Good day, curious readers!
Have you decided to build a bathhouse? Don't know which insulation to choose for it? This matter must be approached extremely responsibly, since not all raw materials intended for insulation of building structures are suitable for thermal insulation of a bathhouse.
Why? Yes, because some materials are destroyed under the influence of high temperature and humidity (become harmful to health) or simply lose their properties, without which they are of little use.
But since the steam room in the private sector is a fashionable trend today, the demand for the construction of baths has increased significantly. This means that the need for good modern building materials has increased immeasurably. As they say, demand creates supply...
This led to the appearance on the market of a new high-tech product - penotherm, the characteristics of which, as manufacturers say, are simply amazing. Is it really? Now let's figure it out!
Penotherm: features of thermal insulation raw materials
Concept and production
Penotherm is a heat-insulating material intended for insulation of baths and saunas. It is made from foamed polypropylene and laminated with aluminum foil. There are several types of raw materials. The difference lies in the purpose of the material. Therefore, the composition of one or another type of product differs.
In general, the insulating element consists of polypropylene and technological additives, for example, plasticizers, stabilizers, foaming agents, fire retardants and many other components. Of course, the full composition of the heat insulator is known, but it’s not that important, the main thing is the result.
Steam thermal insulation for baths is produced in rolls, which is very profitable. Each consumer can buy exactly as much material as he needs for a specific purpose, without overpaying for extra square meters. It’s not for nothing that I mentioned vapor barrier, since the foil coating copes with this task perfectly.
According to the manufacturers, the product is manufactured using exclusively high-quality raw materials, innovative equipment, modern technologies and techniques. And also, if you believe the creators of steam and thermal insulation for baths, the insulation undergoes strict control at every stage of the production process: from the selection of components to its packaging.
Therefore, product manufacturers exclude the presence of low-quality and defective goods. And highly qualified experts, having carried out a lot of tests, confirmed the compliance of the products with the established requirements.
Where is Penotherm used?
Depending on the location of application, coatings with a metallized film or foil surface can be used.
- Penotherm for saunas and baths is characterized by increased resistance to high temperatures - temperatures of more than +150 degrees can cause a change in its characteristics.
- A layer of thermal insulation material Penotherm NPP LF represents reliable protection for wall insulation if it is used during the installation of ceilings - it can protect the structure from vapors and moisture.
- The use of insulation with a foil layer in swimming pools can provide vapor barrier and thermal insulation of the ceilings of structures.
For those users who decide to use Penotherm for a bath, they may hear extremely flattering reviews: installing a layer of material makes it possible to use the stoves in a steam room with a lower power.
Coating with foil film can save the craftsman from the need to attach a separate layer of extremely thin foil, which very often develops defects during installation. also no need to carefully search for holes and flaws in thin foil , because condensate that appears on its surface can pass through them.
Due to the presence of reflectivity, the insulation is capable of creating a real thermos effect indoors , while increasing the energy-saving characteristics of thermal insulation systems by almost a third. The effectiveness of this insulation is achieved due to the ability to stop radiant heat using a screen, which is the foil surface.
The characteristics of Penotherm make it possible to use it also as enclosing insulation, resistant to high temperatures, as well as under conditions of mechanical loads and elevated temperatures.
Varieties
As already mentioned, there are three types of Penotherm. So, so that you do not get confused and make the right choice, I will tell you about the types of products.
- The first type is NPP LE - vibration-damping raw materials made from polypropylene and a mass of technological additives by extrusion. Designed for “Floating Floors” construction. In addition, it is quite often used for soundproofing floors, since it is endowed with excellent vibration and noise-absorbing properties.
- The second type is NPP LF - a material made of polypropylene and laminated on one side with aluminum foil. Designed for steam and thermal insulation of rooms with high humidity and temperature.
- The third type is NPP LP - insulation made of polypropylene and backed with a metallized film made of lavsan. Intended for arranging the “Warm Floor” system or for laying other heating devices.
Thus, to insulate steam rooms, it is necessary to use raw materials of the NPP LF brand - option No. 2. I think this question is clear.
The principle of operation of insulation
Completely different heat insulators can be used, but, unfortunately, each of them has its own disadvantages, especially since they have to be used in such extremely difficult conditions - with high humidity and high temperature. It is quite possible that it was precisely this fact that contributed to the increasing popularity of such a new insulating material as Penotherm .
This material is produced with an aluminum foil coating or a coating of lavsan metallized film. It is the existing metal-containing coating that acts as a thermal mirror, in other words, a reflective element.
The characteristics of this material indicate that aluminum foil is capable of reflecting approximately 98% of radiant energy, and allows it to maintain high temperatures in the steam room for a long time. Laying a layer of Penotherm NPP LF makes it possible to significantly reduce the percentage of heat loss through floors, walls and ceilings.
Characteristics
The high demand for Penotherm is due to its excellent characteristics. I present them in more detail:
- operating temperature – +150 – –50°С;
- vapor permeability coefficient – 0.001 Mg/(m*h*Pa);
- thermal conductivity coefficient – 0.03 W/m2K;
- noise absorption coefficient – 22 dB;
- heat reflection efficiency – up to 92%;
- moisture absorption – no more than 0.5% per day;
- thickness – 2/¾/5/8/10 mm (solid choice);
- width – 1200 mm;
- winding – 25/30 lm/m2;
- load – 200 kg/m2;
- density – 40 kg/m2;
- flammability - G2/V1/D3.
To make it clearer, let's look at the advantages of the product.
Polypropylene is the basis for the manufacture of modern insulation materials
The basis for creating the material Penotherm NPP LE, just like LF, is foamed polypropylene. The advantages of polypropylene are:
- low thermal conductivity coefficient;
- not prone to absorbing water;
- ability to resist tensile and compressive loads.
Such characteristics allow the material to be used in saunas, baths, and “warm floor” systems.
Advantages
Foil vapor insulation differs:
- durability (more than 50 years);
- wear resistance;
- lightness;
- elasticity;
- environmental friendliness;
- resistance to the harmful effects of climatic factors;
- countering the negative influence of biological factors;
- not subject to the harmful effects of mechanical factors;
- resistance to the destructive influence of chemical factors;
- resistance to the negative effects of thermal factors;
- first-class sound insulation;
- excellent thermal insulation;
- excellent vapor barrier;
- good waterproofing;
- ease of installation;
- at a reasonable price, which is not unimportant.
In addition, thanks to such heat-reflecting material, the room heats up at lightning speed. The product also keeps the temperature at the proper level for a long time, giving the bathhouse a “thermos effect.” In addition, raw materials reduce energy costs by 30%. In addition, the insulation is absolutely safe for the human body. And the heat insulator is recycled, which does not contribute to environmental pollution.
No negative aspects were found, or rather, I cannot name them (or I don’t know).
Which Penotherm is suitable for thermal insulation of baths
In the line of various insulation products “Penotherm”, NPP LF has long become the informal leader as a “warm” protection for baths and saunas, leaving behind mineral materials and polyurethane foam. Today there are several types of products called “Penotherm”, but for thermal insulation of the steam room of a sauna or bath it is recommended to use only LF - sheet foil.
Varieties of "Penotherma":
- “Penotherm” NPP LF is produced on the basis of low-density polyethylene, coated with aluminum foil, which makes it possible to withstand constant heating with a temperature of the “hot” metallized surface of 170 ° C;
- “Penotherm” of the LP series (sheet on a foam propylene base) will not withstand heating above 60 ° C, it was developed for use primarily as light thermal insulation, therefore it can be used for relatively cold surfaces of the floor and walls of the bathhouse - dressing room, rest room, locker room;
- In addition to the listed brands, there is “Penotherm” LE - a special light and soft one, made of porous polyethylene, which dampens sound and noise well, but is not suitable for thermal insulation of baths.
Scope of use
The scope of Penotherm is wide. It is used for insulation of private houses, garages and outbuildings. But more often it is used for thermal insulation of baths and saunas. However, it was precisely for them that it was created. With the help of an innovative product the following can also be insulated:
- roofs;
- attics;
- attics;
- walls;
- floors;
- doors (if necessary).
Having given preference to foil thermal insulation, you will not have to regret the purchase.
Detailed description
Penoterm Polyrex is a thermal insulation material based on polyethylene foam with a heat-reflecting foil coating.
Self-adhesive heat and sound insulation material made of polyethylene foam, laminated with a heat-reflecting layer of aluminum foil on one side and a closed adhesive layer on the other.
The material protects air conditioning systems from heat loss and condensation.
Advantages
- Resistant to ultraviolet radiation, moisture and corrosion.
- Wide operating temperature range: from -60 to +90 C.
- Convenient and simple installation, without damaging the layers.
- Absence of toxic compounds.
Application area
Penoterm Polyrex self-adhesive insulation is suitable for insulating walls, ceilings, attics, and basements in residential and commercial premises.
The Penotherm group of companies is a well-known Russian manufacturer of insulating and packaging materials based on foamed polypropylene. Currently, the company produces products for individual, commercial and industrial construction.
Installation
Laying thermal insulation materials does not require extreme skill. Even beginners can easily handle it, that is, styling. Don't believe me? Well, look for yourself:
- fixation is carried out vertically along the walls with the material extending onto the floor and along the ceiling;
- the canvas is attached with an overlap;
- the panels are laid in a foil layer inside the room so that the foil reflects steam and heat;
- installation of thermal insulation is carried out with small nails or a regular furniture stapler, which is much more convenient and faster;
- Be sure to stick aluminum tape along the joining line;
- a small outlet is made for condensation at the junction of the wall and the floor (small outlet of the panel).
After this, a wooden sheathing is carefully laid out, and a finishing material is attached to it - lining or imitation timber. Are you sure? There is nothing complicated. Although, every business needs to be learned...
Thus, Penotherm is an ideal material for insulating baths and saunas. And finally, as the TV presenter of the “Revizorro” program, I will say: “I recommend”! Velvet steam and a gentle broom, dear friends! Join our social groups, it will be interesting and informative. See you!
Wisdom Quote: A decisive step forward is the result of a good kick from behind...
Manufactured brands of foil insulation and their properties
Foil side Penotherm
In addition to Penotherm with a foil side, the manufacturer produces a whole line of insulation made from foamed polypropylene. In particular, for “warm floor” systems, Penotherm NPP LP is produced, which has special markings for installing heating elements on one side covered with a metallized Mylar film. Another brand of insulation is also popular on the construction market: Penotherm NPP LE, which is used when installing floors for effective sound insulation. Bathhouse Penotherm has a wide operating temperature range: from -40 to +150 degrees. Aluminum foil, which covers one side of the insulation, has a thermal reflection coefficient of 90%, while the water absorption of the material is only 0.7% per day. Thermal shrinkage when exposed to high temperatures is only 1-3% in 24 hours. The thermal conductivity of foamed polypropylene is only 0.03. At the same time, the heat transfer resistance after the steam room is completely sheathed is further increased due to the thickness of the material. So for a thickness of 3 mm this coefficient is about 0.7, and for a thickness of 1 cm it will be equal to 0.9. The vapor permeability coefficient of Penotherm is very low and amounts to only 0.001. In addition to the performance characteristics, the manufacturer promises that in the event of force majeure, when a room lined with the material catches fire, it will not create any additional problems during fire extinguishing. Thus, according to fire characteristics, foil Penotherm belongs to class G2-G4. What it is? Thus, fire standards designate a material of moderate flammability, and in terms of toxicity level, the insulation has class T1, which includes low-hazard materials.
Selecting insulation and installing it indoors
The insulation manufacturer is the company Penotherm, which produces material with a thickness of 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10 mm. The release form is a roll, which contains 25 linear meters for thicknesses from 2 to 5 mm, and 15 linear meters for thicknesses of 8 and 10 mm. The width of any rolls is standard and is 1.2 meters. For wooden bath walls more than 20 cm thick, you can use the thinnest Penotherm. A beam or log with a thickness of 15 to 20 cm is covered with 4 mm thick insulation; for thinner walls, 5 mm insulation is suitable. If the walls of your bathhouse are made of bricks or blocks 25 cm thick, then you will need an eight-millimeter Ural Penotherm. For thicker stone walls, ten-millimeter material is used. Insulating a steam room includes several operations:
- The thermal insulation flooring of Penotherm for a bath is overlapped vertically along the walls and along the ceiling. In this case, part of the panel should be placed on the floor. The foil layer is located inside the room. Installation is carried out using a stapler or small nails; all fastening points and joints are carefully taped.
- Stuffing of wooden sheathing under the finishing lining from 1-2 cm bars.
- The final finishing of the room with clapboard, while the board can be installed both horizontally and vertically.
Penotherm for baths and saunas is sold almost everywhere, weighs little, and installs quickly. The material will allow you to reduce the time it takes to warm up the room and keep it warm for a long time. For more information, watch this video:
Procedure and rules for carrying out installation work
I would also like to note that the price of Penotherm for a bath is extremely affordable, and its installation is so simple that even a person without special training can do it with his own hands.
- Thermal insulation is fastened vertically along the walls and along the ceiling, with part of the panel extending to the floor.
- The panels should be laid overlapping, with a foil layer inside.
- This thermal insulation is secured using nails or a stapler.
- The tape must be applied along the joint line.
After which it is necessary to fill the wooden sheathing on which the lining will be attached. You can fill the board either horizontally or vertically.
Sources
- https://banyamsk.ru/steny/uteplenie/penoterm-dlya-ban-i-saun/
- https://postroibanu.ru/uteplenie-bani/penoterm-xarakteristiki.html
- https://penoterm.ru/penoterm/teplo-i-paroizolyatsiya-dlya-ban-i-saun/
- https://bouw.ru/article/penoterm-dlya-teploizolyatsii-bany-i-saun
- https://www.OBI.ru/tekhnicheskaya-izolyaciya/otrazhayushaya-izolyaciya-penoterm-5-mm-3-kv-m/p/4148698