How to insulate a loggia from the inside and outside

Insulation loggia with their hands will greatly expand the living space of the apartment: the space previously used as a pantry or drier, it will turn into a full room.

To insulate the loggia means to create so – called «the thermic effect» around the perimeter of the room. This process involves carrying out the whole complex of works:

• glazing;
• preparatory phase;
• insulation of the floor;
• insulation of the ceiling;
• wall insulation;
• installation of waterproofing;
• insulation of exterior surfaces;
• fine finish.

Below each phase is discussed in more detail.

Loggia glazing ↑

It is obvious that the warming of the open unglazed loggia makes sense, therefore, to begin the process follows with the installation of Windows.

Glazing of premises is performed by a standard algorithm, but by using additional (optional) profiles for resizing the window opening. Framing around the perimeter of the entire structure, it is intended to subsequently thickened insulation surface (walls and ceiling) is not blocked glass.

Learn how to choose and install the plastic frame on the loggia, you can watch this video.

Loggia warming inside ↑

After the installation of double-glazed Windows you can start insulation slabs loggias. However, this step requires some preparatory work.

The preparatory stage ↑

First of all you must determine which surfaces on balconies require insulation, and which do not. Typically, the insulation is covered only by «cold» ceiling, «warm» to save useful space «process».

The next step is the choice of material for the insulation of the room. The type of insulation and its thickness is selected based on their climatic conditions. Description presented to the market materials, their characteristics, advantage and disadvantages are listed in the following section.

The final stage of training is the foaming of cracks and voids in the structure. This procedure is necessary: it will help to secure the future of insulation from the negative impact of natural factors.

Materials for thermal insulation ↑

Many of the people who perform the insulation of balconies and loggias, still use traditional, but outdated materials, while modern industry offers a large range of heaters.

Extrusion (extruded) expanded polystyrene. This material is commercially available in the form of panels (plates) or wound into a roll of cloth. It has excellent insulating properties, low specific weight and provides a good level of insulation. The only downside of polystyrene can be called mediocre water vapor permeability. This circumstance imposes additional requirements for the organization of ventilation: if you do not drain the condensate from the insulation, the loggia has all the chances «moldy» from the inside out. Due to the low permeability of the material before insulation with polystyrene surface should be treated with special antifungal composition, and the insulation tape to attach paroizoliruyuschimi material.

The insulation of the loggia of the polystyrene must be remembered that it relates to fire and materials in combustion emits toxins.

Polystyrene in the form of panels and slabs in the sale is called «PENOPLEX» they preferred to insulate the ceiling and walls, while the rolled material can be used for floor.

Thanks to the standard sizes of the panels to calculate the required quantity very easily. Warming of a loggia with PENOPLEX your hands will not cause difficulties: in plates drilled holes for the dowels, the material is fixed. Hole filled with foam, the excess of which are cut with a knife (the surface in this area is polished with sandpaper).

Foam. This material has a porous internal structure and because of that has excellent insulating properties. The surface of the foam with smooth: this fact prevents the ingress of moisture. This type of insulation provides not only heat preservation but also good zvukoizolyatsii; produced in slabs (panels) or rolls.

The market today is easy to find the improved polyethylene foam with an even higher heat and moisture barrier properties. Laminated with a foil layer on one or both sides, it comes in rolls called «Heat insulation material is laid» or «Izolon».

Polyurethane foam. This material commonly known as foam rubber or polyurethane foam. It has a low specific weight, characterized by high thermal insulation performance, good protection against noise and moisture. One of the main advantages of polyurethane foam is the presence of a continuous film on the surface. It prevents the penetration of moisture.

Today it is possible to use progressive technology warming of a loggia with polyurethane foam – spraying. The material is not mounted and sprayed water high pressure wall in the form of a powder which is immediately after hitting the surface sticks together and forms a solid insulating layer.

Advantages of this approach are obvious: work on warming of balconies of any size can be made promptly. In addition, the use of this method allows to significantly save space: the thickness of the insulating coating the minimum.

Foam. One of the most common and readily available materials is foam. It shows high thermal and sound insulation properties are not affected by fungi and mould, and can be used even in the conditions of damp climate. The only disadvantage of this material – absolute instability to chemical liquids. However, in everyday life they do not apply, so the property will have to take into account only the repair time on the balcony.

To insulate the loggia of the foam is quite simple: the plate material mounted on dowels.

Insulation of vertical surfaces of the balconies (the parapet area above the Windows and walls) ↑

Consider one of the most simple options – insulation of balconies with foam polystyrene in slabs or rolls. This stuff is really easy to install and does not require you to have special skills. The algorithm of the necessary actions below.

First treat the surface of walls with special anti-fungal composition and a layer of gidroizolyator. While applied layers will dry, prepare material.

According to our calculations made at the preparatory stage, cut into the insulation. To do this you need an ordinary writing or boot knife.

If you live in a cold climate, prepare the material, based on the fact that it will be fixed in 2 layers, and the stitches of the first must overlap the second panel by at least 5 cm.

Proceed to the installation of PENOPLEX. The first layer of insulation is mounted on dowels-mushroom, «target» special hand tool. The second layer is placed on the foam or also «being targeted» to the first.

Warming of a loggia with polyfoam is performed on the same principle.

Insulating the ceiling of the loggia ↑

1. Insulating the ceiling of the loggia begins with mounting brackets.
2. Then installed the rails of galvanized steel profile.
3. Before you secure the insulation boards on ceiling in this cut required for suspension holes.
   It’s okay if the slit was more than need: a little later, their size can be changed with the help of foam or pieces of insulation.
4. Insulation plates are mounted with the help of foam or dowels. Depending on the specific weight of the material choose dowels with a plastic (for light panels) or metal (heavier) core.

Insulation of floor loggia ↑

That is the floor of the room is considered the most «cold» surface and needs maximum insulation. Even if the walls of the loggia insulation was installed in one layer, the floor is done «double».

The technology of insulation of floor loggia looks like the following.

1. First cleaned the subfloor up to the underlayment. This is done in order to preserve the height of the room. All debris is cleaned thoroughly to remain should only the naked base.
2. Rate the evenness of the floor: perhaps a new tie would be needed. If the curvature visible to the naked eye, pour a floor self-leveling compound, wait until it is completely dry and let stand.
3. The prepared base must be treated to prevent the appearance of fungus. After this procedure is laid waterproofing (as this layer you can use the heat insulation material is laid).
4. The next stage – the laying of rails and cross-lags (the latter are mounted with screws). Please note that the reference level of the elements determines the level of the flooring of the future – all the logs should be displayed equally.
   
5. After all the preparatory work carried out you can proceed directly to warming.
   If the horizontal surfaces were more convenient sheet (plate), for floor it is best to use insulation rolls.

   The best option for insulation of floor loggia will be mineral wool: application of this material will allow to avoid occurrence of a gap between the insulation and joists.

6. On the draft floor joists plank.

Vapor barrier ↑

After insulation of all surfaces of the loggia has insulated surface should be covered with a continuous layer of vapor barrier. It will protect the materials from moisture and, as a consequence, the formation of mold and decay.

As a material for the vapor barrier, you can use the previously discussed heat insulation material is laid. Attach it with glue (by the way, you can find self-adhesive version) or using a special stapler foil surface to the residential space.

Joints material paroizolyator glued with foil tape. On vapor barrier layer (everywhere except the floor) are fixed rails or metal profile – they will be needed in the next phase of finishing the loggia.

Outdoor work ↑

In cold climates for maximum results, the loggia is recommended to insulate the outside. However, the execution of these works in this material will not be considered, so as to independently carry out this operation did not succeed due to the lack of professional equipment and high risk.

The carrying out outdoor work must be trusted to professionals.

The final (finishing) finishing ↑

1. On the rough floor is laid (placed) the selected coating.
2. In the fixed in advance the slats (metal profile) screws to fasten sheets of drywall, paneling or EURORAI. The ceiling if you want you can make a suspended.
3. In the case of use gipsokartona rubbing dry mixes, joints shpatlyuyutsya the caps used in the installation of drywall screws hiding.
4. The walls are made in any way (painting, wallpapering, etc.).

The above manual gives a complete picture about how to insulate a loggia from the inside. With moments that have caused you difficulty, will help you understand video material

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