How to insulate a house made of foam blocks from the outside: wall insulation technology, materials

Providing external insulation to a foam-block home is essential for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. Even though foam blocks are well-known for having good insulation qualities, extra external insulation helps them perform even better. This article examines the materials and technologies used in exterior wall insulation and offers helpful advice for homeowners trying to increase the thermal efficiency of their houses.

The process of adding an insulating layer to a building’s exterior walls is known as external wall insulation. In homes built with foam blocks, which provide reasonable insulation in any case, this procedure helps to further minimize heat loss by minimizing thermal bridging. Homeowners can lower energy costs for heating and cooling, regulate indoor temperature more consistently, and possibly even save money on utility bills by insulating their exteriors.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards are one of the main components used in the exterior insulation of foam block homes. These lightweight boards are perfect for swiftly covering large areas because they are simple to handle and install. EPS boards are engineered to withstand moisture and hold onto their insulating qualities over time, guaranteeing the building envelope’s long-term durability and efficiency.

Mineral wool insulation is another material that is frequently utilized. Mineral wool has good thermal performance and is available in a variety of forms, such as rigid boards and batts. It also contributes to a quieter interior atmosphere because it is non-combustible and has good acoustic insulation. Because mineral wool insulation resists fire and deters rodents and insects, it is preferred.

It’s important to take the installation technique into account when adding exterior insulation to foam block walls. Usually, insulation boards are attached to the walls directly with adhesive mortar or mechanical fasteners, then a base coat is applied for reinforcement and a decorative render is applied to finish the process. This tiered method shields the underlying structure from impact damage and weathering while simultaneously improving thermal performance.

Additionally, foam block houses with external wall insulation have a more appealing appearance. Homeowners can personalize the exterior look of their home by choosing from a range of colors and textures for the final render or cladding that is applied over the insulation boards. Additionally, this finish adds another level of UV protection, extending the life of the insulation system.

In summary, modern materials and methods are used for exterior foam block insulation in order to optimize comfort and energy efficiency. Homeowners can dramatically lower heat loss, increase indoor thermal comfort, and improve the overall longevity and aesthetics of their building by making an investment in external wall insulation. The advantages of external insulation go beyond energy savings to include environmental sustainability and long-term building performance, regardless of whether mineral wool or EPS boards are chosen.

Wall Insulation Technology Materials
Exterior insulation of foam block houses involves adding layers of insulating material on the outside walls. This can be achieved using rigid foam boards or mineral wool, which are fixed to the walls with adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Rigid foam boards such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS) are commonly used for their insulation properties and ease of installation. Mineral wool, made from rock or slag, offers excellent fire resistance and sound insulation.

We analyze the theoretical aspects

The same guidelines and standards apply when insulating foam blocks from the outside as they do when working with any other material. Nonetheless, the characteristics of foam concrete are taken into consideration when selecting the material and technology.

  • If the walls are less than 37.5 centimeters thick.
  • Provided that the masonry has a large thickness of mortar, when heat can escape through the seams.
  • Using high-density blocks of grade D500 and higher in the construction of a building.
  • If the width of the blocks is less than 30 centimeters.
  • When filling the load-bearing frames of structures with foam concrete products.
  • In case of mistakes made by builders – if cement mortar was used in the masonry instead of special glue, thick seams were made, etc..

In other situations, thermal insulation is installed voluntarily, but it always guarantees improved heat conservation. It is advisable to compute the walls’ heat transfer resistance and compare it with the indicators listed in the standards in order to precisely ascertain the need for work.

A house built with D500 blocks and a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.14 can serve as an example. When the building wall’s thickness is divided by the coefficient, we obtain 2.68: 375 millimeters (0.375 meters) divided by 0.14. According to SNiP II-3-79 "Construction Thermal Engineering," the standard indicator (for Moscow and the surrounding region) is 3.2.

That is to say, additional steps are needed to ensure high-quality thermal insulation of the house, and foam concrete is a necessary component. It is imperative to consider the heat transfer resistance of both the external and internal cladding. The final value is increased by these indicators.

It might turn out that the foam concrete’s thickness is sufficient if the best finishing materials are used. Thermal insulation is required, though, if the value is less than that stated in SNiP.

Choosing a suitable insulator for external insulation

When considering exterior foam block insulation, lightweight, cost-effective materials like mineral wool, penoplex, and polystyrene foam are typically the first to come to mind. A certain amount of thermal insulation is provided by each material, safeguarding the building’s structure and increasing its overall lifespan.

Use of foam plastic

The most widely used method for insulating foam block buildings from the outside. The material is inexpensive, frost-resistant, and completely impermeable to moisture. Applying a decorative finish on top of the foam plastic is essential because it will improve the building’s aesthetics and shield the material from UV rays, which can degrade foam plastic.

– made in sheets 125×60 cm in size and 5 cm thick; ideal for insulating foam block facades; costs roughly the same as analogues.

  • Thoroughly cleaning the surface of the foam block from dirt, sand, debris, and build-up of the building mixture.
  • Applying a layer of primer that will ensure adhesion of foam concrete and mounting adhesive.
  • Mounting the base profile from below on the wall – it will become the support for the insulation.
  • Mixing the glue using a special drill attachment (resembles a mixer).
  • Preparing the foam – the sheets are processed with a needle roller to make them rough.
  • Applying a layer of glue with a spatula to the surface of the foam.
  • Mounting the foam sheets on the foam concrete from the bottom up, umbrella dowels are attached in the corners and edges.

Using mineral wool

This inorganic insulation is composed of a great deal of entwined fibers that are derived from metallurgical slags and sedimentary and rock rocks. a well-liked choice with significant benefits including excellent heat and sound insulation, resistance to moisture and heat, and a 35–40 year service life.

The most popular kind of mineral wool for exterior insulation is made by TechnoNIKOL, which sells packs of eight 120×60 cm and five centimeter thick slabs of basalt insulation material called Technolight Extra. One pack of sheets costs 555 rubles, and there are also thicker sheets in the range.

It is best to have at least two people complete the task when selecting mineral wool for the exterior insulation of foam blocks. You should consider the stages of working with the material.

  • Cleaning the walls and creating a perfectly flat surface.
  • Treating the entire area with an antiseptic.
  • Installing the fastening for the lathing.
  • Installing the thermal insulation pads.
  • Placing the guide plinth at the bottom of the wall.
  • Insert the insulation, fastening it with dowels, which are screwed into the wall to a depth of 4 centimeters.
  • Laying the windproof membrane on top of the mineral wool.

Penoplex: an analogue of polystyrene foam

This thermal insulation material is made with a different technology, but it resembles polystyrene foam. Its creation involves high pressure and temperatures, giving you a strong yet lightweight material. Extruded polystyrene foam is another term for it. It has a long service life, excellent performance characteristics, is mold and moisture resistant, is completely environmentally friendly, and is resistant to compression.

– slabs, with dimensions of 118.5 x 58.5 cm and a maximum thickness of 3 cm; there may be 4/7/10/13 pieces in a package. Thirteen sheets in a package start at 1400 rubles.

  • Alignment of the wall surface, careful sealing of all cracks.
  • Processing the facade with a primer.
  • Mixing the glue according to the instructions on the package.
  • Gluing the penoplex sheets, then fixing them with dowels.
  • Installation of a reinforced mesh for finishing.

One master can complete the entire job because the slabs are lightweight, simple to install, and quick. No need to apply extra vapor barrier components.

What time is best do work

Before insulating the house from the outside, a certain period of time must elapse. Ultimately, foam blocks are produced at the factory, transported to the construction site, and then promptly placed into sealed packaging. When construction is finished, the blocks maintain their initial moisture content as long as the building is constructed swiftly. Additionally, the blocks will absorb all of the steam and water if you insulate them right away.

This results in a decrease in vapor permeability, and in the event of frost, moisture within the walls moves toward the location of lower partial pressure when heating devices are turned on inside the building (that is, towards the house). Moisture gathers on the surface of the interior decoration when it gets there, making the wall damp. The insulator actively rots, foam blocks freeze, and the building’s overall performance features drastically decline.

After construction is finished, depending on the humidity and temperature of the surrounding air, it is recommended to apply a film to the facade and let all the moisture evaporate for three to five months.

When the house is constructed in the spring and the insulation is completed by the end of summer, everything works perfectly. After that, the foam blocks have more time to dry fully, increasing the effectiveness of subsequent work.

A key component of improving a foam block home’s comfort and energy efficiency is external insulation. You can establish a thermal barrier that helps control indoor temperature and lowers energy use for heating and cooling by adding insulation to the exterior walls.

The external wall insulation technology applies insulating materials directly to the foam blocks’ exterior surface. By using this technique, the structure’s overall durability is strengthened in addition to its thermal performance. By continuously insulating the outside of the wall, it effectively stops thermal bridging—the process by which heat escapes through the solid portions of the wall.

Heat conductivity, moisture resistance, durability, and ease of installation are important considerations when choosing materials for external insulation. Expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), mineral wool, and polyurethane foam are examples of materials that are frequently used as insulation. These materials can be selected according to budget and climate conditions, and they offer different degrees of thermal resistance (R-value).

Preparing the external surface, securing the insulation boards with adhesive or mechanical fasteners, and covering everything with cladding or render for protection are the usual steps in the installation process. This technique allows for a variety of finishing options, such as textured coatings or decorative cladding, and improves the building’s aesthetic appearance in addition to increasing energy efficiency.

All things considered, external foam block house insulation is a prudent financial decision that benefits from reduced energy costs and increased comfort. An even indoor temperature is maintained all year round with the assistance of external wall insulation, which lowers heat loss and regulates moisture infiltration. For homeowners wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their home while maintaining comfort and sustainability over the long term, it’s a workable solution.

At "All about Concrete," we specialize in using efficient exterior insulation techniques to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of foam block homes. We explore the fundamental methods and supplies needed to insulate these structures in this article. Through investigating wall insulation technologies that work well with foam blocks, we hope to give homeowners doable ways to cut down on heat loss and enhance overall insulation performance. Whether it’s choosing the appropriate insulation materials or knowing the exact steps involved in application, our guide will provide you with the knowledge required to improve the year-round comfort and energy efficiency of your foam block home.

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Andrey Ivanov

Experienced civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing in the construction of industrial and civil facilities. Author of many publications in professional journals.

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