Article by Martel Bulgaria

The rich experience in construction and renovation of buildings gives us confidence to offer some advice which will prolong the life of the building and will make it a cozy home.
Most rural houses in Bulgaria were built in the period 1950 – 1980. The technologies used then are now morally and functionally outdated. That is why we offer you to start with laying moisture, noise, and thermo -insulation materials.

Why is the thermo-insulation necessary?

• All existing “thermal bridges” are eliminated.
• The accumulated heat in the confining constructions – walls, ceilings, floors – is preserved.
• The possibility of building up sweats and consequently mould on the inner walls is prevented.
• The weight bearing construction is prevented from the influence of outer climatic conditions and the operational durability is prolonged.
• It does not reduce the inhabitable area of the dwelling.
• It brings new and lasting appearance to the building.

In the field of thermo-insulation we use the product Fibrin Eco. The reasons are rooted in the unique characteristics which make it applicable in all heat-insulation variants: walls, roofs, concrete elements, basements:

• Excellent insulation characteristics (very low λ).
• Very low water and moisture absorption.
• High mechanical sustainability.
• Very high compression resistance.
• Self-extinguishing material.
• Absolute stability of the dimensions.
• Homogeneous density of all mass.
• Acid and alkali resistance.
• Weather changes resistance.
• Compatibility with all common construction materials.
• Easy for transportation, cutting and laying.

All these characteristics are unchangeable with the time.

Application of moisture, noise and thermo-insulation materials

• Facade insulation. Thermo-insulation in the form of a continuous layer on the outer surface of the building is achieved. The panels are attached mechanically by means of dowels and glues, covered by special plasters and for increase of elasticity they are reinforced by fiberglass meshwork.
• Floor and basement insulation. The strength, the confined cell structure and the sustainability against moisture make it perfect for insulation of basements where the insulation material is in direct contact with the earth and water.
• Insulation of flat roofs. The confined cell structure and the pressed surface make it impermeable to water and water vapors, of very low heat conductivity which remains constant, resistant against cycles of freezing – melting, resistant to compression strength.
• Double wall “Sandwich” type. Laying of Fibrin Eco in the wall between two rows of bricks considerably improves its insulation qualities. The perfect adjustment of the panels and aligning them, the adjustment of floor and wall insulation prevents the heat loss from the circulation of air.

How thick shall the insulation be?

According to Ordinance №1 related to the design of insulation of buildings the maximum acceptable coefficient for heat transmission of outer walls is Kmax = 0,5W/m2 0C. Thus the following table is formed about the minimal thickness depending on the type of the wall:

Pay special attention to sill insulation, the so called “turning” to joinery work. Some companies skillfully fake the insulation on the sills of the openings which results in great heat loss, big “thermal bridges” and unavoidable inner sweat.