How and with what to insulate the attic, what kind of insulation to use. Which insulation is better for a mansard roof - choose the best option What density of insulation is better for a mansard roof

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 space 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 the roof truss system. And accordingly, the smaller it is, the stronger and more durable the roof will be.
• Insulation density. The level of possible deformation under the influence of sedimentary load directly depends on its density. 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.
• Inert 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 during 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. That is, stone wool simply 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 do not know which is the best insulation for the attic roof, then you can use this type of foam. It is worth remembering here that extruded polystyrene foam can have a 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: with the right installation technology, liquid polyurethane mass fills even the most inaccessible places on the roof.

Styrofoam

This is a budget option for insulating the attic roof perimeter. 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.

The charm and benefit of the attic room will come to naught if the walls freeze and become covered with black fungus. In addition to interior decoration, the insulation of this room is one of the main tasks. What is the best insulation for the attic? To make the right choice, you need to carefully understand its types and properties.

Based on the stage at which the thermal insulation is planned, there are two ways to insulate the attic. The external method is considered the most optimal. and roofing is often carried out immediately, during the construction and facing of the house. External insulation helps to save internal space. Not suitable for insulating frame buildings.

Internal insulation is performed both in addition to external insulation (rarely), and when, for some reason, external insulation cannot be performed. Regardless of which method of insulation is chosen, it is worth considering:

• purpose of the attic. It is necessary to decide how often and in what period of the year it is planned to use this territory;
• climatic conditions of the region. The material for insulation must meet all requirements. It is important to take into account such phenomena as severe frost, sudden changes in temperature, high humidity;
• attic design - the number of windows, the slope of the roof, the thickness of the walls, etc. All these factors will help determine the level of insulation, its thickness and strength.

External thermal insulation is best entrusted to professionals who are well aware of all the subtleties of their work. But you can do the internal work yourself. Therefore, we will take a closer look at the second method. most often occurs in a circular pattern - roof, facades, floor. Less common is the warming of one thing. To date, we have been given a huge selection of insulation for the attic - for any wallet. We hope that our article will help you decide what is the best way to insulate the attic.

The purchase of materials must be treated with feeling, sense, arrangement. Having decided on the manufacturer and seller, before finally choosing a heater for the attic, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the certificates of conformity. Remember that the further success of the event depends on the quality of the purchased insulation.

To clearly understand what material to insulate the attic, one should take into account such characteristics as:

1. Thermal conductivity of the material;
2. Waterproof;
3. Resistance to temperature extremes;
4. Durability;
5. Fire safety. The composition of the material must necessarily include substances that slow down the spread of fire (flame retardants);
6. Environmental Safety.

Particular attention should be paid to the density of the material. Its structure must be strong and at the same time light. High-quality insulation when used should not change shape. The presence of defects and cracks indicates low-quality material. Using this in the future will lead to the need to redo all the work.

Consider the most common materials for attic insulation. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each. When choosing, it is important to navigate the diversity and take into account absolutely all the nuances.

It would seem, what other insulation is needed for the attic? But there are also more modern materials. They are much easier to use, they are strong and durable, they perform their function as efficiently as possible. In addition, they do not need to purchase additional materials. These are the so-called liquid and loose heaters.

The modern building materials market is replete with a variety of insulating materials. But when it comes to complete thermal insulation for the home, you need to know the main requirements for insulation materials. In this article, we will tell you which insulation for the attic is better and what characteristics of the material should be taken into account so that in winter your house is warm and cozy.

Your insulation must be hardy and immune to external factors.

Any builder experienced in roofing will tell you that the roof of a house must be properly insulated. When choosing a material, focus primarily on the characteristics and needs of the building. We live in a temperate climate characterized by hot summers and severe frosts in winter. This means that your insulation must be hardy and immune to external factors.

One of the key selection criteria is the thickness of the attic insulation, on which the reliability and durability of the structure depends. For cold northern regions, you will have to choose heat insulators as thick as possible, but for residents of southern regions, where the air temperature does not drop much below zero in winter, you can choose those that are thinner and lighter.

Video about attic insulation

The most versatile insulation is based on mineral wool. It is relatively inexpensive, but it is suitable for almost any weather conditions. Although in some cases it is worth using polyurethane or another more expensive material that can more densely fill the empty space.

We do not recommend using a bulk heat insulator for roof insulation. Its thermal conductivity is quite high, which is why it simply cannot fully protect your home from the cold. It is much better to choose a roll or slab insulation for a mansard roof with low thermal conductivity.

Manufacturers, as a rule, themselves establish recommendations for laying insulation. If you follow them, you can significantly increase the service life and reliability of the structure. All currently available materials differ in the way they are laid, depending on their weight, appearance and other characteristics.

It is best to choose heaters that weigh little, but are strong enough and tough. You also need to remember about the density of the material.

It is best to choose heaters that weigh little, but are strong enough and tough.

In our climatic zone, snowfalls are very frequent in winter, so the load from the snow cover must also be taken into account. Strong weight on the roof can lead to its significant deformation. As a result, thermal insulation deteriorates greatly. As a result, you will have to do home insulation work again. And this is not only a big waste of time, but also money.

In addition, you need to take into account the slope of your roof. The smaller the angle, the more snow will accumulate on it in winter, and when it rains, the more likely it is to leak.

The roof is one of the most important structures in a house. The choice of material is recommended to be made strictly according to the following criteria:

• Expect severe frosts in winter. The thermal insulation layer must withstand them. When there is a sharp change in temperature, the material should not distort, crack or sag.
• Take moisture and fire resistance seriously. Even with direct exposure to fire, it should not ignite. Today on the construction market you can find materials with flame retardants that prevent combustion and slow the spread of fire. We strongly recommend using these. If we talk about the dangers of moisture, then when the insulation is saturated with water, its properties deteriorate greatly. Water itself is an excellent temperature conductor, so a wet insulation simply will not perform its functions. In addition, when soaking, the material is severely deformed and gains weight, and the entire roof structure is under heavy load.
• The selected insulation should keep its shape as high as possible. It is better that the material be integral, without unnecessary seams, than to insulate the mansard roof of the house with piecewise remnants in order to save money. See that you do not have to pay twice - such material will not be able to fully fulfill its functions, and even the most beautiful room in the attic will be uncomfortable due to blowing from under the roof.

The selected insulation should keep its shape as high as possible.

There are really a lot of materials on the market. Among the most popular are fiberglass, mineral wool and polystyrene boards. But they are already quite outdated. We do not recommend using them. Today, much better products and liquids are being created that densely fill the voids and isolate the room from the cold.

Basically, heat loss when using modern means is reduced by 50% or more. In addition, it allows you to save on other materials. For example, foam glass is extremely resistant to moisture, which eliminates the need for a waterproofing layer. Foam glass is also characterized by very low thermal conductivity and impermeability to vapor particles. But let's look at other options.

Video about the process of attic insulation

• Polyurethane. It is sold in a liquid state, but when you apply it to a surface, it hardens and becomes very durable. As with foam glass, waterproofing is also not required. It is very convenient for attics with a complex design, where it is almost impossible to work with standard materials. All empty space is completely filled with foam, providing low thermal conductivity. Excellent performance, long service life and general ease of application are the hallmarks of modern polyurethane. The polyurethane plate is blown in with a special machine and waited for it to harden. It's easy even without building experience.
• Ecowool. One of its main advantages is environmental friendliness. It is made from exclusively natural materials. Basically it is ordinary cellulose. In addition, many manufacturers add flame retardants and active antiseptics to the material, which makes ecowool protected from fungus and mold. And it must be said that in comparison with other materials it costs an order of magnitude cheaper. Even a layer of 20 cm can cope with the worst weather conditions. If you can’t decide how best to insulate the attic from the inside, then this is one of the most affordable and practical options. When you use ecowool, it must be precisely adjusted to the dimensions of the compartments between the rafters. It is laid in two layers for better heat saving. But do not forget that it is sensitive to moisture, which is why a waterproofing layer must be installed.
• Polystyrene and other hard materials. They are a little more difficult to work with. They need to be laid on a crate or truss structure. But with proper blowing, it is polystyrene that provides the best thermal insulation of the attic.

With proper blowing, it is polystyrene that provides the best thermal insulation of the attic.

Remember that improper insulation can cause many additional problems - icing on the roof, icicles, etc. Therefore, it is very important not only to choose the right way to insulate the attic from the inside and out, but also to competently carry out all the work on installing thermal insulation.

It is a well-known fact that in Russia at least 5 months a year (in the northern regions - all 8) a heating system works in any residential area of ​​​​a house. 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 towards 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 it, because for the thermal insulation of the attic of baths and saunas, where fire-resistant chimneys pass, it is difficult to come up with something better than basalt insulation that 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:

1. thermal insulation qualities.
2. Profitability.
3. Durability.
4. Ease of installation.
5. Water repellent properties.
6. Noise isolation
7. 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 best option: we buy the material we like and immediately finish the walls, 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: for those whose house has a metal roofing (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, there is no toxicity to humans when closed, and the absence 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 them. 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. There is nothing harmful or dangerous for humans and the environment here. 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 well-known type of 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. No 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 is why this material has good soundproofing, and therefore it will be possible to forget about the loud noise of drops knocking on the metal roof 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:

1. PPU has excellent thermal protection performance: only 2.5 cm will protect the attic from cold sweat just like 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. And finally, what do you think, what is the attic insulation most afraid of? Of course, moisture! And it’s not so easy to defend yourself from it right in the roofing pie. 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!
5. Polyurethane foam also has excellent adhesion to any surface.
6. 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!
7. 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 a vapor-permeable building 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 rectangular plates, after which the most 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. Only in this way moisture will not get to the insulation before installation.

Now imagine what happens to the insulation in low-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 know about their presence by an unpleasant smell from under in a few weeks.

Why you need to insulate the attic

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

• vapor barrier;
• insulation;
• ventilation-air layer;
• waterproofing;
• outer roof.

Some homeowners, in an attempt to save on material, omit one of the layers, but this mistake can be costly later on. The fact is that, according to the laws of physics, heat always rises, and if the roof is poorly insulated, it will go out into the street, which is why the cost of heating a house will be significantly overestimated.

Determining a poorly insulated attic in winter is quite simple: if at a negative temperature the snow does not lie on the roof, but melts, this means that heated air penetrates through the roof layer.

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

Insulation for the attic roof which is better

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

Criterias of choice

When choosing insulation for a mansard roof, you should pay attention to several main factors:

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

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

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

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

What insulation is best for the attic

Taking into account the characteristics described above, you can begin to choose the type of insulation, and then the manufacturer. Consider the most popular mansard roof insulation, these include:

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

Mineral wool

From this list, mineral wool has the best characteristics: this porous heat insulator is made from mineral raw materials, which means it is highly environmentally friendly. In addition, this material is easy to work with, and with its help you can make the insulation of the attic with your own hands. Among the shortcomings is the need for thorough waterproofing, as the material absorbs moisture and is prone to decay.

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

glass wool

It has the same properties as mineral wool, with greater strength. However, it has a low fire resistance coefficient and is quite toxic when burned. Its cost is lower than other heat-insulating materials, so it is used quite often for warming technical rooms.

Mineral and glass wool are also distinguished by a very attractive price, so warming the attic from the inside with these materials will not require significant investments.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Durable heat insulator, made in the form of plates with a porous structure. It repels moisture without absorbing or letting it through, therefore it is often used as an external (facade) insulation of the bearing walls of the building and attic, with a broken roof structure. Significant disadvantages of this heat insulator are high flammability, release of toxins during combustion and oxidation from heat, air tightness.

Eco-friendly and natural materials

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

• Ecolen;
• Ecowool;
• Cotton fabric insulation.

The main differences between these materials are that they allow air to pass through, while providing high-quality heat and sound insulation. They are hypoallergenic and filter odors well. In addition, it is much easier to lay such insulation for a mansard roof, since Ecolen and other fabric insulation do not emit toxic substances and practically do not break down into fibers, you will not need PPE OD (personal respiratory protection equipment) when working.

When laying ecowool through a sprayer, you must first cover the attic surface with a film, leaving a hole that can be insulated later. Also, it is recommended to cover the floor and walls, especially if the room has already been used as a residential area and will not undergo major repairs.

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

Mansard roof insulation: installation steps

So, the thermal insulation material has been selected, now it is possible to insulate the mansard roof from the inside. This work consists of several stages:

• preparation of a place for the installation of insulation;
• material installation;
• fixing the heat insulator.

The insulation is placed in a cellular structure in the space between the rafters, so the width of the heat insulator mats must correspond to the pitch of the rafters. The heat insulator is laid from the lower edge of the roof vault, while the heat insulator mats are overlapped. This technology minimizes heat loss and reduces material waste.

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

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

A vapor-tight film that is attached over the insulation will help protect the structure from moisture coming from the room. The next step is to mount the structure with the crate. At the final stage, reflective thermal insulation is performed, on top of which finishing can be carried out.

Do-it-yourself attic roof insulation video

Ceiling decoration in the attic

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

The French came up with the idea of ​​using the attic as a living space, they made it not just a room, but a place of relaxation. To achieve the same effect in your own home, you can use a stretch ceiling, which will help hide the structural elements of the attic space and make it more attractive. In addition, a stretch ceiling can be very practical.

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

Outcome

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