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The rules regarding thermal insulation of buildings are constantly being stiffened, and since January 1, 2018, all residential buildings under construction should have less heat loss than before: for walls, this reduction in heat loss should be 47%, for floors and flat roofs — 32%.
The requirements for building thermal insulation go on increasing: on 1 January 2019 a rule came into force according to which only public buildings with indicators close to zero energy consumption can be put into service, and from January 1, 2021 this rule will be applied to residential buildings as well. In other words, starting from the beginning of next year, only passive houses, or active houses that generate additional energy will be commissioned.
The new rules do not apply to the existing buildings, however, the Hungarian Real Estate Market is characterized by poorly heat insulated buildings with high heat loss and, of course, it makes sense to additionally install thermal insulation. According to surveys, the walls are responsible for more than thirty percent of the total heat loss, and by choosing the right thermal insulation, almost 90 percent of these losses can be avoided.
The cost of thermal insulation, additionally installed on the existing buildings, pays off within 5 – 10 years, depending on the extent of the heat loss and the method of the thermal insulation used. In addition to reducing the costs of heating and cooling the premises, thermal insulation also helps the people who live or work in the buildings feel more comfortable; it prevents thermal bridges and condensation; it tends to increase the real estate value, and will make the house easier to sell compared to a normal building; thermal insulation also benefits the environment. According to statistics in Hungary, 5.7 tons of carbon dioxide emissions are produced per person per year, 1.3 tons of this amount are emissions from utilities in buildings: seventy percent of these emissions are generated by heating and cooling, and the rest – by heating water and electrical equipment.
One-sixth of the CO2 emissions in Hungary comes from heating and cooling, and four-fifths of this amount come from 2.7 million Hungarian single-family detached homes that are not either heat insulated at all or not properly heat insulated. According to studies, thermal insulation of obsolete private homes will help prevent nearly 1 million tons of CO2 emissions.
Solutions – Advantages and Disadvantages
– Closed Cell Polyurethane (PU):
In accordance with the European Classification, its fire rating is B, i.e. it extinguishes the fire on its own.
Its main properties: It provides a high degree of long-term thermal insulation (long service life), makes it possible to use a material of different density and with different load. A 3 (or more)-cm-thick layer of this material provides water resistance, but does not provide steam resistance. It is applied in a continuous layer, prevents the formation of thermal bridges, and is resistant to damages by rodents. During its installation, no cutting waste occurs; it is an environmentally friendly product. Quality-to-price ratio is optimal.
– Glass Wool:
Non-combustible material. In accordance with the European classification its fire rating is A1.
Its main properties: It provides good thermal insulation, but is sensitive to moisture (is not moisture tight). Its use is limited by its application scope: it is forbidden to walk on it. Its use is also limited by the fact that the material is harmful to the health — especially when used indoors – and is not an environmentally friendly product. The workers involved in the installation of this material must use appropriate personal protective equipment due to micro dust and the smallest particles of glass. These contaminants remain in the air when the installation activity has been completed, even after the walls have been covered by gypsum boards.
– Rock Wool:
It provides high fire safety; in accordance with the European classification its fire rating is A1.
Its main properties: It provides good thermal and sound insulation, is not vaporproof. At the same time, it is hazardous to inhale this material as well as glass wool.Its application scope is limited due to the fact that it does not hold its shape. Quality-to-price ratio leaves much to be desired; this thermal insulation is relatively expensive.
– Polystyrene (Hungarocell or EPS):
In accordance with the European classification it’s fire rating is rather low: the fire rating of polystyrene with antipiren is Е, and the fire rating of polystyrene without antipiren is F.
Its Main Properties: It provides good thermal insulation; it has wide application scope, it’s easy to cut and to install. It’s vaporproof, which restricts its application scope. It is affected by organic solvents, its service life is shorter, and the waste generated while the material is cut is classified as hazardous waste. Rodents and birds can seriously damage this insulation. Quality-to-price ratio is relatively good, it is considered the cheapest solution.
European classification of various insulating materials according to their fire resistance
| Euro-Class | Features / How does it contribute to the spread of flame? | Did the insulating material ignite during Room Corner Test *) / Product behavior | Type of heat-insulating material |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Incombustible | No / Incombustible | Rock wool, glass wool, foam glass |
| A2 | Incombustible | No / Incombustible | High-density mineral wool, with a large amount of binder, glued, e.g. PU or coated |
| B | Very limited participation in the fire | No | Some phenolic foams (PF) |
| C | Limited but visible participation in the fire | Yes / Ignition after 10 minutes | Some PI foams (PIR) |
| D | Substantial participation in the fire | Yes / Ignition within 2-10 minutes | The majority of PU foams (PIR) |
| E | Very active participation in the fire | Yes / Ignition before 10 minutes | Styrofoam, with the addition of PU flame retardants (PIR) |
| F | Very active participation in the fire or no data | Yes / Worse than Class E or not classified | Styrofoam without flame retardants |
* A Room Corner Test (RCT) is to test the behavior of separate insulation material by an ignition source located in a corner of the room. During the test, the strength of the fire is being increased.
For Room Corner Test see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNFhYQhopI4
Quality-to-Price Ratio
The installation costs always depend on the surface which the thermal insulation will be installed on and on the size of this surface, as well as its availability. However, we must keep in mind that prices are competitive anyway, so it’s always worth asking for a price quatation. In addition, the polyurethane foam allows forming a continuous layer of thermal insulation without a single joint. When repairing roofs – if there are signs of roof leakage – it‘s worth choosing closed-cell polyurethane foam for thermal insulation as in this case the roof does not need to be removed. This solution helps save a lot of money compared to the cost of roof repairs, even partial.
Of course, the cost of thermal insulation depends on the thickness of the insulation layer: one cubic meter of insulation material is enough for ten square meters of the surface to be insulated if the insulation layer is ten centimeter thick, and five square meters of the surface to be insulated if the insulation layer is 20 centimeters thick. If thermal insulation is installed in the workshops, its cost mainly depends on the the energy audit recommendations and technical suggestions aiming to reduce energy costs of the building to be repaired, also on how much the existing condition of the building meets the requirements.
The choice of the type of thermal insulation and its cost also depends on the function of the building: whether it serves for goods storage, what is the turnover rate in it. The cost of thermal insulation for each individual case is calculated taking into account specific conditions, but polyurethane foam means a favorable solution in terms of cost and quality in the case of a workshop as well: since its weigh is insignificant, and it’s a small volume material, its transportation, installation and the small amount of the required material allow significant savings.
Why Do We Recommend Using Polyurethane Foam
The Best Heat-Insulating Material
Polyurethane foam is the best heat-insulating material, thermal insulation of 40 mm thick foam layer is equal to 54 mm thick layer of closed cell polystyrene (XPS), 84 mm thick stone wool layer, and 178 mm thick wood layer. Since the thermal insulation layer of polyurethane foam is thinner than those of other materials, using this material helps to win useful space, and according to some calculations, the net “increase in area” in a 120 square meters house can be up to six square meters. Below is a graph ‘’The Needed Material Thickness for the Same Insulation Value’’.
U = 0,6 W/m2 K0
Quick & Easy to Use
Spray technology allows installing thermal insulation on the area of 100-200 m2 during one shift. Labour performance depends on the thickness of the foam layer and availability of the surface to be insulated. The thermal insulation is applied by a team of two people travelling to the work site by a small van: the hose is pulled into the attic, the operator is performing the activity in a confined space, then the hose is pulled back and the workers leave the work site.
Polyurethane foam is a two-component material, which meet at the very end of the sprayer; during the next ten seconds they are chemically bonded, and the foam sticks to everything it touches during these ten seconds. After ten seconds, the polyurethane foam also adheres to everything it comes into contact with, but it is easier to remove from the surface. After about half an hour, the surface dries completely, and then it can be grinded or paneled.
The workers will not walk around the building, no waste will be generated during the activity, and the air will be free from dust harmful to health when the work is executed.
Multiple Use
Polyurethane foam, which can be used for both internal and external thermal insulation, is suitable for thermal insulation of detached houses and production halls, it can be installed either when buildings are being constructed or subsequently in order to reduce energy costs. Unlike other heat-insulating materials, it is easy to apply even on sloping surfaces. It can also be used for thermal insulation and waterproofing of flat roofs, but in this case it shall be protected from the ultraviolet rays. The advantage of the foam is that it can be used on all elements of the building, from the foundation to the walls and roof structure, so there is no need to use other heat-insulating materials.
Polyurethane foam is ideal for thermal insulation of passive houses: this material is most suitable for construction airtight structures required for passive houses.
Lightweight foam does not mean a significant load for the roof structure: the weight of this thermal insulation applied on 1 square meter is a little more than one kilogram. It can also be used to insulate tanks and pipes. Another advantage of this material is that the foam provides a firm walkable surface
It Improves Building Stability
Closed-cell polyurethane foam also increases the load-bearing capacity of lightweight structures, thus improving their stability.
Why Is It Worth Choosing Us?
- We use the most modern equipment and the latest procedures to install thermal insulation, thus minimising all inconveniences associated with the work.
- We have considerable experience and good references, and our skilled staff are capable to perform even the most complex tasks.
- At the request of our clients, we provide expert consultation to find the most suitable thermal insulation solutions.
- We carry out free surveys.
- We help our clients make the right choice by offering them competitive price quotations, which won’t cause any surprise associated with hidden costs later.
- We complete the work on tight schedule and within the deadline.
- We guarantee the quality of our work.
Most Frequent Questions Addressed to Us
How long will it take to recoup the cost of thermal insulation?
The pay-off period depends on many factors, partly on the type of insulating material chosen by the client. It is also necessary to take into account that in order to achieve a significant reduction in energy consumption, it is necessary to replace the doors and windows by the mordern ones, since a large amount of heat escapes through the old ones. There are optimists who hope to recoup the cost in three years, but the period of 4 to 10 years seems more realistic.
How difficult is it to subsequently install thermal insulation on the existing house? Is it possible to avoid dismantling works?
It is not possible to completely avoid dismantling work, but insulating foam can be applied by injection method, which helps to minimize the volume of dismantling works. Foam is blown out from a hose pulled inside the building from outside, so the installation of thermal insulation in the building is carried out without any difficulties.
How long will it take to install thermal insulation?
We’ll carry out a survey, calculate the costs, and the longest period after which we’ll be able to commence the activity having concluded a contract is one week, depending on how busy we are. Weather can also have an effect on the duration of installation work: the minimum temperature at which this activity is allowed to carry out is 10 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity should not exceed 70%. Zero wind condition is also compulsory: the air speed should not exceed 10 km / hour.
How much does the building price increase due to good thermal insulation?
According to the results of real estate market survey buildings with thermal insulation are usually sold 15% more expansive than those with heat leak. However, a higher price does not mean that it will take longer to find a buyer. In the case of a detached 100 square meters house a value increase can amount to 3 million Forints, which means that thermal insulation is a profitable investment. However, it is also true that the difference in cost varies depending of the part of the country it is situated in: in less developed regions, a house with good thermal insulation can be 30 percent more expensive, while in more developed areas, where most buildings are energy efficient, this difference is less than ten percent.
How long will it take to install thermal insulation?
Using this method it is possible to apply insulation to a surface of 100-200 square meters during one shift, therefore, it will take two to three days to install heat insulation in a single-family detached home.
What is polyurethane foam insulation, how does it work and where is it applied?
Polyurethane foam has long been used in construction work: such foam was first produced in 1947, and a few years later, the material was first used at construction sites in Canada. It has been widely used in North America since the 80s of the 20th century and a few years later spread throughout Europe.
In use it proved to neither deform nor shrink for a long time and not to be subject to degradation.
This heat-insulating material consists of two components, which meet at the end of the spray gun, when the bonding process begins, which lasts ten seconds. During this time, the foam firmly adheres to everything it gets in touch with, and it is very difficult to remove from the surface. After ten seconds, the polyurethane foam also sticks, but it is easier to remove. In a short time, the original volume of polyurethane foam will increase by thirty times.
The material is applied to the surface by the help of a sprayer under a pressure of 100-120 bar, the thickness of the foam layer is 10-15 millimeters.
How does polyurethane insulation affect health and is it environmentally friendly?
The dried polyurethane foam is not harmful to health and the environment: it does not form microparticles that might be breathed in and does not emit hazardous chemicals. Since 1995, polyurethane foam, which is available in the European Union, is completely free of non-ozone-depleting substances (CFCs), i.e. the gases released into the air during the application of thermal insulation do not harm the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from ultraviolet rays. During transportation and use of polyurethane, only a small amount of carbon dioxide is released into the air due to the low weight of the material. And the thermal insulation itself is environmentally friendly: the energy used for the production of heat-insulating materials is only part of the heat saved after the thermal insulation has been installed.
Can thermal insulation be also installed In buildings with a slate roofs?
For sure. Five centimeters or thicker polyurethane foam layer provides the necessary strength to the slate, making it walkable. Meanwhile, due to the low weight of thermal insulation, the load of the roof structure does not exceed the permissible one.
What is the difference between closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation and open-cell polyurethane foam insulation?
Closed-cell polyurethane foam is step-proof and and its layer (at least 3cm thick) is waterproof, but retains its ability to pass vapours. Thus, closed-cell polyurethane foam is also suitable for insulating ceilings in industrial workshops. The cell walls are microporous, therefore the material is heat-insulating and water-repellent, but transmits vapors. Open-cell polyurethane foam, on the contrary, can only be used indoors to insulate walls and attics. The volume of open-cell polyurethane foam can increase by 100 times when being sprayed, forming a spongy material as a result.
What is the fire rating value of polyurethane foam thermal insulation?
This thermal insulation is Class B Fire Rated. This means that it catches fire when exposed to a flame, but does not spread it, and stops burning when the fire bed disappears as it is self-extinguishing material.
Who do we recommend to use this heat-insulation material?
First of all, we recommend polyurethane foam thermal insulation for those who are looking for a profitable solution in the terms of cost-quality ratio, which will winterize a house or industrial workshop, avoiding problems. Installation of this material does not take long and is associated with minimal inconvenience.