We insulate the attic from the inside. Insulation of mansard roofs from the inside, instruction and video. Thermal insulation of complex structural elements

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 main 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 load-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 load on the truss system, light ones are chosen 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 truss 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. it good insulation for carrying out 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 being 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 be possible 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. Using mineral wool the heat-insulating "pie" can be disassembled, assess the condition of the rafters and, if necessary, carry out repairs, 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

Specialists 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 on top of 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 self-tapping 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;
• 2.5 cm layer of polyurethane foam 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 mount, it is almost impossible to lay roll insulation normally. For amplification truss system often use various connections that 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 this finishing material, like 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 against the surface of the pediment.
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 stage 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.

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The problem of energy saving is always relevant for homeowners, so they try by all available means to reduce heat losses, which, as you know, occur as a result of poor thermal insulation of the roof, walls and basement. Houses built a long time ago usually have an attic, which is used as a place to store old and unnecessary things. In newly built buildings, the owners now prefer to equip a mansard roof (see photo), the premises of which can be used not only for household needs, but also as an additional living room. It is advisable to figure out how to insulate the attic roof from the inside without making popular mistakes.

If it is possible to do the insulation of the attic roof from the inside of the house with your own hands, then the work outside the building should be entrusted to specialists.

The choice of insulation

The solution to the question of how and what is better to insulate the attic from the inside and outside depends primarily on the roof structure of the building and on the weather conditions of the area in which it is located. You can get acquainted with the basic requirements and norms regarding thermal protection for different climatic zones in SNiP 23-02-2003.

Today, the domestic construction market offers huge selection different in characteristics and cost of materials for insulation, waterproofing and vapor barrier of roofs, walls and basements. It is difficult for a person who has never done such work before to make a choice, but it is possible if you first study the information, do it yourself or consult with professionals or acquaintances who are competent in this matter.

Styrofoam. A lot of homeowners are attracted to such insulation as polystyrene because of its low cost (read: ""). This is where the advice of professionals comes in handy, who claim that, despite its many advantages, this material has low vapor permeability and the room will be constantly humid. Over time, when the wood of the rafters dries out, gaps appear between them and the foam, through which the cold penetrates into the room under the roof. Rodents also like to settle in this heater.

Extruded polystyrene foam. No less popular insulation than polystyrene and in its characteristics is very similar to it. Only the technology is different, according to which it is performed from the inside with foam. Styrofoam boards laid on the rafters from above so that there are no gaps. The material in the form of plates is produced with stepped joints or according to the type of construction “thorn in the groove”. As for the price of insulation, it depends on its thickness, and the total cost of the work depends on the size of the room.

Glass wool.

The technology according to which the roof of the attic is insulated with one's own hands using glass wool is in many ways similar to working with mineral wool, but the material itself differs in structure:

• glass wool has longer fibers than mineral wool, so it is more durable, resilient and has better soundproofing characteristics;
• the hydrophobicity of glass wool is less than that of mineral wool;
• glass wool can be used at lower temperatures.

Combined insulation. When we insulate the attic with our own hands, you can use several thermal insulation materials based on their benefits. For example, to fill the gaps between the rafters, it is desirable to use mineral wool, and from above under the roof on roof structure lay polystyrene.

This method of insulation is considered one of the most effective for a number of reasons:

• since ecowool consists of 80% paper, its properties are similar to natural wood, which in turn is an environmentally friendly material;
• in terms of heat-insulating parameters, it is similar to glass wool;
• the use of ecowool allows you to qualitatively fill all the elements of the structure, which leads to a significant reduction in heat loss;
• the composition of the insulation contains a natural antiseptic - borax, which prevents the formation of fungus and mold on wooden details;
• ecowool provides high-quality sound insulation;
• during operation does not lose its original volume.

Polyurethane foam. Refers to sprayed heaters. To insulate the attic with polyurethane foam, special equipment (portable units) is required. With a weight of 50 kilograms, one device covers approximately 100 "squares" of area. Additional is not needed. The coating fills the existing voids and gaps to the maximum, while the service life of the material is more than 25 years. After the attic insulation is completed with polyurethane foam, the composition hardens within one minute. The reason why polyurethane foam for thermal insulation is used infrequently is its high cost.

Penofol. The heater belongs to modern materials for insulation and vapor barrier, the material has a reflective effect and soundproof properties. On one or both sides, the foamed polyethylene is covered with high-quality aluminum.

Insulation of the attic from the inside with penofol is preferable for a number of reasons:

• ecological cleanliness;
• low thermal conductivity;
• the closed system of air bubbles of polyethylene foam prevents the penetration of steam.

Attic wall insulation

Now the attic is initially planned during the development of the house project, so its shape depends on the roof structure, and the roof elements become the walls. Most often, a gable roof is created in individual buildings, since it allows you to maximize the use of the attic area. Often, interior walls for a room on the roof are not made at all. When gable roof has a slope of 45-60 degrees, then in addition to a height of 1-1.2 meters, the internal walls of the attic are erected. At the same time, the height of the room must exceed 2.2 meters, and the width must be at least 2.4 meters. The insulation of the attic walls from the inside depends on how the roof is insulated.

Currently, the following methods of attic insulation are used for thermal insulation of the roof:

Attic floor insulation

To insulate the floor, various heat insulators are used. Materials are placed between the lags or on the subfloor. To insulate flooring fiberboard boards, first two layers of roofing material are laid, and then in two rows of fibreboard. A clean floor is laid on top.

Sometimes they use a long-known method - insulation with sawdust, which is poured

15-20 cm layer on the roofing material in the intervals between the lags. So that mice do not settle in the heat-insulating layer, sawdust should be mixed with lime. It is bad that such a heater refers to flammable materials.

Attic ceiling insulation

When using ecowool on false ceiling a crate is specially mounted, which is covered with a vapor barrier film (more details: ""). If polyurethane foam is used, then it is applied to the mounted roof from the inside, and the hemmed ceiling, if necessary, is insulated with mineral wool or glass wool (read: "").

Insulation of the attic gable from the inside

The presence of a vapor barrier is necessary when ecowool, glass wool, mineral wool, polystyrene are used. Additional vapor barrier is not needed when using foam or polyurethane foam.

The use of attic space for residential has long become familiar to most domestic developers. Due to this, it is possible to obtain a completely comfortable living space with minimal financial costs. True, for comfortable living one very important condition must be met - to properly insulate the roof. This is the only way to not only minimize heat losses in heating season but also to maintain a favorable microclimate in the rooms.

Currently, the construction industry produces a wide range of heaters with high heat saving rates. To facilitate acceptance optimal solution, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the performance characteristics of each of them.

Builders use two ways to insulate the roof of the attic, each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Warming outside

The arrangement of the roofing pie takes place in the following sequence: installation of the truss system, vapor barrier from the attic side, laying insulation, waterproofing (wind protection), lathing and counter lathing, roofing materials.

To the advantages of this method includes the ability to qualitatively control each technological operation and, if problems are found, correct them in a timely manner.

But there is also a serious drawback. If during the laying of the insulation (mineral wool) it rains, then very big troubles will arise. Cotton wool quickly absorbs a lot of water, and dries without dismantling for a very long time. The only one best option– take out the materials and dry them on a flat area. But during dismantling, a lot of mineral wool is damaged, it needs to be replaced, and this significantly increases the cost of the roof.

And one more problem. Wet cotton wool bends so much that there is a possibility of damage to the integrity of the vapor barrier. This layer must be airtight, otherwise moisture freely enters the insulation with all extremely negative consequences.

Warming from the inside

The order of arrangement of the roofing pie changes. After the construction of the truss system, waterproofing, lathing and counter lathing are laid and roofing materials are installed. On this you can take a big break - the attic is completely protected from precipitation.

Builders are quietly engaged in other internal works, further warming does not depend on the weather and can be performed at any convenient time. From the side of the attic, a heater is installed, fixed in niches between the rafter legs and sealed with a vapor barrier.

How is vapor barrier different from waterproofing? What kind of material is vapor barrier and wind protection? Why choose membranes? Look for answers to these questions in the article on our website. Peculiarities various materials and rules for their installation.

The advantage is obvious - precipitation does not adversely affect the quality and timing of the construction of a warm roof. The only, and then very conditional, drawback is that it is difficult to control the gap between the wind protection and the insulation. But it doesn't have critical for two reasons:

1. First, experienced roofers have their own methods for checking the distance between the insulation and the windscreen.
2. Secondly, there are the most modern membranes that can be laid right next to mineral wool, their effectiveness is not reduced by this.

To insulate a mansard roof, several types of materials can be used. The specific choice should take into account the cost of insulation, the climatic zone of the building location and the wishes of the customer.

What materials can insulate the roof of the attic

A wide selection of heaters puts inexperienced developers in a difficult position. It is difficult for them to find objective information, each manufacturer heavily advertises only their products. And advertising is often not entirely true. In the table below, we will try to give objective performance characteristics each type of insulation material.

We specifically do not give comparative indicators of the thermal conductivity of various materials, they are almost the same and in practice the differences are imperceptible.

Prices for thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation materials

But if it is properly equipped, then it will make a wonderful living room. However, we should not forget that this room needs not only interesting finish, but also in high-quality insulation. After all, in summer, thanks to the large roof area, the room heats up quickly. In winter - instant cooling. Therefore, if you decide to equip an excellent room, initially familiarize yourself with how to insulate the roof of the attic from the inside.

Key Features

When insulating the attic, it is necessary to consider high-quality thermal insulation. At the same time, the room under the roof has many features that should be considered during the repair.

1. roof configuration. Most often, the roof has an inclined surface. It is rare to find a strictly horizontal roof. Accordingly, the heat-insulating layer will have to be laid on an inclined plane. Solid sheets will not cause any particular difficulties. But with soft rolls you have to work hard.
2. Thermal insulation. For roofing, wood or other lightweight materials are usually used, which are characterized by water-repellent characteristics. But such a roof often does not have sufficient thermal insulation. You can often see gaps in the wooden crate. And this provides even more heat loss.
3. Gable insulation. The attic consists not only of the roof. Therefore, do not forget about the frontons. Attic insulation will not provide the necessary thermal insulation if you do not insulate these walls.
4. Vapor permeability. Steam condensate rising from the rooms accumulates under the roof. Therefore, when choosing insulation for the roof, be sure to choose a material that has excellent vapor permeability.
5. Safety. Since the attic will become a living space, choose an eco-friendly material. It must be non-flammable and completely fireproof. In addition, this material should not be harmful to health.

The choice of insulation

Initially, you should determine what material you will use. After all, from his specifications depends on the thickness of the insulation and the number of layers required. Therefore, warming from the inside, start with the study of suitable materials.

The modern market provides the widest range of heaters. Consider the most popular of them.

Foam insulation

The material is a fairly convenient means for laying on inclined surfaces. In addition, if you decide to insulate the roof of the attic from the inside with your own hands using foam, then the cost of such repairs will be quite affordable. After all, the price of the material is relatively low.

The advantages of this heater are:

• low thermal conductivity;
• light weight;
• ease of installation.

A foam attic, despite the advantages described above, also has a number of disadvantages that this material gives it. Therefore, before choosing such a heater, familiarize yourself with them.

The main disadvantages of foam are:

• insufficient vapor permeability;
• when ignited, it releases toxic substances;
• attractive to rodents.

Mineral wool

This material is often used for insulation. Mineral wool consists of synthetic and combined with stone chips.

The material has the following advantages:

• small price;
• high thermal insulation;
• environmental friendliness;
• light weight;
• fire safety (mineral wool does not burn);
• high vapor permeability.

Thinking about which attic insulation to choose, many owners prefer mineral wool. After all, this material is distinguished not only by its excellent characteristics. It is very easy to mount it.

Professionals say that you can not even use fasteners. It is enough to cut out the plates, the dimensions of which are 2-3 cm larger than the distance between the rafters. Such pieces fit perfectly between the crossbars and will not fall out.

Extruded polystyrene foam

This is another material that can be used to insulate the attic. It is produced in the form of certain plates with a porous texture.

The advantages of the material are:

• high strength;
• moisture resistance;
• excellent thermal conductivity.

However, along with the advantages described above, expanded polystyrene has serious disadvantages:

• high flammability;
• air tightness;
• the ability to release toxins during combustion or oxidation (provoked by heat);
• high cost.

Given such moments, it is extremely rare that the attic is warmed from the inside with polystyrene foam. Most often, this material is used for gables. At the same time, it is often used for facade work. After all, expanded polystyrene does not absorb moisture and does not let it through.

Application of polyurethane foam

This is a liquid insulation for the attic. It can be applied to any surface without any problems. This material will become an indispensable solution for roofs with complex configurations.

However, to work with such material, a protective suit and a special installation are required. That is why polyurethane foam insulation is most often entrusted to hired specialists. Of course, the cost of work increases many times.

But it is polyurethane foam that creates a monolithic continuous layer that does not let the cold through. In addition, such a surface does not need additional vapor barrier layers.

Use of environmental materials

Today, many owners choose heaters that are highly safe both for human health and for environment. They contain virtually no chemical fibers and do not emit toxic substances when burned.

Such materials are:

• ecowool;
• ecolen;
• fabric cotton insulation.

The main advantages of such heaters are the following properties:

• high quality thermal insulation;
• ability to pass air;
• high sound insulation;
• hypoallergenicity;
• excellent air filtration.

roofing cake

So, if you decide to insulate the roof of the attic from the inside with your own hands, then you need to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of installation in detail. In order for the room to become livable, it will be necessary to form a certain roofing pie under the roof, consisting of several layers.

Consider it in detail, starting with the inner surface:

1. Drywall. This material is almost always used to decorate the walls of the room.
2. Vapor barrier layer. It provides condensate outlet to the outside. It is recommended to perform vapor barrier with a special membrane. It is overlapped (approximately 10 cm), and glued on top with adhesive tape. The vapor barrier layer must be continuous, not containing any cracks or gaps.
3. Crate. This is the next layer of the roofing cake. It performs several functions at once. The crate supports the insulation. In addition, it is the basis to which they are attached. And it is this layer that provides an extremely important gap for ventilation under the roof.
4. Insulation. It is located above the crate. Depending on the selected material, as well as on the planned end result, the insulation can be laid in one or several layers.
5. waterproofing layer. It is designed to protect the insulation from getting wet. The layer is important enough. When planning how to insulate the attic roof from the inside, be sure to remember the need for waterproofing. So you protect the insulation from premature damage.
6. Crate. This layer is necessary to create a ventilation space between the waterproofing film and the roof. Such a gap allows moisture accumulated on the water-repellent membranes to erode. However, it is important to provide for the possibility of condensate evaporation. To do this, special holes are made at the base of the slopes. Their value depends entirely on the chosen material for the roof. For example, roofs covered with tiles, corrugated board, need holes, approximately 25 mm. And for roofs with flat materials, the size of such holes increases to 50 mm.
7. Windproof vapor barrier. It is mounted above the second crate. It allows you to provide warmth and comfort indoors even with the strongest wind. This insulation is laid over the rafter legs and carefully secured with battens.
8. Roofing. This is the final layer of the roofing cake.

Warming technology

Having dealt with the varieties of materials, having carefully studied what the roofing pie consists of, you can proceed directly to work. So, let's consider how to insulate the roof of the attic from the inside on your own.

The most popular material is still mineral wool. It is often used for such purposes. That is why we will analyze how to properly insulate the attic roof from the inside with mineral wool.

The technology of work consists of the following stages:

1. Training. Initially, try to protect yourself from various kinds of problems. Check if the room is sufficiently ventilated. Stock up on protective gear. They are: respirator, construction gloves, goggles.
2. Checking the rafters. it next stage your work. Now you need to check how evenly the rafters are located. This task is carried out using an aluminum long profile. It should be applied to rafter legs. The bars, installed correctly, will completely come into contact with the profile.
3. Measuring the distance between the rafters. Take measurements in at least 2 different locations.
4. Preparation of mineral wool slabs. Now you can start working with the heater. To do this, using the measurements taken earlier, slabs of the appropriate dimensions are cut out of mineral wool. However, remember that the dimensions of such fragments should be approximately 2-3 cm larger than the measurements you took. This will ensure good placement of the plates between the rafters and eliminate the need to fix the insulation with additional fasteners.
5. Mineral wool installation. To lay the insulation, it is slightly compressed and placed in a niche between the rafters. The mineral wool should return to its original shape. If wrinkles or bubbles form, be sure to level the material. This continues the insulation from the inside of the entire surface. The place where the wall is combined with the extreme rafter is sealed with sealant.
6. Installing vapor barrier. When laying a special film, fix it with a stapler (in increments of 15-20 cm). Overlap individual fragments, and glue the joints with a special tape.
7. Decor window openings. They are equipped with special structures made of wooden bars, maintaining a distance of 40-60 cm. Vertical slats are fixed with self-tapping screws. Under them, a base is drawn up, which will then become the junction of the drywall with the film. The frame is filled with insulation. On the slopes it is covered with a film.
8. Insulation of attic walls. It's time to think about frontons. They are insulated in the same way as the roof. Carefully work out the ends of the roof. Now create metal carcass on which drywall will be attached. Insulation is again laid between such parts. From above it is closed with a metal profile.
9. Mounting It is attached to the frame with electrical tape and glue. Installation of drywall occurs with the help of self-tapping screws.

Attic insulation with polystyrene foam

If you decide to use this material, which is, in fact, a modern, improved heir to foam, then the technology will be slightly different. If your roof is installed correctly, then a waterproofing layer is already provided.

Attic insulation with polystyrene foam consists of the following steps:

1. Processing of wooden elements. Start from this stage. All wooden structures must be carefully treated with an antiseptic. It is recommended to open such surfaces also with a flame retardant. Be sure to allow time for the product to soak in and dry completely. Moldy or rotten elements must be replaced.
2. Sheet fastening. Extruded polystyrene foam is placed in the openings between the rafters. To fasten the material, you can use staples, corners, thin slats (they are nailed across the rafters). To ensure ventilation, leave a gap between the sheets and the waterproofing of 2-5 cm. Expanded polystyrene is laid very carefully, leaving no distance between the sheets and rafters. If gaps are still formed, then they are closed mounting foam or pieces of the material itself. Sometimes expanded polystyrene is laid in several layers. When the insulation is completely laid out, you should get a flat surface that does not contain any slots or protrusions.
3. Installation of vapor barrier. For the next layer, a special film is used, which may look like a perforated or foil membrane. Fasten it with a stapler, overlapping. The joints are sealed with a special tape.
4. Clean finish. This is the final step. Depending on your desires, you can decorate the room with clapboard, drywall, plastic or other materials. This finish is mounted close to the vapor barrier layer. If desired, you can make a thin crate, consisting of slats, and attach the selected materials for fine finish right on her.

Wall insulation

If in your room the roof does not reach the floor, then the room must have side surfaces. If you do not take care of the walls, then, no matter how well you insulate the roof, the attic will continue to be cold. Of course, work on a vertical surface is much easier than under a roof.

It is quite easy to insulate the walls of the attic on your own. The technology of work is almost the same as for the roof. Therefore, if you were able to insulate the roof on your own, then this task will not cause you any difficulties. So, what algorithm should be followed?

Stages of attic wall insulation:

1. Initially, fix special rails on the surfaces.
2. Now lay the thermal insulation layer.
3. Behind it, a vapor barrier must be provided.
4. Don't forget waterproofing. For walls, this is no less important than for the roof. Therefore, pre-lay the appropriate material that provides waterproofing.
5. Fiberboard sheets can be used as insulation for wall decoration. It is easy to work with such material. It is perfectly fastened with screws or nails.

Conclusion

Now, knowing how to insulate the attic roof from the inside, you can easily cope with this task. And even if you do not plan to use the attic for a living room, you still need to take care of the roof. After all, high-quality insulation significantly reduces the cost of heating a house. In addition, it provides a homely microclimate in the cottage. And what is important, it significantly extends the service life of structures.

A house with an attic is often the dream of every homeowner. In the attic room, you can equip both a bedroom and an office. But to create comfortable and cozy rooms, first of all, it is worth making repairs, including insulation of the attic from the inside.

Attic insulation is a responsible and time-consuming job. Of course you can trust this process specialists, but you can insulate the attic from the inside with your own hands.

When performing various repair work, in particular, and insulation of the attic from the inside, you should decide on what this room will be equipped for. It should be understood that due to the lack of a "thermal cushion" in the upper part, which was replaced by skylights, the room is rather cold by nature. Based on this, the insulation must be of high quality.

And here some difficulties arise. Each building has its own individual architecture, it is necessary to take into account the shape of the roof and physical features roof and wall material. Difficulties often arise in the fact that the surfaces are uneven. And for the implementation of the discharge of condensate, it is necessary to make waterproofing. You should also take into account the fact that more heat passes through the end walls of the attic, which is why they also require insulation.

What insulation to choose for the attic

Having decided on the specifics of choosing a room, it is worth deciding on the choice of materials, namely, how to insulate the attic from the inside. So the choice of material can be influenced by some undeniable factors, namely:

• roof parameters;
• roof structure;
• climatic features.

So, there are several types of materials that can be used to insulate the attic from the inside:

• Styrofoam is one of the cheapest and most popular types of insulation material. Easy to install. However, its vapor permeability is significantly reduced. From this it can be seen that during the operation of this type of material, the room may be exposed to dampness, and as the rafters dry out, unwanted gaps may form;

• Styrofoam. An analogue of polystyrene, but with slightly increased physical strength characteristics. It is quite durable, perfectly retains its shape, it is not afraid of high humidity and, very importantly, it does not burn. Special attention deserves the fact that a not very thick layer is required for insulation - 5-10 cm.



Mineral wool is absolutely ideal solution in all its settings. It has a high density, moisture resistant, has such a property as fire safety and weakly transmits heat. This material is more durable, and if we consider it as a sound insulator, then it is more effective. Cotton wool is able to withstand low temperatures. However, when working with it, special precautions must be taken into account;

• Cellulose wool (ecowool) refers to a heat insulator made of non-dusty materials. It contains an antiseptic that prevents damage to the insulation layer and the wood in contact with it. Ecowool is able to penetrate into the smallest voids, filling them. It is an eco-friendly material that can “breathe”, moreover, it is not afraid of moisture and does not support combustion. Ecowool is not harmful to health, unlike the same mineral wool, for example;
  

  

• Polyurethane foam is applied by spraying on absolutely any surface. Using this material for attic insulation, you can create a monolithic layer without existing gaps;
• Foil materials that function not only as a heater, but also work as a mirror reflector that prevents heat from escaping to the outside. To create the desired effect, this material should be deployed with an aluminum coating inside the room, while leaving a distance of 5 cm between it and the vapor barrier layer.

Of course, when choosing a material for insulation, the owner of the house has the last word. When working with any insulating material, safety precautions must be observed. Required: gloves, goggles and long sleeves.

Stages of attic insulation from the inside

The process of work on the insulation of the attic takes place in several stages, in addition to the choice of material:

• Roof insulation;
• Wall insulation;
• Floor insulation.

Roof insulation in the attic

First, it is worth telling what the process of insulating a mansard roof from the inside should consist of. Stages of work:

• Basic roof covering;
• Waterproofing device;
• Laying thermal insulation;
• Vapor barrier;
• Finishing work.

The initial stage, after the existing main roof covering, is waterproofing, which is laid along the entire height of the supports, from the bottom to the very ridge of the roof. Before starting the laying of the material, all wooden elements of the roof are treated with an antiseptic. In the presence of rotten and moldy parts, it is necessary to replace them. Knowing the coefficient of thermal conductivity, a decision should be made to eliminate possible heat losses, whether one layer of insulation will be enough or whether it is still worth laying a second layer. In the place where the insulation is laid to ensure ventilation, when installing this material, a gap is left between it and the roof. If the roof material is undulating (tiles, metal tiles), then the layer is left at least 2.5 cm. And if the roof is made of flat-form material (steel sheets, rolled materials), the space between the insulation and the roof should be doubled.

Thermal insulation is carried out by laying the selected material on top of the waterproofing layer.

The next step is vapor barrier. The material is a special film, which appearance it can be like a regular film, or it can be in the form of a membrane, foil or perforated film. The film is attached to the rafters with a construction stapler.

Room decoration. At this stage, the following happens: fixing plastic, drywall, lining, moisture-resistant chipboard, fiberboard or plywood sheets. At the same time, you need to fasten close to the vapor barrier, or you can on a thin type crate from individual rails. Then you can, if necessary and desired, stick wallpaper, varnish or paint.

Wall insulation in the attic from the inside

Insulation of the attic walls is carried out when the roof does not reach part of the floor. So, when insulating walls, several steps should be taken to achieve the final result:

Wood treatment with antiseptic

• Treatment of walls with an antiseptic, removal of dust, dirt;
• Lathing of the roof surface from the inside with the help of beams or raw boards;
• Waterproofing;
• Laying a layer of the selected insulation;
• Vapor barrier layer;
• Wall decoration.

A distinctive feature of wall insulation work is the absence of battens, unlike the roof. The rest of the process takes place according to the same method as the insulation of the attic roof.

After treating the walls with an antiseptic, a vertical frame is arranged on the surface of the walls from a bar or raw board. The beam is attached to the wall with metal corners or dowels.

Wall waterproofing means laying material in the frame cells. After that, the first layer is formed from the selected insulation.

The vapor barrier layer is fixed on top of the first layer of insulation. The vapor barrier material is a film, as mentioned above, which should fit snugly, without any sagging.

Wall decoration is carried out using facing materials: OSB boards, drywall, which are mounted on a frame made of a metal profile or wooden bars.

Floor insulation in the attic

Basically, the attic floor is made in the form wooden structure. And to create complete and final comfort in the room, the floor must also be insulated. And the floor insulation also takes place in several stages:

• Removing the old floor covering;
• Inspection of logs, detection of damages and defects, elimination of defects;
• Fixing the vapor barrier film;
• Laying the first layer of insulation;
• Laying the second layer of vapor barrier;
• Log sheathing.

The vapor barrier film is mounted along the entire length and width of the insulated surface. The film is attached with a construction stapler. In this case, the film must exactly repeat all the lines of the log system, closely adjoining the beams.

The first layer of insulation must be laid between the lags. This is followed by the stage of laying the vapor barrier layer, which will become the second layer. Accordingly, the vapor barrier material is laid on top of the insulation.

And the final stage will be facing the log with the help of front coverings made of OSB boards, or wooden boards.

Video to help: we insulate the attic with mineral wool Isover (Isover) Profi 100 mm and Ursa Pure One 50 mm

The video shows the process of insulating the attic floor from the inside with two heaters based on mineral wool - Isover (Isover) Profi 100 mm and Ursa Pure One 50 mm. The total insulation layer is 250 mm. To fix the insulation between the rafters, a crate is used (beam 50 × 40 mm), and garden twine is additionally used to reduce the sagging of the mineral wool, which is attached to the bar with a stapler.