What is polytherm, how is it produced, its main varieties, technical characteristics of the material, advantages and disadvantages of using this mezhventsovy heater, selection criteria and features of do-it-yourself installation.
Advantages of polytherm
If we compare the characteristics of polytherm and other varieties of mezhventsovy heaters, then the choice definitely falls on this new generation of fibrous heat insulator.
Among the advantages are the following qualities:
- Safety and hypoallergenic … No dust is generated during its installation, therefore, installation can be carried out in ordinary clothes and do not use a respirator. The fibers of the material are not small enough to penetrate the respiratory system or pores and cause any irritation. Polytherm has no smell.
- Ease of transportation and installation … This insulation is lightweight, easy to carry and install, even alone. At the same time, there are no problems with its storage, and installation can be carried out at any time of the year at any temperature and humidity.
- Resistance to mechanical stress … Polytherm can be stitched, pierced with nails for better fixation. This will not affect its thermal insulation qualities in any way. Also, this insulation does not crumble or crumble, even over time.
- No need for additional caulking … After the log shrinks, the material regains its thickness and gradually fills the entire gap.
- High moisture resistance … Even when wet, the polytherm will not rot, but will dry quickly.
- Long term of use … The durability of polytherm is incomparable with the service life of natural mezhventsovy heaters and reaches 100 years even in the absence of protection of the building in the form of decoration.
Disadvantages of polytherm
The technology of insulating wooden log cabins with polytherm is recognized as one of the most progressive and optimal. However, even it has its drawbacks. Cons of this material:
- Relatively high price … If we compare polytherm with jute, then its cost will certainly be higher. However, given how small a percentage of the total cost of erecting a wooden house is its insulation, the expediency of saving on heat insulators is questionable.
- Relatively low vapor permeability … Still, polytherm is a synthetic material. Therefore, its vapor permeability cannot be compared with the similar quality of natural insulators. This does not mean that the walls will be exposed to the harmful effects of condensation. But the shrinkage of the house will be somewhat slower.
Criteria for choosing a polytherm
Since polytherm is a relatively new insulation material, too many manufacturers have not yet appeared on the market, which means that it is not so difficult to choose high-quality products. Focus on well-known brands and take into account your individual preferences and needs.
Features of the choice of polytherm:
- High-quality polytherm has a color ranging from sandy to dark yellow and goes well with the natural color of the wood.
- The material should not have a strong unpleasant chemical odor. If the seller explains this by the presence in the composition of fillers that improve the characteristics of the polytherm, then ask about what substances are in question. In no case should it contain phenol formaldehyde.
- The density of the polytherm insulation must be uniform. The tape must have the same thickness along its entire length.
- The harsher the climate in which a house of wood will be built, the greater the density of the mezhventsovy insulation should be.
- Choose a tape slightly wider than the width of the logs from which the house will be built. The margin will help to avoid gaps in the insulation that may appear due to shrinkage of the structure.
Price and manufacturers of polytherm
There are several leading companies in Russia that produce polytherm. They all offer material in roughly the same price range.
The following companies have proven themselves well:
- Eco Heaters Center … The manufacturer produces a number of synthetic-based mezhventsovy heaters, such as polytherm, avatherm and others.
- Thermopol … A company from Moscow that specializes in the production of synthetic insulation from polyester and polyester fibers, including polytherm.
- Winter house … The manufacturer manufactures polytherm both in rolls and in slabs, which is suitable for insulating not only inter-crown gaps, but also various vertical and horizontal surfaces.
The price of a polytherm differs only depending on its density, thickness and width. Consider the estimated cost of products:
- The thickness of the tape is 5-8 millimeters, the density is 170 grams per cubic meter - from 4.5 rubles per running meter.
- The thickness is 15-18 millimeters, the density is 200 grams per cubic meter - from 10 rubles per running meter.
- The thickness is 17-20 millimeters, the density is 300 grams per cubic meter - from 15 rubles per running meter.
- The thickness is 20-22 millimeters, the density is 400 grams per cubic meter - from 20 rubles per running meter.
Brief installation instructions for polytherm
Laying mezhventsovy insulation is not difficult even for inexperienced builders. It is enough to lay the polytherm in one layer for high-quality insulation.
We carry out the work according to the following scheme:
- We lay the material of the required width along the timber or distribute it along the grooves between the crown grooves between the logs.
- We fix it with a stapler or small nails to the elements of the frame.
- We put the next log or timber in the frame, while firmly pressing the polytherm tape.
- We cut off the remnants of the insulation after the completion of the work on laying the log house.
- The protruding parts of the polytherm are plowed inward.
Make sure that during installation the grooves between the tree are filled without gaps. As a rule, such a construction does not need additional caulking.
Watch the video review of the polytherm:
Polytherm belongs to the type of synthetic mezhventsovy heaters of a new generation. It is environmentally friendly, practical, reliable and easy to install. To choose this material correctly, be sure to consider the type of wood that is used in the construction of the log house.
