4 reasons to insulate the foundation, not to be trapped

Scope of cottage construction, despite the availability of building codes, building codes, and codes of practice, often regulated by individual request of the customer, as well as the professionalism or the lack of contractors. For this reason, the question "to insulate or not to insulate the foundations?" In the segment of small building often causes debate. There are several fundamental reasons for the decision on the thermal insulation of the foundation can be only one - warm! We will understand why the foundation of the house needed a heater and that is, if you do not take care of this in advance.

The problem of modern building - the imaginary economy. Very often, in order to reduce the construction cost of the house, customers refuse certain construction phases, which ultimately results in huge costs during the operation. One striking example of this kind can be considered insulation of the foundation. Waived multiple parts can result in a horror film after the first winter.

The first series - cracks in the foundation

In this situation, the effective prevention of frost heave impact forces are foundations, laying depth is below the freezing depth. But this enormous cost: only the preparation and excavation of the trench will result in appreciable amount, and the amount of concrete and does increase the estimate significantly.

Alternatively, various types of weakly deepened foundation during construction have been developed which a small depth of the compensated competent warming the entire structure, in contact with ground.

In the absence of thermal insulation and basement otmostki remaining moisture in the ground freezes at temperatures below zero, therefore, expands in volume, exerting pressure on the structure. When the temperature rises above zero ice starts melting, primer omitted. Thus, the foundation is subjected micromotion. The difficulty lies in the fact that the ground freezes unevenly, leading to soil sediments on the one side of the house and raise the ground on the other. This in turn inevitably leads to the appearance of cracks in the foundation. If the walls of the house are made of brick or block materials, the crack may well appear on the facade.

The problem can be solved by means of decoration, closing up the gap. But more likely it can be repeated again and again - as long as the main cause is resolved. In such a case have yet to insulate the foundation and blind area to dislodge the freezing zone of the construction site.

The second series - save the family budget

Heat losses through the foundation may not warmed up to 20%. See this is not difficult. Thermal Sensing - a common and very affordable service. It is necessary to carry out in the cold time of the year, with significant differences in temperature inside and outside the house. The imager scans the object light in the infrared range of the spectrum. Designated with maximum heat leakage are displayed on the monitor device.

Non-insulated foundation and will do a continuous thermal bridges, mercilessly passes all homes warm in the ground. At current energy prices the lack of thermal insulation seriously hitting the family budget.

Third series - condensation

If there is a ground floor and basement insulation is not only the absence of a negative impact on energy efficiency, it can seriously impair the climate indoors. Due to the difference in temperature inside and outside in the winter increases the risk of condensate precipitation in the cellar. As a result, constant humidity sooner or later will lead to the formation of mold and mildew, destruction of the concrete structure. Coupled with the loss of heat "savings" on the failure of the insulation during the construction phase will result in significant repair costs during the operation.

The fourth series - damaged waterproofing

One of the main conditions for any foundation durability is its reliable waterproofing. waterproofing layer needs compulsory protection.

This function performs a profiled membrane or insulating layer. Let us not forget that the insulation is, among other things, serves as a reliable waterproofing protection from damage that can occur almost inevitably, such as backfilling. XPS plates in this case perform a shield against mechanical influences.

What foundation needs to be mandatory insulation

Part of the answer to this question was given in the beginning of this article. In short, any foundation needs insulation. Nevertheless, the temptation to save money and effort sometimes prevails over common sense. To avoid falling into the trap of the imaginary economy, we must remember that insulation need foundations located on heaving soils. They just carry construction in the risk zone. All the "charms" of non-insulated foundation and the lack of an insulated blind area can be tested separately or together after the first winter.

It should also be recalled that 14 June 2019 an amendment to the SP 50.13330.2012 Thermal protection of buildings. The updated edition of SNiP 23-02-2003 concerning standards of thermal protection of foundations and basement walls. Under the new regulations normable reduced resistance value of the heat transfer wall portion situated below ground level at a depth of at least 1 m should be the same as for the wall, situated above the level of ground. For this reason, the foundation for all its depth of at least a meter from the ground, should be warmed using XPS.

Extruded polystyrene foam has a low thermal conductivity and resistant to aggressive media. But perhaps its most important feature - minimal water absorption, that is, even in conditions of constant dampness insulation keeps the heat-saving properties. For convenience, builders manufacturers offer a wide range of material options, which differ in their characteristics depending on the application area. For the basement part, you can use the material surface is milled in the factory. Such XPS manufactured under the trademark CARBON FAS, FAS wherein the prefix indicates the presence of milling and special grooves which improve adhesion to the surface of the insulation.

The presence of the basement and the ground floor is also an absolute indicator for insulation. Otherwise bunch of problems is provided as soon as possible after the operation sat down.

Thus, the conclusion is obvious: the real savings comes not from the refusal of the necessary stages of construction. Achieve comfort, reduce the costs associated with owning and living only by adhering to the construction technology and the manufacturer's recommendations. Rules of building reliable and durable houses do not suffer rash decisions.