Ways to insulate the inside of the attic. Which insulation to choose for a mansard roof The best insulation for a mansard roof

08.03.2020

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

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

Requirements for insulation materials

The materials used to insulate the attic must have:

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

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

Back to index

Some characteristics of heaters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to index

Insulation of the attic

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

Insulation thickness coefficient

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

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

City Insulation Thickness (mm):

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The choice of insulation for the attic

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

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

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

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

Attic insulation components

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

Using sawdust is one of the easiest and most budgetary options.

Although you can do more serious insulation.

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

The result should be a similar "sandwich".
Important! To ensure a minimum level of heat loss, follow the requirements and rules for installing heat and waterproofing of the attic at home.

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

Types of materials used for thermal insulation of attics

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

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

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

Warming with mineral wool

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

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

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

Thermal insulation with foam

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

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

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

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

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

Insulation with polyurethane foam

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

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

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

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

Using sawdust as insulation

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

Attic insulation rules

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

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

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

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

Comments 0

It is a well-known fact that in Russia at least 5 months a year (in the northern regions - all 8) in any residential building of the house the heating system works. And in the open air at this time - a noticeable cold. And if we are talking about the attic, which has the largest area of contact with the open atmosphere, then you should take this seriously. After all, in winter there is a serious temperature difference on both sides of the roof and attic gables, which is why the heat flow always moves to the source of cold - out. And the task of insulating the attic is to stop this flow and minimize heat loss, for the purpose of which materials with low thermal conductivity are used, in simple terms, heaters.

But everything is not so simple! And therefore, first of all, it is important to decide which insulation is best for the attic - based on the materials of its manufacture, the planned operation and the expected internal temperature. With us you can easily understand everything!

Requirements for attic insulation

So, what kind of insulation can be called the best for a mansard roof? It all depends on what exactly you expect from him, because for thermal insulation of the attic of baths and saunas, where fire safety chimneys, it is difficult to come up with something better than basalt insulation, which can withstand up to 1000 ° C, but for the insulation of an ordinary attic of a summer house, this is a losing option: mice will eat everything. But what do you need?

Each material has its own valuable properties, and its disadvantages. When choosing a material for attic insulation, most people are interested in such aspects as:

thermal insulation qualities.
Profitability.
Durability.
Ease of installation.
Water repellent properties.
Noise isolation
Versatility

But let's approach this issue from a professional point of view. Of course, the most valuable quality is still the ability of the insulation to retain heat:

The second important point: is it possible to insulate both the pitched walls of the attic and the floors with the same insulation. Therefore, pay attention: if the name of any insulation contains the word "universal", then it can be used both for roof insulation and for walls, floors and ceilings. For finishing the attic - this is the most best option: we buy the material we like and immediately finish the walls, and the gables, and the floor. Quickly, and less problematic - now all insulation will have the same properties and will last the same for a long time.

And now about the absorption of sounds. But why is the roof soundproofing, because behind it there are no neighbors, no footsteps? Let's put it this way: those in whose house roofing from metal (profile, metal tile), and at least once it rained, such questions do not arise. It is clear that a non-residential attic can still be left without sound insulation, but when arranging a residential attic, it is important to understand that comfort is, first of all, silence.

Another choice of insulation for the attic directly depends on what its supporting structure is made of: reinforced concrete, metal or wood. And the more combustible the material of the same rafters, the less combustible the insulation should be, so that later the “bohemian” space does not flare up like a match.

And, finally, for attic insulation, due to the presence of constant water vapor in the room, the most valuable quality is still hydrophobicity:

And now about what kind of insulation is most suitable for the mansard roof of your particular house.

How is the attic insulated today?

The most popular materials for attic insulation are mineral wool and fiberglass-based insulation, and newer and little studied in everyday life are ecowool, foil boards and natural materials.

Glass wool: both you want and it pricks

Fiberglass wool is one of the most inexpensive options. Its installation is simple, toxicity in closed not for humans, and the lack of organic matter makes such a heater unattractive for small rodents. And most importantly, glass wool has a second degree of fire safety, which is a lot.

The only significant drawback is fine glass dust that gets on the mucous membranes of the eyes and causes damage, and the skin begins to itch badly. Those. during such work, one cannot do without special closed clothing, gloves, a respirator and goggles with rubber elements. clothes after installation work will have to be destroyed - no washing will save her. Note that those who have ever, through negligence or stupidity, worked with glass wool with their bare hands, then bypass it all their lives.

Mineral wool: priority is warmth

Mineral wool is much more flexible in this regard. It consists of synthetic fibers and small crumbs of stone, clay and much more. Fiberglass may also be present in it, but not much. Due to its low weight, excellent vapor permeability and low hygroscopicity, this material cannot be overestimated. On sale you will find it both in the form of rolls and in the form of plates, of various sizes and thicknesses - from 50 to 100 mm.

Heat in mineral wool is retained due to its multilayer structure, in the layers of which air is retained. At the same time, this insulation is also vapor-permeable, i.e. "breathes". And unlike polystyrene, small rodents do not start in mineral wool.

Of the minuses, it can be noted that mineral wool quickly collects dust in itself and is not resistant to moisture, and therefore its waterproofing must be thought out especially carefully. As for the fire safety of mineral wool, quartz sand is even able to hold fire if such a nuisance happens.

The most popular brands of mineral wool for attic insulation are Izover and Ursa.

Izover as a heater is valuable not only for its thermal insulation qualities - it has high noise absorption. That is why, if you are going to equip the attic of your house for a nursery or a home cinema, then opt for this insulation. Then your evenings will be calm!

Where does this property come from? It's all about the specially created air lenses of this insulation. And, as you remember from the school physics course, materials of different densities together make it much more difficult for sound vibration to pass through. For example, after insulating a roof with a metal tile by Izover, the sound from the rain will no longer be heard.

But Ursa comes with insulation for sale in a convenient soft roll. As the manufacturer promises, Ursa heaters are made from a natural composition - fiberglass and quartz sand. Nothing harmful or dangerous to humans and environment there is no. And at the same time, it keeps heat remarkably, absorbs noise, and insects and rodents do not like the taste due to its inorganic origin.

And mineral wool serves all 50 years, while without signs of any rot, flowering or decay.

Basalt wool: an eco-friendly version of mineral wool

The safest and most known species mineral wool is basalt. Let us remind you that basalt is a natural material, a stone that is melted in the factory and turned into thin fibers. Yes, this insulation really does not burn up to 1000 ° C - after all, this is the melting point of the stone. But mice really adore him, although at such a height as an attic, it’s easier to deal with them, don’t you agree?

Among the popular brands of basalt wool is Rocklight: excellent heat and noise insulation, non-flammability, ease of installation. In addition, the price of this insulation is pleasantly surprising, because. the quality is high enough. The fire safety of this insulation is at a height: the ability to withstand for some time even a temperature of + 1000C.

And Rocklite is quite durable, does not cake, and its vapor-permeable properties are preserved throughout the entire service life. A fungus never starts in this insulation, the walls "breathe", which is important for the attic.

Extruded polystyrene foam: the easy solution

Extruded polystyrene foam is attractive to many for its simplicity and ease of installation, as well as the absence of itching on the skin. None discomfort! The process of warming itself looks like you are putting together a puzzle. But the price of this heater, of course, will surprise you a little - the cost is low.

But on their own, the attic is rarely insulated with expanded polystyrene alone: this material is more valuable in combined insulation. Like in this example:

Styrofoam: cheap, cheerful and risky

One of the most inexpensive roof insulation. Styrofoam is primarily good because it can be easily installed with your own hands without calling any craftsmen, and it is especially convenient for sloping walls of an attic or roof.

Styrofoam has several density levels. That's why this material has good soundproofing, and because of the loud noise of knocking on metal roof drops can be forgotten for a long time. Styrofoam is also good because it does not shrink over time.

The stiffness of the foam used depends on how strong the material will be for squeezing and bending. But the denser the material, the greater will be its flammability, so do not try to choose the toughest heaters to insulate the roof - because you will not walk on them.

PPU: we reach the most inaccessible places

When the attic is insulated from the inside with sprayed polyurethane foam - polyurethane foam - housing under the roof will be completely residential. And, I must say, this is really excellent thermal insulation, and many other qualities:

PPU has excellent thermal protection performance: only 2.5 cm will protect the attic from cold sweat in the same way as 8 cm of mineral wool. Only expanded polystyrene can be called sufficiently close in thermal conductivity to this material, which copes with its task almost twice as bad.
Here is another valuable advantage: when insulating with polyurethane foam, you will not need a frame or special fasteners. And the most valuable thing is that PPU does not have seams, while seams are always cold bridges.
Also, if hoods and chimneys pass through the attic, around which it is especially difficult to create a seal, give preference to this insulation. The same applies to any complex shapes and surfaces.
And finally, what do you think, what is the attic insulation most afraid of? Of course, moisture! And to protect yourself from it right under roofing cake not so easy. Unless, of course, we are talking specifically about polyurethane foam, which does not dampen at all and calmly contacts any roofing material. And at the same time it is also vapor permeable!
Polyurethane foam also has excellent adhesion to any surface.
Unlike expanded polystyrene, which is close to polyurethane foam in terms of its thermal insulation properties, this material is also vapor-permeable, i.e. "breathes". What is a valuable quality for an attic!
PPU is not eaten by mice, insects do not sharpen, it does not rot or grow moldy.

The only disadvantage of such insulation is that it is impossible to spray polyurethane foam on your own, without equipment. You will either have to hire an entire construction team, or get a competent contractor.

Natural wool: environmentally friendly, but problematic

Yes, in some areas, especially in the Caucasus, natural wool and felt are actively used as roofing insulation. And these are quite acceptable materials: wool felt is listed in SNiP as vapor-permeable construction material. And its insulation coefficient is the same as that of basalt insulation - 0.045 W / mS.

Most often, such wool is placed in bags, and they are already in dense rows along the roof. But sometimes they are used in a roofing cake as a full-fledged insulation, pre-treated from an unpleasant odor.

Wool in the Caucasian regions is very cheap, due to the large number of sheep. Therefore, it is easier to insulate with this material, which is in excess, than to purchase ready-made and expensive. And the cons are quite significant: these are insects and rodents that simply adore everything natural.

Ecowool: simple and environmentally friendly

Another very interesting novelty was the so-called ecowool. They make it from the waste of newspapers, finely cut and processed so that later they do not burn and do not rot. And as for the fear of many citizens that newspapers contain dangerous lead, this technology is long gone.

True, it is unlikely that it will be possible to insulate an eco-wool attic with your own hands so far - construction companies are engaged in this novelty.

And now we come to practice. And the last question that you ask yourself when buying the selected attic insulation is to take it in mats or rolls?

Which is more convenient: rolls or mats?

In fact, the form in which this or that insulation is sold plays a big role for many ordinary people. Someone prefers to work only with slabs as more convenient, but for the majority it is the rolls that seem rational: rolled out and fixed, what could be easier?

Let's put it this way: it is really convenient to work with rolled material. They rolled it out to the desired length, cut it off, and twisted the cut piece. They brought a new skein to the right place, rolled it out again, straightened it and fixed it. Roll insulation is also convenient in that with a standard distance between the rafters of 61 cm, the roll can be easily cut in half with an ordinary knife, and its halves will fit perfectly into their niches - just roll them out:

But less convenient in practice for many is the packaging of plates rectangular, after which most of the waste remains. But it is easier to transport, and the insulation in it does not bend, as in a roll, which is a critical issue for many materials:

And finally: when buying a heater, be sure to pay close attention to the integrity of the packaging, otherwise you will not end up with problems later. The packaging of the insulation must be completely sealed, slightly compressed, without a single scratch or torn film. This is the only way moisture will not get to the insulation before installation.

Now imagine what happens to the insulation in poor-quality packaging: moisture and water vapor penetrate the material through holes and slots (and this goodness is everywhere), the insulation gets wet in places and changes its geometry. On the spot, you unpack the roll or slabs and proceed with the installation, and then it turns out that the insulation, swollen and heavy in places, does not fit in any way, the cracks are visible even to the naked eye. Having somehow suffered, you close all this stuff with clapboard or drywall - and that's it! After all, we do not leave ready-made insulated walls without finishing even for several hours - why? And as a result, not dried insulation is in a closed and dark space - an ideal place for the development of mold. The consequences are usually not at all pleasing to the eye, and you will learn about their presence by bad smell out from under in a few weeks.

Most regions of Russia can "boast" of the predominance of cold, which leads to space heating using heating systems. And in the presence of an attic floor, the situation becomes extremely serious. After all, the attic has the largest area of \u200b\u200bcontact with open air, which in winter period gets cold enough. Therefore, the insulation of this type of room should be approached very responsibly.

Due to the occurrence of a large temperature difference on different sides of the roof, the heat flow begins to move towards cold. Therefore, the task of insulating the attic is to put an obstacle in the way heat flow and reduce heat loss. For this purpose, various heaters can be used, that is, materials with low thermal conductivity.

When deciding which insulation is better to use for the attic, it is important to take into account not only the quality characteristics of the material, but design features attic, materials for its manufacture, as well as the estimated temperature indicators inside this room.

What properties should an attic insulation have?

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. In most cases, a consumer choosing an attic insulation pays attention to the following:

The ability of a material to retain heat.
Operating period.
Moisture resistant.
How simple and easy it is to install.
Is it possible to save on material.
To what extent the material reduces the level of noise and extraneous sounds.
is it possible to universal use material.

The second most important is the versatility of the insulation. Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to use one insulation for the roof, floor and walls of the attic. In this case, you need to carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations on the package: if the term "universal" is available, you can safely purchase material for insulating the pitched walls of the attic and floor. The use of universal insulation helps to avoid the problem of varying degrees of surface insulation.

The next significant property when deciding which insulation to choose for the attic is the absorption of sound and noise. Even taking into account the fact that there is no noise and clatter from neighbors in the attic room, sound insulation is a must for the roof. Especially it concerns attic rooms, the roof of which is covered with metal profiles and metal tiles. Insulation with good soundproofing properties contributes to the creation of a comfortable environment in a residential attic.

An excellent choice for attic insulation can be a material with low flammability. This property is very important for rooms with a wooden supporting structure. When choosing a heater for a mansard roof, one should remember the rule: the higher the risk of fire of the frame of the attic room, the greater the incombustibility of the insulation should be. Only in this case it is possible to reduce the degree of ignition of the entire floor.

Of no small importance for the attic insulation are its hydrophobic properties, since water vapor will always be present in the room. It is best to use materials with low water absorption. Otherwise, it is recommended to use additional waterproofing.

Popular materials for attic insulation - which one is better

To find out which insulation is best for the attic, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of some materials. Materials based on mineral wool and fiberglass are very popular for attic insulation, little-known heaters are a little behind them: ecowool, foil board and natural materials.

glass wool

Among the budget materials for attic insulation, fiberglass wool can be distinguished. She's different simple installation, lack of toxicity. The absence of organic components in the composition of the material makes the material uninteresting for rodents. But the main advantage of glass wool is a low degree of ignition.

As a disadvantage, one can single out the presence of fine glass dust, which can cause damage to the mucous membrane of the eye and irritation on the skin. However, this problem can be solved by using personal protective equipment.

Mineral wool for mansard roof

In the composition of this material, you can find small stone or clay chips, as well as a small amount of fiberglass. Mineral wool is based on synthetic fibers, so it is safer for human health. The material is characterized by low weight, good vapor permeability and low hygroscopicity, which makes the material no less popular than glass wool.

The multilayer structure of mineral wool allows you to keep warm, due to the fact that air is able to linger in the layers.

However, the material contributes to the accumulation of dust and poorly resists high humidity. But this problem is solved by the implementation of waterproofing works.

Mineral wool belongs to a high class of fire safety; particles of quartz sand in the composition of the material contribute to the retention of even open fire.

Among the large number of mineral wool manufacturers, two leaders stand out, which are most suitable as an answer to the question of which mineral wool is best for the attic.

Izover insulation has high thermal insulation properties and perfectly absorbs excess noise. Therefore he is ideal option for arrangement in the attic of a children's room or home cinema. In addition, such a heater will protect against the noise that raindrops make when they hit the metal surfaces. Such material properties are ensured by the presence of special air lenses in the insulation cavity.

Ursa heaters incorporate only natural raw materials, in particular, we are talking about quartz sand and fiberglass. Therefore, the material does not pose a danger to the environment and human health. It perfectly retains heat, absorbs most noises and sounds, and is not damaged by rodents. The density value of mineral wool for the attic ranges from 30 to 225 kg / m 3.

Mineral wool is characterized by a fairly long service life, for half a century the material does not bloom and does not rot.

Basalt or stone wool

The most popular and safe type of mineral wool is basalt wool. This material is based on natural stone- basalt, which, under the influence of high temperature, is melted and stretched into thin fibers. Basalt wool is able to withstand heating up to 1000 0 C, but is not able to resist rodents.

The most popular brand of stone wool - "Rocklight" - is characterized by the ability to retain heat, absorb excess noise, fire resistance and easy installation. At the same time, basalt insulation for the attic of sufficiently high quality can be purchased at a relatively low price.

Another advantage of the material can be called durability and maintaining the ability to "breathe" over a long service life. The vapor permeability of the insulation is of great importance when finishing the attic, as this prevents the appearance of mold and various fungi.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Simple and easy installation, no skin irritation during operation and a fairly low cost - these are just minor advantages of expanded polystyrene. However, in most cases, the material is used in combination with other heaters. For example, the gaps in the frame are filled with mineral wool, and expanded polystyrene is laid on top.

Styrofoam

Most cheap option insulation for the attic - foam. It is easy, so the work can be done independently, without the involvement of experienced craftsmen. This property is especially important when insulating sloping roof walls.

Styrofoam is great soundproof material, since it has several levels of density. In addition, it is not characterized by shrinkage during operation.

The density of the mansard roof insulation in this case shows the degree of its resistance to mechanical stress, but denser foam is less resistant to fire. Therefore, to insulate the roof of the attic, you can choose materials with less rigidity, since in this place significant loads will not be exerted on the insulation.

polyurethane foam

Spraying with polyurethane foam is in a good way attic insulation. In addition, the material has the following properties:

Excellent degree of thermal protection.
The possibility of insulation without a frame and special fasteners.
The absence of seams, which are always conductors of cold.
Creation of tightness in hard-to-reach places.
No reaction with any roofing material, excellent resistance to moisture and vapor permeability.
Good grip on any surface.
Polyurethane foam is not afraid of rodents and insects, and is also not affected by mold and rot.

But PPU still has a drawback: it cannot be applied independently without special equipment.

natural wool

In some regions, natural wool or felt is used as insulation for the roof. These materials have good vapor permeability and excellent thermal insulation properties.

Wool can be used on its own, but its use in a roofing cake is considered more effective.

For the Caucasian area, wool is the most affordable insulation, which gives a great advantage over ready-made, more expensive materials. But in this case, do not forget about insects and rodents that can start in natural material.

Ecowool

Relatively recently, a new insulation has appeared on the construction market - ecowool. For its production, newspaper waste is used, which is pre-crushed and treated with flame retardants and antiseptics. At the same time, dangerous lead, which, according to many, is contained in newspapers, is completely excluded from ecowool.

The composition of the material fully complies with environmental requirements, even in the process of smoldering and with a sharp change in temperature. This property makes ecowool more efficient and profitable compared to mineral wool and expanded polystyrene.

But due to insufficient fame, only specialized construction organizations carry out insulation with this material.

Which one to choose: roll material or mats

When choosing a heater for the attic, the question may arise, is it better roll material or slabs? In this case, the answer for each will be individual, since everyone has different preferences.

Practical experience shows that material in rolls is more convenient to use. It is enough to roll the roll to the desired length and cut off a piece. In addition, when insulating a roof that has a standard distance between the rafters, you can easily cut the material in half and fill the free space with them.

In the case of insulation boards, the advantage is convenient transportation. However practical use turns out to be more problematic, since the slabs are rectangular in shape.

In conclusion, it should be recalled that when buying an attic insulation, it is very important to pay attention to the packaging. It should not have scratches or damage, indicating a violation of tightness. Only in this case is guaranteed protection against moisture ingress to the insulation before the start of installation work. Moisture that has entered the material through poor-quality packaging leads to wetting of the insulation and a change in its shape. As a result, installation is largely difficult, and gaps form between the plates. In addition, wet material becomes a favorable environment for the reproduction of mold and fungus, which spoil appearance surfaces and become a source of unpleasant odors.

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

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

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

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

Overview of insulation for the attic

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

stone wool

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

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

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

Extruded polystyrene foam

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

Distinctive advantages of extruded polystyrene foam are:

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

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

Penofol

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

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

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

Liquid polyurethane

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

The advantages of the material are:

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

However, liquid polyurethane also has disadvantages:

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

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

Styrofoam

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

Mineral wool

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

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