TECHNOLOGY DEVICES OF HEAT-INSULATING COATINGS 7. Quality control of thermal insulation works

One of the main purposes of thermal insulation is to reduce heat loss and thereby ensure savings in fuel consumption. Heat loss depends on the quality of the insulation installation on the structure, i.e. how carefully and technically correctly it is performed. Excessive heat losses are primarily caused by violations of the technical requirements for the installation of thermal insulation.

In mineral wool and other fibrous building materials, the density of laying of materials affects the amount of heat loss. With a weak compaction of the material during operation, it shrinks and fuel consumption in this case can increase significantly. But the excessive compaction of the material in the process of production of works or if it is not properly stored in the warehouse also increases its thermal conductivity.

Improving insulation performance can lead to significant fuel savings. To this end, industrial materials with high thermal performance and progressive ways of performing work should be provided for in the design. It is also necessary to ensure timely and high-quality readiness of surfaces for installation of insulation. It is important to create safe conditions for the work, allowing workers to focus on the quality of the installation of thermal insulation.

The primary indicators on the quality of the mounted insulation are technical parameters of the materials used. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a systematic control check of insulation materials and products entering the construction site, to ensure their proper storage and protection from environmental exposure.

At each work site, a control system should be developed to ensure a high level of quality of work performed:

• quality control of thermal insulation and coating materials supplied by manufacturers;

• compliance with the technology of installation of the main heat-insulating and top layers;

• use of appropriate tools and means of mechanization;

• careful acceptance of objects for insulation work;

• high qualification of insulating workers;

• proper storage of materials in warehouses and in the work area;

• proper transportation of materials (use only containers for transportation and storage of materials);

• quality and reliability of scaffolding.