How to insulate a pitched roof. Insulation for roofing - making the right choice Materials for insulating pitched roofs

Roof insulation from the inside is carried out not only to install in the attic extra room, but also for maximum heat retention throughout the house.

If the building has an attic roof, then insulation is carried out directly on the roof itself, which is not only the roof for the future room, but also the walls. If the structure has one slope, then most often the thermal insulation is installed in the attic floor.

The third option for thermal insulation measures is used in regions with harsh climates, where both the roof itself and the ceiling are insulated from the inside.

Types of insulation used

The modern building materials market offers quite a lot types of insulation, of which you can choose the one suitable for any thermal insulation work.

• Bulk materials are sawdust, expanded clay of different fractions, slag, dry leaves or pine needles. These insulation materials are used for filling into the attic floor, and they perfectly protect the lower rooms of the house from the penetration of cold, but they will not be able to make the attic itself warm.

• Mineral wool various types, expanded polystyrene, penoflex and polyurethane foam are suitable for insulating both attic floors and.

All these materials are quite light, so they will not weigh down the structure of the roof and the entire house, but will make it much warmer. Installation technologies thermal insulation materials differ from each other, so it is worth considering some of them.

It should be noted that with the advent of auxiliary materials that facilitate the work process and are aimed at protecting the thermal insulation itself from external influences and preserving their performance qualities, the installation process has become easier.

Video: mineral wool is an excellent material for roof insulation

Prices for mineral wool

Mineral wool

Vapor barrier coatings

One such material is vapor barrier film. It is designed to protect wooden structures and insulation from exposure to vapors that arise during temperature changes and lead to the formation of condensation. Excess moisture provokes the appearance of mold, which destroys the structure of the wood, reduces the thermal insulation characteristics of the insulation and contributes to the appearance of unpleasant odor in room.

The vapor barrier membrane is fixed to the roof or ceiling structure before laying insulation materials.

When using a vapor barrier film in a heated room, it is placed only under the finishing layer of the walls.

To protect structures that are exposed to high temperatures on one side, and on the other - low, vapor barrier must be located on both sides. Such structures include wooden attic floors and roofing when it is insulated. Concrete plates do not require installation of vapor barrier materials.

The protective film may have different thickness and be of different types - the usual one nonwoven fabric or foil membrane. If the latter is used on an attic floor structure, it is laid with foil down, as it reflects the heat rising from below to the ceiling, thereby preventing it from escaping outside. The sheets of material are fastened together with foil tape, which helps create a tight seal.

Prices for various types of insulating films

Insulating films

Insulation of the attic floor

Any insulation measures are best carried out during the process of building a house, but, unfortunately, very often it is done only when they feel the winter cold.

Before filling or laying insulation, you need to carry out preparatory work. This is especially important if fine-grained expanded clay and sawdust slag are used.

• Previously, when there were no modern auxiliary materials on sale, the wooden attic floor was prepared as follows:

— The boards attached to the floor beams were carefully coated with a solution of clay or lime, which had a medium consistency. These natural materials create good tightness of the ceiling, but at the same time allow the entire structure to “breathe”.

— After the clay or lime had completely dried, insulation work. Previously, slag, sawdust, dry leaves, or a mixture of these materials were mainly used for this. They were poured between the beams onto prepared boards.

It should be noted that the old traditional method- quite reliable, and therefore some builders even prefer it to modern ones to this day.

• IN modern construction Basically, a special vapor barrier film is used for flooring under insulation. Its canvases are laid completely over the entire area of ​​the attic, overlapping by 15-20 cm, deepening between the floor beams and secured to boards and beams. It is recommended to glue the canvases together with construction tape.

The film will become an additional barrier to the escape of heat from the premises of the house through the ceiling, since the heated air rising, not finding a way out, will descend and remain inside the house.

• Next, insulation material is poured onto the film, mineral wool is laid, expanded clay is poured, or the openings between the beams are filled with ecowool. You can also use previously used insulation - slag or sawdust.

• To avoid the occurrence of cold bridges across wooden beams, they also need to be secured with a layer of thin insulation.

• Another layer of vapor barrier is laid on top of the insulating material, just as before - overlapping. This layer of film is secured to the floor beams with slats, which are more often called counter slats.
• A covering of boards or thick plywood is laid on top.

Sometimes the vapor barrier can be fixed from the inside of the room to wooden ceiling, but in this case it will need to be finished, for example, with plasterboard boards. They will level the ceiling and become another additional insulating layer.

Insulation of roof slopes

When insulating roof slopes, as well as when insulating floors, use mineral wool and polystyrene foam, but mineral wool in this case it is preferable, since it has practically zero flammability.

If you still decide to use polystyrene foam, it is recommended to purchase an extruded version. Although it has a slightly higher thermal conductivity, it is not flammable, and this is very important for wooden structures.

To insulate roof slopes, different systems are used, but they always contain a layer of vapor barrier material, insulation, waterproofing and counter-lattice.

1. This diagram shows one of the options for the insulation “pie”. It is used in roofing and decking roofing.

• It is laid on the rafter system. Typically, polyethylene is used for this layer, having high density(more than 200 microns thick) - it will protect the roof not only from moisture, but from wind penetration under it. The film is laid with an overlap of 20 ÷ 25 cm and secured to the rafters using staples and a stapler.
• A counter-batten with a thickness of 5 ÷ 7 mm is fixed on top of the film on each rafter. It is necessary so that the roofing material does not adhere directly to the waterproofing film, and there is a small distance between them for air circulation.
• Further, if the roof slopes are covered with soft roofing material, it is necessary to lay plywood on top of the counter slats. In the case when slate or other hard material is used sheet material, instead of plywood, a sheathing is installed, the width between its slats is calculated according to the length of the sheets of roofing material.
• When the sheathing is ready, the roof is covered with the selected coating.

After this, you can move on to insulation measures, which are carried out from the inside, that is, from the attic.

• Mats are laid between the rafters mineral wool or other insulation. They should fit as tightly as possible between the elements of the wooden structure. Installation of mats is carried out starting from the bottom, gradually rising to the ridge. The insulation should have a thickness the same as the width of the rafters or slightly less her, approximately 10 ÷ 15 mm.
• The laid insulation is covered with a vapor barrier film, which is secured to the rafters with slats. The film is also overlapped and glued with construction tape.

• Further, if the attic space is to be equipped as a living room, then the entire surface is covered with plasterboard or clapboard. In addition, in this case, in addition to the walls and ceiling, the floors, that is, the attic floor, are also insulated.

2. Another option could be a thicker insulating “pie”, which is also installed immediately when installing the roof.

• In this case, a waterproofing windproof film is also laid on the rafter system.
• A sheathing for roofing material is placed on top of it.
• Next, from the attic side, the first one is laid between the rafters. a layer of insulation that must have equal to the width of the rafters.
• Then transverse slats are placed on the rafters at a distance from each other equal to the width of the insulation of the next layer. In this case, thinner insulation is used. Its thickness should be equal to the thickness of the padded cross slats.
• After this comes a vapor barrier film, which is secured to the slats with brackets.
• The interior finishing material is then attached to the slats.

If the roof is insulated in an already built house where the roofing covering is fixed, then a vapor barrier is secured to the rafters from the attic side with brackets, and only after that the insulation is laid. Next, the process proceeds in the same way as in the previous options.

Roof insulation from the inside with polyurethane foam

Insulation with polyurethane foam proceeds differently than with bulk materials or mats of mineral wool and polystyrene foam.

This method of thermal insulation has recently become increasingly popular and is suitable for both ordinary attics and the attic, which will later become an additional room.

If the attic is ventilated and there will be no living space in it, then only the attic floor is insulated. To do this, it is recommended to moisten the boards and beams for better adhesion, and a thin layer of polyurethane foam is sprayed onto the wet surface between the beams. After it foams, increases in volume and hardens, if necessary, another layer is applied. Such insulation will be quite enough to keep the house warm, since the foam penetrates into all the cracks and seals them hermetically.

If the attic’s height allows for a room to be built in it, or the attic is an attic superstructure to the house, in addition to covering it with polyurethane foam, the roof slopes are also insulated.

Spraying begins from the bottom of the structure, gradually rising to the ridge. Foam is sprayed between the rafters, and its lower layers, rising and hardening, will serve as support for the next upper layers applied.

A similar or attic creates a completely sealed, unventilated space. Polyurethane foam will retain heat well indoors in winter and will not allow the attic to overheat on hot summer days. However, ventilation should still be provided, since the room must receive air flow.

This type of thermal insulation has the following advantages over other insulation materials:

• The polyurethane foam coating has no joints or seams throughout the entire insulated area.
• A significant reduction in temperature changes in the attic and rooms on the lower floors is achieved.
• The building receives reliable protection from low and high temperatures affecting the house from the outside.
• This method of insulation shows a high payback in a very short time, by reducing heating costs due to the low thermal conductivity of the sprayed material.
• When spraying polyurethane foam directly onto the roof, it gets extra rigidity and strength, as for the roofing coating forms a reliable connection with the entire roof structure. At the same time, the polyurethane foam layer does not lead to significant weighting of the roof.
• Convenience application - foam closes everything hard to reach places roofs and ceilings, penetrating into all large and small holes and cracks, expanding and sealing walls and floors.
• Polyurethane foam is highly resistant to moisture, to the appearance any form of biological life, high and low temperatures, prevents the occurrence and development of wood decay processes.
• Foam not only provides excellent thermal insulation for rooms, but also insulates well from extraneous noise from the outside.
• Polyurethane foam does not shrink, wrinkle or soften.
• The insulation has a fairly long service life, which is about 30 years.
• The material does not emit substances toxic to the human body or unpleasant odors.

The “disadvantages” of sprayed insulation include the following factors:

• The material is toxic when applied, so you need to work using protective equipment.

• Polyurethane foam is susceptible negative influence ultraviolet rays, so after applying the insulation it must be closed finishing material, for example, clapboard, plywood or drywall.
• For installation work For insulation with polyurethane foam, it is necessary to have special expensive equipment. True, if you have the skills to work with this material, then the equipment can be rented. But in the case when this work is unfamiliar, it is better not to take risks, but to invite specialists with equipment to spray the material.

Video: spraying polyurethane foam on roof slopes from the inside

Insulation of the attic and roof is necessary for buildings located in most Russian regions, so this process should not be postponed “for later”, but thermal insulation work should be carried out at the stage of building the house. With the exception of the method of spraying polyurethane, all other insulation measures can be carried out independently, following the work technology. If you enlist the help of a friend, roof insulation can easily be completed in a few days.

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

Physical factors: impact

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

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

Our latitudes will be characterized by:

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

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

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

Processes inside

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

There are several of the most important ones.

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

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

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

Necessity or whim?

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

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

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

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

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

Roof “pie”: what is it like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Requirements for materials and their functions

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

There are four main methods of insulation.

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

Of the minuses, one can note enough high cost, but it is fully compensated by the positive aspects.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to choose?

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

The main criteria are:

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

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

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

If we consider modern insulation materials, the most progressive technology will be roof cladding with foam flex.

This is a durable and lightweight unit that can be easily installed on any surface, be it a wall or ceiling. You can cut the desired piece with a regular knife.

In addition, the storage conditions for penoflex are also distinctive; they can be kept outside at any temperature, but it is better to have packaging on it. It is convenient to use polystyrene foam, also called penoplex, in rooms with unfavorable conditions , because he is not afraid of them, and various microorganisms will not begin to develop in him. Environmental friendliness is a very important feature this insulation

. It does not emit any harmful odors or fumes and is completely harmless to both adults and children.

Preparation

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

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

• There is a specific procedure for this, which includes:
• inspection of the rafter system so that damaged boards can be identified in time and replaced;
• treating wooden structures with an antiseptic;

checking communications if they are located under the roof. This applies to piping and wiring.

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

The process step by step: how to do it? In order for the work to proceed quickly and efficiently, it is important to prepare well, read articles on the topic, watch videos to clearly see what is being done and why in the process of work on internal insulation

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

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

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

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

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

Attic floors

When choosing insulation for an attic floor, you need to take into account its thermal protection, strength and resistance to adverse environmental conditions. It is also important to take into account the type of flooring and the material from which it is made. Concrete and wood have their own characteristics.

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

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

Stingrays

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

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

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

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

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

Flat roof: features of work

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

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

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

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

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

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

The issue of insulation of various pitched roofs is especially relevant today. Rising energy prices are forcing owners of private homes to reconsider their approach to roof construction. After all, it is through it that up to 30% of the heat escapes. And even well-conducted thermal insulation of the ceiling is not a guarantee that heat loss is completely eliminated. Particular attention is paid to the thermal insulation of attic roofs, where the roof structure additionally performs the functions of an enclosing structure, that is, walls.

Thermal insulation of the attic roof from the inside with mineral wool

Insulation for roofing

You need to start understanding the insulation of pitched roofs with thermal insulation materials. They are presented in a fairly wide range on the market, but only four are used for roofs:

• mineral wool slabs are mineral wool pressed into mats;
• polystyrene foam boards;
• polyurethane foam;
• ecowool.

Mineral wool boards

This is a material made from rocks that are heated, melted and drawn into threads. The latter are in a chaotic state in the material itself.

Regarding technical characteristics:

• thermal conductivity – 0.042 W/m K;
• density – from 50 to 200 kg/m3;
• 100% environmentally friendly;
• ease of installation by hand;
• service life 50 years;
• flammability class - NG (non-flammable).

Expanded polystyrene boards

This is foamed polystyrene, whose structure is closed balls filled with air. In this case, air occupies 90% of the volume, which reduces the weight of the insulation and its thermal conductivity.

Specifications:

• thermal conductivity – 0.034-0.044 W/m K;
• density – 25-45 kg/m3;
• flammability class - G3 (burns and supports combustion);
• environmental friendliness is high;
• installation method – manual;
• service life – 20 years.

It should be noted that the higher the density of the insulation, the higher its thermal conductivity.

Polyurethane foam

This is a foamed mass that hardens in air, turning into a durable, seamless coating. Essentially, this is polyurethane foam, only modified. The insulation itself of this type is a two-component material. Its ingredients are mixed in a special container and supplied under pressure through a hose and nozzle to the insulated surfaces.

Specifications:

• thermal conductivity – 0.019-0.028 W/m K;
• density – 55 kg/m3;
• flammability class - G2;
• service life – 80 years;
• environmental friendliness is high;
• installation method - special equipment is required.

Ecowool

This insulation is pure cellulose made from wood. Looks like cotton wool. Here are its characteristics:

• thermal conductivity – 0.038 W/m K;
• density – 40-45 kg/m3;
• flammability class – G1 (low flammability);
• service life – 100 years;
• installation method - using equipment;
• environmental friendliness - 100%.

Comparative analysis

It is incorrect to do such an analysis of insulation for roofs (various pitched roofs). Each material has its own pros and cons. In addition, the price is different, and the installation method varies greatly. For example, polyurethane foam is better than others in its thermal characteristics. But it cannot be applied to the roof without special equipment. And this increases its already high price.

In this regard, mineral wool and polystyrene foam boards the best option. They are easier to install and inexpensive. But their service life is short.

Price comparison:

And one more criterion by which insulation can be compared is the thickness of the layer being laid. Here are the positions:

• mineral wool – 214 mm;
• foamed polystyrene – 120-150 mm;
• foamed polyurethane – 50-100 mm;
• ecowool – 150-200 mm.

Thermal insulation technology for pitched roofs

Insulation of attics gable roofs very different from the thermal insulation of pitched roofs. Because the latter have a small attic space, hence the difficulty of carrying out work from the inside. They are transferred outside from the roofing side. At the same time, we immediately denote that polyurethane foam in single-pitch design does not apply.

Thermal insulation of a pitched roof

So, how to properly insulate a pitched roof:

1. So-called cranial slats are stuffed along the rafters, along the ends, and at the lower edges.
2. Between rafter legs boards or any durable slab or sheet material are laid on the slats: plywood, chipboard, OSB, etc. The legs are fastened with self-tapping screws. Niches are formed.
3. A vapor barrier membrane is laid along the rafter system. Installation is carried out in strips with an overlap of 10-15 cm, after which the joint is closed with self-adhesive tape. Laying should be carried out so that the film covers the niches, emphasizing their shape.
4. The insulation is being installed in the niches.
5. A waterproofing film is laid on top of the rafters in the same way as a vapor barrier film, only stretched without sagging. Fastening to rafter legs with staplers.
6. Installation of sheathing.
7. Installation of roofing material.

As you can see, insulating a pitched roof is not the most difficult process, so it’s possible to carry it out with your own hands even for a person far from construction industry.

Insulation of a gable roof

There are two possible situations here:

1. The roof is already covered with roofing material.
2. Not covered yet.

Let's start with the second case, because it is simpler.

1. A waterproofing film is laid on top of the rafters in strips. Laying method - overlapping with additional fastening of the joint with adhesive tape. The direction of installation is horizontal from the eaves to the ridge. There is no need to tighten too much, a slight sag will provide thermal expansion or compression of the material.
2. The waterproofing is covered with a counter-lattice - these are bars laid along the rafters (along). They create ventilation gap between the roofing and the insulating pie.
3. The sheathing is being filled.
4. Roofing material is being installed.
5. The remaining processes are transferred to the attic (attic).
6. Slab insulation is laid between the elements of the rafter system. The layer (thickness) of the latter should be equal to the width of the rafters.
7. Cover the entire slope vapor barrier membrane exactly the same as waterproofing film above.
8. Panel or sheet finishing is installed: plywood, plasterboard, lining, etc.

If polyurethane foam is chosen as the thermal insulation material, then all work from the inside of the attic is reduced to applying foam to the pitched plane of the roof structure. The main task is the uniformity of the applied material.

If ecowool is chosen as thermal insulation, then first a vapor barrier layer is installed on the attic side of the rafter system. Then holes are made in it, where a hose is inserted, supplying insulation into the space between the rafters. In this way, all areas between the rafter legs are filled. Subsequently, the holes made are sealed with tape.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that ecowool is installed using wet and dry technology. The first is when water is added to the material. In the case of insulation of pitched roofs, dry technology is used.

If the roof is already covered with roofing material

Here the thermal insulation technology differs little from the previous one. The peculiarity is that all work is carried out from inside the attic. And the main one distinguishing feature– waterproofing, which is applied in strips along the rafters with the film recessed into the formed niches. To make it clear what we are talking about, look at the photo, which shows how the waterproofing should be laid and fastened.

All other operations are carried out using the technology described above. That is:

1. The slab insulation is being laid.
2. Installation of vapor barrier film.
3. Interior decoration of the attic.

If polyurethane foam is used, it is simply applied to the rafters covered with film. If ecowool is used, then a vapor barrier layer is laid, and the space between the two protective layers is filled with insulation.

Thermal insulation technology for hipped roofs

The process of insulating a hipped roof hip roof or hipped roof, it is no different from gable insulation. These are all the same stingrays, only there are not two, but four. The volume of work being done is simply increasing.

The only negative point regarding slab insulators is the large amount of waste they generate. It's all about the shape of the stingrays. For a hip roof it is trapezoidal and triangular, for a hip roof it is only triangular. This means that in places where the structure narrows, the thermal insulation materials will have to be cut.

This does not apply to polyurethane foam and ecowool. Here the consumption does not change, and it corresponds to the area of ​​the insulated pitched areas.

What points should you pay attention to?

Despite the apparent simplicity of the operations performed, there are many nuances on which the quality depends final result. And for those who decide to carry out insulation themselves, these are recommended important points don't miss:

• Before starting work, all wooden components and parts must be treated with an antiseptic and fire retardant. First, apply the first one, after drying the second one. Antiseptic composition is protection against biological effects (microorganisms: mold, fungi). Fire retardant composition – fire protection. That is, if a fire starts, the wood will not immediately ignite, it will take several minutes.

• Waterproofing is installed on the roofing material. Its purpose is to prevent leaks, if they suddenly arise, from penetrating the insulation pie. The second purpose is not to let through the moisture that has formed in the layer of thermal insulation material.
• A vapor barrier membrane is the same film, similar to a waterproofing film. But it is denser and does not allow steam (moist air vapor) to pass through. Therefore, its main task is to cover the insulating layer so that moisture coming from the inside cannot penetrate into it. interior spaces buildings and passing through the ceiling. But even with very careful installation, small gaps remain in the vapor barrier layer through which steam enters the insulation. To prevent it from remaining there, waterproofing is laid on top. It is important not to confuse the two materials with each other. Otherwise, the thermal insulation cake will quickly lose its properties. This mainly applies to ecowool and some mineral wool models.
• If you decide to use polyurethane foam as insulation and do the whole process yourself, then it is recommended to purchase a mini-installation consisting of two cylinders into which components are pumped under pressure. When leaving the containers, they are mixed in a special small mixer. And through the hose with the nozzle, the foam is supplied outward. Manufacturers today offer installations with different volumes cylinders, with different speeds of work. This equipment is reusable, simply after using up the ingredients, they are poured into containers. And you can continue working.
• If slabs of foamed polystyrene were used as insulation, then they do not need to be covered with a vapor barrier film. This insulation is not afraid even large quantity water.
• The ideal is to fill the space between the rafter legs completely, both in width and depth.

If the decision is made - insulate the roof own home, then this process should not be put off for a long time. The main thing is to decide on the choice of thermal insulation. And the operation itself is simple. Follow the steps strictly and the high quality of the final result will be guaranteed.

Today, the attics of private houses are being converted into living rooms. The modification path is simple - insulate the roof structure. Namely, a rafter system with lathing, covered with roofing material. This is actually not difficult to do, the main thing is to choose the right thermal insulation material and correctly install it. In this article we will talk about insulation for pitched roofs: what they are, what characteristics they have, and how to install them correctly to guarantee the quality of the final result.

Types of thermal insulation materials for roofing structures

Let's start with the fact that all insulation materials are divided into three main groups: loose, in the form of slabs (mats and rolls), as well as various solutions: foamed or wet. All of them are used today for thermal insulation of roofs of various types. But since the topic of the article concerns only pitched roofs, we will therefore talk about those thermal insulation materials that are used for this type of roofing structure.

Mineral wool boards

Let's start with the fact that the use of mineral wool in slabs appeared relatively recently. Previously, only mats or roll type mineral wool. Today, both modifications are still used, but not on roofs.

It is easier to work with mineral wool slabs; they have a rigid shape, which makes it easy to install in any gap between any elements of the roofing structure. At the same time, their ends can shrink and take on their original dimensions, which is convenient when the slab is inserted between the rafters and then expands, filling the entire space between the rafters. This solves the problem of the formation of cold bridges, because the insulation fits tightly to the ends of the rafter legs.

Mineral wool is molten rock that is spun into threads. And from them they make cotton wool by chaotic mixing. The structure is obtained with a large number of air pores, which are the main criterion for increasing the thermal characteristics of the material. At the same time, the pores have an open structure, and this is bad because moisture easily gets into them, which squeezes air out of them, filling it in the form of condensation. And, as you know, water is a poor heat insulator. Hence the reduction in the thermal insulation qualities of the slab material.

But mineral wool slabs are still used in the process of thermal insulation of pitched roofs. To do this, the laid material is covered with protective films on both sides: on the attic side with waterproofing, on the roofing side with vapor barrier. Both films differ from each other in that the vapor barrier can pass moist air vapor through itself, but only in one direction. Therefore, it is laid so that moisture can pass from the heat-insulating layer towards the roofing material.

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer services roof design and repair. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.

It should be noted that in the modern building materials market, mineral wool boards are represented by several positions, which are based on the density of the products. To insulate pitched roofs, it is recommended to use two of them:

P-125, so-called semi-rigid slabs with a compression ratio of 12%. They have a density of 125 kg/m³.

P-150. The compression ratio is 2%, that is, these are rigid slabs.

Note that the denser the material, the higher its thermal conductivity, respectively, for P-125 this figure is 0.04 W/mK, for P-150 0.049 W/mK. In this case, P-125 is preferable; it can be laid in smaller layer.

Insulation technology with mineral wool slabs

There are two ways to carry out the thermal insulation process:

the roof is just under construction;

The roof has been in use for a long time.

In the first case, a vapor barrier film is stuffed along the rafter legs from the outside. Then the counter-lattice and sheathing are installed, and the roofing material is installed on the latter. All other operations are moved under the roof. There, mineral wool slabs are laid between the rafter legs, and the outside is covered with a waterproofing membrane. And lastly, finishing is carried out using slab or sheet materials.

In the second case, a vapor barrier is laid from the attic side, then insulation and waterproofing. And at the end they carry out the cladding. The photo below shows exactly this option for insulating pitched roofs.

Today, manufacturers offer mineral wool slabs, lined on one or both sides aluminum foil. An excellent option that has increased thermal properties due to the reflectivity of the foil. It does not allow heat waves emanating from heating devices to pass through. That is, they are reflected and remain inside the living space. In this way they reduce heat losses. You just need to indicate that the foil side of the insulation should be laid towards the attic space.

And one more important point regarding the characteristics of mineral wool. This is its non-flammability. In fact, this material does not burn and does not support combustion. It only melts at high temperatures. That is why all experts unanimously recommend using mineral wool slabs as insulation for pitched roofs.

Expanded polystyrene boards

This thermal insulation material consists of polystyrene balls fastened together. At the same time, the polymer itself in the structure of the material is only 2%, the rest is air. This means it is a very good insulator. By the way, its thermal conductivity is from 0.029 to 0.039 W/m K.

It should be noted that closed balls do not pose a threat of filling them with moisture. This means that this thermal insulation material is not in danger of reducing its characteristics when in contact with a humid environment and even water. Therefore, when constructing a warm pitched roof, there is no need to cover it on both sides with protective films and membranes. But experts recommend installing a film between the insulation and the roofing material. It will simply be an additional barrier to protect the under-roof space from leaks.

Today, manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of polystyrene foam boards. They differ in production technology and, accordingly, in characteristics.

Pressed.

Pressless.

Estrusive.

Autoclave.

Extrusion-autoclave.

If you choose from the first two, then would be better suited second. Both brands have almost the same characteristics, and the pressed version is almost twice as expensive.

But, as in the case of mineral wool boards, polystyrene foam is on the market different brands, which differ from each other in density. For roofs it is better to use PSB S-25. This is a self-extinguishing version of polystyrene foam boards with a density of 25 kg/m³. Firstly, it does not support combustion, which is considered a fairly serious indicator in construction. Secondly, this is not the densest material, which means it has low thermal conductivity.

I would like to note the third position from the above list. This is extruded polystyrene foam. His distinctive feature– the smallest balls, the diameter of which does not exceed 0.2 mm. It is the production technology (extrusion) that makes it possible to obtain polystyrene, which can withstand quite serious mechanical loads at a low density. This variety has two disadvantages - low vapor permeability and high flammability (G4). Therefore, the EPS brand is used only for insulating basements.

Advantages and disadvantages

Let's start with the positive characteristics:

low thermal conductivity;

service life up to 50 years;

does not rot, does not crack;

short specific gravity, which does not create a load on the roof truss system;

ease of use;

low price.

And the disadvantages of polystyrene foam:

destroyed by solvents;

can't stand it Sun rays, under the influence of which it turns into dust;

This is a flammable material that emits acrid smoke when burned.

Roof insulation technology with polystyrene foam

It differs from the mineral wool insulation technology only in that the insulation is not covered with a waterproofing membrane on the inside. In all other respects, this is an identical process. The only thing that should be noted is that it is difficult to adjust the dimensions of the slabs to the distance between the rafter legs. Therefore, very often there are gaps and gaps between two elements. This problem can be solved quite simply - they are filled with a special foam sealant. It differs from polyurethane foam in that it does not increase in volume. In addition, manufacturers specially began to produce sealant specifically for use with polymer products.

Video description

In the video, a specialist explains and shows how to properly insulate a roof structure using polystyrene foam boards:

Roof insulation with polyurethane foam

Note that this thermal insulation material is a foam that is applied to the roof rafter system. Under the influence of air, the foam concentrate polymerizes and becomes durable. Essentially, a seamless layer is formed on the insulated planes, somewhat similar to polyurethane foam. In principle, this is what it is, just a different modification with different technical characteristics.

Polyurethane foam is a two-component material. To mix the ingredients, special equipment and a compressor are used, which ejects the finished mixture under pressure. Note that the foam has high adhesive qualities, so it easily sticks to any building materials.

Technical characteristics of insulation:

thermal conductivity 0.019-0.028 W/m K;

density from 30 to 150 kg/m³;

operating temperature from -160C to +150C;

closed bubble form;

water absorption 2%;

low-flammability material (G1);

does not rot, is resistant to solvents and chemicals;

service life – up to 30 years.

Video description

Thermal insulation of pitched roofing with ecowool

This insulation is nothing more than recycled cellulose. There is 81% of it in the insulation. The rest is additives: fire retardant and antiseptic. By appearance This material is a loose mass that is used to fill the areas subject to insulation. To increase speed thermal insulation works and increasing the efficiency of laying material for thermal insulation of roofs, special equipment is used. In it, ecowool is moistened and supplied under pressure through a hose.

Specifications:

thermal conductivity 0.032-0.041 W/m K;

density 30-73 kg/m³;

flammability class – G2 (moderately flammable);

vapor permeability – 0.3;

ecowool easily absorbs moisture and also releases it easily, while its qualities do not change;

this is a good sound insulator, reduces sound pressure by 65 dB with a layer thickness of only 5 cm;

insects and rodents do not like ecowool, the reason is the presence of borax in its structure;

applied seamlessly, does not require additional fasteners;

service life – up to 80 years.

Video description

The video shows how insulation is carried out using ecowool mansard roof private house:

As for the method of laying between the rafter legs, this process is carried out as follows:

A waterproofing membrane is laid along the lower ends in overlapping strips, which are connected to each other with self-adhesive tape;

then the rafters are sheathed from the inside with sheet or slab material (plywood, OSB, chipboard) or boards, leaving free space at the very top;

in the upper part of the mounted membrane between the rafter legs, a hole is made for the hose, where it is inserted;

they turn on the equipment that drives ecowool through a hose, the insulation begins to fill the space between the rafters;

as soon as one section is filled, turn off the equipment, pull out the hose from the hole, which is sealed with adhesive tape;

move to another area and carry out the same operations.

Polystyrene crumb

This thermal insulation material has not found its place in Russia en masse. But in America it is used more often than other insulation materials. Reason – low price with sufficiently high thermal characteristics that practically correspond to polystyrene foam boards. Only the loose material has a lower density and the installation method is very different from its slab counterpart.

Today manufacturers offer crumbs with different sizes granules This parameter varies between 1-8 mm. Small crumbs are not used in construction; their purpose is to stuff toys or upholstered furniture. Polystyrene concrete, which has high thermal insulation properties, is prepared from expanded polystyrene crumbs.

Video description

The video shows what polystyrene foam chips are and where they are used today:

Regarding the insulation of a pitched roof according to wooden rafters, then the crumbs are used almost like ecowool, filling the space between the rafter legs with material. They just do it manually in stages. That is:

cover the rafter system from the attic to a height of 1-2 m, for example, with plywood;

fill the space limited by plywood sheets and roofing material;

coating, polystyrene foam granules;

install the next sheet in height;

carry out filling;

and in this way all the way to the top.

You can also backfill granular insulation from the side of the roof. To do this, you will have to cover the rafters from the inside of the attic with boards or sheets, and fill the material itself from the street. And only then, after the process is completed, begin the installation of the roofing and other necessary layers.

Today the process is mechanized and automated, that is, the material is supplied using pressurized air and hoses.

Conclusion on the topic

We must pay tribute to the manufacturers who today offer a wide range of thermal insulation materials that are used to insulate pitched roofs. Each product presented above has its pros and cons, but all of them are in demand today. Therefore, taking into account the characteristics of the presented materials and their price component, we recommend choosing the one that everyone can afford.

The construction of a private house is accompanied by delving into a whole system of “little things”, each of which affects future comfort. This time we will talk about roof insulation. Of course, the easiest way is to entrust all the work on designing and installing insulation to specialists. However, it wouldn’t hurt a real owner to know the basic rules and capabilities; it’s much easier to detect builders’ mistakes in the early stages, when their correction has not yet become a “build again” category. In addition, the insulation of a pitched roof is not so difficult to understand; many craftsmen do it with their own hands.

People who are far from construction may not realize the importance of roof insulation. Nevertheless, thermal insulation is really necessary - both to reduce the cost of heating the house (so that most of the heat does not go into the sky), and for the possibility of arranging an attic living space, and to increase the durability of the roof itself (that is, all the elements involved in its creation ). And if heat loss is through the roof and residential attic No comments are needed, but it’s worth talking about the effect of insulation on durability in a little more detail. With a “bare” uninsulated roof we get this kind of picture:

• the roof has an outside air temperature, that is, in the winter season from 0 to minus 20-30 degrees;
• in the house itself the air is warm and humid, and this air tends upward (everyone knows the laws of physics);
• encountering a cold coating, the air cools down, and moisture from it condenses on beams, rafters and other roofing materials.

As a result, we have constantly wet roof surfaces, which leads to rotting of the wood and corrosion of metal parts. How long do you think the roof will last in such conditions? So insulation is a must!

How to insulate a pitched roof - theory

Proper insulation roofing is the installation of a so-called heat-insulating “pie” of several layers that perform various functions. The main elements of the “pie” are (from bottom to top):

• internal lining attic space
• air gap
• vapor barrier film
• insulation
• air gap again
• moisture and wind protection with sufficient vapor permeability
• and again the air gap
• external roofing materials

Layer-by-layer arrangement of thermal insulation elements

General scheme surprisingly simple, isn't it? And almost anyone can ensure that the project complies with the above. By the way, for a more complete understanding of why the layers are arranged in this way, watch this short video:

Selection of materials

Theory is theory, but it's time to move on to practice. And the first thing you need to do is select all the necessary materials, tracking not only prices and quality, but also the compatibility of elements. Let's consider the main options for materials of all three categories: water barrier, insulation and vapor barrier.

Waterproofing, also known as wind protection

When choosing a material for waterproofing, you should clearly understand what characteristics it must meet. So, a reliable hydrobarrier should:

• retain water, preventing it from seeping inside to the insulation;
• let steam pass through the insulation layer from the inside to the outside;
• have sufficient strength and elasticity for long-term use;
• maintain their properties over a wide range of temperatures (from approximately -40 to +40°C), as well as when exposed to wind and ultraviolet radiation.

Wind and moisture protection - “breathable” diffusion membranes

Before you go shopping, it’s worth taking a closer look various options moisture protection available in this moment in the construction market. The following types are considered the most common (in ascending order):

• rolled - a dozen varieties of roofing felt, of which Euro- and glass roofing felt are becoming increasingly popular, since they can be easily joined hermetically due to the ability to tightly seal the seams (joints);
• film - many variations belonging to two categories: polyethylene and polypropylene (they are most often called waterproofing), and in the second case, when laying, you need to carefully monitor the correct orientation of the moisture permeability of the sides, but - a bonus - in modern films it is often already present at the edges double-sided tape, which is convenient for fastening panels;
• diffusion membranes are “breathable” materials that allow moisture to pass through only to the outside.

All presented materials fully correspond to the above characteristics, well, give or take. So choose based on your needs and wallet.

It should be remembered that when installing a water barrier, tightness is important - the material should envelop the rafters, and between them it should be fastened with slight sagging (maximum bending - no more than 2 cm at the lowest point)

Insulation for pitched roofs

We will also provide the necessary functionality for the insulation. High-quality thermal insulation material must have the following qualities:

• low thermal conductivity, due to which heat is retained inside the house (the lower this indicator, the thinner the insulation layer is needed);
• the ability to keep its shape for a long time (that is, until the end of its service life);
• optimal density - heavy insulation under its own weight quickly collapses, losing its useful qualities;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• fire safety;
• environmental friendliness - the insulation must be chemically resistant and biologically inert both in its normal state and when heated;
• long service life (with preservation of all useful characteristics)

Insulation for pitched roofs - basalt wool

In principle, there are quite a lot of materials that meet all the specified properties, especially if you take into account various brands. However, most often in attic insulation roofs use two categories of insulation:

• mineral (basalt) wool
• fiberglass

Both thermal insulation is produced in rolls and slabs, the width of which corresponds to the standard rafter distance. Therefore, calculating and laying insulation is the easiest stage in the formation of the roofing “pie”.

It should be remembered that the laying of thermal insulation materials is carried out in such a way that there are no gaps between the supporting structures and the insulation - the tightness of the fit will eliminate the formation of cold bridges

Vapor barrier layer

The requirements for a vapor barrier are very similar to those specified for a water barrier, with the exception of one point. Vapor barrier material must meet the following characteristics:

• if possible, complete moisture and vapor tightness;
• high strength;
• sufficient elasticity;
• stability with annual temperature changes.

Vapor barrier materials

Many people believe (and not without reason) that ordinary dense polyethylene film, in terms of its qualities, fully corresponds to the above list. Still, I would like to expand a little on the information about vapor barriers. So, modern science provides a good selection membrane materials:

• with a reflexive (reflective) layer - has increased vapor and heat resistance, therefore most suitable for use in apartment-type attics (with living rooms, kitchen and bathroom)
• with limited vapor permeability (vapor transmission coefficient (Sd) in the range of 2-4 m) - characterized by diffusion ability, which makes it possible to get rid of residual moisture in rooms where there is no constant vapor formation (that is, in which people do not live permanently)
• with variable vapor permeability - changes the ability to transmit steam depending on humidification (from Sd = 5 m in a dry state to Sd = 0.2 m in a wet state), which allows you not to air gap between the membrane and internal lining attic room

Now you can choose the material that will best suit your desires, so go for it.

It should be remembered that the vapor barrier (as well as moisture protection) must be as tight as possible, so the material must be fastened across the load-bearing elements close to the insulation, and the panels must be overlapped with a minimum overlap of 10 cm and glued using the most convenient accessories- double-sided tape, glue or adhesive tape

As promised - nothing complicated. But now you can easily monitor the work of roofing designers or even install roof insulation yourself. Happy construction days!