Base insulation
The base of the house is permanently exposed to moisture, frost and mechanical stress. The robust, ecological GLAPOR plinth insulation board provides reliable protection for generations.
Secure construction of the base insulation
Waterproof and non-combustible base insulation made of GLAPOR cellular glass provides effective protection against moisture, heat loss and fires.
GLAPOR offers a decisive safety advantage compared to combustible XPS insulation materials, particularly in the plinth area – often exposed to fire due to dustbins or storage boxes: GLAPOR cellular glass is classified A1 – and is therefore completely non-combustible, waterproof, dimensionally stable and rot and UV-resistant.
Instead of moisture-sensitive insulation materials in splash water areas, we therefore recommend the ecological and fire-safe alternative of GLAPOR cellular glass boards. The boards are fully bonded to the substrate on site using the bitumen-free GLAPOR MB2K system adhesive. A “plaster imitation” can then be created using the MB TX 2K system adhesive. The connection of other insulating materials is possible without any problems.
Comparison of insulation materials for plinth insulation
| Criterion | GLAPOR cellular glass boards | XPS |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material | ✓ 100 % recycled glass | Petroleum based |
| Water absorption | ✓ None (vapor-tight) | Possible through diffusion |
| Compressive strength | ✓ Up to 1,600 kPa - also suitable for parking decks | Max. 700 kPa |
| Fire protection class | ✓ A1 (non-combustible) | B1-B2 (flammable), smoke & toxic gas development in case of fire |
| Emissions / leaching | ✓ None - emission-free | Waste disperses during processing |
| Waste disposal | ✓ Reusable, urban mining ready | Construction waste or hazardous waste |
| Lifespan | ✓ Lifelong - across generations | Characteristics fluctuate with moistening |
| DGNB | ✓ Quality level 4 | Mostly none / lower classification |
| Rodent & insect resistance | ✓ No biological decomposition | Can be gnawed or damaged |
| Temperature resistance | ✓ Dimensionally stable from -260 °C to +430 °C | Limited resistance, deformation possible |
Why cellular glass is the best choice for plinth insulation
cellular glass is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to insulate permanently, safely and without harmful substances – especially in the sensitive plinth area.
- Zero water absorption: no absorption, no frost damage
- High compressive strength: remains dimensionally stable – even when loaded by soil
- Fire protection class A1: non-combustible, no toxic fumes
- Rodent and insect resistant: no cavities, no infestation
- 100% recycled glass: ecological, recyclable, free from harmful substances
GLAPOR cellular glass boards are therefore the durable, safe and sustainable solution for modern plinth insulation – with real added value for building physics, the environment and the future.
Plinth insulation step by step
A professional plinth structure provides lasting protection against moisture, heat loss and mechanical stress. This is how plinth insulation is carried out step by step:
- Expose the work area: Open up the work area around the building in accordance with BG specifications (width depending on insulation height), remove existing vegetation/coverings.
- Excavate the soil: Excavate to the required depth and store temporarily.
- Prepare the substrate: Remove loose particles, dust, bitumen residue and efflorescence from masonry/concrete, level out unevenness; substrate must be level, load-bearing and dry. Tolerance: max. ~3 mm over 600 mm / 5 mm over 2 m.
- Create structural waterproofing: Apply Remmers MB2K waterproofing in the plinth area in accordance with the detailed planning (can be combined with GLAPOR System Adhesive MBTX2K). Ensure continuity and connection to horizontal waterproofing. Observe manufacturer’s specifications.
- Attach base insulation boards: Glue GLAPOR cellular glass boards with scratch coat to the substrate and boards edges over the entire surface and butt them tightly together – no spot bonding, avoid undercuts.
- Secure the transition to the façade: E.g. with plinth profile or sheet metal to drain off rainwater in a targeted manner.
- Apply cell-filling top coat: With GLAPOR System Adhesive MBTX2K as a plaster substitute, texturizable with broom finish and paint application.
- Install filling protection: Use dimpled sheeting in the area in contact with the ground – protects against mechanical damage.
- Backfilling: Backfill with infiltration-compatible soil material – avoid waterlogging and relocation pressure at all costs.
Note: Only apply at temperatures between +5 °C and +30 °C. Avoid direct sunlight, wind and rain during the setting time. Protect plaster surfaces with scaffolding mesh if necessary.
System solution: Base insulation and floor insulation in one
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More InformationProducts for plinth insulation
GLAPOR cellular glass boards
Extremely pressure-resistant (up to 1600 kPa), non-combustible (A1), moisture-resistant, QNG ready, DGNB QS 4. Lifelong sustainable and safe insulation with cellular glass boards made from 100% recycled glass.
GLAPOR primer
Adhesion-reinforcing, water-repellent and strengthening. For optimum bonding between cellular glass boards and substrate. Prescribed for absorbent substrates.
GLAPOR system adhesive
Strong adhesion, moisture and heat resistant. Combination product 3-in-1: top coat, system adhesive and sealant in one: bonds and protects – permanently sealed in a tested system.
GLAPOR insulation holder
Stainless, easy to install, permanently secure. Stainless steel insulation holders – perfectly matched to GLAPOR cellular glass boards.
Send an inquiry now or arrange a free consultation directly!
✉️ info@glapor.de
✔ Customized project consulting
cellular glass 100% made in Germany
✔ 100,000,000+ m³ of cellular glass installed
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about basement ceiling insulation
FAQ
What are the benefits of basement ceiling insulation?
Insulating the basement ceiling prevents valuable heat from escaping from the first floor into the cold, unheated basement – a heat loss that contributes significantly to energy wastage in many older buildings. Professionally installed basement ceiling insulation ensures significantly warmer floors, reduces heating requirements by up to 10 % and also protects the ceiling from condensation and mold. It not only improves living comfort, but also increases energy efficiency and property value in the long term.
What insulation thickness is recommended?
The ideal insulation thickness depends on various factors, in particular the material used and the desired thermal insulation. The Building Energy Act (GEG) specifies a maximum heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of 0.30 W/(m²-K). To achieve this value, different layer thicknesses are required depending on the insulating material: For mineral wool, 10-12 cm is usually sufficient, for XPS around 12-14 cm. GLAPOR cellular glass boards – due to their special structure – require an insulation thickness of at least 18 cm for the same U-value. However, the supposed disadvantage in thickness is more than compensated for by superior properties in the areas of fire protection, moisture resistance and environmental compatibility.
Which materials are best suited for basement ceiling insulation?
Three main types of material can be used to insulate the basement ceiling: cellular glass, rigid polystyrene cellular (XPS/EPS) and mineral wool. Each material has its strengths – and weaknesses. cellular glass, for example from GLAPOR, is by far the most sustainable solution: it consists of 100% recycled glass, is completely waterproof and vapor-tight, rot-proof, non-combustible (building material class A1) and free of harmful substances. It is particularly suitable where there are high requirements for moisture resistance, fire protection and durability – for example in unheated basements with a damp or changeable climate. XPS scores with a lower thickness and good insulation performance, but is petroleum-based, flammable (despite flame retardants) and difficult to recycle. It can lose insulation performance if moisture penetrates. Mineral wool offers good insulating properties and is non-combustible, but is sensitive to moisture. In addition, many products contain artificial binders such as phenolic resins, which must be viewed critically from an environmental and health perspective.
Are there any funding options for basement ceiling insulation?
Yes – energy-efficient renovation measures such as insulating the basement ceiling can be subsidized by government funding programs. The specific conditions change regularly, depending on the political and economic situation. As a rule, funding is provided via federal programs (e.g. BEG, KfW, BAFA) and is often tied to certain conditions – such as execution by a specialist company or the involvement of an energy consultant. Anyone wishing to take advantage of a subsidy should seek advice before implementation and submit the application in good time before the start of construction.
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