Insulation of the mansard roof from the inside. How to properly and how to insulate a mansard roof

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Whether you are building a new structure or remodeling the roof for additional rooms, you need to take care of how to make high-quality insulation. If the roof is already covered, from the inside, all work is carried out taking into account the geometry of the roof and the climatic features of the region. In this material, we have collected all the necessary information about possible methods of insulation and will provide you with practical recommendations from professionals.

A well-insulated attic can serve as a bedroom or even a children's room.

Useful information and video on how to insulate the attic for winter living

A lot depends on the quality insulation of the attic roof. If you plan to use this room in the winter, you need to think carefully about what materials to use for thermal insulation. Another important aspect is the design of the roof.

The peculiarity of the under-roof space is not only in geometry, it is colder here in winter than in other rooms, and hotter in summer. To maintain the optimum temperature, roofers recommend forming a multi-layer "pie" of waterproofing under the roofing, and.

Important point! With a large heat loss through the roof in winter, the snow on it begins to thaw and forms an ice crust. And water, as you know, is looking for any, even the most minimal loophole. So an ice roof is bad, there's a good chance you'll get a leak.

About the need for waterproofing works

All fibrous heat insulators, one way or another, absorb moisture. It can form due to flaws in the roofing or condensation inside the room due to temperature differences. Moisture that gets into the insulation adversely affects its condition. To prevent this is the task of the waterproofing layer.

Modern construction technologies involve the use of membrane materials. They do not allow the formation of condensate and at the same time do not allow external moisture to pass through.

Even at the stage of designing and building a private house, the purpose of each room and its design are thought out. Sometimes, over time, you want to expand the existing squares without significant financial investments. This is easy to achieve by performing insulation from the inside. If the roof is already covered, the installation work is somewhat more complicated. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the technologies used.

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Video: how to insulate an attic for winter living if the roof is already covered

The lack of living space can be compensated if it is reasonable to dispose of the available squares. Living in a private house, you should definitely turn it into a comfortable living space. For those who do not know how to insulate the attic for winter living, a video of the process will definitely help you understand all the intricacies.

We propose to consider in detail all the stages of insulation from the inside, including preparation for installation work and choosing the right one.

Preparing the attic space before starting insulation work

If the attic will be used as a living space, you should prepare for thermal insulation work. This room must meet certain requirements that are prescribed in the relevant regulatory documents. Here, unlike the attic, the roof should have a slope, and the ceiling should not be lower than 2.5 m.

At the preparation stage, you should decide on:

• type of thermal insulation materials that will be used for attic insulation. The level of heat loss and the comfort of living in this room will directly depend on this;
• communications that will be brought to the attic. To do this, you should decide and correctly select the appropriate engineering solutions;
• how the load-bearing elements will be decorated.

Each of these points can have a serious impact on the order and quality of thermal insulation work from the inside. The choice of heat and water insulator will affect the performance of the room. With insufficient thickness, it will be cold at the top, with excess - there is a high probability of condensation.

What tools will be needed to complete the work

The choice of specific equipment and tools depends on the type of thermal insulation material. As a rule, for installation work from the inside, you should prepare:

• scissors and a knife, with which other materials will be cut;
• a construction stapler with ospreys of a suitable size, with which you can fix the panels;
• tools for working with the material from which the house is built. Wood needs a chisel, a mallet, a planer, and a chisel;

In addition to heat-insulating material, to insulate the attic from the inside, you should have available:

• steam and;
• bars for the device of the crate, if its installation is provided for by the chosen method;
• hardware. It is worth buying screws and nails of different sizes;
• construction tape;
• mounting foam.

The choice of insulation for the attic roof

Manufacturers offer a wide range of thermal insulation materials. Each of them has its own distinctive features, which must be taken into account when choosing for a mansard roof. We offer to get acquainted with each of them, so that it is easier to choose the best option.

Styrofoam

The budget option, which is most often resorted to when insulating the attic (and in vain). Easily processed and assembled by hand. Well suited for the attic, as it has a low specific gravity and low thermal conductivity. But at the same time, it has the biggest and most significant drawback: it is extremely combustible and rodents love it very much.

Extruded polystyrene foam

The performance characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam are comparable to the properties of foam. However, the process of forming a heat-insulating coating is somewhat different, which will avoid the formation of gaps. The presence of stepped joints ensures reliable fixation of the elements and protects the attic from the penetration of cold from the outside. We would like to note that this material is also combustible and requires the most serious assessment to choose it as a heater.

Mineral wool

Heat insulator used everywhere. This is a natural material, which contains a certain amount of synthetic fibers to improve performance. Differs in affordable cost. It is sold in rolls or plates, which greatly simplifies the installation process.

glass wool

Insulation with longer fibers than mineral wool. This contributes to an increase in elastic characteristics and soundproofing properties. In terms of hydrophobicity, it is somewhat inferior to the mineral analogue. Differs in low combustibility. The absence of toxic substances in the composition makes it possible to use glass wool for the internal thermal insulation of the attic.

stone wool

The most expensive type of cotton wool used when performing. Consists of basalt fibers. Can be supplied in slab form. It costs more than its counterpart - glass wool, but at the same time it allows you to form a better heat-insulating coating.

Ecowool

The basis of the material is paper - an environmentally friendly material. Before application, the composition is thoroughly crushed. After that, using special equipment, it is blown into the voids, thereby preventing the appearance of a draft.

polyurethane foam

Modern thermal insulation material, ideal for insulating the attic from the inside. The technology used makes it possible to form a dense coating that does not have cracks and gaps. By giving preference to this technology, you can not be afraid of drafts and cold for at least 30 years.

Penofol

One of the options for foamed polyethylene, widely used in the insulation of attics of modern buildings. The presence of a one- or two-sided coating provides high reflective characteristics and good soundproofing properties.

An overview of the advantages and disadvantages of certain types of insulation for the attic

Each of the listed heat insulators can be used to insulate the mansard roof of a private house and has its own advantages and disadvantages. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the advantages of each type so that you can compare them with each other and give preference to a specific insulation.

Styrofoam, differing in affordable cost, has:

1. low water absorption. Water that has fallen on the surface will not be absorbed, but will simply flow down;
2. light weight;
3. low thermal conductivity.

The disadvantages include low vapor permeability. As a result, the attic can be hot and stuffy, and high humidity can cause mold. Shrinkage of a wooden structure during operation can lead to the appearance of gaps between the foam plates. Often they start up between sheets of insulation. Well, as mentioned above, in the event of a fire, it instantly ignites and emits poisonous gas.

To the benefits extruded polystyrene foam worth considering:

1. light weight, which reduces the requirements for load-bearing structures;
2. long service life if the installation was carried out according to all the rules;
3. high compressive strength;
4. the ability to perform installation work with your own hands. You just need to figure out how to properly insulate the attic roof with extruded polystyrene foam;
5. resistance to decay;
6. the possibility of applying a finish coating on the heat insulator layer.

Of the shortcomings, increased flammability should be noted. Impregnation with flame retardants minimizes this negative property.

To the main benefits mineral wool worth considering:

1. availability;
2. high heat and sound insulation properties;
3. ease of installation work from the inside. The insulation is easy to cut and fit. With it, you can perform the insulation of the broken line from the inside;
4. long service life;
5. biological durability. The material is unattractive to rodents;
6. small specific gravity.

However, such a heater accumulates moisture quite well. When planning to insulate the attic from the inside with mineral wool, you should take care of the availability of high-quality hydro and vapor barrier.

Key Benefits glass wool are the absence of toxic substances and low flammability. When properly installed, it is able to retain heat well inside the house.

Attention! When insulating the attic with glass wool, it is imperative to use personal protective equipment.

stone wool reliable in operation and safe for others. It has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity and almost zero combustibility. Able to withstand significant external influences. The formed coating has good characteristics.

To the virtues ecowool worth considering:

1. environmental friendliness, so that it can be safely used to insulate the attic from the inside;
2. good thermal insulation characteristics;
3. formation of a dense layer minimizing heat loss;
4. the presence in the composition of borax, a natural antiseptic that protects wooden structures from decay and mold;
5. good soundproofing characteristics of a layer of small thickness;
6. preservation of characteristics for a long time. After ten years of operation, the thickness of the insulation remains unchanged.

Among the shortcomings, the complexity of application and high cost should be noted.

polyurethane foam has high performance. Shrinkage of a wooden house is unable to affect the characteristics of the formed heat-insulating layer. The coating has optimal hardness and is not afraid of moisture. During installation from the inside, it is possible to refuse the formation of a vapor barrier layer.

The disadvantages include the need to use a special sprayer. This can be a serious problem for those who planned to do the insulation from the inside with their own hands, since such equipment is quite expensive. In addition, it is necessary to have sufficient knowledge and have certain skills in order to independently apply a high-quality dense coating.

Penofol in demand when insulating attics from the inside, since such a heater:

1. Safe. It does not harm human health and the environment.
2. It has a low level of thermal conductivity.
3. Allows you to form a closed system of air bubbles with the necessary level of vapor permeability.

Attention! Attic insulation with penofol requires significant financial investments.

The nuances of attic insulation with different geometry of the roof of the house

Insulation of the mansard roof has a number of features dictated by the specifics of the room itself. The complex design of the attic space requires a competent approach. Otherwise, it will be difficult to avoid the appearance of either condensation.

How to insulate the roof of a house from the inside with your own hands, if it has a rather complex geometry? The answer to this question in each case is sought individually. The choice is made in favor of hard insulation, since soft materials slip at a large angle of inclination. Thermal insulation work from the inside in this case is best done using plates. The crate is mounted in such a way that the rafters are located at a distance that is 10-15 mm less than the width of the plates. This will avoid the appearance of cracks through which cold can penetrate into the room.

Attention! To create comfortable conditions, it is necessary to insulate the walls of the attic from the inside with your own hands, as well as other surfaces.

Considering that the rafter legs of a complex roof are cold bridges, after laying the slabs, a continuous layer of insulation is attached on top of the laid mats. Its thickness is much less than the main heat insulator. A vapor barrier is placed on top.

Do I need to arrange waterproofing under the insulation

The presence in the molded pie is a must. Thus, it is possible to prevent the formation of condensate or the infiltration of atmospheric precipitation into the room. As a result, the service life increases, and the reliability of the formed heat-insulating layer increases.

Most often, the choice is made in favor of waterproofing films: diffusion, superdiffusion breathable, anti-condensation.

Warming the attic from the inside with your own hands - the main nuances, video

If you decide to do the installation work on your own, it's time to find out how to properly insulate the roof from the inside, depending on the chosen thermal insulation material.

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

If it is decided to insulate the roof of the attic from the inside with mineral wool with your own hands, the work should be performed in the following sequence:

1. Waterproofing attachment.
2. Open the mineral wool. To do this, strips are cut, the width of which is 3–4 mm greater than the distance between the rafters.
3. Laying mineral wool between the rafters end-to-end, but without overlap, it is fastened with the help of nylon threads or knitting wire wound on nails hammered into the rafters.
4. Vapor barrier fastening.
5. Finishing.

The following video about warming the attic from the inside with mineral wool with your own hands will allow you to understand the process in more detail:

Insulation of the attic with foam

Having made a choice in favor of foam, you can significantly reduce the cost of performing thermal insulation work. The main thing is to understand the technology of attic insulation with foam plastic. Installation work can be performed in the following sequence:

A photo	Description of works
	Treat the wooden elements of the crate with a special compound to improve their performance and increase their service life. The composition must be suitable for indoor work.
	We measure the dimensions of the rafters and the distance between them to determine the parameters of the foam.
	Cut the foam sheets to size.
	We lay foam sheets between the beams and fix them with screws.
	We foam the formed joints and cavities between the beams and foam sheets. Cut off excess foam after curing. If necessary, we lay the second layer.

Attic insulation with polyurethane foam

Before starting thermal insulation work, the strength characteristics of the truss system should be checked. Given that polyurethane foam weighs more than foam or mineral wool, load-bearing structures must be designed for such a load.

Insulation of the attic with polyurethane foam from the inside is performed as follows:

A photo	Description of works
	Special equipment is being prepared, with the help of which the composition will be applied to the surface of the walls and ceiling of the attic.
	The composition is applied to the previously prepared base. A continuous coating of the same thickness is formed.
	The quality of the formed layer is controlled.

Overview of the main mistakes made when insulating the attic from the inside

It is not enough just to learn how to properly insulate the attic from the inside with your own hands. You should definitely get acquainted with the typical mistakes that many inexperienced builders make. This is especially true when performing work using heaters that easily absorb moisture. Experts recommend:

• do not use a hygroscopic heat insulator to protect roofs with a slope of less than 13 degrees. In this case, there is a high risk of precipitation collecting on the roof surface with subsequent leaks, which can cause damage to the heat-insulating layer;
• be sure to provide an air gap between the roof and the insulation layer for drying and ventilation of the heat-insulating layer;
• stack all the layers of the "pie". The lack of vapor or waterproofing will negatively affect the final result;
• entrust the installation to specialists. Given that such structures are mounted at an angle, many perform the installation poorly.

Having figured out how to insulate the attic roof and walls, you can safely proceed to do the work yourself. If you have already completed the insulation of the attic on your own, share in the comments what you ended up with. The results of your work are interesting to us and our readers.

Such a desire is natural, this is a great opportunity to increase the area and living space of your home. In addition, this gives the building a special charm, brings a certain amount of romanticism to its appearance.

Attics are located almost under the roof. What are the usual requirements for them? It is important that it is cool enough in summer and dry and warm in winter. In order for the room to meet the indicated requirements, it is important to know what processes take place in it, to understand the essence of competent insulation.

It is not difficult to do all the necessary work with your own hands, their technology is quite simple. The main thing for this is a conscientious partner and the availability of the necessary tools. If everything is done technologically correctly, they will not get wet or rot, but will serve for a long time and reliably.

Housing under the roof is a special place. Its walls are close to the surface, while the gaps are only 10-15 cm in size. A characteristic feature of the room is connected with this - it instantly cools in winter, and literally heats up in front of our eyes in summer. Such valuable heat for housing escapes through the roof in winter, while in summer it, on the contrary, heats up a lot, significantly raising the temperature of the room.

The ongoing processes depend on the quality as well as the thermal conductivity of the materials used for manufacturing.

In winter, the heat rising from the radiators spreads under the roof arch, and then disappears due to the heat transfer of roofing materials. The snow lying on the roof begins to melt and, turning into ice, destroys its coating.

In summer, it heats up, heating the entire structure, which makes the air in the room also very hot. If the building has a familiar cold attic, then everything happens differently.

The function of a heat insulator in such housing is performed by the air in the attic, and the snow on its roof in winter.

Backfill materials on, together with air, delay the heat coming from below, from housing.

Thanks to this, even in very frosty winters, t in the attic is kept at about 0 degrees. The snow does not melt outside, being another, additional insulator. In summer, t is regulated by vents on the gables, which play the role of a kind of system. How to insulate an attic?

The room must be properly insulated: carefully selected material, the required parameters, and in full compliance with the technology.

Attic insulation: materials

The choice of the optimally suitable material is a very responsible task. After all, a lot depends on its type - the thickness of the insulation “pie” itself, the number of minimum layers in it.

It has special requirements:

• Low thermal conductivity. A material with a coefficient of no higher than 0.05 W / m * K is best suited.
• Ease. The weight of the material matters, it should not overload the roof.
• Low moisture permeability. If suddenly the roof leaks, it should not get wet and lose its qualities. Or it should be well insulated to avoid getting wet.
• . It is extremely important that the material is non-combustible and does not support combustion.
• Elasticity, keeping the shape. Due to their location, lightweight mineral-based materials can sort of slide off, leaving voids. That's why it's so important that it can keep its shape.
• Resistant to sudden temperature changes.
• Strength and durability.

Of course, all these points are ideal, but this does not happen often.

In each case, the required thickness is calculated strictly individually. If you select this indicator approximately, then most likely 25 cm will be enough.

glass wool

This is perhaps the most successful solution for roof insulation from the inside. This is a plastic material that fits compactly between the rafters, covering all the free space. does not support combustion and does not burn itself. It is extremely lightweight and has excellent insulating properties.

Basalt wool in slabs remarkably retains its shape. Its disadvantage is that it easily absorbs steam and water, and therefore needs additional water. This is very important: if mineral wool gets wet, it will irretrievably lose more than half of its useful qualities. If this happens, you will have to change it.

Despite this disadvantage, it is one of the most suitable materials for roof insulation from the inside. It is easy to work with her, she has an affordable price. Strict adherence to technological instructions when working with it eliminates possible shortcomings.

Styrofoam

This is a very popular and sought-after material. But the use of attic insulation should be considered in more detail.

The material has certain characteristics that can be considered virtually unique.

These are its extremely low thermal conductivity, minimal weight, low moisture permeability, ideally rigid shape.

But along with these wonderful positive qualities, it also has obvious disadvantages. Different grades of material have different degrees of fire resistance. And for insulation, its combustible varieties are often used. And this is extremely dangerous. When ignited, the fire rises, and if the insulation catches fire, it will be almost impossible to survive in such a flaming attic.

It is not very convenient for work, because when cutting, cutting and installing it crumbles quite a lot. When using it, there are gaps between the rafters, and they have to be repaired somehow. From time to time it collapses, and begins to crumble even more. Based on all of the above, we can conclude that using foam in this case is not very reasonable.

Expanded polystyrene extruded

This is a wonderful material for insulating the attic from the outside, for laying under the roof, on the rafters. It is quite durable, perfectly retains its shape, it is not afraid of high humidity and, very importantly, it does not burn. Special attention deserves the fact that for warming a not very thick layer is required - 5-10 cm.

polyurethane foam

This is a new generation material. With the help of a special installation, it is blown into the voids of the insulated material, leaving no gaps or holes. This coating prevents the formation of cold bridges.

This material is not afraid of fire and water, it is light, durable, holds its shape well. But he also has a minus - he has an extremely low rate of vapor permeability: he almost does not breathe. Consequently, without the arrangement of forced ventilation, there will always be high humidity in the attic.

Ecowool

Perhaps this is one of the most suitable materials for insulation from the inside, and its use is actually ideal.

He, like the previous one, penetrates into the smallest holes, filling all the gaps.

It is also extremely lightweight, moisture resistant, completely flame retardant and breathable.

In addition, its fundamental difference from other materials is that it is completely harmless to health and absolutely environmentally friendly. Neither the smallest particles, nor even the evaporation of ecowool can cause, unlike the same mineral wool.

Attic roof: how to insulate from the inside

When choosing how best to insulate the attic roof, one should pay attention not only to the performance characteristics of the insulating material, but also to the specific features of its application. It is most convenient to carry out the insulation of the room from the inside: if there are no contraindications to it, and space allows.

Various types of heaters are used for this - both mineral wool and extruded polystyrene foam, ecowool or polyurethane foam is blown in. The key to the reliability and durability of materials is the observance of a competent combination, or "pie" of roof insulation. This will also ensure the comfort of living under it, that is, in the attic room.

Warming cake - from the inside out

When using wadded materials for insulation, a vapor barrier film is required. With its help, mineral wool will not be exposed to moisture coming from the living room with steam.

If glass wool is replaced with polyurethane foam or ecowool, there is no need for a vapor barrier.

Regardless of the chosen insulation, it will be required in any case. Its purpose is to protect the wooden parts of the roof structure. The role of waterproofing is played by special super-diffuse membranes, which are distinguished by special qualities.

They can release steam to the outside, but at the same time not let moisture in. A gap must be left between the roof and the waterproofing membrane for. Its size can vary from 4 cm to 10, depending on the material and type of roof. Through it, excess steam will be removed from the insulation.

Attic: roof insulation from the outside

It is more convenient to do this while construction is still underway. If it is already completed, you will have to remove the roofing material. The external method of roof insulation keeps all the available living space safe and sound. The solutions of some designers also involve playing with roof rafters as decorative elements of the interior).

He is not afraid of moisture, and he does not need vapor barrier. "Pie" for external insulation with polystyrene foam looks like this:

• Extruded polystyrene foam boards;
• Waterproofing membrane;
• Ventilation gap with crate;
• Roof material.

An obvious plus of such insulation- free access to the rafters, at any time, facilitating their inspection and even repair. The method of insulation with Penoplex on top of the rafters is different in that it allows you to equip the heat-insulating protective layer completely, preventing the creation of cold bridges.

It is customary to insulate the front part of the attic along with the facade of the building, that is, from the outside. How to choose the right material for this? It depends on what was used in the construction of the house and, of course, the preferences and desires of the owner.

If a special hinged system is used for insulation, glass wool with waterproofing and vapor barrier films can be taken as insulation. And under the planned wet facade, you can successfully put a regular one. The main thing for success is strict adherence to technology.

Insulation of the attic in the house is mandatory, regardless of whether it is used as a living space or not. Firstly, insulation will avoid significant heat loss of the building. This will help save fuel when heating rooms. Secondly, air humidity decreases, which creates a favorable microclimate for humans, but not suitable for the reproduction of mold and fungus spores. The accumulation of condensate on the wooden rafters causes them to rot, which does not at all favorably affect the condition of the roof. Therefore, proper insulation of the attic is the key to the durability of the structure and a comfortable atmosphere inside the building.

Necessary tools and materials for work

insulation

There is a wide choice of warming materials:

1. Styrofoam: cheap, affordable, easy-to-use heat insulator. Among the shortcomings of this material, toxicity, increased fire hazard are noted.

   Styrofoam is one of the traditional attic insulation methods. Often it is used to insulate a non-residential attic.

2. Styrofoam: economical material. Not as flammable as Styrofoam, not toxic.

   

   Expanded polystyrene foam is a reliable vapor-permeable insulation. It is not afraid of high humidity, has a dense structure, as well as low thermal conductivity.

3. Mineral wool: Lightweight, durable thermal insulator.

   

   The material is highly resistant to moisture, easy to install, absorbs sounds well. Mineral wool is environmentally friendly, resistant to damage, including rodents.

4. Foamed polyurethane: modern material for warming rooms. The heat insulator is applied with special equipment, filling every gap and gap.

   

   Despite the high price, the material is popular due to its long service life (30 years), strength, and resistance to harmful factors. It takes only 2-3 hours to apply polyurethane.

5. Glass wool: cheap but effective heat insulator. Glass wool is resistant to burning, does not emit toxic substances. However, when working with it, observe safety precautions, as dust from glass wool can be harmful to health.

   

   When working with glass wool, you need to protect yourself with special means: wear a respirator, gloves, a suit.

You will also need the following materials for work:

• Before insulating the attic, wooden floors, other roof elements, process antiseptic and fire retardant.
• Waterproofing.
• Vapor barrier.

  

  To lay the vapor barrier layer, a special film is used - with a smooth or membrane, perforated surface. It will protect the insulation from the settling of water vapor penetrating from the interior.

• Lining, sheets of fiberboard, chipboard for a clean finish.
• For laying some types of insulation, for example, foam, it is used polyurethane foam.
• Timber or boards for the construction of the crate over the insulation.

  

  The crate creates a ventilated gap and serves as the basis for fixing finishing materials - plywood sheets, fiberboard, chipboard.

• Fasteners: staples for a construction stapler, which are used to attach the film; self-tapping screws for fixing wooden bars.

Of the tools you will need:

• construction stapler;
• hacksaw;
• foam gun;
• screwdriver;
• hammer;
• drill.

Preparation for work

Before insulating the attic from the inside, check the condition of the truss system. If it does not meet safety regulations, it will be necessary to install additional rafters and steel elements, strengthening the structure.

When starting work on insulation, you will waterproof the roof and install air channels if there were none. Their installation will help improve the ventilation system on the roof.

In preparation for work, the floor covering is removed, if there was one in the attic, then the entire room should be carefully dedusted. Protect the areas where the electrical cable or components of electrical appliances pass with special screens so that after warming they have free access.

Safety

During the production of work, the smallest particles of insulation and other dust can settle on the skin and enter the lungs. This is especially dangerous if the attic is insulated with glass wool. Therefore, during operation, it is important to observe several safety rules:

1. For garbage collection, use only a vacuum cleaner for construction needs.
2. Ensure good ventilation during work - open wide the doors and windows in the attic.
3. Unpack materials for thermal insulation directly at the work site.
4. Do not cut the material, but use only a sharp hacksaw with fine teeth or a knife.
5. In the production of insulation work, use protective equipment for the skin, eyes, respiratory organs, as well as a special protective suit.
6. Avoid direct contact of the insulation with the skin.
7. At the end of the work, wash your clothes, take a shower. After working with glass wool, gloves and clothing, in most cases, will have to be disposed of.

If the attic is insulated from the inside with your own hands using mineral wool, also use a tight protective suit, goggles and a respirator.

Waterproofing and vapor barrier

Outside, the roof must have good waterproofing, otherwise moisture from precipitation and damp air will easily get inside. This will nullify all efforts for thermal insulation. Water vapor from warm air can settle in the form of dew drops behind a layer of insulation under the roof. To prevent this, it is necessary to equip not only internal waterproofing, but also high-quality vapor barrier.

What materials are better to use for hydro- and vapor barrier?

As a waterproofing, it is recommended to use a superdiffuse membrane. It allows excess moisture to pass through, preventing condensation from settling on the insulating material. The membrane is laid under the insulation over the entire roof area without gaps. A vapor barrier is laid on top of the insulation, which is often used as a foil material.

To achieve the maximum benefit from this type of vapor barrier, it is laid with a foil layer inside, fixing it with wooden bars to provide a gap.

Attic roof insulation

A guide on how to insulate a mansard roof:

Insulation of the attic roof must necessarily provide for the presence of ventilation gaps in order to exclude the occurrence of excessive moisture under the roof. In winter, ventilation gaps prevent the heating of the roofing, and, consequently, the formation of an ice crust. In summer, they help to avoid overheating of the living space in the attic.

Floor insulation

The floor in the attic is insulated in the same way as in another room of a wooden house. If there are no beams on the floor, they are sewn on. Then a vapor barrier is laid with an overlap of 15-20 cm. This material will help to avoid the formation of condensate from the lower floor. After that, the heater is installed.

The insulation layer should be at least 15 cm with an overlap of 2 cm. On top, the insulation is covered with another layer of vapor barrier, then sewn up with moisture-resistant plywood. Instead, you can make a crate with the installation of a rough flooring of veneer or edged boards.

A floor covering can be laid over the beams or decking.
As a result of poor-quality floor insulation in the attic, the ceiling of the floor under it may suffer.

Therefore, it is important to observe the ventilation gap between the vapor barrier layers of 5 cm, and treat the wooden flooring elements with antiseptics and fire retardants. These funds will help increase the life of the floor in the attic.

Wall insulation

Attic wall insulation does not have any significant differences in technology. The process consists in arranging a frame made of timber, inside which a heat insulator is laid, and then a decorative sheathing is attached.

Waterproofing is rolled out over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe walls of the attic and fixed with a construction stapler.

Then, a vertical frame made of timber is arranged on the walls with a gap equal to the width of the slab or insulation roll. It is necessary to ensure that there are no gaps between the plates - this will affect the effectiveness of thermal insulation.

The timber is fastened with dowels or metal corners.

A heater is placed in the resulting frame cells. It is recommended to lay it in two layers, especially if foam acts as thermal insulation. A vapor barrier is fixed on top of the frame. The material must be fixed so that there is no sagging. The vapor barrier of the walls and ceiling of the attic should be a single hermetic layer, so the joints will need to be glued with tape.

The finishing stage is the sheathing of the surface of the walls with facing material - clapboard, sheets of drywall, OSB, which are mounted on a wooden frame.

Window insulation

Proper insulation of the attic is impossible without finishing window openings. Usually, problems with window insulation occur in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe upper or lower slopes.

Improper installation of windows can lead to leaks, the formation of cracks for cold air from the street. It is better to order the installation in a specialized company, and do the insulation yourself.

For window insulation, use only moisture-resistant heat insulators, such as polystyrene foam.

The process of insulating roof windows:

Slope waterproofing: a waterproofing apron is attached around the frame to the crate and rafters using a stapler. All joints are sealed with sealant.

You do not need to use mounting foam, although most home craftsmen use it. After curing, the foam expands, causing the pivoting window frame to move relative to the box. The adjustment of the gaps is violated, which subsequently leads to the appearance of cracks, drafts and leaks.

Thermal insulation is installed across the entire width of the window slopes, closing all gaps between the roof and the frame.

If the thickness of the insulation is not enough, condensation may appear on the slopes, the windows may fog up. Such troubles can arise due to cold bridges.

Price of work, calculation of material costs

Self-insulation of the attic is cheaper than work performed by specialists. If there is no experience in construction, it is better not to take risks, but contact professionals. When ordering a service, you will receive a guarantee for all types of work. The price of the brigade's services may differ in different regions, but it should be borne in mind that each stage of the insulation process is paid separately. This is the laying of thermal insulation (on average, from 100 to 300 rubles / sq.m.), waterproofing (from 100 rubles / sq.m.). The installation of vapor barrier (from 120 rubles / sq.m.), battens (from 50 to 180 rubles / sq.m.), windows (from 6,000 to 12,000 rubles / piece) are taken into account separately.

What determines the amount of expenses?

The cost of self-insulation of the attic depends on the price of the material that is used for heat, hydro and vapor barrier. Costs are also affected by the area of ​​the attic and the complexity of the roof. The cheapest types of insulation are glass wool, its price is on average 60 rubles / sq.m., and polystyrene (70 rubles / sq.m.). The price of foam plastic starts from 200 rubles / sq.m., but the quality of this material is better than glass wool and polystyrene, it is easier to work with it.

When choosing the thickness of the insulation, one should start from the requirements of building codes and the climate in a particular region. The calculation of the quantity is based on the length of all sides of the attic roof and the dimensions of the insulation boards (or the width of the rolls).

After drawing up the layout of the plates, you can accurately determine their required number.

Possible mistakes, what to look for: 5 useful tips

Do-it-yourself attic insulation with your own hands is not always carried out “smoothly”. Here are a few mistakes that home masters usually make:

• Ventilation gaps are not made between the thermal insulation and the roof of the building. Because of this, the material does not ventilate and does not dry out.
• No hydro or vapor barriers are installed.
• The use of mounting foam for insulation of roof windows.
• Construction of a roof with an inclination angle of less than 13 degrees. Rainfall lingers on such a roof, due to which rust and leaks appear.

To know how to properly insulate the attic, you should heed the advice:

1. When installing insulation, leave a gap of 2-3 cm for continuous ventilation. To do this, you can attach additional rails.
2. Consider the height of the rafters. If it is less than the thickness of the thermal insulation, bars must be attached to the rafters and screwed onto self-tapping screws. The bars must be treated with an antiseptic.
3. Do not forget about the installation of waterproofing. It will protect the space under the roof from damp air and condensate.
4. The vapor barrier must be attached to the brackets.
5. Carefully glue the places where the materials adjoin the rafters or other structures with adhesive tape.

Videos about attic insulation

Basic rules for attic insulation:

How to eliminate condensation in the attic:

Proper insulation of the attic will help create a comfortable atmosphere inside this living space. This will positively affect the design of the roof as a whole. In addition, the condition of the rooms located under the attic will depend on the work performed correctly.

For a private house, a very reasonable solution would be to insulate the attic roof. Firstly, you use the area more rationally - thanks to the insulation of the roof, the attic does not turn into a large refrigerator for the winter.

There you can arrange an office, workshop, children's playroom or whatever your heart desires. Secondly, you save fuel - through a cold attic, the house loses up to a quarter of all heat, and, of course, you need to heat more and more often. Therefore, the question of how to properly insulate a mansard roof occupies many homeowners.

If you decide to insulate the roof at the design stage, so much the better - then the insulation technology is determined already in the process of building a house, and thus you get “maneuvering space”. In this case, you will have the opportunity to think in advance what suits you more - insulation of the attic roof from the inside or outside - and choose exactly those methods and materials that are best suited for this.

If you are dealing with an already finished building, which it was decided to improve, the only option left is to insulate the mansard roof from the inside. And here the question naturally arises, how best to do this. Of course, a good professional, for whom the thermal insulation of a mansard roof is a common job, will do everything quickly and without problems.

But if you hire a specialist without recommendations, then there can be no complete confidence in the highest possible quality of the result. In addition, it is too expensive for many to use the services of hired workers. And finally, the last argument in favor of insulating the roof of the attic from the inside is just very nice to do something with your own hands.

Where to begin?

How to properly insulate the roof of the attic? First of all, not to be careless and not to succumb to illusions is a difficult, time-consuming and costly job. Therefore, it is better to spend more time preparing the project and drawing up a detailed estimate than to insulate the roof of the attic somehow, and then suffer in a cold or damp room and endlessly repair your house due to condensation that destroys wooden structures.

When preparing for insulation work, it should be borne in mind that the configuration of a sloping roof in terms of arranging a residential attic provides great opportunities compared to a gable roof, since with such a roof contour, the usable volume of the room increases significantly.

How to choose a heater?

The first step should be the proper selection of materials. Choosing a roof insulation is not as easy a task as it might seem. The choice of thermal insulation on the market is huge, but you need to choose one for the attic that will provide a stable level of humidity in the room and the absence of sudden temperature fluctuations.

The best insulation should have the following qualities:

• low thermal conductivity, i.e. high heat retention;
• low hygroscopicity, that is, resistance to moisture absorption - a wet insulation significantly loses quality;
• the absence of toxic components in the composition and environmental friendliness - after all, we are talking about a residential area;
• Fire safety.

At the same time, the heat-insulating material for the roof must be vapor-permeable, that is, it must not prevent the free exit of water vapor from the room. If this requirement is neglected, the result will be the accumulation of condensate and a "bathhouse" atmosphere in the room. This in itself is not very pleasant, not to mention the dangers of dampness for attic walls and ceilings.

Another important condition is that the material for insulating the roof of the attic should hold well on inclined surfaces and not deform over time. Finally, it must also meet the requirements of soundproofing - if this point is left unattended, then during heavy rain or, even more so, hail, the upper floor will be unusable.

Considering that metal tiles or metal corrugated board, which are now most often used as roofing, not only perfectly conduct sound, but even amplify it, you will not be able to sleep, talk or watch TV when something knocks on the roof.

To choose insulation for a mansard roof, you will have to study the many materials that the modern market offers. Almost all heaters have their advantages and disadvantages - for example, ordinary foam plastic, valued by many for its cheapness and ease of processing, is bad because it is not “transparent” enough for moisture rising from the room along with the air. In other words, it is better not to use it for rooms where you plan to stay for a long time, for example, for bedrooms.

Glass wool is traditionally used as a heater, but at the same time it quickly shrinks and loses its shape, and with it - thermal insulation qualities. The main disadvantage of polyurethane foam, which is becoming increasingly popular, is its inability to withstand fire, as well as its rather low vapor permeability. In addition, this material requires rigorous preliminary calculations - the fact is that when it hardens, its structure expands, due to which the entire structure can “creep”. It is necessary to take into account the strength of the load-bearing elements with the utmost precision.

The better to insulate the attic roof, everyone decides for himself, based on his capabilities and the intended purpose of the room. From the point of view of many experts, basalt slabs can be called one of the best roofing thermal insulation - this material is durable and elastic, perfectly retains heat, does not lose its qualities during operation and is not prone to moisture accumulation. Another undoubted advantage is ease of installation. It is due to the fact that basalt slabs have the optimal width for fastening between the rafters and they do not have to be cut to the desired size.

Main rule

Even if you have already decided which insulation is best for you, it is too early to start the work itself. First you need to deal with the sequence of these works, and for this you need to get an idea as a whole about the structure of the insulated roof. Or, as professionals say, a roofing "pie".

Going from top to bottom, the components of the "pie" are as follows:

• the actual roofing (profiling, tiles, slate);
• crate;
• counterlattice;
• waterproofing material;
• thermal insulation;
• vapor barrier;
• ceiling finish.

That is, when installing thermal insulation, the main rule should be taken into account first of all - the insulation must be protected both from external (atmospheric) moisture and from internal moisture rising from the room. Otherwise, the accumulation of condensate is inevitable, which will eventually lead to the most disastrous consequences not only for the under-roof space, but for the whole house.

If you decide to insulate the finished attic roof from the inside, then, as can be seen from the list above, you already have all the layers of the “pie”, up to and including waterproofing. It remains to lay the insulation, cover it with a vapor barrier membrane - and you can finish the ceiling. It would seem that everything is simple. But here you need to strictly follow the established rules, otherwise all your work will be in vain.

Work order

Even before you buy materials, you will need to calculate the attic roof area that you want to insulate. When calculating, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe gables must also be taken into account - even the most carefully insulated roof will not have an effect if the cold comes from the ends.

Only when the measurements are completed and everything you need is purchased in the right amount, you can proceed with the installation work. Carefully study the instructions for all materials - how to roll them out, how to fasten them, etc. To fix the insulating films and insulation, stock up in advance with the right amount of wooden slats or a construction stapler.

Waterproofing

If you're starting with waterproofing (let's say you haven't installed it yet), the most important thing to note is that there must be an air gap of at least three centimeters between it and the roofing material. More is possible, less is not.

This is necessary for proper ventilation of the under-roof space - if air flows do not pass freely between the waterproofing film and the inside of the coating, this will lead to condensation. And as a result, the insulation, when wet, will lose its useful properties, the wooden parts of the structure will begin to rot, the metal parts will rust, and in the end, such negligence will shorten the life of your home.

For the same reasons, it is categorically not recommended to use polyethylene and other "non-breathing" materials as waterproofing. Nowadays, the construction market offers a wide range of special waterproofing and vapor barrier membranes designed specifically for this purpose and providing an optimal balance between moisture permeability from the inside and impermeability from the outside.

thermal insulation

Next, the heater is installed. Attach it strictly according to the instructions. If you use basalt, keep in mind that it holds well between the rafters due to its elasticity, but over time, the elasticity of the material will decrease somewhat. Therefore, it does not seem appropriate to put it without fixation at all.

vapor barrier

A vapor barrier membrane is applied to the insulation, and only after that the ceiling covering is mounted.

Output

How to insulate a mansard roof is generally clear. The main rules here, as in any construction work, are thoroughness, accuracy, accuracy. Follow the correct sequence during installation, follow the rules for working with materials, buy insulation and membranes only from trusted sellers and manufacturers. And then your warm attic will delight you for many more years.