Back to: Insulation materials
Properly installed insulation is an investment that pays off in a very short time through drastically lower heating and cooling bills. In addition to saving money, insulation protects the construction of the building itself from temperature fluctuations, moisture and deterioration, while at the same time providing a pleasant microclimate inside the home throughout the year. Choosing the right material depends on the specific needs of the building, but the goal is always the same: maximum retention of energy inside the walls.
If you are looking for insulation materials, on this page you can find a list of companies in Belgrade that have insulation materials in their range.
Expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) is the most popular, primarily due to its affordable price and easy installation. Its more advanced variant, gray or graphite styrofoam, which has about 20% better insulating properties, is increasingly being used. On the other hand, rock wool and glass wool are a top choice for those looking for vapor permeability and top fire and noise protection. For places exposed to high pressure and moisture, such as foundations and basements, styrodur (XPS) is indispensable, which practically does not absorb water due to its density.
Demit facade is the most common external thermal insulation system used in modern construction. This system involves multi-layer protection: insulation boards (most often styrofoam or stone wool) are glued directly to the outer wall, and then additionally fixed with mechanical dowels. A layer of glue is applied over the insulation, into which the reinforcing glass mesh is embedded, which gives it strength and resistance to cracking. At the end comes the final, decorative facade plaster that protects the system from atmospheric influences. Demit facade is an ideal solution because it eliminates thermal bridges and allows the walls to accumulate heat.
Experts are unanimous: external insulation is always a better and more efficient solution. When the insulation is installed on the outside, the walls remain inside the "warm envelope", which prevents them from freezing and the appearance of condensation and mold on the inside. Internal insulation is recommended only in cases where external insulation is not possible, such as in buildings under state protection or when insulating only one room in a multi-storey building. The disadvantage of internal insulation is the loss of useful space in the room and the fact that the walls remain cold, which can lead to moisture at the junction of the wall and the insulation layer if a quality vapor barrier is not installed.