How best to insulate the roof of a house. Proper insulation of the roof of a house: technology and video

Experienced builders know that it is better to think through all technological issues related to roof construction at the stage of creating a private wooden house project. An accurate plan of construction work allows for high-quality and quick insulation of the external insulation of the slope, if required. In real conditions, you often have to insulate the roof from the inside with your own hands after completing the roof installation. In this article we will talk about the internal thermal insulation of slopes, how much it costs, and how it is done.

Internal thermal insulation is the process of home insulation from the attic side using materials that have low thermal conductivity. This measure to optimize the temperature regime of a wooden private house is used only if the roofing work has already been completed, since it is impossible to cover the slopes with insulation without dismantling the roof covering. The internal method of installing heat-insulating materials has the following features:

The minimum thickness of the insulation layer to stop heat loss through the slope is 150 mm. Therefore, insulating the roof from the inside reduces the usable area of the roof space, which is considered a disadvantage when equipping residential attics of a private wooden house.
The insulation during internal thermal insulation of the roof is located directly under the wall lining material, so more vapors saturated with moisture penetrate into it, despite the vapor barrier layer. For this reason, the material gets wet, losing its thermal insulation properties, and then wrinkles and settles.
Insulating the roof from the inside is considered a less convenient method, since when installing the slab of thermal insulation material, you have to hold it above your head. The difficulty of the work significantly increases the cost of internal insulation of the roof of a private wooden house.
The internal thermal insulation of the slopes allows the use of only the safest materials that do not harm human health during installation and operation. Considering how much environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic insulation costs, external thermal insulation would cost 1.5-2 times less.

Note! Thermal insulation materials for insulating the roof of a private wooden house are used in combination with waterproofing and vapor barrier membranes or films. Since without protection from the penetration of moisture or steam, they quickly become damp, which increases thermal conductivity and sharply reduces the effectiveness of insulation. For heated mansard roofs, in which these processes occur more intensely, professional builders recommend using forced ventilation.

Materials

The modern construction market has hundreds of different types of insulation, the cost and performance characteristics differ significantly. Vapor-permeable, moisture-resistant and non-flammable materials with low thermal conductivity are suitable for thermal insulation of the roof of a private house made of wood. The most commonly used types of insulation are:

Mineral wool. A fibrous material produced in the form of rolls, mats or slabs, the composition of which is based on threads of glass, gabbro-basalt or slag. Low cost, fire resistance, efficiency and ease of installation make these insulation materials the most convenient for doing the work yourself. The only drawback is that small particles that get on the skin, respiratory tract, or mucous membranes cause severe irritation. Therefore, installation is carried out in full equipment - with safety glasses, gloves, a respirator and a robe.
Expanded polystyrene. Insulation based on polystyrene foam is known to most people as polystyrene foam. It is often used for internal insulation of slopes, due to its light weight, high degree of protection against vag and low thermal conductivity. Foamed polystyrene foam is called polystyrene foam, in which air occupies more than 95%. Thermal insulation materials based on polystyrene foam are easy to install, they are easy to cut and fasten, however, they almost do not allow steam to pass through, which, during internal insulation, causes dampness in the room. This negative effect of using polystyrene foam can be reduced by using forced ventilation system equipment.
Polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is produced in the form of panels or a liquid mixture, which is foamed using a special installation that supplies carbon dioxide, and in this form is applied to the inner surface of the slope. This type of insulation is often used for roof thermal insulation, however, it has a significant drawback - complete vapor permeability. This property excludes the possibility of using this material for insulating wooden houses. In addition, due to the use of expensive installation, polyurethane foam installation is rarely done with one’s own hands.

Important! Use inside a residential building tightens the safety requirements for insulation for the health of home occupants. Ecowool is one of the tested safe materials. It consists of cellulose or flax fiber with the addition of antiseptic substances and fire retardants. Ecowool has thermal insulation and noise-reducing characteristics similar to mineral wool.

Installation methods

Installing thermal insulation material from the inside is more difficult and takes longer than from the outside when laying the roofing. However, if the roof is already ready, then homeowners have no other choice. To insulate the slope you will need insulation, a vapor barrier membrane, a construction stapler, a sharp knife, a marker, wooden slats, a screwdriver and self-tapping screws. There are two methods of internal thermal insulation:

Important! If the angle of inclination of the roof slopes is 25 degrees or less, problems may arise with laying insulation between the rafters, since the slabs will simply fall out of the opening under their own weight. To hold the material on the slope, it is secured with slats or fishing line stretched perpendicular to the rafters in several rows.

Video instruction

In order for an optimal microclimate to be maintained in a private home, care must be taken to have a reliable, warm roof. It is this element that prevents moisture from entering the house and helps retain heat. Accordingly, it is worth understanding the question of how to insulate the roof of a house. At the same time, it is equally important to take a responsible approach to choosing the appropriate material.

What you need to know about roof insulation?

When organizing the thermal insulation of a home, it is worth paying special attention to the insulation of the roof, because it protects the interior from various external factors. Thanks to high-quality thermal insulation it will be possible reduce heating costs.

In order to properly insulate the roof, it is important to determine the purpose of the attic. If there is a non-residential premises here, then it can be insulated only from the outside. This also applies to the attic floor, thanks to which it will not be cold on the top floor.

The work performed depends on the design of the private house, namely the type of roof. It can be flat or pitched, which affects the specifics of the work. Experts recommend insulating the structure at the design stage, so that all important points can be taken into account. You also need to first inspect the roof details, which will help identify rot or damage. Such areas are replaced, and then the wood is treated with an antiseptic. It is equally important to check the electrical wiring.

Materials that can be used to insulate the roof of a house

The modern market offers a large selection of insulation materials, which differ in their characteristics and features of use.

Mineral wool. This material, which has a fibrous structure, is supplied in slabs or rolls. When choosing, you need to pay attention to density and thickness. The main advantages of mineral wool are increased thermal insulation, affordable price, environmental friendliness, non-flammability, vapor permeability, biostability, as well as ease of installation. To insulate the roof from the outside, you should choose basalt slabs, and stone wool will provide fire protection. It is important to take care of the presence of a ventilation gap, as well as reliable vapor and waterproofing, so that water will not accumulate in the insulation. Otherwise, the wooden elements may rot and the properties of the mineral wool may deteriorate.
Glass wool. This is a popular material that is often used to insulate roofs. Its characteristics are close to those of mineral wool. In this case, molten glass is used, thanks to which the material is environmentally friendly, non-flammable and has soundproofing characteristics. When installing glass wool, you must follow safety regulations and use protective equipment. To simplify installation, you should give preference to slabs whose outer side has a foil coating.
Expanded polystyrene. This popular material is used to insulate the roofs of private houses. Expanded polystyrene is resistant to moisture, so there is no need to create a ventilation gap. If we are talking about a flat soft roof, you should refuse to use such insulation because of its vapor permeability and flammability. When insulating the pitched roof of a private house, the slabs are laid in one layer, making sure that the edges fit as tightly as possible to the rafters. In this case, all joints are sealed with polyurethane foam, and later the structure is finished with reinforced tape.
Polyurethane foam. Its advantages are light weight, biostability, excellent soundproofing and waterproofing characteristics, as well as low thermal conductivity. Polyurethane foam can be applied by spraying or purchased rigid slabs. The latter can be cut or drilled, while during operation the shape will remain the same. Spraying will require appropriate equipment, thanks to which it will be possible to create a truly monolithic layer.
Penoizol. The characteristics of this material resemble those of foam plastic. Its advantages include affordable price and good quality, as well as environmental friendliness. The material is sprayed using a foaming unit. Cured thermofoam does not weigh down the roof of a private house, however, the disadvantage of using such material is the need for a vapor barrier layer.
Foam concrete. To create this material, concrete and cement are used, as well as a blowing agent and sand. The finished insulation will make the thermal insulation of the roof of a private house truly reliable and durable, and due to its low density, the supporting structure will not be subject to significant load. The advantages of foam concrete are non-toxicity and vapor permeability. It is also worth noting fire safety.
Expanded clay. This insulation is used during the installation of flat roofs. In fact, it is customary to lay this bulk material on the outer surface or floor slabs after screed while maintaining the required slope angle. Naturally, when using expanded clay, the load on the structure will increase, so it is important to take into account the use of this material at the design stage.
Foam glass. This material is recognized as environmentally friendly insulation. To create it, foamed glass mass is combined with carbon. The finished material is resistant to rotting and deformation, water and steam. It is also non-flammable and durable. This insulation is suitable for thermal insulation of any type of roof. When performing such work, it is important to use exclusively polymer acetate glue, which will provide increased adhesion.
Ecowool. To create such insulation, waste paper is used, making the material truly environmentally friendly. It is worth noting its excellent sound and heat insulating characteristics. Ecowool is additionally treated with protective agents, as well as fire retardants, which will help get rid of the disadvantages of cellulose, including its biological instability and flammability. When performing installation, it is important to follow several rules. So, a special closed box is created into which ecowool is blown.
Sawdust. Previously, the material was widely used to insulate the roofs of private houses. Today this is no longer relevant, since sawdust is susceptible to rotting and burning. They are used to insulate ceilings. To improve the thermal insulation characteristics, the material is mixed with clay.

Insulation of a flat roof

To insulate the flat roof of a house, you can use two methods:

rolled ceiling, when the material is laid on top;
false ceiling, that is, thermal insulation materials are padded from the inner surface.

It is worth noting that external insulation recognized as a simpler option. However, it is important to make sure that the supporting structure of a private house can support the weight of the insulation. Experts recommend giving preference to basalt mineral wool for external insulation of a flat roof.

Features of insulation installation

For an insulated flat roof to really help avoid heat loss, it is important adhere to work stages.

First of all, it is necessary to organize a vapor barrier layer using a special film.
A layer of mineral wool slabs is laid on top.
Next, you need to place roofing felt or prepare a coating from other synthetic materials.
The last stage involves laying insulation.

Naturally, before starting work it is important to properly prepare the roof surface. To do this, it is cleaned of debris and dust, and significant irregularities must be eliminated.

To fix heat-insulating boards, glue or cold mastic is used. To ensure a uniform coating, care must be taken to semi-overlap the seams. Laying mineral wool in 2 layers will help improve thermal insulation. In this case, it is worth taping the joints with tape. Thanks to this technology, there will be no cold bridges.

Some experts prefer fire installation of waterproofing. To do this, after fixing the mineral wool slabs, a cement-sand screed with a thickness of at least 3 cm is made. After this, it is necessary to glue the waterproofing layer under the influence of fire, due to which the coating will be durable, airtight and reliable.

In most cases, a pitched roof is the basis for creating an attic, so the requirements for thermal insulation are quite strict requirements. The structure itself must be made of several layers:

ventilation circuit;
waterproofing layer;
ventilation circuit;
thermal insulation layer;
vapor barrier.

Since water ingress can lead to loss of insulation properties and rotting of wooden structures, it is important to take care of waterproofing. The design of ventilation circuits prevents the formation of condensation inside the material, which is also very important.

It should be noted that there is a need for fresh air, for which a gap is created on the overhang of the eaves. It is important to make sure that all structural components are ventilated. This can be challenging if you have intricate roof geometry. For thermal insulation of a pitched structure, a rigid material is suitable that will not deform due to any external factors.

The final stage of insulation involves finishing from the inside. Most often, surfaces are sheathed with sheets of plasterboard or chipboard, and then wallpaper is pasted or paint is applied.

When renovating any private home, it is important to insulate the roof. Thanks to this, it will be possible to create a comfortable microclimate in the room. To avoid having to redo everything again, you should take a responsible approach to the choice of material and its installation.

In the cold northern latitudes, the issue of maintaining heat in winter has always been an acute issue. Even many centuries ago, there was already an established technology for roof insulation.

After all, what less heat is lost from the home during heating, so less resources are wasted to maintain it, the more comfortable it is to live in the house.

Years and centuries have passed, and now there is no longer any need to light a fire inside or light a stove - central heating greatly simplifies the task.

But roof insulation is still necessary - after all, when heat is retained in the house for as long as possible, less energy is spent on heating, and living in a warm, insulated house is much more comfortable.

Not so long ago, the most popular insulation was glass wool. Using glass wool is cheaper than using other types of insulation, but it has some significant disadvantages that force people to abandon it and insulate their roofs with other materials.

For example, cotton wool is not suitable for insulating inclined surfaces - it simply rolls down, exposing the very top of the roof, through which heat will leak. In addition, when using cotton wool, you need to think about how to protect it from moisture. However, cotton wool is still used in some homes, mainly due to its low cost.

Most often used now polystyrene foam and mineral wool (for example rockwool). The thing is that they do not have the disadvantages of glass wool, but they have a number of additional advantages. - quite durable material and is able to withstand significant loads, and mineral wool is excellent sound insulator. You can read more about roof insulation with mineral wool.

Choosing the ideal thermal insulation

When choosing a material, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

It is extremely important insulation thickness. There is no way to miscalculate her. Read below to learn how to correctly calculate the thickness.

Correct calculation of insulation thickness

The formula for calculating the layer thickness in meters will look like this:

Layer thickness = Thermal resistance of the layer * Thermal conductivity coefficient of the material (roof thermal insulation snip).

These data are provided by the manufacturer and may vary. Specialists at a hardware store will help you find detailed information on each insulation material.

Many experts advise that after receiving the final result, add another half of the calculated value to it. It is worth noting that when using bulk or crushable materials, they should be loosened from time to time so that the current layer thickness is not disturbed and remains stable.

Roof insulation technology

Any properly laid roof consists of a certain sequential combination of materials that form the so-called roofing pie or roof insulation scheme.

Violation of the sequence or skipping one of the “layers of the pie” can lead to dire consequences, so let's look at the whole roof insulation pie in detail, starting from the bottom and going up to the very top of the roof.

For the roof, you can choose any material you like: corrugated board , ondulin, soft tiles, etc. Now let’s look at the standard procedure for insulating an attic under a gable roof:

Let's look at all the layers of roof insulation in more detail. The first layer is the interior trim, followed by the sheathing. These layers are not of great importance for the insulation, so you can skip them.
Behind them is a vapor barrier. But here it is worth stopping in more detail. does not allow warm (or even hot) air masses to interact with the thermal insulation, so that moisture does not remain on the thermal insulation itself - the result of condensation. Every roof must have a vapor barrier - after all, the insulation should not become damp.
Above is the counter-lattice, on which the insulation itself is laid directly. We have already talked about it and will talk about it again, so let’s pay attention to the top layer - waterproofing.
As the name suggests, waterproofing protects the insulation from water coming from above - such as rain, snow, or simply moisture condensed on the roof. must also be present in every roof.
Then comes empty space for ventilation and, finally, the roof itself. Don’t forget about insulating the roof eaves; the easiest way to do this is with spray-on insulation.

Laying rolled vapor barrier

Pitched roof insulation technology

Sectional roofing pie

Extremely important comply with all installation standards for each layer and the procedure for insulating the roof, otherwise the insulation itself may be damaged, and then it will cease to perform its functions. If you still have questions about roof insulation, you can find the answers in the article - “”.

Thermal insulation of flat roofs

When insulating a flat roof, you should decide on the purpose of the surface - whether it will be used or not. If so, then you will need to make an additional concrete screed on top of the thermal insulation (for example, if you walk on such a roof, adjust the antenna, for example). If the roof platform is not used, then a screed is not needed. You can read more about it at the link.

Note!

The main requirement for flat roof insulation is strength and reliability of the material. After all, in winter a significant mass of snow will accumulate on a flat roof, which can deform the weak, fragile material.

Thermal insulation on a flat roof comes in two types - single-layer and double-layer. As the name suggests, double-layer insulation uses two layers of insulation, while single-layer insulation uses one.

Thermal insulation of pitched roofs

There are two types of pitched roof insulation - insulation of floors(attic) and insulation of slopes(attic roof insulation diagram).

When insulating attics, the type and strength of the material is not so important - since there is no risk of slope, exposure or deformation of the material.

But with the attic you need to pay attention to material strength, on its ability to maintain its shape and not roll down.

When insulating floors, the attic must be ventilated; it is advisable to maintain a temperature close to the outside temperature.

Roof insulation units - overhangs, parapets and roof eaves

When insulating the above elements, in addition to complying with standard requirements (waterproofing, etc.), it is important protection of the joints of “layers” from moisture ingress during rain or snow. For these purposes, boards, lining, galvanized steel and other similar materials are used. They need to flash the roof from the end, leaving no horizontal gaps into which moisture can seep.

Insulation overhangs roofs can be done with using mineral wool or finishing material - lining or corrugated board. The same principle is used to insulate the roof parapet.

Useful video

And now we invite you to familiarize yourself with the technology of roof insulation using a practical example:

Conclusion

So, an important factor when choosing insulation is the type of roof, as well as the type of insulation if the roof is pitched. Having chosen insulation, you need to correctly calculate its thickness and add a little just in case. It is important to follow the sequence and correct placement of layers, then your roof will serve you for many years, protecting your home from the cold and helping to retain heat.

In contact with

Insulating the roof of a house is an important stage in the construction or major repair of a roof. 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. An uninsulated non-residential attic 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.

It is recommended to first carry out external insulation, and based on the results of the winter season, determine the need for internal insulation.

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 fire safety requirements.

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 for proper ventilation and vapor 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 is also worth treating all wooden structures with a fire-retardant compound.

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 installing slab material is 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 of 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, you chose cotton 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.

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 will very quickly enter the room and will not allow it to be fully warmed up by any means, that is, living in such conditions all the time year will be impossible.

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. For a large 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 the physical processes occurring 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 maintains optimal temperature in the room.
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 by the contact of hot and cold air, therefore laying it together with insulation will help preserve its 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 constructed roof involves a large number of layers of different materials that are layered on top of each other, resembling 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 will be possible to create comfortable living conditions and secure the 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 of independent insulation of the room. 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 is an inexpensive option, so anyone can afford it, but if you look at the disadvantages, 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, among them are 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 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 a 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 an 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 the installation of decorative elements and ventilation, which is necessary for the proper operation of insulation.

The technology of work will be similar, be it a dacha, where the house has a flat ceiling, or a large country house, where a gable roof is built. The correct choice of materials and installation in the right sequence will give the desired result.

Attic floors

When choosing insulation for an attic floor, you need to take into account its thermal protection, strength and resistance to adverse environmental conditions. It is also important to take into account the type of ceiling 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 a wooden frame so as to fill all the free spaces. 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. During interior work, 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 necessary result of a 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 a 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.