Post by account_disabled on Mar 16, 2024 1:29:24 GMT -5
The foundation is one of the most important components of a building's structure. It is a part of the building that supports heavy loads and is exposed to low temperatures and high humidity. This is why a key issue in the construction process is to isolate the foundations and strengthen them with appropriate materials. What do we gain from insulating foundations and foundation walls? What thermal insulation materials should we use? Let's find out! Published: 06-16-2023 Building insulation versus construction law In recent decades we have experienced rapid growth in construction technologies. Builders, architects and legislators have focused on issues such as energy efficiency and the possibility of guaranteeing maximum thermal comfort in buildings. Answers to the question of how to properly insulate a foundation or what parameters the foundation insulating materials must meet can be found, for example, in: Polish standards, the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure, of April 12, 2002, on the technical conditions that buildings and their location must meet, the Construction Law. What does the regulations say? According to article 317 of the aforementioned Regulation, all construction elements that are in contact with the ground must be protected with a layer of insulating materials.
Annex 2 of the Regulation includes specific guidelines on thermal performance parameters, including the permitted values of the heat transfer coefficient and the soil heat transfer coefficient (U c ). As of December 31, 2020, the maximum value of U c for soils above closed underground spaces is 0.25 W/(m 2 ·K) to 0.3 W/(m 2 ·K). What do we gain from proper foundation insulation? Thermal insulation and waterproofing CZ Leads of the foundations from the outside or inside is very important. A properly protected foundation is a support for the walls and roof. If it is solid, the likelihood of cracks is minimized and there is no need to spend money on expensive repairs. Thermal insulation of the lower sections of the building reduces the risk of thermal bridges and prevents the loss of valuable heat through areas directly adjacent to the floor. A properly selected waterproofing material protects concrete and masonry structures for years. Carefully insulated foundations effectively resist moisture, reduce the risk of mold growth, and help moderate the amount of moisture in the air in rooms. How to insulate the foundation of a house: practical guidance There are several methods for insulating foundations and foundation walls. In modern construction, it is architects who ensure that structures fully comply with ever-changing energy efficiency standards.
In addition, designers know the latest materials available on the market to insulate the foundation of a house with or without a basement or a public building. Building design and insulation should be entrusted to a specialist. An architect will choose the best solution and take into account many factors, such as: soil stability and moisture, building size, the climatic zone where the building is located. For example, if you plan to build a house on unstable, water-permeable clay soil, you will need to use special insulation for the foundation walls. Attention must be paid to the thermal performance of the insulating material and its resistance to water and frost. Materials should be selected by an expert to avoid future problems with leaks and costly repairs to the waterproofing membrane. Insulating a foundation inside and out: a materials review. What materials to use to insulate a house with and without a basement? In Poland, the following materials are used to insulate foundations: polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), PIR polyurethane foams in the form of ready-made boards, PUR foams , mineral materials: foamed glass (also called cellular glass), anti-moisture foundation membranes, tar plates and bituminous mastics. The selection of insulating material should be left to the designer, whether we are constructing a new building or insulating an existing installation. Insulate the foundation with thermal insulating panels. Thermal insulating panels made of PIR foam are gaining popularity in the insulating materials market. These are boards that have high resistance to compression and water absorption, and are safe for humans. They can be used to insulate foundation walls and floors in rooms especially exposed to moisture. They are good in single-family and multi-family homes and in public buildings.