Save energy thanks to external insulation | Alex Garden

If your home is cozy and warm in the winter and nice and cool in the summer, the whole family will feel comfortable. This is exactly what you need when building a house External insulation . When it comes to new buildings, builders are required by law to build in ways that save energy. Therefore you should Thermal insulation of the building must be planned from the beginning. Designers should decide individually for each construction project which insulation is the best solution. There is no such thing as completely waterproof insulation yet, but good building insulation saves the builder a lot of heating or cooling costs. Below we explain what types of insulation exist and what insulating materials are used.

The advantages of external insulation

• Savings on heating costs
• Increase in the value of the property
• Protection of the building structure from atmospheric agents
• Contribution to climate protection through the reduction of CO2 emissions
• Greater quality of life thanks to the improvement of the internal climate
• Reduction of thermal bridges

What types of insulation exist?

It is up to the builder to insulate the building and everything around it well different options available. However, the most important and sensible way to insulate is external insulation. This thermal insulation is installed from the outside of the house and can be installed as an insulating measure in all parts of the house, from the basement wall to the facade to the roof. In general, there are the following types of insulation:

Facade insulation

A Insulation of external walls it is mandatory because if this is missing the energy loss is up to six times greater. The facade of the house can be insulated from the inside or outside. In a new building, this should definitely be the case External insulation be chosen. Why one Internal insulation It takes up space and presents a risk of mold if not installed correctly.

Roof insulation

In a new building, insulation can be installed above, between or under the rafters. One is recommended Beam insulationas it does not reduce attic space. It is suitable for renovations Between or under the insulation of the beams Better.

Basement insulation

If you like warm feet, you’ll love insulating your basement ceiling. Depending on the use, different insulation options are available. If the basement is not inhabited, it may make sense to install insulation panels on the basement ceiling, but this would cause a loss of height in the basement space. For inhabited basements, external insulation is recommended; ideally, this should be provided directly in the new building. Ceiling insulation can also be omitted if the basement is completely covered from the outside with a so-called Perimeter insulation it is isolated. (This process is used, for example, in Rötzer brick houses). The basement is completely insulated and therefore prepared for further use.

Windows and doors

Good exterior insulation is useless if windows and doors leak and let heat or cold through. At least one is recommended Double glazingtriple glazing is even safer. Here too, builders should be well informed or take advice.

What insulating materials exist?

There are many materials for external insulation. We will introduce you to the most common insulation materials.

Synthetic insulating materials

• Rigid expanded polystyrene (more commonly known as “Styrofoam” or “EPS”)
• extruded rigid expanded polystyrene (“Styrodur” or “XPS”)
• Rigid polyurethane foam panels

Advantages and disadvantages: Polystyrene and polyurethane have excellent insulating properties. They are particularly pressure stable and insensitive to humidity. However, unless they contain flame retardants, they are potentially combustible. Furthermore, synthetic insulation materials are energy-intensive and based on petroleum and are therefore unfavorable from an ecological point of view.

Mineral insulating materials

Advantages and disadvantages: Rock and glass wool insulate effectively and are quite economical. However, they require moisture protection and protective clothing during processing, as loose fibers can irritate the skin. The high energy consumption during production can also be viewed negatively.

Organic insulating materials

• wood fibres
• Sheep’s wool
• cellulose
• Hemp fibres
• Ch
• linen

Advantages and disadvantages: Wood fibres, sheep’s wool and cellulose offer not only good thermal but also acoustic insulation; while hemp, cork and linen fibers regulate humidity, they are resistant to insects and mold. Since organic insulation materials are renewable raw materials, they are considered extremely environmentally friendly and hemp fibers are even CO2-neutral. Flame retardants must be added to most organic insulation materials to make them fireproof.

Other insulating materials

Vacuum insulating panels

Vacuum insulation panels work via a closed vacuum and are characterized by excellent insulation and low panel thickness. However, they are expensive, must be ordered precisely, and drilling with a nail or screw can destroy the insulation effect.

Pearlite

Perlite insulation material is made from volcanic rock. The advantage of this material: perlite does not rot, offers maximum fire protection and is resistant to pests. The soundproofing properties are very good, but the insulation is rather in the middle range.

External insulation etc. – legal regulations for the insulation of buildings

Which has been severely tightened since 2016 Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) establishes that the primary energy needs of residential and non-residential buildings must be deliberately designed in an economical manner. This includes in particular the energy needed to heat the house. Building owners are therefore legally obliged to take various insulation measures, such as external insulation, in order to have to invest less energy in heat production. But be careful: you should definitely not settle for the current minimum requirements. Because the “Nearly zero energy buildings» as standard for new buildings. Due to the very good efficiency, this is powered by only a small amount of renewable energy. It is therefore worth setting the standard a little higher, building as climate-friendly as possible and insulating accordingly.

As in almost all aspects of housing, it also applies here: Good far-sighted and well-thought-out planning is the be all and end all!