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What density is needed for a mansard roof. What density should the insulation be for the attic roof

Making heating in the attic without insulating its roof is the same as heating the air outside. An attic is a room equipped for living, which is located on the top floor of a house under a roof.

It is because of the location of this room that it is more susceptible to the influence of temperatures than others and comes into contact with much more than the lower floors.

Roof insulation is the most important task when organizing an attic. Insulation of the attic roof from the inside will protect it from moisture, freezing and heat loss.

In addition, roof insulation significantly reduces the cost of heating the house.

If this room is not insulated or insulated poorly, then cold air is guaranteed to penetrate into the house.

What insulation to choose for the attic roof, basic recommendations

Indoor air always rises. And the inner covering of the roof can form condensation, and as a result, fungus and mold. An unprotected roof begins to rot, wet spots appear, not to mention high heat loss.

In winter, the main problem with an uninsulated roof is the appearance of icicles. It is to prevent these phenomena that thermal insulation is needed.

Attic can be made using various thermal insulation materials. The most popular insulation materials are mineral wool, ecowool or fiberglass. You can also use other insulation materials, such as, for example, expanded polystyrene.

  • Experts advise using lightweight materials as a roof covering in order to reduce the load. The best insulation for a mansard roof is fiberglass.
  • The thickness of the attic roof insulation should not be less than 15-20 cm.
  • Ventilation of the roof space must be present. It must protect the roof from getting wet and moisture penetration.

Of course, what is the best insulation for a mansard roof to choose is up to the owner of the house.

Attic insulation methods

There are two ways to insulate the attic roof:

  1. Insulation from the inside - roof insulation works take place inside the building.
  2. Insulation outside - the insulation is laid from the street side.

The method of insulation from the inside is used during the initial construction or when rebuilding or overlapping the roof. This method is not very convenient, because it is very difficult to properly fix the thermal insulation from the bottom of the roof.

The second method allows you to better lay the insulation, but at the same time it is not protected from precipitation and the influence of weather conditions.

Such insulation is carried out only in the warm season and most builders prefer it.

Insulation for the attic - which one to choose and what to look for. The most popular roofing insulation materials:

  • glass wool;
  • polyurethane foam;
  • expanded polystyrene.

All these heaters have their own unique qualities and are used specifically for roof insulation. When using them to insulate a residential attic, it is imperative to inquire about their environmental qualities.

Having studied all the features, pros and cons, you can choose a heater for the attic. Which material to choose depends on the financial and other capabilities of the owner of the house.

It would be better to provide waterproofing between the roof and the insulation. The best solution would be if a ventilation opening is provided on both sides of the waterproofing.

Also, do not save on the quality of materials, so that after a while you do not have to overlap the roof again.

If mineral wool is used as a material, then it is imperative to mount the crate, since this material itself is heavy.

At the initial stages of the insulation process, it is necessary to prepare the material and carry out the inner upholstery. Then, a vapor barrier is made and after that the insulation is laid. Do not forget about waterproofing.

Attention should be paid to both the technological characteristics of materials and their durability and environmental friendliness. The warmth and comfort in the house depends on the correctly selected thermal insulation materials, therefore, before proceeding with the installation work, it is better to prepare and study this issue.

Of course, you shouldn't skimp on materials, as the miser pays twice.

Thanks to the great French architect François Monsard, even the attic area in residential buildings turns into usable space. Previously, such premises were used for summer residence or as utility rooms. New building materials and technologies for insulating the attic from the inside with do-it-yourself mineral wool allow you to make an attic 100% a living room.

Mineral wool: definition and manufacturing technology

Among the existing methods of insulating an attic from the inside, mineral wool is in the first place as an economically profitable and technically convenient material. Its price is much lower than other heaters, and installation is easy and simple.

Mineral wool is a reliable insulation

Mineral wool is fibers obtained as a result of the melting of volcanic rocks, glass and blast furnace waste. Insulation, depending on the base, is divided into basalt, slag or glass wool.


Types of mineral wool insulation

To obtain it, the same technology is used:

  1. Glass, molten rocks or blast furnace slag are loaded into a shaft-type furnace.
  2. At temperatures above 1500 ° C, they are heated to a liquid state. Fibers are produced directly by blowing or centrifugal methods. They make up the structure of the material.
  3. Fibers are bonded with phenol-formaldehyde resins followed by polymerization.
  4. Heat treatment.
  5. Package.

Technological scheme for obtaining mineral wool

Mineral wool is hygroscopic; after prolonged contact with water, it loses its thermal insulation properties. To exclude the ingress of moisture, the material is sealed in plastic wrap.

Advantages and disadvantages of mineral wool

Advantages and disadvantages of mineral wool

After heat treatment, mineral wool acquires the following qualities:

  • low heat conductivity, which makes mineral wool an excellent insulation;
  • fire safety, the production of cotton wool from non-combustible components allows it to withstand fire;
  • resistance to various temperature conditions, sudden changes do not cause deformation of the insulation;
  • resistance to chemically aggressive media;
  • the ability to resist the appearance and development of microorganisms inside the insulation;
  • excellent vapor permeability;
  • ease of installation.

Among the disadvantages are excessive hygroscopicity and a tendency to form dust. The latter property manifests itself only during work. Compliance with all safety regulations during installation work helps to avoid the formation of dust.

Preparatory stage

Warming the attic from the inside with heat-insulating material - mineral wool begins with preparatory measures.


Preparation for insulation

Preliminary work:

  1. Inspection of surfaces for fixing mineral wool.
  2. Coating of wooden surfaces with an antiseptic, and metal with anti-corrosion compounds.
  3. Replacing damaged areas, drying damp areas.
  4. Roof system inspection and repair.
  5. Removing the wrapping film from the cotton wool so that the material takes the desired shape.
  6. Preparation of overalls for safe installation: suit, gloves, respirator, goggles.

Manual calculation

The next step in insulating the cold attic of a house with mineral wool is to calculate the thickness of the layer.


Errors when choosing the thickness of the layer of mineral wool

Manual calculation is carried out according to the set of rules "Thermal protection of buildings". The above formulas and calculations will require special training from a non-specialist.

It is impractical to understand the nuances of the manual technology for calculating one single attic. It is recommended to use free calculator programs from the Internet.

Calculation using the program

When choosing a calculator program for calculating the thickness of the thermal insulation layer, the region of residence is taken into account. Otherwise, the result will not reliably reflect the real picture. For a one-time determination of the thickness of the insulation, it is recommended to use the online service.


Calculation using the program

Calculating the thickness of the mineral wool using the calculator

To obtain an accurate result, you need to correctly enter the parameters of all layers of the roofing cake. Take into account the ceiling sheathing, bottom battens and insulation. Layers located above the ventilation gap are not taken into account.

Features of insulation


Nuances taken into account when insulating

Before starting work on laying heat-insulating material, pay attention to the following important features of insulation:

  1. The attic will be a living space, therefore, it will require more thorough thermal insulation than.
  2. The rafter system and ceilings are not designed for great efforts, therefore, the insulation should have a small mass. Considering the specific gravity, mineral wool is ideal.
  3. Heat leaves the attic not only through the roof, but also through the walls, floor, they also require careful insulation.
  4. Warm air, by its physical characteristics, contributes to the formation of dew drops, therefore, the thermal insulation layer should be covered with a vapor barrier film.

Which mineral wool is best for the attic

According to experts in the field of private housing construction, mineral wool is considered the best thermal insulation material.

In order to make sure of this, we will perform a comparative analysis of wadded heaters on a different basis.

Slag wool on the territory of the former USSR was popular more than 30 years ago. Its disadvantage is high hygroscopicity. This quality is unacceptable in heaters for rooms with high humidity. Modern builders prefer modern glass and basalt products.

Comparison of mineral wool on a different basis

On the Russian market, one can single out the TOP of 7 manufacturers, the high quality of products which best matches the price:


Rockwool basalt wool

Insulation of the floor of the cold attic of the house with rolled mineral wool


Loft Floor Pie

Thermal insulation of the attic floor with mineral wool is carried out in the same way with wall cladding. It happens in two layers, but the algorithm for performing the work is different.

Stages of warming the floor of the attic floor with mineral wool:

  • Fastening the vapor barrier membrane.
  • Insulation of the attic floor on wooden beams with rolled mineral wool.
  • The final stage of the attic floor insulation is the attachment of the hydro-barrier. You can use roofing material, plastic wrap or vapor barrier membrane.

The arrangement of attic rooms in private houses, cottages involves an increase in living space with a minimum of financial investments and material costs. Since the additional upper floor is intended for further use, it would be logical to take measures to insulate it.

Warming "cake"

Experts use various types of insulation depending on the structure of the building, climatic conditions for the location of the building, and the material capabilities of the owner. However, the layered arrangement of the materials necessary for insulating the attic looks about the same (see):

  1. Outer cover.
  2. Counter grill.
  3. Waterproofing layer.
  4. Insulation.
  5. Vapor barrier with a lock.
  6. Decorative coating.

Depending on what is supposed to be insulated: the roof, walls, floor, the scheme may change slightly, but the principle of building the "pie" will be approximately the same.

IMPORTANT! When choosing a heater, it is necessary to independently or with the involvement of professionals make an optimal calculation of the amount of required materials. This will help to avoid a significant decrease in the height or linear parameters of the room due to the thickness of the layers of the "pie".

Mineral wool

The use of mineral wool will perfectly protect the room not only from cold or excessive heat, but also from noise. However, the disadvantage of the material is its high hygroscopicity, which necessitates the use of a waterproofing layer to increase moisture resistance.

When creating a heat-insulating layer of the roof, the thickness of the insulation for the attic can vary in the range of 15 - 20 - 25 cm, which depends on the structural features of the rafter system. In order for the mineral wool to fill the required space, the width of the canvas should be taken 2 cm more.

Thanks to the use of thermal insulation, sufficient preservation of comfortable heat, air permeability, eco-cleanliness of the inner layers will be ensured in the attic without the development of fungus, mold, microbes.

The use of extruded polystyrene foam is considered by builders to be one of the most profitable materials both in terms of costs and prevention of heat loss.

IMPORTANT! Before using EP, it is necessary to check the treatment of the building product with substances that increase the fire resistance, or to make sure that they are present in the constituent components.

EP is easy to install, and obeys the same steps during installation as mineral wool. When determining how thick the penoplex should be, it is necessary to know the parameters of the space to be filled in order to take into account the location of the material.

The fact is that to insulate the roof or walls of the attic room, a thickness of 7 - 10 cm will be enough.After laying and fixing the expanded polystyrene sheets and carrying out interior decoration, we can confidently say that the heat on the upper floor will be fully preserved ...

ADVICE! If the EA is supposed to be used in regions with low temperatures, then for more confidence in thermal insulation, experienced experts recommend laying two layers.

Such actions will pay off in energy costs for heating not only the attic, but also the rooms, the ceilings of which serve as the floor of the upper room.

Advantages

Of the positive properties are:

  1. The tightness of the plates.
  2. No delamination.
  3. Preservation of thickness due to the fact that the material does not sag.
  4. Good soundproofing.
  5. Low price.
  6. Lightness due to which the pressure on the structure is negligible.

The negative sides of the choice of foam for insulation of the attic include its weak vapor permeability and low thermal conductivity.

Basalt insulation

Basalt insulation is characterized by such features as:

  1. Resistant to mechanical deformation.
  2. Noise isolation.
  3. Hydrophobicity.
  4. Energy saving.
  5. Non-flammability.
  6. Durability.

Carrying out the optimal calculation of the thickness, it is necessary to take into account all its characteristics in order to select a layer sufficient for insulation. Usually, for any of the Russian regions, the best thickness is 150-200 mm. For areas with severe frosts, a two-layer laying of basalt slabs will be required.

Should you insulate the attic?

The question is relevant, since the cost of any of the above or other heaters cannot be called low, the costs will be unambiguous. But if the owners of the house have a desire to create another living space with simultaneous insulation of the roof (there is no way to bypass this moment), as well as to spend time in a cozy and warm space, then it is better to do insulation of the attic. After determining how thick the insulation layer should be, it remains to purchase the selected material and proceed to the careful execution of the work.

Successful and economical solutions for keeping heat in the attic!

An attic is a room that is being built under the roof, used for permanent residence or just for a pleasant pastime. Attics are very popular in many countries, however, for their comfortable arrangement, it is very important to equip a thermal insulation system that prevents heat loss through the roof slopes.

Basic requirements for insulation for a mansard roof

To insulate the roof of the attic, various heat-insulating materials can be used, when choosing between them, attention is paid to the following characteristics:

  • low thermal conductivity;
  • high frost resistance and resistance to defrosting;
  • resistance to significant temperature fluctuations;
  • low hygroscopicity, minimal moisture absorption;
  • incombustibility;
  • long period of operation.


On the other hand, when choosing a heater, factors such as the slope and shape of the roof slopes, climatic and weather conditions of the area, the purpose of the attic being equipped, etc. are also important. Not only the preference of a particular material depends on such nuances, but also what density of insulation is needed for the attic, the thickness of the attic roof insulation and some other parameters.

Basic materials for arranging thermal insulation of the attic

The choice of heaters in the modern construction market is quite large, however, the following of them are most often used for thermal insulation of the attic roof:

  • mineral wool;
  • Styrofoam;
  • polyurethane foam.

Each of these materials has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which are worth dwelling on in more detail.

Mineral wool - density and thickness of mineral wool

Mineral wool is perhaps the most common insulation for mansard roofs due to its low cost and good thermal insulation properties. In addition, the advantages of this material are also fire resistance, good air permeability and low hygroscopicity. On the other hand, the thermal insulation characteristics of mineral wool are significantly reduced when it gets wet, which makes it mandatory to equip it with waterproof and vapor barrier membranes.


Mineral wool has several varieties:

  • glass wool;
  • slag;
  • basalt, or stone wool.

Glass wool is made from the finest glass fibers 5-15 microns thick and 15-50 millimeters long. It has an elastic and durable structure, and requires great care in work: to avoid irritation, when laying it, wear a protective suit, gloves, glasses and a respirator. Resistant to temperatures from minus 60 to plus 450-500 ° C.


Slag wool made from blast-furnace slag contains fibers 4-12 microns thick and about 16 millimeters long. This material can withstand heating up to 300 ° C, however, it is ineffective in arranging thermal insulation of the attic due to its high hygroscopicity. In addition, slags with residual acidity can attack metal surfaces aggressively, which is also a significant disadvantage. The disadvantages of slag are also its fragility and "prickly", which creates inconvenience when working with it with bare hands.

Basalt (stone) wool is made from gabbro-basalt or diabase with composite and binding additives. Its fibers have approximately the same dimensions as that of slag wool. In terms of technological characteristics, this material surpasses all other types of mineral wool, and therefore is especially often used for thermal insulation of mansard roofs. Stable when heated up to 600 ° C (some types - up to 1000 ° C). When using this type, the elasticity and density of the mineral wool for warming the attic are sufficient so that the material does not crumple or settle when mounted on slopes.

As for the required thickness of mineral wool for warming the attic, it largely depends on climatic conditions, averaging 15-30 centimeters. It is clear that in regions with colder and wetter climates, the thickness of the insulation for the attic roof should be relatively larger.

Styrofoam

Polyfoam is a modern heat-insulating material based on expanded polystyrene. By its structure, it is hardened expanded polystyrene, inside which there are many air bubbles.

The advantages of foam are light weight, excellent thermal insulation characteristics, low hygroscopicity and good sound insulation properties, which, combined with an affordable cost, make it one of the most preferred materials for insulation. At the same time, the disadvantages of foam, which should be taken into account when arranging an attic, are flammability, instability to high temperatures and to ultraviolet rays, as well as low strength.


To improve performance, some manufacturers use fire retardants to treat foam products, which will extend their lifespan by several years.

It should also be said about what layer of insulation is needed for the attic in the case of using this material. Its required thickness for most climatic zones is 15-20 centimeters, but in frosty regions it makes sense to increase it to 25-30 centimeters.

When arranging thermal insulation of a mansard roof made of polystyrene, it is important to ensure good ventilation of the under-roof space, since this material is not "breathable". Otherwise, it can lead to condensation, mold and putrefaction.

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is a polymer insulation, which is a type of foamed plastic with a cellular structure. The cells are filled with a gaseous substance, which determines the effective thermal insulation properties of this material.

The advantages of polyurethane foam are versatility, low flammability, lack of hygroscopicity, resistance to aggressive chemical influences, low thermal conductivity and durability. Although it is slightly inferior to foam and mineral wool in terms of thermal insulation characteristics, it surpasses them several times in terms of service life.

Polyurethane foam insulation is produced both in the form of slabs and in the form of sprayed liquid mixtures. The last option is the most versatile and effective: it can be applied to any material, while closing all the cracks and gaps.


It should be noted that if, in the case of tiled materials, the calculation of insulation for the attic can present certain difficulties, then when spraying liquid polyurethane foam, no special calculations are required. The whole process can be easily carried out with your own hands in a short time - just the presence of a heat-insulating compound and equipment for spraying it is enough.

Another important plus is that liquid polyurethane foam is sprayed without seams and joints, completely repeating the complex shapes of inclined and other surfaces. This results in significantly more efficient thermal insulation. Therefore, if we talk about what thickness of insulation should be in the attic, then a layer of 10-15 centimeters is usually enough here.

Tiled forms of polyurethane foam are also used for insulating mansard roofs, but they have somewhat less convenience and practicality.

Other types of insulation for mansard roofs

Along with the above, sometimes other materials are used for thermal insulation of mansard roofs, although their prevalence is not so great.

So, for example, in some regions the old method - insulation with felt - has not lost its significance. In addition, in recent years, new types of effective heat-insulating materials that have appeared on the construction market relatively recently are gaining popularity. These include, for example, ecowool and modern fiberglass insulation. It is also worth noting that along with the considered types of heaters, their foil varieties are often used, the cost of which is somewhat more expensive.


It is clear that the calculation of attic insulation may have certain features depending on the type of insulation used and a number of other factors.

So, for example, the answer to the question - how thick should the attic insulation be - can be broadly formulated as follows:

  • the greater the thermal conductivity of the material, the greater the thickness of the thermal insulation layer should be;
  • for areas with a milder climate, a thinner insulation is required, for more severe climatic zones - vice versa;
  • a large number of butt sections and seams contribute to heat loss, necessitating the need for a greater thickness of insulation.

The correct choice of material for thermal insulation and competently performed calculations serve as the basis for ensuring thermal comfort in the attic, literally contributing to a warm atmosphere in it at any time of the year.

kryshadoma.com

The thickness of the insulation for the attic, depending on the choice of material

The arrangement of attic rooms in private houses, cottages involves an increase in living space with a minimum of financial investments and material costs. Since the additional upper floor is intended for further use, it would be logical to take measures to insulate it.

Warming "cake"

Experts use various types of insulation depending on the structure of the building, climatic conditions for the location of the building, and the material capabilities of the owner. However, the layered arrangement of the materials necessary for insulating the attic looks about the same (see How to properly insulate the attic):

  1. Outer cover.
  2. Counter grill.
  3. Waterproofing layer.
  4. Insulation.
  5. Vapor barrier with a lock.
  6. Decorative coating.

Depending on what is supposed to be insulated: the roof, walls, floor, the scheme may change slightly, but the principle of building the "pie" will be approximately the same.

IMPORTANT! When choosing a heater, it is necessary to independently or with the involvement of professionals make an optimal calculation of the amount of required materials. This will help to avoid a significant decrease in the height or linear parameters of the room due to the thickness of the layers of the "pie".

Mineral wool

The use of mineral wool will perfectly protect the room not only from cold or excessive heat, but also from noise. However, the disadvantage of the material is its high hygroscopicity, which necessitates the use of a waterproofing layer to increase moisture resistance.

When creating a heat-insulating layer of the roof, the thickness of the insulation for the attic can vary in the range of 15 - 20 - 25 cm, which depends on the structural features of the rafter system. In order for the mineral wool to fill the required space, the width of the canvas should be taken 2 cm more.

Thanks to the use of thermal insulation, sufficient preservation of comfortable heat, air permeability, eco-cleanliness of the inner layers will be ensured in the attic without the development of fungus, mold, microbes.

Extruded polystyrene foam (EP)

The use of extruded polystyrene foam is considered by builders to be one of the most profitable materials both in terms of costs and prevention of heat loss.

IMPORTANT! Before using EP, it is necessary to check the treatment of the building product with substances that increase the fire resistance, or to make sure that they are present in the constituent components.

EP is easy to install, and obeys the same steps during installation as mineral wool. When determining how thick the penoplex should be, it is necessary to know the parameters of the space to be filled in order to take into account the location of the material.

The fact is that to insulate the roof or walls of the attic room, a thickness of 7 - 10 cm will be enough.After laying and fixing the expanded polystyrene sheets and carrying out interior decoration, we can confidently say that the heat on the upper floor will be fully preserved ...

ADVICE! If the EA is supposed to be used in regions with low temperatures, then for more confidence in thermal insulation, experienced experts recommend laying two layers.

Such actions will pay off in energy costs for heating not only the attic, but also the rooms, the ceilings of which serve as the floor of the upper room.

Video review: Roof insulation

Roof insulation with extruded polystyrene foam

Styrofoam

If it is decided to use foam for thermal protection of the roof, then the thickness of the insulation for the attic will not exceed 10-15 cm. Such parameters will not create problems with a significant decrease in usable space.

Discussions regarding foam as a heat-insulating material do not subside among builders, which is associated with its special characteristics (see What is better than poenplast or penoplex).

Advantages

Of the positive properties are:

  1. The tightness of the plates.
  2. No delamination.
  3. Preservation of thickness due to the fact that the material does not sag.
  4. Good soundproofing.
  5. Low price.
  6. Lightness due to which the pressure on the structure is negligible.

The negative sides of the choice of foam for insulation of the attic include its weak vapor permeability and low thermal conductivity.

Basalt insulation

Basalt insulation is characterized by such features as:

  1. Resistant to mechanical deformation.
  2. Noise isolation.
  3. Hydrophobicity.
  4. Energy saving.
  5. Non-flammability.
  6. Durability.

Carrying out the optimal calculation of the thickness, it is necessary to take into account all its characteristics in order to select a layer sufficient for insulation. Usually, for any of the Russian regions, the best thickness is 150-200 mm. For areas with severe frosts, a two-layer laying of basalt slabs will be required.

Should you insulate the attic?

The question is relevant, since the cost of any of the above or other heaters cannot be called low, the costs will be unambiguous. But if the owners of the house have a desire to create another living space with simultaneous insulation of the roof (there is no way to bypass this moment), as well as to spend time in a cozy and warm space, then it is better to do insulation of the attic. After determining how thick the insulation layer should be, it remains to purchase the selected material and proceed to the careful execution of the work.

Successful and economical solutions for keeping heat in the attic!

Read also:

silastroy.com

  1. # 1. What should be the insulation for the attic?
  2. # 2. Mineral wool for attic insulation
  • No. 3. Polyfoam for attic insulation
  • No. 4. Extruded polystyrene foam for attic insulation
  • No. 5. Polyurethane foam for attic insulation
  • No. 6. Foam glass for attic insulation
  • No. 7. Ecowool for attic insulation
  • No. 8. Calculation of the thickness of the insulation
  • The attic can serve not only as a place for storing all the necessary and unnecessary things - there you can equip a bedroom, living room, nursery, office or even a bathroom. To make the room under the roof comfortable, it is not enough to make repairs there and install powerful heaters - you need to take care of high-quality insulation. The attic is one of the coldest places in the house, because on top and at least on both sides it borders the street, and the slopes of the roof here play the role of not only the ceiling, but also the walls. If you do not insulate the attic, then no heater will help create normal living conditions there, and all the heat will easily go out into the street. So what kind of insulation for the attic is better to choose than to insulate the walls and roof, and how thick should the insulation be?

    # 1. What should be the insulation for the attic?

    Not every heat-insulating material is suitable for warming the attic, since this is a rather specific room. A high-quality insulation should have the following characteristics:


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

    # 2. Mineral wool for attic insulation

    Mineral wool can be safely called one of the most popular thermal insulation materials, and if we talk about warming the attic, then she can safely be given the palm. It is worth remembering that mineral wool is different, and its properties differ depending on the raw materials used: slag produced from blast-furnace waste, stone wool- from rocks, more often from basalt (therefore, the name was also stuck behind it basalt wool), glass wool- from glass waste or silicon-containing rocks. Slag wool is practically not used in private construction, glass wool is used, but not often, and stone wool is most widespread, therefore, mineral wool is usually understood as it.

    Stone (basalt) wool for the attic

    Due to its fibrous structure, stone wool has a number of undeniable advantages:


    Among cons:

    • the ability to absorb moisture, therefore, the arrangement of reliable waterproofing is strictly necessary, which somewhat complicates the work;
    • rodents can settle in mineral wool, which, of course, will not have a very good effect on thermal insulation. Mice do not live only in a layer of expanded clay insulation, foam glass and polyurethane foam, therefore, in other cases, it is necessary to carefully close up technological holes and take measures to eliminate rodents.

    Stone wool is available in the format slabs and rolls... For warming the inclined walls of the attic, slab material is better suited: it will need to be cut and inserted into the holes between the floor beams. Roll material is not as strong and is better suited for thermal insulation of horizontal surfaces. It is recommended to use double-layer insulation with mineral wool: slabs are laid between the rafters, and roll material is attached on top of them. Thus, it turns out to minimize the risk of cold bridges. Separately, it is worth noting the loose basalt insulation: it is suitable for the most inaccessible places, but it is applied using special equipment.

    Glass wool

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


    No. 3. Polyfoam for attic insulation

    Foam plastic, familiar to all of us, was one of the most popular insulation materials used in private construction a few decades ago. Today it is used less and less, and among the main advantages, which force us to consider polystyrene as one of the possible heaters for the attic, it is worth highlighting:

    • very low price;
    • light weight;
    • ease of installation;
    • good sound insulation properties;
    • sufficiently high durability.

    Cons much more: this is fragility, and the ability to accumulate moisture, and a high risk that rodents will live and reproduce in such a heater. To nullify all these shortcomings, you will need serious protection of the material, the arrangement of which practically negates the benefit of the low price, therefore today a more perfect analogue - extruded polystyrene foam - is increasingly used in construction.

    No. 4. Extruded polystyrene foam for attic insulation

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

    The main Benefits:

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

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

    No. 5. Polyurethane foam for attic insulation

    Sprayed polyurethane foam is considered one of the most effective insulation materials for its thermal insulation qualities - a 2.5 cm layer is identical to a 8 cm layer of mineral wool. The material is applied by special installations in liquid form, as a result of the interaction of the two components of the mixture, the necessary polymer and carbon dioxide are obtained. Curing is fast.

    The main Benefits:

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

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

    No. 6. Foam glass for attic insulation

    Foam glass in terms of the combination of qualities can be considered almost an ideal insulation, but the material did not find wide distribution - it's all to blame high price... It is produced, like glass wool, from the waste of the glass industry, but the technology is completely different: a gas generator is added to the glass powder and heated at very high temperatures. Under such conditions, melting and swelling occurs, and as a result, we obtain silicate glass with a huge number of bubbles. This structure allows us to talk about numerous advantages material:

    • good performance of heat and sound insulation. The thermal conductivity coefficient is about 0.045 W / m · K and does not change over time;
    • high durability. Manufacturers say that the material will last about 100 years without significant changes in its properties;
    • resistance to mold and mildew;
    • high strength;
    • resistance to temperature extremes and high temperatures, fire resistance;
    • moisture resistance and high vapor permeability.

    Due to the high price, the attic is not often insulated with foam glass.

    No. 7. Ecowool for attic insulation

    Ecowool is made on the basis of recycled cardboard and paper with the addition of boric acid as an antiseptic and sodium tetrabortate to reduce flammability and impart insecticidal qualities to the material.

    The main Benefits:

    • good thermal insulation qualities, coefficient of thermal conductivity 0.04 W / m · K;
    • good soundproofing qualities;
    • fire safety, but at high temperatures the material can begin to smolder;
    • moisture resistance;
    • resistance to mold, mildew and rodents due to the additives used;
    • vapor permeability;
    • low cost;
    • The best results can be achieved when using sprayed ecowool, which perfectly fills all cracks and irregularities.

    Flaws:


    No. 8. Calculation of the thickness of the insulation

    It is better to calculate the required layer of insulation separately for the covering, walls and ceiling of the attic, since they have different normalized resistance to heat transfer. The latter parameter, ideally, can also be calculated independently, using data on the minimum temperatures, the duration of the cold period and the comfortable temperature in the house. You can use the already calculated average values ​​of the normalized heat transfer resistance for large cities, given in the table.

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

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

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

    remstroiblog.ru

    The thickness of the attic roof insulation - insulation of the attic roof from the inside

    Making heating in the attic without insulating its roof is the same as heating the air outside. An attic is a room equipped for living, which is located on the top floor of a house under a roof.

    It is because of the location of this room that it is more susceptible to the influence of temperatures than others and is in contact with the external environment much more than the lower floors.

    Roof insulation is the most important task when organizing an attic. Insulation of the attic roof from the inside will protect it from moisture, freezing and heat loss.

    In addition, roof insulation significantly reduces the cost of heating the house.

    If this room is not insulated or insulated poorly, then cold air is guaranteed to penetrate into the house.

    What insulation to choose for the attic roof, basic recommendations

    Indoor air always rises. And the inner covering of the roof can form condensation, and as a result, fungus and mold. An unprotected roof begins to rot, wet spots appear, not to mention high heat loss.

    In winter, the main problem with an uninsulated roof is the appearance of icicles. It is to prevent these phenomena that thermal insulation is needed.

    You can insulate the attic roof using various thermal insulation materials. The most popular insulation materials are mineral wool, ecowool or fiberglass. You can also use other insulation materials, such as, for example, expanded polystyrene.

    • Experts advise using lightweight materials as a roof covering in order to reduce the load. The best insulation for a mansard roof is fiberglass.
    • The thickness of the attic roof insulation should not be less than 15-20 cm.
    • Ventilation of the roof space must be present. It must protect the roof from getting wet and moisture penetration.

    Of course, what is the best insulation for a mansard roof to choose is up to the owner of the house.

    Attic insulation methods

    There are two ways to insulate the attic roof:

    1. Insulation from the inside - roof insulation works take place inside the building.
    2. Insulation outside - the insulation is laid from the street side.

    The method of insulation from the inside is used during the initial construction or when rebuilding or overlapping the roof. This method is not very convenient, because it is very difficult to properly fix the thermal insulation from the bottom of the roof.

    The second method allows you to better lay the insulation, but at the same time it is not protected from precipitation and the influence of weather conditions.

    Such insulation is carried out only in the warm season and most builders prefer it.

    Insulation for the attic - which one to choose and what to look for. The most popular roofing insulation materials:

    All these heaters have their own unique qualities and are used specifically for roof insulation. When using them to insulate a residential attic, it is imperative to inquire about their environmental qualities.

    Having studied all the features, pros and cons, you can choose a heater for the attic. Which material to choose depends on the financial and other capabilities of the owner of the house.

    It would be better to provide waterproofing between the roof and the insulation. The best solution would be if a ventilation opening is provided on both sides of the waterproofing.

    Also, do not save on the quality of materials, so that after a while you do not have to overlap the roof again.

    If mineral wool is used as an insulating material, then it is imperative to mount the crate, since this material itself is heavy.

    At the initial stages of the insulation process, it is necessary to prepare the material and carry out the inner upholstery. Then, a vapor barrier is made and after that the insulation is laid. Do not forget about waterproofing.

    Attention should be paid to both the technological characteristics of materials and their durability and environmental friendliness. The warmth and comfort in the house depends on the correctly selected thermal insulation materials, therefore, before proceeding with the installation work, it is better to prepare and study this issue.

    Of course, you shouldn't skimp on materials, as the miser pays twice.

    eco-stroitelstvo.ru

    Attic insulation thickness | Attic - living under a roof

    If the house has an attic, then it is necessary to insulate it. This must be done to keep the house warm. The attic can also be used as a living space, expanding the usable area. Warming of the attic must also be done in order to preserve the material of the roof and its elements, create coziness, microclimate and comfort in the living space.

    It is important to correctly calculate the thickness of the material for insulating the attic. To do this, you need to know to what extent the temperature in your area and the properties of the material you have chosen to insulate.

    In the insulation of the attic, the thickness of the insulation is an important point

    What is used to insulate the roof of the attic?

    For insulation of the attic, glass wool, basalt (stone) wool, extruded polystyrene are used. The material for insulation should not pass or absorb moisture, be easy to use, fireproof, keep old dimensions in progress exploitation, i.e. do not sit down. It must be remembered that the attic insulation does not create heat, but is intended to preserve it.

    In the attic, three structures need to be insulated: walls, roof slopes and the attic floor itself. For insulation of each structure, the thickness of the insulation is required to be different, since the side walls retain heat better than overlapping the attic.

    We take into account that different designs require different insulation... So, it is better to insulate the roof slopes of the attic with special glass wool intended for pitched roofs. You can read this on the packaging.

    We use basalt (stone) wool in the form of slabs, so it does not break or deform, does not shrink. It is suitable for roof insulation.

    Any material you choose should be tiled, as this will prevent it from rolling and will last longer.

    Thermal insulation properties of various materials

    How to calculate the thickness of the attic insulation?

    To carry out the operation of calculating the thickness of the material for the insulation you need to know two quantities: R - thermal resistance and λB - material thermal conductivity. Index B indicates that the material can be used in a humid environment. The thermal resistance R depends on the climate of your area, and you will find the thermal conductivity of the insulation printed on the product packaging or in the accompanying documents.

    Thermal resistance table (R)

    Insulation thickness table depending on the city

    You can also use a thermal resistance diagram for some cities in Russia, posted on the Internet and a table of thermal conductivity of materials. If your city is not listed in the table, we are looking for a nearby city on the map, the thermal resistance of which is indicated in the table.

    The thickness of the insulation is calculated using the formula R λБ.

    An example of calculating the thickness of the material for insulation.

    Formulas for calculating the thickness of the insulation

    As you can see, the choice of different materials entails a different thickness of insulation and for different floors you need insulation of different thicknesses. All that remains is to ask about the prices and choose the required insulation.

    mansarda-life.net

    which is better to choose, density and safety

    Thermal insulation of a residential attic is one of the key points in arranging a roofing pie. At the same time, a high-quality insulation for the attic, in addition to the main task of preventing the rapid cooling of the space, should also have a lot of other positive properties. This is the preservation of functionality when wet, and the prevention of moisture penetration, no blow-through, and many others.

    The construction market today is oversaturated with various types of heat-insulating materials, and it is rather difficult for a common man in the street to navigate. However, having understood the principle of arranging the "warm" roofing pie of the attic, its tasks with the main functions, you can easily choose the appropriate option.

    Types of effects on the roofing cake

    The roof structure, and the insulation in particular, is constantly influenced by various processes. It is the consideration of most of them that is important when choosing a heat-insulating layer in a cake. The omission of one or more actions will lead to the loss of the basic properties of the material.

    So which processes have a significant impact on roof components?

    • Mechanical stress. Roof structures, as a rule, have a significant weight, which contributes to the movement of parts. These shifts can provoke deformation of the layers of insulation, which will lead either to the formation of cold bridges, or even to the loss of heat-insulating properties.
    • Wind and snow loads. The roof surface is constantly exposed to climatic influences. The silhouette of the building resists the wind, and the rafter system can withstand the increased surface mass in cold weather. These influences can cause the same movements or punching, followed by a violation of the integrity of the heat-insulating layer.
    • Humidity. Inside the structure of the insulator plate, when assembling the cake, they try to protect it from moisture penetration from the inside of the attic and from the outside by creating layers of hydro and vapor barrier. However, one should not exclude possible leaks of precipitation or partial condensation of water from warm air coming from residential premises. Some types of insulation lose their properties under the influence of moisture in whole or in part.
    • Temperature. Naturally, the entire roof structure is constantly heated and cooled. These processes contribute to thermal deformations of all materials (volume changes). As a result, such influences can cause destruction and cracking.
    • Time. The only process not under human control. If all of the above factors can be neutralized or reduced their impact, then the natural aging of materials and the loss of their properties are almost impossible to stop.

    To avoid this, you need to take into account all the factors, followed by the selection of insulation that will not be sensitive to such processes.

    Criteria for choosing thermal insulation for the attic

    A high-quality layer of thermal insulation should solve a lot of problems with the subsequent creation of comfortable living conditions in the attic. Therefore, in addition to the aforementioned processes, other factors should be taken into account when choosing a heater.

    • Thermal conductivity. The rate of air cooling in the room will depend on how poorly the material conducts heat. Therefore, when choosing this or that type of insulation, you need to inquire about its energy-insulating capabilities.
    • Fire safety. A criterion by which it is judged how quickly an insulating material ignites. The supporting structures of the roof are assembled from wood, which is quite a combustible material, so the insulation should not contribute to a fire and even more the spread of fire.
    • Environmental friendliness. You should choose a material that is safe for health, does not contain harmful components released by heating and other processes.
    • Biological resistance. The insulating layers of the attic should not be of interest to insects and small rodents. Otherwise, they will quickly render even the highest quality insulation unusable.

    • Moisture resistance. When moisture penetrates into the layers of thermal insulation, the material should not lose its properties.
    • Resistant to deformation. It is best to choose insulation that has high ductility. Then, even with significant movements, it will not bend, forming cold zones. Also, for the attic, it is better to choose a material that is resistant to temperature deformations.
    • Operational period. How long the insulation does not lose its properties during its operation.
    • The degree of noise absorption. Layers of material should cut off or muffle most external sounds: wind, pounding rain on the roof, and others.
    • Ease of installation. The structure of the mansard roof has a complex geometry, and it is worth considering how easy it will be to lay the thermal insulating layers of the cake.

    features of insulation materials for

    It is also worth choosing heat-insulating materials that have a small mass in order to reduce the load on the supporting structures of the roof.

    Guided by similar criteria, it is quite simple to choose the appropriate insulation to create a high-quality warm roofing pie of the attic.

    Overview of the main insulation for the attic

    The offer among insulation materials is quite large, from old types of glass wool to modern ecological types. Moreover, it is possible to choose thermal insulation for your attic quite in accordance with the construction estimate.

    To create a warm layer of roofing cake, you can take the following types of heat insulators:

    • Styrofoam.
    • Extruded polystyrene foam.
    • Mineral wool.
    • Polyurethane foam: liquid and rigid types.
    • Ecowool.
    • Penofol.

    You can also find fiberglass options (glass wool), however, this option is already outdated today and does not meet modern requirements in many criteria.

    Expanded polystyrene

    On the market, this type of insulation is represented by polystyrene and extruded versions of expanded polystyrene (penoplex). This is one of the most budgetary options for thermal insulation, its cost for a slab 50 mm thick and 30th density is about 1 dollar.

    On a note

    The density of the foam determines its mass per cubic meter of volume. That is, the 30th means that 1m³ weighs 30 kg, 35 - 35kg / m³, etc. The denser the material, the harder and more durable it is. Penoplex has a density of about 50-70 kg / m³, it has a significant margin of safety, which allows its installation even on the floor of the premises.

    The material has excellent insulating properties, does not conduct heat well, and belongs to the low-combustible types.

    Attention

    It is important to know that the foam will not burn or spread fire without direct exposure.

    Extruded polystyrene foam differs from polystyrene in its production, as well as in a denser structure.

    However, there are also disadvantages of this type of insulation, it is not very convenient for installation work, and the created layer has a very low vapor transmission capacity.

    Polyurethane foams

    A hard type of material - foam rubber, has long been used as a heater. It is lightweight and can be easily adjusted even to the curved shapes of sloping roofs.

    However, today there is a more modern analogue of it - liquid polyurethane foam. It is applied to insulated surfaces using specialized equipment, and after crystallization it acquires the necessary properties. But, the main advantage is the ability of the material in a liquid state and during expansion to penetrate into the smallest cracks. This eliminates the formation of even small cold bridges.

    The main disadvantages of such insulation are the rather high price, and the need for specialized equipment for application to insulated surfaces.

    Ecowool

    Almost natural natural insulation, it contains up to 80% cellulose, and the remaining 20% ​​are antiseptics and fire retardants (substances that prevent decay and fire, respectively).

    Positive qualities of ecowool: low weight, low thermal conductivity, incombustibility and resistance to biological effects. However, a high-quality layer should be at least 200 mm thick with overlap of all joints. Also, the material will be more expensive in comparison with foam or cotton wool.

    Mineral wool

    Today this type of insulation for the attic has become a classic. It has all the necessary properties in accordance with the selection criteria.

    Cotton wool is lightweight, easy to install, even on surfaces with complex geometries and using any kind of roofing (it is equally mounted under metal tiles, andulin or soft tiles). Low thermal conductivity allows you to create high-quality thermal insulation of the room. Moreover, the material does not burn and does not spread fire.

    A layer of mineral wool 200 mm thick creates an excellent soundproofing layer.

    However, when using this type of insulation, it is worth taking care of high-quality protection against moisture penetration from outside and from inside the room by installing waterproofing and vapor barriers.

    Also, as an option, you can use penofol as insulation, however, despite all the advantages in isolating the room, the material will cost significantly more than its counterparts.

    But, in addition to choosing the material that meets the requirements, you need to correctly calculate the sufficient layer thickness. Otherwise, even high-quality heat insulators will not create comfortable conditions in the attic.

    Calculation of the thickness of the insulation for the attic

    The calculation of the thickness of the required layer is carried out based on the coefficient of thermal conductivity of a particular material. Taking this into account, it is possible to create optimal thermal insulation in terms of the volume-insulation ratio.

    Attention

    Initially, it is worth knowing that the use of roll and sheet materials is strongly recommended to be laid in a two-layer version. This is done to overlap the joints of the first layer from the roofing deck with the second, which will avoid the formation of cold bridges. It is desirable for the second bedding to have a foil-clad outer shell to increase energy-saving properties.

    You can navigate according to the data given in the table.

    The scheme is quite simple, the higher the ability of the material to conduct heat, the thicker it will need to be mounted under the roof.

    It is easy to deal with this, responsible manufacturers indicate the coefficient of thermal conductivity on the packaging of the material. Previously, you can make calculations for the corresponding type of insulator, guided by the data from the following table.

    It is very easy to calculate the thickness of the insulating layer, and knowing the weight of the material, still calculate the weight of the insulation so as not to overload the roof truss system.

    Attention

    It is worth knowing that the installation of insulation in the attic must be accompanied by waterproofing on the outside, and laying a vapor barrier from the inside. It will also be useful to create a ventilated roof, that is, when the roofing flooring is attached to a counter-lattice. This will prevent moisture from accumulating under the material with subsequent penetration into the thermal insulating layers.

    The choice of the necessary material for the attic allows you to create comfortable conditions for the operation of the room. But, in addition, high-quality insulation significantly extends the "life" of the roof structure, since in this way most unfavorable processes are leveled and smoothed out: differences in temperature, humidity, thermal deformations, and others.

    © 2018 stylekrov.ru

    stylekrov.ru

    which one to choose and what thickness

    The attic, invented in the 17th century, has been popular among people in our country for several years now, turning a dusty attic into a room for a comfortable life. This expands the usable area of ​​the house even at low cost.

    Attic can be conditionally divided into summer and winter. This means whether the attic is insulated (or weakly insulated) or not. If you follow the advice of experienced builders, then it is advisable to equip thermal insulation a year after the construction of the house in order to avoid deformation and cracking of the material, which is inevitable due to the process of natural shrinkage of the house.

    1. Choosing insulation for the attic
    2. Criteria for choosing a good thermal insulation material
    3. Information for those who like to do "by eye"

    A more preferable option is to equip the attic space even at the stage of developing a house project. But this does not always work out, so often the arrangement of the attic is done later. What options exist for this, and how they are technically carried out - the topic of another article, and we will talk about the attic insulation, which is subject to more stringent requirements than the insulation of the outer walls due to large heat losses and a larger area of ​​contact with the external environment.

    Before insulating the attic, it is necessary to carefully inspect its internal structures. If necessary, they must be supplemented, strengthened or somehow adapted to the installation of the selected insulation.

    Choosing insulation for the attic

    Heaters

    Today on the construction market you can see a wide range of materials that will perfectly cope with the task at hand. But when choosing, the question arises, which insulation is better for the attic. Generally speaking, the insulation must be reliable and of high quality.


    Stone (basalt) wool

    Glass wool

    "Wadded" heaters are materials that are obtained from mineral or organic fibers - stone wool, glass wool, and so on. Fibers of cotton wool insulation do not have closed pores. There is also a special class of foil-lined cotton wool insulation, which are covered with a layer of aluminum foil on one or both sides.

    Polyurethane foam (PPU)

    Extruded polystyrene foam

    "Foam" heaters are materials that are produced by foaming polymers, both in the usual way and by extrusion (extrusion). They are conventionally subdivided into materials with closed and open cells. This includes the so-called liquid polyurethane foam, which is applied directly to the inner surface and in a few seconds increases in volume several times, filling all the voids.

    A well-insulated attic roof usually consists of several layers, where not only insulation is present, but also a vapor barrier and a hydro-windproof membrane.

    Such materials for insulating the attic as stone wool and glass wool are very popular in our country due to their resistance to high temperatures and deformation, although more modern materials also do not stand aside.

    Criteria for choosing a good thermal insulation material

    1. thermal conductivity indicators;
    2. the volume and weight of the insulation;
    3. maintaining shape stability;
    4. vapor permeability;
    5. flammability;
    6. soundproofing characteristics;
    7. durability.

    A little more details

    THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY. Given the specifics of the location of the attic, this indicator should not exceed 0.04 W / m ° C. Modern manufacturers often indicate several parameters of thermal conductivity under different operating conditions - at temperatures of 10 ° C and 20 ° C and with two humidity categories - A and B. Taking this into account, the thickness of the insulation for the attic should be calculated as accurately as possible. And to do this, you can either turn to specialists, or you can figure it out yourself by contacting SNiP II-3-79 "Construction heat engineering".

    WEIGHT AND VOLUME OF HEATER. According to this parameter, heaters can differ significantly from each other. When choosing, do not forget that the roof truss structure must withstand the weight of the insulation. Unlike light heaters, heavy ones can carry the weight of both the roof itself and the snow in winter.

    FORM STABILITY. This parameter is more relevant for pitched roofs with a large angle of inclination, where the insulation can slide and partially crumple under its own weight. This can also be observed with poor-quality installation, when the material slides, forming also bare spaces, and this, as practice has shown, leads to heat losses of up to 40%. Therefore, when choosing a heater, it is imperative to pay attention to how long and under what conditions the heater will retain its geometric shapes. But such a parameter as "shape stability" is not found on the packaging, so you need to focus on a special pictogram indicating the specifics - "for pitched roofs".

    Vapor permeability. Why does this question arise at all. Moisture negatively affects the thermal insulation characteristics of materials, therefore it is necessary to protect it. For this, there must be parozacite on the inside of the insulation. To eliminate moisture trapped in the thermal insulation material, a ventilated air gap must be left between it and the outer (waterproofing) layer of the roof.

    Water vapor permeability is one of those indicators that can vary greatly from one type of insulation to another.

    What counts as good or bad performance? For example, "wadded" heaters have good vapor permeability, although, passing through them, the steam turns into water, and, despite the fact that the fibers of such heaters are made with the addition of hydrophobic additives to reduce wettability, part of the passing condensate can still remain, deteriorating thermal insulation properties. To avoid this from the side of the room, an additional vapor barrier layer is installed.

    "Foam" heaters (especially those with a closed cellular structure) practically pass through little steam, but only foil-clad heaters and glass are completely vapor-tight.

    To avoid the greenhouse effect, you need to correctly equip the internal air exchange, even if you decide to use a heater made of mineral wool with good "vapor permeability" capabilities, it is necessary to design air vents or an effective ventilation system. But the best option would not be to rely on the vapor permeability of the insulation, but to organize a separate vapor barrier layer.

    THE FLAMMABILITY OF THE MATERIAL is important for ensuring the safe life of a person, because no one is immune from unfortunate accidents. Therefore, modern building material should be as close as possible to "NG" - non-combustible materials.

    In fairness, it must be said that in the epicenter of fire, brickwork, metal, and reinforced concrete significantly lose their bearing capacity.

    SOUND INSULATION PERFORMANCE is also important for a comfortable life. Even if no one lives in the attic above you, rain, hail and even strong winds can create discomfort for you. As for the insulation, here wadded heaters hold the palm. Due to their fibrous structure, they are excellent at absorbing noise. But if you want to achieve the maximum soundproofing effect, then it would be best to use foam insulation together with cotton wool.

    DURABILITY usually depends on shape retention and water absorption performance.

    As already mentioned, the arrangement of thermal insulation requires accurate calculations, taking into account the climate in the region and the purpose of the building. But a person does not always bother himself with any calculations, doing everything according to the principle "what is enough money for."

    Information for those who like to do "by eye"

    In this case, perhaps, it will be best to be guided by the principle, the more, the better (if, of course, the structure will withstand). The most popular in Russia today is basalt wool insulation. In temperate climates, it will be enough if the thickness of the insulation for the attic is 18 cm.Although in regions with a warm climate, a layer of 10 cm will be more than sufficient.

    But if you live in a colder region, then a 25 cm layer of heat insulator will guarantee you warmth even from preliminary calculations. And in order to exclude cold bridges, cotton wool is laid in three layers, providing overlapping at the seams. If the height of the rafter board is not enough, then the counter rails are stuffed from the inside and the rafters are crate. From the inside, all this is lined with a board, under which it is imperative to attach a vapor barrier.

    To retain heat, foil materials are often installed inside. With all this, special attention should be paid to the vapor barrier, because to insulate the attic, you should not allow moisture to the heat insulator, and unwanted condensation under the roof will not give you pleasure.

    Today, polyurethane foam is also popular, which makes it possible to obtain a monolithic layer of insulation without cold bridges, while the effect is achieved even with a smaller thickness of its layer. Polyurethane foam has the lowest thermal conductivity coefficient. In hot weather, it prevents the air from heating up, and in winter it prevents heat loss and the formation of icicles.

    In terms of density, it is necessary to choose a material with indicators from 15 to 35 kg / m³.

    When insulating a mansard roof, do not forget about insulating its ends!

    Even when insulating the attic, there are simple rules:

    1. the higher the requirements for the thermal insulation material, the more expensive it is;
    2. when choosing a method for insulating an attic, you can use not one type of insulation, but two, so that the dignity of one material compensates for the lack of another;
    3. in many ways, the choice will depend on the design of the roof.

    But, as experts say, there are no exceptionally "bad" or exceptionally "good" heat insulators, there is only their incorrect use.

    Two options for arranging the attic.

    Today the attic has lost its former purpose of the attic space and turned into an additional, multifunctional room. If desired, you can equip it with a billiard room, children's room, an additional bedroom or a spacious bar. But for this it is necessary to create a suitable microclimate: to carry out waterproofing and insulation of the attic from the inside with mineral wool with your own hands.

    Roof insulation with mineral wool

    The first to insulate this area is not only for purely logical reasons, but also in order to slightly delay the insulation of the floor and walls. This is done in order to allow the wood to dry for as long as possible. Otherwise, the moisture released by it can settle on the insulation and slightly weaken its inert properties.

    The thickness of the mineral wool for warming the attic is 20-25 cm.

    You need to start the insulation process outside (the case when the house is just being built). A vapor barrier is laid on a pre-prepared crate (boards perpendicular to the rafters, nailed from the inside) and blocks are laid out. The thickness of the mineral wool for insulating the attic should be 20-25 cm.With insufficient thickness of the rafters, you can do the following:

    • or parallel to the support, nail 50 mm blocks (on the rafters themselves) and lay out the stone wool in two layers one on top of the other;
    • or make a counter-lattice of bars / boards of 60-120 mm each (thus, we will leave a gap between the mineral wool and the outer insulation), after which we line the second layer of insulation perpendicular to the inner one;

    The need and peculiarity of the use of this material lies in the fact that it passes wet vapors only in one direction (outward) and keeps moisture from a leaking roof from getting inside. It is necessary to fix the insulation with screws or a construction stapler, leaving very slight sagging (so that the layer does not deform and lose its qualities as a result of tension during temperature extremes).

    When joining the lengths of waterproofing, ensure that there is sufficient overlap (about 15 cm) to prevent leaks and the formation of gaps that release heat to the outside.

    We close the bridges of cold.

    The intersecting layers are fastened together with a special double-sided adhesive tape or reliable construction tape. On the outer rafters, you can make a slight bend and once again secure the edges of the film with staple staples. Then a counter-lattice is applied to the waterproofing layer, creating a gap between the roof and the insulation cake.

    The approximate thickness of this layer should be 5 centimeters. Its function is ventilation and removal of moisture accumulated under the tiles. It is important that at the highest point of the roof (ridge) a small cavity is left that is not filled with insulation or timber. Through it, moist air will leave the building, passing from under the edge of the roof up and out again.

    If the house has already been built, during the insulation of the attic from the inside with mineral wool, the insulation is fixed with a construction stapler (on the side surfaces of the rafters). A five-centimeter gap for ventilation is also maintained between the film and the roof cladding. Then, with a margin of 10-15 mm (in relation to the distance between the rafters), thermal insulation is cut and lined.

    Insulation of the attic with mineral wool from the inside ends with a vapor barrier layer attached to the inside of the rafters (or counter-lattice), which will not allow the mineral wool to be saturated with moisture. Another row of beams is fixed on top, on which chipboard panels or directly the interior decoration of the room will be held.

    Insulation of the floor and walls of the attic

    Mineral wool must be protected from moisture.

    This process is very similar to roof insulation:

    • on the boards between the rafters we line a vapor barrier or a layer of paper impregnated with bitumen, which will keep the mineral wool particles from slipping through the support and getting into the air of the lower floors;
    • after we line the heat insulator itself in two layers with a total thickness of 15-20 cm;
    • if necessary, we nail additional blocks from above to increase the height of the rafters. We place a waterproofing layer on them and cover everything with boards (rough floor).

    Also, if possible, it is recommended to lay the vapor barrier with an overlap on the walls downward (that is, the ends are lowered along the walls of the lower floor and plastered). This will avoid the penetration of at least some steam into the mineral wool and its deterioration. Walls, if necessary, are insulated in the same way. Only in this case, depending on their density and thickness, the thermal insulation layer is reduced and the external waterproofing film is removed.

    What kind of mineral wool should you buy?

    When there are so many similar products on the market, it becomes difficult to determine where the best mineral wool for the attic is produced and which one is worth choosing, and which one is clearly overvalued. It seems that there is some kind of "leader". But the truth is that most of the large manufacturers are at about the same quality level and produce cotton wool with the same thermal conductivity coefficient. You will get about the same for the same price in completely different packages. Therefore, it is important to remember only that glass wool in blocks is considered better than rolled wool, and vacuum packages contain 2 times the size of the final product.

    It is also worth saying that the seller of a non-core store can voice a more open-minded opinion about which mineral wool is better for the attic and which for the walls of the lower floors than a consultant from one of the manufacturing firms. Therefore, before making a final decision, compare the parameters of at least three options from different companies and choose the best one.

    That's all! We considered the question of how to make the former attic space warm, discussed the general insulation technique. We took into account all the subtleties and are now almost ready to get to work. It remains only to view a practical guide to insulating the attic from the inside with mineral wool in the video and get answers to all the remaining questions in it.