The duct performs an important function of removing contaminated air masses from the room. To extend the time of its work and increase the efficiency of the tap, it is recommended to organize thermal insulation. You can make a warmed duct in different ways using different materials.
The need for insulation of the ventilation system
Ventilation is the most important element in the house, ensuring compliance with the sanitary and hygienic standards of indoor air. In the process of life, a person releases a lot of moisture from cooking, washing, cleaning and other household chores. Also in the air there are combustion products, smells, dust and other pollution that are harmful to human health. Ventilation and its elements, such as hoods, are engaged in their removal.
The creation of thermal insulation of air ducts allows to increase the quality of ventilation due to the faster movement of polluted air masses up. Thermal insulation protects the outer surface of the room from condensation, which harms the structure and floors. The main goal is for the dew point to fall into the insulation for ventilation, and not on the walls.
Choice of insulation
There are different materials with which you can insulate the ventilation duct. The most popular include:
- Minvata. It is a natural, eco-friendly, durable material with good UV resistance. Sold in the form of mats of various thicknesses. Not used at high temperatures. Mineral wool must be covered with a shell on top to prevent moisture from entering it. It is suitable for use in well-assembled ventilation ducts other than fresh air. The most important drawback is the contamination with small glass fibers during installation.
- Basalt cotton wool. Resistant to aggressive environments and elevated temperatures, not afraid of ultraviolet radiation. Not combustible. Available in the form of mats, plates, shells for insulated ventilation pipes. It absorbs moisture, which is a serious drawback.
- The made foam polyethylene. This is the cheapest insulation. Available in sheets up to 10 mm thick, bundles and shells. May have a foil surface. Advantages - does not absorb moisture, durable, ductile. It is subject to burning, unstable to high temperatures and ultraviolet rays.
- Styrofoam. It happens of different types - expanded and extruded, or extrusion (foam). The latter is an improved form that does not absorb moisture and does not allow steam. Durable, resistant to high temperatures. The disadvantages include high cost. Most often used to warm ventilation ducts.
- Asbestos slabs. They have low thermal conductivity, are resistant to temperatures up to 400 ° C and ultraviolet rays, do not absorb water. It is not used inside buildings due to harm to the body.
- PIR plates. This is the latest material with good prospects. It is a rigid material with closed cells, low coefficient of thermal conductivity, resistance to ultraviolet and moisture. Does not burn. Service life exceeds 50 years. It is not yet widely distributed for insulation of ventilation ducts, so a high price can be distinguished from the shortcomings.
The choice of material is determined by the requirements for it. The insulation should be of high quality, inexpensive and easy to install.The most promising material for insulated pipes for ventilation are PIR plates, but they cannot be used on a round duct.
Difficulties in installation and operation arise when using mineral wool. It absorbs moisture and crumbles. Asbestos is prohibited in the thermal insulation of ventilation ducts, as it is carcinogenic.
At joints and corners, you can use penofol or rubber. But it must be borne in mind that it will require several layers for thermal insulation of air ducts. The price is above average.
The best choice in terms of price and quality is extruded polystyrene foam. But because of the low strength, insulation for air ducts should be used where it will not be touched (for example, an attic or basement).
Thermal insulation
Proper insulation includes several basic requirements:
- All insulating materials must fit snugly against the pipes. The best option is the insulation of the ventilation ducts in the form of a shell for pipelines that correspond to the diameter. Each layer must be firmly and firmly fixed so that there is no sagging in any place.
- Inside the house, it is necessary to insulate the fresh air duct, which is also called pipes with negative temperature and fan. A vapor barrier layer is also required. Mounting is made on clamps, wire, aluminum tape, special glue.
- Be sure to insulate the pipes in the attic and in the basement.
- For outdoor insulation, a layer of thermal insulation with UV protection is required.
The insulation of the hood is made of the same materials as the thermal insulation for ventilation. Due to the low temperature, the risk of fire is practically absent, therefore there are no special requirements for combustibility.
Expert Advice
The main recommendations for insulation of ventilation ducts:
- When insulating in the open air with mineral wool, the creation of high-quality waterproofing is required. Roofing material can be used for this.
- In the case of using shells made of PPP or PPU in a dark room (basement, attic), the top cover layer can be omitted.
- Plastic insulators cannot be mounted on bitumen or bitumen primer. It breaks the structure, because of which the shell can crack.
- Particular attention is paid to waterproofing the passage of pipes along the roof. It is here that all the condensate accumulates, so it is important to protect the place. For waterproofing the node, a master flash is suitable.
- It is important to pay attention to the thermal insulation of the cold air blowers before entering the house. Pieces of air supply pipes to the boiler or fireplace are also insulated. The exception is coaxial chimneys.
You can make high-quality insulation with your own hands. It is important only to choose the right material and tools, and then make the insulation according to the instructions.
