insulation of the walls of the balcony:

Installation of a vapor barrier film with gluing joints with construction tape;

Installation of a crate made of wooden bars or a metal profile;

Installation of insulation - foam, mineral wool, etc.;

Sheathing of the crate with moisture-resistant plasterboard, plywood or other sheet materials;

Wall finishing.

Useful advice! The seams between the layers of insulation or foam plates must be sealed with mounting foam. This will prevent heat loss through them.

Each type of surface has its own nuances of insulation. So, before warming the floor, it is worth leveling and laying waterproofing on it. And the use of vapor barrier tape will insure you against such troubles as fungus and mold. The walls and ceiling can be sheathed with moisture-resistant drywall. Photos of the design of the insulated balcony show that drywall, with proper finishing, looks great here.

Stages of insulation of the balcony floor:

Installation of a waterproofing film with the processing of joints with moisture-resistant mastic or sealant;

Laying a heat insulator - for example, foam;

Pouring a concrete screed with a thickness of 4-5 cm (an electric underfloor heating can be additionally installed in the screed);

It is possible to equip and insulate the floor on the balcony without using a concrete screed. To do this, after arranging the waterproofing, in the longitudinal direction of the balcony are laid wooden logs attached to a concrete base. A heat-insulating material is laid between the lags - foam plastic, basalt wool, expanded clay, etc. Boards or sheet material (plywood, chipboard, etc.) are attached to the logs and equipped top coat gender.

Balcony roof insulation

If the roof of your balcony is not the floor of the neighbor's, then a separate approach is needed to warm it. The video "How to insulate a balcony from the inside with your own hands" clearly demonstrates the whole process. You need to choose a reliable roofing material, on its inner side it is desirable to apply sound insulation in the form of spraying or film. The following layers are also used:

Waterproofing - PVC or polyester films are perfect here;

Windproof membrane - allows steam from the insulation to pass through, but does not allow drops that can penetrate with the wind;

Anti-condensation layer - does not allow water vapor to drain onto the insulation;

Wooden frame - holds the roof;

Insulation itself - serves for thermal insulation of the roof;

Insulation vapor barrier - retains the insulating properties of the insulation, does not let water vapor inside it.

Additional insulation

In order to keep your balcony warm even in the most severe frosts, you can install a radiator, air conditioning or even a warm floor on it. The answer to the question "What is the best way to insulate balconies from the inside?" depends on your imagination, needs and financial possibilities.

If the balcony is combined with the room, then additional insulation can not be installed, the air conditioner will do a good job with this task. But there is a nuance - the air will warm up, but the floor will still remain cold, even if it is carpeted. Therefore, underfloor heating is a very appropriate option for complete insulation of the balcony. Installation of underfloor heating - one more difficult moment which is best left to experienced professionals. A step-by-step video instruction for warming a balcony with your own hands also helps here.

The better to insulate the balcony inside, the nuances of insulation in different seasons

Sometimes it happens that it is necessary to warm the balcony in winter. Many are interested in whether it is worth doing it and what it threatens. It all depends on the materials used for insulation. Some of them change their properties at sub-zero temperatures, and it becomes more difficult to process and mount them.

It is rather problematic to insulate a balcony with penoplex with your own hands in winter, and cement in the cold freezes very quickly and does not have time to really grasp. This leads to weakening of the masonry and the rapid destruction of the parapet. But there are a number of special winter adhesives and mixtures that are focused on use at low temperatures. A video of do-it-yourself balcony insulation in winter can also be found on the Internet.

Mounting foam also depends on temperature. If you choose the “summer” option for winter insulation, then this will not lead to anything good - the foam will quickly collapse and become unusable.

Another important point to consider when warming is dampness. You can often encounter it if you warm the balcony in autumn or spring. Most types of glue or mastic do not stick to a damp surface, and humidity also has a very bad effect on the performance properties of insulation, if it is not foam. That is why it is necessary to start the insulation and waterproofing of the balcony from the ceiling. In this case, sudden rain will not prevent you from continuing to insulate the walls and floor.

Useful advice! Insulation of the balcony with penoplex and penofol can be done even in conditions of high humidity.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that it is possible to insulate a balcony not only in summer. The only exception is if the temperature drops below 20 degrees. Then even the most frost-resistant materials begin to behave very badly, and normal insulation will not work, even if you know for sure how to properly insulate the balcony from the inside.

Do-it-yourself interior decoration of the balcony: step-by-step instructions and recommendations

If the answer to the question "How to insulate a balcony with your own hands?" and step-by-step photos can be easily found on the Internet, then the interior decoration is completely up to you. The best option here - drywall, which is moisture resistant and easy to further finish: painting, tiling, wallpapering.

Wiring can be hidden in hollow plastic casings so that it is not conspicuous, and carpeting can be laid on the floor. The step-by-step video "How to insulate a balcony from the inside with your own hands" will help you decide on the type of insulation and interior design.

By the way, one of the most frequently asked questions is “How much does it cost to insulate a balcony and finish it?”. There is no exact answer to it, it all depends on the selected materials and the complexity of the work.

Warming the balcony from the inside with your own hands: step by step instructions

Insulation of a balcony (loggia) is a significant part of the measures for thermal insulation of housing in general. At the same time, the external version of the work is not applicable for all cases. The ban on external insulation applies to buildings located on the "red line", that is, facades facing avenues and central squares of cities. External insulation for buildings is considered unacceptable historical significance, with some architectural styles of buildings. In such situations, the only available solution is to insulate the balcony with your own hands from the inside.

Internal thermal insulation

Depending on how exactly the balcony is made and how the insulation is organized at the neighbors from above and below, the option for arranging thermal insulation is selected:

• only the outer fencing plate in combination with high-quality double-glazed frames. Such a measure is sufficient for loggias, which are almost completely hidden in the building and go out only on one side;
• outer and side walls. The option is acceptable for balconies, similar rooms are thermally insulated from below and above (at the neighbors);
• full insulation - walls, floor and ceiling. The most rational option, provided that there is no insulation from the neighbors above and below, as well as a large area of ​​​​contact with the external environment.

Balcony insulation from the inside can be done with one or more materials. At the same time, in addition to heat-insulating properties, such qualities of materials as the ability to resist moisture, ultraviolet radiation, dampen noise and create a sufficiently strong support for finishing materials (the latter especially applies to the floor) are considered.

Comparison of thermal insulation materials

The table below gives a comparative description of popular heat-insulating materials. A meter-thick brick wall was taken as a reference for comparison: in climatic conditions middle lane It is this thickness of the RF that is considered sufficient for high-quality thermal insulation at average (not record!) Winter and summer temperatures.

Material name	Layer thickness providing equivalent 1 m brickwork thermal insulation, mm	Advantages	Flaws
Wood (beam, board)	380	Environmental friendliness, aesthetic appearance, you can do without finishing, high-quality sound insulation	Flammable, requires for fastening the crate or leveling the walls (floor, ceiling), not resistant to moisture, large thickness and high price
Mineral wool	140	Inexpensive and proven material, dampens sound well, slightly combustible	Requires battens for fastening, has a large thickness, surface finishing is required
Penofol, foiled on one side	107	High-quality thermal and sound insulation, resistance to moisture, ease of installation (especially for self-adhesive varieties), environmental friendliness	The high price, due to foiling in contact with bare wiring, can provoke a short circuit. Requires a ventilation gap, cannot be finished with wallpaper or plaster due to the softness of the material
Penofol, foiled on both sides
Penofol self-adhesive
Basalt fiber	87	Does not burn, has high sound and heat insulating properties, the plate version is quite simple to install	High price, the need for crates for soft roll varieties
Fiberglass	85	Inexpensive, with good insulating characteristics	In case of fire, it melts with the release of toxic substances; it requires protection in living quarters and during installation
Styrofoam	83	Good thermal insulation, long service life, very low price, easy installation	Toxicity at high temperatures (depending on the manufacturer), low sound absorption coefficient
Expanded polystyrene extruded	65	Ease of installation, good thermal and sound insulation, moisture resistance	High price, toxicity during combustion and high heat, fire hazard
Penoplex
Penoizol	55	Inexpensive, high-quality insulator, non-flammable, saves space	Requires pouring into prepared cavities, therefore it is of little use without a major restoration of the balcony

In the absence of severe financial restrictions and the desire to independently carry out all the work, mainly plate and roll materials are considered - mineral or basalt fiber, polystyrene, extruded, polystyrene foam, foam plastic, penofol. Further, the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room and its permissible reduction are taken into account. For small sizes, it is desirable to insulate and sheathe a balcony with minimal space loss, without a crate or its small cross section. Thus, with relatively flat floors, ceilings and walls, we will consider in detail for walls and ceilings: extruded polystyrene and polystyrene for plastering, double-sided foil foam under the crate with subsequent cladding. For the floor, we will take two options - mineral wool in a crate for an OSB subfloor, followed by laminate flooring, and self-adhesive mats for installing an electric (cable) underfloor heating, followed by laying tiles.

We believe that balcony frames have an acceptable coefficient of heat and sound insulation and do not need additional insulation along the contour.

Ceiling and wall decoration

Taking into account the use of the same material for walls and ceilings, we consider the procedure for their thermal insulation together, since the technology differs little. It is important to understand: despite the option considered in the table with a thickness of insulation similar to a meter brickwork, in practice a thinner layer is required. It also depends on the planned use of the premises. If it will be used as residential, we accept the maximum layer thickness (from the table). If the balcony should be “cold”, that is, its insulation is minimal and is performed only to reduce heat loss from housing, it is permissible to reduce the thickness by 2 ... 3 times.

Step-by-step insulation of the balcony with extruded polystyrene

The initial stage of work is the preparation of surfaces. It is necessary, if possible, to remove old finishing materials from them (wallpaper, tiles, paint, plaster) and clean weakly holding sections of the main wall. Existing protrusions must be cut down to a height of 1 ... 3 mm, cracks and potholes should be cleaned (embroidered) and filled with a repair mixture. The role of the repair composition can be specialized materials (for more details, see the article “Repair of cracks in concrete”) or a mixture cement-sand mortar with tile adhesive. After the completion of the filling of defects, plastering or puttying is performed, the thickness of the layer depends on the existing irregularities.

After complete drying of the surface, marking is carried out taking into account the available dimensions of the plates and cutting of the plate material. Plates of extruded polystyrene are attached to the joint, so it is desirable to cut the cutting as accurately as possible. The procedure is performed using a construction knife. Mounting is carried out on glue, which (depending on the manufacturer's instructions) is applied to the wall with an indent of at least 5 mm from the edge or on boards with the same indent. The plate is pressed against the adhesive layer and held until it sets. Further work is carried out only after the adhesive has completely cured (according to the manufacturer's instructions). In order to increase the contact strength for each square meter of insulation, 4 ... 6 plate-type dowels are used. The seams are additionally sealed with mounting foam.

Additionally, thermal insulation made of extruded polystyrene is supplied with a vapor-reflecting film or membrane, which is glued (or fixed in other ways, depending on the type) with the reflective side outward, towards the street. The joints of the film or membrane are glued with special adhesive tape.

After the installation of the insulating layer, a reinforcing mesh is glued or fastened with dowels, on top of which a layer of plaster is applied, ordinary (for further finishing) or decorative.

Penoplex is mounted in the same way.

Insulation of the balcony with foam plastic

The initial stage of work is carried out in the same way, but taking into account the greater softness and plasticity of the material, it is not necessary to plaster and putty the walls and ceiling, and you can be less careful about removing small protrusions. The sealing of cracks and cavities is mandatory - the constant supply of moisture or "cold bridges" from the outside greatly reduces the quality of thermal insulation.

Installation of polystyrene foam is carried out on glue or using dowels, it is permissible to combine both options. The procedure is the same as for extruded polystyrene. The number of dowels per square meter is 4 ... 6, the adhesive is applied to the wall. A reinforcing mesh is attached over the installed panels and plaster is performed.

How to insulate a balcony from the inside with penofol

For this material, preliminary preparation of the walls is important only when directly gluing to the base.

If, as experts recommend, arrange a ventilation gap of 15 ... 20 mm between load-bearing structures and a layer of insulator using a rack frame, complete alignment of the surfaces is not necessary. It is enough to provide a flat surface formed by the outer side of the frame (this is done with the help of linings, leveling is done according to the level. An example of such alignment is described in the article “How to install beacons for plaster”).

Penofol is attached to the rack (wooden) frame with self-tapping screws, directly to the wall (ceiling) - using an adhesive layer (type C) or dish-shaped dowels. The second layer of penofol, used if necessary to ensure the "living" temperature of the balcony, is also applied over the rack frame. In this case, the seams on the upper and lower layers should not match. For a material foiled on both sides, the outer and inner sides are equivalent; for one-sided foiling, the side with the foil should be facing the inside of the room.

All seams are sealed with a special heat-insulating tape. Facing of any type on top of thermal insulation with foam foam is arranged along the frame. In connection with the obligatory nature of the crate, the optimal type of cladding is lining, panels or slab materials.

How to insulate the floor on the balcony

Insulation of the walls of the balcony and its ceiling is not very effective without high-quality thermal insulation of the floor. At the same time, the creation of a strong and durable floor covering requires either a screed device - but it greatly burdens the structure - or systems on logs.

How to properly insulate a balcony with a floor device on the logs

Logs - beams of a relatively large section, the upper planes of which are at the same level - create the necessary support for the final flooring and serve as "cells" for placing insulation. At the same time, since the logs are made of wood, "cold bridges" do not occur.

To place the lag, it is not necessary to first level the floor slab, but it is advisable to remove old coatings and materials from it. This will reduce the level of finishing and provide the necessary strength of the support.

The device of the base, the calculation of the lag step are performed in accordance with generally accepted rules. Plates or fragments of insulation rolls are placed between the bars. It can be mineral or basalt wool, foam plastic, other types of heat and sound insulating materials. A draft floor is laid on top of OSB boards or plywood, a fine floor covering is arranged.

With a low load on the floors, it is permissible to insulate the balcony with high-strength foam panels, but preference should still be given to structures with lags.

Floor insulation on the balcony under cable heating mats

The question is how to insulate a balcony in panel house, often combined with the need to arrange heating there. Removal of batteries central heating often irrational, so the best option (without a significant rise in the level of the finished floor) are electric "warm floors".

The type of thermal insulation material for cable or infrared heating systems is selected in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. However, the basic requirements for an insulator are as follows:

• high resistance to mechanical, including static, loads;
• good thermal insulation properties;
• small thickness.

The best option is extruded polystyrene, for example, Styrodur self-adhesive panels.

The material is glued to the prepared concrete base special glue. A reinforcing mesh and sections of the heating system are laid on top. The power of the heating sections is selected depending on the desired temperature and the estimated heat loss of the balcony. Usually it is 150 ... 180 watts per square meter. A smaller value corresponds to a “cold” one, a larger one to a “warm”, residential balcony.

A thin screed is arranged for the cable floor, infrared can be mounted directly under the laminate or tile.

Do-it-yourself loggia insulation - video

Conclusion

Whether to insulate the balcony, do it on your own or with the help of professionals, what time of the year to perform work and how seriously to take heat loss and temperature compliance - each apartment owner decides on his own. However, with any course of action, it is worth remembering: insulating a balcony with your own hands will cost (even when choosing high-quality and effective materials) cheaper than professional finishing. It is advisable to carry out all the manipulations in the warm season, since, of course, it is possible to insulate the balcony in winter, but this will create additional difficulties in work and will lead to condensation when there is a sharp change in heat loss resistance.

A balcony in a modern apartment is a fairly functional room, so such an issue as insulation and decoration of the balcony is important, and its solution should be approached very responsibly. Especially if you want to increase the total living area due to the balcony. Compliance with the basic rules of insulation and decoration will help turn the balcony into a cozy and beautiful relaxation room.

Basic rules for warming a balcony

Balcony insulation work, as a rule, begins with the dismantling of the previous finish, old window frames and the installation of new double-glazed windows - this will significantly reduce heat loss and increase the temperature in the room by several degrees. Then you should proceed to the insulation of the floor, walls and ceiling. Important! Before starting work on replacing double-glazed windows, you should decide on the material window profile(wood, aluminum or PVC profile) and further strengthen the balcony parapet with reinforcement. PVC profile is the best option. It has a high level of thermal conductivity, is not affected by moisture and temperature changes, corrosion and decay.

Main types of windows:

• with two-, three-, four-, five-chamber double-glazed windows;
• with extended profile;
• with hinged doors;
• with sliding or tilt-and-turn system.

The window profile can be not only metal-plastic, but also wooden. Modern wooden frames are significantly different from their predecessors - they are fitted in size, have a beautiful appearance, high-quality fittings and mechanisms similar to plastic models. However, wood is not an airtight material, so its use is more justified in regions with a warm climate. High-quality glazing not only retains heat, but also reliably protects the room from wind, rain, and dust. Therefore, you should choose not only the profile, but also the thickness of the glasses. The best solution would be glass with an energy-saving coating, which has reflective properties and has a higher level of thermal insulation.

To perform this stage of work, we recommend using the services of specialized companies, since without certain skills, experience it is difficult to qualitatively, and most importantly, correctly install window profiles.
Do-it-yourself balcony insulation algorithm includes:

1. Clearing the area from foreign objects.

1. Dismantling of old structures, strengthening of the parapet (especially important for old buildings).

1. Installation of a new window profile, heat-saving double-glazed windows.

1. Laying electrical wiring, installation of a heating system.

1. Selection of insulating materials, floor, wall, ceiling insulation.

1. Decorative surface finish.

If all the work is done on your own, you will need the following tools: a drill, a hammer drill, a screwdriver, a building level, a square, a tape measure, a drywall knife, an electric jigsaw.

The main types of insulating materials for warming a loggia or balcony

The modern market offers a wide variety of materials with which you can perform high-quality insulation of balconies or loggias, however, the most popular are: polystyrene, polystyrene, mineral wool, expanded clay, foil polyethylene, isolon, penofol. The choice of insulating material directly depends on the operating conditions, the base and number of storeys of the balcony. For example, at high humidity, mineral wool cannot be used, as it is prone to the accumulation of water vapor, which provokes damage to the coating and contributes to the formation of mold during operation. The best option would be to use expanded polystyrene, penofol or isolon as a heater. Styrofoam, despite affordable price and ease of installation, has one significant drawback - rapid flammability, so it is preferable to use more modern insulating materials with a high level of fire resistance. Extruded polystyrene foam is a modern insulating material that is easy to install, durable and moisture resistant. Its only drawback is the high cost, which, by the way, is fully justified by the ease of use and high quality of thermal insulation. The choice of material also depends on the season of work, because some insulation materials change their performance properties under the influence of dampness or negative temperatures.

If the balcony is insulated in spring or autumn, consider high humidity, which complicates the process of gluing layers and adversely affects the performance of most insulating materials (with the exception of polystyrene, penofol and penoplex). In this case, the main work must be started from above, because the insulation of the ceiling will allow you to continue working even with a sudden rain. If insulation work must be carried out in winter period(if the air temperature is not lower than 20 degrees), then special adhesive and adhesive cement mixtures should be used, which, unlike ordinary cement, do not freeze, but harden even at low temperatures.

Important - mounting foam should also be selected, taking into account the temperature regime, since some of its types are destroyed in frost.

Basic rules for floor insulation

If you want to insulate your balcony with high quality, special attention should be paid to the arrangement of the floor. To complete this step, you will at least need: wooden slats, self-tapping screws, polyurethane foam, heater. Floor insulation consists in leveling it, laying a waterproofing layer (with mandatory processing of joints with a sealant), a heat insulator, pouring a concrete screed (if necessary, a floor heating system can be installed at this stage) and finishing. Tip: if it is not possible to fill the screed, you can skip this stage. Then you will need to lay special logs (wooden plates), between which a heat-insulating layer (for example, expanded clay or foam plastic) should be placed. From above, the logs are covered with chipboard or plywood, then you can start finishing the floor. To insulate the floor of the loggia, you can use an inexpensive insulating material - expanded clay, which, in addition to thermal insulation properties, raises the level of the floor, which is very convenient when expanding the living space due to the loggia. In addition, its use does not require the use of a waterproofing layer, it is enough to use a vapor barrier film on which expanded clay is placed, covered with a reinforcing mesh. The tightness of the structure is ensured by pouring cement mortar, which, when solidified, forms a solid, even surface. As a floor covering, you can use linoleum, laminate or tile.

The list of works at this stage includes:

• cleaning the surface from debris and dust;
• sealing cracks and crevices (using sealant, mounting foam or polyurethane mastic);
• high-quality steam and waterproofing;
• installation of a wooden frame;
• installation of a heat-insulating layer;
• fixing the base boards;
• decorative interior trim.
• Balcony wall insulation

Before proceeding with the insulation of the walls, the surface should be treated with a special antifungal solution and all cracks on the balcony should be carefully sealed. For this purpose, polyurethane sealants and mastics are most suitable, which have high plasticity and frost resistance. Then you can proceed with the installation of a vapor barrier film (the joint seams are glued with a special construction vapor barrier tape). This is followed by the installation of a wooden or metal crate and the laying out of the selected insulation (for example, foam, foam). The final stage will be sheathing the frame profile with moisture-resistant sheet materials (plywood, drywall) and decorative wall decoration. Please note - if the loggia wall faces the street, you should use a double layer of insulation. If penoplex was chosen as a heater, you should make sure that the butt joints of the layers do not match.

Basic principles of ceiling insulation

Ceiling insulation - important aspect which cannot be ignored. Especially if you do not have neighbors from above - in this case, in addition to insulation work, you should choose high-quality roofing material.

Tip: before starting work on the inside of the roof, it is recommended to apply a special soundproof coating.

In any case, the choice of materials for roof insulation depends on many factors - the climatic zone, wind direction, cardinal direction.
The roof insulation algorithm includes installation:

• waterproofing layer;
• windproof membrane;
• anti-condensate layer (for additional protection of insulating materials);
• wooden frame;
• thermal insulation materials;
• additional vapor barrier for insulation.

The ceiling is insulated in the following sequence:

1. Installation metal frame(suspensions).

1. Laying a vapor barrier layer.

1. Fixing insulation (polystyrene, isolon, penoplex).

1. Application of a foil insulating layer.

1. Finishing.

How to avoid mistakes when insulating a balcony

Please note that when performing any construction work, the technology and recommendations of manufacturers should be strictly observed. Even if you have certain skills, this is a complex multi-stage process that requires compliance with all technological conditions. This is especially true for warming the balcony with your own hands, because any mistakes will affect the final result. So, when insulating the “windowed” territory, observe the order of the layers - the vapor barrier is installed only after the heat-insulating layer, and not vice versa. The presence of a vapor barrier is a prerequisite that reduces the risk of destruction of insulating materials under the influence of moisture. Replacing double-glazed windows and installing a heating system without internal insulation will not reduce energy costs and is an ineffective way to save heat. The use of low-quality materials contributes to heat loss, so the choice of building materials should be approached as responsibly as possible.
Excessive haste also affects the quality of insulation - non-compliance with technology, insufficient sealing of gaps with sealant, ignoring the rules of waterproofing, of course, affect the final result.

Methods for additional insulation of the balcony

If you plan to use your balcony as a living room or a recreation room, you should take care of its additional heating. In order for the temperature to be comfortable even in severe frosts, it is necessary to install an additional heat source: a radiator, an air conditioner or a floor heating system. Please note: you can combine the heating method, for example, if an air conditioner is installed in the room, then it is enough to install a warm floor on the balcony to maintain a comfortable temperature. However, if the apartment is heated by a central or autonomous heating, batteries should also be installed on the balcony.

Decorative finishing of the warmed loggia

Properly done insulation and finishing the loggia with your own hands will not only reduce heat loss, but also save money. For decorative finishes loggias or balconies, the most popular are drywall and plastic panels. Moisture resistant drywall is one of the better ways balcony finishes. It is easy to install and suitable for further decorative finishing (painting, plastering, wallpapering, tiling or artificial stone). Finishing with clapboard and decorative panels also has a lot of advantages. Their distinctive characteristics are: ease of installation (even a beginner can do the job), big choice colors, moisture resistance, frost resistance, durability, ease of care.

The procedure for finishing with decorative panels consists of several stages:

1. Surface preparation: removal of the previous coating, removal of mold traces (if necessary).

1. Wooden frame installation.

1. Fixing the panels (work is carried out from the doorway, along the wall, the outer side of the sheets is fixed with special brackets).

1. Installation of skirting boards, window and door openings.

Please note that the panels can be used for decorative ceiling decoration (in this case they are fixed not along, but across). , make a study or a corner for needlework. Warming and decorative finishing of the balcony is not particularly difficult, so all you need is the desire and availability necessary materials and tools.

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The process of warming the room itself is very important, since with the help of such repairs drafts and cold are removed, and the space of the connected room is also expanded. But it is not enough just to put double-glazed windows and cover the cracks and holes with mounting foam. It needs to be warmed up. To save money in your wallet, it is better to insulate the loggia with your own hands, step by step photo instruction presented in the article will help to get the job done.

Amazing balcony with ecological materials

Initially, you need to select building materials. It is important to remember that not only thermal performance, but also may depend on the selected components. If the building material is too thick, it will steal the usable area.

Note! Any material for heat preservation must be environmentally friendly, as well as comply with thermal and steam characteristics.

The room can be insulated with the following materials:

• Penofol . An excellent substitute for mineral wool. It has a multi-layer coating, which also has a reflective effect.

• polyurethane foam . Perfect for balconies. It ignites very poorly, made from environmentally friendly materials. Installation is done by pouring.

• Styrofoam . A fairly economical choice of material and also very effective for a balcony.

• Isover . Issued in the form of sheets. Made from mineral wool, with glass fiber particles.

As a rule, expanded polystyrene is mounted on the walls and ceiling. It is good to use it, because its properties have a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, as well as a small thickness. It cuts great kitchen knife. Alternative option can be considered styrofoam. For cold winters, sheets 10 cm thick are suitable, for mild weather it is better to use 5 cm.

Related article:

Calculator for calculating the necessary insulation of a loggia or balcony

Calculator for calculating the thickness of the insulation of a loggia or balcony

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glued plywood sheets OSB sheets GVL boards chipboard natural board

board or natural lining plywood OSB sheets MDF panels natural cork chipboard boards or fiberboard sheets gypsum board plaster cement-sand plaster lime-sand plaster based on gypsum PVC lining

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Do-it-yourself preparatory work and insulation of the loggia: step-by-step photo instructions

Before the main process, preparatory work should be done. Only then will it be possible to do the insulation of the loggia with your own hands, and a step-by-step photo instruction will help with this. This will require:

• Select those places that will be accurately processed. In any case, you should definitely process the parapet. Walls can be processed as needed. If there are no neighbors on the sides, then they also need to be covered with building materials. Often the walls are all insulated.
• Before repair, everything must be taken out and the surfaces cleaned.
• It is recommended to change windows and install double-glazed windows if there are none.
• Next, you need to lay wiring for sockets, lamps and switches.
• The next step is to select a material.
• After selecting the material, you can proceed to work with the floor, walls, then the ceiling.
• Upon completion, finishing work should be done.

Fastening for thermal insulation, can serve as an adhesive composition, and dowels. If an adhesive composition is used, then in the process of work it will be necessary to glue the bonding area and the material itself.

Useful advice! The resulting seams, which are obtained directly in the process of insulation, should be filled with mounting foam.

Penoplex and how to insulate a loggia with it

Many people dream of converting a balcony into a full-fledged room. But in order for the use of such a room to be comfortable, it will need to be insulated. As a rule, in apartments, parapets have thin walls. In this regard, at the initial stage, it will be necessary to demolish and lay it out on a new one. Thus, the wall will turn out thicker, and therefore warmer. It is recommended to use a brick, which is placed on the adhesive composition with an edge. Silicate brick is ideal for such masonry.

After the fresh masonry has shrunk, you can proceed with the installation of windows. To do this, it is recommended to use the services of professionals. Next, you can move on to warming. will be installed on the ceiling, walls and floor. Following the instructions, you can get started:

• Cooked pieces should be placed in the frame. You can also not create a frame, but mount the plates immediately on the walls using special mounting fungi.

Useful advice! Plates should be adjusted so that they become tightly one to one. This will get rid of the cracks, which means that it will be much warmer on the loggia. It is recommended to go through the joints with mounting foam or sealant.

• Reflective insulation should be placed on the walls, ceiling, and floor. Penofol is ideal. Joints are recommended to be glued with foil tape.

• After that, the balcony will be ready for final finishing. To do this, you can use lining made of wood or plastic, or install other panels.

We do it with our own hands. How to insulate the floor on the loggia?

The floor should be treated first, and then all other surfaces. The work process is as follows:

• It is necessary to properly clean the floor from debris and dust.
• Next, you need to close up any holes or cracks with foam.
• Now you should use a thin one and put it on the entire floor. Lay it in such a way that there are no joints or there is a minimum number of them.
• When the first layer is laid, you need to walk along its perimeter with building foam, including joints and seams. Then the second layer is laid by analogy.

• Now you can mount the frame from a wooden beam. The distance between the bars should be about 50 cm.
• The formed distance should be filled with polystyrene. The thickness of the insulation will depend on the thickness of the timber. Ideally when they are flush.
• Next, you need to cut the penofol to the size of the balcony and lay it with the foil side up, but so that it peeks out about 20 cm on each wall.
• Now you can fix the floor boards to the bars and mount the decorative coating.

As an option, the floor can be installed underfloor heating or loggias can be made with penoplex.

Insulation of the ceiling and walls of the loggia

For almost all types of premises, the insulation of walls and ceilings is the same. Thus, the walls are insulated like this:

For, foam is best suited. The process is carried out by analogy to the walls and floor.

Insulation of the loggia from the inside: what is better to do?

For selection the right material There are some important factors to consider:

• The purpose of the room.
  • If the balcony will be used as a pantry, then you can use any building material, mounting it in 1 layer.
  • When the balcony turns into one room, it is necessary to use different building materials, which are stacked in 2 layers, over the entire area.
  • If there is a combination with the room, then you need to use a two-layer insulation. Walls can be made in one layer, and special attention should be paid to the parapet.
• Using heaters for interior decoration, the usable area will be less, so this factor should be taken into account.

The choice directly depends on the factors described and the tastes of the owner of the premises.

Finishing work

Finishing work needed. This is due not only to the aesthetic appearance, but also affects the protective factors. If it's about outdoor decoration, then the parapet can be covered with corrugated board or siding.

Internal work, can be anything. It all depends on preferences and imagination. But it is worth noting that finishing the loggia inside with your own hands will bring more pleasure and joy. Often the work is done using PVC panels. You can also stick wallpaper or just paint the walls. The loggia looks very good in wood trim. It will be not only beautiful, but also environmentally friendly.

Article

Most apartment owners use the balcony as a place to store rarely used things. If you want to get additional living space and turn it into a place to relax, a flower garden or an office, you can do it without involving specialists. We will describe in detail how to reliably insulate the balcony from the inside with your own hands.

What is the best thermal insulator to use?

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To finish the balcony, you can use both rolled and tiled materials that provide reliable thermal insulation:

• Styrofoam: an inexpensive tiled material with sufficiently high thermal insulation properties has two significant drawbacks; the first - a large thickness of the sheets, when using it, the already small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe balcony will be significantly reduced; the second disadvantage is high fire hazard; to ignite it, a lit cigarette accidentally thrown from the top floor is sufficient; therefore, for cladding a balcony, purchase class G2 material that does not support self-combustion
• penoplex(extruded polystyrene foam): in composition, this material is similar to polystyrene, but due to a special production method with equal thermal insulation properties, it has a smaller thickness, greater mechanical strength; however, the cost of penoplex is higher; since the material has a low water absorption coefficient, in order to avoid condensation, the balcony will need to be regularly ventilated; about how to insulate the balcony with penoplex from the inside, we will tell a little lower
• "Penofol": foamed polyethylene, protected on both sides with aluminum foil, which serves as both wind and moisture protection; a significant plus is the minimum thickness, for insulation it is enough to use a material several millimeters thick; Izolon, Penolon, Teplofol, Energofol have similar composition and properties; disadvantage - high price
• mineral wool(glass, slag or basalt wool): the undoubted advantage of all these materials is high heat-insulating properties; some experts believe that the increased moisture permeability of the material in the case of balcony insulation is only a plus - absorbing excess moisture well, the material will protect the room from condensation on windows and walls; however, over time, mold can form in mineral wool, so it must be reliably protected from moisture penetration from both sides with the help of hydro- and vapor barrier

It is undesirable to use heat-insulating materials having a significant mass (for example, brick) for insulating balconies. After all, the bearing capacity of the balcony slab is limited. With excessive load, such a design simply may not withstand the additional weight.

The use of expanded clay for floor screed is also not recommended. Its main disadvantage is the ability to absorb moisture. As a result, its mass increases significantly.

Required Materials

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The use of penoplex

To finish the balcony you will need the following materials:

• gas silicate blocks 80-100 mm wide for erecting a parapet
• glue based on cement for their laying
• slab or roll insulation
• wooden slats for the manufacture of lathing and installation of a rolled heat insulator; their thickness is selected so that it is equal to the width of the heat insulator
• self-tapping screws for mounting lathing with a diameter of 3.5-4.8 mm
• using sheet material(foam or polystyrene) as a heater, special glue for their fastening
• polyethylene film or membrane material to create hydro- and vapor barrier
• polyurethane foam, mastic (for example, "Germabutil", "Germaflex" rubber-based) or silicone sealant for sealing joints, cracks

Where to begin? Inspection and repair of balcony slabs

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The condition of balcony slabs is not always satisfactory - over time, they can partially collapse. Therefore, before proceeding with the insulation of the balcony, you should check how strong and reliable its base is.

Minor and medium repairs are allowed to be carried out independently. If significant cracks appear, or even more so if reinforcement is exposed, fragments of the slab collapse or move away from the wall, specialists should be called.

Remember that major or emergency repairs should only be done by qualified installers from the management company. If the reinforcement is severely corroded, it may be necessary to reinforce it with steel beams. In case of severe destruction, the balcony slab can be completely cut off.

To repair damaged concrete sections:

1. All unnecessary is removed from the balcony, and all debris is completely removed, as well as the remnants of loose concrete
2. If the reinforcement is exposed, it is cleaned of rust. A reinforcing mesh is laid on top. So that it does not rust over time, it must be completely drowned in concrete. To do this, it is necessary to leave a gap between it and the plate.
3. Formwork is placed along the perimeter of the balcony slab
4. After pouring the concrete solution, the screed is ironed - sprinkled with dry cement, then rubbed into the dry mortar
5. To protect against moisture from below, the balcony slab is primed and then plastered. On the sides, a galvanized steel outflow is mounted

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Filling the floor screed on the balcony

After the reconstruction of the slab, it is desirable to waterproof it.. For these purposes, roll materials or bitumen are used. Modern waterproofing materials include penetrating impregnation of the Penotron type. It is better to apply it in 2 layers.

Repair may also require a balcony railing. New structural elements in the form profile pipes fasten on an anchor or by welding.

The choice of glazing methods

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If your balcony has conventional 1-chamber double-glazed windows, they should be replaced. Otherwise, you will waste a significant part of the energy resources spent on heating the room. A warm balcony requires 2- or 3-chamber double-glazed windows. In the conditions of the Far North, they can be 5-chamber.

Balcony glazing is more difficult than the usual installation of double-glazed windows in windows. In this case, the installation of additional components is required. Therefore, be sure to invite proven masters of high qualification.

It is undesirable to use wooden double-glazed windows for glazing. Due to the accumulated condensate, over time they will begin to rot. Plus, the weight of such structures saturated with water will be significant. If for some reason you decide to stay on wooden products, do not forget to treat them regularly with an antiseptic and paint.

The use of the latest technologies - glazing using I- or K-glasses - will help reduce heat loss by 30%. The first option - I-glass with a multilayer coating, which includes a small percentage of silver - can reflect up to 90% of the outgoing heat. Since such surfaces can be easily scratched, they are installed with a coating inside the room.

Non-ferrous metal oxide is applied to K-glass, due to which heat is reflected from the batteries into the room. Such a coating is less afraid of damage. Although the prices for both glass options are the same, the degree of heat reflection in K-glasses is less and amounts to 30%.

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Poor quality profile may turn yellow over time, so pay special attention to certificates of its quality. Choose profile systems from trusted manufacturers. If you want double-glazed windows to last longer, do not save on fittings either.

A more economical way of sealing windows is ordinary polyurethane foam. But it will be better if all the cracks are sealed with a sealant that has water-repellent properties. You should not refuse to install flashings - they not only look decorative, but also protect the room from drafts.

You can order for balcony windows blinds or covering with a special opaque film. It will protect the premises from prying eyes.

Balcony insulation step by step

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It is necessary to sheathe with a heat insulator not only the walls, but also the floor and ceiling, otherwise the insulation will simply lose its meaning. After all, reinforced concrete slabs freeze through during the cold season.

Preparatory work

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Before starting work, carefully inspect the balcony for cracks. If they are found, carefully fill them with sealant or mounting foam. Their excess must be cut off. After all, when installing the skin, they will interfere with its alignment.

So that at the end of the repair you do not have to wash dusty, dirty windows, attach a plastic film to them. If you plan to lay communications on the balcony (wiring, sockets, tubes for air conditioners), it is more convenient to do this in advance.

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Both foam and aerated concrete are able to reliably store heat, so they are often used to insulate balconies or loggias. However, since aerated concrete is able to absorb water, it is better to focus on foam blocks. Their air cells are completely closed from moisture penetration.

When using aerated concrete, additional finishing will be required to protect against rain and snow.

1. If there are significant differences in height or potholes on the concrete slab, it is leveled with cement mortar
2. Work on laying foam blocks is started a week after concrete has been set of sufficient strength.
3. If available space allows, metal fence better not to delete. You can win 15-20 cm of usable area if you strengthen the masonry with reinforcement with thick metal bars
4. With the help of fittings, the parapet must also be additionally attached to the walls of the house. She is walled up between rows of foam blocks
5. It is better to lay the masonry not with an ordinary concrete solution, but with a special adhesive designed for cellular blocks. It will help reduce the thickness of the seam to 3 mm, protect against the loss of the solution and the appearance of cold bridges. Its cost is fully compensated by reducing the thickness of the seams
6. To lay out the first row, the glue must be diluted a little thicker - so that the spatula installed in it does not fall on its side
7. The place for masonry is marked in such a way that the center of the bricks falls on the attachment points of the window frame, that is, the distance from it to the edge of the balcony slab is 5 cm
8. To save space at the docking points with the parapet, the blocks are sawn
9. The wall must be strictly vertical. Therefore, the location of each row must be verified by the building level

When laying window frames on foam blocks, double-glazed windows must be additionally fixed to the walls of the building using a channel. Otherwise, with a strong wind load, the double-glazed windows may fall down.

Wall and ceiling insulation

Read also: [Instructions] How to make beautiful and unusual wall shelves with your own hands: for flowers, books, TV, kitchen or garage (100+ Photo Ideas & Videos) + Reviews

How to properly insulate a regular or brick balcony?

Installation of insulation is better to start from above, from the ceiling:

1. First, a waterproofing film is laid in such a way that overlaps form. It is necessary to fasten the strips together with construction tape or a stapler. It is also necessary to make an overlap of 15 cm on the walls
2. When laying rolled heat insulators, a preliminary installation of a wooden crate will be required. Sheet insulation can be mounted directly on the glue
3. Since the main load will fall on the crate (it must withstand the weight of the insulation, as well as the facing material), wooden blocks should be fixed to the ceiling with self-tapping screws of sufficient length
4. So that the laths of the crate do not deform during temperature changes, leave a gap of 5-10 mm between them and the walls. It is mounted to the ceiling with self-tapping screws. For this, holes are pre-prepared in it.
5. Plates or rolled material must be laid tightly, without gaps. The pitch of the crate should be slightly larger (10 millimeters) than the size of the insulation sheets. Otherwise, you will not be able to lay the material evenly.
6. A more reliable option is to combine penoplex with penofol with an air gap between them of 2 cm in size.
7. All gaps between the insulation boards are filled with foam
8. The next layer is a vapor barrier made of polyethylene film or special membrane materials. It is not necessary to use it only if foil materials are used for insulation.
9. Next, a second layer of 10 mm crate is laid, on which it will be attached finishing material. Such a gap will serve as additional protection against the accumulation of condensate.
10. Even moisture-resistant drywall on the balcony can warp over time. Therefore, use gypsum boards for sheathing. Moreover, they cost no more than drywall. You can also sheathe a balcony from the inside with plywood or clapboard
11. Laying insulation on the walls differs little from installing insulation on the ceiling

Floor insulation

Read also:

Since insulation under the screed significantly increases the weight of the structure, the most common way to insulate the floor is to insulate the joists.

So detailed step-by-step instruction:

1. After installing the waterproofing layer to concrete floor a wooden beam is attached (its section size is 50x50 mm). The width of the bars is selected depending on the thickness of the insulation
2. The tree is pre-treated with a primer with an antiseptic or coated with drying oil
3. The logs are placed across the balcony in such a way that a distance of 50-70 mm remains from the walls. Such a technological gap will not allow the bars to warp during temperature changes and changes in linear dimensions.
4. To ensure normal water flow, the balcony slab is always made at a slight slope. . Therefore, the lags must first be aligned. To do this, thin wooden bars or pieces of plywood are placed under them. To obtain a strictly horizontal surface, the floors are leveled with a building level.
5. Leveling with a concrete screed having a significant mass is highly discouraged in the case of a balcony . After all, this will require a significant amount of solution
6. A layer of heat insulator is tightly laid between the lags. When using foil materials, they are placed with the foil down.
7. The next layer is vapor barrier. She is spread with an overlap on the walls
8. When laying underfloor heating, a small layer of cement screed is poured over the film
9. If warm floors are not provided, a layer of chipboard is laid on the floor in a checkerboard pattern (with offset seams), and then a floor covering, for example, ceramic tile, laminate or linoleum. It is better not to lay plywood on the floor, as over time such a floor will begin to creak strongly

At the end of the article, I would like to give a few the most important tips professionals.

1. Do not try to bring central heating radiators to the balcony. This is strictly prohibited. If such a violation is detected, you will be forced to dismantle them. Use only for heating electrical devices: oil, infrared heaters or underfloor heating with electric heating
2. It’s not always worth listening to the advice of programs like “Repair Schools”. When combining a balcony with a warm room, disagreements with regulatory organizations may arise. If they consider that in this way you have worsened the heat supply of your neighbors, you can be forced to bring the apartment back to its previous form, as well as pay a hefty fine.
3. Legally demolished balcony door, the window unit is considered a redevelopment, therefore it requires special permission. But, since the interpretation of the law in this case is ambiguous, in some cases it is still possible to obtain such permission with high-quality insulation of the balcony
4. fashionable last years frameless glazing outwardly looks very decorative, but it is not suitable for warm balconies, loggias. Use thermally insulated double or triple glazing or lift-slide windows for insulation
5. Close the joints carefully before insulating walls, ceilings, floors, as well as gaps with mounting foam or polyurethane sealant
6. Be sure to treat any wooden cladding elements with antiseptics and materials that protect them from moisture
7. Installation of insulation start from the ceiling, then proceed to the insulation of walls, floors
8. The ideal option for thermal insulation is a two-layer cake with an air gap. Use materials of small thickness for this (foam or penofol)
9. Polyurethane foam under the influence of ultraviolet light quickly darkens, becoming unusable. Therefore, protect its outer layer with sealant, putty or paint.
10. Gypsum putty is afraid of moisture, therefore it is not used for sealing seams
11. To protect the room from the formation of condensate, take care of reliable waterproofing. In its absence, fungus and mold will certainly appear in the skin.
12. To demolish a balcony door, you will need a special permit.

And in the end, we invite you to watch a video about the complex insulation of the balcony

PHOTO GALLERY

8.3 Total Score

Balcony insulation from the inside

Feedback from our readers is very important to us. If you do not agree with these ratings, leave your rating in the comments with the reasoning for your choice. Thank you for your participation. Your opinion will be useful to other users.

Ease of implementation

Appearance

Convenience

This will interest you:

You can choose a suitable insulation for a balcony from the following list:

• mineral wool;
• foam plastic with a density of 25-35 kg / m3;
• extruded polystyrene foam (aka foam polystyrene);
• thin foil insulation made of polyethylene foam (penofol).

It is impossible to say unequivocally which of the listed materials is the best, each of them has its pros and cons, as well as installation features. If you take mineral wool, then a vapor barrier device will be required to protect it, otherwise the open pores of the fibers will be saturated with moisture from the room, as a result of which the thermal insulation properties of the material will be lost. But basalt wool absolutely does not burn and does not even smolder when exposed to an open flame.

Styrofoam beats all competitors with a low price and good resistance to moisture, but it quickly ignites. If the cotton wool had to be protected from vapors, then the foam plastic would have to be isolated as much as possible from an accidental spark. In this regard, expanded polystyrene and foam plastic behave much better, which does not burn on its own, but simply melts from heating. At the same time, these polymers have the lowest thermal conductivity, and absolutely do not perceive moisture.

It is better to use materials like penofol together with more serious heaters, since their own resistance to heat transfer is small due to their small thickness. But as a vapor barrier and additional cladding when insulating the walls and ceiling of the balcony, penofol is just a godsend.

What is the best way to insulate a balcony? Each material that will be used as thermal insulation has advantages and disadvantages. In addition, when installing a heater, it is necessary to take into account the features of this process and the nuances of operation.

Materials for thermal insulation can be bought in specialized stores. When making a choice, consider the main purpose of the product.

Today, thermal insulation on a balcony can be done very quickly; penofol is widely used in work. It is only suitable for indoor renovations. Having a special protection on the one hand, the material is able to effectively reflect heat. The substrate, located on the other side, acts as a heater.

Polyfoam is suitable for both outdoor work and for thermal protection from the inside. A feature of the material is that the foam can be put under the plaster. It is also suitable for the installation of a wet facade. The plates must be closed with a reinforcing mesh, it is applied special composition suitable for finishing. After it dries, the surface is painted.

Reinforced and extruded foam.

Remember that when insulating outside, work cannot be stretched out for the winter season. But the insulation of the balcony with your own hands from the inside can be done in winter. Styrofoam has 1 disadvantage that must be considered: it deteriorates in direct sunlight.

Materials for warming the balcony from the inside can be different. Mineral wool has excellent thermal insulation performance. But it must be laid together with a layer of waterproofing, do not forget about the vapor barrier.

Formation of a vapor barrier.

Balcony insulation mineral wool DIY can be done in a few days. Pay attention to the quality of installation work, there should be no cold bridges in the room. Mineral wool can be placed on the floor, walls and ceiling inside the balcony to keep it warm in winter.

Mineral wool.

Penoplex is a bright orange material that belongs to extruded polystyrene. It is not at all difficult to insulate with such material with your own hands. It is very dense, great for thermal insulation of floors and finishing work outside. On top of the foam, which was laid on the floor, a screed is made. This material is 1.5-2 times more expensive than polystyrene, which must be taken into account when planning estimates.

Penoplex.

When choosing a material, consider your experience in construction. If a number of heaters can be laid on their own, then others require professional installation.

It is problematic to make the insulation of the balcony outside on your own. The process is best entrusted to professional climbers. When choosing materials in the store, take into account performance characteristics. In addition, the complexity of the installation work must be taken into account.

Step by step instructions will help you do everything right. The process of warming the balcony from the outside consists of the following steps:

1. Buy a primer and apply it to the surface.
2. Glue foam or sheets of extruded polystyrene foam. Consider the wind load, fasten the sheets to the dowels-fungi.
3. The thermal insulation of the balcony must be covered with a reinforcing mesh, it must be fixed with recessed dowels.
4. Cover the reinforcing layer with glue, apply 2 layers. When it hardens, take a good spatula, remove streaks and bumps. After that, everything is ready for finishing work.
5. Paint the balcony or apply facade plaster.

For high-quality insulation from the outside, you can buy mineral insulation for the balcony. Basalt wool has proven itself well, it is produced in slabs. For their installation, the arrangement of the crate and vapor barrier will be required. You can not do without a layer of waterproofing - it will protect the insulation layer from getting wet.

How to insulate a balcony from the inside? All work on the installation of insulation can be divided into the following stages:

1. Remove old structural elements. Prepare the surface.
2. It is necessary to carry out glazing, monitor the quality of the installation of frames. They can be made from wood, plastic or aluminium. Reinforce the parapet if necessary.
3. Lay insulation on the floor and side partitions. Insulate the balcony from the inside, paying attention to the thermal insulation of the parapet and ceiling. Capital walls can not be covered with insulation.

How to insulate a balcony from the inside? Mineral wool, penoplex have proven themselves well. Plates of material are installed on the crate, all joints are blown with mounting foam. Sometimes apartment owners make crates from wooden beams, but material companies recommend metal profiles. The fact is that the humidity inside the balconies is high, the wood can deteriorate, and the thermal insulation must be made reliably.

No one imposes strict requirements on the crate, the choice of material remains with the person who will make the sheathing. If you are thinking about how to insulate a balcony from the inside, then you should choose the material, the purchase of which will not become a burden on the family budget.

Warming the balcony with your own hands does not require large financial costs.

Granular expanded clay is often laid on the floor. Such insulation for a balcony inside has a porous structure and consists of baked clay, so it is environmentally friendly. Builders use it to insulate floors and ceilings.

The work process is simple, it is enough to create a layer of expanded clay and spill it with liquid cement so that the granules are held together. But keep in mind that such material will take 15-20 cm of height from floor to ceiling. In addition, a thin-layer screed will have to be poured over the expanded clay, because the relief surface will not be suitable for laying, for example, the same parquet or laminate.

Another option for insulation is penofol. It is made from polyethylene foam. The material is especially suitable for water-heated floors, as it has a foil coating with a heat-reflecting effect. This insulation has 4 advantages: it does not let the wind through, retains heat, prevents the penetration of water and has vapor barrier properties.

Insulation of balconies and loggias: eight mistakes of finishers

Earlier, we examined the insulation of the balcony in sufficient detail, now let's dwell on the insulation of the loggias in more detail. Many people call loggias balconies, not seeing the difference between them, although this is not true.

In general, initially a loggia is a recess in the wall, enclosed by a colonnade, but we are interested in a loggia in the sense that this word was given in Soviet, and later Russian, multi-storey construction.

So, a loggia is an open, non-insulated (this is important for us!) Premises that have at least two (most often three) walls. The last point is the main difference from the balcony, which has only one wall - the outer wall of the house, to which it is attached, blown by all the winds.

The loggia is recessed flush into the outer wall of the house, which gives us a number of advantages. In particular, one of the three walls (internal) can be removed altogether, thus expanding the area of ​​the room.

When the glazing work is completed, it's time to deal directly with the insulation. You should start with the choice of insulation material.

Many use traditional foam and mineral wool out of habit, although modern industry is ready to provide much more advanced and effective materials for insulation.

For example, extruded polystyrene foam (extruded polystyrene foam, XPS). The basis for this material, as well as for many other plastics, is polystyrene - a crystalline colorless substance.

It is melted, foamed with a mixture of freons with carbon dioxide and extruded. This tricky word is called squeezing a semi-liquid uncured material through a hole.

The process is reminiscent of squeezing toothpaste out of a tube, with the only difference being that the holes in the “squeezer”-extruder are a slot a meter or more wide. The result is a wide and long tape, which goes on sale in a roll or in the form of panels. Extruded polystyrene foam is called penolplex (or penoplex) and is an excellent material for floor insulation.

Possible problems with the insulation of the balcony

Before insulating the balcony inside, I recommend thinking carefully about all the pros and cons of such a solution. Despite the fact that everyone resorts to installing heaters before decorating this room. more people, this operation has several disadvantages.

Here are the ones that I consider the main ones:

1. Reducing the usable floor space. If just finishing already reduces the size of a balcony or loggia, then an additional layer of heat-insulating material exacerbates the problem even more. Therefore, if you have a tiny architectural element, consider whether the resulting additional area is worth the money and effort spent.
2. The appearance of condensed moisture inside structures. When using heaters, the dew point shifts inward, which leads to mold and damage to finishing materials.

This shortcoming, however, is easy to deal with. I will tell you how to insulate the balcony with your own hands from the inside so as to achieve the ideal microclimate inside.

Sequencing

The very technology of warming a loggia or balcony consists of several important steps:

1. Sealing gaps and eliminating defects. Before laying the insulation for the balcony inside, you need to get rid of all cracks, bumps, potholes and bulges. I recommend blowing out small cracks with mounting foam (just choose a quality one), cement mortar will cope with more serious troubles.

1. Installation of waterproofing. To do this, I always recommend my clients to use penetrating materials. For example, Avatron or Penetron. They are easy to apply with a sprayer, but you can also use a simple roller or brush.

The peculiarity here is that the liquid penetrates deep into the mineral surfaces, as a result of which they are not only protected from water, but also do not freeze during operation at low air temperatures.

1. Heat insulator installation. It is easy to do it inside with your own hands. You don't need to install scaffolding or call an aerial platform. The main thing is to strictly follow the technology, which I will discuss below.

When choosing materials for work, immediately think about whether you will insulate the floor and ceiling. For these surfaces, more durable heat insulators are needed that do not change their properties from external mechanical stress.

1. Arrangement of a vapor barrier layer. It is needed just in order to avoid the condensation of moisture that forms on the balcony inside the heat-insulating materials. For this, vapor-permeable polymer membranes are used, for example, Isospan or Rockwool.

By the way, you can avoid this stage by using heat insulators with a foil layer, placing it inside the balcony. But I, nevertheless, would recommend not to save. Moreover, the vapor barrier membrane will not increase the estimate much.

1. Decorative decoration of the balcony. It all depends on your imagination, the amount of money and the purpose of the room. I cannot give specific advice.

The vapor barrier is glued joint-to-joint, after which these places are sealed with metal tape - all this creates the so-called. thermos effect.

Then follows the installation of the balcony flooring. As a base, it is recommended to create a 4-centimeter layer of screed, with a mandatory gap between it and the walls of 1 cm. This margin is necessary in case of thermal expansion.

You can create such a gap by installing polyethylene foam around the perimeter, 1 cm thick, and then start pouring. When the screed hardens, ceramic tiles are laid and fixed with tile adhesive.

The crate in a panel house is best mounted from a wooden beam with a section of 40x20 mm, and it must be dry and treated with an antiseptic. Stuffing takes place both horizontally and vertically with the help of self-tapping screws and dowels, driven directly into the thickness of the concrete.

Further, insulation implies finishing, which can be carried out in 2 ways: installation of plastic panels - width 25 cm; installation of moisture-resistant drywall - with this approach, insulation implies additional finishing work: prime and putty the surface, remove the corners and align them.

After that, you can paint the walls or stick wallpaper. Regarding the installation lighting fixtures(lamps, floor lamps, etc.), then the wiring to them must be laid even before the start of interior finishing work.

Do-it-yourself insulation of a balcony in a panel house is often not without errors. Installing a vapor barrier on the cold side of a heat-insulating material - a film or membrane is placed between the wall and the insulation. For this reason, condensation forms on the surface.

At different types mineral wool during operation, their correct operation is not ensured. The result is the wetting of the insulation and the gradual destruction of the entire interior finish, followed by dismantling and replacement.

The installation of wooden planks directly in the expanded polystyrene layer leads to a lack of solidity in the thickness of the insulation and the formation of the so-called. cold bridges. The same applies to cases of mounting a metal crate inside the insulation layer. In addition to "cold bridges", condensate appears on the metal, destroying thermal insulation material.

Restrictions on insulation of balconies

But I can tell you what is absolutely impossible to do when decorating a balcony or loggia. Moreover, violation of these rules may result in administrative or criminal liability.

So, it is forbidden:

1. Demolish load-bearing partitions between two balconies (loggias) or this room and the residential part of the apartment.
2. Install on the balcony engineering Communication(in particular, heating, plumbing and sewerage) connected to the general system of the apartment.
3. To equip a kitchen or a bathroom on the balcony (although, as you understand, no one forbids an office or a bedroom).
4. Install glazing on balconies that are equipped with fire escapes to evacuate people during a fire.
5. Mount hanging flower beds or devices for drying clothes outside the enclosing structures of the balcony.
6. Reduce the height of the parapet of a balcony or loggia (by dismantling the upper part or raising the floor). The minimum height of the parapet should be 1.1 meters.
7. Violate the appearance of the facade of the building (this is for information, so insulating the balcony from the inside with your own hands, you are unlikely to cause damage to the exterior of the house).
8. Independently glaze balconies located above the 9th floor, while violating the requirements of fire safety.

As you can see, not all of these requirements are observed by our compatriots, but my conscience would be restless if I did not tell you about them.

Now a little about the materials that can be used.

Ways of internal insulation of the balcony

Pouring concrete, expanded clay layer and similar methods cost a lot of money. You can make a similar insulation, but at the same time save money. An option for a cheap finish made of wood and foam can be like this:

How to insulate a balcony? Choice of heater.

For thermal insulation of such premises, a huge amount of materials is used. I have compiled a table that lists the most popular varieties with an indication of the features of each.

Name	Description
Styrofoam	Dense material with a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, having a finely granulated porous structure. Do not confuse styrofoam for thermal insulation and packaging foam. The latter has large pores and breaks quickly. Not suitable for floor insulation, as it does not withstand the load. It can be used for installation on the enclosing plate, walls and ceiling.
Extruded polystyrene foam	A material that perfectly retains heat indoors and, thanks to a special production technology, has increased mechanical strength. Microorganisms do not multiply on the surface of expanded polystyrene, it is non-flammable and environmentally friendly.
Penofol	Another name for the material is polyethylene foam. For balconies, it is better to use insulation with a foil layer that reflects thermal energy and prevents wetting of the insulating layer. The foil, among other things, plays the role of a vapor barrier membrane.
polyurethane foam	A special composition that is applied to surfaces using special equipment. After hardening, it forms a homogeneous heat-insulating layer that prevents unproductive consumption of thermal energy and cooling of the balcony. The material is great for warming, but you can’t cope with its application with your own hands.
Mineral wool	A material based on basalt fiber, which is great for insulating walls and ceilings of a balcony. To increase efficiency, it must be protected from moisture. It is impossible to insulate the floor with mineral wool, as it does not withstand significant mechanical stress.
Multilayer panels	We are talking about sandwich panels, which are used both for insulation and for decorative design balcony. They have a beautiful upper layer which does not require additional finishing. Thermal insulation is glued from below, which reduces the coefficient of thermal conductivity of enclosing structures.

On this, I consider the theoretical part to be over and proceed to the presentation of specific schemes for the internal insulation of balconies and loggias using several, in my opinion, the most effective materials.

The most common option is polystyrene foam. It has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity and is easily mounted with your own hands inside the balcony.

I tell you how to insulate the balcony from the inside with polystyrene foam:

1. After carrying out preliminary operations (sealing gaps and waterproofing), I always treat the surface with a penetrating primer. It improves the adhesive properties of mineral surfaces, removes dust from concrete monoliths and reduces the consumption of the adhesive composition.

Processing can be done with a regular brush or spray. Very carefully process not only the walls, but also the ceiling with the floor. Otherwise, then there will be difficulties when gluing polystyrene foam.

1. It is possible to continue work after priming only after the composition has completely dried, which takes about 6 hours. If the walls of the balcony where I work are made of porous materials (for example, foam concrete), I always prime everything twice.
2. After priming, you can proceed with the installation of expanded polystyrene, which is supplied in slabs. Installation is carried out using glue and special fasteners with wide caps.

I prepare the adhesive composition from the purchased dry powder. It is necessary to mix it with water in the proportions indicated in the instruction manual, and then achieve uniformity using a mixer connected to a drill.

I apply the finished glue to the heat-insulating material, after which the expanded polystyrene sheet is glued to the wall. I do the same with other materials, placing them in a checkerboard pattern with overlapping joints.

1. In order for the plates to fit firmly, you need to fix them with dowels with plastic caps. To do this, I use a drill to make a hole in the polystyrene foam and the wall, after which I install the appropriate bracket there.

1. Considering that polystyrene foam does not absorb water, a vapor-permeable membrane can be omitted. Although I see no reason to buy and fix a special film on the surfaces.
2. The last step is plastering. To avoid the destruction of the decorative coating, you must first fix the fiberglass reinforcing mesh on the foam polystyrene plates, and then plaster over it. That's exactly what I do.

1. Before plastering, you can install perforated galvanized corners on the corners, which will facilitate the work and protect the corners from damage during operation.

This material is also widely used for internal insulation of balconies. You can mount it on the walls using special bituminous mastic, construction foam or plastic dowels with wide caps.

I'll tell you how I make foam insulation using polyurethane foam:

1. To begin with, as in all other cases, defects are repaired and the surfaces of the balcony are waterproofed. By the way, the primer will not hurt either.
2. After performing the preparatory operations, it is necessary to squeeze out the mounting foam from the perimeter along the perimeter of the pre-fitted foam slab. More foam is not needed, the insulation will already be securely fixed to the surface.

1. After waiting a few seconds, you need to attach the material to the wall.
2. Further work is carried out using a similar technology. Naturally, I recommend moving the seams in a checkerboard pattern to avoid the formation of cold bridges that reduce the effectiveness of ongoing insulation work.
3. To keep the insulation stronger, it can be further strengthened with dowels with wide caps. Although it is not necessary to do so.

1. The last stage is decorative finishing. Here I completely shift the responsibility for the choice of materials to you. Think for yourself, decide for yourself.

Well, I can not tell you about the use of mineral wool insulation. I can’t say that they are very effective, but they are very popular. I focus on them only because the laying technology itself is more complicated here.

The fact is that mineral wool is very soft and does not have rigid geometric dimensions as such. It is produced in the form of rolls into which material is rolled up with a thickness of 2 to 20 cm.

I recommend buying stone (basalt) wool with a heat-reflecting foil layer for arranging a balcony. The latter will effectively protect the insulator from moisture and play the role of a reflective screen that traps the thermal energy of heating devices inside the room.

Considering the described specifications, it is possible to mount the insulating material only under a pre-arranged crate made of wooden bars or galvanized profiles. But this is good, since you can then install a decorative cladding on the crate. For example, lining or plastic panels.

For example, I will tell you about insulation using wooden blocks. It is better to take not square, but rectangular lumber with a section of 3 by 5 or 3 by 7 cm. This will save the useful area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe balcony.

The crate can be installed in two ways:

• horizontally - if later you finish the balcony plastic panels;
• vertically - if you have chosen lining as a material for decorative finishing.

Features of balconies in Khrushchev

There is nothing complicated in warming a typical Khrushchev house and in fact it is not much different from warming a loggia. There is no point in finishing the balcony without insulation, because. this is unlikely to bring the desired result.

Considering that the balcony is located outside the building, I immediately want to note that it will never be warm there in winter, only if you do not insulate 10-15 centimeters and install heating radiators. But on such a balcony there will be very little space!

Yes, and it makes no sense. on balconies, mainly sliding frames with one or two glasses are installed. Ready-made insulated loggia Why did I lead all this, oh yes! In addition to the fact that it makes no sense to buy expensive thermal insulation materials, we will insulate the balcony with foam plastic! Before carrying out all work, be sure to treat the concrete with an antiseptic solution for bricks and concrete, since the concrete has been exposed to aggressive environmental influences for a long time.

Let's make a list and try to include everything you need:

• Perforator;
• Screwdriver or screwdriver;
• Mounting foam;
• Styrofoam with a thickness of 5 centimeters;
• Construction stapler;
• Level, tape measure and pencil;
• Stationery knife;
• Wall panels or eurolining (depending on your preferences);
• Plinth and fittings; A piece of linoleum or laminate;
• Fasteners.

Styrofoam laying can be started both from the floor and from the walls. Doing typical crate with a step of 50 centimeters parallel to the floor (we will attach the cladding to it). We fill the space between the bars with foam and thoroughly foam everything.

The thickness of the walls is 5 centimeters, the thickness of the balcony floor insulation is 10 centimeters, otherwise our insulation will “eat” half of the balcony and it will become very narrow! The pictures attached to the article show what is being done and how.

Finishing

After we have foamed everything, we cover the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe insulated balcony with foam. It is desirable to do this when using plastic panels in the finish and always when using "wooden" wall panels or eurolining, as this will be additional protection against moisture.

The panels are attached to the crate using a construction stapler. The final step will be laying linoleum or laminate and installing a floor plinth. It is important to make a solid base under the floor covering.

10 mm plywood is best suited for this. If you have any questions, write! We will be happy to answer them! I also advise you to read my article on how to make a closet on the balcony.

Balcony insulation in an old house and in a new building has significant differences. This is due not only to the small area of ​​the Khrushchev loggias, but also to their design features:

• The reinforced concrete slab at the base of the balcony has a slope to the outside. This was done in order to rainwater flowed down. The same will happen with the ceiling formed by the loggia of the upper floor. On average, the height difference is about 150 mm. The walls are not even, this is the trouble of all old houses.
• Lattice fence. For insulation, you will have to build a parapet and install double-glazed windows. For a strong fence, foam blocks 10 cm thick will suffice.
• Bad condition of the board. In many homes, balconies are already starting to crumble and fall apart.

It is worth consulting with specialists and, if necessary, reconstructing the stove. All global alterations must be agreed with the supervisory authorities, otherwise problems will arise in the future.

Warming of balconies with mineral wool is carried out under the constructed crate. A lining is attached over the frame - wooden or plastic panels with special grooves.

A well-known fact is the building recommendation to carry out insulation from the outside of the building. However, in the insulation of balconies and loggias, it is often not possible to place the insulation material outside. The internal placement of the insulation layer requires certain calculations, adherence to technology and the correct selection of materials so that in the future the work performed does not lead to wetting of the walls, corners and ceiling inside the remote structure.

Balcony insulation with mineral wool

What materials can be used to insulate a balcony and a loggia from the inside? What finish will allow you to reliably protect the insulation from the interior space and create an aesthetic appearance of the interior walls?

AT modern technologies insulation of open hinged structures(balconies) four types of material are used as internal insulation: polystyrene foam, foam plastic, penofol and mineral wool. Consider the technological features of installation and types of cotton wool insulation used for thermal insulation of balconies.

Depending on the raw materials used in the production, there are three main types of mineral wool: glass, stone and slag. All three materials are suitable for insulation work.

Mineral wool is a soft material that does not have rigid dimensions. It is supplied in the form of rolls (before laying they are unwound into a track) or soft mats. Sometimes one side of the insulation is covered with aluminum foil to enhance the thermal insulation properties.

Floor and ceiling insulation

The first question is which insulation technology to choose, the answer depends on the configuration of your loggia. The best option is when a concrete parapet is available, and if there is a metal fence instead, then there are several scenarios for further actions. The first - the parapet can be laid out from foam blocks or aerated concrete, and the metal can be completely removed. This path is the most acceptable both in terms of excellent insulation and design of the loggia, and security.

The second scenario - the fence is sewn up with corrugated board, and then a wooden frame is made of beams for attaching the insulation. This path is somewhat shorter, but it cannot be said that it will cost you much less. There is weakness – wooden bars they will serve as cold bridges and in order to get rid of them, you will have to put a heater in 2 layers with an offset. There is a third way - the device of a panoramic loggia without a parapet with full-height glazing.

The technology of finishing with foam plastic, which you have to follow when insulating a glazed loggia with a concrete parapet, is quite understandable. Mounting foam is first applied to the cleaned and slightly moistened surface of the walls for the primary fixation of expanded polystyrene or polystyrene boards. Pre-cooked and cut to size plates are pressed against the wall and glued on the foam to the surface.

At the same time, we insulate the walls of the loggia in the likeness of brickwork, placing foam sheets with bandaging of the seams. In simple words, the vertical seams of each subsequent row must be separated from the seams of the previous one by at least 150 mm. In the process, it is necessary to monitor the vertical using the building level. After the foam has hardened, it is recommended to fix each expanded polystyrene plate to the wall with dowels - umbrellas.

The process of warming the ceiling of the loggia is a little more complicated, the help of an assistant will not hurt here, although with a certain skill you can manage it yourself. Insulation plates will have to be immediately fixed to the ceiling with dowels, for which it is necessary to drill holes quite accurately, and then hammer in the dowels while supporting the plate. Upon completion, all seams and cracks are carefully filled with the same polyurethane foam.

Now you need to create a frame for mounting the interior trim of drywall, plastic, lining or other facing materials. Wooden slats cannot be attached to the insulation, but you can drill a hole through it in concrete. Which is done using a drill with a diameter of 6 mm, and then the slats are screwed directly to the wall with special screws for concrete (called frame dowels).

Having dealt with the walls, you can go to the ceiling. To insulate it, I recommend using foam. Moreover, you need to buy the usual material for insulation and that variety of it, which is supplemented with a heat-reflecting foil layer, which increases the strength of the material and helps to keep the heat inside.

You need to insulate the ceiling in the same way as the walls, using polyurethane glue and dowels. Only first you need to stick the first layer, and on top - the second, with a heat-reflecting surface.

The seams between the parts must be sealed with mounting foam, and at the end - glued with a special metallized adhesive tape. In this case, even extreme cold will not prevent you from creating an immortal masterpiece in your office on the balcony.

If, of course, you take care of floor insulation, which, for example, I carry out as follows:

• I clean the floor surface from the remnants of building materials, cement influx, dirt, debris, glue, and so on;
• I cover the floor with penofol;
• on top I mount a crate from wooden bars pre-cut with an electric jigsaw;
• I install heat-insulating material inside the crate, sealing the cracks with building foam;
• I mount a draft floor from plywood or OSB boards;
• I lay a floor covering on top (usually linoleum or laminate).

However, my neighbor - a future professor - wanted to make a heated floor in his balcony office. So I had to tell him the order of work in this case:

• on the reinforced concrete floor of the balcony, you need to make a screed using a self-leveling mixture in order to level out all the protrusions and irregularities;
• on top of the frozen screed, you need to lay a layer of heat-reflecting material with a heat insulator;
• mount the heating electric cable from above, securing it with a special tape (you remember that water heating you can’t do it on the balcony, which means a water-heated floor too);
• pour another layer of cement screed on top;
• install the selected decorative flooring.

There are two ways to insulate the walls of the balcony from the inside:

• direct fastening of the insulation to the surface with adhesive and dowels;
• installation of thermal insulation with a wooden crate.

The first method is more acceptable when it is required to insulate the loggia inside with foam plastic or extruded polystyrene foam (foam foam). Moreover, the latter is often attached to the walls "dry" with dowels, without the use of adhesive. There is nothing to worry about, the main thing is that the insulation plates are installed correctly, that is, without any gaps. The density and strength of foam allows it to hold well on dowels alone and at the same time bear the load of the inner lining.

Wall surfaces are first cleaned and leveled, after which they are covered with a layer of deeply penetrating primer using a roller. After it dries (the time is indicated on the package), a slab insulation is glued to the wall. For this, ready-made mortar, which is applied around the entire perimeter of each slab and at several points in the middle. After 2 days, the material is additionally attached with dowels.

By the way, the thickness of the foam insulation layer must be at least 100 mm for all walls and ceiling. If the balcony is insulated with polystyrene foam, then a thickness of 80 mm is sufficient. After the installation of thermal insulation is completed, its surface can be plastered using a reinforcing glass mesh or other types of finishes can be applied.

As for mineral wool, it can also be put on glue, but it's still easier to use battens. They are installed on the walls and ceiling with an interval less than 1-2 cm of the width of the insulation boards, so that the latter is inserted between the bars by surprise. According to reviews, when insulating with rolled wool, it is necessary to take into account its gradual sliding down and, in order to avoid this phenomenon, put additional horizontal lintels of the crate.

For internal insulation of almost all structures, expanded polystyrene is very widely used. Its low cost does not affect the quality. It is sold in the form of plates with a thickness of 5 cm or more. If the apartment is located in the conditions of the north, then it is better to use sheets 15 cm thick. For the installation of foam, they make a crate with the same cells. Expanded polystyrene is convenient in that it can be easily cut with an ordinary knife.

The positive aspects of this insulation are that it is odorless, does not emit harmful substances, is environmentally friendly and does not affect human health. Sheets, as a rule, are fixed on special "umbrellas" or building glue. As a savings, it is better to insulate the balcony inside it.

Mineral wool is also quite popular. Such insulation is slightly more expensive than foam plastic, but this is due to the additional sound insulation that the material has. Therefore, using mineral wool, you can not only insulate the structure with high quality, but also eliminate street noise. It is sold in the form of yellow rolls.

Insulation of the loggia Secrets of skill from Alexei Zemskov

The fire safety of this insulation is at a high level, and the absence of a specific smell makes mineral wool one of the most popular. The material begins to melt at a temperature of 1000 degrees. Under such rolls, it is also necessary to make a crate. Another plus is easy cutting. The disadvantage is due to the composition, which includes powdered glass, which sticks into the skin when working and causes itching and redness.

Penoplex is a new insulation that has appeared on the building materials market relatively recently and has already become popular. It has a low weight, due to which it is convenient to work with it. Penoplex is produced in the form of rectangular sheets, the cutting of which is possible even with a clerical knife. According to the method of attachment, it is similar to foam, which is glued or fixed with fasteners. The surface of the material is rough, so it does not slip in the hands.

Decorative decoration of the balcony

I will end my story with a short story about how to finish the balcony after it has been insulated. To do this, you can use many different materials:

• plastic panels;
• ordinary and decorative plaster;
• wallpaper;
• tiles;
• wooden lining.

Considering that I told you how to insulate a balcony with mineral wool, I will continue this topic. I will describe how you can install lining or plastic panels on the walls. The technology is very similar, since both of these materials are separate lamellas connected to each other using a special system of spikes and grooves.

And there is not much to do here:

• the first part is mounted on the installed crate, starting from the corner;
• after that, all subsequent parts are installed.

I try to give preference to wood, as it is natural material, but plastic is easier to work with, does not require additional finishing and is cheap.

As previously mentioned, foam plastic is cheap, but nevertheless it is practical, many builders use it. What is the best way to insulate a balcony from the inside with polystyrene foam:

Insulation of the balcony with foam

Insulation of a balcony or loggia allows not only to get rid of drafts and dampness, but also to expand the usable area of ​​the apartment. To insulate a loggia, it is necessary not only to use high-quality window blocks, but also to insulate the walls, floor, ceiling of a balcony or loggia.

Advantages of PENOPLEX COMFORT® boards for balcony insulation:

• High compressive strength;
• Low coefficient of thermal conductivity;
• Zero water absorption;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Ease and simplicity during installation;
• Low vapor permeability, which is very important for internal insulation.

Scheme 1 - do-it-yourself balcony insulation

• Loggia wall;
• Balcony insulation PENOPLEX COMFORT®;
• sheet material;
• crate;
• Fastener;
• Loggia floor.

Penoplex is actively used in the insulation of rooms. You can fix it to the surface using bituminous mastics, mounting foam or mushroom dowels. Consider the option of mounting on mounting foam.

Foam mounting

So. Waterproofing done. Mounting foam is applied to the insulation plate around the perimeter. It's enough. After applying, wait a couple of seconds and fix the plate on the insulated surface. The next plate is laid end-to-end to the first. After two days, you can fix the plates with additional dowels. Then the whole process is repeated in the same order as described above. Do the finishing to your liking. You can sew up the insulation boards with plastic panels, they look very original.

Additionally, we fix the plates with dowels

Advice. If the balcony is intended only for storing essential items on it, then it is enough to insulate the walls in one layer. If you need to insulate more thoroughly, then it is better to lay the insulation in two layers.

The process of warming the balcony is completed. As you can see, it does not represent anything complicated. If you are just planning to do this work, then our article will help you. If you have already done the insulation of the loggia yourself, then share your methods with readers in the comments.