How to insulate a balcony

Many Russian families live in small apartments and it is very important for them to use every centimeter rationally. And, as a rule, the best way to solve this problem is to improve the balcony. But it is not enough to glaze it, hang up shelves and lockers for household trivia, plant flowers. To make this space useful, you need to know how to insulate the balcony.

Characteristics of thermal insulation materials

In order to make the work useful, one should not make a mistake when choosing heat-insulating materials. It is recommended to purchase those that have the following characteristics:

- Highly tolerated high humidity;

- have a light weight, not creating excessive load on the floors;

- are characterized by low thermal conductivity;

- Breathable.

Those owners of apartments who have found out how to insulate a balcony, look for such materials in construction markets and in large specialized stores. There, any sales consultant will be able to answer the question of how to properly insulate the balcony.

What should I purchase?

As a rule, the following materials are used for the balcony insulation :

1. Polyfoam (or expanded polystyrene). The advantage of this material is its light weight. Thanks to this, it is possible to significantly reduce the overall load on the floors. Its important qualities include environmental safety and resistance to the effects of certain chemicals (alkali, lime, weak acids). For someone who has decided on how to insulate the balcony, it is also important that he is resistant to putrefactive processes. Styrofoam has high soundproof characteristics, it is easy to work with. The correct geometric shape of this material allows to carry out installation works with high accuracy.
2. Penofol. This combined material is also useful to those who know how to insulate the balcony. The basis of foam foam is made of foam polyethylene, covered with aluminum foil. The main advantages of this material are its flexibility and light weight. In addition, it effectively performs the vapor barrier and insulation functions.

Builders appreciated these materials for their excellent heat-saving properties and small thickness, which makes them irreplaceable in such jobs, when every centimeter is saved.

Work procedure

If the balcony is to be insulated, the technology may be next. On the inside of this room, a frame must be made. Builders recommend for this use only a carefully dried tree. After the styrofoam and penofol are laid, it is necessary to fill all joints with a special mounting foam as tightly as possible .

Another important point is the glazing of the balcony with plastic windows. It is best if the choice stops on a double-glazed double-glazed unit. After installing the window, you will need to thoroughly check all the seams around the perimeter. They must be treated with foam in the most careful way.

In addition, when carrying out such work, you should think about the heating system of these square meters. One of the popular methods is the installation of electric heaters. As a rule, electric fireplaces and oil heaters are used for this. Another option is the installation of floor heating (floor heating). Some believe that such a method is energy-consuming and unprofitable from a financial point of view. In fact, the warm floor is a rather profitable option for heating the balcony. Some are ready to use an air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature in this room, which can work not only in the summer in cooling mode, but also in winter, as a heater.