The first decisions on how to insulate the foundations should be made already at the stage of designing the building. This has an impact not only on the method, but also on the scope and cost of all construction works. But don’t worry – it’s not complicated.
Insulation of foundations with polyurethane foam – benefits
The obvious advantages of insulating foundations are many. First of all, good thermal insulation saves you money – it keeps the heat inside the building. Secondly, it provides waterproofing – water does not get into the walls. Moisture that would get into the masonry, combined with heat, could damage the masonry. The heat transfer coefficient of the foundation wall and horizontal wall should not exceed 0.25 W/(m2.K).
Polyurethane foam is a material which is worth using to counteract the increase in this parameter. The use of this material gives many advantages, including the speed of its installation, high quality of thermal insulation and strength. In the construction industry, such characteristics of the materials are emphasised. What is extremely important, in case of foundations insulation with polyurethane foam, the heat transfer coefficient stops in the range of 0.020-0.022 W/mK.
Insulation of horizontal and vertical foundations
Proper insulation of foundations should concern both vertical and horizontal. Vertical foundation insulation includes protection of foundation walls from the ground and from the internal wall. If left unprotected, they could absorb the moisture in the ground like a sponge – and this would end up being disastrous for the foundations and the whole building.
As in any case, there is an exception to the rule – if the underground walls are made of a material that is itself an insulator, there is no need for additional protection. However, even in this case such action is recommended. So why is it worth investing in insulation of foundations? Bad thermal conditions, high humidity and choice of bad insulation solutions for vertical and horizontal foundations may cause degradation of the whole building.
Horizontal foundation insulation – what is it all about?
Horizontal insulation is laid between benches and walls, as well as between ground floor and foundation walls. For example, polyurethane foam can be used to protect the walls against capillary approach of water upwards. The choice of PUR foam for this type of construction work also ensures the safety of building users. Don’t forget that insulating the foundations of buildings includes not only residential buildings, but also production halls and other industrial complexes.
PUR foam is odourless, which also affects the comfort of its use. Polyurethane foam can be placed in places that are difficult to access or where there are connections between structures – in this way you will avoid heat loss in thermal bridges. And this is something that no one would want.
Categories: House
