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How to insulate a wooden house? Guide

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It is well known that a wooden house is a healthy home. However, many people wonder whether this type of structure can also be properly insulated. How to insulate a building so as not to adversely affect its structural qualities, as well as to reduce heat loss in winter and excessive heating of the building in summer? This guide will help you decide on what actions to take.

Is it possible to insulate a wooden house with polystyrene? Opportunity analysis

Many investors ask themselves whether it is possible to insulate a wooden house with polystyrene. Yes, it is one of the possibilities. The table below also shows the other two, i.e. mineral wool and polyurethane foam. In the overview you will find the most important advantages and disadvantages of individual options. This should make it easier for you to choose a specific material for building insulation.

material

Name of insulation Disadvantages of the insulation material
styrofoam
  • limited water vapour permeability leading to dampness of the walls;
  • the need to use ventilation slots during installation;
  • the need to pay attention to the level and bonding of specific elements in order to avoid thermal bridges;
  • relatively high wall loads;
mineral wool
  • the possibility of absorbing water as a result of incorrect installation;
  • relatively high weight;
polyurethane foam
  • high cost.

material

Name of insulation Advantages of the insulation material
styrofoam
  • a wide selection in terms of material parameters;
mineral wool
  • high elasticity of the material, which makes it easy to lay even on uneven surfaces;
  • non-flammability;
  • good water vapour permeability;
  • high insulation coefficient;
  • high strength;
polyurethane foam
  • low weight of the insulation layer, which does not overload the structure;
  • quick and efficient installation;
  • high efficiency (a thin layer is enough for insulation);
  • the possibility of thorough insulation of even hard-to-reach places.

Specific materials will also differ in features depending on what options you decide on – e.g. what thickness of polystyrene or wool you choose. Remember to adapt the form of insulation to the structural parameters of your house. Take into account the type and construction of the walls , the purpose of the building (year-round, recreational) and elements that also affect heat loss, i.e. m.in. tightness of windows and doors or insulation of floors.

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Which insulation material to choose?

Once you know whether a wooden house can be insulated with polystyrene, it remains to decide which insulation material to choose. You should adapt it to your own needs and financial capabilities. A good option is, among others, polyurethane foam. You can cover an entire building with it in just a few (up to a dozen) hours. This will speed up the performance of insulation works. However, in this case, the costs are relatively high.

Properly selected polystyrene or mineral wool of sufficient thickness will also fulfill their function. Regardless of which option you choose, remember to pay attention to the correct installation. Wood is a breathable material. If it does not have access to air, moisture will start to condense on it. This, in turn, will lead to damp walls, and the lack of ventilation will cause the formation of fungi and mold.

How to insulate a wooden house – from the inside or from the outside?

In this context, it is also important from which side you insulate the building. You can use internal and external insulation. The first one is usually used in newly constructed buildings. The insulation material is placed between the outer layer of the wood and the inner layer of the boards.

In already developed buildings, a layer of insulation inside would limit the size of the building. In such situations, insulation on the outside is most often used. It can be used with the selected insulation material, and after the work is completed, the investment can be completed by making a façade.

Wooden houses show better insulation parameters than brick buildings – even if they are not insulated, as shown by thermal imaging tests. However, it is worth taking care of your wallet and the environment by insulating the building. You can choose the form of insulation according to your capabilities and expectations. You will gain thermal comfort all year round and up to several thousand saved per year on heating your home in winter and cooling it in summer.