Which insulation for the roof is better: select according to the criteria and use a calculator to calculate the thickness of the roof insulation. Roof insulation with mineral wool Roof insulation in a private house with mineral wool

The roof insulation procedure is a fairly important process, which can significantly prevent heat loss not only in the attic, but throughout the entire house. One of the most popular roof insulation materials is mineral wool, as it has zero moisture absorption, resistance to temperature changes and good performance characteristics. We’ll look further at how to properly insulate a roof with mineral wool.

Mineral wool for the roof: advantages and characteristics

Mineral wool is widely used in the process of insulating not only the roof, but also most other structural elements of the building. The scope of application of mineral wool extends to:

  • arrangement of floor systems;
  • insulation under plaster;
  • arrangement of suspended ventilated facades;
  • insulation of indoor walls;

  • heat insulator for roofing systems;
  • insulation of attics or balcony structures;
  • three-layer concrete panels.

This is primarily due to the following advantages of this material:

  • availability of a wide range of products - mineral wool is produced in roll form, in the form of slabs or mats, thus it is possible to choose the optimal option that is best suited for insulating a particular area of ​​the building, also mineral wool differs in relation to density - rolled materials are more lightweight, and the slabs have a high density;
  • mineral wool is resistant to moisture and various types of atmospheric influences, so it is used both indoors and outdoors;
  • high thermal insulation rates are another important advantage of this material; mineral wool has a porous structure, which consists of small layers, thus ensuring good heat retention and a high level of sound insulation;
  • fire safety - mineral wool is not prone to burning and is not capable of spreading fire, so it is easily used in the process of insulating interfloor ceilings; according to certain manufacturers, mineral wool can withstand temperatures of more than 900 degrees Celsius;

  • lack of tendency to deformation is another important parameter, according to which mineral wool does not shrink, and therefore does not form so-called cold bridges that improve heat losses;
  • good frost resistance allows this material to be used outdoors or for insulating external structural elements of a building;
  • environmental safety - mineral wool is used as insulation in children's rooms, medical and health resort institutions;
  • By choosing mineral wool as insulation, you can save a lot, since the material has a high density.

Despite this, some disadvantages of mineral wool should be highlighted:

  • low level of strength, which is explained by the high porosity of the material;
  • this insulation provides reliable thermal insulation only in combination with other materials, such as a vapor barrier membrane or waterproofing film;
  • mineral wool in combination with fiberglass is unsafe due to the addition of aldehyde forms.

Mineral wool for roof insulation - features of choice

In relation to the primary raw material from which mineral wool is made, it can be:

  • slagish;
  • glassy;
  • stone wool.

Stone mineral wool is made by melting various types of stone fibers, from which thermal insulation boards are formed. Phenol-formaldehyde resin is used to connect these fibers. During the manufacturing process of wool, substances harmful to humans are neutralized, so stone wool is an environmentally friendly material.

Due to its excellent thermal and sound insulation characteristics, mineral wool is one of the most popular insulation materials. The main positive property of this material is low thermal conductivity, thanks to this it is possible to achieve savings of one ton of standard fuel per year, per square meter of material.

In addition, mineral wool is resistant to the appearance of mold and mildew; it is not eaten by insects and rodents, unlike polystyrene foam. The fire safety of mineral wool allows the material to be used as insulation for objects whose temperature does not exceed 900 degrees Celsius.

The vapor permeability of mineral wool allows you to avoid the accumulation of moisture in it, thus, excess moisture from the room is removed with its help. The service life of this material exceeds 45 years. Stone wool is very resistant to bending and deformation, so it is used in insulating systems with heavy loads.

Due to the fact that mineral fibers are arranged in a chaotic manner, this material has excellent soundproofing characteristics.

Thermal energy most often leaves the building through uninsulated areas of the roof. Therefore, even non-residential premises require roof insulation. Thus, it is possible not only to reduce the level of heat losses, but also to extend the life of the materials used in the process of finishing the attic space.

The use of mineral wool has unlimited applications. The simplest and best option is to install mineral wool on the roof of a non-residential premises. To do this, you will need material in the form of slabs, which are laid on a floor made of concrete or wood. This procedure is simple and does not require bending the rafters. For these purposes, it is best to use rigid slabs with maximum density.

Please note that this procedure also requires adjusting the seams. To ensure complete thermal insulation, slab material with a thickness of 250 mm is sufficient.

Flat roof type is:

  • ventilated;
  • unventilated.

There is practically no space for attic space on it, therefore, only insulation is located on such a roof. To insulate ventilated roofs, it is necessary to follow the same technology as when insulating a non-residential roof. A layer of insulation 250 mm thick is installed on the floor; if the roof is unventilated, then a vapor barrier film is laid before the thermal insulation. Next, mineral wool is installed; dowels are used to fix the insulation. In addition, it is possible to use bitumen mastic, which improves the adhesion between mineral wool and the surface. Roofing felt is laid on top of the covering.

It is most difficult to install mineral wool on a pitched roof with a rafter structure. In this case, the consumption of material and the time for its installation increases significantly. Thermal insulation material is laid on the sheathing between the elements of the rafter system.

Please note that the wool should have a high density, but should not be too heavy, as it will load the roof structure. To cover joints, cotton wool should be laid in two or three layers. Installation of mineral wool should be carried out at temperatures up to 22 degrees, humidity about 35% and in the absence of any kind of drafts.

Technology of roof insulation with mineral wool: insulation methods

To obtain a high-quality insulated roof using mineral wool, you should carefully calculate the thickness, type and amount of material. In addition, it is necessary to comply with all technological features of this process.

In order to reduce heat loss in the room, a number of actions should be taken:

  • insulate the attic - this particular room acts as a barrier that does not allow warm air to leave the rooms; if insulation is not carried out in the attic, then all the heat will fall on it, even with a well-insulated roof, the rooms will be cool;
  • insulate the roof - insulated roof is the second stage, which protects the building from heat losses, please note that high-quality insulation requires strict adherence to all the rules and instructions that are specified in the instructions for insulating materials.

Mineral wool for roofing: attic insulation

For the manufacture of interfloor, including attic, reinforced concrete slabs or load-bearing beams are used. In the first case, the insulation is located directly on the surface of the slabs, and in the second - in the space between the beams.

Please note that for high-quality insulation, you first need to lay a vapor barrier material, which will help protect the insulation from steam and moisture. When installing a vapor barrier, carefully read the instructions for its use. Since the vapor barrier film is characterized by one-sided functionality, its incorrect installation will lead to failure to fulfill its functions.

In addition, it is possible to use sawdust for roof insulation. This material is used in combination with clay, sand, cement and even lime. The solution perfectly insulates the roof, provides the room with a healthy microclimate, and also has an antiseptic effect.

In addition, expanded clay, an artificial material that has a large number of pores that perform the function of insulation, is widely used as insulation for the attic.

These methods will require less money, although the quality is in no way inferior to mineral wool. The feasibility of a particular insulation method should be selected based on the materials from which the building is constructed, its area, height and other individual parameters.

How to insulate a roof with mineral wool: pitched roof

To insulate the roof with mineral wool, you will need to build a so-called “warm multi-layer structure”. It consists of hydro-steam and heat-insulating materials. The pitched part of this roof consists of a multi-layer cake, which is installed both outside and inside the roof.

To increase the efficiency of roof insulation, a number of actions should be taken:

  • install a vapor barrier that can prevent air that is too saturated with moisture from entering the under-roof space;
  • the main material is mineral wool, preferably stone wool;
  • in order to protect the entire system from moisture and atmospheric influences, it is recommended to install waterproofing;
  • to form a ventilation gap, a counter-grid is filled, which also removes condensation;
  • Next, the roofing finishing material is directly installed.

Do-it-yourself roof insulation with mineral wool from the inside

In order to avoid mistakes during the insulation process, read the recommendations for performing this process:

1. When insulating the roof from the inside with mineral wool, you should make sure that the insulation does not block the ventilation hole.

2. If a superdiffusion membrane is used during work, the insulation must lie very tightly on it to avoid blocking the ventilation gap.

3. When using a standard roofing film, you need to create two gaps, upper and lower.

4. Insulation slabs laid in rows must have unequal joints that do not coincide with each other.

5. For a more even fit of the insulation on the surface of the rafters, you should choose a material slightly wider than this distance.

6. Please note that thermal insulation in the form of mineral wool must fit very tightly together.

7. When choosing mineral wool as insulation, waterproofing must be installed. In addition, monitor the quality of the film connection and the absence of joints.

8. For more reliable fixation of mineral wool slabs, use self-tapping screws or wire stretched over the rafters.

How to insulate a roof with mineral wool: stages of insulation

Before starting insulation work, you should perform the following steps:

  • check the roofing system and all its elements - if there is dampness, defects, rotting, the damaged elements should be replaced;
  • use antiseptic compounds to treat the roof;
  • In addition, communication systems such as electricity and water supply should be checked.

It is necessary to leave a space between the roof and the insulation layer to ensure ventilation. When laying insulation on the surface of the rafters, it is possible to equip not only a thermal insulation system, but also good sound insulation.

Roof insulation is a rather complex process, during which inexperienced specialists make mistakes, which we suggest considering:

  • do not use materials whose width is less than the width of the space between the rafters, as the gaps will significantly increase the heat loss of the building;
  • It is prohibited to use thermal insulation material with high humidity, as this will lead to rotting of the wood from which the roofing system is made;
  • neglecting to install a vapor and waterproofing system will lead to the fact that all material costs spent on insulation will not be justified, since without these components the system will not work properly.

If you plan to insulate a residential attic space, it is recommended to use a film with a reinforced coating to improve the microclimate.

Pay special attention to the areas where the ceiling and walls meet. If there are cornices in the room, they should also be insulated. If there are difficult areas, the film is fixed using a stapler.

Roof insulation with mineral wool video:

Arranging a living space in place of an attic has long ceased to be a rare occurrence. More and more home owners are interested in how to properly carry out renovations so that life “under the roof” is no less comfortable than in the house itself. Let's consider how to insulate an attic if the roof is already covered, what materials are best suited for this purpose and what nuances you should pay attention to.

An attic is not just a lived-in attic. There are some standards that distinguish these two premises from each other. First of all, the attic roof must have a slope. In addition, the height of the room established by the standard must be at least 2.5 m.

Focusing on the attractive appearance, many decide to arrange an attic. But in reality, you have to deal with some nuances, which it is advisable to familiarize yourself with before starting work:

  • the materials that were used to build the attic directly determine further heat loss in this room. Therefore, their choice should be approached very responsibly;
  • Properly selected engineering solutions, which make it possible to provide all the necessary communications on the upper floor, have no less influence;
  • The shape of the roof plays a significant role. It can be single-pitch, gable or broken;
  • in order to hide the load-bearing elements of the roof, you will have to use your imagination;
  • the attic can be located not only on the territory of the house, but also extend beyond its boundaries, supported by columns.

Each of these aspects has its own influence on the approach that will be required for high-quality roof insulation. But the main role still belongs to two main materials - heat and water insulation. On the one hand, the space under the roof is in the coldest zone of the building. On the other hand, a strong difference between the temperature inside and outside often causes condensation to appear, which has a destructive effect on materials.

The best materials for do-it-yourself attic insulation

There are many suitable options for internal insulation of the attic. But your choice must be made based on the characteristics of the region of residence, as well as the design features of the specific roof with which you will be working. Let's look at what options exist today and what features are typical for them.

Insulating the attic with polystyrene foam: the pros and cons of the material

Polystyrene foam is one of the most famous insulation materials, which occupies its niche among inexpensive thermal insulation materials. Its price is indeed significantly lower than many others, but this is far from its only advantage:

  • polystyrene foam does not absorb moisture at all. If the material is pre-treated with an impregnation specially designed for this purpose, then the water will simply flow down over the surface;
  • light weight is another advantage, which greatly facilitates transportation and installation, and also reduces the load on the roof;
  • the thermal conductivity of polystyrene foam is very low, so it copes with its direct functions more than fully;
  • Styrofoam is easy to cut and attach. This allows you to work with it without any problems even if you lack any experience.

Interesting! In terms of cost, this method can only be compared with insulating the ceiling with expanded clay, although now this method is used less and less.

Based on these characteristics, we can conclude that polystyrene foam is an almost win-win option when it comes to insulating the attic from the inside. But insulating walls with foam plastic from the inside also has disadvantages, and sometimes they turn out to be much more significant than the advantages:

  • the vapor permeability of foam is at a very low level. As a result, the room is often stuffy and hot. This also leads to increased humidity, which causes the development of fungi and mold on wooden roofing elements;
  • despite its artificial origin, this material is often damaged by rodents;
  • Over time, wood tends to shrink, which leads to the formation of gaps between the foam elements. It is impossible to fix this, and the only way to solve the problem is to completely replace the thermal insulation material.

Many believe that the listed disadvantages outweigh the advantages and insulating the attic with polystyrene foam is not justified. But we must admit that this is one of the most budget-friendly options, which causes the least hassle, and if the installation technology is followed, it may well become an alternative to more expensive solutions.

Insulating the attic with polystyrene foam: advantages, disadvantages and features

Extruded polystyrene foam is very similar to polystyrene foam. Their technical characteristics are almost identical, with the exception of one significant aspect - installation technology. If polystyrene foam needs to be laid between the rafters, then polystyrene foam is placed on top, which eliminates the risk of cracks and gaps.

Helpful advice! Some manufacturers offer customers slabs with stepped joints, which makes the joints even stronger and more reliable. This fixation of elements together is an ideal option for insulating an attic roof.

Among other advantages of roof insulation with polystyrene foam, one cannot fail to note its low weight, which is perfectly combined with high strength and resistance to external influences. In addition, the service life of this material is quite long, provided that all the technology for insulating the attic with penoplex is followed.

Expanded polystyrene is not prone to rotting or decomposition, which is also important in the case of work on the roof. Any finishing coating can be applied over it, which will give an attractive appearance and provide additional protection.

Working with polystyrene foam yourself is easy: a variety of adhesive mixtures and mastics are suitable for fixing it. And in some cases they even use a construction stapler. So there is no need to purchase any expensive additional elements for installation.

But behind all these positive characteristics, we must not forget about the only, but rather serious drawback of polystyrene foam insulation from the inside of walls and roofs - the material has an increased level of flammability. For owners, this means the need for a more careful and thoughtful installation of all communications, in particular electricity.

Of course, manufacturers are trying to reduce this drawback to a minimum, but today we can say with confidence that this question remains open, and every owner who has chosen to insulate the walls from the inside with penoplex is obliged to take care of their safety.

Interesting! It is no coincidence that this material is most often chosen for insulating balconies. Expanded polystyrene has very low thermal conductivity, and at the same time on the balcony it practically does not have to come into contact with electricity.

Insulating the attic from the inside with mineral wool: a worthy alternative to penoplex

Mineral wool is another thermal insulation material that is used everywhere and is widely known for its properties. It got its name because of its fibrous structure, similar to medical cotton wool. You can buy it in rolls, which makes transportation and installation even more convenient.

Low thermal conductivity goes well with the ability to not absorb moisture. Although, if this happens, the material dries quickly without losing its appearance and technical characteristics.

Mineral wool belongs to the category of environmentally friendly and safe materials, which becomes noticeable even if the upper part of the roof is covered with metal tiles, which are prone to strong heating when exposed to sunlight. In addition, mineral wool also serves as a sound-absorbing barrier, and unlike polystyrene foam, it is not at all of interest to rodents and various insects.

Insulation of the roof from the inside with mineral wool must be done taking into account the fact that this is a fairly elastic material, even despite its soft fibrous structure. It is quite capable of being held between the rafters, provided it is properly fixed.

Helpful advice! In the process of cutting mineral wool for laying sheets between the rafters, it is necessary to leave a margin of approximately 2 cm. This will allow them to be held and not fall out even in the absence of additional fastening elements.

Insulating the roof from the inside with glass wool: is it worth using this material?

In terms of its characteristics, glass wool is similar to mineral wool, but in this case, the fibers that make up the material are longer, which generally increases the elasticity of the material. Strength indicators and soundproofing abilities are also slightly higher. But when in contact with moisture, glass wool is inferior to mineral wool, absorbing more water.

The use of glass wool for insulation of residential premises does not lead to any negative consequences for the health of residents. No toxic substances are used in the production process. In addition, glass wool is characterized by low flammability.

When working with the material, safety regulations must be followed to avoid glass wool fibers getting into the air. Its small particles can cause irritation of mucous membranes, and therefore the use of a respirator and safety glasses is a must.

Helpful advice! Sometimes glass wool fibers can cause skin irritation, so it is recommended to wear closed clothing and even gloves when working with it.

Do-it-yourself insulation of an attic roof from the inside using stone wool

Stone wool is the most expensive option among similar materials. But at the same time, it is the safest for human health and, in terms of reliability, significantly exceeds all other options. Here are some of its main advantages:

  • The thermal conductivity coefficient of this material is one of the lowest;
  • stone wool remains completely environmentally friendly even when heated;
  • the layer of this heat insulator is also an excellent noise-absorbing barrier;
  • the level of vapor permeability is very high;

  • the material practically does not burn;
  • no mechanical loads can deform stone wool or affect its characteristics;
  • the material has a long service life;
  • You can purchase stone wool in the form of slabs, which are easily cut into pieces of the required length and attached to the ceiling surface.

Due to the high cost of stone wool, they often try to replace it with mineral wool or glass wool. But such a replacement cannot be called complete, since this affects the quality of insulation quite seriously. Many users claim that the price of the material is quite justified, and provided that the installation technology is followed, it very quickly pays off the incurred costs.

Related article:

Types of insulation for roofs and ceilings. Mineral and synthetic insulation for roofs. Insulation of the attic roof.

In addition, it is quite possible to carry out all the work on insulating the attic roof from the inside with your own hands. Video instructions can demonstrate the procedure for carrying out the work, and recommendations from specialists will help you avoid common mistakes.

Insulating the attic with ecowool is one of the most effective ways to combat the cold

Ecowool is a pre-crushed material that is first blown into the cracks, and then, using the same method, a layer is placed between the ceiling and the rafters, using a device specially designed for this. This is an expensive procedure, but it allows you to completely eliminate all risks of drafts and ensure the most effective insulation.

Ecowool consists of 80% completely natural material - paper, the properties of which are very similar to those characteristic of wood. Given its natural origin, ecowool reduces the level of heat loss no less effectively than other materials.

One of the components that is part of ecowool is borax. According to its characteristics, it is an antiseptic of natural origin, which makes it possible to provide wooden roof elements with effective protection against the formation of fungus and mold.

Ecowool is applied in a thin layer, but at the same time it provides a decent level of not only heat but also sound insulation. The material retains its characteristics even after decades of use. So the not too low cost is the only drawback of this material, which is fully justified by its excellent properties.

Insulating the attic with polyurethane foam: basic technology and material features

Foamed polyurethane foam is the most modern of all the listed methods for insulating an attic. Its main difference is the complete absence of joints or gaps that could become a source of cold air. In addition, the service life of this material is one of the longest, up to 30 years.

Foamed polyurethane foam is not subject to shrinkage, even if the wooden roof of the house begins to gradually deform over time. Its solid structure completely eliminates the risk of moisture absorption, which eliminates the need to install an additional vapor barrier layer.

But there are also aspects that significantly complicate the process of using polyurethane foam as roof insulation from the inside. This primarily concerns the application procedure, which requires complex and expensive equipment. Its purchase is almost never justified, so it is usually rented.

Another aspect is the complex application technology, which requires certain experience in this field and does not allow beginners to independently cope with the task efficiently.

Helpful advice! The ideal option is to invite a team of workers who will come with their own equipment and in just a few hours will do high-quality insulation of the attic of your house.

Do-it-yourself attic insulation from the inside using penofol

Penofol is a kind of foamed polyethylene - a technology that occupies its niche among the methods of modern insulation of walls and houses. Along with high sound insulation rates, it is also worth noting the fact that penofol has a high-quality aluminum coating, which can be applied to one or two sides.

Here are a few more arguments in favor of using penofol for attic insulation:

  • the material does not pose any threat to human health or the environment;
  • its thermal conductivity is extremely low;
  • the closed system of air bubbles characteristic of this material serves as an excellent barrier to steam penetration.

This method is also not cheap and requires significant financial investments to implement. But, as practice shows, it is better to spend money once on high-quality material and thereby ensure comfortable living conditions for many years to come.

Combining materials is not at all uncommon. Materials with compatible characteristics can be used together for insulation. For example, mineral wool and polystyrene foam go well together. The first is placed between the rafters, and the second is placed closer to the edge of the roof. This combination will allow you to achieve the desired effect and significantly save on the purchase of materials.

Can provide reliable thermal insulation in combination with other materials

As you can see from the descriptions, each insulation has its own advantages and disadvantages. The only question is to choose the most suitable option that will satisfy the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe price and quality of the material.

One of the most common mistakes that owners make is a rash choice in favor of the cheapest option for attic insulation. Videos and articles can demonstrate the positive aspects of a particular solution, but the choice must be taken into account all the nuances and characteristics. Attempts to save on thermal insulation material may lead to the fact that after some time of operation, you will have to carry out repair work or even completely replace the entire material.

Insulating the attic from the inside with your own hands: video and stages of work

Each material has its own fastening characteristics and should be used exclusively in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. But if we talk about the general procedure for carrying out work, then there are mandatory stages that are carried out almost always, regardless of the material chosen.

The first layer of waterproofing material is laid out, which should protect the insulation from the destructive effects of moisture. The film is overlapped so that one layer overlaps the other by 10-15 cm. The material is secured using a construction stapler, and the joints are additionally taped.

Then, if necessary, a sheathing is created. For it, you can use wooden slats, the width of which is 8-10 cm. They need to be attached to the rafters, positioned parallel to each other at a distance of 50-60 cm. It is very important to check each element separately, using a building level. This will prevent any roof defects from occurring in the future.

A heat insulator is placed on the rafters or sheathing and secured in a suitable manner. For example, if we are talking about using any type of wool sold in the form of rolls, then the material is cut into pieces of the required size in order to lay them between the rafters. In this case, the thickness of the insulation should be such as to correspond to the width of the log. It is especially important if you decide to insulate the walls from the inside with mineral wool plus drywall. In this case, all free space must be filled with insulation.

The top layer of this “pie” is a layer of vapor barrier material, which can be used as polyethylene film, glassine or roofing felt. As with waterproofing, the selected material is overlapped. True, in this case it is better to fasten it using thin wooden slats, placing them in increments of 40-50 cm. All joints must be taped.

Helpful advice! If you need to lay several layers of thermal insulation material, you need to lay a vapor barrier film between each of them. This is especially true for cold regions.

As a final step, all that remains is to take care of a suitable finishing coating, which can be attached to the sheathing or, in the absence of it, directly to the bars. It is worth taking into account the weight of the decorative panels used, since installation of the heaviest of them may require preliminary installation of a metal profile frame.

The main mistakes made in the process of insulating the attic

The final result of the work, which is done by hand, directly depends on how accurately the technology and all the prescribed rules are followed. It is worth paying particular attention to the procedure for laying the waterproofing layer, since materials that are capable of absorbing moisture subsequently dry out, which often causes cold in the room.

  • if the roof slope does not exceed 13°, this will cause precipitation to remain on the surface. The result is rust and leaks. All this can negatively affect the condition of the insulation, so it is important to make sure that the angle of inclination is large enough before starting work;
  • installation of thermal insulation material on the walls and roof is not all the necessary work. It is also necessary to take care of insulating the windows (using Swedish technology). To do this, it is best to invite specialists to ensure that leaks are avoided. Especially if it is necessary to install windows at an angle;

  • in order to provide the thermal insulation material with ventilation and the ability to dry out if it gets wet, it is advisable to leave a gap of approximately 2-3 cm between the material and the roof;
  • it is strictly forbidden to skip at least one of the necessary layers of vapor or waterproofing materials;
  • If the thermal insulation material is thicker than the rafters, then their height can be increased by filling additional slats yourself.

These simple recommendations can help in the work process, significantly improving the quality of insulation. However, if for any reason there are doubts about the strength and experience, it would be better to invite a specialist. Of course, you will have to pay for this, but in this case you will not have to redo everything twice.

Insulating the attic gable from the inside is far from the most difficult task that a home owner may face. Often, owners want to place a balcony on the top floor, the insulation technology of which also has its own characteristics.

As with walls, a wide variety of materials can be used to insulate the ceiling on a balcony, although it is worth noting that loggia insulation technology is often used here, which has not been mentioned before. The step-by-step instructions “Insulating a balcony from the inside with your own hands” will help you understand in detail the features of this process.

Do-it-yourself insulation of the attic from the inside with mineral wool: video instructions

As a clear example, it is recommended to watch a training video where the technology of insulating walls from the inside with mineral wool is presented in detail. This will allow you to familiarize yourself in detail with all the nuances and avoid the previously mentioned common mistakes.

Insulation of the roofs of private houses is done from the inside and can be done with your own hands,

if the owner is determined to pay close attention to such an important operation to ensure heat conservation in the house.

Most widespread material for insulating a house is rightfully considered mineral wool.

Mineral wool has many advantages and it is rightfully recognized by many builders.

The main advantage of this material is its special fibrous structure, due to which the material has excellent thermal insulation characteristics.

The material lends itself perfectly I'll reveal– for this you can use the most ordinary knife with a long thin blade.

Note!

Mineral wool is usually used in cases where repair costs are limited and you want to get insulation with decent performance characteristics at a low price.

As you can see, roof insulation with mineral wool slabs is not only practical, but also profitable.

The advantages of the material can be listed as follows:

  • low thermal conductivity;
  • sustainability to fires;
  • high sound absorption;
  • resistance to deformation;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • opportunity long-term operation.

Abroad, roof insulation with ecowool is very common, which is highly environmentally friendly and safe. In our country, glass wool is also used, which is almost a complete analogue of mineral wool.

Types of mineral wool

The name “mineral wool” refers to different types of material with the same structure. Vata can have different form release - slabs, mats or rolls.

Wool made from basalt is called basalt or stone. Also produced are a slag variety, which uses waste from blast furnaces, and so-called glass wool for roof insulation.

Glass wool and the slag variety of material are not as popular as the first type. They do not have a particularly long service life and not the best thermal insulation characteristics. They are used mainly for insulating temporary buildings and utility rooms. It should be borne in mind that glass wool can absorb moisture, albeit in small quantities. For capital construction, it is better to use cotton wool based on basalt rocks.

Roof insulation with mineral wool - basic rules

In the latter case, logs are made on the floor sheathing and slabs of material are installed in it. Flooring is laid on top.

When insulating the roof, cotton slabs are suitable in between rafter system. It is important to select the correct slab sizes. The material is very elastic and can be inserted with light force - this allows you to securely strengthen it. Installation done in this way helps to avoid no gaps, which minimizes the work of sealing the surface.

Thin slabs must be laid in two layers. The structural elements are laid out in such a way that seams top and bottom rows didn't match- this allows us to provide a denser, impermeable thermal insulation layer.

You should not use metal elements to fasten the plates. It is better to use wooden slats specially prepared for this - they should be impregnated with special antiseptic compounds and dried thoroughly. If the slats are not prepared properly, during operation it is possible that they will quickly rot, and such elements will not be able to hold the slabs and must be replaced. This worsens the performance of the thermal insulation structure, and replacing rotten elements will be quite labor-intensive.

Stages of work on insulating a pitched roof

A thermal insulation material such as mineral wool must be provided with double protection.

If the roofing material has defects that cannot be recognized in time, the insulation will get wet and strongly will reduce their thermal insulation characteristics. We also recommend reading about.

Installation of vapor barrier and waterproofing is required to prevent the thermal insulation layer from getting wet and preventing heat from escaping.

Insulating the roof of a house with your own hands is accessible even to beginners and does not require any special knowledge from you.

Technology roof insulation with mineral wool will look like this:

  1. Creation waterproofing layer. Polyethylene or reinforced material is used for it. Waterproofing covers the entire surface of the roof. It is recommended to leave between the film and mineral wool ventilation gap. This will help increase the service life of the material, as it ensures its drying. You can use wooden conductor slats or a wire frame for this.
  2. Joints all materials after installation in place sealed.
  3. Settling in vapor barrier.
  4. Performed if necessary finishing.

Choosing an insulation scheme

Don’t forget to leave a gap between the waterproofing and the mineral wool

Roofing pie device

These are general instructions for laying an insulating pie. Depending on specific conditions, work performance may vary. As you can see, the technology for insulating a roof with mineral wool is very simple and understandable, and is quite accessible even to a beginner in the construction business. You can read about how without loss of quality by following the link.

How to insulate a ventilated flat roof

A ventilated flat roof is usually arranged in such a way that between the slope and the ceiling had a minimum distance. If you are planning to make a living space under a roof, we recommend that you read the article on DIY.

Roof insulation with mineral wool is carried out as follows: scheme:

Thermal insulation is laid on the attic floor, secured with dowels. Insulation of a flat roof with mineral wool is performed in the following order:

  • The condition of the entire structure is checked and damaged elements are replaced.
  • The surface of the coating that needs to be insulated is cleaned, and a vapor barrier film is laid.

Insulation of a ventilated roof

If reinforced concrete slabs are to be insulated, a vapor barrier is not needed - concrete does not allow moisture to pass through.

  • Thermal insulation mats are laid between the beams of the rafter system. Should be left near the cornice ventilation gap.

How to insulate an unventilated roof

The peculiarity of this type of construction is that there is no gap between the roof and the ceiling. The wool will be laid on the base.

  1. Place on a prepared, cleaned base.
  2. Laying mineral wool slabs - if there are several layers, they should be arranged in checkerboard pattern to avoid getting joints. The slabs should be adjacent to each other as tightly as possible.
  3. Placed on top of the slabs roofing felt.

Insulation of a non-ventilated roof

Another way to insulate a flat roof is to arrange “ rolled ceiling” when thermal insulation is placed on top of the rafters. It is necessary to carefully perform all calculations when choosing this method.

Review of alternative insulation materials

Other materials can be used for thermal insulation of roofs, but before purchasing it is better to carefully weigh their pros and cons. Recently, roof insulation has often been practiced. ecowool, which, despite many useful qualities, has a significant drawback - high price.

The slabs are either easy to install, lightweight, and with the right choice of thickness they will provide good thermal insulation. But the flammability of these materials should be taken into account, and when burned, they also release toxins that are hazardous to health. Their use is justified only in non-residential premises.

Well suited for insulating flat roofs, floors, and any horizontal surfaces. Its use on broken surfaces impossible– it consists of small burnt granules.

NOTE!

Has the lowest thermal conductivity coefficient polyurethane foam. It is applied by spraying onto the surface, which allows the substance to be used in any difficult conditions.

But today this insulation option is the most expensive when roof insulation with mineral wool is one of the most budget-friendly. In addition, it will not be possible to apply it during the cold season.

Useful video

You can see the nuances of roof insulation with mineral wool in this video:

Conclusion

When calculating materials and stages of thermal insulation arrangement, it is necessary to take into account not only the design features of the roof. It is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the selected or existing coating, the climate at the location of the house, and other conditions. The article provided only general recommendations.

In contact with

The most important condition for comfortable living in your own home at any time of the year and with the lowest possible costs for energy resources used for heating and air conditioning is a reliable Moreover Almost all areas of the building must be insulated. Roofing is no exception, which, by the way, is not always remembered by inexperienced novice developers.

If you look at the percentage of heat losses of any building that does not have proper thermal insulation, you will see that the “lion’s share” of them falls on the attic floor and roof. The specificity of this section of the overall structure of the house also imposes special requirements on the materials used for its insulation. Let's try to understand this issue to help the reader eliminate possible mistakes and make the right choice. So, what is the best roof insulation?

The need for roof insulation

First of all, it is necessary to dispel doubts about the need for roof insulation. Let's start with this.

The limited area of ​​land for building a house, and simply considerations of the most efficient construction with the lowest possible costs, often encourage owners to make useful use of the attic space. Attic “floors” are very popular these days, when the attic turns into a full-fledged living space, no different from other rooms in terms of convenience and comfort. You can also place a utility room in the attic, for example, a warm pantry, office or workshop.

It is clear that with this approach to the beneficial use of the attic space, no doubts about the insulation of the roof arise. Whatever type of roofing is chosen, none of them will provide the required protection from winter cold. And in the hot summer, the roof slopes heat up to such an extent in the sun that staying in an uninsulated attic becomes not only uncomfortable, but even completely intolerable from the heat. This, by the way, should never be discounted - insulation, or more correctly, thermal insulation of the roof helps to ensure an optimal microclimate in the attic at any time of the year.


But what about those whose immediate construction plans do not include converting the attic into a useful space? Maybe we should limit ourselves only to high-quality thermal insulation of the attic floor?

How is the attic floor insulated?

The ceiling of a room bordering on top of an unheated and uninsulated attic becomes not a “bridge”, but an entire “highway” for heat losses. This can be eliminated by performing a whole range of thermal insulation works. – read in a special publication on our portal.

Of course, we can limit ourselves to this. But it would be better to listen to the arguments in favor of insulating the roof slopes, even if this is associated, of course, with additional costs:

  • All details of the rafter system and the internal arrangement of the attic will be protected from the destructive effects of temperature and humidity changes. Therefore, the durability of the entire roof structure as a whole will increase.

  • Energy efficiency increases sharply when considered on a building-wide scale. That is, the insulation of the roof, even with high-quality thermal insulation of the attic floor, will still make its “mite” in achieving the most comfortable conditions at minimal cost from an external energy source.
  • Most modern insulation materials have the ability to effectively absorb sound vibrations. Insulated roof slopes will not become “resonators” during heavy rain or hail. This is especially true for roofing materials traditionally considered “noisy” - metal or slate.

  • Finally, what seems unnecessary or temporarily unfulfillable today may turn into a pressing need in the future. This means that current circumstances may lead the owners of the house to the idea of ​​​​the need to expand the usable area due to the attic space. So it’s better to have a warm attic right away than to subsequently do it “from scratch,” which can often involve reworking or replacing individual elements of the rafter system that have already experienced long-term negative influence of external factors. Sometimes such work cannot be carried out without temporarily removing the roof covering. In short, it will be much more expensive. So it makes sense to think ahead in advance.

Criteria that roof insulation must meet

To make the right choice, you need to know the criteria by which this material should be evaluated. There are many of these criteria, and it should immediately be noted that not a single insulation material fully meets all of them. So you often have to choose which advantage to give preference to.

So, the “ideal” material for thermal insulation of a roof seems to be one that meets all the following requirements:

  • Of course, thermal insulation qualities should be placed in the first position. The material must have low thermal conductivity, that is, create the maximum possible resistance to heat transfer under specific application conditions. This indicator can be assessed by looking at the thermal conductivity coefficient, which must be indicated in the list of thermal insulation characteristics. To insulate the roof, where you can’t really “scatter” with the thickness of the insulation and the weight of the thermal insulation structure, they try to use materials with a thermal conductivity coefficient of no more than 0.05 W/m×C°. And the lower this figure, the better.
  • The second most important thing is the density of the material. Nobody needs unnecessary overloads on the rafter system. So the less the insulation layer that is sufficient to create comfortable conditions weighs, the better.
  • The problem with many insulating materials is their excessive hygroscopicity, that is, the ability to absorb moisture literally from the air. And overmoistening always leads to at least a loss of thermal insulation qualities. This means that ideally the insulation should have a minimum moisture absorption, and even better – pronounced hydrophobicity. This is especially important in roof conditions, where exposure to moisture cannot be avoided.
  • The insulation material must maintain its qualities over a wide temperature range. That is, thermal insulation should “work” equally well both in extreme frosts and in the peak of summer heat.

  • The most important qualities of a material, especially used for roof insulation, are fire safety indicators. This concerns fire resistance, the ability to become a flame spreader, smoke generation, toxicity of combustion products. The ideal material appears completely non-flammable, but, alas, in this matter many insulation systems are far from doing well.
  • The stability of the material, that is, its durability under real operating conditions. An ideal insulation should not change shape or volume, be resistant to chemical or biological decay, spontaneous or due to external negative influence of one type or another.
  • The insulation should not serve as a breeding ground for microorganisms, nor should it be an attractive place for nests of insects, birds, and mice. And this, by the way, is also a very difficult problem to solve.
  • Thermal insulating material during operation should not pose a danger in terms of the release of fumes harmful to human health or other environmental pollutants.
  • For those who are going to carry out thermal insulation work on their own, the clarity and simplicity of working with the material is important, which does not require excessive effort, special experience, or special equipment.
  • Finally, an important criterion for any building material, including insulation materials, has been and remains affordability.

As you can see, there are a lot of criteria for assessing the quality of thermal insulation materials. And now we will begin to “try on” them with insulation materials that are suitable for thermal insulation of a pitched roof.

What insulation can be considered the best for roofing?

This publication will mainly focus on the most widespread V private construction pitched roof. Flat roofs have their own specific thermal insulation properties, and the materials used for this purpose may be different. Thus, bulk insulation, special mortars with special filling, high-density mineral wool slabs and other materials are widely used. This issue requires a separate detailed consideration, so it will be omitted in this article.

And for pitched roofs, where on The insulation itself will not have a significant mechanical impact; they still try to use materials with a low specific gravity. They can be divided into three groups:

  • Insulation with fiber structure.
  • Rigid insulation with a gas-filled porous structure.
  • Sprayed insulation.

These groups are also heterogeneous - materials can vary significantly in both basic composition and performance characteristics.

Insulation materials with fiber structure

This group of materials has one thing in common - they all represent an interweaving of thin fibers, due to which a layer of immobilized air is created enclosed in them. And this, in turn, becomes a thermal insulation layer. But the starting materials for the production of fibers can have serious differences, even down to their “nature” - mineral or organic. The first includes all types of mineral wool, the second subcategory includes cellulose-based ecowool.

Mineral wool

For thermal insulation of building structures in residential buildings, two types of mineral wool are used. In the first of them, fibers are formed from a melt of quartz glass, in the second, rocks of the basalt group serve as raw materials for production. Hence the names - glass wool and stone (basalt) wool.

There is another type of mineral wool - it is made from waste from metallurgical enterprises, slag. But it has not become widespread in residential construction, since it is inferior in both insulating qualities and durability. Yes and from the point of view of environmental safety Not everything is all right with her either. In a word, there is no particular point in focusing your attention on it.

Prices for mineral wool

mineral wool


But you should take a closer look at glass wool and basalt wool.

Mineral wool based on glass fibers

For the production of glass wool, broken glass and purified quartz sand are used as raw materials. After the mass is melted in ovens, thin fibers are drawn out of it using a special technology, which are then pressed into “carpets” using binding additives. At the final stage of production, the products are cut into blocks or mats of standard sizes.

The production process has been worked out for a long time, there is also no shortage of raw materials, and therefore the cost of glass wool is quite affordable, which predetermines its wide popularity. The inlet form is blocks (slabs), mats in rolls, and recently, easy-to-install slabs in rolls have also been practiced.


TO dignity m of glass wool include the following:

— The specific gravity of the insulation is small, and therefore its installation does not require much physical effort, and the thermal insulation system does not exert a significant load on the roof structure.

— Glass wool blocks or mats have good elasticity. That is, they can be laid in spaces that are somewhat smaller in size - after straightening, they fit quite tightly to each other and to the enclosing elements (in this case, most often to the rafter legs).

“The same quality allows us to significantly reduce the volume of material when packaging it on the production line. This property allows you to reduce overhead costs for transporting insulation. And after removing the packaging, the blocks or mats, expanding, take on the specified dimensions.

— The material is flexible, that is, it can be used for thermal insulation of complex, for example, curved or broken areas without additional cutting into smaller fragments.

At the same time, glass wool also has certain flaws which must not be forgotten:

— This insulation has a fairly high hygroscopicity. Therefore, when using it, special attention is paid to creating a reliable vapor barrier from the attic side, and to the possibility of free evaporation of moisture from the roof side. Otherwise, the insulation will quickly become damp and lose all its thermal insulation qualities.

— Glass fibers are quite fragile. This means that vibrating effects are completely contraindicated for glass wool. Small broken particles of fibers become a serious irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes of the respiratory system, that is, thermal insulation work should be carried out in compliance with special protective measures. Measures should be taken to completely eliminate the possibility of these particles entering the atmosphere of the living area of ​​the house during operation, as they cause allergic reactions.


— The emission of formaldehyde, which is part of the binders, is also one of the disadvantages of the material. But this is more typical for cheap insulation materials of unknown brands (or even those that do not have any brand name at all - this happens too!) Leading manufacturers are trying to reduce emission rates to nothing, and many modern types of glass wool are approved for use not only in residential and public premises , but even in educational and medical institutions.

A few more words can be added about the “branding” of glass wool. The fact is that the construction market is filled with inexpensive materials of very dubious origin. In the production of such glass wool, either outdated technologies are used, or the process of technological control is completely absent. Such mats are characterized by high fiber fragility and strong shrinkage, and glass wool can turn into dust in just a few years. Naturally, there can be no question of any quality of thermal insulation of the roof here. So the pursuit of cheapness often results in considerable additional costs.

If you have already decided to use glass wool for roof insulation, then you should pay attention to quality products, for example, from the companies Ursa or Isover.

For example, let's take a closer look at the insulation from the line « UrsaGeo". For roof insulation from this series are suitable "A private house", "M -11" And "Pitched Roof", whose name speaks for itself.

The basis of all these materials is glass fiber with the addition of special mineral components that reduce the disadvantages characteristic of glass wool. Products from this range are considered completely safe for both humans and the environment.


The products of the Ursa company are characterized by a number of special advantages:

— The material belongs to the group completely non-flammable insulation materials. Not only does the insulation not ignite on its own, it can become a barrier to the spread of flame.

— The company’s technologists managed to reduce the emission of binding organic compounds to such a low level that it can not be taken into account at all - it does not in any way affect the cleanliness of indoor air.

“Thanks to special mineral additives, which are the company’s technological secret, the glass fibers received additional elasticity, that is, it was possible to reduce their characteristic fragility.

— Many types of Ursa Geo thermal insulation, in particular Pitched Roofing, use the interesting URSA Spannfilz technology. This expression can be literally translated as “elastic felt.” The special structure of the fiber board gives it increased elasticity, and the insulation blocks fit very well between the rafters, which makes it possible to do without even additional fastening. And the tight fit eliminates the formation of voids, unfilled with insulation.

— Insulation materials are produced in a form that is very convenient for installation. For example, the “Pitched Roof” material consists of slabs in a roll, which greatly simplifies cutting to the desired size, if necessary.


— The manufacturer guarantees a long period of correctly laid thermal insulation without loss of its insulating properties, without shrinkage and destructuring– at least 50 years.

The main characteristics of fiberglass insulation from the Ursa Geo line, which is excellent for thermal insulation of a pitched roof, are given in the table.

A private houseM-11Pitched roof
Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m×°С0,045 0,044 0,040
Vapor permeability, mg/m×h×Pa0,65 0,64 0,64
Fire safety classKM0KM0KM0
Flammability groupNGNGNG
Operating temperature range, °C60÷+22060÷+22060÷+220
Water absorption in 24 hours, kg/m², no more1 1 1
Release formmats on a rollmats on a rollslabs in roll
Dimensional parameters, mm
- length8350 7000;
9000;
10000
3900;
3000
- width1200 1200 1200
- thickness50 50; 10 150;200
approximate cost1100 rub/m³roll 1200×10000×50 mm - 1220 rub.980 rub. with a thickness of 150 mm;
1070 rub. with a thickness of 200 mm.
Basalt-based mineral wool

Fibers obtained from molten rocks gabbro-basalt groups have a number of advantages over glass ones. They become thinner and longer, they have more elasticity and much less fragility. All this gives mineral wool on this basis higher performance qualities. All the advantages inherent in glass wool are also inherent in basalt wool, and there are, in addition, a number of advantages.

Prices for basalt wool

basalt wool


It is even visually noticeable that high-quality basalt wool has a clearly homogeneous structure; it is given clear geometric shapes. It is much easier to work with such insulation - it is certainly not worth neglecting skin and respiratory protection, but it does not cause as much irritation as glass wool.

Basalt wool is also better at being hygroscopic - special treatment sharply reduces moisture absorption, and the products of some manufacturers even have properties close to hydrophobicity. But this still does not give grounds to refuse vapor barrier. Vapor permeability is high, that is, when the necessary conditions are created, even moisture that accidentally penetrates into the material will easily evaporate through the ventilation gaps of the roofing pie.


Products from well-known brands are also doing well with formaldehyde emission indicators - insulation materials have sanitary certificates with approval for safe use in any residential premises. By the way, it would never be a bad idea to check for a copy of such a certificate when purchasing any insulation material.

Basalt wool slabs are extremely easy to install - both due to their precise “geometry” and due to their pronounced elasticity. And besides, manufacturers provide other “chips”. For example, “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS SCANDIC” slabs, popular among builders, have an edge “spring-loaded” using a special technology, which ensures their precise and reliable fixation at the installation site - between rafters, beams,


An excellent solution for roof insulation - ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS SCANDIC slabs with a springy edge zone, which makes installation simple and very reliable

Basalt wool has few significant disadvantages (if we are talking about really high-quality products from well-known brands). Perhaps this can only be attributed to the higher cost of the material.

The range of basalt insulation materials is quite wide. Along with the “heavyweights” in this area of ​​​​production - the companies ROCKWOOL, PAROC, TechnoNIKOL, the companies Basvul, Isobel, Izovol and others offer quite worthy products. Before purchasing, it makes sense to take a closer look at the brand you like - trustworthy companies always have informative Internet portals, and a network of representative offices has been organized throughout Russia.

As an example to familiarize yourself with the physical and operational characteristics, you can take the already mentioned above insulation “ROCKWOOL LIGHT BUTTS”. By the way, another advantage is that during packaging in production it is compressed by more than half due to vacuum technology. But when the packaging is removed, the slabs take on the specified dimensions without any loss of their performance.

Name of the main operational parameters of the materialIndicators
Thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m×°C):0,039
Specific gravity (kg/m³)30
Flammability groupNG
Fire safety classKM0
Vapor permeability (mg/(m×h×Pa), not less0.03
Moisture absorption when partially immersedno more than 1kg/m²
Dimensions800 ×600 mm
(XL slabs - 1200× 600 mm)
thickness50 or 100 mm
(XL slabs - 100 and 150 mm)
approximate cost- with a thickness of 50 mm - 145 rub./m²
- 100 mm - 285 RUR/m²
- 150 mm - 430 rub/m²

The service life of such thermal insulation is estimated at no less than 50 years.

Organic-based fiber insulation – ecowool

This insulation appeared in widespread use not so long ago, and is even unknown to many. Meanwhile, it shows very good thermal insulation qualities.

The basis for the production of ecowool is ordinary cellulose fibers obtained from wood waste, paper and other waste raw materials. The total cellulose content in this insulation reaches 80 ÷ 85 percent. The rest is additives that ensure the biological resistance of the material (boric acid) and special flame retardants that increase the resistance of cellulose to fire.


Thermal performance indicators of ecowool are very decent: the thermal conductivity coefficient is approximately in the range from 0.038 to 0.043 W/m×° WITH, that is, quite comparable to mineral wool.

The material is famous for its environmental cleanliness (hence its name), and antiseptic treatment reliably protects it from decay and decay, and from damage by pathogenic microflora. Rodents and insects do not make nests in ecowool.

According to the degree of flammability, the material belongs to group G 2 - low-flammable, self-extinguishing. Combustion products do not contain toxic substances, which is typical, for example, of synthetic insulation.

Ecowool is quite hygroscopic, so issues of reliable hydro- and vapor barrier will definitely have to be thought through. But due to the capillary structure of natural fibers, moisture also easily evaporates from the material without disturbing its qualities. Interestingly, in this way, ecowool insulation stands are able to “automatically” maintain optimal humidity balance in the room.

Prices for ecowool


Ecowool is laid using “dry” and “wet” technologies. But application by the “wet” method, that is, by spraying, is not particularly justified on roof slopes that have a negative slope on the attic side - there will be too much waste. Therefore, most often this insulation is blown into cavities that are created using vapor barrier membranes or the internal lining of the attic.


Insulation of roof slopes with ecowool - the material is blown into the created cavities using a special installation

The density of the insulating layer, depending on the application method, ranges from 40 to 75 kg/m³.

TO shortcomings Similar insulation includes the following:

— Even the “dry method” of laying ecowool (with the exception of floor insulation) requires a special installation. In addition, to perform such work well, well-developed skills are needed.

— The process of laying ecowool is very dusty in any case. You cannot start it without personal protective equipment.


The cost of ecowool ranges from 20 to 35 rubles per kilogram. Usually she comes on sale in sealed plastic bags, packaged in 15 or 20 kilograms.

It seems - not so much. But if you look at the price lists of services provided by manufacturers or distributors of such insulation, you will see that you will also have to pay approximately the same amount for installation. And without special equipment it is extremely difficult to do this. This, perhaps, is the most important “minus” of such thermal insulation.

Sprayed insulation

One of the most effective ways to insulate a roof is to spray foam insulation on the back side of the roof slopes. With this approach, the thermal insulation layer becomes almost seamless, that is, without leaving cold bridges.

There are several types of such materials. But the closest thing to “ideal” in terms of all criteria for thermal insulation quality is polyurethane foam.


Perhaps the most reliable and effective way of thermal insulation of a pitched roof is spraying polyurethane foam

The thermal conductivity coefficient of polyurethane foam is very low, estimated at less than 0.03 W/m×°C. The material shows excellent adhesion to almost all surfaces. A closed cell makes the insulation layer vapor-tight, which means that in some cases you can do without additional costs for vapor barrier.

However, all the advantages of the material are also combined with a rather high price. Moreover, polyurethane foam is synthesized directly on site from two initial components, for which special installations are used. That is, “lovers of independent creativity”, one way or another, will have to resort to calling a brigade. And this also costs a lot of money.

There is, however, a caveat - disposable mini-installations for spraying polyurethane foam have recently appeared in construction stores. However, their price is no lower than the cost of professional services.

If you look at the price lists of construction companies in the Central region of Russia, the cost of spraying polyurethane foam 100 mm thick on an area of ​​1 m² ranges from 1100 to 1400 rubles, depending on the manufacturer of the initial components. Agree, it’s very expensive.

We can talk a lot about polyurethane foam, but we will limit ourselves to the brief information given above. The fact is that on our portal a special publication is devoted to this type of insulation. By the way, it also talks about another type of foam insulation - penoizol, which can also be used for thermal insulation of roofs.

Prices for polyurethane foam

polyurethane foam

Special thermal insulation technology - foam insulation

These differ from all other insulation materials, first of all, in their special application technology. Read about the advantages and disadvantages and the features of working with them in a special article on our portal.

Synthetic-based rigid insulation boards

Polystyrene based materials

This group of insulation materials includes the familiar white foam and extruded polystyrene foam. Despite the similarity in chemical composition, the difference in the performance qualities of these materials is very large.

  • Let's start with foam. And here we will immediately express a categorical judgment, with which some may not agree. However, using foam plastic for thermal insulation of roof slopes is extremely undesirable.

There are no words - foam plastic captivates with its low price, quite decent thermal insulation characteristics, lightness, and ease of installation. What more could you want?

But let's take a closer look at its shortcomings:

— The production of polystyrene foam is a fairly simple process that does not require highly complex equipment. And they do this business everywhere, very often without complying with any technical requirements. So talking about any quality standards is simply ridiculous.

— The main disadvantage of polystyrene foam is its flammability. And this material not only spreads flame very well, but also emits deadly toxic substances when burning. Literally a few breaths - and a person receives powerful poisoning, leading to the most tragic consequences. Statistics of fire tragedies show that if polystyrene foam catches fire, people have little chance of surviving even in a not very large fire. Is it worth planting such a “bomb” on such a vulnerable part of the building from the point of view of fire danger as the roof?

Prices for PIR boards


The main component of such boards is polyisocyanurate foam (abbreviated as PIR). It is a gas-filled rigid structure with isolated cells.

Thanks to the special production technology and the specifics of the polymer itself, insulation boards are still considered unsurpassed for its thermal insulation qualities. Thus, the manufacturer claims an absolutely fantastic thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.022 W/m×° WITH! In reality, in real conditions, it may, of course, be more, but even 0.025 is a very good indicator.

The material has high mechanical strength - up to 120 kPa at 10% deformation. At the same time, the density of the slabs does not exceed 40 kg/m³

Wide operating temperature range: from – 70 to + 110 °C.

Almost completely hydrophobic - a closed cell prevents moisture from penetrating inside.

PIR boards can be covered with foil, which gives them additional slickness against moisture. Other types of coatings are also practiced.


Many slab models have convenient tongue-and-groove locking connections, allowing large areas to be covered with a seamless coating.

One of the “pioneers” in the production of such thermal insulation was the Russian company Technonikol. Its product range includes slabs for insulating any areas of the building, including the roof. At the same time, the company also offers ready-made solutions - sets of materials for thermal insulation of the roof between the rafters, under them and on top of them - at the choice of the consumer.


The standard dimensions of the water bowls are 600×1200 mm. The thickness is selected according to need - there is a range of slabs with a thickness from 25 to 150 mm.

There is no doubt - such thermal insulation materials have a great future. But so far they have not become widespread - simply because of the high cost. So, depending on the specific type, the type of external coating and the thickness of the slabs, the price for them varies from 11 to 15 thousand rubles per cubic meter.

TechnoNIKOL is not the only company that has mastered the production of these innovative materials. Watch a video about the insulation of a pitched roof with PIR boards from the company " PirroGroup."

Video: Insulation of roof slopes with innovative thermal insulation - PIR-boards “PirroGroup”

Appendix: How to determine what thickness of insulation is required?

If the choice of insulation has become certain, then the question will inevitably arise - what thickness of thermal insulation should be made to ensure comfortable conditions in the attic. We will need to make a small calculation, and a convenient online calculator will help us with this.

The calculation is not particularly complicated. The algorithm is based on the fact that the thermal insulation system being created must create a total resistance to heat transfer no less than that established by the standards for a particular region, taking into account its climatic characteristics. You can find out the normalized thermal resistance from the attached diagram map. Please note that in this case we are interested in the red numbers - for coatings. This figure in the “three” is always the largest.


The second quantity required for calculation is the thermal conductivity coefficient of the insulating material. The operational values ​​of these coefficients for insulation materials, about which discussed in this publication.

If desired, you can also take into account the lining of the attic space, if it is solid. The materials of such cladding also have certain thermal insulation qualities. And this can, although not particularly large, still reduce the required thickness of the insulation. However, this item is optional, and if the skin is not taken into account, simply leave its thickness at the default value of 0 mm.

The final result will be shown in millimeters. All that remains is to bring it to the standard thickness of the selected insulation, rounded up. For example, it turned out to be 132 mm. You can use two-layer insulation with slabs 100 and 40 mm thick, or use slabs 150 mm thick. Here you can already choose for reasons of cost-effectiveness of one or another possible option and according to the planned insulation installation scheme.

Korovin Sergey Dmitrievich

Master of Architecture, graduated from Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. 11 years of experience in design and construction.

When installing a warm attic or attic, the roof of a house needs thermal protection. Most often, when constructing the roof of a private house, it is made pitched, this allows you to use the space under the roof and significantly reduce the cost of 1 m2 of area. When carrying out measures for thermal protection of pitched roof structures, mineral wool has become the most common material. Insulating the roof with mineral wool from the inside allows you to achieve excellent thermal protection.

What is mineral wool

Mineral wool is a fairly common material that is available in several types. The first classification is based on the origin of the raw materials. There are three types of mineral wool:



The most commonly used material is basalt fiber. In addition, the division occurs according to the shape of the insulation. It is produced in two types:

Mineral wool slabs are more durable. When insulating the roof with your own hands, securing them is quite simple. Rolled material has low strength, but at the same time its weight is lower than that of plates. When pitched roof slopes are more than 30 degrees, insulation in rolls is not used. In other cases, it will become a cheaper alternative to slab insulation.

Pros and cons of the material

Roof insulation with mineral wool has the following positive properties:

  • high heat-protective characteristics;
  • strength and durability;
  • resistance to biological influences (mold, fungus, rodents);
  • resistance to fire and high temperatures, which is especially important when ensuring the fire safety of a wooden house;
  • when insulated from the inside, the slabs hold quite well without additional fastening (during operation, the bottom sheathing becomes an additional holding element);
  • Do-it-yourself thermal protection with mineral wool ensures free movement of air through the material, this has a beneficial effect on the microclimate of the premises of the house.

It must be remembered that protecting the pitched roof of a house with mineral wool has its own characteristics and disadvantages:

  • DIY installation requires special clothing, gloves and a mask, since fiber particles getting on the skin and lungs cause itching and irritation;
  • a sufficiently high degree of water absorption of mineral wool requires the mandatory presence of vapor barrier and waterproofing;
  • When insulating a house with mineral wool, it is important to remember that it weighs more than, for example, polystyrene foam or penoplex.

Calculation of insulation thickness and rafter height

When choosing the height of a board or beam for rafter legs, you must be guided not only by strength calculations, but also take into account the thickness of the insulation. For central Russia, the thickness of the mineral wool layer for a residential building is in the range of 100-150 mm; for the northern regions, the thickness should be increased.

For example, the required height of the rafter leg is 150 mm, and the thickness of the insulation is 180 mm. In this case, you will need to increase the height of the rafters so that it allows you to completely lay mineral wool between the wooden structures and provide a ventilated layer 5 cm thick. If necessary, you can use boards of small cross-section, laid along the rafters. Such boards are called counter-lattice and allow you to competently perform thermal protection of the roof of a house with your own hands from the inside.

You can perform a full thickness calculation without special skills. To do this, you will need to install the Teremok PC application or use the online version.

The program is a fairly simple calculator that can calculate the required insulation thickness or check the already accepted one.

Technology of roof insulation with mineral wool from the inside

To increase the thermal insulation capacity of the roof structure from the inside using mineral wool, it is necessary to prepare the following materials:

  • insulation;
  • vapor barrier;
  • waterproofing;
  • wind protection

Recently, diffusion moisture- and wind-proof membranes are often used, which combine two functions.

To ensure the comfort of the house and its normal operation, the layers of the roofing cake should be arranged in the following order from bottom to top:

  • covering the ceiling from the inside of the room;
  • bottom sheathing;
  • vapor barrier;
  • rafter legs;
  • insulation between rafters;
  • waterproofing;
  • sheathing;
  • roofing covering.

There are other options for fixing mineral wool material: from below the rafters from inside the room or from above. Such methods are used extremely rarely.

Layers of roofing cake with mineral wool

Work on insulation and construction of the roof of the house begins with the installation of the rafter system. After installing the supporting structures, a layer of waterproofing is laid, after which mineral wool slabs are installed from the inside. The next stage of work is the installation of the bottom sheathing, top sheathing and roofing. At the last moment, work is being done to finish the interior of the room. For this, plasterboard sheets 12.5 mm thick in two layers are most often used.

Safety precautions

When independently insulating the roof of a house from the inside with mineral wool, the following precautions must be observed:

  • the room should be well ventilated;
  • cutting tools are used as sharp as possible to reduce the crumbling of mineral fibers;
  • workers must have gloves and a mask that will prevent particles of material from entering the skin and lungs;
  • After completing the work, it is strongly recommended to immediately change clothes, wash your hands thoroughly, and then wash your face with cold water.

When fiber particles come into contact with the skin, redness and itching appear. To avoid unpleasant sensations, it is enough to follow safety precautions.

The use of mineral wool in construction is very wide. This material is most often used for roofs, since it fits best between the rafters and has many other positive characteristics.

In order for mineral wool to last a long time and not cause problems during operation, it is enough to follow the installation technology and purchase high-quality material. There are several well-known manufacturers on the market, such as Rockwool, Isover, Ursa, Paroc. These materials are used in many types of construction and have proven themselves.

Source: domzastroika.ru

High-quality roof insulation with mineral wool from the inside - a quick and effective do-it-yourself installation method

Insulation of the roofs of private houses is done from the inside and can be done with your own hands,

if the owner is determined to pay close attention to such an important operation to ensure heat conservation in the house.

Most widespread material for insulating a house is rightfully considered mineral wool.

Mineral wool has many advantages and it is rightfully recognized by many builders.

Advantages of mineral wool

The main advantage of this material is its special fibrous structure, due to which the material has excellent thermal insulation characteristics.

The material lends itself perfectly I'll reveal– for this you can use the most ordinary knife with a long thin blade.

As you can see, roof insulation with mineral wool slabs is not only practical, but also profitable.

The advantages of the material can be listed as follows:

  • low thermal conductivity;
  • sustainability to fires;
  • high sound absorption;
  • resistance to deformation;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • opportunity long-term operation.

Abroad, roof insulation with ecowool is very common, which is highly environmentally friendly and safe. In our country, glass wool is also used, which is almost a complete analogue of mineral wool.

Types of mineral wool

The name “mineral wool” refers to different types of material with the same structure. Vata can have different form release - slabs, mats or rolls.

Wool made from basalt is called basalt or stone. Also produced are a slag variety, which uses waste from blast furnaces, and so-called glass wool for roof insulation.

Glass wool and the slag variety of material are not as popular as the first type. They do not have a particularly long service life and not the best thermal insulation characteristics. They are used mainly for insulating temporary buildings and utility rooms. It should be borne in mind that glass wool can absorb moisture, albeit in small quantities. For capital construction, it is better to use cotton wool based on basalt rocks.

Roof insulation with mineral wool - basic rules

Insulating the roof from the inside with mineral wool includes several mandatory steps. Both the roof deck and the attic floor must be insulated. Read more about the roof insulation scheme in this article.

In the latter case, logs are made on the floor sheathing and slabs of material are installed in it. Flooring is laid on top.

When insulating the roof, cotton slabs are suitable in between rafter system. It is important to select the correct slab sizes. The material is very elastic and can be inserted with light force - this allows you to securely strengthen it. Installation done in this way helps to avoid no gaps, which minimizes the work of sealing the surface.

Thin slabs must be laid in two layers. The structural elements are laid out in such a way that seams top and bottom rows didn't match- this allows us to provide a denser, impermeable thermal insulation layer.

Stages of work on insulating a pitched roof

A thermal insulation material such as mineral wool must be provided with double protection.

If the roofing material has defects that cannot be recognized in time, the insulation will get wet and strongly will reduce their thermal insulation characteristics. We also recommend reading about the insulation of pitched roofs.

Installation of vapor barrier and waterproofing is required to prevent the thermal insulation layer from getting wet and preventing heat from escaping.

Insulating the roof of a house with your own hands is accessible even to beginners and does not require any special knowledge from you.

Technology roof insulation with mineral wool will look like this:

  1. Creation waterproofing layer. Polyethylene or reinforced material is used for it. Waterproofing covers the entire surface of the roof. It is recommended to leave between the film and mineral wool ventilation gap. This will help increase the service life of the material, as it ensures its drying. You can use wooden conductor slats or a wire frame for this.
  2. Joints all materials after installation in place sealed.
  3. Settling in vapor barrier.
  4. Performed if necessary finishing.

Choosing an insulation scheme

Don’t forget to leave a gap between the waterproofing and the mineral wool

Roofing pie device

These are general instructions for laying an insulating pie. Depending on specific conditions, work performance may vary. As you can see, the technology for insulating a roof with mineral wool is very simple and understandable, and is quite accessible even to a beginner in the construction business. You can read about how to insulate a roof yourself without losing quality by following the link.

How to insulate a ventilated flat roof

A ventilated flat roof is usually arranged in such a way that between the slope and the ceiling had a minimum distance. If you are planning to make a living space under a roof, we recommend that you read the article on insulating the attic yourself.

Roof insulation with mineral wool is carried out as follows: scheme:

Thermal insulation is laid on the attic floor, secured with dowels. Insulation of a flat roof with mineral wool is performed in the following order:

  • The condition of the entire structure is checked and damaged elements are replaced.
  • The surface of the coating that needs to be insulated is cleaned, and a vapor barrier film is laid.

Insulation of a ventilated roof

If reinforced concrete slabs are to be insulated, a vapor barrier is not needed - concrete does not allow moisture to pass through.

  • Thermal insulation mats are laid between the beams of the rafter system. Should be left near the cornice ventilation gap.

How to insulate an unventilated roof

The peculiarity of this type of construction is that there is no gap between the roof and the ceiling. The wool will be laid on the base.

  1. A vapor barrier layer is placed on the prepared, cleaned base.
  2. Laying mineral wool slabs - if there are several layers, they should be arranged in checkerboard pattern to avoid getting joints. The slabs should be adjacent to each other as tightly as possible.
  3. Placed on top of the slabs roofing felt.

Insulation of a non-ventilated roof

Another way to insulate a flat roof is to arrange “ rolled ceiling” when thermal insulation is placed on top of the rafters. It is necessary to carefully perform all calculations when choosing this method.

Review of alternative insulation materials

Other materials can be used for thermal insulation of roofs, but before purchasing it is better to carefully weigh their pros and cons. Recently, roof insulation has often been practiced. ecowool, which, despite many useful qualities, has a significant drawback - high price.

Expanded polystyrene or polystyrene boards are easy to install, lightweight, and with the right choice of thickness they will provide good thermal insulation. But the flammability of these materials should be taken into account, and when burned, they also release toxins that are hazardous to health. Their use is justified only in non-residential premises.

Expanded clay is well suited for insulating flat roofs, floors, and any horizontal surfaces. Its use on broken surfaces impossible– it consists of small burnt granules.

But today this insulation option is the most expensive when roof insulation with mineral wool is one of the most budget-friendly. In addition, it will not be possible to apply it during the cold season.

Useful video

You can see the nuances of roof insulation with mineral wool in this video:

Conclusion

When calculating materials and stages of thermal insulation arrangement, it is necessary to take into account not only the design features of the roof. It is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the selected or existing coating, the climate at the location of the house, and other conditions. The article provided only general recommendations.

Source: expert-dacha.pro

Roof insulation with mineral wool

The biggest loss of heat from houses and buildings occurs through the roof of the house. This is hardly noticeable on the lower floors of buildings, but more heat is needed to heat the upper floors.

To insulate the roof, you need to choose the optimal material option. It must not only be airtight, but also fire resistant and non-toxic.

Taking into account such requirements, mineral wool will be the best option.

Types of mineral wool

There are varieties of mineral wool: glass and basalt. The latter is made from rock - gabbro-basalt. During production, carbonates are added to it, which allows you to regulate its acidity.

A factor such as acidity is of great importance for mineral wool. The more acidic the cotton wool is, the less sensitive it is to water.

The type of cotton wool in which the acidity is higher is considered more durable. Synthetic, bituminous or composite clays are added to give shape. Glass wool does not require much explanation; its name speaks for itself.

This is a mineral composition, for the production of which the same ingredients are used as for glass (this can be broken glass).

The two types of wool differ in their properties. Glass wool is usually 15 microns thicker (from 3 microns), but basalt wool is several times longer.

The conclusion suggests itself: glass wool is a more durable material that can withstand more aggressive environmental factors than basalt. Also, glass wool does not burn.

Insulating a roof with mineral wool is difficult when working on roof slopes with a rafter structure. In such cases, it is better to use thick cotton wool. To prevent moisture from accumulating under the roof, you need to use cellulose wool.

Advantages and features of mineral wool

Mineral wool has the following advantages:

  • wide range of products. Mineral wool is produced in the form of slabs, rolls or mats. Due to this, it is possible to choose the option that is best suited for thermal insulation of a certain area of ​​the building. Also, types of mineral wool differ in density: material in the form of slabs has a high density, and roll insulation is lighter;
  • has high thermal insulation characteristics. Mineral wool has a porous structure. This material consists of small layers. Due to this, it retains heat well and also provides excellent sound insulation;
  • fire safety of the material. Mineral wool does not burn and does not spread fire. For this reason, it is often used for thermal insulation of interfloor ceilings. Manufacturers of mineral wool claim that this material can withstand temperatures above 900 degrees Celsius;
  • mineral wool does not deform, and this is a very important advantage. This material does not shrink, therefore, there is no formation of “cold bridges” that cause heat loss;
  • frost resistance. This property allows the use of mineral wool for thermal insulation of external elements of a building;
  • mineral wool is an environmentally friendly material. It is used for thermal insulation of health resorts and medical institutions, as well as children's rooms.

This insulation is produced in various forms - plates, cylinders, mats; You can buy cotton wool covered with foil.

Mineral wool has features that cannot be called positive. These include:

  • low strength. This is due to the high porosity of mineral wool;
  • to ensure a high level of thermal insulation, this material should be used together with a waterproofing film and a vapor barrier membrane;
  • when using mineral wool with fiberglass, it becomes unsafe because formaldehyde is added to it;
  • high hygroscopicity (therefore high waterproofing is done).

To attach such insulation, planks are nailed to the inside of the rafters (they are used to make a lattice), to which the cotton wool will be attached. On the outside, cotton wool is laid in one layer (the layers depend on the thickness of the wool).

After laying the insulation, waterproofing is applied. It is important at this stage not to confuse the sides of the insulation. The top layer does not allow moisture to pass through, and the bottom layer is an obstacle to steam.

The waterproofing is not stretched; an air space remains between it and the wool. There should be air space in front of the skate, which will create additional traction.

Insulation method

To start insulating the roof with mineral wool, you need to cut it (if necessary) so that it fits in size to the distance between the rafters.

If cotton wool is used, for example 10 cm, and the thickness of the thermal insulation is more than 10 cm, then another layer of wool is laid perpendicular to the rafters. There are two ways to strengthen the roof of non-residential premises.

The first is to insulate the floor, and the second is to strengthen the roof slopes. The first case does not require any special preparation or special costs.

There is no need to go around the rafters, as in the second case. Strengthening the roof slopes of non-residential premises is thus costly. A large amount of wool will be required, which must be strengthened by going around the rafters.

Mineral wool grades

Mineral wool is produced in the form of mats and slabs. It is used for thermal insulation of ceilings, partitions, roofs, partitions, as well as internal walls. When working with this material, as a rule, no special problems arise. Mineral wool can be laid not only on a flat surface, but also on a non-standard surface.

Mineral wool grade p-75

There are the following brands of mineral wool, which differ from each other in their density:

  1. P-75. Mineral wool of this brand has a density of 75 kg/m3. It is usually used for thermal insulation of horizontal surfaces that are not subject to heavy loads (some types of roofing, attic spaces). This brand of wool is also used for insulation of oil and gas pipes, as well as pipes of heating plants. Mineral wool of lower density is also produced, but it is used in cases where there is almost no load.
  2. P-125. This material has a density of 125 kg/m3. It is used for thermal insulation of partitions, ceilings, floors and interior walls of the room. Mineral wool of this brand creates good sound insulation. Therefore, when using it, you can not only insulate the building, but also create good sound insulation.
  3. PZh-175. This is a dense material with increased rigidity. It is used to insulate floors and walls made of profiled metal or reinforced concrete.
  4. PPZh-200. Mineral wool of this brand has increased rigidity. Used in the same cases as PZh-175. The difference between PPZh-200 and the previous brand is that it is fireproof.

How to cut mineral wool?

It is advisable to cut stone wool insulation with a special knife with a serrated blade or a hacksaw. The tool used for these purposes must be well sharpened.

This is necessary to ensure that there are as few torn insulation fibers as possible. Many manufacturers of thermal insulation materials offer customers special cutting tools. These are knives whose length is approximately 300 millimeters, as well as saws with straight teeth.

It is important to note that the thermal insulation material must cover the insulated space very tightly. Therefore, it is necessary to leave allowances before cutting.

Thermal insulation of the floor

Interfloor and attic floors are made of load-bearing beams or reinforced concrete. In the first case, the heat insulator is placed in the space between the floor beams, and in the second - on the surface of the slabs.

Insulation of the attic floor

First of all, it is necessary to install a vapor barrier. It will protect the thermal insulation from moisture and steam. Before laying the vapor barrier film, you must study the instructions for its use. If the vapor barrier is installed incorrectly, it will not perform its tasks.

Flat roofs are usually insulated with rigid mineral wool slabs, the density of which is more than 150 kg/m3. A layer of waterproofing is laid on top of it. The slabs must be laid very tightly to each other. In this case, the seams should not be located on the same line. The optimal thickness of the mineral wool layer is 25 centimeters.

You can also insulate interfloor and attic floors using sawdust. They are used together with sand, clay, lime and cement. The composition provides good thermal insulation.

Expanded clay is also often used to insulate the attic. This material contains a large number of pores, due to which the thermal insulation function is ensured.

When using these materials, financial costs will be lower, and the quality of thermal insulation will be no worse than in the case of mineral wool insulation. When choosing insulation, you should take into account the height and area of ​​the building, the materials from which it is built and other parameters.

Video about thermal insulation of attic floors:

Insulation of pitched roofs

To insulate the roof with mineral wool, it is necessary to install steam-hydro- and thermal insulation. The pitched part of such a roof is a multi-layered pie. It can be installed both inside and outside the roof.

To create high-quality thermal insulation of the roof, you must perform the following steps:

  • install a vapor barrier layer. It will protect thermal insulation from air saturated with moisture;
  • use mineral wool as a thermal insulation material;
  • to protect the rafter system and insulation from precipitation, a layer of waterproofing should be installed;
  • it is necessary to provide a ventilation gap. It is created by installing a counter-lattice;
  • At the last stage, the roofing material is laid.

Laying a waterproofing membrane

  1. When insulating the roof of a building with mineral wool, you must ensure that it does not block the ventilation hole.
  2. If a superdiffusion membrane is used during installation work, the heat insulator should be placed tightly on it. This is necessary so as not to block the ventilation gap.
  3. If a regular roofing film is used, then it is necessary to make two gaps: at the top and at the bottom.
  4. When laying mineral wool slabs in rows, care must be taken to ensure that the joints do not coincide with each other.
  5. In order for the insulation to fit tightly to the surfaces of the rafter legs, it is necessary to choose mineral wool of such a size that its width is slightly larger than the distance between the rafters.
  6. Mineral wool slabs must fit very tightly to each other.
  7. When insulating a roof with mineral wool, it is necessary to install a layer of waterproofing. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the quality of the connection of the waterproofing film.

Installation errors

Before installing mineral wool, you must perform the following steps:

  • check the truss structure. If there are rotten elements, they must be replaced;
  • treat the roof with antiseptics;
  • check communication systems: water supply and electricity;
  • It is best to insulate a pitched roof with material in the form of slabs or rolls, since they fit well onto the sheathing.

There must be a ventilation space between the mineral wool layer and the roofing material. When insulating a pitched roof in a private house, not only thermal insulation is provided, but also sound insulation.

Inexperienced specialists often make the following mistakes:

  • You should not use a heat insulator whose width is less than the distance between the rafters. In this case, heat loss will occur through the cracks;
  • You should not insulate the roof with material with a high level of humidity. This will cause rotting of the wooden elements of the rafter frame;
  • If you do not install hydro- and vapor barriers, the thermal insulation system will not work properly, and its service life will be significantly reduced.

Video on how to insulate a roof from the inside with your own hands:

Source: info-krovlya.ru

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 on the roof 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 with 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. The main disadvantage of this material is its ability to cause irritation upon contact with open areas of the human body, so it is necessary to work with it only 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 about 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 using mineral wool of this type, since it is not used for internal roof insulation due to its extremely negative impact on the human body.

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

Before you insulate the roof of a house from the inside with your own hands, you need to understand the options for installing thermal insulation. 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 only relevant if the thickness of the insulating layer does not exceed the width of the rafters, otherwise you will have to do combined thermal insulation of the roof.

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. A waterproofing film must be laid in advance on top of the rafters, 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 parallel to the 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 inward, and after installing the insulation, they are straightened.
  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.

Conclusion

Insulating the roof from the inside with mineral wool is a fairly effective means of protecting 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.