What insulation to choose for an attic roof. What insulation to choose for an attic roof. Video: everything you need to know about attic insulation

The question of which insulation is best for the attic is relevant for those who have decided to equip a living space under the high pitched roof of a private house. The attic differs from an ordinary room in the house due to increased heat loss. This is explained by the fact that it usually does not have permanent external walls without window openings, and on both sides and above the room is separated from the street only by a roofing system of small thickness.

Mineral wool insulation

Criteria for choosing insulation for the attic

High-quality insulation makes the attic suitable for year-round use. When choosing a heat insulator, you need to pay attention to the performance characteristics of the materials, including comparing:

• noise insulation properties;
• ease of installation;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to biological degradation;
• lifetime;
• efficiency;
• environmental friendliness;
• fire safety.

But the main quality by which insulation material is evaluated is its thermal conductivity coefficient, on which the ability to retain heat in a room depends.

From the point of view of ease of installation and use of insulation, preference should be given universal materials. If the same thermal insulator can be used for walls, roof and floor, the insulation of all structures will last the same period.

Sound insulation properties are a particularly important parameter if roofing decking made of metal (seam roofing, metal tiles, corrugated sheets). Gusts of wind, rain and hail make such a roof “sound”, and staying in the attic will cause discomfort.

Slab insulation famous manufacturer

Since the roof frame is usually made of wood, it is advisable to use insulation that is fire resistant and flame retardant. Otherwise, an accidental fire will cause the entire attic and roof to quickly become engulfed in fire.

So that on wooden structures rafter system and gables, condensation did not form and the insulation did not lose its thermal insulation properties due to moisture penetration, it is necessary to insulate the attic space with a vapor- and moisture-proof material, or use reliable hydro- and vapor barrier. This affects the speed and complexity of installing the insulating layer and influences preferences when choosing a material.

Insulation thickness

Table 1. Dependence of insulation thickness on thermal conductivity coefficient

The manufacturer indicates the thermal conductivity coefficient on the packaging of the material. This indicator depends on the production technology and the density of the insulation. The table below shows the average values:

Table 2. Thermal conductivity coefficients of some insulation materials

Polyurethane foam and ecowool are modern materials that can be used as a heat insulator for attic spaces, but their installation requires the use of specialized equipment and the invitation of specialists. Other popular heat insulators are available in the form of slabs or rolled materials of varying densities and thicknesses.

The insulation is cut along the width of the span between adjacent rafters (or the gap between the sheathing slats on the walls) and inserted at random. If the calculated thickness of the heat-insulating layer exceeds the width of the rafter leg, bars of a suitable cross-section are placed on the rafters from the side of the room.

Two-layer insulation is considered the most effective - after the gaps between the rafters are filled with a heat insulator, another layer of rolled material (possibly with a foil-coated vapor barrier outer surface) is attached over the rafters with continuous joined strips. This will eliminate the occurrence of cold bridges.

Laying thermal insulation between the rafters

Let's take a closer look at the main pros and cons of popular insulation materials that are suitable for thermal insulation of attic roofs and gables.

Fiber roll and slab insulation

• glass wool;
• mineral wool;
• stone (basalt) wool.

Their key advantage and at the same time the disadvantage is the ability to pass steam. Theoretically, moist warm air from the attic will escape through the breathable interior lining, insulation and roofing system, which will help maintain a favorable indoor climate. In practice, the following difficulties exist:

• an increase in the humidity of fiber insulation leads to a sharp decrease in its thermal insulation properties;
• insulation (especially glass wool) that has absorbed moisture becomes wrinkled and deformed, forming cold bridges;
• The wood of the rafter system begins to rot from contact with moisture.

To avoid these problems, it is necessary to install a vapor barrier on top of the insulation from inside the room. And between the roofing and thermal insulation, waterproofing material must be laid.

Roofing pie with waterproofing over insulation

Air exchange through fibrous insulation will only take place if the waterproofing and vapor barrier layer is made of special gas-permeable membranes. The vapor barrier should allow air to pass through, but retain moisture coming from the room. A gas-permeable waterproofing barrier must release moisture from the insulation and prevent water from penetrating into it.

Membrane materials are much more expensive than conventional or reinforced film, roofing felt or glassine. But these investments will pay off due to the durability of not only the insulation, but also the roof truss system.

Superdiffusion membrane

If you use film as a vapor barrier, this will reduce the cost of construction, but this will reduce to zero the important advantage of fiber insulation - gas permeability. Perforated film should not be used, as it allows steam to pass through and will accumulate in the insulation.

Performance characteristics of fiber insulation

Glass wool. To her positive qualities can be attributed:

• fire safety (2nd degree of fire resistance);
• environmental safety (does not contain resins);
• unattractive to mice (they do not build nests and passages);
• affordable price.

The main disadvantage is that when working with the material, caustic glass dust is formed; installation of the heat insulator requires care and the use of protective equipment. In addition, over time, glass wool tends to deform and wrinkle, especially when moisture penetrates.

Mineral wool. The composition of the material includes fibers of various origins (manufacturing materials - clay, stone, quartz sand, glass, etc.). Mineral wool is characterized by a multilayer heterogeneous structure with air lenses. Due to this, the material extinguishes well sound waves. Choosing mineral wool (primarily Isover, Ursa) is recommended for those who have decided to make metal roofing.

This heat insulator is fire-resistant, does not rot, and is easy to install. But rodents can settle in it, whose nests, passages and waste products reduce the performance properties of the insulation.

Basalt wool. Consists of fibers obtained by melting rock. Withstands heat up to 1000 degrees, does not spread combustion. You should choose basalt wool carefully, checking quality and safety certificates: some manufacturers, in an effort to reduce the cost of products, use resins that emit toxic substances.

Basalt wool

Basalt wool is resistant to fungus, but can be damaged by rodents. This is a good sound insulator and easy to install. But when choosing a material for insulating a rafter system, you should take into account enough heavy weight stone wool slabs.

If you have to choose a fiber insulator, pay attention to the density of the material. The heat insulator should not lose its shape even after prolonged use. For mineral basalt wool the density indicator should be about 40-45 kg/m3.

Polymer materials for insulation

We choose a polymer heat insulator for the roof and walls of the attic. This can be polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam (these two types of insulation are available in the form of sheets and slabs of various thicknesses), as well as polyurethane foam, which is applied to structures by spraying.

To the benefits polymer insulation This may include low weight and low thermal conductivity. Such thermal insulation will not overload the rafter system and will successfully cope with the task of retaining heat.

The disadvantages of polymer insulation include extremely low vapor permeability. There is no gas exchange through insulated structures, so you can’t do without a well-thought-out ventilation system in the attic.

Insulation of the attic with polyurethane foam

Thermal insulation made of extruded polystyrene foam (penoplex) and polyurethane foam will not allow heat and steam to pass through to rafter frame roof, therefore, there is no need to install a vapor barrier on the room side. Despite the fact that the dew point during internal insulation of gables will shift towards the heat insulator, moisture, dangerous for wood, will not condense.

All joints and junctions of foam insulation must be filled polyurethane foam and (after removing excess foam) taped with reinforced tape so that the insulation layer is airtight.

Manufacturers produce penoplex of various densities. For pitched roof and attic walls, where heat loss is high, it is advisable to use slabs with a density of 30-35 kg/m3.

If you decide to choose inexpensive foam plastic, it is better to install insulation according to the same principle as fiber board materials. Unlike extruded polystyrene foam with a continuous closed-cell structure, polystyrene foam consists of many individual granules pressed into a slab. Technological pores remain between the structural elements, which are capable of allowing steam to pass to wooden structures.

A suitable foam density is 35 kg/m3; at a break, the material should not crumble into individual balls. Since polystyrene foam smolders when ignited, releasing toxic substances and is easily chewed by mice, it is not the best material for internal insulation.

Polymer insulation for the attic should not be considered as a soundproofing material for the roof - it will not save you from the sound of raindrops. But if you insulate the floor with it, it will reduce the vibration load from steps, creating acoustic comfort in the rooms under the attic.

The selected insulation option will last long years, if purchased good material and take into account all the subtleties of its installation.

If the roof of a country house forms a spacious attic space, then it can be used to expand the living space. The attic room can serve as a bedroom or office, a sports room, a cinema or a billiard room. To use extra bed all year round, needed good thermal insulation. Insulating the attic will not require large material costs, especially since the work can be done with your own hands. It is only important to choose the appropriate thermal insulation material and carry out the installation correctly.

Requirements for thermal insulation materials

The same technology that is used in the construction of frame houses is suitable for insulating the attic, however, increased demands are placed on the materials and quality of work. How well the thermal insulation of the attic space is done affects both the comfortable living conditions and the durability of the roof. This is due to the fact that the walls attic room form gables and roof slopes - those surfaces that heat up the most in the summer heat. In winter, on the contrary, blown by cold air currents, they cool down the fastest. If the thermal insulation is of poor quality, the roof will let heat out. One should not think that the danger of such a situation lies in a banal increase in energy costs for heating the attic. Warm slopes will provoke snow melting, and this is fraught with many more serious troubles - from mechanical damage to the top covering by the resulting ice to the appearance of fungi and mold that destroy the roofing pie and wooden structures of the rafter system.

High-quality thermal insulation will make the attic comfortable to live in both the summer heat and winter cold.

When choosing a material for insulating an attic, you should remember that not only the thickness and number of layers of thermal insulation, but also the ease of installation depends on this. Based on the specifics of using insulation, the following requirements are imposed on them:

1. Ability to withstand peak temperatures. The material must be frost-resistant and not destroyed at high temperatures, maintaining its characteristics even after numerous cycles of freezing-thawing or heating-cooling.
2. Durability. The service life of thermal insulation should be no lower, or even higher, than other materials used on the roof. This is due to the fact that replacing a roofing pie is much more difficult than, for example, a top covering made of metal tiles or ondulin.
3. The lowest possible thermal conductivity coefficient. It is best to take insulation with a value of no more than 0.05 W/m×K.
4. Maximum moisture resistance. Since condensation may appear in the under-roof space, the material should not absorb moisture and lose its properties when wet.
5. Fire safety. Thermal insulation must not burn or support combustion.
6. Light weight. The insulation should be light so as not to create an increased load on the roof rafter system. The total weight of thermal insulation can be determined by multiplying its density by volume. Experts recommend using materials with a density of up to 50 kg/m3.
7. Ability to maintain a given configuration. The insulation is laid in the spaces between the rafters in an inclined position. If you choose a material that can deform under its own weight, then over time it can slide down, forming voids inside the structure. It is necessary to choose thermal insulation that can retain its original size and shape for a long time.

The type of thermal insulation chosen affects the thickness of the roofing pie. Later we will look at how to calculate the amount of material needed.

What materials are suitable for attic insulation?

You can make your attic suitable for living at any time of the year using various insulation materials. Let's look at their features and highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

Mineral wool

To insulate the attic, you can use glass wool, mineral wool or slag wool. These materials have the following thermophysical and operational parameters:

• high thermal resistance- up to 1.19 W/(m 2 /K);
• low thermal conductivity - no more than 0.042 W/m×K;
• light weight - from 15 to 38 kg per 1 m2.

Cotton-type thermal insulation is a favorite option for home craftsmen if the roofing pie needs to be installed from the inside of the room. It does not support combustion and has minimum weight, and, importantly, rodents do not grow in its layer. The slab samples retain their shape perfectly, and when laying fiber insulation in the space between the rafters, no precise adjustment is required - the mineral wool is easily distributed without seams or gaps.

Mineral wool is produced in the form of roll and slab materials

The only drawback can be considered increased hygroscopicity. Due to the appearance of moisture between the fibers, the thermal insulation properties of the material drop by more than half, and the material itself begins to collapse. Therefore, mineral wool needs high-quality waterproofing from the roof side and installing a vapor barrier membrane from inside the attic space.

Polymer thermal insulation

For insulation roofing structure often used polymer materials- expanded polystyrene and polyurethane foam. They retain heat well and, due to their hydrophobicity, are not at all afraid of moisture.

Simple polystyrene foam, otherwise called polystyrene foam, is one of the most popular insulation materials on the building materials market. Good performance characteristics - minimal density, low thermal conductivity, moisture resistance and the ability to hold a given shape contribute to the idealization of this material. As a result, it is often used in places where it is strictly not recommended. Firstly, only non-flammable foam plastic of the G1-G2 brand is suitable for insulating residential premises, and not the popular G3-G4, which ignites perfectly and burns out in a matter of minutes. If you choose the latter for insulating the attic, then surviving a fire in it will be unrealistic. Secondly, installing ordinary polystyrene foam is not an easy task, since it is difficult to cut and crumbles easily. Thirdly, this material is subject to aging and begins to quickly deteriorate over time. And in conclusion, it should be noted that polystyrene foam is a favorite material among rats and mice, so it is used only where it will be covered with a layer of concrete screed or hidden behind plaster.

Polystyrene foam is a type of gas-filled plastic that can be used to insulate an attic space.

Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) is almost completely devoid of the disadvantages of polystyrene foam, which is well suited for thermal insulation of an attic room from the outside. To do this, insulation boards are laid directly under the roofing material, on top of the elements of the rafter system. Extruded polystyrene foam contains fire retardants, so it burns poorly. Compared to foam plastic, EPS has higher strength and rigidity, which makes it much easier to install. Like other polymer materials, extruded polystyrene foam is waterproof, does not allow steam to pass through, and has good energy-saving properties. This makes it the best option for thermal insulation of the attic roof from the outside. By the way, very little EPS is required - a 100-mm layer will be enough to insulate an attic space in most regions of our country.

Extruded polystyrene foam is best suited for external roof insulation

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam (PPU) is a gas-filled plastic that is applied in liquid form to the inner surface of the slopes. When set, the material forms a rigid foam with excellent physical characteristics:

• heat transfer - up to 0.027 W/m×K;
• thermal resistance from 1.85 to 9.25 W/(m 2 /K);
• thermal insulation density - from 30 to 86 kg/m 3 ;
• weight - from 11 to 22 kg.

To apply polyurethane foam, a special installation is used in which the liquid mixture foams when air or CO 2 is supplied.

To insulate a roof with polyurethane foam, you will have to turn to specialists - without special equipment and skills are indispensable here

This installation method largely determines the advantages of the insulation, since when the under-roof space is blown out, there are no cracks, gaps or cold bridges left in the form of open elements of the rafter system. Polyurethane foam does not support combustion and does not change shape. It does not collapse over time and resists moisture well. By the way, the last factor causes low vapor permeability - the insulation does not allow the roof to “breathe”, which can lead to high humidity in the attic space.

To ensure that the air in the attic room is fresh and light, and the wall surfaces are not covered with mold and mildew, when insulating the roof with polyurethane foam, you should definitely consider quality system supply ventilation.

Ecowool can be considered one of the best materials for thermal insulation work at home. This insulation consists of more than 80% cellulose fibers, so it has low thermal conductivity and is well suited for filling gaps between rafters. Since cellulose is pure form burns well and is destroyed by fungi; borax is added to its composition as a fire retardant and boric acid to protect against damage biological organisms, including rodents.

Basic physical properties ecowool:

• thermal conductivity - from 0.037 to 0.042 W/m×K;
• density depends on the degree of laying and varies from 26–95 kg/m3;
• flammability - group G2 according to GOST 30244;
• vapor permeability - up to 03 mg/mchPa.

In terms of its performance properties, ecowool is close to mineral and polymer thermal insulation, surpassing them in many factors. So, unlike mineral wool, it absorbs moisture without significantly reducing thermal conductivity. When humidity increases by 1% basalt slab will lose a tenth of its thermal insulation properties, while ecowool, when saturated with moisture up to 25%, will increase thermal conductivity by no more than 5%.

Ecowool in the form of slabs of various thicknesses is suitable for insulating the attic.

It is also important that when the cellulose insulation dries, it completely restores its original characteristics. At the same time, it can serve as a kind of buffer, capable of maintaining a comfortable level of humidity in the room. Ecowool allows for seamless installation, therefore it forms a monolithic layer without gaps or cold bridges. Its breathability is almost two times lower than that of mineral insulation, and at the same time it remains elastic enough to dampen sound waves. When using ecowool, the attic will be best protected from external noise. And finally, it is impossible to remain silent about the environmental friendliness and safety of this material. It does not contain a single chemical compound that could evaporate and release substances harmful to humans.

How to calculate the thickness of thermal insulation

To calculate what layer of insulation will be needed to insulate the attic, builders use the formula from SNiP II-3–79 δ in = (R - 0.16 - δ 1 /λ 1 - δ 2 /λ 2 - δ i /λ i) × λ ut, in which R is the thermal resistance of the slope, wall or ceiling (m 2 ×°C/W), δ is the design thickness individual elements structure in meters, and λ is the thermal conductivity coefficient of the insulation (W/m×°C) for the structural layers used.

In private housebuilding, the formula is simplified to simple equationδ ut = R × λB, where the last factor characterizes the thermal conductivity of the insulation used in W/m×°C. The minimum thermal resistance of walls, roofs and ceilings depends on the region in which construction is being carried out.

Table: thermal resistance values ​​depending on the region of construction

City	R (m 2 ×°C/W)
	For floors	For walls	For coatings
Anadyr	6,39	4,89	7,19
Biysk	4,65	3,55	5,25
Bryansk	3,92	2,97	4,45
Velikiy Novgorod	4,04	3,06	4,58
Derbent	2,91	2,19	3,33
Ekaterinburg	4,6	3,5	5,19
Irkutsk	4,94	3,76	5,58
Kaliningrad	3,58	2,71	2,08
Krasnoyarsk	4,71	3,59	5,33
Maykop	3,1	2,8	3,5
Moscow	4,15	3,15	4,7
Murmansk	4,82	3,68	5,45
Nalchik	3,7	2,8	4,2
Naryan-Mar	5,28	4,03	5,96
Nizhny Tagil	4,7	3,56	5,3
Omsk	4,83	3,68	5,45
Orenburg	4,49	3,41	5,08
Permian	5,08	3,41	4,49
Penza	4,15	3,15	4,7
Saint Petersburg	4,04	3,06	4,58
Saratov	4,15	3,15	4,7
Sochi	2,6	1,83	2,95
Surgut	5,28	4,03	5,95
Tomsk	4,83	3,68	5,45
Tyumen	4,6	3,5	5,2
Ulan-Ude	5,05	3,85	5,7
Chelyabinsk	4,49	3,41	5,08
Chita	5,27	4,02	5,9

The thermal conductivity characteristics of any thermal insulation material can also be found in the tables.

Table: thermal conductivity coefficients of materials

To determine the thickness of the insulation, it is not at all necessary to count everything manually. You can use an online calculator, which is easy to find on the Internet. All that is needed in this case is to enter the values ​​of the climate zone, the area of ​​the attic, the type of insulation and its scope. The program will do all other calculations for you.

Insulating the attic from the inside

The simplest and in a convenient way roof insulation is thermal insulation from the attic side. Almost all known thermal insulation materials are used for these purposes. The most commonly used mineral or glass wool- does not affect high price these insulation materials. Extruded polystyrene foam is used a little less often, the installation of which causes more difficulties. And unfortunately, ecowool or polystyrene foam blowing is still very rarely used - the relatively high price and complexity of installing thermal insulation play a role here.

When insulating an attic from the inside, not only the walls, but also the floor are insulated

The durability of the materials used and the comfort inside the attic depends on how accurately the technology of thermal insulation measures is followed. The most important role here is played by how correctly the roofing “pie” is laid. If we consider the structure from the inside out, it consists of the following elements:

• finishing with sheets of plasterboard, plywood or OSB, clapboard, etc.;
• vapor barrier;
• thermal insulation material;
• waterproofing;
• counter-lattice and lathing with a ventilation gap;
• roofing material.

It should be noted that vapor barrier will be needed only when cotton wool materials are used for insulation - in this case it will prevent the penetration of moist air from the attic space. When using polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene, there is no need for a diffusion membrane.

As for waterproofing, it is needed in any case, since it will serve as an additional barrier to protect the roofing pie and wooden elements of the rafter system from moisture coming from outside. If fiber insulation is used for thermal insulation, then superdiffusion membranes are used that are capable of transmitting water vapor in one direction. During installation, they are oriented in such a way as to ensure the removal of moisture from the cotton materials. In addition, to improve ventilation between the waterproofing and the roof, they install ventilation gap height from 5 to 10 cm.

When insulating with mineral wool, it is necessary to use a vapor barrier film

The entire process of roof insulation can be divided into several stages:

• preparatory work;
• preparation of thermal insulation material;
• laying insulation in place;
• fastening thermal insulation;
• finishing activities.

You should remember about insulating the attic space, starting from the design stage, not forgetting to take into account the features thermal insulation works at all stages of construction. You should decide from the very beginning what the attic walls will be like. If they serve as sloping surfaces of the roof up to the ceiling, then the roof slopes will be insulated. In the event that vertical wall structures are installed, thermal insulation is installed on the affected areas of the roof, walls and adjacent areas of the floor.

Thermal insulation is installed in used areas

Work order

Before you begin thermal insulation of the attic, the insulation cake should be protected with a layer of waterproofing. This work must be done before laying the roofing material, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve complete tightness of the heat-insulating carpet. They begin to lay the film membrane directly on top of the rafters. The work is carried out from the bottom up, overlapping the previous canvas by 15 cm and gluing the joint with special tape. There is no need to tighten the film; it is better to leave a little slack. A deflection of up to 20 mm per 1 linear meter of material will be enough to prevent the membrane waterproofing from breaking with the onset of winter frosts. To attach the film to the rafters, it is best to use a construction stapler. If such a tool is not at hand, then the waterproofing can be nailed with galvanized nails with wide heads.

You should think about protecting the thermal insulation pie from moisture at the stage of roof construction.

To ensure normal ventilation of the space between the film membrane and roofing material, lumber with a thickness of at least 25 mm is used as lathing. TO rafter legs they are secured using corrosion-resistant screws or galvanized nails 50–70 mm long.

To avoid accidental damage to the waterproofing film, holes are made in the sheathing in advance.

If the roof is covered with a soft roof, then a solid base made of particle boards, OSB or moisture-resistant plywood is mounted on the sheathing. Metal tiles, slate and other rigid roofing materials are attached directly to the sheathing elements.

Then installation is carried out from the attic side. To avoid making mistakes, you should follow the order of work:

1. The thermal insulation material is unpacked. Slab and roll insulation laid out on a flat surface and left for a short time so that its fibers straighten.
2. The mineral wool panel is cut into pieces, the width of which is 2–3 cm greater than the installation pitch of the rafter legs.
   

   Standard width roll thermal insulation is 1.2 m, therefore, for ease of installation, you should choose the same or halved distance between the rafters. In the latter case, the insulation is cut lengthwise, producing two sheets 0.6 m wide.

3. Cut insulation boards are laid in the spaces between the rafters. Initially, the thermal insulation will be retained due to the installation “by surprise”, so each sheet is first pressed in the center, and then its edges are tucked in so that the insulation does not protrude beyond the rafters.
4. The mineral wool is covered with a vapor barrier membrane. As in the case of waterproofing, strips of material are laid horizontally, from bottom to top, with an overlap of at least 10 cm. The joints are taped, and the film itself is secured to the rafters with staples.
5. The bottom sheathing is made from lumber 2.5 cm thick. In the future they will be attached to it plasterboard structures or other finishing material.

   The insulation layer is covered with a vapor barrier membrane, on top of which the sheathing slats are stuffed

Sometimes it is necessary to equip an insulated attic in a house with an already installed roof. In order not to dismantle the roofing material, the waterproofing membrane can be installed from the side of the room. To do this, the rafters are wrapped in film, and the material itself is attached to the sheathing. The disadvantage of this solution is that the wooden roof structures remain unprotected if moisture begins to leak inside for some reason.

Video: thermal insulation of the attic floor with mineral wool

Features of insulating an attic roof from the outside

If the design of the attic space assumes the presence wooden beams on the walls or its dimensions do not allow using a single centimeter of space, then the roof is insulated from the outside. It is best to do this at the stage of roof construction, since otherwise you will have to remove the roofing material.

Insulation of the roof from the outside can only be done with rigid thermal insulation. The best material in this case is extruded polystyrene foam. As noted above, such a coating does not require vapor barrier, so the insulation cake consists of fewer layers:

• slab thermal insulation;
• waterproofing membrane;
• sheathing with ventilation gap;
• roofing material.

The main advantage of roof insulation from the outside is the uniformity of the thermal insulation layer. An undoubted advantage is the absence of cold bridges and the possibility of inspecting and repairing rafters without dismantling the roofing material.

The method by which the attic is insulated from the outside will increase inner space attics and use rafters as decorative elements of the interior

Work order:

All that remains to be done is to lay and secure the roofing material. Rigid types of coverings are attached directly to the sheathing, so the distance between the beams should be taken into account at the stage of its installation. Under soft roof equip a solid base made of OSB or plywood, which is protected with a layer of waterproofing. In this case, there is no need to install a waterproofing membrane on top of the insulation.

Video: everything you need to know about attic insulation

Thermal insulation of an attic room, in addition to actually preserving heat inside, allows you to solve a number of other problems. High-quality insulation will prevent the roof from overheating in the summer, which means that the room will be as comfortable as in any other room. IN winter frosts The thermal insulation cake will prevent snow from melting and ice from forming, and during rain or hail it will serve as protection from noise. It is only important to take into account the features of various insulation materials and carry out the work competently, taking into account the rules and installation technology.

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One of the main measures when arranging an additional residential floor is the insulation of the attic roof. To create a thermal insulation barrier under the roof, you must select optimal material and carry out the work correctly, on which the quality of the microclimate in the attic will depend.

Unlike the main building, the attic space does not have main walls, which are a serious obstacle to heat exchange with external environment. The heat transfer resistance of a thin roof tends to zero, so the first insulation feature will be more thick layer thermal insulation material, when compared with a similar process on the walls of a house. If the thermal insulation barrier turns out to be insufficient, it will be difficult to heat the attic room in winter, and to achieve comfortable coolness during the summer heat.

The first feature of attic roof insulation will be a thicker layer of thermal insulation material

When building a rafter system, they often do not count on the additional load that can come from an array of insulation and subsequent finishing materials. Taking this fact into account, it is necessary to choose thermal insulation with a minimum density, and therefore weight. Ideally, when the design of the attic is carried out immediately during the construction of the house, then it is possible to take into account the upcoming loads and make a roof frame with the necessary margin of safety. But this is not always the case. The decision to convert a spacious attic into a living space often comes when there is a need for additional square meters.

When re-roofing reliable fencing from external influences take into account the characteristics of the roofing material. If the roof is not sealed, pay special attention to protection from possible ingress of moisture and wind load. Also pay attention to the “sound” of the roof. Roofing materials made of metal are very loud during rain or hail, so it will be necessary good sound insulation. When deciding how to insulate the roof when arranging an attic space, take into account the listed features.

To understand which insulation is best for an attic roof, you need to know the list of modern materials from this series and their performance characteristics, taking into account the peculiarities of their use in the situation under consideration. Now for insulation building structures use the following materials:

• polymer (foam plastic, penoplex, polyurethane);
• produced on the basis of natural raw materials (mineral wool, ecowool);
• composite (varieties of penofol).

Polystyrene foam is the most popular insulation in construction due to low cost and good thermal insulation properties

Polystyrene foam is the most popular insulation material in construction due to its low cost and good thermal insulation properties. The priority area of ​​application of the polymer is thermal insulation of facades. Inside, foam is used with caution, mainly in technical buildings. It is not recommended to insulate a home from the inside with this polymer due to the inadequacy of the material fire safety requirements– it is flammable and emits very toxic smoke when burned. Private homeowners often take risks when using polystyrene foam to insulate the inside of living rooms, prioritizing the low cost of insulation and ease of use.

Extruded polystyrene foam or penoplex (the commercial name of the material) is similar in chemical structure to polystyrene foam, but a fundamentally different production method contributed to a good result. Penoplex melts at high temperatures, but does not burn, it is much stronger and does not crumble when cutting, and is absolutely impervious to moisture. In terms of specific gravity, polystyrene corresponds to polystyrene foam or slightly exceeds it (produced in various options density). In terms of thermal insulation properties, these polymers are similar, but penoplex has slightly better sound insulation characteristics. As insulation for the attic, polystyrene is a priority if you choose from these two polymers.

Materials based on polystyrene foam are produced in the form of slabs of various thicknesses

The described materials based on polystyrene foam are produced in the form of slabs of various thicknesses. This makes it possible to carry out insulation yourself. The third material from the polymer group - polyurethane foam - involves a completely different technology for its use. It is applied to the work surface in the form of a foamed substance, which subsequently polymerizes and becomes hard. To form a thermal insulation layer, special expensive equipment is used to mix several components and apply the resulting substance to insulated surfaces. Hardened polyurethane foam has a cellular structure, low density and good resistance to heat transfer and sound transmission. This material is becoming increasingly popular for thermal insulation in construction; it is also used for insulating attic roofs.

The most commonly used insulation materials based on natural raw materials are varieties of mineral wool. The material is produced by forming mats or slabs from fibers of molten minerals. Mineral wool is produced in various densities (from loose material to rigid slabs) and is used both for external use and for thermal insulation from the inside. Mineral wool does not burn, allows steam to pass through, is non-toxic, retains heat well and does not allow it to spread sound vibrations. For internal insulation, such as creating a thermal barrier for an attic space, mineral wool is a good choice.

The most commonly used insulation materials based on natural raw materials are varieties of mineral wool

Roofs can be insulated with another natural-based insulation – ecowool. This heat insulator began to be used quite recently. Its basis is cellulose flakes, which are moistened with a special composition and applied to the insulated surface, like polyurethane, forming the necessary layer. Ecowool is used primarily for internal insulation, including thermal insulation of roofs when constructing attic spaces. The work is carried out by specialized teams who have at their disposal necessary equipment and knowledgeable about the process technology. The thermal insulation layer formed by cellulose flakes has approximately the same performance characteristics like mineral wool. The only difference is the ability of mineral wool to support combustion.

Penofol is a composite material and consists of a layer of polyethylene foam covered with polished aluminum foil. It is rarely used as an independent insulation material; more often it is used to enhance the thermal insulation effect of one of the materials listed above. This combination is also applicable when insulating the attic. In this case, a complex of mineral wool plus penofol is often used, which is simultaneously used as a vapor barrier from inside the attic space.

One of the ways to lay insulation is before installing the roof, that is, from the outside

When deciding how best to insulate an attic roof, you need to take into account not only the properties of the materials, but also the method of their installation. Thermal insulation measures can be carried out before the roof is installed, that is, from the outside, and from the inside, when the roof is ready. Next, we’ll look at how to properly insulate an attic roof in both situations.

Insulation from the outside - convenient if planned in advance

It is convenient to insulate the roof during roofing works, what roofers usually do. This is done when the attic space is pre-designed. More often in such situations, extruded polystyrene is used as insulation. What is the essence of technology? After constructing the roof frame structure with inside slats are placed perpendicular to the rafters, forming simultaneously a lathing for cladding with finishing material from the inside and a basis for laying insulating boards. The use of moisture-resistant penoplex makes it possible not to use a vapor barrier from the inside; you can install the insulation directly on the wooden sheathing.

Penoplex boards are tightly laid in the spaces between the rafters, forming a continuous thermal insulation barrier. The thickness of the insulating layer corresponds to the transverse size of the rafters, that is, it is made maximum. To do this, it is often necessary to lay penoplex in several layers, placing the plates with mutual displacement in order to reduce the likelihood of the formation of cold bridges. The resulting gaps between the insulation and the rafters are filled polyurethane sealant. A moisture-proof sheet is laid and fixed along the top of the rafters and insulation, forming a continuous surface, after which slats are filled for installation of the roofing material.

It is impossible to ignore the use of moisture-proof film, despite the hydrophobic properties of penoplex, because there are also ones under the roof, the service life of which can be greatly reduced by the presence of moisture.

It is much more convenient to lay insulation from the outside, but practice shows that not everyone is able to foresee the possible arrangement of the attic in advance. If the roof has already been made, it is not advisable to dismantle the roofing material for the convenience of laying insulation, so in such situations it is necessary to deal with internal thermal insulation. Read about how you can insulate an attic roof from the inside in the next section.

Installation from the inside - methods available for implementation

How to properly insulate an attic roof when installed roof? The principle of thermal insulation, regardless of the material and technology used, is the same - to fill the spaces between the rafters as tightly as possible with insulation. This can be done with polyurethane foam or ecowool, but you will have to hire specialized teams involved in this type of activity. Using polystyrene foam, polystyrene or mineral wool, you can create a reliable thermal insulation barrier yourself, saving considerable money.

Let's look at how to insulate an attic roof using it as a heat insulator. mineral wool medium density, which is produced in the form of piece mats. This material will reliably protect the interior of the attic from external temperatures and noise, while being permeable to steam, which will create a comfortable microclimate in the room.

The workflow consists of the following steps.

1. 1. If the roof was built a long time ago, most likely, a moisture-proof membrane was not installed under the roofing material. In this case, you need to start by installing the protective film. It will not be possible to attach it completely, so we cut the canvas according to the pitch of the rafters (a little more) and fix it in the spaces between the load-bearing beams, overlapping adjacent fragments by about 15 cm.
2. 2. Let's start laying the mineral wool. The material is unpleasant to work with, especially when installed at the top (fine prickly dust falls off), so you should make sure you have a respirator, safety glasses, gloves and a closed suit. We cut the mineral wool fragments so that they are slightly wider than the pitch of the rafters. By doing this, you will not have to additionally fix the material; it will hold on its own, and moreover, there will be no gaps between the insulation and the rafters. If mineral wool is laid in two layers, make sure that the seams between the individual fragments do not match.
3. 3. When all the spaces between the rafters are filled with mineral wool, you need to create a vapor barrier from an appropriate film. It is more convenient to roll out the canvas perpendicular to the rafters and attach it to the supporting beams with a stapler. Adjacent canvases also need to overlap each other.
4. 4. The last stage will be the creation of a counter-lattice (the slats are fixed perpendicular to the rafters), which will become the basis for installing gypsum plasterboard or OSB boards.

Solve the problem of lack of useful living space in country house You can arrange the attic space. This part of the building is not distinguished by thick enclosing structures, so for all-season use, the owner of the building must install correctly selected thermal insulation. In our article we will talk about which insulation is best for an attic roof.

On this moment in domestic construction market There are many products that can be used as insulation for an attic roof or other enclosing structure, gable.

How does heat exchange occur in the attic?

Work on insulating the attic began after installation heating system in the attic, because such materials allow you to save warm air in the middle of the house. In the absence of a heating system, laying thermal insulation does not always give the desired effect. The heat here is retained by a small air gap, which is located between the ceiling and the roof; this is also facilitated by a layer of snow on the roof.

When installing the heating system on attic floors the heated air will tend to rise, it will quickly heat the roof and melt the snow. To reduce energy losses, the owner of the house must provide insulation for the facade of the building. This work can be done using one of the methods described below:

1. Insulation of the roof of the house from the inside. IN in this case It would be advisable to lay insulating mats in the space between the roof rafters. This method of reducing energy losses is considered one of the most expensive, but in some cases it is considered the only possible solution. Many people ask what is the best way to insulate an attic roof. One of possible options installation of mineral wool with further laying of a vapor barrier film is considered.

2. Another method of insulation is external thermal insulation. Experienced builders recommend this particular method, because when joining insulation boards, the possibility of the formation of cold bridges is reduced. It is advisable to carry out such work during the installation of the roof, in which case the thermal insulation materials are laid on a vapor barrier film. This element is fixed to the rafters using staplers. At the final stage of the work, the insulation is protected from moisture with a waterproofing film, the rolled products are fixed with the same stapler and installation of the roof covering begins.

If we compare internal and external insulation, then last option has poorer protection against precipitation. Materials for external insulation must hold their shape well and not allow moisture to pass through. For those who do not know what is the best way to insulate an attic roof from the outside, it is advisable to choose polystyrene foam.

What characteristics should the insulation have?

Most roofers know that the effectiveness of insulation of the roof, as well as the gable part of the building, depends not only on the quality of the work performed, but also on the type of thermal insulation material. Before you start purchasing a product you need to familiarize yourself with the requirements that the selected insulation must meet:

1. First, you need to take into account the resistance of thermal insulation to external aggressive factors. The best insulation for the roof and gable of the building throughout the entire period of operation must retain its original dimensions and structure. Insulation materials are resistant to influences such as sudden temperature fluctuations, moisture ingress, and changing freezing and thawing cycles.

2. The second requirement is low hygroscopicity. The term “hygroscopicity” itself indicates the ability of a material to absorb moisture. Moisture in the insulation structure reduces the thermal insulation properties of products, promotes the formation of fungi and mold, and increases the weight of a particular element.

3. The third requirement is low thermal conductivity, the possibility of hermetically joining adjacent parts. Products with low thermal conductivity retain heat indoors in winter. In addition, effective insulation for the attic roof will create coolness in the summer.

4. And last but not least important requirement– safety during operation. It is necessary to insulate the attic roof from the inside, as well as sheathe the pediment with elements of increased fire safety. Such products should not ignite when exposed to high temperatures and should support the combustion process. Another important point is that thermal insulation materials must be absolutely safe for human health and not cause allergies or other diseases.

If you don’t yet know what is the best way to insulate the roof of a house, check thermotechnical calculation and calculate the thickness of thermal insulation products. This option is selected by climatic conditions for a specific region. For example, in central Russia it is advisable to install a thermal insulation layer with a minimum thickness of 15 centimeters. In this case, the joints between adjacent products must be overlapped by the next row of slabs.

Types of materials for attic insulation

Mineral

This subspecies includes products that have a fibrous structure; they fall into construction stores in the form of rolls or slabs and are called mineral (basalt or stone) wool. The main types of raw materials for the production of such elements are waste from the glass industry and metallurgy. Stone wool is obtained from hard stone by melting, it has a fibrous structure. This material has excellent heat and sound insulation characteristics, is not affected by rot and mold, and can withstand high temperatures within 900 degrees.

Stone wool slabs and rolls have a soft structure, so they are used to insulate the attic from the inside. The thermal conductivity of this thermal insulation is within 0.4 W/m, but this value can double after moisture enters the structure of the material. To prevent this from happening, mineral wool is protected from dampness by attaching a vapor barrier and waterproofing film.

Thermal insulation materials based on polymers

Not everyone knows what is the best material to use for insulating the gable and roof from the inside and outside. Experienced builders recommend using polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam for this purpose. A similar method is used to insulate old civil buildings. The described technology has several advantages:

• Small mass. Each of the foam plates weighs several tens of grams, which reduces the load on load-bearing walls and roof structure.
• Such products have minimal hygroscopicity. The surface of polystyrene foam repels moisture, so mold and mildew do not appear on it. The absence of moisture in the structure means the absence of destruction during freezing and thawing of the liquid, preserving the original properties of the insulation. There is only one answer to the question of which insulation to choose for the gable - polystyrene foam.
• The products in question, in addition to increased thermal insulation characteristics, do not conduct sound. In this regard, foam plastic is considered an indispensable material for finishing civil buildings located near highways. Expanded polystyrene will reduce the noise of rain on a roof covered with corrugated sheets or metal tiles.
• One more useful property The described products are fireproof. The plates do not burn, but melt under the influence of fire.
• An important characteristic of polystyrene foam is the simple installation of slabs on flat surfaces. The consumer can choose insulation required thickness and install it yourself. Such products can be quickly cut using a handsaw or a sharp knife.

The main disadvantage of the material under consideration is fragility; its structure is destroyed under minor mechanical loads. A similar problem can be solved by using products of increased strength and density (extruded polystyrene foam) or penoizol. The latter is blown between the rafters over a pre-laid plastic film.

Thermal insulation of the attic using natural components

People who are responsible for their own health are trying to understand which insulation for an attic roof is better. In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to natural products that are made from fibers of agricultural crops such as flax or hemp.

Ecowool is quite expensive; it contains up to 12% antiseptics (additives that prevent rotting processes) and 7% antipyrine (minimizes the effects of fire). The technical characteristics of natural thermal insulation materials are as follows:

• Thermal conductivity indicators are the lowest among all described types of insulation - 0.032 W/m;
• The degree of moisture saturation in such products is almost 2 times less than in mineral wool or glass wool;
• Natural insulation materials have a second class of flammability. According to this indicator, they are significantly inferior to stone wool;
• Ecowool has a loose structure, its density reaches 75 grams per square meter;
• Another important advantage of natural thermal insulation materials is high degree sound absorption.

According to experienced builders, ecological wool ranks first among insulation materials for attics of frame, timber and log buildings. It goes perfectly with wood; its use can reduce 30% of the family budget’s heating costs.

Arranging a living space in place of an attic has long ceased to be a rare occurrence. More and more home owners are interested in how to properly carry out renovations so that life “under the roof” is no less comfortable than in the house itself. Let's consider how to insulate an attic if the roof is already covered, what materials are best suited for this purpose and what nuances you should pay attention to.

An attic is not just a lived-in attic. There are some standards that distinguish these two premises from each other. First of all, the attic roof must have a slope. In addition, the height of the room established by the standard must be at least 2.5 m.

Focusing on attractive appearance, many decide to arrange an attic. But in reality, you have to deal with some nuances, which it is advisable to familiarize yourself with before starting work:

• the materials that were used to build the attic directly determine further heat loss in this room. Therefore, their choice should be approached very responsibly;
• No less influential are the correctly selected engineering solutions, which make it possible to ensure top floor all necessary communications;
• The shape of the roof plays a significant role. It can be single-pitch, gable or broken;
• in order to hide the load-bearing elements of the roof, you will have to use your imagination;
• the attic can be located not only on the territory of the house, but also extend beyond its boundaries, supported by columns.

Each of these aspects has its own impact on the approach that will be required for high-quality roof insulation. But the main role still belongs to two main materials - heat and waterproofing. On the one hand, the space under the roof is in the most cold zone buildings. On the other hand, a strong difference between the temperature inside and outside often causes condensation, which has a destructive effect on materials.

The best materials for do-it-yourself attic insulation

There are many suitable options for internal insulation of the attic. But your choice must be made based on the characteristics of the region of residence, as well as the design features of the specific roof with which you will be working. Let's look at what options exist today and what features are typical for them.

Insulating the attic with polystyrene foam: the pros and cons of the material

Polystyrene foam is one of the most famous insulation materials, which occupies its niche among inexpensive thermal insulation materials. Its price is indeed significantly lower than many others, but this is far from its only advantage:

• polystyrene foam does not absorb moisture at all. If the material is pre-treated with an impregnation specially designed for this purpose, then the water will simply flow down over the surface;
• light weight is another advantage, which greatly facilitates transportation and installation, and also reduces the load on the roof;
• the thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam is very low, so it copes with its direct functions more than fully;
• Styrofoam is easy to cut and attach. This allows you to work with it without any problems even if you lack any experience.

Interesting! In terms of cost, this method can only be compared with insulating the ceiling with expanded clay, although now this method is used less and less.

Based on these characteristics, we can conclude that polystyrene foam is an almost win-win option when we're talking about about insulating the attic from the inside. But insulating walls with foam plastic from the inside also has disadvantages, and sometimes they turn out to be much more significant than the advantages:

• the vapor permeability of foam is at a very low level. As a result, the room is often stuffy and hot. This also leads to increased humidity, which causes the development of fungi and mold on wooden roofing elements;
• despite its artificial origin, this material is often damaged by rodents;
• Over time, wood tends to shrink, which leads to the formation of gaps between the foam elements. It is impossible to fix this, and the only way to solve the problem is to completely replace the thermal insulation material.

Many people believe that the listed disadvantages outweigh the advantages and insulating the attic with polystyrene foam is not justified. But one cannot help but admit that this is one of the most budget options, which causes a minimum of hassle, and if the installation technology is followed, it may well become an alternative to more expensive solutions.

Insulating the attic with polystyrene foam: advantages, disadvantages and features

Extruded polystyrene foam is very similar to polystyrene foam. Their technical characteristics are almost identical, with the exception of one significant aspect - installation technology. If polystyrene foam needs to be laid between the rafters, then polystyrene foam is placed on top, which eliminates the risk of cracks and gaps.

Helpful advice! Some manufacturers offer customers slabs with stepped joints, which makes the joints even stronger and more reliable. This fixation of elements together is an ideal option for insulating an attic roof.

Among other advantages of roof insulation with polystyrene foam, one cannot fail to note its low weight, which is perfectly combined with high strength and resistance to external influences. In addition, the service life of this material is quite long, provided that all the technology for insulating the attic with penoplex is followed.

Expanded polystyrene is not prone to rotting or decomposition, which is also important in the case of work on the roof. Any finishing coating can be applied over it, which will give an attractive appearance and provide additional protection.

Working with polystyrene foam yourself is easy: a variety of adhesive mixtures and mastics are suitable for fixing it. And in some cases they even use a construction stapler. So there is no need to purchase any expensive additional elements for installation.

But behind all these positive characteristics We must not forget about the only, but rather serious, drawback of insulating polystyrene foam from the inside of walls and roofs - the material has an increased level of flammability. For owners, this means the need for a more careful and thoughtful installation of all communications, in particular electricity.

Of course, manufacturers are trying to reduce this drawback to a minimum, but today we can say with confidence that this question remains open, and every owner who has chosen to insulate the walls from the inside with penoplex is obliged to take care of their safety.

Interesting! It is no coincidence that this material is most often chosen for insulating balconies. Expanded polystyrene has very low thermal conductivity, and at the same time on the balcony it practically does not have to come into contact with electricity.

Insulating the attic from the inside with mineral wool: a worthy alternative to penoplex

Mineral wool is another thermal insulation material that is used everywhere and is widely known for its properties. It got its name because of its fibrous structure, similar to medical cotton wool. You can buy it in rolls, which makes transportation and installation even more convenient.

Low thermal conductivity goes well with the ability to not absorb moisture. Although, if this happens, the material dries quickly without losing its appearance and technical characteristics.

Mineral wool belongs to the category of environmentally friendly and safe materials, which becomes noticeable even if the upper part of the roof is covered with metal tiles, which are prone to strong heating when exposed to sun rays. In addition, mineral wool also serves as a sound-absorbing barrier, and unlike polystyrene foam, it is not at all of interest to rodents and various insects.

Insulation of the roof from the inside with mineral wool must be done taking into account the fact that this is a fairly elastic material, even despite its soft fibrous structure. It is quite capable of being held between the rafters, provided it is properly fixed.

Helpful advice! In the process of cutting mineral wool for laying sheets between the rafters, it is necessary to leave a margin of approximately 2 cm. This will allow them to be held and not fall out even in the absence of additional fastening elements.

Insulating the roof from the inside with glass wool: is it worth using this material?

In terms of its characteristics, glass wool is similar to mineral wool, but in this case, the fibers that make up the material are longer, which generally increases the elasticity of the material. Strength indicators and soundproofing abilities are also slightly higher. But when in contact with moisture, glass wool is inferior to mineral wool, absorbing more water.

The use of glass wool for insulation of residential premises does not lead to any negative consequences for the health of residents. No toxic substances are used in the production process. In addition, glass wool is characterized by low flammability.

When working with the material, safety regulations must be followed to avoid glass wool fibers getting into the air. Its small particles can cause irritation of mucous membranes, and therefore the use of a respirator and safety glasses is a must.

Helpful advice! Sometimes glass wool fibers can cause skin irritation, so it is recommended to wear closed clothing and even gloves when working with it.

Do-it-yourself insulation of an attic roof from the inside using stone wool

Stone wool is the most expensive option among similar materials. But at the same time, it is the safest for human health and, in terms of reliability, significantly exceeds all other options. Here are some of its main advantages:

• The thermal conductivity coefficient of this material is one of the lowest;
• stone wool remains completely environmentally friendly even when heated;
• the layer of this heat insulator is also an excellent noise-absorbing barrier;
• the level of vapor permeability is very high;

• the material practically does not burn;
• no mechanical loads can deform stone wool or affect its characteristics;
• the material has a long service life;
• You can purchase stone wool in the form of slabs, which are easily cut into pieces of the required length and attached to the ceiling surface.

Because of high cost They often try to replace stone wool with mineral wool or glass wool. But such a replacement cannot be called complete, since this affects the quality of insulation quite seriously. Many users claim that the price of the material is quite justified, and provided that the installation technology is followed, it very quickly pays off the incurred costs.

Related article:

Types of insulation for roofs and ceilings. Mineral and synthetic insulation for roofs. Insulation of the attic roof.

In addition, it is quite possible to carry out all the work on insulating the attic roof from the inside with your own hands. Video instructions can demonstrate the procedure for carrying out the work, and recommendations from specialists will help you avoid common mistakes.

Insulating the attic with ecowool is one of the most effective ways to combat the cold

Ecowool is a pre-crushed material that is first blown into the cracks, and then, using the same method, a layer is placed between the ceiling and the rafters, using a device specially designed for this. This is an expensive procedure, but it allows you to completely eliminate all risks of drafts and ensure the most effective insulation.

Ecowool consists of 80% completely natural material - paper, the properties of which are very similar to those characteristic of wood. Given its natural origin, ecowool reduces the level of heat loss no less effectively than other materials.

One of the components that is part of ecowool is borax. According to its characteristics, it is an antiseptic of natural origin, which makes it possible to provide wooden elements roofs effective protection from the formation of fungus and mold.

Ecowool is applied thin layer, but at the same time it provides a decent level of not only heat, but also noise insulation. The material retains its characteristics even after decades of use. So the not too low cost is the only drawback of this material, which is fully justified by its excellent properties.

Insulating the attic with polyurethane foam: basic technology and material features

Foamed polyurethane foam is the most modern of all the listed methods for insulating an attic. Its main difference is the complete absence of joints or gaps that could become a source of cold air. In addition, the service life of this material is one of the longest, up to 30 years.

Foamed polyurethane foam is not subject to shrinkage, even if the wooden roof of the house begins to gradually deform over time. His solid structure completely eliminates the risk of moisture absorption, which eliminates the need to install an additional vapor barrier layer.

But there are also aspects that significantly complicate the process of using polyurethane foam as roof insulation from the inside. This primarily concerns the application procedure, which requires complex and expensive equipment. Its purchase is almost never justified, so it is usually rented.

Another aspect is the complex application technology, which requires certain experience in this field and does not allow beginners to independently cope with the task efficiently.

Helpful advice! Perfect option- invite a team of workers who will come with own equipment and in just a few hours they will make high-quality insulation of the attic of your home.

Insulating the attic from the inside with your own hands using penofol

Penofol is a kind of foamed polyethylene - a technology that occupies its niche among methods modern insulation walls and houses. Along with high sound insulation rates, it is also worth noting the fact that penofol has a high-quality aluminum coating, which can be applied to one or two sides.

Here are a few more arguments in favor of using penofol for attic insulation:

• the material does not pose any threat to human health or the environment;
• its thermal conductivity is extremely low;
• the closed system of air bubbles characteristic of this material serves as an excellent barrier to steam penetration.

This method is also not cheap and requires significant financial investments to implement. But, as practice shows, it is better to spend money on quality material and thereby provide comfortable living conditions for many years to come.

Combining materials is not at all uncommon. Materials with compatible characteristics can be used together for insulation. For example, mineral wool and polystyrene foam go well together. The first is placed between the rafters, and the second is placed closer to the edge of the roof. This combination will allow you to achieve the desired effect and significantly save on the purchase of materials.

Can provide reliable thermal insulation in combination with other materials

As you can see from the descriptions, each insulation has its own advantages and disadvantages. The only question is to choose the most suitable option that will satisfy the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe price and quality of the material.

One of the most common mistakes that owners make is a rash choice in favor of the cheapest option for attic insulation. Videos and articles can demonstrate the positive aspects of a particular solution, but the choice must be taken into account all the nuances and characteristics. Attempts to save on thermal insulation material may lead to the fact that after some time of operation, you will have to carry out repair work or even completely replace the entire material.

Insulating the attic from the inside with your own hands: video and stages of work

Each material has its own fastening characteristics and should be used exclusively in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. But if we talk about general procedure work, then there are required steps, which are carried out almost always, regardless of the chosen material.

Layer is laid out first waterproofing material, which should protect the insulation from the destructive effects of moisture. The film is overlapped so that one layer overlaps the other by 10-15 cm. The material is secured using a construction stapler, and the joints are additionally taped.

Then, if necessary, a sheathing is created. For it, you can use wooden slats, the width of which is 8-10 cm. They need to be attached to the rafters, positioned parallel to each other at a distance of 50-60 cm. It is very important to check each element separately, using a building level. This will prevent any roof defects from occurring in the future.

A heat insulator is placed on the rafters or sheathing and secured in a suitable manner. For example, if we are talking about using any type of wool sold in the form of rolls, then the material is cut into pieces of the required size in order to lay them between the rafters. In this case, the thickness of the insulation should be such as to correspond to the width of the log. It is especially important if you decide to insulate the walls from the inside with mineral wool plus drywall. In this case, all free space must be filled with insulation.

The top layer of this “pie” is a layer of vapor barrier material, which can be used as polyethylene film, glassine or roofing felt. As with waterproofing, the selected material is overlapped. True, in this case it is better to fasten it using thin wooden slats, placing them in increments of 40-50 cm. All joints must be taped.

Helpful advice! If you need to lay several layers of thermal insulation material, you need to lay a vapor barrier film between each of them. This is especially true for cold regions.

As a final step, all that remains is to take care of a suitable finishing coating, which can be attached to the sheathing or, in the absence of it, directly to the bars. It is worth taking into account the weight of the decorative panels used, since installation of the heaviest of them may require pre-installation metal profile frame.

The main mistakes made in the process of insulating the attic

The final result of the work, which is done by hand, directly depends on how accurately the technology and all the prescribed rules are followed. It is worth paying particular attention to the procedure for laying the waterproofing layer, since materials that are capable of absorbing moisture subsequently dry out, which often causes cold in the room.

• if the roof slope does not exceed 13°, this will cause precipitation to remain on the surface. The result is rust and leaks. All this can negatively affect the condition of the insulation, so it is important to make sure that the angle of inclination is large enough before starting work;
• installation of thermal insulation material on walls and roof is not all necessary work. It is also necessary to take care of the insulation of windows (according to Swedish technology). To do this, it is best to invite specialists to ensure that leaks are avoided. Especially if it is necessary to install windows at an angle;

• in order to provide the thermal insulation material with ventilation and the ability to dry out if it gets wet, it is advisable to leave a gap of approximately 2-3 cm between the material and the roof;
• it is strictly forbidden to skip at least one of the necessary layers of vapor or waterproofing materials;
• If the thermal insulation material is thicker than the rafters, then their height can be increased by filling additional slats yourself.

These simple recommendations can help in the work process, significantly increasing the quality of insulation. However, if for any reason there are doubts about the strength and experience, it would be better to invite a specialist. Of course, you will have to pay for this, but in this case you will not have to redo everything twice.

Insulating the attic gable from the inside is far from the most difficult task, which a home owner may encounter. Often, owners want to place a balcony on the top floor, the insulation technology of which also has its own characteristics.

As with walls, a wide variety of materials can be used to insulate the ceiling on a balcony, although it is worth noting that loggia insulation technology is often used here, which has not been mentioned before. The step-by-step instructions “Insulating a balcony from the inside with your own hands” will help you understand in detail the features of this process.

Do-it-yourself insulation of the attic from the inside with mineral wool: video instructions

As a clear example, it is recommended to watch a training video where the technology of insulating walls from the inside with mineral wool is presented in detail. This will allow you to become familiar with all the nuances and avoid the previously mentioned common mistakes.