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Basalt insulation for the attic. Instructions for insulating an attic roof with your own hands. Types of insulating materials used for insulating attic roofs

Why do you need to insulate the attic?

Before examining in detail how to insulate an attic from the inside, it makes sense to consider design features coatings pitched roof. It is a multilayer system consisting of the following elements:

• vapor barrier;
• insulation;
• ventilation-air gap;
• waterproofing;
• external roof.

Some homeowners, trying to save on material, exclude one of the layers, but this mistake can be costly later. The fact is that, according to the laws of physics, heat always rises, and if the roof is poorly insulated, it will leak out onto the street, which will cause the cost of heating the house to be significantly higher.

It is quite simple to identify a poorly insulated attic in winter: if at subzero temperatures the snow does not lie on the roof, but melts, this means that heated air penetrates through the roof layer.

It's worth saying that Negative consequences insufficient insulation of the attic will be felt not only in winter, but also in summer: summer sun heats up roofing before high temperatures, and heat penetrates into the room.

Which insulation for attic roof is better?

On construction market there is a huge amount thermal insulation materials with similar properties that can be used to insulate an attic.

Criterias of choice

When choosing insulation for an attic roof, you should pay attention to several main factors:

• coefficient of thermal conductivity;
• fire resistance;
• moisture resistance;
• environmental friendliness of the material.

Thermal conductivity coefficient is the main criterion for heat-insulating material, which should be taken into account when deciding how to insulate an attic roof. This coefficient reflects the ability of the material to release heat to the outside or transmit it from the outside. The lower the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient for a heat insulator, the better it is thermal insulation properties.

Fire resistance - the ability of a heat insulator to withstand high temperatures (fire). In contrast to the thermal conductivity coefficient, the quality of the thermal insulation material is better at maximum fire resistance values.

Moisture resistance is an indicator that reflects the ability of a material not to transmit or absorb moisture. Living in a house will be comfortable only if the heat insulator does not emit carcinogenic substances. There are heat insulators that are made from natural materials, they are distinguished by the best environmental friendliness. All these indicators should be taken into account before insulating the attic from the inside.

Which insulation is best for the attic?

Taking into account the characteristics described above, you can begin to select the type of insulation, and then the manufacturer. Let's consider the most popular insulation materials for an attic roof, these include:

• mineral wool;
• linen or cotton fabric insulation (a modern analogue of glass wool, has a fibrous structure, breathable, environmentally friendly);
• glass wool;
• extruded polystyrene foam.

Mineral wool

From this list best characteristics mineral wool is different: this porous heat insulator is made from mineral raw materials, which means it is different highly environmentally friendly. In addition, this material is easy to work with, and with its help you can insulate the attic yourself. One of the disadvantages is the need for careful waterproofing, since the material absorbs moisture and is susceptible to rotting.

Mineral wool is fire resistant, and the thermal conductivity coefficient is in the range of 0.35-0.47. Insulating the attic from the inside with mineral wool allows for good heat conservation and good sound insulation.

Glass wool

It has the same properties as mineral wool, but is more durable. However, it has a low fire resistance coefficient and is quite toxic when burned. Its cost is lower than other thermal insulation materials, so it is used quite often for insulation. technical premises.

Mineral and glass wool also have a very attractive price, so insulating the attic from the inside with these materials will not require significant investment.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Durable heat insulator, made in the form of plates with a porous structure. Repels moisture without absorbing or letting it pass through, therefore it is often used as external (facade) insulation load-bearing walls buildings and attics, with a broken roof structure. Significant disadvantages This heat insulator is highly flammable, releases toxins during combustion and oxidation from heat, and is airtight.

Environmentally friendly and natural materials

Modern solutions aimed at maintaining health and environment, contain a minimum of chemical fibers and are non-toxic when burned. Such building materials include domestic and foreign new products for insulation, such as:

• Ecolen;
• Ecowool;
• Cotton fabric insulation.

The main differences between these materials are that they allow air to pass through, while providing high-quality heat and sound insulation. They are hypoallergenic and filter odors well. In addition, laying such insulation for an attic roof is much easier, since Ekolen and other fabric insulation do not emit toxic substances and practically do not disintegrate into fibers, you will not need PPE OD (products personal protection respiratory organs) during work.

When laying ecowool through a sprayer, you must first cover the surface of the attic with film, leaving a hole that can be insulated later. It is also recommended to cover the floor and walls, especially if the room has already been used as a living space and will not be used for production. major renovation.

Do-it-yourself insulation of an attic roof from the inside video

Insulation of the attic roof: installation stages

So, the thermal insulation material has been selected, now you can insulate the attic roof from the inside. This work consists of several stages:

• preparing a site for installing insulation;
• installation of material;
• fastening the heat insulator.

The insulation is laid in a cellular structure in the space between the rafters, so the width of the heat insulation mats must correspond to the pitch of the rafters. The heat insulation is laid from the lower edge of the roof arch, while the heat insulation mats are laid overlapping. This technology allows us to minimize heat loss and reduce material waste.

With sudden changes in temperature outside the roof and inside the room, condensation occurs. To remove this moisture, you need to take care of the design of the ventilated space. This space is created by screwing the insulation onto self-tapping screws to the rafters of a wooden counter batten, the height of which will create the ventilation space.

To ensure the highest possible thermal insulation, it is necessary to exclude any cold bridges, so another thinner, continuous layer of material is laid on top of the rafters. The only drawback this method- the fact that visually the rafters become hidden, and subsequently the installation of new ones to them structural elements(most often facing) becomes difficult. The way out of the situation will be to mark the location of the rafters with a marker. If problems arise at any stage of the project, the video will help you sort out controversial issues and perform insulation as efficiently as possible.

A vapor-proof film, which is attached over the insulation, will help protect the structure from moisture coming from the room. The next step is to secure the structure using lathing. On final stage Reflective thermal insulation is provided, on top of which finishing can be carried out.

Do-it-yourself attic roof insulation video

Finishing the ceiling in the attic

Finishing the ceiling in the attic is not only aesthetic, but also practical. Finishing the ceiling with fiberboard or plywood is one of the simplest and inexpensive options finishing. In addition, these materials have a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.2. This means that the ceiling will become an additional barrier to the cold.

The French came up with the idea of ​​using the attic as a living space; they made it not just a room, but a place of relaxation. Achieve the same effect in own home you can use a stretch ceiling, which will help hide structural elements attic space and will give it greater attractiveness. Besides, suspended ceiling can be very practical.

The fact is that no matter how well you insulate the attic, the sound insulation of this room will still be much inferior to the main rooms (the thickness of the roof is significantly inferior to the thickness of the walls of the house). Therefore, in rain or hail, the attic can be a little noisy. A suspended ceiling will help reduce this disadvantage.

Bottom line

Using these instructions it is possible to ensure that the once unattractive attic can be called with full confidence the French word attic. Not only will this room not be inferior to all other rooms, on the contrary, at any time of the year and in any weather there will be a desire to be here.

An attic space is an additional space in the house that can be used for personal use. You can make a living room or office in it, where it is quiet, cozy and warm. But to create this warmth, silence and comfort, you need to try a little. Most important stage in the construction of the attic roof - its insulation. After all, without it, staying in this room will be impossible in the autumn and winter.

The main question that arises when insulating is which insulation is best for an attic roof? After all, there are many options, but how to do it? right choice? Let's look at the criteria by which you need to choose a heat insulator and compare the most popular materials.

Criteria for choosing insulation for the attic

The choice of material for the attic must be approached quite seriously. They all have their pros and cons.

But when choosing insulation for an attic roof, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Thermal insulation characteristics of the material.
2. Good sound insulation insulation.
3. Ease of installation.
4. Insulation resistance to high temperatures.
5. Ecological cleanliness.
6. Long service life.
7. Economical.
8. The property of insulation to repel moisture.
9. The versatility of the material.

It is clear that main criterion, by which insulation is evaluated - its ability to retain heat. This is very important for an attic space. In addition, the material must be universal so that it is possible to insulate not only the roof, but also the floors and walls of the attic. And if you don’t want to hear gusts of wind and the sound of rain, then it should well insulate the attic from noise. All these criteria are important, and it is better if the insulation meets most of them.

Let's look at all the suitable materials using an example and find out which one insulation will do for this purpose.

Insulation for attic roof

So, the most popular materials for insulating an attic roof are mineral wool, glass wool, polyurethane foam (PPU) and polystyrene foam. They are most consistent with the indicators we talked about earlier. But there are also new materials that have not yet been studied so much. One of them is ecowool. We will look for the best insulation from this list.

Mineral wool for attic insulation

One of the environmental insulation materials, which consists of molten rocks, clay and synthetic fibers. The material is light in weight good vapor permeability and low hygroscopicity. Therefore, it is difficult to overestimate the material. It can be purchased in stores such as in roll form, and as slabs. The sizes and thickness vary, from 5 to 10 cm. Due to its fibrous structure, the material retains heat well. There is always a large amount of air in the fibers. The good news is that cotton wool is also vapor-permeable (able to breathe).

Note! IN mineral wool rodents will not get in, which cannot be said about polystyrene foam.

If we talk about the disadvantages of insulation, the main one is low resistance to moisture. If the material gets wet, it will lose its properties. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the waterproofing layer. And yet, the insulation quickly accumulates dust. Still, I am pleased with the high resistance to fire. In case of fire, cotton wool can retard the fire.

The most popular brands that are suitable for attic insulation are Ursa and Izover. The second insulation option has quite high rate sound insulation, combined with other advantages. And Ursa products are sold in convenient rolls that are easy to install.

The service life of mineral wool for the attic is 50 years. It does not rot, does not bloom and does not become moldy.

Basalt wool for attic insulation

This is one of the safest and known species mineral wool. It is made on the basis of basalt - natural stone. It is melted under technological conditions and made into thin fibers. You won’t believe it, but such cotton wool does not burn even at temperatures up to 1000˚C! The thing is that only at this temperature does the stone begin to melt. There is only one drawback - mice really love this insulation. But in the attic they are easy to deal with.

The most popular brand of insulation is Rocklight. The products have excellent heat and noise insulation, do not burn and are quite easy to install. And more importantly, with such quality, the price is quite reasonable. The insulation can last for many years without caking and maintaining all its properties.

Glass wool - I want it, but it hurts

Using glass wool is not a new method. It has proven itself well over the years. This material is quite cheap, and installation is not that difficult. Indoors it is non-toxic and not harmful to the body. And due to the fact that it contains no organic substances, rodents do not eat it. I would also like to note that glass wool has a second degree of fire resistance. That's pretty good.

If we talk about the disadvantages of the material, it lies in its composition. Glass wool has fine glass dust. When it comes into contact with the skin, it begins to itch, and if the dust gets into the eyes, it causes damage to them. The same goes for the respiratory tract. Therefore, when insulating an attic roof with glass wool, it is important to take care of safety. All work is performed in a protective suit, respirator gloves and goggles with a rubber element. Only then will you not get hurt.

Note! After all the work, don’t even think about washing your clothes, it won’t help. It will have to be thrown away.

Anyone who has ever tried insulation with their bare hands prefers not to deal with it. Although if you do everything according to technology, then this is a worthy option.

Insulating the attic with polystyrene foam - cheap, but risky

The most affordable and popular material for attic insulation. Moreover, it insulates both the roof and the walls and floor. The main advantage of the material is its low weight, ease of installation and good thermal insulation properties. All insulation work can be done with your own hands, without the help of specialists. It is especially convenient to insulate sloping walls and roofs.

Polystyrene foam has several levels of density. Due to this, it has good sound and thermal insulation performance. In addition, it keeps its shape throughout the entire period of use without shrinking. Its rigidity affects the strength of the material (bending and compression). But there is one drawback: it burns very well. The denser the material, the better it burns. Therefore, for insulating an attic roof, rigidity is not the main indicator. After all, there is no need to walk on its surface.

Note! If you want to use foam, you need to get all the rodents out!

Ideal option for attic insulation - PPU

The advantage of polyurethane foam is that it can be supplied in two forms:

1. As finished slabs.
2. As a spraying agent.

It is preferable to choose the second option, since spraying achieves a monolithic structure, without seams and, accordingly, cold bridges. All of the above roof insulation materials do not have this parameter. The room will be perfectly thermally insulated, there will be no noise, etc. Foamed polyurethane foam has many advantages:

1. The best indicator for heat conductivity. Surprisingly, a 2.5 cm layer of polyurethane foam is identical in thermal conductivity to 8 cm mineral wool! Only expanded polystyrene came close to polyurethane foam, lagging behind only by half.
2. It is equally important that for insulation with foamed polyurethane foam there is no need to make a frame or special fastenings. The material is sprayed onto any surface and has high adhesion to it.
3. We mentioned the absence of cold bridges. Due to monolithic design they simply don't exist.
4. If a chimney or hood passes through the attic, sealing around them can easily be done by spraying. This also applies to others complex shapes roofs.
5. The worst enemy of an attic roof is moisture. It is quite difficult to protect yourself from it. But for PPU this is not a problem. It does not absorb moisture, does not become damp, can come into contact with any material and is vapor permeable (breathes).
6. Rodents do not touch polyurethane foam, it does not become moldy, mildew, or rot.
7. And finally, this attic insulation does not burn.

If we talk about the disadvantages, then there is only one - to carry out insulation you need to have special equipment for spraying. Nothing will work without him. Therefore, you will have to hire professionals. Otherwise, this is an ideal option.

Which insulation for an attic roof is better, based on its thermal conductivity.

Ecowool as insulation for the attic

An interesting new product is ecowool, made from waste paper. To produce it, newspapers and other paper are taken, finely chopped and processed. by special means so that the insulation does not burn or rot. The material is environmentally friendly. Still, some are confused by the presence of dangerous lead in newspapers. But this technology has already been forgotten. The material has good indicators of heat conservation, sound insulation and fire resistance.

However, it will not be possible to do the entire installation of insulation yourself, since the method is new and requires a special approach.

Which is better - rolled material or slabs

Now let's move from theory to practice. For most, the type of material sold (rolls or slabs) is very important. Some people like to work only with rolls, while others do the opposite. After all, it’s easier to simply cut the insulation to the required length, roll it out and secure it.

In practice, this is how it all works out. Roll material is more convenient and easier to install. The work is done very quickly and conveniently: we measured, rolled out the insulation, cut it and installed it. It is especially pleasant to work when the rafters have a pitch of 61 cm. Then the roll just needs to be cut in half, and the parts will fit perfectly and tightly into the space.

With slabs it is a little heavier, and the formation of cold bridges is greater. After pruning, more waste remains. But such insulation is easier to transport. However, what kind of insulation to choose for the attic is a purely personal matter.

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

What is the best way to insulate an attic roof?

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

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

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

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

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

Properly performed ventilation and waterproofing of the attic 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 the attic roof it is necessary to choose lightweight materials

The number of layers required and the thickness of the 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 light weight so as not to overload the rafter system, it depends on the density of the material, which should be in the range of 14–50 kg/m3, denser insulation materials are not recommended;
• must not burn or support combustion;
• since the thermal insulation material is laid on the roof, this requires that it holds its shape well and does not slip over time, forming gaps;
• withstand significant temperature changes, not be afraid of frost;
• have a long service life.

Insulation materials

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

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

   Mineral wool can be in rolls and mats; roof insulation with rolled materials is more difficult

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   Special equipment is used to apply ecowool

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

   Foil insulation is used for hydro, heat and sound insulation

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

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

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

Basalt wool is laid in several layers

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

If you are thermally insulating the attic roof from the inside yourself, then it is best to use polystyrene foam, basalt or mineral wool, as they are easy to install.

They are often combined: first, mineral wool is laid, and then polystyrene foam boards are laid.

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

Sequence of work:

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

   Treatment wooden elements antiseptic roofs can significantly increase their service life

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

   Laying of insulating layers is carried out in a certain sequence

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

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

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

Useful tips for selection and installation various types insulation:

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

Features of installing insulation for an attic roof

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

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

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

If we talk about insulating an attic roof from the inside, then not all materials are convenient to install, roll insulation It’s almost impossible to lay it down properly. To strengthen the rafter system, various connections are often used, which complicate the installation of the insulating layer.

Video: insulating the attic roof from the inside

Insulation of the attic gable from the outside

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video: insulating the attic gable

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

Arranging an attic with a competent approach solves the problem of shortage of living space in a residential building. But in order to use the room under the roof all year round, you will need high-quality thermal insulation, especially if the construction site is located in central Russia or even further north.

Market building materials offers traditional and new ways to solve this. In order not to get lost in the abundance of materials, our article will tell you which insulation is best suited for an attic roof and gable, how to choose and install it.

Heat exchange in the attic

Thermal insulation of the attic is relatively new construction technology, which became popular after heating reached the under-roof spaces. In attics that are not heated, insulation is not so important.

After all, the air gap between ceiling covering and slopes covered with a snow cap, perfectly retains heat in living rooms. Installing a heating system in the attic changes the situation in the opposite direction: the heated air rises to the ridge and gives off its heat to the roofing material, due to which the snow from the roof melts.

To reduce energy losses, it is necessary to provide insulation of the attic roof and gable using one of the popular methods:

Compared to insulation from the inside, the outside is less protected from moisture. In addition, so that the weight of the roof and snow do not damage the integrity of the layer, for external thermal insulation choose materials that can hold their shape well.

General material requirements

Although the quality and method of installation to a certain extent influence the efficiency of insulation of the attic roof and gable, the main thing is to correctly determine which material will best cope with this task. The builder claims that good insulation must have the following qualities:

• Resistance to external factors . It is important that the thermal insulation material withstand sudden temperature changes, repeated cycles of defrosting and freezing throughout its entire service life, without cracking or changing its shape or structure.
• Low hygroscopicity. The insulation for the gable and attic roof has low hygroscopicity, that is, it does not absorb moisture. Since an increase in humidity reduces the effectiveness of thermal insulation by half, it increases the weight roofing structure leads to the formation of mold and rot.
• Low thermal conductivity. Materials with low thermal conductivity do not heat up and “seal” heat from inside the room, reducing the cost of heating the attic.
• Safety. High-grade insulation is used for cladding the gable and roof fire safety, non-flammable and non-flammable. In addition, it is better to use materials that are not harmful to health and do not cause allergies.

When deciding which material is best to use for roof insulation, please note that the thickness of the layer is selected depending on climatic conditions in the construction region – for middle zone Russia is recommended to use insulation with a thickness of at least 150 mm.

Types of materials

Mineral thermal insulation materials

This category includes insulation with a fibrous structure, produced in the form of a roll or slabs, called mineral wool. It is made from waste from the glass industry and metallurgical production.

But to insulate the attic, builders recommend basalt-based stone wool. Her working temperature is 800-900 degrees, it does not burn and does not support combustion, has high thermal insulation and sound insulation characteristics.

Typically, stone wool is used for, since the slabs, and especially the rolls, have a fairly soft structure that crumples under the weight of the roofing material.

The thermal conductivity of this type of insulation is 0.035-0.04 W/m, but during operation and moisture accumulation this value increases by half over 3 years of use. Therefore, for effective thermal insulation it is necessary to protect mineral wool from dampness using waterproofing and vapor barrier.

Polymer thermal insulation materials

Recently, builders have begun to widely use expanded polystyrene-based materials to insulate the pediment and roof from the outside or inside. This method has become the most popular method for renovating old residential buildings. It has the following performance qualities:

1. A light weight. Layers of insulation based on polystyrene foam weigh just a few grams, so they do not increase the load on the rafter system.
2. Low hygroscopicity. Expanded polystyrene does not absorb moisture at all, so it does not suffer from dampness, mold, and does not lose its thermal insulation qualities during operation.
3. Does not conduct heat or sound. These properties make expanded polystyrene indispensable for houses located in the area of ​​busy highways and buildings with resonant roofing materials (metal tiles, corrugated sheets), which increase noise during rain.
4. Fire resistance. Polystyrene foam insulation does not burn, but melts slowly, therefore it is considered safe.
5. Easy to install. A wide range of material thicknesses from 10 to 500 mm makes it easier to use for self-assembly. It is also not required to install it. special tool, and you can cut the layers with a knife or saw.

The only drawback of polystyrene foam is its fragility. During installation and operation, the sheets are easily damaged and crumble. But this problem is solved by the use of extruded polystyrene foam, which is blown with special equipment under the film between the roof rafters.

Natural thermal insulation materials

To those who value above all environmental safety, and natural origin materials, it is worth taking a closer look at natural insulation for roofing. They are made from fibers of industrial agricultural crops - hemp, flax.

In addition to cellulose, ecowool contains 12% antiseptic and fungicidal additives and 7% fire inhibitors. Performance characteristics of natural insulation compared to mineral insulation:

• Low thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of ecowool is lower than that of mineral materials, they are 0.032 W/kg.
• The absorbency of ecowool is two times less than that of mineral thermal insulation materials based on glass, basalt, and slag.
• Flammability class G1-G2, that is, in terms of fire safety, ecowool is less safe than mineral-based insulation.
• Ecowool has a looser structure than mineral wool, its density is 30-75 g/cu. m.
• Natural types thermal insulation materials 10% better sound absorption.

Experienced builders note that ecowool best material for insulation from the inside of log, frame, timber houses with an attic, since its characteristics are close to those of natural wood, its use reduces heating costs by 30%.

Thermal insulation of residential attic premises the same required condition comfortable use as an organization natural light and ventilation. Remember that insulating an attic during construction is much more convenient and effective than during operation.

Video instruction

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

If you don’t know which insulation to choose for an attic roof (what requirements should be placed on it), then pay attention to the following information. So that the insulation of the attic space not only serves for a long time, but also does not cause harm to the residents of the house who will live in attic rooms, the material must meet the following requirements:

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

This is the most important criterion that will limit heat loss from the room through the roof space. Important: if the insulating coating is laid on the rafter legs, then ideal option the material will be light and dense. If the design of the upper part of the house involves the use, then it is better to use heavier slab insulation.

Overview of insulation for the attic

Below we give a rating of insulating materials-thermal insulators for attic roofing. We will start with the most optimal ones, and end with the more budget-friendly and controversial ones. So, thermal insulation in the attic can be carried out using the following materials.

Stone wool

It is also called ecowool. This coating is best insulation to date. It is most popular when insulating attic floors. The material has proven itself well due to the following technical characteristics:

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

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

Extruded polystyrene foam

If you don't know which better insulation for an attic roof, you can use this type of foam. It is worth remembering here that extruded polystyrene foam can have different densities. And the higher it is, the heavier the coating slabs will be. It's worth knowing what high-quality insulation roof, the thickness of the insulation for the attic should be from 10 cm. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to use polystyrene foam for insulation paint and varnish products on a nitro base. From such mixtures, the insulation will undergo deformation, which means that its thermal insulation properties will disappear over time.

The distinctive advantages of extruded polystyrene foam are:

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

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

Penofol

Quite a modern insulating material, made in the form of rolls. Gradually, this insulation is replacing the usual rolled mineral wool. The features of this coating are:

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

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

Liquid polyurethane

This type of insulation is suitable for both walls and floor panels of a house. Its main feature is that liquid polyurethane is sprayed in a continuous layer, which means that the material will completely lack cold bridges.

The advantages of the material are:

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

However, liquid polyurethane also has disadvantages:

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

Important: when the right technology installation of polyurethane liquid mass fills even the most hard to reach places roofs.

Styrofoam

This a budget option insulation of the attic perimeter of the roof. At the same time, foam plastic slabs are easy to install, provide excellent insulation and do not require knowledge of special complex installation technologies. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that polystyrene foam is attractive to rodents, and an open flame leads to smoldering and fire of the insulation. If your house is a country house (not permanent), and you want to better insulate the attic of a small cottage, then this option will be quite acceptable.

Mineral wool

Long known to the masters roll material Today they are used less frequently for insulation of walls and roof spaces. However, during installation, the thickness of the insulating mineral wool layer for the roof should be 10-20 cm. However, despite the fact that mineral wool is laid almost without waste due to the possibility of cutting it, you should always remember that this insulation is capable of accumulating moisture. This means that when wet it will increase its mass. Thus, a large load will be placed on the roof frame. In addition, wet insulation from mineral wool rolls can slide down over time, which will form cold bridges.

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