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» Insulation along the rafters. Why and how to insulate a roof from the inside: detailed instructions. Prices for various types of insulating films

Insulation along the rafters. Why and how to insulate a roof from the inside: detailed instructions. Prices for various types of insulating films

Whatever material is chosen, installation must be carried out in compliance with technological requirements. In the rules " roofing pie» physical processes affecting thermal conductivity are taken into account roofing and air circulation.

Failure to follow the sequence or changes in installation may affect the final result. After all, each layer of protection has a specific function.

  1. There must be a gap between the insulating layer and the roof for air circulation. If there is a diffusion membrane, the thermal insulation is laid close to it. The membrane was fastened taking into account ventilation, so there is no point in leaving another air channel. If a waterproofing film is used when installing the roof, two ventilation gaps should be left: before the waterproofing and behind it.
  2. To prevent the formation of cold bridges or rapid shrinkage, it is necessary to join the thermal insulation layers in a checkerboard pattern.
  3. The width of the insulation should be greater than the width of the niches between the rafters for dense installation.
  4. If types of glass wool are chosen as thermal protection, it is necessary to perform waterproofing, since the mineral material has the property of hygroscopicity.
  5. The connections between the insulation sheets must fit snugly against each other.
  6. Depending on the distance between the rafters, use different ways styling:
    • For large widths, make additional fastenings in the form of a wire or slatted frame.
    • In narrow niches, installation is carried out between and under the rafters.
  7. Quality thermal insulation material must meet all requirements. You should also pay attention to density and thickness. Savings in in this case inappropriate.

Construction of a “roofing pie”:

  1. Roofing covering.
  2. Rafters.
  3. Ventilation gap.
  4. Membrane.
  5. Thermal insulation material.
  6. Vapor barrier.
  7. Lathing.
  8. Finishing.

Material selection

The modern construction market offers a wide variety of insulation materials, each of which has valuable properties.

1. Basalt wool

The most popular thermal insulation material for roofs:

  1. Meets property requirements.
  2. It has an affordable price and release form.
  3. You can do the installation yourself.


Advantages:

  1. Low thermal conductivity.
  2. Resistant to wet environments.
  3. Elasticity.
  4. Does not burn.

Flaws: material price.

2. Expanded polystyrene

Is the leader in insulation thanks to affordable price. For roofing work, it is not recommended to use types that have flammable properties. Regular polystyrene foam, unfortunately, not only burns, but also supports the process. Although many use it for thermal protection of walls and roofs.

An improved option is. Treatment with fire retardants makes this material quite acceptable for insulating residential structures.


Advantage:

  1. Low thermal conductivity.
  2. Does not absorb moisture.
  3. Resistance to mechanical stress during installation.
  4. Absorbs noise.

Flaws:

  1. Low degree of flammability.
  2. When burned, it releases toxic gas.

3. Polyurethane foam

Appeared on construction market relatively recently, but managed to gain trust with his advantageous qualities. The gas-filled mass is applied in a monolithic layer to the working surface using special equipment.

Advantages:

  1. Low thermal conductivity.
  2. Heat resistance.
  3. High adhesion.
  4. Penetrates well into hard-to-reach places.


Flaws:

  1. Application is carried out using special equipment.
  2. Vapor tightness can create dampness, so ventilation is a must.
  3. Thermal protection hides the elements of the wooden frame under its layer, so it becomes difficult to check the condition or carry out repairs.

4. Mineral wool

It is in good demand for all types of insulation. But the ability to absorb moisture requires mandatory waterproofing. In addition, the material shrinks over time, which means its complete replacement.

If the installation is carried out incorrectly, the service life is sharply reduced, since the cotton wool saturated with moisture loses its thermal protection properties.

Advantages:

  1. Convenient installation.
  2. Low thermal conductivity.
  3. Environmentally friendly composition.
  4. Does not burn.
  5. Heat resistance.


Flaws:

  1. Hygroscopicity.
  2. Requires addition of a vapor barrier layer.

Other, less popular roof insulation materials include:

  1. Foam glass.
  2. Penoizol.
  3. Ecowool.
  4. Foam concrete.

Roof insulation process

Compliance with all technology requirements guarantees a positive insulation result.

Planned actions will help determine the sequence of work:

  1. Monitoring the condition of the roof structure. If necessary, repair damaged areas.
  2. If necessary, process everything wooden elements antiseptic. For fire prevention measures, treat the wood with a fire retardant.
  3. Remove wiring, if any.
  4. Draw up an insulation plan, including a list of materials and their parameters.
  5. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the quality of the insulation. Savings in this case are unacceptable.
  6. Cleaning the work surface from debris and dust.
  7. If there is no waterproofing, it will be done taking into account the ventilation gap (5-10 cm).
  8. If necessary, provide additional sheathing for thermal insulation.
  9. Laying insulation in the cells between the rafters. The size of the plates should exceed the dimensions of the cells by 5 cm for a tight fit. To enhance the fastening strength, you can use special glue.
  10. Using a stapler.
  11. Performing surface finishing.

Features of insulation of a pitched roof

Design pitched roof has an inclination of more than 10°. Components:

  1. Rafters.
  2. Horse.
  3. Lathing.

The gap between the rafters is from 600 to 1000 mm. Thermal insulation material has a certain width, which does not always fit this distance. Using slatted or wire sheathing, you can create a reliable frame for fastening the slabs. The insulation layer for a pitched roof must be at least 10 cm.

The order of placement of insulation layers:

  1. Roofing surface.
  2. Ventilation gap.
  3. Waterproofing.
  4. Ventilation gap.
  5. Insulation.
  6. Vapor barrier.
  7. Finishing.

The junction of the roof and the ceiling is considered to be a special sealing point. All corners and joints with beams should be carefully filled with insulation, and cracks should be filled construction foam.

Features of flat roof insulation

The flat structure is installed with a slight slope to drain precipitation. Slabs or metal profile sheets are used as flooring. The type of insulation and its thickness depend on the flooring material.

For insulation flat roof From the inside, foam plastic (25 cm) is more often used.

Joint joints are filled polyurethane foam. Thermal protection methods differ in the amount of thermal insulation material laid and the location of the work (inside or outside).

Flat roof roofing pie includes:

  1. Roofing surface.
  2. Waterproofing.
  3. Thermal insulation.
  4. Vapor barrier.
  5. Finishing.

The type of flat roofing structures affects the sequence of laying insulation layers during external work. In traditional floors, waterproofing is located on top, which affects its wear and tear under the influence of environment. Inversion roofing includes a good protective layer of drainage, geotextiles and decking.

Features of insulation with different materials

Mineral wool. For installation you will need:

  1. Installation of a frame made of profiles or wood.
  2. Vapor barrier film to protect cotton wool from moisture.

The vapor barrier material should overlap by 10 cm at the joints. Double-layer thermal insulation should be laid so that the joint lines do not coincide. The main feature of the installation is the complete isolation of mineral wool from moisture. Then the service life and insulation efficiency will be noticeable.

Extruded polystyrene foam is widely used in various construction works. Roof insulation has also become popular. The installation method depends on the type of roof. The slabs are laid on top of the waterproofing film between the rafters. For fastening, special glue, screws and dowels are used. The sheets must fit tightly to each other and to the rafters.

For convenient location material, you can make a frame sheathing according to the size of the foam sheets. All cracks after installation must be carefully filled with foam. For greater efficiency, the working surface can be supplemented with foam insulation. The excellent characteristics of the material will provide reliable thermal protection when paired with polystyrene foam. Finishing can be done with plasterboard or plywood.

Advantages of insulation

  1. The insulation layer on the roof will become a reliable barrier to heat loss. The warm air flowing upward will circulate inside the room, effectively heating all rooms. This will allow you to regulate heating devices, reducing energy consumption. As a result, there will be significant savings in energy use.
  2. The inside of the room will become dry, which will prevent microbiological processes. Mushrooms and mold that are hazardous to health will not have a chance to appear.
  3. IN winter period snow will melt off the roof evenly without forming icicles.
  4. If the attic space allows, you can arrange a room. When properly installed, a warm roof will guarantee a comfortable microclimate.
  5. In an insulated roof structure temperature regime balanced. This creates favorable conditions for the operation of wooden elements and extends their service life.
  1. It is more reliable to treat the joints between insulating polystyrene foam sheets with polyurethane foam. This solution achieves 100% tightness.
  2. It is strictly not recommended to use ordinary film as a waterproofing material. Its qualities do not meet the requirements of the technology, so rapid wear will deprive the insulation of protection from moisture.
  3. Do not install thermal insulation on a damaged roof. First, you need to eliminate the element that has become unusable. If the roofing or rafters are completely worn out, there is no point in insulating them.
  4. Insulation work must be carried out with an assistant for safety.
  5. If the rafters and sheathing were not initially treated with antiseptics, this must be done before installing the thermal protection.
  6. Working with mineral insulation you need to follow the installation rules. Do not push or roughly crush the material. By changing the structure you can reduce its valuable qualities.
  7. The rafters must be covered with an additional layer of thermal insulation material, since they can be conductors of cold air.
  8. To prevent the formation of a damp environment, it is recommended to use reinforced film with foil on one side.

There are frequent cases when owners of private houses want to turn an ordinary attic space into an attic with. Such changes are directly related to the modification and insulation of the existing roof.

In addition, roof insulation oriented towards any system will be associated with providing ventilation and installing high-quality vapor and waterproofing.

1 What is the best way to insulate the roof along the rafters?

Today, the most common method of insulating a pitched rafter roof is one in which thermal insulation is provided by foam plastic.

In this case, you need to lay the insulation to the rafters on a pitched roof following a certain system.

The insulation between the rafters, which ensures the stability of the roof structure, can be fixed in one of the two most common ways, and you can use mineral wool.

Despite this, many rightly believe that it is better to insulate the rafter structure of a pitched roof with polystyrene foam.

It should be remembered that when insulating rafters on a pitched roof with foam plastic, its fastening will be oriented at a certain distance.

There are now a lot of materials for insulating rafters and roofs in general. Most people use foam plastic to insulate roofs, and especially the rafter part.

Providing thermal insulation of roofs and its rafters with foam plastic has a number of undoubted advantages, however, you should find out what other materials and their types can be used to form reliable thermal insulation of the roof, because in addition to foam insulation there are several more equally proven and reliable options.

It is worth noting that many are inclined to believe that thermal insulation of roofs with foam plastic is a cheap and reliable option, while mineral wool is significantly inferior to the presented method.

To understand which methods of improving the roof will be the most effective, you need to know how this work is carried out, and what materials for roofs are most in demand.

Indeed, along with the method based on foam insulation, innovative roof thermal insulation technologies such as spraying polyurethane foam are offered.

In order to figure out which materials and their types to use to ensure the heat resistance of the roof, you should consider each of them individually. Nowadays the most common materials are:

  • Mineral (basalt) wool;
  • Expanded polystyrene (foam);
  • Extruded polystyrene foam;
  • Polyurethane foam;
  • Ecowool like .

2 Features of the materials used

Mineral wool, according to many, is the immediate leader among those materials that can be used for roof insulation.

It has a number of advantages compared to the previously announced foam. Properties such as non-flammability and high level The fire safety of roofs when used speaks for itself.

The presented material has a high degree of elasticity and can be laid on the roof between the rafters with orientation at any distance.

Subsequently, the mineral wool retains its original shape, and the distance between the slab positions does not change.

Since during installation there are no gaps between the beams and the presented building material between the elements on the roof, its use is the most relevant. The main advantages of this material for roof modernization include:

  • Low cost;
  • Public availability like ;
  • Ease of installation;
  • Good thermal insulation qualities.

The main disadvantage of mineral wool is its increased degree of hygroscopicity. The material actively absorbs moisture into its structure, which leads to it getting wet.

The distance between the fibers of the substance changes and the product rapidly loses its thermal insulation properties by 60-80%.

Therefore, before insulating with cotton wool, you need to take proper care of its waterproofing.

Expanded polystyrene is now gaining quite high popularity, and, according to many experts, it is absolutely undeserved.

The fact is that strengthening roofs using it is quite fraught with serious consequences in the event of a sudden fire of the material.

When ignited, the product begins to spray fiery drops in all directions. During installation, over time, the structure of the material is subject to crumbling, and the distance between it and the roof increases, which leads to a deterioration in the heat-insulating properties.

However, expanded polystyrene has a number of advantages, among which the following stand out:

  • A light weight;
  • Low cost as on;
  • High level of moisture resistance.

In most cases, the foam is hidden under a layer of plaster or screed. Extruded polystyrene foam is essentially the same modified polystyrene foam.

It is used in places where the fastening requires a high degree of rigidity. This material can also burn, but does not support the combustion process.

It is perfectly capable of maintaining its original shape, and its structure is not subject to crumbling during installation. The undoubted advantages of extruded polystyrene foam are expressed in:

  • Moisture resistance;
  • Durability;
  • Light weight;
  • Strength;
  • Hardness;
  • High thermal insulation performance.

Polyurethane foam began to be used for roof insulation relatively recently. This material is presented in the form of gas-filled plastic.

Filling is carried out using a special unit, and the undoubted advantage is the complete absence of cracks and gaps.

Submitted by construction material It is not flammable, has a relatively low weight and holds its shape well.

Spraying can be carried out at a distance equal to the gap between the rafters, which helps remove cold bridges.

A significant drawback is its pronounced vapor permeability. Because of this, you need to take good care of creating supply and exhaust ventilation.

Ecowool, also called cellulose wadding, also began to be used for insulation relatively recently.

It is not without its advantages: it does not burn, is environmentally friendly, is lightweight and can be blown into all the cracks. In addition, the presented material is not able to absorb moisture.

2.1 Nuances of installing insulation

This technology will be discussed using the example of laying mineral wool in a layer of 250 mm. All types of work related to the presented method of roof insulation are most rationally performed in the early stages of building a house.

Otherwise, the attic mount will need to be removed along with the outdated one roofing material.

After the rafter structure has been completely assembled, but the installation of roofing material has not yet begun, it is necessary to ensure a high level of waterproofing of the roof.

For this purpose, a waterproofing superdiffusion membrane is laid on top of the installed rafters as with.

It is important not to confuse its sides. This is due to the fact that one of the sides is not capable of passing water, and the other is not reverse side does not allow steam to pass through.

The membrane must be laid so that the outer surface is on the side that is characterized by its high degree of moisture resistance.

Installation begins from the eaves overhang located below and moves to the top of the roof.

The overlap should be oriented at a distance of 10-15 cm, and the joints should be glued using special construction tape.

It is forbidden to lay the waterproofing film under tension. This is due to the fact that when winter comes, it can shrink, which will lead to damage in the places where it is secured.

Based on this, the material is spread with a slight overhang, which is 2 cm per 1 m. The film is attached to the rafters using special staples and a construction stapler.

If such a tool is not available, then you can use galvanized nails equipped with a wide head.

The next stage involves the formation of a ventilation gap. Excess vapor contained in the insulation material will subsequently escape through it.

On top of the waterproofing layer, a sheathing is made of wooden slats, the thickness of which may depend on the width of the ventilation gap itself.

The slats are secured using galvanized self-tapping screws. After this, roofing material is installed on top of the sheathing.

2.2 How to lay insulation between the rafters?

At the beginning of the installation process, you should unpack the mineral wool and let it sit for some time so that the material takes the shape required for work. Next, the canvas or slabs are cut into the sections required for installation.

In this case, the parameter for the width of the mineral wool sheet must exactly correspond to the distance between the beams, to which an additional 20-30 millimeters should be added in order to create tension.

Mineral wool can be cut using a regular construction knife. However, it is worth remembering that all work must be performed with gloves, a respirator and thick clothing in order to avoid contact of microparticles with unprotected areas of the skin.

After this, the fabric of the product is pushed into the space between the rafters. In the process, the edges of the material that is located near the rafters are slightly bent.

To do this, you need to lightly press on the middle section of the canvas, as a result of which the edges will straighten out. At this stage, the roof insulation process can be completed.

As a result, rafters made of wood and the insulation between them will be reliably protected from the harmful effects of moisture that can penetrate through damaged areas of the roof.

On the inside, the insulation will be reliably protected from the effects of steam emanating from the room, and the entire presented structure will be repairable.

If there is a need to inspect the condition of the rafters, then first you will have to dismantle the sheets of plasterboard, then remove the sheathing and vapor barrier film, and then reinstall them.

If you need to insulate the roof in an old house, and there is no desire to remove the already laid roofing material, then you can attach a waterproofing membrane to the inside of the attic.

In this case, you will need to wrap the surface of the rafters with a membrane and wrap it inside the space between them.

A layer of insulating material will need to be laid on top. Insulation of a soft type roof is carried out using the same technology that was described above.

The difference is that the sheathing, which forms the gap between the waterproofing membrane and the roofing material itself, is supplemented with a layer of moisture-resistant plywood. A soft roof is attached on top of a layer of such plywood.

2.3 Roof insulation under rafters

The scheme, thanks to which insulation is produced under the rafters, is used in residential buildings quite rare.

As a rule, it is implemented during the construction of industrial-type structures that are equipped with reinforced load-bearing elements made using metal.

The presented diagram can be used in case of reconstruction of a construction site.

In this case, during the work it should be taken into account that the area internal space premises will be significantly reduced.

This option can also be used in cases where increased requirements are placed on ventilation.

This applies to rooms with a high degree of humidity. When insulating roof slopes using this scheme, the importance of the thermal insulation material is lost.

This is due to the fact that due to the high degree of openness, the vapor barrier layer may be damaged.

Premises with this type of insulated roof must be frequently ventilated, or special roof fans with high power must be installed in them.

2.4 How to properly insulate a roof along the rafters? (video)

When building or renovating a private house, roof installation is one of the most important stages. If it is not designed correctly, precipitation will accumulate on it, which will create an extra load and contribute to the deterioration of the roofing material. If you lay the roof incorrectly, then moisture will get into the seams and over time it will leak into the house, and if you do not insulate the roof from the inside, then cold air it will very quickly enter the room and will not allow it to be fully warmed up by any means, that is, it will be impossible to live in such conditions all year round.

Physical factors: impact

Any house that is used for housing must meet certain requirements to make living in it cozy and comfortable. It is important to lay the foundation correctly so that the house does not shrink or crack, insulate it and build a roof. The choice of covering is very important because it determines the weight that is applied to the house, the time it takes to complete the covering work and the cost. In addition to all this, it is necessary to take care of insulating the inside of the roof so that the structure of the house remains as reliable as possible and the residents feel comfortable at any time of the year.

In different climatic conditions, buildings are affected by various factors.

Our latitudes will be characterized by:

  • precipitation in the form of rain;
  • snow, cereals and similar phenomena;
  • hail;
  • roof icing;
  • active sun;
  • strong wind.

To withstand all these negative factors, the roof must be covered with sufficiently dense materials that can reliably protect the house for many years.

A private house is a structure that consists of a main floor and an attic. If the roof is not insulated, then up to 15% of the heat from the room escapes through the ceiling in cold weather, which makes it necessary to intensively heat the rooms. In addition, having an insulated attic, this space can, if desired, be made residential and used as rooms for a specific purpose. In conditions big family this is an ideal option.

Processes inside

In order to properly insulate a private house and make the roof a full-fledged protective mechanism for both the main room and the attic, you need to be able to choose the right material for insulation. Usually the selection is based on physical processes leaking inside, under the roof.

There are several of the most important ones.

  • Heat exchange, which occurs due to different temperatures in and outside the house. If the roof is not insulated, then some of the heat escapes through the roof, and the insulation prevents this process and retains optimal performance room temperature.
  • Moisture exchange, which arises from the person himself, his breath, fumes from body temperature to cooking processes, when vapors rise to the ceiling, carrying particles of moisture that are removed through the roof. If the roof is insulated, the humidity level remains optimal, and unnecessary odors can be removed using ventilation.

When insulating the roof, you can protect yourself from temperature changes inside the room, because the insulation has its own temperature, which is often slightly higher than that on the street, and does not allow the heat of the building to escape outside, which will eliminate the need for additional heating, which requires reserve funds.

Insulating layer helps prevent condensation, which is formed when hot and cold air come into contact, so laying it together with insulation will help preserve it appearance and performance. Properly performed work increases the service life of the building by almost two times and minimizes the need for repair work every year.

Necessity or whim?

A private home often has a pitched roof that creates an attic space on top of the main living floor. If there is no insulation, then living in such conditions will be very uncomfortable due to the lack of heat during the cold season. If the attic is designed as a residential floor - the same attic, then the insulation process must be mandatory.

Any roofing material cannot protect as much as polystyrene foam, mineral wool or another type of coating. In addition to the insulation itself, it is important to use a vapor barrier film that can cope with various types of fumes.

If you ignore the installation of an insulating coating, then in addition to the cold in the house, very soon problems will begin with the roof rafter system, which will rot and there will be a risk of collapse. The same effect can be observed with incorrect installation technology or inaccurate choice of insulation. If you choose the wrong thickness of the insulation, then instead of protection it will have the opposite effect. Under normal conditions, when there is a difference in temperature, protection is provided against condensation and heat loss, which makes it possible to feel comfortable in any weather.

If the thickness is compromised and thin insulation is selected, then an excessively large amount of condensation will form on it, which will contribute to rapid rotting of the rafters and disruption of the microclimate of the room.

Failure to comply with standards is dangerous for both health and safety, as the roof structure may collapse. The choice of material that needs to be insulated depends on a wide variety of factors that are important to consider in order to be able to independently install what is needed. If difficulties arise with the choice of insulation or its installation, it is better to contact professionals and receive comprehensive advice and assistance in installation.

Roof “pie”: what is it like?

A properly designed roof requires a large number of layers various materials, which are superimposed on each other, which resembles a pie - hence the name. The basis of the construction “pie” is the rafters, on which all other layers are already being laid.

To correctly lay out all the layers, it is important to know their correct sequence, which looks like this:

  • Roof.
  • The lathing on which the finishing materials will be installed. It can be laid completely or with gaps.
  • A counter-lattice in the form of bars, which serves to ventilate the space under the roof itself.
  • Film for waterproofing.
  • Materials for thermal insulation.
  • A layer of vapor barrier material.
  • Creating a sheathing where insulating materials and internal lining are mounted.
  • Material for internal lining.

If you lay the “pie” correctly, you can avoid heat loss from the living space during the cold season, and it will also help prevent the space from overheating in extreme heat. The waterproofing layer will help protect the insulation from moisture coming from outside, and the vapor barrier layer will protect against various types of fumes.

Pitched roof is a fairly common type, so it will not be difficult for her to select all the necessary materials. The positive aspect of high attics is the convenience of insulating them and the ability to create a full-fledged living space.

Without additional work, it will be extremely unpleasant to be in it - it is very cold in winter, and too hot in summer.

Requirements for materials and their functions

To carry out quality work, it is necessary to choose the right materials. It will depend on them how accurately it can be done comfortable conditions for living and secure roof supports. The choice will depend on the region where the building is located, its size, purpose, as well as the funds available to purchase materials.

There are four main methods of insulation.

  • Use of mineral wool, which is the most commonly used material due to its properties. It is best to purchase the basalt variety. It is advisable to obtain a quality certificate from the store in order to know for sure that the products are safe and meet all norms and standards. There are varieties that are lighter in weight, they are suitable for working in conditions self-insulation premises. The positive qualities of cotton wool can be considered non-flammable composition and moisture repellence, which corresponds to the main task of this layer. In addition, rodents do not like it, which means you don’t have to worry about someone getting in the house, especially on the roof.

Among the disadvantages, one can note the rather high cost, but it is fully compensated by the positive aspects.

  • Use of glass wool. Some time ago, this material was considered the main one for roof insulation, but due to some dangerous properties, safer analogues were soon found. The thermal insulation of glass wool is quite good, and the efficiency is very high. When working with such material, it is very important to follow all safety rules, namely, use a protective suit, gloves, and goggles. It is important to close your nasopharynx and eyes to prevent pieces of glass dust from getting into them.

People with allergies will not be able to live in such a house, so you need to be able to choose the right type of internal insulation coating.

  • Polymer roof insulation– these are special tiles made of polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene. They have both advantages and disadvantages. This inexpensive option, therefore anyone can afford it, but if you understand the disadvantages, then you should think carefully about purchasing such insulation. These materials are very flammable, and when burned they produce a large amount of smoke, which is very dangerous to humans.

Usually this type is used when other options cannot be used.

  • Insulation with expanded clay. This material is very often used for floor insulation and has good thermal insulation properties, but it is very difficult to use for roofs due to heavy installation. Usually only experienced workers can handle it to make internal insulation of the ceiling in the house.

If we consider alternative options, then among them there is polyurethane foam, which can be used in two states - in the form of slabs and foam. It is advisable not to take slabs for arranging the ceiling, because working with them is inconvenient and they are very expensive. At the same time, liquid or foamed polyurethane is easy to apply and has a number of advantages. With its help, you can fill voids of any shape and size; cracks and opening lines are very well clogged. If other materials need to be cut and achieved maximum fit, then in this case the foam will fall on its own, the main thing is to distribute it correctly and evenly.

It is very convenient to use foam for roofing made of slate or broken structures when there are many differences on the roof and the frame has significant differences. Another significant advantage is the independence from hydro- and thermal insulation, which are not needed for polyurethane foam. In addition, the material has excellent flammability resistance, which ensures home safety.

How to choose?

When choosing a material for insulation, it is important to understand what exactly you should pay attention to, what indicators will play a decisive role in the selection of one type or another.

The main criteria are:

  • Mass of material. Heavy insulation will serve as additional weight on the house itself, which will affect both the roof rafters and the building as a whole. If the house is built from high-quality bricks or foam blocks, then enhanced insulation can be allowed, but in this case the rafters need to be made more powerful so that they can withstand a lot of weight.
  • Thermal conductivity index. The lower the numbers, the better for the roofing material. If the indicator is approximately equal to 0.04 W/m*s, then this will be the best option.
  • An indicator of resistance to adverse environmental factors.
  • The density of the material, which affects the heat transfer of the material. If the density is low, the porosity of the insulation increases, which reduces thermal conductivity and leads to an increase in thermal insulation properties.

  • Ability to absorb moisture. In order to repel moisture, any insulation can be treated with a hydrophobic substance. Some materials are already sold with such impregnation.
  • Flammability indicators, which is the most important factor for arranging the roof.
  • Ability to resist low temperature levels.
  • Resistant to chemical elements.
  • Environmental friendliness of the material.

Having considered all these indicators, the best option would be to use mineral and glass wool. Glass and mineral wool are sold in the form of rolls or slabs. It is safer to insulate with mineral wool, because it is more resistant to fire.

If we consider modern insulation materials, the most advanced technology would be roof sheathing with foam flex. This is a durable and lightweight unit that can be easily installed on any surface, be it a wall or ceiling. You can cut the desired piece with a regular knife.

In addition, the storage conditions for penoflex are also distinctive; they can be kept outside at any temperature, but it is better to have packaging on it.

It is convenient to use polystyrene foam, which is also called penoplex, in rooms with unfavorable conditions, because it is not afraid of them, and various microorganisms will not begin to develop in it. A very important feature is the environmental friendliness of this insulation. It does not emit any harmful odors or fumes and is completely harmless to both adults and children.

Preparation

To carry out insulation procedures, it is important to clearly understand what type of roof you will be working with. By correctly determining the order of work, you can quickly and efficiently insulate the roof. It is also worth considering the materials that will be at hand during work. It is important to clearly understand for yourself what exactly you have to work with and what to do.

If the insulation process has become completely clear, then you can cope with absolutely any roof, be it a rural house or a large villa by the sea. In order to carry out insulation work, it is important to prepare the roof itself for this.

There is a specific procedure for this, which includes:

  • inspection of the rafter system so that damaged boards can be identified in time and replaced;
  • treating wooden structures with an antiseptic;
  • checking communications if they are located under the roof. This applies to piping and wiring.

As soon as the roof is ready, you need to check the availability of all the materials that will be used for insulation, prepare the tools, and only after that you can get to work. The work process has its own rules and patterns that you need to know in order not to make mistakes and get a good and high-quality result.

The process step by step: how to do it?

In order for the work to proceed quickly and efficiently, it is important to prepare well, read articles on the topic, watch videos in order to clearly see what is done and why during the work on internal roof insulation.

The algorithm for carrying out the work comes down to four points.

  • Installation of the waterproofing layer. This task should be performed at the time of covering with roofing material. The waterproofing is installed along the rafters so that there is slight sagging. A slate house involves laying this material directly on top of the insulation. It is important to lay the waterproofing correctly - its smooth side should be on top. The strips of material must be sealed with tape to prevent cracks from forming over time. Only after this are the counter-battens placed on the rafters, to which the sheathing will be installed. The roofing material must be laid on the finished boards.
  • Installation of thermal insulation. It is important to choose a thermal insulation mat with the required thickness and lay it between the rafters. The material is placed in a spacer or on a rough backing, which is made from small-width slats, fishing line and rope, which are attached to the rafters with nails. Thermal insulation mats take up free space, and excess pieces are cut out.

If you need to insulate a room as efficiently as possible, the mats are laid, moving to the side with each row.

  • Placement of a vapor barrier layer. This material consists of a smooth side, which is placed towards the insulation, and a rougher one, which is directed towards the building itself and collects vapor emissions from the room. Laying such a film is important point for its full operation. The installation process takes place using a stapler. In this case, you can do without a counter-lattice, but it is important to glue all joints with tape.
  • The process of installing profiles and guide bars. These materials serve as the basis for mounting decorative elements and ventilation, which is necessary for the proper operation of insulation.

The technology of work will be similar, whether it is a dacha or in a house flat ceiling, or big Vacation home, where a gable roof is built. Right choice materials and installation in the right sequence will give the desired result.

Attic floors

Choosing insulation for attic floor, it is necessary to take into account its thermal protection, strength and stable qualities in relation to adverse environmental phenomena. It is also important to take into account the type of flooring and the material from which it is made. Concrete and wood have their own characteristics.

The process of installing insulation depends on the material, if it is mineral wool, then it is better to use thick layers (about 20 cm), but if you want to create increased thermal insulation, you can increase the thickness to 30 cm. The wool is laid only after the vapor barrier has been placed. It is best to lay it under a ceiling made of boards or timber so that they do not absorb moisture and rot. If it was not possible to lay a solid piece of vapor barrier, it needs to be glued with tape.

After this, work begins with the insulation, which is placed in wooden frame so as to fill everything free places. Once the mineral wool has been placed, waterproofing is laid on top, which prevents the wool from absorbing excess wool. It is especially important to do this if the next step is pouring concrete when the 2nd floor of the building is planned. Instead of concrete, you can make flooring from OSB boards. This is how you can insulate the attic and, if desired, make it a living space.

Stingrays

You can insulate the slopes in various ways, the choice of which depends on the design of the rafters, their height and the skills of the person who will work with the surface.

There are only three options for how to insulate a pitched roof:

  • with thermal insulation, which is located between the rafters, the frame must be flush with the insulation;
  • with thermal insulation between and above the rafters, the frame is wrapped on all sides with insulation;
  • with thermal insulation between and under the rafters, the frame is not insulated.

Insulation of a pitched roof is best done using mineral wool mats or a fiberglass base. Roof installation can be done both from the inside and outside. Only the layers and their stacking order will differ. At internal works the roof is insulated using a layer of waterproofing, on which the insulation material itself is already laid, and after that a vapor barrier tape is stretched.

A sloping roof is a special structure that needs to be properly insulated, especially if the whole procedure will be done by hand. Knowing the technology and the correct arrangement of layers, you can get a high-quality roofing covering that will protect the house from heat loss and moisture penetration and help create a comfortable microclimate inside.

Flat roof: features of work

If there is a need to insulate a flat roof, then the installation of the appropriate materials is often carried out after the roof is installed. The work is carried out indoors, and after its completion the ceiling height is significantly reduced, which is a noticeable drawback despite all the other advantages.

Before starting work, it is important to think about how exactly the attic space will be illuminated.

We insulate a flat roof by stuffing bars along the entire length of the room, after which they need to be divided into squares, into which the thermal insulation material will be placed. You can hold it in the cells with a cord or by gluing it to the surface, which is less desirable. The cord can be removed when all the gaps are closed with foam, which will hold the insulation in place.

The first layer should always be a thermal insulation layer, and the last one should be a vapor barrier, which in total will give the desired result: dry and warm roof. If you do not use protective layers, the insulation will very soon become unusable and cease to perform its functions.

When the insulation work is completed, you need to pay attention to the wiring. If it is present there, only then proceed with the installation of lamps and decorative decoration of the room.

If the attic appears to be large and cold room, you can use various types of insulation, after which you can live in this room. Thermal insulation material can be laid both during the construction of the roof and after that. If the roof is already covered with slate or other material, then the work is done from the inside, which changes the arrangement of the layers during the installation of insulation.

When building a private house, you should pay attention not only to the thermal protection of walls and floors, but also to the insulation of roof structures. The temperature and humidity conditions of the room, and even the service life of the structures, depend on the correctness of roof insulation measures. You can do the installation of thermal insulation material yourself.

The need for insulation

Everyone knows from school physics that heated air rises. If there is no thermal insulation, nothing prevents him from leaving the building. Because of this phenomenon, a large amount of heat loss occurs through the roof or attic floors. Lack of necessary protection from cold and loss warm air may lead to the following problems:

  • lowering the room temperature;
  • increased heating costs in winter;
  • condensation on the inner surface of the roof;
  • the appearance of mold or mildew on roof elements;
  • destruction or damage to load-bearing structures, and bringing the house into disrepair.

The insulation of roof structures, as well as the insulation of walls and ceilings during the construction of multi-apartment residential buildings, is necessarily checked by state or private expertise at the design stage. Thermal insulation of a private cottage depends entirely on the future owner; no one checks its availability and wise choice, but this does not make it lose its importance.

Insulation methods

Do-it-yourself roof insulation largely depends on the roof structure. There are two types of roofs: flat and pitched. Most often, flat roofs are used for the construction multi-storey buildings, but it can be used in the construction of a private cottage. Flat roofs can be constructed in two ways:

In inversion, the order of layers has been changed. This technology is used when arranging a serviceable roof. The following can be used as insulation material in both cases:

  • Styrofoam;
  • extruded polystyrene foam;
  • mineral wool (in slabs);
  • expanded clay

The latter is quite cheap, but has lower thermal protection characteristics. In most cases, roof insulation is applied from the outside. This allows you to simplify the installation process and make protection from the cold that is competent from a thermal engineering point of view.

Layout of insulation between rafters

It is necessary to remember the strength of the material; additional measures will also be required to protect the insulation from mechanical damage.

When building a private house, the option with a pitched roof is most often used. It allows you to equip an attic or attic and has a more attractive appearance. Roof insulation wooden house or any other can be done in several ways:

  • laying material between the rafters (the most common);
  • laying insulation on top of the rafters;
  • fastening from the bottom of the rafters.

Material selection

Insulation of the roof of a wooden house or building made of other materials is carried out using the following materials:

Rarely used materials include:

  • expanded clay;
  • sawdust.

Roof insulation scheme mineral wool

Bulk materials are used to protect against the cold outside. They have an attractive price, but are quite difficult to install, so they are not widely used. It is better to use more modern technologies.

In general, materials for thermal protection measures must meet the requirements:

  • security, lack harmful effects per person;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • low weight to prevent excessive loads on the rafter system;
  • resistance to creasing and sagging, sufficient strength and rigidity;
  • sound insulation characteristics (especially important when using metal roofing);
  • fire resistance (especially important for wooden construction);
  • if possible, good vapor permeability, which will provide additional ventilation of the room;
  • good thermal protection characteristics.

One of the most important characteristics of a material is its thermal conductivity. This value must be indicated by the manufacturer. The lower the value, the smaller the thickness of the insulation will be needed. If you are not short on money, it is better to choose materials such as mineral wool or expanded polystyrene. The values ​​of their thermal conductivity depend on the manufacturer and are in the range of 0.03-0.04 W/(m2*ᵒC).

Thickness calculation

It is important not only to choose the right material for insulation, but also to correctly calculate its thickness. Insufficient will lead to condensation, and excessive indicates waste of money. You can select the value “by eye” based on general recommendations, for example, regardless of the type of roof (pitched or flat), for insulation with mineral wool or expanded polystyrene, a layer thickness of 150-200 mm will be required.

It is best to perform a full thermal calculation that takes into account modern comfort requirements and allows you to find the ideal balance of cost and quality. For a specialist, performing such a calculation will not be difficult. A person who is far from construction can use examples of calculations or the Teremok program, which is freely available and quite simple and understandable.

Competent calculations at the design stage are aimed at saving the budget and ensuring the reliability of thermal protection.

Their implementation will not take much time, but will allow you to avoid cost overruns during construction and additional costs for repairs during operation.

The process of insulating a flat roof

Depending on the type of roof, the insulation technology will be different. For flat roofs, the following layer order is usually followed:

  • load-bearing structure (most often reinforced concrete covering);
  • vapor barrier layer;
  • thermal insulation material;
  • cement-sand screed (reinforced for weak materials);
  • waterproofing carpet, which serves as a finishing coating.

If absolutely necessary, you can carry out work from inside the room, but this method has several disadvantages:

  • reducing the height of the room;
  • transfer of dew point inside the structure;
  • inconvenience of work.

Thermal protection of pitched roofs

Before properly insulating the roof of a house, you need to understand the procedure for carrying out the work. In the vast majority of cases, pitched roofs are insulated between the rafters. Insulating a roof from the inside with your own hands is a completely feasible task. It is important to follow the correct order of laying materials from bottom to top:

  • interior decoration;
  • bottom sheathing;
  • vapor barrier;
  • rafters with insulation between them;
  • waterproofing;
  • wind protection;
  • sheathing;
  • roofing material.

When the insulation thickness is greater than the height rafter legs install counter-rails. It is better to use modern diffusion membranes as wind protection and waterproofing.

Proper insulation, regardless of the type of roof, requires a careful approach. To avoid problems during operation, it is necessary to select the correct insulation thickness, choose a reliable manufacturer and follow the installation technology. Fulfillment of these conditions will allow the roof to last a long time and help maintain normal temperature and humidity conditions in the building.

We insulate the roof correctly: how to avoid mistakes


Insulating the roof will create warmth in the house. We will describe in detail how and what is the best way to insulate the roof of a private house in this article.

Proper insulation of the roof of a house: technology and video

Insulating the roof of a house is an important stage of construction or overhaul roofs. The choice of technology for installing a heat-insulating layer depends on the configuration of the roof, the type of insulation and the requirements for the room located directly under the roof.

The need for roof insulation

How to insulate a roof to significantly reduce heat loss at home? First of all, you need to choose the right materials for insulation and strictly adhere to the installation technology. A high-quality insulated roof increases the thermal efficiency of the house by 15%, allowing you to turn the attic into a room suitable for year-round use.

The highest demands are placed on insulating the roof of a residential attic of houses located in areas with cold winters. The roofing pie of summer attics or exploited attics may include a thinner layer of thermal insulation. The roof, under which an unused attic is located, is usually not insulated - thermal insulation is mounted on the attic floor or the ceiling of the living premises. Not insulated non-residential attic It is well ventilated, which prevents rotting of the wooden elements of the roof frame.

When installing pitched and flat roofs, different methods of roof insulation are used.

Thermal insulation of flat roofs

How to make an insulated roof when installing a flat roof? It should be noted that a flat roof can be insulated both from the outside and from the inside.

The composition of the flat roof pie includes:

  • vapor barrier;
  • heat insulator;
  • waterproofing layer made of rolled material;
  • bulk layer (drainage + cement-sand mixture).

External insulation is most conveniently performed using mineral basalt wool. You can also use polystyrene foam and other rigid insulation materials. It should be taken into account that polymer insulation cannot be used when installing roofing coverings with high requirements to fire safety.

Insulation of a pitched roof

The roofing pie of a pitched roof is made with insulation along the rafters. It is important to understand how to properly insulate the roof of a house in order to avoid mistakes that will ultimately lead to damage to wooden structures.

The most popular insulation in private housing construction is mineral wool. This is an easy-to-install, non-flammable material that can be purchased at a low price. But the structure of the wool itself promotes the accumulation of moisture, which causes a significant decrease in the thermal insulation properties of the material, and also, over time, provokes rotting of the elements of the rafter system. Thus, when creating insulation, it is important to provide proper ventilation and steam and waterproofing of the roofing pie.

Installation of a pitched roof heat insulator is carried out from the attic side during the construction or repair of the roof. If repair work is being carried out, before laying the insulation, it is necessary to check the condition of the rafters - rotting elements must be replaced with new ones. It's also worth processing everything wooden structures fire-retardant composition.

The pitched roof pie includes:

  • finishing roofing covering;
  • hydrobarrier (layer of waterproofing material);
  • heat insulator;
  • vapor barrier;
  • interior decoration (optional).

Proper roof insulation requires high-quality air exchange, for which it is necessary to create air gaps between:

  • under-roof waterproofing and roofing;
  • insulation and water barrier;
  • vapor barrier and internal lining (if provided).

Air circulation (free inflow and removal) is ensured by special vents, one of which should be located in the roof overhang, and the second under the ridge.

Materials for thermal insulation of pitched roofs

Roof insulation technology involves the use of various materials. The most popular heat insulators include mineral wool and glass wool (in slabs or rolls), slab polymer materials - polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam. The principles of their installation are similar, but it is worth noting that installation slab material much simpler and more convenient.

As waterproofing, roofing material or a waterproofing membrane is usually used, which is impermeable to water, but capable of removing moisture from the insulation. The vapor barrier layer can be made of:

  • roofing felt;
  • polyethylene film;
  • glassine;
  • foil materials laid with foil towards the attic.

To create a roofing pie with high functional characteristics, it is recommended to use a special vapor barrier membrane to create a vapor barrier: it removes condensation outside from the insulation and does not allow steam and moisture to pass into the roofing pie.

Stages of work on insulating a pitched roof

The roof insulation scheme is quite simple. First of all, you need to measure the distance between the rafters. The slabs of cotton wool insulation should be cut according to the results obtained, adding 1 centimeter. This will allow you to fasten the heat insulator between the rafters. This stage The work is greatly simplified if the roofing system is initially designed and installed based on the use of slab insulation boards of a certain width.

If there is no waterproofing between the rafters and the already installed roofing, you should first secure a water barrier. The membrane should envelop the rafters; it is most convenient to fasten it with a construction stapler to the rafters themselves and to the roof sheathing in the openings between them. The waterproofing must be installed under the eaves at the bottom of the roof to ensure moisture drainage. It should be taken into account that with this method of fastening the hydrobarrier, the insulation must be installed without the necessary air gap. For this reason, it is recommended to use a superdiffusion membrane as a waterproofing material.

If there is a waterproofing layer under the roofing, nails are placed on the rafters in increments of about 10 cm. The nails should be located at a distance of 3-5 cm from the waterproofing layer. It is necessary to stretch a polyethylene thread or cord between the nails, tamping them to the end. This will help create an air gap between the hydrobarrier and the insulation. If the heat insulator is planned to be fixed with a cord, and not with lathing for internal cladding, nails must also be driven along the outer edge of the rafters.

If, when deciding how to insulate the roof of a house, cotton wool was chosen slab insulation, then the prepared elements must be slightly compressed and inserted between the rafters. When using stiffer foam boards and similar materials, it is important to accurately size them so that the boards fit snugly into the opening. It is recommended to carry out insulation in two layers. If you have to mount not solid sheets into the opening, but narrower fragments, joining them along the length or width, you need to make sure that the joints of the second layer do not coincide with the joints of the first. The heat insulator should not protrude beyond the plane of the rafter legs. If the rafters are not wide enough to install two layers of insulation, additional timber is nailed to them.

The heat insulator is fixed between the rafters using a stretched cord secured to pre-filled nails. Or, as a fastening, a lathing made of slats is used, intended for mounting the interior lining of the room. The slats are nailed to the rafters in increments of 30-40 cm. In this case, the vapor barrier is stapled to the rafters before installing the sheathing: the thickness of the slats allows you to create the necessary air gap between the vapor barrier and the sheathing.

When installing a vapor barrier Special attention is given to the tightness of the layer. The panel is laid with an overlap of at least 10 cm, the joints should be taped with adhesive tape in two layers. It is necessary to install the vapor barrier around the area as efficiently as possible. chimney and at junctions with walls. On final stage Sheathing is installed using wood-containing or plasterboard boards.

How to insulate the roof of a house correctly: video, insulation diagram, methods


Find out how to properly insulate the roof of your house. Look at the video on how to insulate the roof of a house using various schemes, methods and types of insulation

How to insulate rafters: options and rules for installing thermal insulation for attic roofs

Thermal insulation truss structure carried out if active use of the attic space formed by it is planned. They carry out work both during construction and during reconstruction or repair. To ensure that the investment of money and physical effort is not in vain, you should know how to insulate rafters and which technological method should be preferred to achieve an impeccable result.

Specifics of insulation of truss structures

Despite the apparent simplicity of the process of thermal insulation of the rafter frame, this is a very serious stage. Firstly, the roof is the lightest building construction, which is contraindicated to be overly weighted. However, insulated slopes are required to protect owners from all kinds of weather conditions, along with load-bearing walls, otherwise there is absolutely no point in insulating the attic.

Secondly, the enclosing covering together with the components of the roofing cake outside directly contacts the lower layers of the atmosphere, and from the inside comes into contact with the domestic environment with its characteristic microclimate.

The temperature difference on both sides, by definition, creates conditions for the accumulation of condensation in the thickness of the cake roofing system. In addition to them, steam formation occurs, which is characteristic of the premises being used.

Taking into account the listed factors affecting the thermal insulation layer in the roofing pie, special requirements are imposed on the material chosen for the arrangement.

Thermal insulation of rafters should be:

  • lightweight so as not to create additional load on the supporting structures of the building;
  • maximum resistant to moisture, which, even with ideal thermal insulation protection, still penetrates or forms in the roofing pie, albeit in small quantities;
  • non-flammable, in extreme cases, slightly flammable or simply does not support combustion;
  • noise-absorbing, i.e. capable of extinguishing sounds of varying power and origin;
  • minimally thermally conductive, so as not to increase the volume of the structure with optimal ability to retain heat.

It is important that the material chosen for the thermal insulation layer does not wrinkle or settle under its own weight during its service. Because If the rafter structure is being installed, the thermal insulation will definitely be located at an angle.

If the insulating layer slides somewhat towards the base over time, exposing the ridge area, heat loss will increase by approximately 40%. Therefore, when selecting a material, you should choose the item whose labeling indicates “for pitched roofs».

Thermal insulation options for rafter systems

The task of insulation is not to heat up the air mass; they are required to retain the heat supplied by the heating and not let in low temperatures outside. IN summer period the same thermal insulation prevents penetration high temperatures, which on hot days on the roof often reach + 90ºС.

The materials used to construct the insulation system for pitched roofs are divided into two basic groups:

  • Cotton ones. These include varieties with a fibrous structure: stone wool, glass and slag wool, etc. Their insulating qualities are imparted by the air that fills the space between the chaotically intertwined fibers. Wool can be either hard or soft, i.e. crushable.
  • Foam. Options with a “foamed” structure, which are a collection of closed bubbles filled with an inert gas or ordinary air, which acts as an insulator. These are rigid slab types of insulation.

In the construction of the insulation system for rafter systems, materials characterized by low thermal conductivity are used. Its value usually does not exceed the standard limit of 0.04 W/m°C, which is typical for almost all types of roof insulation.

Specifics of cotton wool insulation

Cotton insulation easily allows evaporation into itself and, in the same way, part with the moisture found in its thickness. To prevent water from retaining in fibrous insulation, which significantly reduces the insulating properties, roofing wool is hydrophobized - the fibers are coated with a water-repellent substance.

The hydrophobic shell prevents the fibers from getting wet, on which moisture only accumulates, and when the drop reaches volume, it rolls down or is evaporated by an air flow. Therefore, wool used to insulate rafter frames is classified as a vapor-permeable, but at the same time non-wet material, which is extremely important in the construction of roofs.

During operation, wooden rafter structures emit a certain amount of moisture that must be removed. That's why the best option When installing an insulation system in the space between the rafters, cotton wool is considered to promote natural drying of wood structures.

From the inside, i.e. from the premises, the wool is covered with a vapor barrier membrane. It prevents the penetration of vapors into the insulation, but still partially lets them through. On the outside, the cotton thermal insulation is covered with a water-repellent polymer film, between which and the insulation a ventilation gap of 3–5 cm is left.

If super is used as waterproofing diffusion membrane, then the ventilation gap is not suitable. The membrane spontaneously releases condensation formed in the insulation into the atmosphere, but prevents rain and melt water from penetrating the insulating layer.

It is, of course, more expensive than ordinary and reinforced polyethylene film, but it allows the use of narrower rafters for insulation, which brings considerable economic benefits.

Features of foam insulation boards

The subgroup of foam insulation includes all kinds of expanded polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, etc. All of them are divided into vapor-permeable and vapor-tight options.

The ability to transmit household fumes depends on the manufacturing method of the material. For example, extruded polystyrene foam allows moisture to pass through in minute quantities, because its cells are tightly sintered together by the walls. There is no space left between them. In addition, the closed shell of the bubble eliminates the slightest attempts at water penetration.

Materials created by extrusion have the lowest vapor permeability, which makes it possible not to protect the insulation with vapor barrier films. However, the need for a ventilation duct in case of removal of condensate and a small volume of steam still remains.

Polystyrene foam - foamed polystyrene that has not passed through the extruder allows vapor to pass through. Between its cells there are channels that facilitate the penetration of moisture and its removal from the thermal insulation body through ventilation. When using it as roof insulation, it is necessary to use vapor and waterproofing layers and install ventilation ducts.

Foams are represented by rigid slabs, which, unlike soft wool, do not wrinkle. Although it can be installed in the space between the rafters, foam insulation is generally installed on top of the rafters or on the inside of the room.

The fact is that it is difficult to cut out a material that rigidly retains its shape so that it completely fills a cell in the rafter system. There will still be some weakened thin line between it and the rafters, which contributes to the formation of cold bridges.

In addition, extruded insulation materials do not absorb moisture, which will inevitably be released by the wooden elements of the system. Therefore, when laying between the rafters, only foam plastic can be used - insulation that can allow vapor to pass through.

Foamed thermal insulation with minimal vapor permeability is available in the form of slabs. Most of them are equipped with a technological edge, which greatly facilitates the laying of the material. Thanks to the edge, the thermal insulation layer, installed along the rafters or from the inside, turns out to be almost monolithic, preventing the formation of cold bridges.

Methods for insulating the rafter system

In the construction of the thermal insulation layer of the rafter frame, either one of the materials or a complex of insulation materials of at least two varieties can be used. Since no one has yet invented ideal insulation materials, they can work perfectly in pairs, compensating for the shortcomings of their neighbor.

It is important to remember that on the side of the attic being constructed, a layer with the lowest vapor permeability should be installed. Those. On the side of the premises, it is necessary to place denser insulation, characterized by a minimum number of pores and channels for collecting condensate and steam. It will become a barrier to moisture and reduce the likelihood of it getting into the thickness of the insulation.

According to the location of the thermal insulation layer relative to the rafter legs, methods for its installation are divided into three types, these are:

  • Inter-rafter insulation. The location of thermal insulation in the space between adjacent rafters. It is assumed that soft wool and polystyrene foam will be used.
  • Insulation over rafters. Installation of a continuous thermal insulation layer on the outside of the rafter structure. Rigid foam boards are used.
  • Insulation along the rafters from the inside. By analogy with the previous point, a continuous layer is constructed, but from the side of the room being equipped. Hard cotton mats and all types of foam insulation are used.
  • Combined insulation. Filling the space between the rafters with insulation and installing an additional layer on top of the rafters on the side convenient for work.

The choice of method is focused on the construction stage and weather conditions in the specific time period during which the work is planned. For example, when performing insulation during the reconstruction of an attic, there is no point in dismantling the unworn coating. It's easier to insulate from the inside. In addition, the work will not be affected by weather disasters, and the material is not in danger of getting wet and dusty.

If you intend to install thermal insulation over the rafters from the outside, you should not time the insulation procedure to coincide with a period of heavy rainfall. However, if you have to carry out work at such a time, you should plan to carry it out at the shortest possible time and provide for the possibility of protecting the insulation from rain if it suddenly falls out.

Such measures include covering the insulation with a waterproof awning or a waterproofing carpet prepared in advance and connected into a continuous sheet.

The thickness of the insulation system is selected in accordance with the climatic characteristics of the construction region in accordance with the requirements of SNiP number II-3-79, which examines in detail all issues related to construction heating engineering.

Insulation materials are produced in the format of slabs, mats or rolls cut into mats standard thickness 2 or 5 cm each. It will not be possible to select the material exactly according to calculations, but you should remember that you should always round up.

Thermal insulation made of mineral wool

If you plan to install thermal insulation in the space between the rafters, there is no better material than soft elastic wool. The optimal size of a fragment of heat-insulating material in such cases exceeds the actual dimensions of this space by 2-3 cm in both directions.

To lay it in “cells” between the rafters, the roll is cut into pieces with the stated dimensions, or when designing the rafter frame, the dimensions of the finished insulating mats are taken into account. The main thing is that the slightly compressed fragment of insulation straightens out in its proper place and gets wedged between the rafters due to its own elasticity.

For those who prefer cutting by hand roll insulation, you should clearly calculate the dimensions of the cut pieces. If the fragment is noticeably wider or longer, its own elasticity will cause it to bend in the “window” intended for installation.

A bent piece will partially block the ventilation duct, due to which the thermal insulation will not be able to fully ventilate, which means it will not work according to the characteristics declared by the manufacturer.

To ensure that the cotton mats do not bend or sag between the rafters, they are advised to be fixed in a special way. Nails are nailed along the line coinciding with the surface of the heat-insulating layer, which are connected to each other with fishing line. The insulation secured by this method will not interfere with the air flows washing it.

Ideally, the rafter leg should be 3–5 cm wider than the thermal insulation system. In this case, the ventilation duct from the eaves overhang to the ridge element is formed spontaneously. If the width of the rafter does not allow for a ventilation duct, i.e. it is equal to or less than the thickness of the insulating layer; the shortage is made up with counter-battens nailed to the ribs of the rafter legs.

Reinforced thermal insulation of the rafter system

The scheme of enhanced roof insulation along the rafters helps to completely get rid of cold bridges. It is clear that this method involves filling the space between the rafters with soft insulating material and installing rigid slabs from the outside or from the inside. The work is carried out in stages, in accordance with the above technologies.

First of all, elastic cotton mats are installed in the space between the rafters. After which it is mounted cross rail, holding the already installed insulation and forming a frame for laying the next row of slabs.

The size of the slats should be selected so that it is equal to the thickness of the insulating layer being laid, and the laths should be positioned so that the elements of the insulating system fit tightly into the spaces between the slats.

A diffusion membrane is laid on top of the reinforced multi-tiered thermal insulation layer. It is laid directly on the insulating layer without fear of condensation forming in the thickness of the insulation.

If the waterproofing protection is made of polyethylene film, then a ventilation gap must be constructed between the insulation and the polyethylene. It is formed by installing a rail with the required size.

When using a superdiffusion membrane, there is no need to create a ventilation gap above the ridge purlin. The material is laid overlapping over the ridge with a protective and decorative ridge strip installed on top of it.

When using polyethylene, this layer is not brought to the ridge ridge. On both sides, approximately 7 - 10 cm are left between the edge of the waterproofing and the ridge fracture so that condensation and household fumes can be freely released into the atmosphere.

In a combined scheme, you can use only mineral wool of varying degrees of hardness or combine it with the installation of foam elements from the outside of the attic or from the inside.

Installation of rigid polystyrene foam boards

Foamed rigid slabs hold the load perfectly, cope with the weight of the roofing covering, snow drifts, and even human movement in case of repair operations. In all respects, it is more convenient and reasonable to construct an outer continuous layer from them.

When using extruded insulating varieties, there is no point in installing a waterproofing carpet on top of a heat-insulating system and a vapor barrier analogue from inside the premises. The slabs are laid on a continuous plank or plywood flooring built along the rafters, arranged in rows.

If thermal insulation is arranged in two or three tiers, then the spacing rule must be observed in each layer. The butt joints of the slabs should not be located at the same point to eliminate the possibility of leakage in this place.

The heat-insulating layer of slabs is attached to the rafters through the solid flooring and the longitudinal ones installed on top of the insulation wooden slats. The fastening bars at the same time form the ventilation channels necessary to ventilate the roofing pie and relieve stress from the roof. The same bars are used to install the sheathing for laying the covering.

When foam insulation is located on the outside of the rafter frame, the rafters themselves remain open indoors. They can be used as a non-standard interior element, as a basis for additional inter-rafter insulation, or as a base for attaching internal cladding.

The technology for installing an insulating layer from the inside of the attic is no different from the external version. The sheathing is also installed under the insulation and it is attached to the rafters. The advantage of installation from the inside is the possibility of construction at any time, the disadvantage lies in the fact that the internal space will be slightly “eaten up” by the thermal insulation.

The described methods are also used when constructing an insulating system made of rigid mineral wool slabs.

Combination of two types of thermal insulation

The combined insulation scheme involves the use of two types of insulating materials in one thermal insulation system. Installation of insulation is carried out according to their purpose and laid down by the manufacturers technical properties. Soft cotton mats are placed in the cells between the rafters, hard slabs are installed outside or inside the rafter frame.

If a diffusion membrane is used as thermal insulation in a combined insulation scheme, ventilation ducts between the layers of thermal insulation and waterproofing are not suitable. This scheme is very difficult to implement without dismantling the coating. True, there are types of membranes that allow you to equip the rafter system from the inside without removing the roof. In such cases, it is attached to the rafter legs wrapped with it.

If the inner tier of the insulation system is made of extruded foam insulation, then there is no need to use a vapor barrier layer or install internal sheathing along the rafters.

How to insulate rafters: everything about roof insulation along rafters


How to insulate rafters with rigid and soft views thermal insulation materials, thermal insulation schemes, nuances of laying insulation when installing a pitched roof.

How to insulate a roof from the inside with mineral wool - features of laying mineral wool on the roof

Installing a warm roof requires the installation of an insulating layer. As a rule, slopes are insulated after the completion of the rafter system assembly, but before installing the roofing - and this technology is considered optimal. However, sometimes annoying problems occur, and after assembling the roof it turns out that the existing insulation is not enough for normal thermal insulation.

The need for roof insulation

In such cases, it is necessary to insulate the roof from the inside with mineral wool - this allows you to compensate for the level of heat loss. How the roof is insulated from the inside with mineral wool will be discussed in this article.

There are two fundamental technologies for insulating a roof from the inside:

  • Laying insulation between the frame rafters;
  • Laying insulation above the rafters.

Each technology for roof insulation with mineral wool will be considered in more detail.

Types of insulation

Of course, it is necessary to insulate the slopes only when installing a warm roof. The thermal insulation layer is laid in the space between the rafters at the stage of roof installation when there is no finishing coating yet - this approach is quite convenient and does not require significant effort.

Roof insulation can be performed using the following types of mineral wool:

  1. Glass wool. This heat-insulating material contains glass fiber with a thickness of no more than 15 microns. Glass wool can be produced in rolls, slabs or mats. The characteristics of this insulation are impressive: excellent thermal insulation properties, good fire resistance and complete resistance to biological factors. The material, produced in the form of slabs, is quite convenient and very easy to install. Glass wool can easily be classified as a budget insulation material if you take a closer look at the cost of alternative heat insulators. Main disadvantage This material is capable of causing irritation upon contact with open areas of the human body, therefore it is necessary to work with it exclusively in a full set of personal protective equipment.
  2. Basalt (stone) wool. This material also contains fibers, but here they are represented by a natural mineral - basalt. Additional components include some carbonate rocks, bentonite clay and several other composites. Basalt wool is completely non-flammable, has excellent thermal insulation properties and is resistant to mold and mildew. The structure of this material is not so strong, and its price is approximately 1.5-2 times higher than glass wool, but safety and ease of installation have done their job - and therefore basalt wool is in much greater demand.

There is also a third type of mineral wool - slag wool. It is pointless to consider insulating a roof with your own hands from the inside with mineral wool of this type, since it is not used for internal insulation roofs due to the extremely negative impact on the human body.

Installation of mineral wool between the rafters from the inside of the roof

When laying thermal insulation material from the inside of a roof structure, the simplest option would be to install it in the space between the rafters. True, this method is relevant only if the thickness of the insulating layer does not exceed the width of the rafters, otherwise you will have to combined thermal insulation roofs.

Insulating the roof with mineral wool from the inside in this case will look like this:

  1. The first step is to take a building level and measure the lower level of the rafters, which should be uniform along the entire perimeter of the frame. If there are deviations from the level, it is necessary to align all the rafters so that they run along the same line.
  2. On top of the rafters must be laid in advance waterproofing film, which protects the insulation from moisture. If this film was not used when installing the roof, then it will no longer be possible to lay it, so the thermal insulation will be without proper protection.
  3. Mineral wool is cut into suitable pieces. When installing insulation between the rafter legs, the material is fixed due to the bursting force, so the cut elements should be 2-3 cm wider than the distance between the rafters. When laying the material in two layers, you need to ensure that the joints of one layer do not coincide with the joints of the other.
  4. The next step is adjusting the vapor barrier. Cut membrane strips are installed above the insulation to protect it from moisture and air. The vapor barrier membrane is installed in parallel roof slope and fixed with a construction stapler.
  5. The last stage is covering the insulation, for which plasterboard, plywood or edged boards are usually used. In the future, the cladding will act as a support for the decorative finishing of the attic walls.

When installing insulation on a roof with a slope angle of less than 25 degrees, the following situation may arise: the insulating boards will simply fall out due to a lack of pushing force. To prevent this from happening, the insulation must be additionally reinforced with slats or strong fishing line stretched between the rafters. On slopes with a large slope this problem usually does not arise.

Do-it-yourself installation of mineral wool on rafters

If the width of the thermal insulation material does not allow it to fit into the space between the rafters, its installation will have to be carried out in two stages. One layer of material will be laid according to the technology described above, and the second will be laid on top of the already installed layer. Such insulation of the roof with mineral wool is much more expensive, but the result is of better quality.

Insulation of the roof with mineral wool along the rafters is carried out according to the following algorithm:

  1. The first steps exactly repeat the installation algorithm between the rafters - the installation step of the rafter legs is measured, after which the insulation is cut so that it can be mounted by surprise. When using rolled material, you need to let it lie flat for a while.
  2. During installation, the edges of the slabs are folded in inner side, and after installing the insulation they straighten out.
  3. A vapor barrier is attached to the rafters using a stapler. The rules are still the same: strips of material are laid with a slight overlap so that steam does not pass through the joints.
  4. Slats are nailed horizontally to the rafters, the thickness of which should exceed the thickness of the insulation by 1-2 cm. The distance between the slats should be sufficient for laying heat-insulating boards.
  5. Mineral wool is placed between the stuffed slats. When laying, you need to ensure that the joints of the material do not coincide with the joints of the previous layer.
  6. The final stage is the outer cladding, for which any finishing material can be used.

This roof insulation technology is considered the most effective, therefore, when deciding how to properly insulate a roof with mineral wool, you should give preference to this option.

Insulating the roof from the inside with mineral wool is quite effective remedy to protect the roof from the cold. Knowledge of the theory and competent implementation of the chosen technology will allow you to create a reliable roof, under which it will be possible to arrange a living space in the future.

Insulating the roof from the inside with mineral wool with your own hands: technology for insulating the roof with mineral wool, how to properly insulate


Insulating the roof from the inside with mineral wool with your own hands: technology for insulating the roof with mineral wool, how to properly insulate

The roof insulation scheme for any building requires sequential operations to be performed in strict order. The roof insulation technology does not allow even the slightest miscalculations. After all, the amount of costs for the heating period in the future will depend on how well and correctly all the work is done. And in the northern regions of the country this point is especially relevant. After all, the ultimate goal is to save money.

In this article

Initial stage of work

At the very beginning, a complete inspection of the condition of not only the roof, but also its load-bearing elements is required.

A properly prepared roof should not have even minor defects. Otherwise, during subsequent operation there will be a big problem. And it will be difficult to eliminate it.

Flat roof

Previously, roof insulation with sawdust was very common, but, unfortunately, due to the high fire hazard, this insulation has now lost its position. However, we must pay tribute to the price range in this case. The cost is significantly lower compared to other materials. You can even use your own dried sawdust after construction work.

It was replaced by more modern materials. For example, ecowool and expanded clay. Insulating a sloping roof with expanded clay guarantees an almost imperceptible weight load on the roof, but at the same time demonstrates high fire safety indicators.

The roof insulation scheme in this case is as follows:

  1. Laying vapor barrier material to avoid dampness. In this case, roof ventilation is not affected in any way.
  2. Coating thermal insulation layer. Here, additional insulation of the roof with ecowool is acceptable.
  3. Laying waterproofing to avoid dampness.
  4. Final insulation of the roof with expanded clay - bulk material. It should also be noted that ventilation is excellent through this material.

It is worth noting that in any case, insulation of the roof from the outside is carried out only after insulation from the inside.

Sloped roof

You will have to deal with this type of roof when, for example, insulating the second floor. In this case, it is rational to insulate the roof along the rafters. And here ventilation is also of paramount importance. Under no circumstances should condensation accumulate under an insulated roof and cause dampness. Otherwise, everything will start to rot under the roof.

Thermal insulation is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. First, the hydrobarrier material is attached. Thanks to it, all moisture will be successfully removed. At this stage, you need to pay attention to whether ventilation is provided. If not, then a super diffusion material should be used.
  2. To ensure ventilation, nails are hammered and a cord is pulled over them. This will prevent the heat insulator from coming into contact with the waterproofing.
  3. The first layer of thermal insulation is underway. When installing it, take the size between the rafters with an addition of 1 to 3 centimeters. This allows you to securely fasten it.

If the roof is insulated with penoplex or polyurethane is used, then you will need to carefully measure the dimensions of each element. Since, unlike roll insulation, this material is practically incompressible.

  1. The second layer of thermal insulation material is laid. This layer fits closely to the first. Leaks in the form of air gaps between layers. Everything should be as a single whole in this case.
  2. Everything is closing vapor barrier film. The main thing is not to forget that there must be a gap between the thermal insulation and the film to ensure ventilation.
  3. The interior decoration of the premises is carried out using, for example, plasterboard boards.

Attic space

If the space in the room is not planned to be insulated in the near future, then the material is laid in the following order.

  1. The insulating film is laid directly on the ceilings.
  2. Double layer insulation.
  3. Protective film. The distance to the insulation should be within 5 centimeters.

Even cellulose material can be used for insulation. After all, the materials are laid on a horizontal surface and even special devices are not required.

Finally

When insulating a roof or attic, the main thing is not to forget to pay attention to the density of the material. After all, it is this parameter that will determine how many layers may be needed.

The roof may even be insulated with foam in some cases.

Foam can be used in two ways:

  1. Gradual application of foam to the coating, which is still being prepared for finishing.
  2. Filling the cavities between the main surface and the finishing material with foam.

In terms of its properties, foam is no worse than other types of insulation, such as, for example, polyurethane foam. But in the case of the pouring method, it will be impossible to track the uniformity of its distribution. As a result, unfortunately, unfilled voids may form. And the quality of insulation may be lower.

In any case, no matter what kind of roof insulation the owner chooses (even polyurethane foam), the main thing is not to disrupt the sequence of each action. Read the properties carefully required material. Be sure to use only original materials. Apply all health and safety measures during all work. And then insulating the house will not become an insurmountable problem that can be solved with your own hands.