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What thickness of insulation is required for an attic space? Insulation for the attic: which one is better to choose Which insulation is better for the attic roof

High-quality insulation mansard roof, thanks to the reduction of heat loss in the room through the roof, which reaches 50-55% of the total heat loss, makes it possible to attic floor comfortable for year-round residence.

This article will discuss all types of the most popular thermal insulation materials. We'll compare them specifications to find out which thermal insulation is best for insulating an attic with your own hands and is it worth buying?

1 Requirements for attic insulation

Attics, as a rule, are completely wooden structures formed from partition walls installed on adjacent roofs. wooden beams, and the roof of the house itself.

The roofing of a one or two-story private house is, in most cases, done using pitched technology. The supporting frame is made of wooden rafters, and covered with slate or similar roofing material.

You don’t need to be a construction expert to understand that the thermal insulation of an uninsulated attic is very poor. None of the materials used in its construction have a sufficiently low thermal conductivity; moreover, due to the lack of solidity, the attic roof is characterized by drafts and constant air blowing.

In order to reduce heat loss in the attic, protect the room from drafts and make it comfortable for regular living, it is necessary to properly insulate the attic roof.

In fact, the requirements that materials must meet for thermal insulation of the attic at , are almost identical to those put forward for conventional thermal insulation pitched roof, however, there are several important differences.

Since the attic is a living space, with the help of thermal insulation it is necessary to give it those characteristics that it lacks due to design features. We are talking about sound insulation.

The thin roofing materials used to create the roof have virtually zero noise reduction. This problem is especially noticeable if your home is located near a highway or railroad.

In such cases, for insulation it is better to choose materials that have good soundproofing properties. Mineral wool fits these criteria well, its sound insulation index is about 55 dB, which allows it to effectively cope with noise traveling through the air.

Insulating the attic roof with materials with soundproofing properties allows you to kill two birds with one stone - improve temperature regime indoors, and increase acoustic comfort.

2 Types of thermal insulation materials

An analysis of the thermal insulation materials on the market shows that only three types of insulation fully meet all of the above requirements:

• Foam insulation - liquid penoizol and foam insulation;
• Mineral wool insulation;
• Insulation made from extruded polystyrene foam.

Let's figure out which of these materials is better to choose for thermal insulation of the attic roof.

2.1 Extruded polystyrene foam

Thermal insulation materials based on extruded polystyrene foam are the most popular insulation materials on the market, due to optimal ratio cost and functional characteristics.

Traditional strong point polystyrene foam insulation is low coefficient thermal conductivity, which is 0.03 W/μm, which is approximately 0.005 W/μm better than that of mineral wool.

In practice, this advantage is manifested in the fact that for insulation with extruded polystyrene foam, which is similar in efficiency, a thinner layer of material will be needed than when insulating with mineral wool, as a result of which the insulation will not eat up a lot of free space.

One of the key advantages of extruded polystyrene foam is its almost zero hydrophobicity. Such insulation does not absorb water, which has a positive effect on its durability, since moisture is the main enemy of any thermal insulation - when water is added to the insulation, mold grows in the insulation, and it quickly collapses during the process of rotting.

Also, the accumulation of water is fraught with the fact that the mass of thermal insulation increases, and, as a result, the load on the attic roof increases. Since the roof frame is usually made of wooden rafters, which have limited strength characteristics, it is recommended to avoid heavy loads on them.

Low load on bearing structures The attic roof is facilitated by the minimum weight of extruded polystyrene foam - the weight of one insulation board with a density of 31 kg/m3 is about 500 grams as at.

Expanded polystyrene insulation is mainly made in the form of slabs, which greatly simplifies working with this material. One person can insulate an attic roof with slab insulation with his own hands, without any additional help.

The main manufacturer of extruded polystyrene foam on the domestic market is the company Penoplex. In addition to the attic roof, penoplex can be used to insulate the walls and floor of the room.

Insulation of the attic roof with extruded polystyrene foam "Termite"

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Penoplex “Roof” slabs are intended directly for the roof; let’s look at their technical characteristics.

• Thermal conductivity coefficient: 0.03 Vi/μ;
• Moisture absorption when completely immersed in water for 24 hours is 0.4% of the total volume (at the same time, the insulation is not prone to further moisture gain; when immersed for 28 days, water absorption does not exceed 0.5%);
• Vapor permeability coefficient: 0.013 Mg/m*h*Pa;
• Flammability class - G3 (normally flammable material);
• Elastic modulus – 15 MPa;
• Resistance to compression at linear deformation of 10% - 0.25 MPa;
• Sound insulation index - 23 dB, same as .

Penoplex slabs have dimensions of 120 * 60 centimeters, while their thickness can range from 2 to 15 cm.

In general, we can conclude that it is better to insulate an attic roof with penoplex when you need a relatively inexpensive material, an insulation that is easy to handle and install yourself, and has good thermal insulation characteristics.

2.2 Mineral wool

A good material for insulating an attic roof with your own hands is mineral wool. There are three main types of mineral wool insulation:

• Rock wool – produced by forming threads from molten basalt rocks;
• Glass wool – made from melted glass cullet;
• Slag wool – made from blast furnace slag, which is a waste product from the metallurgical industry;

The price, as well as the technical characteristics of these materials, differ greatly from each other.

Technical characteristics of mineral wool insulation:

• Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/mk: slag wool (SHW) – 0.045, glass wool (SV) – 0.04, basalt wool (BW) – 0.035;
• Moisture absorption in 24 hours from volume: SHV - 1.9%, SV - 1.7%, BV - 0.09%;
• Temperature range without loss of insulation characteristics: ShV - up to 250, NE - up to 450, BV - up to 600 degrees;
• All materials comply with the flammability class NG (non-flammable as).

Insulation, if finances allow, is best done with basalt wool (TechnoNIKOL) - of all the options, it has minimal thermal conductivity and high durability; glass wool (Ursa) is also a good choice; its characteristics are not very different from stone wool, but the cost is 20-25% lower.

It is better not to use slag for insulating an attic roof with your own hands. In a similar price category, preference should be given to ordinary polystyrene foam, or insulation with the same penoplex, which is a little more expensive, but more effective.

2.3 Foam insulation

Foam thermal insulation materials like liquid penoizol or foamed polyurethane foam - a clear example of what high-quality insulation for an attic roof should be.

Such materials do not put a serious load on the load-bearing structures of the roof, since they have minimal weight, they have the lowest thermal conductivity of all insulation materials on the market, and a considerable list of advantages, but there is one thing. This “but” lies in the high cost of foam insulation.

For work on thermal insulation of the roof with polyurethane foam, you will have to pay about 350 rubles per square meter surfaces, liquid foam insulation - about 200 rubles/m2, this does not take into account the cost of the material itself.

At the same time, it is impossible to make such thermal insulation with your own hands due to the fact that the production of foam insulation requires special equipment, and it is irrational to use foam sold in small cylinders for complete thermal insulation, since this will further increase total cost project.

In general, if your financial capabilities do not limit the choice of material that will be used for insulation, then preference should be given foam insulation, namely polyurethane foam.

2.4 Do-it-yourself attic roof insulation technology (video)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insulation from the outside - convenient if planned in advance

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

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

Ignore the use of moisture protective film, despite the hydrophobic properties of penoplex, it is impossible, because under the roof there are also ones whose service life the presence of moisture can greatly reduce.

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

Installation from the inside - methods available for implementation

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

Let's look at how to insulate an attic roof using medium-density mineral wool, which is available in the form of piece mats, as a heat insulator. This material will reliably protect inner space attics from external temperatures and noise, while being permeable to steam, which will create a comfortable indoor microclimate for living.

The workflow consists of the following steps.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best materials for do-it-yourself attic insulation

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

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

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

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

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

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

• the vapor permeability of foam is at a very low level. As a result, the room is often stuffy and hot. This also leads to increased humidity, which causes the development of fungi and mold on wooden roofing elements;
• despite its artificial origin, this material is often damaged by rodents;
• Over time, wood tends to shrink, which leads to the formation of gaps between the foam elements. There is no way to fix this, and the only way to solve the problem is complete replacement thermal insulation material.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful advice! In the process of cutting mineral wool for laying sheets between the rafters, it is necessary to leave a margin of approximately 2 cm. This will allow them to be held and not fall out even if there is no additional elements fastenings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related article:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can provide reliable thermal insulation in combination with other materials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The main mistakes made in the process of insulating the attic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Which insulation is best for an attic roof - choose from 5 options

A high-quality insulated attic floor is an excellent solution to the shortage of living space. It is possible to insulate a room under a roof with your own hands, but with such an abundance of thermal insulation materials on the modern market, it is important not to make a mistake with your choice. To make it easier for you to decide on the type and thickness of the material, then we will analyze in detail the characteristics of 5 insulation materials, plus I will make short review prices

Where to look when choosing

The attic belongs to quite specific residential premises. The main difference is the absence of main walls. More precisely, some models have so-called attic walls (continued main wall), but their height often does not exceed 1.2 m, so they do not play a big role in thermal insulation.

Since there is no capital base, the entire load in terms of insulation falls on the thermal insulation materials. There are general ideas about what insulation for an attic floor should be.

• One of the most basic parameters when choosing a material is the thermal conductivity coefficient. Remember - the lower the thermal conductivity coefficient, the better the thermal insulation is considered;

• The material must be resistant to sudden temperature changes; during such changes it should not crack or shrink. In the attic part, the thermal insulation from the street is separated only by the roofing material, yes windproof membrane, therefore it is important how many freezing cycles the insulation can withstand;
• The level of hygroscopicity is no less important for any insulation, because the ability to absorb moisture significantly and in a short time can increase thermal conductivity. But even if the material is hygroscopic, it is desirable that when it dries it does not lose its properties;
• According to statistics, the attic space is considered the most fire hazardous; a dry, unprotected roof will burn out in 5–7 minutes during a fire. Ideally, the insulation should not burn at all or at least not support combustion;
• The complexity of the arrangement technology plays an important role. Even if you don't intend to do it yourself, than more difficult installation, the more the craftsmen will have to pay for it;
• Thermal insulation occupies the bulk of the roofing pie and at such a concentration it is important that the material is completely safe for humans. Living in a poisonous “bag” is not the best The best way save.

In practical terms, when it comes to purchasing, it is important to choose the thickness of the insulation. The thickness of the material depends on several factors:

• First of all, from the material itself, but we will talk about this later;
• The second criterion is density; here it is important to find golden mean and for each climate zone this middle is different;
• Again, hygroscopicity, water-permeable materials must be taken with reserve;
• But most main characteristic Thermal conductivity influences the thickness; it should be as low as possible.

What kind of insulation does the market offer?

If you are looking for a universal insulation that is the best in all respects, then I will tell you honestly - this does not exist in principle. Depending on the roof design and climate zone, there are more and less common materials.

Option No. 1: foam

Polystyrene foam is considered a proven, reliable and, importantly, inexpensive insulation material. It contains only about 3% polystyrene, and the remaining 97% is air. Polystyrene is indifferent to moisture, which means it does not absorb moisture at all.

With any insulation of a house, there is such a thing as the dew point. In a nutshell, this is the place where plus and minus meet; it is in this zone that condensation settles. So, with foam plastic, the dew point is inside the slab and, in principle, there cannot be condensation there.

The slabs are light, but at the same time quite rigid, which greatly facilitates calculations and installation. Like most insulation materials, polystyrene foam has good soundproofing properties. Although not everything is so smooth, this material also has a number of serious disadvantages.

The fact that the material does not absorb moisture is good, but at the same time, it does not allow it to pass through. The attic is the upper room in the building, therefore there is the highest concentration of household fumes.

If you decide to insulate the attic with polystyrene foam, you will have to install forced ventilation, otherwise the vapors will condense under the ceiling, which will lead to mold, after which the wood of the rafters will begin to deteriorate, and if the concentration is high, water will simply drip from the ceiling.

Polystyrene foam supports combustion, although it does not burn strongly; in the event of a fire it will release harmful, suffocating gases. Foam plastic is safe for humans, but rodents love to live in these slabs and it is very difficult to get them out.

For middle zone In Russia, slabs with a thickness of 50–70 mm are sufficient, in Siberia it is necessary to lay 100 mm, and the further north you go, the thicker it is. As for the brand, slabs from PSB-S-25 and denser are used here.

The prices in the article are current in the fall of 2017.

Option No. 2: extruded materials

Extruded polystyrene foam is, figuratively speaking, an advanced brother of polystyrene foam. The same polystyrene is used here, only the sheets are made by extrusion, as a result, instead of compressed balls, you get monolithic slab made of foamed polystyrene.

Many people consider such well-known brands as “Penoplex” and “Technoplex” independent species insulation materials. So - all this is extruded polystyrene foam, produced by different manufacturers.

Such slabs are distinguished by lower thermal conductivity, compared to foam plastic; it is lower by about a third. Where polystyrene foam is installed with a thickness of 70 mm, EPS can be installed with a thickness of 50 mm, plus the durability of the boards is at least 30–40 years, versus 20–25 years for polystyrene foam.

As for the minuses, almost everything that foam plastic has was transferred to extruded polystyrene foam (except that rodents do not live in it), plus it is almost 2 times more expensive.

Option No. 3: different types of mineral wool

Not everyone knows, but the term mineral wool combines several different materials, which differ in their characteristics.

Absolutely all types of wool absorb moisture, but slabs high density have the ability to retain their characteristics after drying.

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Stone wool. This direction is made from volcanic minerals. Insulate the attic stone wool considered the most the best solution. It is absolutely harmless, quite durable and does not burn. Most often, basalt wool is used for these purposes; it’s just that this mineral is the most common, and therefore affordable. The thickness of the slabs for attic insulation starts from 100 mm.
	Glass wool. Glass wool is much cheaper than its stone sister. The material is environmentally friendly, but not all brands of glass wool are good, budget models they shrink quickly and require care during installation (small glass needles dig into the skin).
	Slag. According to their own thermal insulation characteristics slag wool is not much inferior stone species cotton wool, but you shouldn’t use it for insulating interior spaces. This material is made from blast furnace slag and during operation, the slag releases vapors of phenol and other dangerous poisons.

For the attic and any roofing project in general, mineral wool should be taken in high-density slabs. Under no circumstances use soft mats; they are not suitable for roofing and will quickly become unusable.

Option No. 4: ecowool

A new unique material called ecowool is nothing more than a product of recycling waste paper. 80% of it consists of natural cellulose, the rest goes to additives and binders.

Ecowool is ideal for the attic, but to apply it to the walls and ceiling you need to invite specialists with special compressor equipment. This material is sprayed onto the surface. But thanks to the additives, it does not burn and does not lose its properties after getting wet.

Option No. 5: polyurethane foam

An excellent material for insulating any surface. In its structure, polyurethane foam is somewhat similar to polyurethane foam, although the composition is different. There is no need to worry about the solidity of the layer here, because the material is sprayed onto the walls and, after hardening, forms a sealed shell.

Polyurethane foam is durable, lightweight and does not support combustion, everything about it is good, except that the price of the material is quite high and specialists with equipment are needed to install it.

Conclusion

The attic is a specific room and when choosing insulation for it, you need to take into account all the pros and cons that were mentioned above. The video in this article contains other interesting nuances of choice. If you have any questions, write in the comments, I will try to help.

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

Mineral wool insulation

Criteria for choosing insulation for the attic

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

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

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

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

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

Slab insulation famous manufacturer

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

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

Insulation thickness

Table 1. Dependence of insulation thickness on thermal conductivity coefficient

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

Table 2. Thermal conductivity coefficients of some insulation materials

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

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

The most effective is two-layer insulation - after the gaps between the rafters are filled with heat insulation, another layer roll material(possible with a foil-coated vapor barrier outer surface) is attached on top of the rafters with continuous butted strips. This will eliminate the occurrence of cold bridges.

Laying thermal insulation between the rafters

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

Fiber roll and slab insulation

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

Their key advantage and at the same time disadvantage is the ability to pass steam. Theoretically, wet warm air from the attic will leave through the breathable internal lining, heat insulation and roofing system which will help maintain favorable microclimate in room. In practice, the following difficulties exist:

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

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

Roofing pie with waterproofing over insulation

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

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

Superdiffusion membrane

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

Performance characteristics of fiber insulation

Glass wool. To her positive qualities can be attributed:

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

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

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

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

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

Basalt wool

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

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

Polymer materials for insulation

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

The advantages of polymer insulation include low weight and low thermal conductivity. Such thermal insulation will not overload rafter system and will successfully cope with the task of keeping warm.

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

Insulating the attic with polyurethane foam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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