Warm and dry. Review of materials for covering plants for the winter

For older people, batting is a familiar material; blankets and mattresses were made from it; it was used as insulation for jackets, coats, work clothes, filling for upholstered furniture, and also for household purposes. Today it has been replaced by new synthetic analogues. But, no matter how high-quality and warm the synthetic winterizer is, it cannot have all the properties of a natural material. Therefore, products made from batting are becoming in demand again. Externally, the fabric is similar to bouclé fabric; some types of batting products have the same weaving, linen with enlarged knots on the surface.

Spunbond

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This material for covering plants for the winter comes in a variety of types. It is sold both in rolls and in the form of different variations. There are ready-made sewn bags or more complex options, when the bag is put on an assembled strong structure.

Case (cap)

Protects conifers and ornamental plants.

Protects from frost, freezing rain will not break branches, the plant will not become damp or rot. The ties securely secure the cover to the tree. In spring it protects against sunburn.

A cover 0.6 m high (diameter 0.48, density 60 g/m²) costs from 177 rubles. There are 2 pieces in the package. Case height 2.5 (diameter 1.5) – 380 rub.

Life hack: innovative covers made of two-layer polypropylene have become available for sale. Non-woven covering material is stronger and more durable.

Cap with tubes

Made specifically for covering roses and other delicate plants. Consists of a bag and 4 durable arcs, united by a cross (polyvinyl chloride or metal).

The wind will not blow away the structure, and snow caps will not be able to form on it.

The cost of a shelter with a height of 1.5 m is 620 rubles.

Life hack: do not forget to sprinkle the root zone of plants with dry peat, sawdust or sand.

Characteristics of jute

Jute fiber is mainly used for the production of construction and textile insulation of various types and purposes. The popularity of the material is due to its technical characteristics, which affect the final properties of the insulation.

Jute is grown and harvested in warm climates in Asia.

Jute batting, most often used in the construction and textile industries, has the following features:

• high resistance to rotting - ideal properties for insulating wooden buildings and log cabins. Jute contains the natural resin lignin. The substance increases the biostability of the fiber of this crop;
• low thermal conductivity - the plant is less blown compared to flax. Therefore, its thermal insulation properties are an order of magnitude higher;
• jute batting is a budget type of insulation;
• has low weight;
• hygroscopic;
• tolerates temperature changes and direct sunlight;
• environmentally friendly material;
• antiseptic and hygienic;
• has a warm golden brown color;
• easy to use.

Jute batting does not contain harmful components, additional impurities, or recycled products. When laying the insulation, no dust is generated, it does not crumble, has the correct geometric parameters, and is characterized by uniform density.

Jute has high thermal insulation properties

The peculiarities of the chemical composition of jute allow the material to block ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Thanks to this, you can create a comfortable temperature in the room.

Another interesting feature of jute fiber: it is absolutely not interesting to birds, which can steal some insulating materials to make nests.

Important! The production of jute batting involves the use of only natural components and the absence of artificial impurities. Residential premises made of wood, baths and other buildings using plant insulation have a comfortable internal microclimate.

Sackcloth

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It is made from hemp processing waste. There are two types - natural or with the addition of synthetic fiber.

Due to its special structure (in the form of a mesh), air passes through the material well.

Absorbs moisture. During short-term thaws with rain, and then the coming frosts, it turns into an ice structure. Sometimes the plants under the burlap are propped up.

Decorative linen burlap. Cost – 300 rubles/m2 (roll width 100 cm), hemp burlap – 60–70 rubles/m².

Life hack: some goods for the garden or building materials are sold in burlap, summer residents never throw them away, they leave them for shelter.

Advantages and disadvantages

Inter-crown heat insulator made of jute is actively used in construction. This is facilitated by the low cost and useful qualities of the material. The advantages of jute include:

• saturation with lignin - a natural resin, thanks to which the insulation fiber and the wooden surface are reliably and hermetically glued together;
• compliance with environmental and hygienic standards, production in accordance with GOST. Jute practically does not rot, has bactericidal properties, and does not contain foreign or chemical suspensions;
• long-term thermal insulation. The material retains its given shape well and is minimally subject to compression due to its rigidity;
• ease of installation does not require specialized education and complex equipment. The flax easily fits into the inter-crown gap;
• multi-purpose use. Jute is excellent for caulking and insulation of external and internal walls, floors, windows, roofs and other things;
• neat appearance. The caulked surface looks neat and aesthetic. The beige color of jute blends harmoniously with wood.

Jute batting gives the building a neat and stylish look.
In contrast to all the positive qualities, jute has minor disadvantages that affect the operation of the insulation:

• The service life of jute is limited. Natural material deteriorates over time, so the caulking of the log house must be periodically renewed;
• intolerance to getting wet. Jute fiber is quite moisture resistant, but prolonged contact with water leads to a deterioration in thermal insulation properties. Experts recommend laying jute batting only in dry conditions with low humidity;
• The installation of insulation must be completed with finishing caulking using jute rope. This will help prevent cold air from entering the room.

The finishing caulk is carried out with jute rope.
Jute batting is a universal heat-insulating material that is used to preserve the internal microclimate in wooden houses and cars. Jute is widely used in the light and furniture industries, and in handicrafts. Due to its thermal insulation properties and environmental parameters, jute fiber can be safely used in almost all spheres of human activity.

By the way

Whatever shelter you choose, be sure to check in January how it protects your plants. If water appears under it, dig a ditch so that it goes away and ventilate the shelter.

Ready for winter. Tips for covering plantings and dacha structures Read more

Bark, wood chips, shavings, sawdust

These types of mulching material from coniferous trees are waste from wood processing industries. The smallest fractions are suitable for winter shelter. For example, crushed larch and pine bark should reach 1–3 cm.

Mulching material has antibacterial properties and is resistant to mold. In addition, the crushed bark has good air permeability and heating does not occur. After a few years it turns into wonderful humus. Decomposition of wood chips, shavings and sawdust occurs within 3–6 months.

Causes soil acidification. It is necessary to add lime or ash.

A bag of decorative wood chips with a volume of 55 liters (12.5 kg) – from 290 rubles.

A bag of larch bark (60 l) – from 117 rubles.

A bag of shavings and sawdust (50 l) – from 150 rubles.

Laying technology in log cabins

Caulking a wooden frame with jute creates reliable insulation of the structure for the entire service life. The process of laying batting is as important as the construction of the log house itself. Using the wrong caulking technology will result in your home becoming cold, drafty and uncomfortable.

Jute insulation creates good conditions for wood material, as a result of which the structure will serve for many years. Caulking also prevents oversaturation of wood with moisture and dampness, protects against rotting and the proliferation of insects, fungus and mold.

The technology for caulking a log house involves performing the insulation task in two stages. Primary laying is carried out during the construction of a timber house, finishing - after its shrinkage.

Technology for laying jute in log houses

Primary caulking occurs in two steps. In the first stage, a strip of jute batting is laid between the crowns during the construction of the log house. After completion of the construction of the walls, finishing of the seams is carried out. Using jute tape to fill gaps requires following certain rules:

• The crowns are pre-cleaned of dust, shavings, dirt and other deposits. The jute is rolled out on the wall and fixed in one meter increments with a construction stapler;
• the remnants of the tape are cut along the edge of the beam or flush with the laying groove of the log;
• the dowels are driven right through the tape. Cross-shaped cuts are made at the puncture points;
• The actions are repeated on all crowns.

Caulking always starts from the bottom crown, using a special tool. The walls and roof must already be erected. Having completed the installation outside, the process can begin inside the house. The technology is the same.

After the frame has been subjected to shrinkage, finishing processing begins. The first layer of insulation is deformed, the gaps between the crowns widen. Therefore, the second caulking is done again. When wood shrinks, long and deep cracks can appear. They are filled with flax tow and sealed with sealant.

Agrofabric

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The new shelter belongs to synthetic materials: geotextiles are made of 100% polypropylene.

It is water and breathable, lasts up to 5 years, does not rot, is resistant to mold and fungal infections, and protects the root system from freezing.

Cost – 19–60 rubles. per m².

Life hack: the density of the material may be too high; it is better to buy it at garden centers and independently determine the approximate density (g/m). More often, agrofabric has a density from 60 to 150 g/m.

Care instructions

Things and products made from batting insulation are quite practical, but not as durable as things with synthetic insulation. Blankets and pillows will have to be updated after 6-7 years. In order for things to retain their shape and not become deformed, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Batting insulation tolerates dry cleaning well.

Wrinkled items can be ironed with a warm iron, but it is worth remembering that when ironing, the looseness of the insulation decreases, the products become thinner and partially lose their thermal insulation qualities. With proper care, the products will last a long time.

Is it washable?

Blankets, jackets, overalls, toys with filling can be washed by hand, or machine washable at low speeds. To prevent the item from shrinking, it is recommended to wash it in warm water, up to +30°.

When washing items made from batting, use a gentle spin and dry flat.

Products with a light top and dark insulation cannot be washed, since the dark batting fades a little when washed even in cold water. It is better to dry clean such items. This also applies to soft toys made of Virginia and goat wool; a thick layer of filler will take a long time to dry after washing, and smudges may appear on the surface of the toy.

Foliage

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Every summer resident has plenty of this organic material.

But it is not suitable for mulching beds and tree trunks due to its special properties. This material absorbs moisture well and gets wet from rain and melted snow. Under it, the conditions of an artificial mini-greenhouse are created, where the humidity is high. Of course, such environmental factors provoke the appearance of fungal diseases. This is also bad for ventilation: the air under the mulch stagnates and the plants begin to warm up.

Lapnik

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It can be collected in the forest, but cutting or breaking off tree branches yourself is prohibited by law.

Branches of coniferous plants are used to cover beds of winter crops, seedlings and flowers. The advantages of this material are its naturalness.

It has been noticed that pine needles falling on the soil can acidify it. But this is not the greatest damage caused by spruce branches. Conifers carry a dangerous disease - rust. In the spring, it will immediately move to fruit and berry crops.

Main Application

Jute batting is most often used as inter-crown insulation. But the scope of its application is much wider. The material is used in furniture production, when sewing mattresses and creating ironing boards. To a lesser extent, it is used in sewing workwear.

Woven jute fabric is durable and hygroscopic, which is why reliable jute bags, eco bags and other environmental products are made from it.

Note! The ability of jute to take the correct geometric lines makes it possible not to use lining when finishing the room. The insulation creates perfectly even seams, and the wall looks neat, cozy and stylish.

Jute batting is an excellent inter-crown insulation

Correct shelters