Which insulation for the attic is better to choose - an overview of materials for insulation. Ways to insulate the inside of the attic Comparison of insulation for the attic

The attic can serve not only as a place to store all the necessary and unnecessary things - you can equip a bedroom, living room, nursery, study or even a bathroom there. To make the room under the roof itself comfortable, it is not enough to make repairs there and install powerful ones - you need to take care of high-quality insulation. - one of the coldest places in the house, because from above and at least from two sides it borders on the street, and the roof slopes here play the role of not only the ceiling, but also the walls. If you do not insulate the attic, then no heater will help create normal living conditions there, and all the heat will easily go outside. So what insulation for the attic is better to choose than to insulate the walls and roof, and how thick should the insulation be?

No. 1. What should be the insulation for the attic?

Not everyone is suitable for attic insulation thermal insulation material, since this is a rather specific room. Quality insulation must have the following characteristics:

• low thermal conductivity is the most obvious requirement. The material must reliably protect the room from the cold, keeping maximum warmth inside. In addition, it must withstand temperature extremes, be durable, not crack or lose its integrity over time;
• soundproofing properties should be the higher, the more "loud" roofing material is selected. and, for example, during rain and hail they make an unpleasant ringing sound, and high-quality can significantly reduce discomfort;
• moisture resistance. It is advisable to choose a material that would be inert to moisture and not accumulate it, because when water is absorbed, the weight of the insulation increases (hence, the load on all structures increases) and its thermal insulation qualities decrease. If the material is suitable for all other parameters, but is prone to moisture accumulation, then it is better to use hydro and vapor barrier with it - this will complicate installation, but make the insulation more durable;
• fire resistance, especially if the roof frame is made of wood. For maximum resistance to flame, even some flame retardant materials are treated with flame retardants - substances that prevent the spread of fire;
• resistance to fungus and rodents;
• environmental friendliness;
• profitability;
• ease of installation will be a plus, but some very effective spray-type heat insulators cannot be applied by hand.
  

To insulate the attic today use mineral wool, extruded polystyrene foam, ecowool, polyurethane foam and some other heat insulators. It is not recommended to use a bulk heat insulator (for example,), since it will take quite a lot to achieve the necessary thermal insulation qualities. In the mountainous Caucasian regions, even wool- in terms of thermal insulation properties, it is close to mineral wool, but is subject to the negative effects of insects and rodents.

No. 2. Mineral wool for attic insulation

glass wool

Glass wool is cheaper than stone wool, but is used infrequently due to inconvenience in work. Since the material is made from glass waste, it contains small pointed particles that can easily injure the skin and respiratory tract. However, if you work with glass wool in compliance with all the rules of personal protection, then you can inexpensively and efficiently insulate the attic. To the main benefits material include:

Number 3. Styrofoam for attic insulation

No. 4. Extruded polystyrene foam for attic insulation

In terms of popularity, extruded polystyrene foam is catching up with mineral wool. In terms of chemical composition, this is still the same ordinary polystyrene foam, only a fundamentally different production technology makes it possible to obtain material with more favorable performance. The whole point is that regular foam obtained by enlarging microgranules under the influence of steam, and extruded, as the name suggests, by extrusion at elevated temperature and pressure, as well as by adding a blowing agent.

Main Benefits:

• high-quality thermal insulation. Thermal conductivity coefficient at the level of 0.029-0.034 W / m K;
• moisture resistance, which is largely ensured due to the structure of the material with closed pores;
• ease of installation, which is ensured by low weight and ease of processing;
• sufficient strength;
• low price;
• mold and rodent resistance.

Among cons not the highest vapor permeability, so you have to approach the attic more responsibly, as well as low resistance to combustion. To insulate the attic, it is better to take expanded polystyrene of the G3 flammability class - according to the standards, it can be used even in rooms with increased requirements for fire safety. Since the material belongs to tile insulation, a cold bridge can form at the junction of individual plates, so it is better to take expanded polystyrene with a special lock.

No. 5. Polyurethane foam for attic insulation

Main Benefits:

• thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.02 W / m K, and this is one of the best results;
• the ability to create a completely seamless surface, so the problem of cold bridges will be completely solved;
• absolute moisture resistance, which is important for the material that will be used under the roof itself;
• high adhesion to most materials;
• the ability to insulate the attic of the most complex shape - in some cases, the use of slab insulation is generally impractical, and foam makes it easy to fill all the cracks and hard-to-reach places;
• high vapor permeability;
• resistance to mold and rodents;
• high speed of work.

Among cons the price and the need to resort to the help of professionals, but all the work will be carried out very quickly. In addition, the ignition temperature of the material is not very high - about 200-215 0 C, and when burned, the material emits toxic gases.

No. 6. Foam glass for attic insulation

When calculating, it is worth considering the heat transfer resistance of all elements of the fence, including the walls of the gables and the roofing cake. It is convenient to use special calculators for this or even turn to professionals. With a certain degree of error, it is possible to make a calculation, taking into account the necessary heat transfer resistance of only the attic coating, because it occupies the largest area among all the external fences of this room. According to the rules, the heat transfer resistance of existing materials is subtracted from the tabular or self-calculated value, but for a roofing pie this value is very small, so we neglect it.

It turns out, for warming mineral wool(0.035-0.045 W / m * K) attic in Moscow (heat transfer resistance 4.7 m 2 K / m) a layer of thermal insulation of 16.5-21 cm is required, depending on the characteristics of the wool, the thermal conductivity is always indicated on the package. In this case, experts recommend making thermal insulation with plates 20 cm thick, and mounting rolled mineral wool another 5 cm thick on top.

Naturally, the attic room is already insulated from the inside, and the practice of combining two types of heaters is common. Properly executed thermal insulation allows you to use the attic all year round and turn it into a full-fledged living space.

Many owners of suburban and country houses in order to increase the living space, an attic is equipped to create an office, bedroom, living room there. Such a room is called an attic. It needs to be insulated.

Several are used as a heater. different materials: mineral and glass wool, foam plastic, polyurethane foam, other heaters. But not all of these materials are suitable for work on the thermal insulation of the attic for its conversion into a real attic.

Requirements for insulation materials

The materials used to insulate the attic must have:

1. Fire safety. They must not support combustion.
2. Perform soundproofing functions that prevent the penetration of noise from the outside.
3. The function of vapor permeability to ensure the necessary microclimate in the attic room.
4. Compliance with environmental, sanitary and building codes.
5. Strength and durability.
6. resistance to deformation.

According to the recommendations of many experts, the insulation layer should be 25-30 cm. It is better to arrange a double or triple layer. This method of insulation prevents the appearance of cold bridges. When insulating the attic, we must not forget that the pediment is also the wall of the attic. A wooden gable requires a thicker layer of insulation than brick walls.

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Some characteristics of heaters

Widely used for insulation of walls, floors and ceilings foam. In the attic, the functions of the walls and ceiling are performed by the roof of the building. It is not recommended to use foam for its insulation for the following reasons:

• all elements of the roof, including the insulation material, must be well ventilated;
• the insulation must pass air and moisture vapor well.

Warm air, according to the laws of physics, rises from the bottom up. Styrofoam does not let the moisture contained in warm air pass at all. This will cause condensation to form inside the room. As a result, parts will become damp within 1-3 years roof structure, trickles of water will begin to flow through the material of the insulation, mold will appear, wooden details the roofs will rot.

Very common materials are mineral wool and glass wool. They have low cost and excellent resistance to high temperatures. When working with glass wool, special protective measures must be observed, since the smallest particles of glass, when in contact with open areas of the skin, cause severe irritation and significant pain. Work only in protective clothing, gloves and goggles. The thickness of the thermal insulation layer from mineral wool or glass wool is selected at the rate of 15-30 cm. It depends on the climatic zone in which the house is located.

Mansard roof insulation elements: 1 - mineral wool; 2 - vapor barrier (membrane); 3 - waterproofing; 4 - air flows; 5 - rafter; 6 - roof; 7 - attic sheathing.

To negative sides This insulating material should be attributed to its slight deformation and hygroscopicity, which can lead to a decrease in thermal insulation properties. Glass wool is also not among the environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, it is preferable to use mineral wool. You need to purchase mineral wool based on a density of 40-45 kg per cubic meter. This is optimal. Mineral wool is a material that provides:

• environmental safety;
• incombustibility;
• good sound insulation;
• resistance to moisture and temperature extremes;
• frost resistance;
• protection against rodents and other pests;
• resistance to the appearance of fungus and mold;
• quick and easy installation.

For you can use felt, hemp, sawdust, reed slabs. But all these materials require preliminary antiseptic and flame retardant treatment. These operations significantly increase the terms of thermal protection equipment.

Sandwich panels are more expensive than mineral wool, but guarantee the quality and durability of the insulation. They consist of several layers: vapor barrier, insulation, waterproofing, decorative.

Foamed glass slabs are relatively new and expensive insulation. Has high strength. The material is quite elastic and resistant to various mechanical influences. Ideal for thermal protection when using a soft roof.

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Insulation of the attic

The attic roof usually consists of a truss system covered with roofing material. Rafters are installed every 60-100 cm. These gaps are filled with insulation. As a material for insulation, it is recommended to use mineral wool or fiberglass. This material is available in the form of slabs or mats. They are laid in layers, the number of which depends on their thickness. What should she be? produced based on the coefficient of thermal conductivity, which is indicated in the quality certificates. You can refer to the following data:

Insulation thickness coefficient

• 0.035 150 mm;
• 0.04 180 mm;
• 0.044200 mm;
• 0.045205 mm;
• 0.046 210 mm;
• 0.047215 mm;
• 0.05 225 mm.

With a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.04, the calculation of the average thickness of the insulation layer for different cities of Russia will be as follows:

City Insulation Thickness (mm):

Table for calculating the average thickness of the insulation layer for different cities of Russia.

• Arkhangelsk 220;
• Astrakhan 160;
• Anadyr 290;
• Barnaul 210;
• Belgorod 170;
• Blagoveshchensk 230;
• Bryansk 190;
• Volgograd 160;
• Vologda 210;
• Voronezh 180;
• Vladimir 200;
• Vladivostok 190;
• Vladikavkaz 150;
• Grozny 150;
• Yekaterinburg 210;
• Ivanovo 200;
• Igarka 290;
• Irkutsk 220;
• Izhevsk 210;
• Yoshkar-Ola 210;
• Kazan 200;
• Kaliningrad 170;
• Kaluga 190;
• Kemerovo 220;
• Kirov 210;
• Kostroma 200;
• Krasnodar 140;
• Krasnoyarsk 210;
• Kurgan 210;
• Kursk 180;
• Kyzyl 240;
• Lipetsk 180;
• Magadan 250;
• Makhachkala 130;
• Moscow 190;
• Murmansk 220
• Nalchik 150
• Nizhny Novgorod 200;
• Novgorod 190;
• Novosibirsk 220;
• Omsk 210;
• Orenburg 190;
• Eagle 190;
• Penza 190;
• Perm 210;
• Petrozavodsk 210;
• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky 190;
• Pskov 190;
• Rostov-on-Don 160;
• Ryazan 190;
• Samara 200;
• St. Petersburg 190;
• Saransk 190;
• Saratov 180;
• Salekhard 280;
• Smolensk 190;
• Stavropol 150;
• Syktyvkar 220;
• Tambov 180;
• Tver 200;
• Tomsk 230;
• Tula 190;
• Tyumen 210;
• Ulyanovsk 190;
• Ulan-Ude 230;
• Ufa 200;
• Khabarovsk 220;
• Cheboksary 200;
• Chelyabinsk 200;
• Chita 240;
• Elista 160;
• Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk 210;
• Yakutsk 290;
• Yaroslavl 200.

If the section of the rafter legs is less than the thickness of the layer of insulating material, additional wooden bars are attached to them with nails, screws or self-tapping screws. They must be treated with an antiseptic composition. Between the insulation layer and the roof there should be ventilation in the form air gap. The air gap is 25-50 mm. From above the insulation is protected by a windproof membrane. It is better to use Tyvek HD, Monaperm 450 VM, Monarflex VM 310 films for this purpose.

From below, a layer of insulation for the attic is covered with a vapor barrier film and the finishing lining is mounted from clapboard, drywall or other materials.

To create comfortable conditions in the attic room, thermal insulation is needed. Then you need to isolate the roof and gables. A wide variety of materials can be used for these purposes. It is best to use mineral wool. It has excellent features and is easy to install.

The calculation of the thickness of the heat-insulating layer is made according to the region of residence.

The colder the climate, the larger the insulation layer should be. Properly arranged thermal insulation significantly reduces the cost of heating a building.

The attic floor is often used for housing, so it is necessary to carry out the insulation correctly in order 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 capital walls. All surfaces need to be insulated, and since they differ in device, the installation of the insulation is carried out in different ways.

What is the best way to insulate a mansard roof

Usually on the attic floor there is no bearing walls, with high thermal insulation characteristics, therefore, the insulation of the roof and gables should be carried out especially carefully and efficiently. Only in this way you can feel comfortable and cozy in the attic both in summer and in winter.

If we compare the roof of the attic room and the 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 a heater.

Properly insulated attic can significantly increase the living space of the house

In order to maximize the useful volume attic floor, during its construction it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:

• to reduce the burden on truss system choose lungs roofing materials, in this case it is not recommended to use natural tiles;
• to reduce the layer of the roofing cake, modern and effective heat-insulating materials are chosen;
• special attention is paid to the organization of ventilation of the roof space, otherwise moisture will accumulate in the room and thermal insulation properties get worse.

Properly performed ventilation and waterproofing of the mansard roof allows moisture to be removed from under the roof space, which ensures effective thermal insulation and a long service life of the materials used.

For mansard roof choose lightweight materials

The number of required layers and the thickness of the heat-insulating “pie” depend on the choice of insulation. The attic has its own design features, so 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 small 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 / m 3, it is not recommended to use denser heaters;
• should not burn and support combustion;
• since the heat-insulating material is laid on the roof, this requires that it keeps 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.

Materials for insulation

For the insulation of the attic roof, the following materials are most often used:

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

   Mineral wool can be in rolls and mats, it is more difficult to insulate the roof with rolled materials

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

   To insulate the attic, it is necessary to use foam plastic with a thickness of at least 50 mm, if necessary, it can be laid in several layers

3. Extruded polystyrene foam. This is a good insulation for these works, as it is durable, not afraid of moisture, does not burn and keeps its shape well. A sufficient layer of material is 5–10 cm. Extruded polystyrene foam has low vapor permeability, therefore, in order to create comfortable conditions in the attic, it is necessary to properly supply and exhaust ventilation, and this is additional time and costs. In addition, its price is higher than that of conventional foam.

   When insulating the roof with extruded polystyrene, good ventilation is necessary

4. Polyurethane foam. For installation, special equipment is used, which allows you to apply the material without cracks and gaps. It has good thermal insulation characteristics, low weight, does not burn, moisture-proof, but its disadvantage is low vapor permeability. Without organization forced ventilation to be in such a room will be uncomfortable due to high humidity.

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

5. Ecowool. This is the most suitable material for attic insulation. It is also applied without gaps, penetrates into all cracks and fills them well, is not afraid of moisture, does not burn, is light in weight and has good vapor permeability, and is environmentally friendly. In addition to the fact that the cost of this material is high, it will not work to insulate the attic with ecowool on its own, therefore, specialists will have to be invited to perform these works.

   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 inside 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 choice of the most effective insulation for the attic must be approached individually. When using mineral wool, the heat-insulating "pie" can be disassembled, the condition of the rafters assessed and, if necessary, carried out repair work and then put everything back in place. If sprayed materials were used, then it will not be possible to inspect the rafters.

The better to insulate the roof of the attic from the inside

When choosing materials for attic insulation 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 affordable material with which the attic is insulated from the inside is basalt wool. Installation is carried out in several layers, while overlapping the seams. Usually a layer 15–20 cm thick is sufficient.

Basalt wool is laid in several layers

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

If you are insulating the mansard roof from the inside yourself, then it is best to use expanded polystyrene, basalt or mineral wool, as they are simply mounted. Often they are combined: first mineral wool is laid, and then expanded polystyrene plates.

How to properly insulate the roof of the attic

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

Work sequence:

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

   Treatment of wooden roof elements with an antiseptic can significantly increase their service life.

2. Waterproofing attachment. A waterproofing film is fixed on the rafters, and a crate is mounted on top. waterproofing material overlapped between the crate and the rafters, all seams are glued with a mounting film, for example, Ondutis BL or Ondutis ML. First, the tape is attached to the canvas located below, it is done 5–6 cm from the edge, then the protective layer is removed from the tape and the upper canvas is fixed. Laying material is carried out from the lower slope of the roof. First, the film is fixed with a stapler, and then wooden counter-rails 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 proceed to the installation of insulation.

   Laying of insulating layers is carried out in a certain sequence.

3. Heater installation. The insulation is laid between the rafters, work starts from the bottom and gradually moves up. In order for the insulation to fit snugly, its size should slightly exceed the distance between the beams. To fix the insulation, special anchors or frost-resistant glue are used. This applies to roll and plate 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.
4. Vapor barrier attachment. After laying the last layer of insulation, the installation of a vapor barrier is carried out. It is attached to a wooden crate laid on a heat-insulating layer. Do not stretch the vapor barrier membrane too much, it should sag by 2–3 cm, this will ensure that there is 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 crate is made over the laid vapor barrier, you can use wooden slats or a metal profile, and already sheets of drywall, plywood, chipboard or lining are fixed on it with the help of special screws.

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

When installing the insulation, the plates should 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 kinds 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 cm layer of polyurethane foam in terms of its thermal insulation characteristics corresponds to an 8 cm layer of mineral wool;
• A 15 cm layer of ecowool in terms of thermal insulation characteristics corresponds to a 50 cm wood;
• so that the rolled or slab material fits snugly between the rafters, its width must exceed the distance between them by 1–2 cm.

Features of installing insulation for a mansard roof

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

Only correct styling of all elements will 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 overlapped. On top of the insulation mats, it is recommended to lay another continuous layer that will completely cover the rafters. Wooden or metal rafters have a higher thermal conductivity than insulation and are cold bridges. If they are closed with insulating material, it will be inconvenient to mount the finishing elements. To simplify this task, it is necessary to mark the location of the rafters during the installation of the last layer of insulation.

If we talk about the insulation of the mansard roof from the inside, then not all materials are convenient to install, it is almost impossible to lay roll insulation normally. To strengthen the rafter system, various connections are often used, which complicate the laying of the insulation layer.

Video: attic roof insulation from the inside

Insulation of the pediment of the attic from the outside

When insulating the pediment from the outside, most specialists and home craftsmen use extruded polystyrene foam or ordinary foam. To carry out this work, you will need scaffolding, since doing everything with the help of a ladder will be difficult, long and tiring.

The technology of warming the pediment 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 adhesive to show its characteristics better. It is recommended to prime in two layers, the second is applied after the first has dried.
2. If you plan to use a finishing material such as siding, then for its fastening it is necessary to make a crate. She may be from wooden beams or galvanized profiles. The height of the crate should correspond to the thickness of the insulation used.

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

3. The foam sheet in the corners and in the center is smeared with glue and pressed for 30-35 seconds to the surface of the gable.
4. If the foam will be plastered, then it is better to additionally fix it with plastic dowels.

   If the foam will be plastered, it must be fixed with dowels, and if siding is mounted, then it is enough to fix it only with glue

5. After laying the insulation, a waterproofing film is attached. If the crate is wooden, then this is done with a stapler, and it is fixed to the profile with the help of a counter-crate, on which the siding is then attached. To create a gap between waterproofing and decorative trim the thickness of the crate should be 20–30 mm.
6. On the last step siding is being installed or the foam is plastered, and then painted.

   Both metal and vinyl siding can be used to finish the gable.

Video: attic gable insulation

It is not difficult to insulate the attic with your own hands, it is enough to have basic knowledge and skillful hands. If we talk about the insulation of the pediment, then when using a hinged facade, it is better to take such heat-insulating material as mineral wool. If the facade is wet, then it is better to insulate with foam. Only with the observance of the developed technologies and the correct implementation of the stages of work on the insulation of the attic, the expected result will be obtained. If everything is done correctly, then you can use the attic as a living space throughout the year.

If the master plans to make the attic room residential, then it is necessary to choose the right insulation for the attic. In this case, it is very important to take into account the basic requirements for the coating and the conditions for its operation. After all, the living space is somewhat different from the cold attic. About which insulation is best for a mansard roof, we analyze in detail in the material below.

If you do not know which insulation to choose for the attic roof (what requirements to apply to it), then pay attention to the following information. In order for the insulation of the attic room to serve not only for a long time, but also not to harm the residents of the house who will live in the attic rooms, the material must meet the following requirements:

• Environmental friendliness. Especially when you consider that the attic rooms will be heated. And an increase in temperature provokes evaporation from the insulating coating. In turn, evaporation is what a potential tenant of the upper rooms of the house will breathe.
• Lightweight insulation. The mass of material will form the total load of the construction cake on the roof truss system. And accordingly, the smaller it is, the stronger and more durable the roof will be.
• Insulation density. The level directly depends on its density. possible deformation under the influence of sedimentary load. So, snow lying on the roof can eventually deform the insulation material with its weight. And even with the descent of the crust from the roof, a soft insulation with a low density will no longer restore its structure. In addition, the deformation of the coating will lead to a decrease in thermal insulation properties. However, in turn, a material with a lower density will retain heat better. Here you should choose depending on the climatic conditions of the region. If snow prevails, then a denser coverage can be preferred. And if winds are a priority, then less dense heat-insulating materials will be relevant.
• Low flammability. In particular, for attic rooms it is better to use heaters marked G-1 and G-2. They have the lowest level of flammability.
• Good moisture repellency. It is important to understand here that attic insulation will be exposed to vapors from inside the room. And if the vapor barrier is not properly laid or deformed, the material can accumulate moisture. And this over time can lead to its deformation, which will reduce the level of thermal insulation.
• Good soundproofing properties. This is because the sound of rain on a mansard roof can disturb the occupants underneath. Especially if the roof is covered with corrugated board or metal tiles. Although it is better not to do this for residential upper premises.
• Inertness to biological microorganisms. That is, the insulation for the mansard roof should not rot and mold. Otherwise, these same fumes will poison the residents of the upper rooms.
• Low thermal conductivity. This is the most important criterion that will limit heat loss from the room through the roof space.

Important: if the insulating coating is laid on the rafter legs, then the ideal option would be a light and dense material. If the design of the upper part of the house involves the use of frame panels, then it is better to use heavier plate heaters.

Overview of insulation for the attic

Below is a rating of insulating materials-heat insulators for the roof of the attic. We will start with the most optimal ones, and end up with more budgetary and controversial ones. So, thermal insulation in the attic can be carried out using the following materials.

stone wool

It is also called ecowool. Such coverage is the best insulation to date. It is the most demanded when warming the attic floor. The material has proven itself well due to the following technical characteristics:

• Excellent (low) thermal conductivity. For stone wool, it is 0.039-0.045 W / m K. Thus, heat loss from the attic space will be minimal.
• Fire resistance. Stone wool does not burn or melt, which is why it is most often used for roof insulation.
• Does not accumulate moisture. This indicator is due to a special water-repellent impregnation, which is applied to basalt fibers during the production of ecowool.
• Good sound absorption. Under the insulated stone wool roof, you will sleep soundly and comfortably.
• High strength plates. Even a long static load does not deform stone wool.
• The ability to pass vapor through itself without moistening the structure of the material. That is stone wool in a simple way breathes, providing air circulation in space.

Important: if you decide to use a stone wool insulation layer, then you definitely need to make high-quality vapor and waterproofing of the roof.

Extruded polystyrene foam

If you don't know which better insulation for the roof of the attic, then you can use this type of foam. It is worth remembering here that extruded polystyrene foam may have different density. And the higher it is, the heavier the coating plates will be. It is worth knowing that for high-quality roof insulation, the thickness of the attic insulation should be from 10 cm. From such mixtures, the insulation will undergo deformation, which means that its thermal insulation properties will eventually come to naught.

Distinctive advantages of extruded polystyrene foam are:

• Excellent moisture resistance;
• Inertness to microorganisms and chemicals;
• High sound insulation;
• Excellent thermal insulation properties;
• Fire resistance.

Important: when insulating the attic with slab materials, all joints must be carefully sealed with mounting foam.

Penofol

Pretty modern insulating material, made in the form of rolls. Gradually, this insulation replaces the usual rolled mineral wool. The features of this coverage are:

• Good sound and heat insulation;
• Inertness to moisture;
• Protection of the insulated room from radioactive waves from the outside.

However, it is worth knowing that such a material undergoes significant deformation under prolonged static loads. That is why penofol is ideal when used in windy but snowless regions.

Liquid polyurethane

This type of insulation is suitable for both walls and floor panels of the house. Its main feature is that liquid polyurethane is sprayed in a continuous layer, which means that the material will have no cold bridges at all.

The advantages of the material are:

• Good soundproof properties.
• Low thermal conductivity due to the cellular structure.
• Inertness to aggressive environments.
• Environmental friendliness (however, when spraying and 10 minutes after the procedure, it is worth being in a protective mask). After hardening, the material is absolutely safe for humans.
• Service life is about 30 years.
• Low thermal conductivity.

However, liquid polyurethane also has disadvantages:

• The material may become overgrown with condensate if the vapor barrier is not properly organized;
• Under direct sunlight loses its basic properties;
• Flammable and capable of smoldering.

Important: when right technology mounting liquid polyurethane mass fills even the most inaccessible places of the roof.

Styrofoam

This is a budget option for insulating the attic roof perimeter. At the same time, foam plastic plates are easy to install, perfectly insulate and do not require knowledge of special complex laying technologies. However, you should pay attention to the fact that the foam is attractive to rodents, and an open flame leads to smoldering and ignition of the insulation. If your house is a country house (not capital), and you want to better insulate the attic of a small cottage, then this option will be quite acceptable.

Mineral wool

Long familiar to craftsmen, rolled material for insulating walls and roof space is used less frequently today. However, during installation, the thickness of the insulating mineral wool layer for the roof should be 10-20 cm. However, despite the fact that mineral wool is laid almost waste-free due to the possibility of cutting it, you should always remember that this insulation is able to accumulate moisture. So, when wet, it will increase its mass. Thus, a large load will be exerted on the roof frame. In addition, wet mineral wool insulation can slide down over time, which will form cold bridges.

Important: solid insulation such as polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam must be laid on top of the roof sheathing. If we are talking about mineral wool or ecowool, then they are placed between rafter legs under the crate. And remember, no matter selected material alwaysneedbut strictly observe the technology of its installation.

Warming the attic from the inside will achieve an optimal microclimate.

The attic is an attic located on the top floor of the house. The facade of this part of the structure can be partially or completely formed by the roof. Careful insulation of the attic from the inside allows you to prevent or minimize heat loss through the roof of the house. In addition, high-quality thermal insulation is reliable protection from the formation of mold on wooden surfaces. According to the current sanitary requirements, the line of intersection of the facade plane with the roof of the attic room should be at a distance of no more than 1.5 m from the floor level. An attic insulated according to all the rules can become a cozy bedroom, a room for children, a place to relax, a billiard room or even a home bar.

The choice of insulation for the attic

The choice of material for attic insulation, as well as options for implementing thermal insulation, should ideally be carried out during the design of the building. At this stage, it is determined how the attic space will be used in the future, but they begin to insulate it only when the construction of the house is completed. Choosing a heater for the attic, guided by the following characteristics:

• coefficient of thermal conductivity;
• moisture resistance coefficient;
• environmental safety;
• degree of ignition;
• strength and durability.

Important! Thermal insulation material must meet established sanitary standards, be environmentally friendly, and also consist of natural components.

The choice of insulation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCgK_L8Ejjs

Attic insulation components

An attic space that is not intended for living does not need to be fully insulated. In this case, thermal insulation of the attic floor, for example, with sawdust, is sufficient. In a residential attic, in addition to the floor, insulation of the gables and ceiling will be required.

The use of sawdust is one of the simplest and most budget options.

Although you can do more serious insulation.

High-quality thermal insulation of the attic of the house, which allows you to minimize heat loss, involves the presence of the following layers:

The result should be a similar "sandwich".

Important! To ensure a minimum level of heat loss, follow the requirements and rules for installing heat and waterproofing of the attic at home.

Before proceeding with the insulation, a thorough inspection should be done, as well as the preparation of gables and roof slopes of the house. All wooden surfaces are treated with an antiseptic, metal parts- special anti-corrosion composition. Proper insulation attic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czIlH8kHIpY

Types of materials used for thermal insulation of attics

To insulate the attic from the inside, materials that have the appropriate hygienic certification are used. They must contain markings for thermal conductivity and hygroscopicity, information about suitability for a particular type of work. As a material for attic insulation, they often use:

Polyurethane foam also insulates pipes and large containers in various industries.

The construction of a residential building involves the use various materials. When choosing a heater, the purpose of the room to be finished, the conditions of its operation, as well as the material capabilities of the owner of the house, are taken into account.

Warming with mineral wool

To date, insulation with mineral wool is the most preferred method of attic insulation. This material is environmentally friendly, has high sound insulation. The technology for insulating an attic room with a mineral plate, consisting of small basalt fibers, is simpler and more practical than the use of glass wool. The basis of the production of the latter includes sand and glass recyclables.

When working with mineral wool, it is important to use protection for the eyes, hands and respiratory tract.

The thickness of the mineral wool layer during attic insulation is 15-20 cm. The width of the mineral wool pieces is equal to the distance between the rafters plus an overlap of 3 cm. Construction and waterproofing using mineral wool should be carried out using protective clothing, goggles, respirators. Attic insulation with mineral wool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbQ686qYvco

Thermal insulation with foam

The most practical are the options for warming the gables and the roof of the house with polystyrene foam (polystyrene foam). Foam boards are characterized by low thermal conductivity, they are light and easy to install. e.

Features of foam allow you to use it not only for roof insulation.

The disadvantages of this material are that it is very flammable and fire hazardous. Styrofoam is highly toxic and can have a negative effect on the respiratory system. Expanded polystyrene in conditions of high humidity quickly collapses, therefore, insulation of the attic with foam plastic is advisable in dry rooms with good waterproofing. A more advanced insulation is extruded foam plastic (foam foam). It is a safe, environmentally friendly material consisting of small closed cells.

Foam boards.

Important! Of the main advantages of penoplex, one can note low thermal conductivity, resistance to decay, high strength and low cost.

Compared to conventional foam plastic, foamed foam plastic is non-toxic and non-combustible, therefore, recently, attic insulation with foam plastic is more often replaced with thermal insulation with foam plastic boards. We insulate the attic with foam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ag3xSOx40

Insulation with polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foams (PU) are gas-filled plastics. According to the variety of the original polyurethane, they are divided into rigid and elastic. Rigid polyurethane foam is used for thermal insulation. They are sprayed in the form of a liquid, which, foaming, fills all the cracks and cavities. structural elements roofs. Elastic polyurethanes (foam rubber) are mainly used in the form of soft coatings.

Application of polyurethane foam to the inside of the roof slope.

Important! The technology for applying polyurethane foam is the only one that does not require the use of windproof and vapor barrier layers.

The advantages of PPU are that attic insulation with polyurethane foam is characterized by durability and resistance to organic solvents. To prolong the life of the PU foam insulation, it is necessary to prevent the exposure of polyurethane foam to sunlight. Application of polyurethane foam in the attic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27nU-KkpKOo

Using sawdust as insulation

Sawdust insulation is still widely used today. For thermal insulation with sawdust, they are pre-treated with an antiseptic and dried. Then they are mixed with gypsum or cement to reduce flowability. And in order to protect the thermal insulation with sawdust from rodents, copper sulfate and slaked lime are added. The main disadvantages of insulation with sawdust are their high flammability. The sawdust prepared in this way fills the cavities of the floor, walls and roof. The thickness of the heat-insulating layer when insulated with sawdust is 20-30 cm. We insulate the attic with sawdust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcfm98Gzv2U

Attic insulation rules

The initial stage of work in the insulation of the attic ceiling and gables is the laying of a waterproofing film to protect the insulation from moisture. The strips of the film are overlapped and fixed with a stapler and tape.

Important! Before laying the heat insulator, it is advisable to make a crate in the form of wooden slats nailed parallel to each other at a distance of 50 cm. This will subsequently facilitate the installation of finishing panels.

The selected thermal insulation material fills the gaps between the crate and the rafters. The thickness of the heat-insulating layer is equal to the width of the rafters. You can lay the insulation in several layers. For vapor barrier insulation, a film, parchment or roofing felt is applied to its surface. They are fixed on the rafters with tape or wooden slats. The overlap of the vapor barrier should be about 10 cm. Further, finishing panels are attached to the crate or directly to the rafters. Insulation of the attic floor involves laying a vapor barrier layer. Further, heat-insulating material is laid in the gaps between the beams. For waterproofing, a special film is placed on top of the insulation. Floor insulation is completed by finishing with chipboard, fiberboard, boards or other finishing material. Properly executed insulation of the attic floor can significantly reduce heat loss through the roof of the house and thereby reduce the subsequent costs of heating the building. 7 rules for attic insulation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOV3GNFZJvI

Ksenia Skvortsova. Chief Editor. Author.
Planning and distribution of responsibilities in the content production team, work with texts.
Education: Kharkov State Academy of Culture, specialty “Culturologist. Lecturer in History and Theory of Culture. Experience in copywriting: From 2010 to the present. Editor: since 2016.

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