Do-it-yourself floor insulation from foam glass crumbs. Foam glass: advantages, disadvantages, material insulation technology. Product Specifications

cullet

Granulated foam glass produced in the form of particles having a shape close to spherical. The production is based on the foaming of individual, pre-rounded semi-finished granules in a rotary continuous furnace.

Plate foam glass obtained by foaming blanks in continuous tunnel ovens. At the output, the material is sent for long-term annealing and then for sawing machine to give the plates precise geometric dimensions.

Roof insulation

cullet

In Russia, at least 5 million tons of glass is produced annually only in municipal solid waste. Foam glass production is a way to turn cullet from landfills into a highly efficient energy-saving material.

Production of granulated foam glass

Granulated foam glass produced in the form of particles having a shape close to spherical. Production is based on the foaming of individual, pre-rounded granules- semi-finished products in a rotary kiln.

Production of slab foam glass

Plate foam glass receive foaming blanks in the through tunnel ovens . At the output, the material is sent for long-term annealing and then to a sawing machine to give the plates precise geometric dimensions.

Insulation of horizontal surfaces

Granular foam glass easily fills any irregularities, can serve not only as a heat insulator, but also as a slope

Insulation of vertical surfaces

Granulated foam glass fills any cavities and creates a reliable thermal insulation protection.

Roof insulation

Plate foam glass is an indispensable rigid, waterproof, durable heat-insulating material for roof insulation.

Thermal insulation of technological equipment

All over the world, slab foam glass is used at facilities where compromise is unacceptable - nuclear power plants, submarines, industries, etc.

Foam glass is considered to be one of the highest quality and most durable thermal insulation materials. Thanks to their truly unique characteristics this material has found its application not only in individual construction, but even in the construction industrial facilities. However, for all its merits, the insulator is not as popular as other heat insulators, and there are reasons for this. In addition to the mass of positive properties and characteristics, foam glass also has significant drawbacks. Let's see what disadvantages of foam glass prevent it from becoming the first among

Expensive production

The problem is that the production of this material uses cheap raw materials, such as broken glass fragments or sintered rocks, but the manufacturing technology itself is quite expensive. In order to obtain granulated foam glass, a temperature of the order of 800-900 degrees and heat-resistant steel molds are required.

The manufacturing process consists first in heating and softening the glass powder obtained from the raw material.
It is then frothed by burning a blowing agent, usually coal.
After the material is slowly cooled, as a result of which foam glass is obtained.

The production of insulation is a rather complicated and lengthy process, due to which the cost of seemingly cheap raw materials increases significantly.

Foam glass products

The end result of production are blocks with a cellular structure and granulated foam glass. Through the application special forms block products have a higher cost than the same volume of material in the form of granules.

Subsequently, the blocks are cut into slabs, which are used as thermal insulation in complex objects. For example, on roofs with a large area or structures of complex geometric shape, as well as for thermal insulation of underground structures. It is convenient to use foam glass plates as thermal insulation for swimming pools, bathtubs and other buildings that operate in difficult temperature conditions, and all thanks to the special resistance of the material to water vapor.

Granular foam glass is used, as a rule, as bulk free thermal insulation on roofs or backfill under the screed. The second use of this material is as a filler for various mortars to obtain light screeds, plasters or foundation blocks.

Both products have composition and characteristics ordinary glass, therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of foam glass are based on the properties of this material.

Strength properties of foam glass

This insulation is one of the most durable of all types of thermal insulation. However, we are only talking about compressive strength, which is important for heat-insulating materials, since it is this load that the insulator, as a rule, is subjected to. The special value of this parameter is due to the fact that with strong compression, the insulation may lose some of its properties: its moisture resistance is violated, and the insulator begins to conduct heat.

Unlike foam and fibrous materials, which are designed for only small internal forces, which significantly limits their use in some situations, foam glass is completely incompressible, and this allows it to take on part of the load.

Deformation resistance

Foam glass does not deform under the influence of gravity, which eliminates its sagging, shrinking or shrinkage. Due to this, the insulation does not require mandatory fastening to metal anchors or pins, which can create cold bridges. The material can be easily glued to hot bitumen, polymer or concrete mastics and specialized adhesives.

But not all strength characteristics of the insulation are so ideal. The disadvantages of foam glass are based primarily on the properties of the original raw material, which has a low resistance to mechanical shock. Therefore, the blocks are quite easy to break or damage. Moreover, even small surface defects can lead to a decrease in moisture resistance and an increase in thermal conductivity.

Service life of foam glass

The service life of the insulation is at least 100 years, which significantly exceeds the service life of most buildings without overhaul where it can be applied.

Foam glass was created back in the 30s of the last century, so today we can talk about the resistance to aging of this material. The experts have carried out experimental studies, which showed that foam glass blocks did not lose their properties over a period of 50 years and remained practically unchanged.

However, this advantage is irrelevant in private construction, since low-rise buildings need to be reconstructed no later than 50 years later. Therefore, it is more expedient to use, although less durable, but cheaper heat-insulating materials than to use foam glass, the price of which is quite high (16,000 rubles / m 3).

Environmental resistance

In this case, we are talking about various kinds of influences of both chemical and biological nature. Foam glass thermal insulation materials are not destroyed chemicals, the only exception is But this can hardly be considered a disadvantage, since this reagent can only be found in chemical production.

Since foam glass consists only of various elements, it is not affected by the oxygen contained in the surrounding air, and therefore, by oxidation.

Thanks to the same feature, the insulation is not subject to combustion. When exposed to high temperatures, it melts like ordinary glass, while not releasing, unlike most heat-insulating materials, harmful gases and substances.

There is another factor that affects the fire safety of the material - this is the lack of absorbency. Foam glass fully possesses this property and is not an absorbent material.

Non-hygroscopic material

Thanks to this characteristic, it does not affect the insulation and water, whether fresh or salty, since there are no soluble components in the composition, and the foam glass structure is a closed cell into which moisture is simply not able to get. Due to these qualities, the material does not collapse under the influence of low temperatures. Therefore, often a heater is used as

In addition, foam glass, whose characteristics are identical to those of ordinary glass, has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means that it can easily withstand seasonal temperature changes, regardless of the region of application. Another positive property The material is also high-quality sound insulation, and all thanks to the dense structure of foam glass.

Foam glass FOAMGLAS

However, the non-hygroscopicity and density of the material also causes some disadvantages of foam glass, in particular, its rather large weight in comparison with other heat insulators. This significantly complicates the transportation of insulation, which significantly increases the selling price of the material. Yes, and installation becomes quite a problematic event.

However, this shortcoming can also be corrected. For example, Pittsburg Corning Corporation produces foam glass FOAMGLAS, which is characterized by extraordinary lightness, while retaining all the properties inherent in this material.

Therefore, today foam glass is mainly mounted on building mixtures, which simplifies the fastening of the insulation. In addition, the good adhesion of the material is also due to the good adhesion of the foam glass.

Biological impact

First of all, we note that foam glass is absolutely resistant to decay, the formation of mold and fungi, since it simply does not contain a favorable environment for their reproduction. This factor is especially important in construction, when heat-insulating materials are often used in confined spaces. This property of foam glass makes it possible to avoid the destruction of both the heat insulator and the surface it protects, be it a roof, a wall or a foundation.

It is also important that the foam glass cannot be damaged by the roots of plants. And also it is absolutely inaccessible to penetration of insects and rodents, thanks to abrasive properties. This feature of the material has found its application in the arrangement of granaries, warehouses and food refrigeration rooms, when foam glass insulation is also an ideal protection against various biological forms.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of foam glass?

In addition to the main characteristics listed above, the material has several other distinctive properties.

Foam glass is very easy to process and give it necessary form using conventional cutting tools. This allows this insulator to be used for buildings of any geometric shape. But the industrial production of blocks is a rather complicated process, leading to a significant increase in the cost of the material.

Foam glass insulation is an absolutely environmentally friendly material that does not have any harmful effects on human health. And more recently, it was produced according to technology, where hydrogen sulfide was used as a gas generator. Its smell was transferred to the finished material, so the use of insulation in private construction was rather limited due to bad smell"rotten eggs".

Due to its environmental friendliness, foam glass is becoming one of the most popular heat-insulating materials today, moreover, after use, the insulation can be recycled into a new product.

One of the best warm and soundproof materials is foam glass. This insulation was created by Soviet scientists in the 30s, but due to the high cost and imperfect manufacturing technology, it was not widely used. Three decades later practical use he was found by Canadians, where foam glass was used as a thermal insulation of the building. This material entered mass construction relatively recently, when all the shortcomings were taken into account and production costs were reduced. The article will discuss how to insulate with foam glass.

What is foam glass

This inorganic thermal insulation material has a porous structure. During the production process, the glass mass is heated at high temperatures, the added gas-forming substance forms bubbles with a diameter from a millimeter to a centimeter. Porosity varies within 80-95%.

Foam glass photo

The color of the products can be different: cream, green or black. This property depends on the feedstock, because crushed quartz, sodium sulfate, and sedimentary rocks, and non-returnable cullet.
Insulation is offered in the form of granules, slabs and shaped products(shells for pipes). Foam glass blocks are popular, which can be of the following sizes:
- length - 200, 250, 400, 475 mm;
- width - 125, 200, 250, 400 mm;
- thickness - 80,100, 120 mm.
Installation is carried out by means of mechanical fasteners, cement mortars, mastics and other adhesive compositions. The fixing method is selected depending on the type of surface (concrete, iron, wood).

Characteristics of foam glass

This is lightweight material, its density is 120-200 kg/m. cube
As for the compressive strength, this indicator is very high and varies from 0.5 to 1.2 MPa.
Thermal conductivity is even better than that of wood - 0.06 W / m * s versus 0.09 W / m * s, respectively.
The sound absorption index of a 100 mm thick plate is 50 dB, which provides increased comfort.

The sorption value is negligible and does not exceed 4% of the volume.
The temperature range for the application of the material is very wide - from -200 to + 500C. At a higher temperature (from +540C), the plates begin to deform, but do not emit toxic gases or vapors. Heat resistance makes it possible to use foam glass at facilities that have increased fire safety requirements.
Chemical inertness is at a high level. The material does not interact with acids, alkalis, oil products and other aggressive media.

Benefits of using foam glass

In addition to high physical and technical characteristics, absolute environmental cleanliness can be noted among the advantages. The material is recommended for use in buildings with increased requirements for sanitary and hygienic conditions.
Mats do not change their dimensions during the entire period of service. Glass cells do not deform under operational loads and seasonal temperature changes. Thus, the formation of cold bridges due to compression, sagging, swelling or shrinkage is not allowed.

Foam glass is not subject to rotting and development of corrosion processes. It is also not attractive to microorganisms, mold, fungi and rodents, which indicates biological stability. Due to the above advantages, the service life of the blocks is at least 100 years.
Thermal insulation material is easy to process. It can be cut, drilled and sawn, while it does not form crumbs and cracks. It is combined with almost all types of building materials: cement, brick, iron surfaces, holds finishing compositions well.

Disadvantages of foam glass insulation

The main disadvantage is the high cost, because the manufacturing process itself is a complex technological task. For the production of insulation in the form of a shell, additional equipment is required, which entails an increase in the cost of the finished product.
One more drawback can be noted - low resistance to shock loads. But this indicator is not critical, since the insulation is not subjected to such tests.

Attention! "Analogues"

There is a cheaper analogue on the market, which is made from liquid glass. The finished product is not durable and moisture resistant. At its core, it is a porous glue.
The only plus of such a material is its low cost, which can be 2 or even 3 times less than that of foam glass products made from solid raw materials.

Foam glass application

Due to the thermal insulation properties, the material is used:

in civil engineering. It is widely used for thermal insulation engineering communications. This material equips "warm floors", exploited roofs, attic space, cellars, foundations. They also insulate the internal and external walls;

in sports facilities. Block and granular material is widely used in the construction of ice arenas, swimming pools, playgrounds and other objects to which special requirements are imposed;
in industrial facilities. Foamed glass works to reduce operating costs due to high thermal resistance. Therefore, its use is relevant not only for ground, but also underground structures, such as: buried tanks and other containers;
in national economy. Foam glass crushed stone provides an opportunity to build buildings on clay and marshy soils. It provides reliable thermal insulation of farms intended for breeding poultry, cattle, etc.;

in home improvement. Foam glass bulk material has found its application in the arrangement of greenhouses and hotbeds. Performance characteristics allow you to form a relief on the site, equip walking paths, create gabions, use in drainage systems and outlets ground water. They also insulate recessed containers.

Improving Efficiency

When choosing the thickness of the plates, it is necessary to take into account thermal insulation properties material used to build a house. So for external insulation of brick, concrete and silicate walls foam glass plates 120 mm thick are used.
For buildings made of wood, foam and expanded clay concrete blocks, this heat-insulating material with a thickness of 80-100 mm is suitable.
Internal insulation works are carried out by means of foamed glass mass 60 mm thick. The plates are fixed with adhesives, thin dowels and steel L-shaped brackets.

For the "warm floor" system, foundation and interfloor (attic) floors, granular material is used. It will fill all the voids and provide the necessary thermal insulation. The calculation of the layer thickness is based on temperature conditions region of residence.

Foam glass installation

For fixing the mats, a special glue for foam glass is used. It is applied to the reverse side and 2 side walls. Cement-containing mortars and bitumen-based compounds are evenly distributed around the perimeter.
If there are slight bulges or depressions on the surface, then it is recommended to apply the adhesive mixture on the foam glass with “slaps” (at least 5 pieces per plate). With this method, the consumption of glue will increase, but the base will become as even as possible.
For wooden surfaces use special dowels. This is because wood is subject to thermal expansion. In this connection, the plates must be fixed mechanically, which will allow the foam glass blocks to “move” after the tree.
Before mounting the slabs on vertical surfaces, a horizontal bar under the level is installed at the level of the plinth. It could be a beam or metallic profile, if necessary, wedges are placed between the base and the rail. The empty space is filled with foam.
The first row of insulation is installed on a profile that acts as a support. After the adhesive composition hardens, the support is dismantled. For reliability, it is better to remove the horizontal bar upon completion of all work.

Foam glass mats are mounted on walls and sloping roofs from bottom to top, on horizontal surfaces (for example, on floors, foundations) in the direction - “towards you”, that is, from the far corner.
Laying of foam glass products is carried out close to each other with the obligatory displacement of one row relative to the other (with dressing of the seams). If, in addition to glue, it is planned to additionally use dowels, then their fastening is carried out after the binder mixture has completely dried.
Thermal insulation boards around windows or doorways, chimney pipes and other elements are mounted in one piece. Jointing of foamed glass blocks on corner lines is not allowed.

Foam glass laying technology

Knowing the method of fastening this material, you can easily and quickly perform the insulation of any objects under construction. Competent location all layers will help improve the efficiency of thermal insulation.

The unique physical and technical properties make it possible to reduce the thickness of the “pie” and refuse to use wind and moisture protective membranes. Below is the most common application of foam glass boards.

heavy cladding wall. Foamed glass products are glued to a reinforced concrete or brick surface. Additional fixation is carried out mechanically (4-5 dowels per plate). After the entire perimeter is laid, they proceed to the installation of a metal profile intended for facing stone. This option is also applicable to the arrangement of the basement.

Wall under plaster. On the brickwork or walls erected from foam or aerated concrete blocks, foam glass mats are attached by means of an adhesive composition. Before applying the finishing material, the plates are covered with a mesh overlap (at least 100 mm). It is fixed with dish-shaped dowels with pressure washers. The thickness of the plaster layer can be up to 30 mm.
Wall with facing brick. The brick base is pasted over with foam glass plates. It is more convenient to insert flexible connections after laying the insulation, and not before its installation. Next, masonry is erected from facing brick. Here you can also use granular material, which is poured between the main and facing walls as the latter is erected (the distance between the masonry is at least 250 mm).
Wall under profiled sheet. Wall surfaces are glued with foam glass mats. A crate of wooden slats or metal profile. Fasteners are selected depending on the material from which the walls are built. Profiled sheets are installed according to the appropriate technology (from bottom to top and from left to right, overlapping in horizontal and vertical levels).

Internal walls (partitions). Work indoors is not much different from the outdoor installation of the presented insulation. Also, a heater is attached to the surface, which is covered with a layer of plaster (you can mount the profile under drywall sheets).
roof under roll materials . reinforced concrete slab if necessary, it is covered with a bitumen-polymer primer, providing high level moisture protection. Next, a hot mastic on a bitumen basis or an adhesive solution is applied to the foam glass block and fixed on the surface with slight pressure. The finished canvas is processed with hot bitumen. With the help of a burner, a waterproofing layer of the EPP is welded, and then a rolled material of the EKP type.

Roof with a slight slope for sheeting. Foam glass blocks are glued to the reinforced concrete floor. You can use special adhesive compositions or bituminous mastics. Upon completion of the work, the surface of the foam glass is covered with a hot bitumen-polymer mass. To increase the waterproofing of the roof, welded roll materials are used. After solidification, a crate is performed corresponding to one or another roofing material.
wooden roof. On the rafters, a solid flooring is equipped. A layer of bitumen-based waterproofing materials is spread over it, the fastening of which is carried out mechanically. Next, foam glass is mounted, then water-proofing material. Now the surface is completely ready for laying any roofing material.
Insulation of floors with foam glass. Foam glass plates are laid out tightly on top concrete base or a compacted layer of sand or cement. Here, the thickness of the slab will depend on the expected loads. Next, polyethylene is laid in 2 layers, and then the entire cake is poured with a sand-cement mixture. This base is completely ready for arranging various finishing materials: linoleum, parquet, ceramic tiles, etc.

Foam glass products have the characteristics necessary for effective thermal insulation of buildings for any purpose. They combine: low heat transfer rates, ease of installation, long service life, fire and bioresistance, environmental safety for both humans and structures.

Foam glass video

Despite the high cost of this material, laying foam glass will pay for all the costs due to the absence of additional layers of the pie and due to the minimum amounts in heating bills.

On the features of the production of foam glass and its use as a heater, positive and negative properties material, floor preparation before thermal insulation, basic work, leveling and decorative surface finishing.

The content of the article:

Floor insulation with foam glass is a technology based on the use of high-quality and modern heat-insulating material. Many of his positive qualities puts it in a leading position among all heaters. Today, foam glass can be used in the insulation of residential buildings and industrial facilities.

Features of thermal insulation of the floor with foam glass

This insulation is a foamed glass, consisting of a huge number of glass cells. It is this structure that determines the stability of its characteristics even over time.

By chemical composition it is close to ordinary glass, and the main difference lies in the production method. The basis is the same broken glass which is involved in manufacturing process in all glass factories. It is crushed to a powder and sent to a furnace, where it melts and swells under the influence of high temperatures.

The mass is evenly cooled and allowed to spread over the form. In the finished material, there are cells filled with gas, which serve as a product of the boiling and release of coal. The resulting glass in foamed form increases in volume up to 15 times. As soon as the finished product is completely cooled, it is sawn into separate blocks.

There are 2 main forms in which foam glass is produced: these are cast blocks and granules. The granular form can have varieties such as sand, crushed stone and gravel, which respectively indicate its size. They also differ in production technology. As for the blocks, broken glass is mixed with the derivative gases that coal releases.

When granulating, glass is also crushed first, but the melting process takes place at a higher temperature, reaching 1000 degrees Celsius. Soda, quartz sand, limestone and sodium sulfate are also added to the raw materials. As a result, grains are formed, which can be in volume from 1 mm to 1 cm and have different shape, more often round, oval, closed. The porosity of such material usually ranges from 80-90%.

Floors in buildings insulated with such material should consist of the following layers:

Immediate base - soil;
The base, which is concrete, as well as beam, bulk, based on natural materials, etc.;
Foam glass thermal insulation, which can be made in a supporting version or free;
Surface for finishing coating;
Finishing.

In a number of areas, foam glass is characterized by particular efficiency, for example:

If necessary, immediately warming large areas.
Great for objects that are somehow connected with the aquatic environment (in swimming pools, water parks, saunas).
Strength and fire resistance makes it possible to use it in the construction of high-rise buildings.
May be involved in restoration work in old buildings.
The material is relevant for thermal insulation of basements and underground premises.
It is used for insulation of pipelines because of its ability to cope with any temperature changes perfectly.
This material is widely used in the nuclear industry, at the enterprises of the chemical and oil industries, because of its fire resistance, as well as resistance to aggressive and acidic environments.

Advantages and disadvantages of foam glass floor insulation

This material has received many laudatory reviews about its practical application in insulation. First of all, it is excellent thermal insulation, but there are other aspects that our readers will be interested to know about:

Environmental safety along with the hygiene of the material.
High frost resistance, allowing it to be used even in regions with severe winters.
Low flammability and complete incombustibility.
Ease of installation that does not require significant qualification skills, as well as ease of processing with a conventional tool for any size.
To connect foam glass blocks, it is enough to use any building mix, glue, bitumen.
Resistance to chemically active reagents and acids in particular.
No emission of harmful fumes and toxic substances.
Resistant to destruction while maintaining the original shape and dimensions.
Low material density.
The wide scope of this insulation (can be used for thermal insulation of the floor, as well as roofs, balconies, loggias, basements, ceilings, etc.).
Huge service life, which can reach 100 years.
The material is not subject to erosion, the spread of mold and fungus, since it does not contain any biological compounds, so that they can insulate unventilated rooms.
High strength, which eliminates the need for additional fasteners during installation.
Moisture resistance, which is due to the fact that the material does not let water through in one direction or the other.
Sanitary security, based on the fact that the cells are equipped with micro-holes that create a positive microclimate and give clean air.
In foam glass, domestic insects or rodents will not be able to start.
Noise isolation and more.

Important to consider negative sides foam glass, which may interfere with its use, especially in residential areas. The material is particularly fragile due to any possible deviation from the production technology. Since the heat insulator is not elastic, but, on the contrary, is not subject to compression, it can crack when other structural elements are displaced.

Another point: the material is based on glass, and the insulation blocks are characterized by a significant mass. This forces us to carefully calculate the loads on load-bearing structure. By itself, foam glass does not cope well with shock loads. If it has been cracked, it becomes of little use as a heater.

Despite the fact that the insulator is classified as durable, this is not always useful. After all, other materials that are involved in the construction of the building may not be designed for such a long service life. But when dismantling the structure and replacing it, it will be difficult to keep the foam glass blocks intact.

One of the key disadvantages of this heat insulator is its relatively high production cost. This is due to expensive equipment that is involved in the production cycle.

Foam glass floor insulation technology

Slabs from this heat insulator can be laid not only on concrete, but also on wooden floor, as well as dry sandy bases. Using foam glass blocks, you can eliminate the deformation and subsidence of the material, as well as provide reliable thermal insulation and perfect water tightness.

Preparatory work before installing foam glass

Among the materials we need are the following: the insulation itself - foam glass for the floor, leveling mixture, mounting foam, material that will be used for finishing cladding, construction tape, waterproofing material or mixture, nails, self-tapping screws, dowels, glue, reinforcing mesh, cement, sand.

Among the tools you need to prepare: a construction knife, paint brush, electric drill, perforator, building level, spatulas of various widths, hammer, as a rule, trowel.

First of all, the floor surface is cleaned of the remnants of the previous coating. After that, it is evaluated in what state it is on this moment. Minor defects are easy to remove - these include potholes, bumps and the like. They can be knocked down with a hammer and sealed with leveling compounds.

But special attention should be paid to the presence of gaps between the plates, if the lower floor of the building passes under the room. You can make them the same cement mortar, which will be used to create the screed. Therefore, the cracks are filled with it, leveled with a spatula and left in this form for complete drying.

If the defects are properly repaired, the floor is cleared of debris, dust and dirt. The final cleaning is done with a vacuum cleaner. The surface is now ready for priming. These works do not require special skills at all - it is enough to arm yourself with a roller, but you will have to cover it 2 times. A second layer is applied after the first one has completely dried.

To create a mortar under the screed, cement grade M400 is taken, the sand must be cleaned, and not just river sand. A mixture of 3 parts of cement and 1 part of sand is kneaded and diluted with water until a homogeneous mass is created, without lumps. The proportions must be observed, and the solution itself must be stirred continuously so as not to cause premature solidification and subsequent cracking.

To isolate the walls, you can use damper tape, which is on sale in any hardware store. It will not allow the moisture that is present in the solution to seep to the lower floors. In addition, it compensates for all temperature differences, and also acts as a waterproofing in the corners and at the joints. Gluing it is very simple: remove its protective layer from the tape and press it well against the wall, it is glued overlapping at the joints, and the excess is cut off from below, from the side of the floor.

Pour the screed onto the prepared floor together with an assistant. One person at the same time constantly stirs the solution. Start pouring from the side of the wall that is opposite the entrance to the room. For creating flat surface use special lighthouses. The solution is leveled with a trowel, but it is better to apply the rule for tightening.

Despite the fact that the screed will harden in a day, it will take about a week to completely dry. During this time, the surface will need to be slightly moistened 2 times a day to prevent cracking.

Instructions for installing foam glass on the floor

To make a floor insulated with foam glass, the following sequence of operations is necessary:

A thin layer of sand is poured onto a pre-prepared surface, which must be pre-cleaned. The layer thickness is approximately 0.5 cm.
We lay a reinforcing screed over the heat-insulating layer. In the case when under the thermal insulation there is a cold basement, it is necessary to form the main insulation on the inside of the fence lattice.
Fall asleep on the floor granules. They must be evenly distributed and lightly compacted without the use of force.
Then, in the working tank, the casting bonding mixture is prepared. The proportions of cement and sand should be approximately 1 to 5.

For those who are interested in a quick and simple foam glass insulation technology, the following algorithm can be proposed. First, laitance is prepared and mixed with the granular material. Using the level, building beacons are placed on the floor surface. In the gaps between the guides, the prepared solution is poured, which is evenly distributed by the rule. As soon as the screed has completely hardened, you can lay the tiles on top.

Floor finishing

Consider flooring options floor tiles after the insulated surface has completely hardened. First you need to carry out the final leveling of the floor. It is best to use special ready mixes which are sold in construction departments. Filling is carried out from the far end of the room, with a gradual advance towards the door. It is necessary to wait for the final drying of the surface, which usually takes 2-3 days.

As floor covering usually ceramic tiles are used. Before you start laying it, it is advisable to cover the floor with a primer, which will give the connection greater strength. As soon as the ground paint is completely dry, the tiles are laid out in the room to see how they lay down and to orient themselves according to the pattern. If you have to cut the material, then individual pieces are best placed in inconspicuous places.

Begin laying tiles from the far corners of the room. In the process of performing work, it is fixed with a special glue, which is diluted according to the instructions. It is good if a special markup is indicated, in accordance with which the tiles will be laid. This will ensure that the geometry and pattern are preserved.

An adhesive mixture is applied to the floor with a spatula, a tile is applied on top and tapped tightly with a hammer. Glue must be poured so that it is evenly distributed on the surface. Its consumption in this case will reach 8 kg per 1 m 2. In order to form the seams between the tiles, it is necessary to install special crosses. During the entire installation process, be sure to check the evenness of the floor using the building level.

As soon as the whole tiles are laid out, they proceed to the installation of pieces - incomplete products. You can cut them with a special tile cutter or even an ordinary hacksaw for metal. After laying all products, the surface is allowed to stand for 3 days for the adhesive solution to dry completely. At this time, the floor must be protected from loads: do not bring furniture, do not go into the room once again, etc.

To give the surface a final look, the seams are sealed with a sealing compound. After that, it is washed off with a damp sponge, and the remnants of the sealant are carefully removed. Thus, the insulation of the floor with foam glass and the final finishing are completed.

You can resort to the grouting procedure, since the tile is only at first glance even, but in fact it can differ by a millimeter. The seams are able to hide these flaws, including those that appear during the installation process. Grout not only prevents the accumulation of dirt and dust in them, but also performs an aesthetic function. Now you can arrange furniture and other interior items.

How to insulate the floor with foam glass - look at the video:

Foam glass is one of the durable, strong and popular materials for insulation. It is easy to install and high efficiency. The technology was invented almost a century ago in the USSR, and the practical application was invented later in Canada. Foam glass appeared on the building materials market recently, when the technology of its production made it possible to make it affordable and of high quality. Before use, it is worth considering what foam glass granules or slabs are, their main advantages and disadvantages, as well as methods of use for insulation.

Foam glass combines the advantages of two materials at once. It combines silicate glass, which is both strong and brittle, and foam, an incredibly lightweight material. The production of foam glass consists in heating the silicate mass with the addition of a substance that forms a gas. High temperature leads to the melting of the substance, as well as the formation of small bubbles. This technology allows you to get a light and durable material that has high rate heat resistance.

In the field of thermal insulation, two main types are used:

Slab foam glass. The insulation has the shape of a plate, which has a structure with closed cells. Optimum is suitable for warming of a socle, a facade, a ceiling, overlappings and the base. The thickness is 6-12 cm, and the size of the plate is 45 * 60 cm. They can withstand even significant operational loads, do not shrink and are resistant to deformation during mechanical stress.

Plate insulation

granular material. Represents microporous granules of spherical shape. It is carried out in granules of various sizes from 1-5 mm to 7-20 mm. Can be used as a heater internal walls, ceilings and floors.

Granulated foam glass

Specifications two types of material are similar, therefore, when choosing it, one should be based only on the convenience and expediency of using a heater of one form or another.

Main characteristics

According to statistics, the higher the hardness index of the material, the lower its thermal insulation properties. Foam glass refers to heaters that not only withstand severe loads, but also have a low thermal conductivity.

Other characteristics of the material include:

Thermal conductivity. Foam glass has a thermal conductivity index of 0.04 W / m * s. If we compare it with a tree, then for this material this indicator is two times lower, and for the minimum wool it is higher by an average of 25%. Therefore, foam glass perfectly protects against heat loss. better than wood, mineral wool and many other heaters. High thermal insulation properties are explained by the presence of small closed cells with thin partitions in the structure.
Strength. Square meter insulation is able to withstand a pressure of 40-100 tons, and the strength index is 0.5-1.2 MPa. This indicator does not worsen over time. However, the impact strength of the material is low. Foam glass can be broken under strong mechanical stress.
Soundproofing. Foam glass is effectively used not only to protect against heat loss, but also from extraneous noise. The material is able to dampen sound waves with a force of 45-56 decibels.
Temperature resistance. The insulation is able to withstand temperatures from -200 to +300 degrees, which allows it to be used even at extreme temperatures.
Density. This indicator of the material is very low and is equal to 100-250 kg per cubic meter. And this figure is at least three times lower than the density of the tree.
Vapor permeability. Foam glass can also be used as a vapor barrier. The vapor permeability index is only 0.005 mg / (m * h * Pa).
Moisture resistance. Plates and granules of foam glass are able to absorb no more than 2% of water from their own volume. The material not only does not absorb moisture, but also does not change its properties when interacting with it.

High moisture resistance

biological stability. Foam glass has a high resistance to insects, rodents and microorganisms. The insulation does not absorb water, so mold and fungi do not form in it. And the high hardness of the material protects it from insects and rodents.
Chemical resistance. Foam glass is chemically inert material. Therefore, when in contact with acids, alkalis, gases and petroleum products, foam glass does not interact. The only substance that foam glass interacts with is hydrofluoric acid.
Ecological purity. Foam glass does not burn, does not emit toxic gases and does not produce decay products. This makes the material safe for warming residential premises.

The unique characteristics of the material are due to the combination of the properties of silicate glass and gas microcapsules.

Main advantages

The use of foam glass as a heater has a number of significant advantages. These include:

Excellent thermal insulation characteristics. They are explained by the peculiarity of the structure of the material - small closed cells with thin partitions.
Versatility. The material is universal, therefore it can be used for insulation of facades, roofs, foundations, communications, walls and floors. It can be used even for objects with a high fire hazard.
Long service life. The material is able to last more than 100 years without loss of performance. At the same time, it tolerates high and low temperatures, as well as their sudden changes.
Good ones soundproofing properties. A layer of insulation of 10 cm is able to drown out even the sounds of a running tractor engine behind the wall. Therefore, the material is effectively used not only to protect against heat loss, but also from extraneous noise.
Ease of installation. An ordinary hacksaw can be used to cut the plates, it is enough just to pour the granules on the prepared surfaces. The material is incredibly light, so working with it is easy.
Security. Material does not emit dangerous compounds Therefore, it can be used in public and residential premises.
Fire resistance. Foam glass does not burn, and at a very high temperature it only melts, without releasing toxic components and smoke.

The advantages of foam glass have made it one of the most successful and quality materials for insulation of floors, roofs, ceilings, plinth, walls and other surfaces.

Main disadvantages

Despite the obvious advantages of foam glass, when choosing it as a heater, disadvantages should also be taken into account. These include:

High price. In the building materials market, foam glass is one of the most expensive insulation materials. This is due to the high energy consumption in production. In addition, the production requires expensive equipment.
Low impact strength. The material has a high compressive strength, but is a rather brittle material. Therefore, when strong blows foam glass can crack, and such cracked plates can no longer be used as insulation.
Low steam conductivity. This property of the material is both its advantage and disadvantage. Despite the fact that fungi and mold cannot form in foam glass, there is no air exchange on the surface it covers, so foci of infection may appear.

Foam glass - high quality and modern insulation for various kinds surface, however, when choosing it, disadvantages must also be taken into account.

Details of home insulation with foam glass can be found in the video:

Application

A feature of the material is its excellent thermal insulation properties combined with high strength. Therefore, it can be used to insulate the basement, foundation, bearing walls and pipelines. The low rate of water absorption allows it to be used for thermal insulation of the basement, foundation and ground floor. The granular material can be used as an insulating additive for concrete. For thermal insulation of walls, it is enough to fill it in their cavity.

Insulation with granulated foam glass

Foam glass is well cut and drilled, so it is easy to make pieces from the plates right size. In addition, the plates hold plaster, putty, glue and other surface finishes well.

The material can be used not only for residential and public buildings. It is used for housings of various technological and industrial equipment that works at high temperature.

Foam glass insulation

Foam glass insulation technology

To guarantee high thermal insulation qualities of the material, it is required to follow the technology of its installation:

To fix the boards, it is recommended to use a special adhesive, which must be applied to the back of the board and the side walls. After that, the glue should be evenly distributed over the surface of the sheet.
If the surface has pits, bulges or other irregularities, the foam glass adhesive should be applied with slaps to get the most even base.
When warming wooden base it is recommended to fix the plates with special dowels. The tree expands when exposed to moisture and temperature, so the insulation must be mechanically mounted to it.
When installing the plate on a vertical surface, it is necessary to install the bottom bar using building level. It is best to use a metal profile or rail as a bar.
The first row of insulation should be mounted on a profile that will act as a support. After the adhesive has completely cured, the support can be removed. However, it is best to remove it after the work is completed.
When installing plates on vertical or inclined surfaces, start from the bottom, and on horizontal ones - from the far corner.
Plates should be laid close to each other with an offset of one row relative to the other. After applying and completely drying the glue, it is additionally recommended to strengthen the plates with special dowels.
Around windows and doors, heat-insulating plates are recommended to be mounted in solid figures. It is not allowed to connect separate pieces of material to each other on corner lines.

Roof insulation with foam glass

Foam glass is a high quality, modern and very light material for thermal insulation. various surfaces. Competently following the installation technology will increase the efficiency of thermal insulation and extend the life of the material.