Mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, and cellulose — three materials that dominate the Czech insulation market, each with distinct thermal properties, moisture behaviour, and installation requirements. This archive documents their characteristics based on Czech ČSN EN standards and field data.
Each article covers thermal conductivity figures, typical applications in Czech construction, fire behaviour, and long-term durability data.
From facade ETICS systems to pitched roof applications — how mineral wool performs across different construction zones and what ČSN EN 13162 specifies for Czech installations.
Read article →
EPS boards remain the most widely installed facade insulation in the Czech Republic. An examination of density grades, vapour resistance, and current energy performance standards.
Read article →
Recycled paper-based insulation holds a growing niche in Czech eco-construction. Documentation of hygric buffering capacity, installation methods, and certification requirements.
Read article →
Since the transposition of EU Directive 2010/31/EU into Czech law (Decree No. 264/2020 Sb.), new residential buildings must meet nearly zero-energy (nZEB) requirements. The result: minimum insulation thicknesses have increased by 30–50% compared to pre-2020 practice.
For a standard 200mm exterior masonry wall in central Bohemia, the thermal transmittance (U-value) must not exceed 0.30 W/m²K for heated zones — a figure that typically requires at least 160mm of EPS or 140mm of mineral wool. Cellulose achieves the same target with approximately 180mm when blown-in at 55 kg/m³ density.
Explore Mineral Wool DataFigures based on declared values per ČSN EN 13162, 13163, and 13170 standards.
| Property | Mineral Wool (MW) | EPS Polystyrene | Cellulose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 0.030–0.045 W/mK | 0.031–0.040 W/mK | 0.038–0.042 W/mK |
| Fire reaction class | A1/A2 non-combustible | E/F self-extinguishing | B/C treated paper |
| Vapour diffusion resistance (μ) | 1–2 (permeable) | 20–100 (semi-barrier) | 1–2 (permeable) |
| Density range | 15–200 kg/m³ | 10–40 kg/m³ | 40–80 kg/m³ |
| Moisture buffering | Moderate | Low | High |
| Recycled content | Up to 70% recycled glass | Recyclable but rarely recycled | 80–85% post-consumer paper |
| Compressive strength | 2–80 kPa (grade-dependent) | 50–300 kPa (EPS 50–200) | Not load-bearing |
| Typical Czech price (€/m²) | 4–18 €/m² | 3–12 €/m² | 5–14 €/m² |