Which roof is best to choose for an attic. Review of the best insulation for attic roofs. Installation from the inside - methods available for implementation

Equipping the roof with insulation is one of the most important stages roof construction, which is designed for long-term operation.

External insulation

This process is not complicated and is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Primarily the rafters from the bottom side hemmed with plywood or edged boards.
2. After that laying a layer of thermal insulation. The surface of the layer and the joints are glued using foil tape. It is very important to lay the vapor barrier on the correct side, because this material is capable of functioning in one direction.
3. Next is laid insulation material . In this case, you should avoid free space; you need to ensure that the insulation lies tightly.
4. The next step is layout of the hydraulic barrier on top of the rafter structure. Gluing is also carried out with specialized tape.
5. penultimate make ventilation gaps. This process is carried out using a rail, which is placed on top of the hydraulic barrier. The height of the slats is selected depending on the parameters roofing. If the roof is of a wavy type, then the standard of the slats is 20-30 mm, if the roof is of a flat type, then 50 mm.
6. Last install the sheathing and lay the roof.

Considering that the material is not protected from precipitation, work should be carried out only in clear weather.

External insulation

Insulation of an attic roof from the inside

At first glance, you can decide that this method of insulation is more reliable and practical due to the fact that precipitation does not fall on the material, because protected by roofing.

However, this method has disadvantages:

• It is very inconvenient to install most of the material from the bottom to the top, and it is impossible to fix rolled materials in some places;
• The rafter system contains elements to strengthen the structure, the junctions of which are not protected by heat-insulating material.

Stages of installing a heat-insulating layer internally:

1. Installation starts from the bottom of the roof and a film with waterproofing properties is laid out overlapping, secured with adhesive tape. In places located near walls, the coating should have a larger margin, which is adjusted after completion of the entire process.
2. Equip the structure with counter rails, which are attached to the rafter system with nails. This is necessary to ensure a ventilation gap and a tight fit of the layers to each other.
3. After that laying insulation.
4. The last step is vapor barrier membrane equipment, which is fixed construction staples overlap

CAREFULLY!

Seal cracks and gaps using construction foam Not recommended. To avoid unnecessary distance between sheets, it is best to lay them with a margin of 5 m.

Internal insulation

Conclusion

Which installation method to choose for arranging a thermal insulation structure for mansard roof largely depends on the individual parameters of the structure. You should initially study fully all the nuances and conditions.

Useful video

In this article you will learn how to properly insulate an attic roof:

In contact with

The attic floor is often used for housing, so it is necessary to properly insulate it to create comfortable conditions. The technology is similar to similar work in any other room, but the peculiarity is that the attic is separated from the street by gables and roofing, and not by main walls. All surfaces need to be insulated, and since they differ in design, the installation of insulation is carried out differently.

What is the best way to insulate an attic roof?

Usually on the attic floor there are no load-bearing walls with high thermal insulation characteristics, so insulation of the roof and gables must be carried out especially carefully and effectively. This is the only way you can feel comfortable and cozy in the attic both in summer and winter.

If you compare the roof attic room and main walls, it is clear that it cannot compete with them in terms of thermal insulation. In addition, the roof cannot withstand heavy loads. All this must be taken into account when choosing insulation.

A properly insulated attic space can significantly increase the living space of the house.

In order to maximize the useful volume of the attic floor, during its construction the following rules must be adhered to:

• to reduce the load on the rafter system, choose lightweight roofing materials; in this case, using natural tiles is not recommended;
• to reduce the layer of roofing cake, modern and effective thermal insulation materials are chosen;
• special attention is paid to organizing ventilation of the roof space, otherwise moisture will accumulate in the room and thermal insulation properties will get worse.

Correctly performed ventilation and waterproofing of the attic roof allows you to remove moisture from under the roof space, which ensures effective thermal insulation And long term services of materials used.

For mansard roof it is necessary to choose lightweight materials

The number of layers required and the thickness of the thermal insulation “pie” depend on the choice of insulation. The attic has its own design features, therefore the insulation must meet the following requirements:

• have low thermal conductivity, experts recommend using materials with a coefficient below 0.05 W/m*K;
• due to possible roof leaks, the insulation must be moisture resistant and lose a minimum of its properties after getting wet;
• have a light weight so as not to overload the rafter system; it depends on the density of the material, which should be in the range of 14–50 kg/m3, more dense insulation use is not recommended;
• must not burn or support combustion;
• since the thermal insulation material is laid on the roof, this requires that it holds its shape well and does not slip over time, forming gaps;
• withstand significant temperature changes, not be afraid of frost;
• have a long service life.

Insulation materials

The following materials are most often used to insulate an attic roof:

1. Mineral wool. This is an excellent solution, it does not burn and does not support the combustion process, is easy to install, has low weight, and high thermal insulation characteristics. In addition, mineral wool has an affordable price, therefore it is popular and in demand. Depending on the region where the insulated building is located, the thickness of its layer can be from 150 to 300 mm. The main disadvantage is that this material absorbs moisture well, so it is necessary to make high-quality waterproofing.

   Mineral wool can be in rolls and mats and can be used for roof insulation roll materials more difficult

2. Polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam. This material has low weight, good thermal insulation characteristics, low moisture permeability, but its main disadvantage is a high degree of fire hazard. When laying the foam, it crumbles, so there are gaps that need to be additionally sealed. After some time, the foam plastic, unprotected from external factors, begins to gradually deteriorate, so experts do not recommend insulating the attic with this material.

   To insulate the attic, you must use polystyrene foam with a thickness of at least 50 mm; if necessary, it can be laid in several layers

3. Extruded polystyrene foam. This good insulation for carrying out the specified work, since it is durable, not afraid of moisture, does not burn and holds its shape well. A sufficient layer of material is 5–10 cm. Extruded polystyrene foam has low vapor permeability, so for creating in the attic comfortable conditions it is necessary to properly do the supply and exhaust ventilation, which means additional time and expense. In addition, its price is higher than that of conventional foam.

   When insulating a roof with extruded polystyrene, good ventilation is required

4. Polyurethane foam. Special equipment is used for installation, which allows the material to be applied without cracks or gaps. It has good thermal insulation characteristics, is light weight, does not burn, and is waterproof, but its disadvantage is low vapor permeability. Without organization forced ventilation It will be uncomfortable to be in such a room due to high humidity.

   It will not be possible to carry out the work of polyurethane foam insulation on your own, as professional equipment is required

5. Ecowool. This is the most suitable material for insulating the attic. It is also applied without gaps, penetrates into all cracks and fills them well, is not afraid of moisture, does not burn, is lightweight and has good vapor permeability, and is environmentally friendly. In addition to the fact that the cost of the specified material is high, it will not be possible to insulate the attic with ecowool on your own, so you will have to invite specialists to carry out the specified work.

   Special equipment is used to apply ecowool

6. Foil materials. They not only insulate the room, but also reflect heat. In order for such materials to effectively fulfill their purpose, the mirror layer must be directed into the attic. A gap of about 5 cm is left between the insulation and the vapor barrier.

   Foil insulation is used for hydro, heat and sound insulation

In each case, the selection of the most effective insulation for the attic must be approached individually. Using mineral wool the thermal insulation “pie” can be disassembled, the condition of the rafters can be assessed and, if necessary, carried out renovation work, and then put everything back in place. If sprayed materials were used, then it will not be possible to inspect the rafters.

What is the best way to insulate an attic roof from the inside?

When choosing materials for insulating the attic from the inside, the climatic conditions in which the house is located are taken into account. Each material has its pros and cons. The most popular and available material, with the help of which the attic is insulated from the inside, is basalt wool. Installation is carried out in several layers, with overlapping seams. Usually a layer 15–20 cm thick is sufficient.

Basalt wool is laid in several layers

Experts often use polyurethane foam. It has high adhesion, so there are no gaps left after application. Polyurethane foam has high thermal insulation characteristics, so it is applied in a smaller layer, unlike other materials, which will require much more. But keep in mind that the cost of this material is high and installation will not be possible without special equipment. Expanded polystyrene boards are also often used; the thickness of the required layer will depend on the density of the material used.

If you are thermally insulating the attic roof from the inside yourself, then it is best to use polystyrene foam, basalt or mineral wool, as they are easy to install. They are often combined: first, mineral wool is laid, and then polystyrene foam boards are laid.

How to properly insulate an attic roof

The technology for carrying out these works is not complicated, especially if the insulation is performed with mineral wool. During installation of thermal insulation, it is necessary to observe personal safety measures: be sure to wear tight and closed clothing, use goggles, gloves and a respirator.

Sequence of work:

1. Preparatory stage. All wooden surfaces are well treated with antiseptics, metal parts are coated with anti-corrosion impregnation.

   Treatment wooden elements antiseptic roofs can significantly increase their service life

2. Fastening waterproofing. A waterproofing film is fixed to the rafters, and a sheathing is mounted on top. Waterproofing material laid overlapping between the sheathing and rafters, all seams are taped with mounting film, for example, “Ondutis BL” or “Ondutis ML”. First, the tape is attached to the canvas located below, this is done 5–6 cm from the edge, then the protective layer is removed from the tape and the top fabric is fixed. The material is laid from the lower slope of the roof. First, the film is secured with a stapler, and then wooden counter slats are installed to create a ventilation gap. You can fasten the slats to the rafters with nails or powerful staples, but it is better to do this with self-tapping screws. Then they move on to installing the insulation.

   Laying of insulating layers is carried out in a certain sequence

3. Installation of insulation. The insulation is laid between the rafters, work starts from the bottom and gradually moves up. In order for the insulation to fit tightly, its size should be slightly larger than the distance between the beams. To fix the insulation, use special anchors or frost-resistant glue. This applies to roll and slab insulation, such as mineral wool, polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam. Ecowool and polyurethane foam are applied using a special installation, so there are no unfilled voids left.
4. Attaching the vapor barrier. After laying the last layer of insulation, a vapor barrier is installed. It is attached to wooden sheathing, laid on a heat-insulating layer. Do not pull the vapor barrier membrane too tightly; it should sag by 2–3 cm, this will ensure the presence of a ventilation gap between the thermal insulation and the exterior finish.
5. The final stage is the installation of finishing materials. To do this, a sheathing is made on top of the laid vapor barrier; you can use wooden slats or metallic profile, and already on it with the help special screws fix sheets of plasterboard, plywood, chipboard or lining.

   Installation of drywall is carried out on a metal or wooden sheathing, which is attached to the rafters on top of the vapor barrier

When installing insulation, the slabs must be tightly adjacent to each other, and to eliminate cold bridges, it is recommended to lay a second layer with overlapping joints.

Useful tips for selection and installation various types insulation:

• if mineral wool or fiberglass is used, then to ensure high thermal insulation characteristics their layer should be 15–20 cm;
• basalt wool can withstand temperatures up to 1000 °C, does not absorb moisture, but it is damaged by rodents;
• A 2.5-centimeter layer of polyurethane foam in its thermal insulation characteristics corresponds to an 8-centimeter layer of mineral wool;
• A 15-centimeter layer of ecowool corresponds to a 50-centimeter layer of wood in terms of thermal insulation characteristics;
• to roll or slab material lay tightly between the rafters, its width should exceed the distance between them by 1–2 cm.

Features of installing insulation for an attic roof

When designing a building with an attic floor, it is necessary to correctly calculate the distance between the rafters to ensure maximum structural strength. When installing insulation between the rafters, it is necessary to lay the material end-to-end so that there are no gaps, otherwise cold bridges will form.

Only correct styling all elements will allow you to effectively insulate the attic

During the installation of waterproofing, all work is carried out from the lower slope of the roof and the material is laid overlapping. It is recommended to lay another continuous layer on top of the insulation mats, which will completely cover the rafters. Wooden or metal rafters have thermal conductivity higher than insulation and are cold bridges. If they are covered with insulating material, it will be inconvenient to install the finishing elements. To simplify this task, it is necessary to mark the location of the rafters during installation of the last layer of insulation.

If we talk about insulating an attic roof from the inside, then not all materials are convenient to install; it is almost impossible to install roll insulation properly. To enhance rafter system Various connections are often used, which complicate the installation of the insulating layer.

Video: insulating the attic roof from the inside

Insulation of the attic gable from the outside

When insulating a gable from the outside, most specialists and home craftsmen use extruded polystyrene foam or regular foam. To perform the above work you will need scaffolding, since doing everything using a ladder will be difficult, time-consuming and tedious.

The technology for insulating the gable from the outside consists of the following steps:

1. First, the walls are prepared. To do this, they are cleaned of dirt and then primed. The primer will allow the glue to better demonstrate its characteristics. It is recommended to prime in two layers, the second is applied after the first has dried.
2. If you plan to use this finishing material, like siding, then to attach it you need to make a sheathing. She might be from wooden beams or galvanized profiles. The height of the sheathing should correspond to the thickness of the insulation used.

   To make it easier to install polystyrene foam, the sheathing pitch should be equal to the width of the sheet, then the material will lie tightly and waste will be minimal

3. A sheet of foam plastic is smeared with glue in the corners and in the center and pressed for 30–35 seconds to the surface of the pediment.
4. If the foam plastic is to be plastered, it is better to additionally secure it with plastic dowels.

   If the foam plastic is to be plastered, it must be secured with dowels, and if siding is being installed, then fixing it only with glue is sufficient

5. After laying the insulation, a waterproofing film is attached. If the sheathing is wooden, then this is done using a stapler, and it is fixed to the profile using a counter lath, onto which the siding is then attached. To create a gap between the waterproofing and decorative finishing The thickness of the sheathing should be 20–30 mm.
6. On last stage siding is installed or foam is plastered and then painted.

   To finish the gable, you can use both metal and vinyl siding

Video: insulating the attic gable

It’s not difficult to insulate an attic with your own hands; it’s enough to have basic knowledge and skillful hands. If we talk about pediment insulation, then when using curtain façade It is better to take a thermal insulation material such as mineral wool. If the facade is wet, it is better to insulate it with polystyrene foam. Only if you follow the developed technologies and correctly carry out the stages of work on insulating the attic, you will get the expected result. If everything is done correctly, then you can use the attic as a living space all year round.

If the roof country house forms a spacious attic space, 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 used in construction is suitable for insulating the attic. frame houses, however, increased demands are placed on materials and quality of work. The quality of thermal insulation of the attic space affects both the comfortable living conditions and the durability of the roof. This is due to the fact that the walls of the attic room form gables and roof slopes - those surfaces that heat up most strongly in summer heat. In winter, on the contrary, blown by cold air currents, they cool down most quickly. 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 top covering of the formed ice until fungi and mold appear, destroying the roofing pie and wooden structures 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 long time maintain original size and shape.

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 space, 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, has minimal 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 requires high-quality waterproofing from the roof side and installation of a vapor barrier membrane from inside the attic space.

Polymer thermal insulation

To insulate roof structures, polymer materials are often used - polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam. They retain heat well and, due to their hydrophobicity, are not at all afraid of moisture.

Plain polystyrene foam, also known as polystyrene foam, is one of the most popular insulation materials on the market. building materials. 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 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 roofing material, on top of the rafter system elements. 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 inner surface stingrays 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.

For applying polyurethane foam it is used special installation, wherein liquid mixture foams when air or CO 2 is supplied.

To insulate the roof with polyurethane foam, you will have to turn to specialists - you cannot do this without special equipment and skills

This method of installation 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 space 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 a high-quality supply ventilation system.

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 in its 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 by 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. With an increase in humidity by 1%, a basalt slab will lose a tenth of its thermal insulation properties, while ecowool, when saturated with moisture 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 house building, the formula is simplified to a simple equation δ 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

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 most convenient way to insulate a roof is to insulate it from the attic side. Almost all known thermal insulation materials are used for these purposes. Most often, mineral or glass wool is used - this is due to the low price of 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. Most important role What plays here is 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, a ventilation gap with a height of 5 to 10 cm is installed between the waterproofing and the roof.

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. Deflection up to 20 mm per 1 linear meter there will be enough material so that the membrane waterproofing does not break with the onset of winter frosts. To attach the film to the rafters, it is best to use 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 the 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.
   

   The standard width of rolled thermal insulation is 1.2 m, so 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 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 extruded polystyrene foam is considered. 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 the internal space of the attic and use the rafters as decorative elements 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.

The modern building materials market is replete with a variety of insulating materials. But when the question concerns complete thermal insulation for a home, you need to know the main requirements for insulating materials. In this article we will tell you which insulation for the attic is better and what characteristics of the material need to be taken into account to keep your home warm and cozy in winter.

Your insulation should be durable and immune to external factors

Any builder with experience in roofing work will tell you that the roof of a house must be well insulated. When choosing a material, focus primarily on the characteristics and needs of the structure. We live in a temperate climate, characteristics which is hot in summer and severe frost in winter time of the year. This means that your insulation must be durable and impervious to external factors.

One of the key criteria in choosing is the thickness of the attic insulation, on which the reliability and durability of the structure depends. For cold northern regions, you will have to choose thermal insulators as thick as possible, but for residents of the southern regions, where in winter the air temperature does not drop much below zero, you can choose those that are thinner and lighter.

Video about attic insulation

The most universal insulation is based on mineral wool. It is relatively inexpensive, but is suitable for almost any weather conditions. Although in some cases it is worth using polyurethane or other more expensive material that can fill the empty space more tightly.

We do not recommend using backfill insulation for roof insulation. Its thermal conductivity is quite high, which is why it simply cannot fully protect your home from the cold. It is much better to choose a roll or slab insulation for mansard roofs with low thermal conductivity.

Manufacturers, as a rule, set their own recommendations for laying insulation. If you follow them, you can significantly increase the service life and reliability of the structure. All currently available materials differ in the method of installation depending on their weight, appearance and other characteristics.

It is best to choose insulation materials that weigh little, but are quite strong and rigid. You also need to remember the density of the material.

It is best to choose insulation materials that weigh little, but are quite strong and rigid.

In our climatic zone In winter, snowfalls are very frequent, so it is necessary to take into account the load from the snow cover. Heavy weight on the roof can lead to significant deformation. As a result, thermal insulation is greatly deteriorated. As a result, you will have to do the home insulation work all over again. And this is not only a big waste of time, but also money.

You also need to take into account the slope of your roof. The smaller the angle, the more snow will accumulate on it in winter, and during rain, the greater the likelihood of leakage.

The roof is one of the most important structures in the house. We advise you to make the choice of material strictly according to the following criteria:

• Expect that there may be severe frosts in winter. The thermal insulation layer must withstand them. When a sudden change in temperature occurs, the material should not distort, crack or sag.
• Take moisture resistance and fire safety indicators seriously. Even when directly exposed to fire, it should not ignite. Today on the construction market you can find materials with fire retardants that prevent combustion and slow down the spread of fire. We strongly recommend using these. If we talk about the dangers of moisture, then when the insulation is saturated with water, its properties are greatly deteriorated. Water itself is an excellent conductor of temperatures, so wet insulation simply will not perform its functions. In addition, when the material gets wet, it becomes heavily deformed and gains weight, and the entire roof structure comes under heavy load.
• The selected insulation should keep its shape as efficiently as possible. It is better that the material is complete, without unnecessary seams, than to insulate the attic roof of the house with piecemeal remains in order to save money. Make sure you don’t have to pay twice - such material will not be able to fully perform its functions and even the most beautiful room it will be uncomfortable in the attic due to blowing air from under the roof.

The selected insulation should keep its shape as efficiently as possible.

There are really a lot of materials on the market. Among the most popular are fiberglass, mineral wool and polystyrene boards. But they are already quite outdated. We do not recommend using them. Today, much better quality products and liquids are being created that tightly fill voids and insulate the room from the cold.

Mainly heat loss during use modern means decreases by 50% or more. In addition, this allows you to save on other materials. For example, foam glass is extremely resistant to moisture, which eliminates the need to apply a layer of waterproofing. Foam glass is also characterized by very low thermal conductivity and impermeability to vapor particles. But let's consider other options.

Video about the process of attic insulation

• Polyurethane. It is sold in a liquid state, but when you apply it to a surface, it hardens and becomes very durable. As with foam glass, waterproofing is also not required. It is very convenient for attics with complex design where to work with standard materials almost impossible. All empty space is completely filled with foam, ensuring low thermal conductivity. Excellent operational properties, long term service and overall ease of application are the hallmarks of modern polyurethane. The polyurethane board is blown out using a special machine and waited until it hardens. It's easy even without construction experience.
• Ecowool. One of its main advantages is environmental friendliness. It is made from exclusively natural materials. Basically it is ordinary cellulose. In addition, many manufacturers add fire retardants and active antiseptics to the material, which make ecowool protected from fungus and mold. And it must be said that in comparison with other materials it costs an order of magnitude cheaper. Even a 20 cm layer can cope with the worst weather conditions. If you can’t decide how best to insulate the attic from the inside, then this is one of the most affordable and practical options. When you use ecowool, it must be precisely adjusted to the size of the compartments between the rafters. It is laid in two layers for better heat conservation. But do not forget that it is sensitive to moisture, which is why a waterproofing layer must be installed.
• Polystyrene and others hard materials. Working with them is somewhat more problematic. They need to be laid on a sheathing or truss structure. But when blown out correctly, it is polystyrene that provides best thermal insulation attics.

When blown in correctly, it is polystyrene that provides the best thermal insulation of the attic

Remember that improper thermal insulation can cause many additional problems - roof icing, icicles, etc. Therefore, it is very important not only to choose the right way to insulate the attic from the inside and outside, but also to correctly carry out all the work on installing thermal insulation.

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.

At the moment, there are many products on the domestic construction market 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 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 one possible solution. Many people ask what is the best way to insulate an attic roof. One of the possible options is the installation of mineral wool with further installation of a vapor barrier film.

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, the latter option has worse 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 a building should retain its original dimensions and structure throughout the entire period of operation. 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 the last, but important requirement is 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– 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 parameter is selected according to climatic conditions for a particular region. For example, in middle lane In Russia, it is desirable 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.

Plates and rolls stone wool have a soft structure, so they are used to insulate the attic with 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. Similar method used for insulation of 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 smooth surfaces. The consumer can choose insulation required thickness and install it yourself. Such products can be quickly cut using hand saw 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). Specifications natural thermal insulation materials the following:

• 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;
• One more important advantage Natural thermal insulation materials are considered to have a high degree of 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.