Insulation of the attic floor concerns to a greater extent cold rooms that are not used as residential premises, that is, with an uninsulated roofing system and natural ventilation. In such cases, the attic floor becomes a kind of boundary between heat and cold, where the likelihood of condensation moisture forming is especially high. It’s interesting that you can easily handle such a responsible job yourself.

Why do you need to insulate your attic?

To install the roof slope, you need to adhere to a certain angle of inclination. It is formed between the rafters and the floor beams located on the upper part of the walls of the house. They form the floor of the attic. For technical work A boardwalk is installed underneath them.

Timely insulation of the attic floor of a house is necessary for the following:

• Reducing heat losses through the upper ceiling. Warm air rises, so the ceiling of the top floor of the house should be insulated as much as possible from the air of an unheated attic. Good thermal insulation allows you to maintain a temperature in living areas around the dew point. The result of any violation will be condensation formed on the ceiling, and in just a few weeks there will be a need to repair it.
• Waterproofing. The correct configuration of the heat-insulating layer implies the mandatory installation of waterproofing materials. If a roof leak occurs, moisture should not penetrate into the living room.
• The temperature difference in the areas where ceilings and walls meet becomes a decisive factor for the occurrence of mold and microscopic fungi - the causative agents of various allergic diseases.

In essence, this is the arrangement of a durable and durable coating made of thermal insulation material with low thermal conductivity.

Attention

Material of dubious quality or non-compliance with technology can lead to tragic consequences.

Requirements for attic insulation

Insulation of the attic floor of a house, its quality, significantly affects not only heat loss, but also the durability of the rafter system and roof covering. Water vapor from internal warm rooms diffuses intensively into the attic, but, as is known, in order for the insulation to provide the calculated thermal insulation efficiency, it must be dry. Therefore, it is protected from humidification by warm air vapor by laying vapor-proof material on the “warm” side.

Good vapor and heat insulation, in addition to thermal protection, increases durability roofing structure. Indeed, in the absence of a vapor barrier, water vapor penetrates through the ceiling into the attic, condenses from the attic side on the surface of the roof covering and flows down onto the rafters. As a result metal coatings and parts corrode, wooden rafters and roofing pie are destroyed.

The thermal insulation properties of the structure are also reduced due to a violation of the tightness of the vapor barrier layer.

Ventilating it through vents: ridge, eaves, as well as slotted and dormer windows helps to dry the layer and remove moisture from the attic space. To ensure optimal ventilation intensity, the total area of ​​ventilation openings should be about 0.2–0.5% of the attic floor.

Properly carried out work prevents the intensive formation of icicles on the roof. After all, how do icicles appear? If it is poorly insulated, the heat passing through it begins to warm up the roof, melting the snow lying on it. The resulting water, flowing down the roof, freezes and turns into icicles.

Insulation of the attic floor is almost always carried out not from the side of the living space, but from the attic floor. Performed in several ways. The choice of technology depends on constructive solution structure and insulation used.

Insulation of beam floors

An option for retaining heat in such a structure is between the beams. Usually, their height is enough for this, but if there is not enough, you can fill a block on top. The ceiling from below is covered with molded material, say, clapboard or sheets of plasterboard, and the attic subfloor covering is laid on top of the beams: sheets of plywood, OSB boards, MDF, etc.

The insulation must be laid on a layer of special vapor barrier or polyethylene film.

On a note

If the material is foil, then lay it down with the shiny side.

The gap between the beams is then filled with insulation of the required thickness. It is recommended to lay an additional layer of insulation on top of the beams, this will help avoid “cold bridges” and reduce possible heat loss

If high-quality, well-processed timber is used for the beams, then the finishing, say, massive board, laid directly on the beams. The insulation is placed between them, and the attic floor covering is laid on top. This technology is quite common in houses made of rounded logs or timber.

Lightweight fibrous materials are blown air currents, drafts, that is, heat is removed from them. These troubles, of course, can be avoided if protection is provided with windproof, vapor-permeable materials. Thus, the thermal protection of the attic is improved. Moreover, the insulation is protected from moisture droplets. Let's say the roof has minor damage and minor leaks.

The insulation must be protected from the wind and from the eaves side. For this, slabs of high-density mineral wool or a wooden board left on edge are usually used.

Partial penetration of thermal insulation onto the external wall will ensure complete heat retention of the house.

What insulation materials are most often used

The installation technology is practically no different from the traditional floor-mounted one for a living space. It is important to choose the right material for making the heat insulator. IN Lately Most often, attic floor insulation is done with mineral wool.

Why mineral wool?

This is a heat-insulating material made from basalt rocks of volcanic origin. They undergo heat treatment in a special drum-type oven. During this process, the molten mass swells and stretches into fibers. To form dense material they are treated with special binding materials.

As a result, a material unique in its properties is formed, which is successfully used to insulate attic floors. For an objective analysis, it can be compared with other types of heat insulators - and.

• Thermal insulation. The heat transfer coefficient for mineral wool is 0.035 W/m*K. For foam plastic it is slightly higher - 0.04 W/m*K. Expanded clay has the worst performance – 0.4 W/m*k.
• Hygroscopicity. Foam plastic does not allow moisture to pass through, so if you insulate the joints during installation, you don’t have to use additional waterproofing layer. Mineral wool is hygroscopic - it absorbs moisture. But this does not lead to its swelling. Expanded clay also slightly absorbs moisture.
• Flammability. In this regard, basalt insulation - perfect option. It does not burn, and its structure melts when exposed to a temperature of 700°C. This quality is very important - a chimney passes through the attic, the surface temperature of which can reach high values. Polystyrene foam, when burned, releases substances harmful to humans.

Mineral wool can be used to insulate almost any surface, even uneven ones. It is produced in soft slabs or rolls. It is advisable to use a material that has a metallized heat-reflecting surface. Mineral wool is cut using an ordinary knife. Place it tightly between the beams, without jamming, without gaps. This is an inexpensive, but durable and effective option.

The work requires some precautions: glasses, gloves, and those with allergies are advised to use respirators.

The layers are laid in the same sequence:

• vapor barrier;
• mineral wool;
• vapor-permeable moisture-proof membrane.

The floor film is spread overlapping, and the joints must be either glued or secured through wooden slats staples using a construction stapler. The thickness of the layer is selected based on thermal engineering standards for each specific region.

On a note

Insulating and soundproofing the floor with cotton wool materials is considered the simplest and most effective solution.

Stone wool

Mineral wool slabs today are often replaced with stone wool. Unlike mineral wool, which is often made from low-grade slag-basalt using bitumen binders, stone wool is an environmentally friendly material.

This insulation is distinguished by excellent characteristics - both technical and operational. The unique structure of the internal structure of stone wool: a chaotic arrangement of fibers, provides an effective thermal conductivity of 0.036-0.045 W/m*K. It significantly exceeds the insulation of its class in these indicators, provides excellent protection against temperature changes and guarantees microclimatic comfort.

Thermal insulation of tiled floors

The principle of insulation of prefabricated iron concrete slabs or monolithic floors similar to the same process in the case of beam type. True, since vapor permeability reinforced concrete slabs a fairly low vapor barrier on the “warm” side is not necessary. The thickness of the thermal insulation layer is calculated taking into account the type load-bearing slab. A tiled floor with a flat surface can bear a large load.

How best to insulate

Let's start with the fact that you can install wooden beams on the slabs and place insulation between them. These can be backfill materials or mats of various types.

Installation technology

To install mineral wool, you will need to first prepare the attic space. To do this, you should remove all unnecessary things from there. The surface of the subfloor is cleaned of dust and dirt. If this wood flooring– It is recommended to install a layer of waterproofing.

It is best to use rolled polyethylene foam for this. In addition to thermal insulation properties, this floor insulation film has almost zero moisture absorption. A slight thickness (2-4mm) will not affect the increase in the insulation layer.

It is important to choose the right thickness basalt wool– it should not exceed the height of the joist taking into account the waterproofing layer. Models with a thickness of 50 mm and a density of up to 30 kg/m³ are often used.

The installation technology is to implement next stages works

• Preparatory work. Before installation, you need to insulate the chimney pipe. This is necessary to prevent direct contact of its surface with the heat insulator. The best option- make a small circular masonry of refractory bricks around the pipe.

• Installation of insulation on the floor should be carried out only after installing thermal insulation on inner surface roof slope. This additional measure will significantly improve the thermal energy conservation rate not only of the attic space, but of the entire house as a whole.
• Installation of waterproofing protection. As mentioned above, it is best to use polyethylene foam film for waterproofing the attic. It should be located on the entire surface of the subfloor, including on the floor beams. The joints are insulated using special tape.

You can use double-sided adhesive tape for fastening, but do not use a staple gun or nails. This may lead to seal failure.

• Installation of heat insulator. Proper insulation the floor of a cold attic begins with calculating the amount of material. The main indicators are the total area of ​​the room and the distance between the beams. The latter is necessary for selection optimal model insulation. The width of standard slabs is 600 mm.

If the distance between the ceiling elements is greater, you need to use a rolled type of mineral wool. Depending on the manufacturer, its width can reach 1 m.

Having counted required quantity insulation, you can begin its installation.

Roll material is installed from the roof. The edge of the heat insulator should extend slightly onto the surface of the slope - this will help to avoid the appearance of gaps between the different layers of the heat-insulating layer.

The material is pressed tightly to the floor surface. Additional fastening it is not required. When the entire surface between the beams is insulated, the roll is cut using a knife.

The rest of the attic floor is installed using the same scheme. After this, technological wooden flooring can be installed on top of the beams. These can be ordinary boards, the thickness of which can support the weight of an adult.

Backfilling of thermal insulation material

Backfilling of insulation can be done without installing lags. Expanded clay or slag is poured in a layer of 25–30 cm, leveled and poured thin layer screeds. It is recommended to stick roofing felt onto the slabs.

It is possible to insulate without floor joists using rigid insulation. Foam glass is considered the most effective, but also expensive. Sometimes foam concrete is used, however, it is somewhat heavy and the estimated height of its layer should be approximately 40 cm. In this case, a screed is not used.

Proper insulation of the attic floor is the main factor in maintaining heat in the house. It is important to follow the order of installation of all materials of the thermal insulation layer. You should also worry about operational safety - be sure to install a protective structure around the chimney pipe.

Heat, as we know, rises. And he safely leaves the premises through an uninsulated attic.

Losses in winter period can reach up to 15%.

To eliminate these losses, regardless of the purpose of using the under-roof space, insulation of the attic floor using wooden beams is required.

Attic insulation is a whole complex of works, which, subject to technology and requirements, meets a number of criteria:

• High-quality thermal insulation of the attic prevents heat loss and the entry of cold air into the building, which significantly affects heating costs;
• In summer, insulation of attic floors prevents the building from heating up through the ceiling and allows you to maintain an optimal microclimate without resorting to air conditioning once again;
• Insulation in compliance with technological requirements is capable of allowing air to pass through and does not allow condensation to accumulate in the attic;
• The use of hydro- and vapor barrier protects wooden structures from the appearance of mold and mildew, which significantly increases service life;
• Properly performed attic insulation work prevents the formation of ice and icicles.

Technology for insulating attic floors

After laying the wooden beams, the floor is waterproofed. It prevents moisture penetration and additionally protects the insulation.

The waterproofing material can be a multilayer reinforced material made of polyethylene or polypropylene.

The ideal option for fastening the waterproofing is considered to be fastening under the beams in a continuous layer. If this cannot be done, the installation is carried out overlapping between the beams, overlapping the wooden structures, and secured with tape on top for tightness.

Direct insulation of the attic floor on wooden beams is carried out by laying thermal insulation materials between them.

When using bulk raw materials, the filling of all voids and the evenness of the surface are controlled. If the thickness of the insulation used is greater than the width of the wooden beams, additional installation of sheathing is required, fixed across the supporting structure.

In addition, it is necessary to provide options for covering the beams themselves with heat-insulating material to eliminate “cold bridges.”

Regardless of the type of finishing coating, it is advisable to lay another layer of waterproofing on top of the thermal insulation.

The floor of an insulated attic is made of boards laid across beams, plywood, and chipboard.

Video tips:

Insulating the attic with mineral wool

Mineral wool is a fairly popular raw material as a thermal insulator for floors. The material is cheap, non-flammable, can withstand fairly high temperatures, retains heat well and is easy to use.

Disadvantages include susceptibility to moisture, which requires good waterproofing when using it.

Found in rolls and slabs. Both types are suitable for thermal insulation. But the use of a roll version allows you to simultaneously cover beams. Laying is carried out close to the guides, trying not to crush the mineral wool.

Mineral wool is easy to install, so it is in demand when independent work. It is mandatory to use protective equipment when working with mineral wool.

Clothing that covers all parts of the body, gloves, as well as a respirator and goggles are required.

Polyurethane foam as an attic insulator

If you choose ideal insulation By quality characteristics, then polyurethane foam will lead the leaders.

The raw material retains heat excellently, is non-flammable, durable, lightweight, resistant to external influences, non-hygroscopic, and uninteresting to rodents.

But all its advantages outweigh the cost of raw materials. In small towns and villages, purchasing such insulation is problematic.

When decision taken In favor of the characteristics, it is necessary to decide on the type of polyurethane foam insulation.

It is easier to install ready-made slabs made from this raw material, but this method has the disadvantage of joints and uncovered beams.

Polyurethane foam in the form of foam is applied by spraying and penetrates into all possible places. A thin layer is enough to obtain a protective effect.

Spraying polyurethane foam requires special equipment and certain skills.

So is polystyrene foam good?

Laying foam plastic slabs to insulate the attic floor between wooden beams can be done even by a novice, inexperienced, self-taught builder.

Installation is carried out on top of the film, tightly adjoining the slabs to each other and to the floors. The gaps are sealed with polyurethane foam.

A waterproofing material is laid on top and finishing is done.

The popularity of this insulation is dictated by its low cost, thermal insulation qualities and ease of installation.

All advantages are crossed out by the fire hazard of the raw materials. In addition to the low melting and ignition temperature, foam releases gases that are hazardous to health when heated.

Therefore, insulating wooden floors with foam plastic is not the best option. This heat insulator is more suitable for concrete slabs and exterior finishes.

Insulation with bulk materials

For bulk insulation Expanded clay or sawdust is used. Both heat insulators are environmentally friendly natural raw materials that retain heat well.

For backfilling, sheathing is installed in the attic. The bulk layer reaches 250–300 mm. Stacked on top finishing board or plywood.

Video on the topic:

When using expanded clay, it is necessary to carry out additional calculations on the load-bearing capacity of the floors. Expanded clay is not a lightweight insulation material and the ceiling may not withstand the load.

Sawdust, despite its apparent ease of use, requires additional processing and do not pour into pure form, and a special composition is prepared, in which sawdust is only one of the components.

To prepare the solution, the following materials are required:

• 10 parts sawdust;
• 1 part lime;
• 1 part cement;
• 5–10 parts of liquid with an antiseptic.

The choice of heat insulator for the attic and the technology for its installation depends on the required insulation characteristics and financial capabilities.

In any case, even minimal insulation will protect the structure and save on heating costs.

Heating the ceiling of a cool attic

Since the roof of a cool attic serves only the function of protecting against rain, snow and partial wind, special attention should be paid to insulating the soil. Thermal insulating heating is carried out using various thermal insulation materials with mandatory organization of wind protection, especially from the roof.

Thermal coating in two layers with mineral wool cylinders

Installing insulation is usually done directly on the floor of a cool attic.

Of course, if the attic doesn't work. This will save on a layer of waterproofing film, as well as on organizing a complete floor covering.

Read below to learn how to insulate an attic ceiling and what materials can be used for this.

How thick is attic insulation?

The thickness of the thermal insulation layer does not depend on the construction of the attic ceiling on wooden beams or reinforced concrete.

Is there a thermal conductivity coefficient on the packaging of any insulation? And it has two meanings: A - for a dry environment and? B is for wet. The lower this coefficient, the better the insulating properties of the material.

Based on this value, the insulation of the lower part of the attic is calculated.

Attic insulation thickness:

where R0 is the heat transfer resistance coefficient, which is 4.15 m in the standard? °C/W.

Floor heating over wooden beams

In the majority small houses and cold roof villas use wooden ceilings, so their thermal insulation we will look at first.

Installation ceiling ceiling on wooden beams, as a rule, is carried out as follows:

1. Ground floor;
2. Vapor barrier;
3. The beams overlap;
4. insulation;
5. Waterproofing;
6. Completion.

The ceiling installation in a private house with a cold attic begins with the installation of load-bearing beams.

Since they usually have maximum length 4 meters, it is necessary to build supports or use metal programs for large areas.

Diagram of a wooden attic device by laying the heater in two layers

After laying the beams, a vapor barrier is created that blocks cold attic. To do this, a vapor barrier film is attached to the bottom, which protects the insulation from moisture penetration from the lower room.

When you are performing rigid insulation on a floor, as with film, it is advisable to use special reinforced laminates made of polyethylene or polypropylene, as they are stronger and more firmly attached.

It is best for the protective layer to be hard.

However, building a wooden attic does not always allow this. If for some reason you are unable to place a vapor barrier under the beams, the film is placed between the two overlapping c's and secured with special adhesive tape to ensure a seal.

A wooden attic structure poses a risk of damage to supporting structures due to rotting.

Therefore, before the furnace is placed in a cold attic, wooden beams and strips are impregnated with special solutions that prevent the formation of rot and mold.

The attic roof is then insulated on beams, for which thermal insulation material is placed between them.

If you use loose insulation, it should be carefully aligned and tracked to fill any gaps.

Minimum insulation thickness for attic insulation wooden floor, calculated using the above formula, may be greater than the width of the supporting supports. In this case, the correct size is attached to you.

Then another layer of insulation is laid between them, with the obligatory covering of the joints of the previous layer.

The fact is that they are formed by so-called cold bridges, due to which it loses heat in the house.

Mansardi wood beams typically work with floor decks of regular treated stacked box panels or cross beams.

However, thick plywood, particle board, MDF and other similar materials can also be used as the final covering.

If you want to use a leveling screed as a finishing layer, the cold attic above the insulating layer must be watertight.

Heating the attic over a reinforced concrete slab

If you need to insulate your attic over reinforced concrete slabs, you can do it in two ways: with or without a box.

The first method is universal, but is most often used for light types of insulation.

In the attic in this case you will see:

1. The vapor barrier is carried out in a cool attic, which should cover the entire layer of insulation, even on the sides.

   Since the vapor barrier should be easily laid on the floor, it is not necessary to use special materials- Inexpensive polyethylene film will usually be made.

2. At the top of the film, a wooden stick with a width equal to half the required thickness is placed on the narrow side, which should have a cold attic heater.

   The distance between the rods is usually equal to the width of the cylinder or panel of the selected brand of insulation.

3. Among the boards is an attic heater. If the thickness requires more layers of thermal insulation material, it is laid by overlapping the joints of the previous layer.
4. They are completely identical to the already installed sticks. at the same distance from each other. Between them is a second layer of insulation in the attic.
5. Waterproof cool attic waterproofing installed on top.

   which is secured either with a special adhesive tape or with a thin stick adapted along the box. This level can be lowered if the waterproofing is of good quality cold roof already made from corrugated cardboard.

6. Sex lanes or traffic bridges are connected through sticks.

Since it is important that the ceiling under a cold roof is sufficiently insulated to save on heating costs in the home, I recommend using an overlay insulation system.

This decking will minimize the possibility of cold bridging across the wood studs since most of them will be insulated by the heater.

Another method of heating a cold attic of reinforced concrete slabs without using boxes is suitable where they are used to insulate solid, wet insulation that can withstand heavy loads without loss of property.

Scheme of a pressure block on a reinforced concrete block

In this case, the first section is in the attic.

The insulation of the attic plates is then completed with a layer of thermal insulation of the designed thickness.

A leveling screed is poured onto it. Estrich is already covering the first floor.

If the insulation of a concrete attic is made of aerated concrete and similar density and properties of materials, you can dispense with hydro- and vapor barrier and screed.

Attic Heater: Which Choice?

Before you insulate your attic roof, you must remove the insulation material that matches your enclosure.

Unfortunately, there is no universal option; it is better to insulate the attic. This choice depends on a number of factors, the most important of which are:

• Thermal insulation properties of the material;
• Fire safety;
• Expenses;
• Easy to install;
• Environmental compatibility;
• hygroscopicity;
• Power;
• Resistant to fire, temperature, acid and alkali.

You need to decide which of these factors is most important to you and which you can ignore.

Heating the first floor of a cool attic with mineral wool

Mineral wool is one of the most popular materials for floor insulation.

The best features of home attic insulation are the varieties based on basalt fibers called stone (basalt) cotton.

Insulation based on basalt fibers belongs to the class of non-combustible materials with a melting point above 1000 ° C; and has excellent thermal insulation properties.

Heating the attic on wooden beams - 5 levels of ceiling insulation work

However, it easily absorbs moisture, so the requirements for hydro- and vapor barrier are particularly high in use.

Drain in two layers of mineral wool between the warmth of the attic

Heating the mineral wool overlay is best done using rollers, since the joints between the plates are not strong, but they reduce the effectiveness of the thermal insulation. If you want to fold it, you need to close the beams close or direct it without disturbing the interference.

Installation of mineral wool is very simple, which is why this insulation material is most often chosen when people want to insulate their attic themselves without the help of experts.

While working, do not forget to use the tools personal protection: Thick rubber gloves, glasses and clothing that cover the entire body. For people who are prone to allergies, this kit should be supplemented with a respirator.

• Fire safety;
• Environmental compatibility;
• Ease of use;
• Relatively low price.

flaws:

• Possibility of forming fillings, good wrinkles;
• Hygroscopicity.

Insulating the bottom of the attic with foam.

However, all its advantages are offset by one drawback - this material is a fire hazard.

Already at a temperature of 80 ° C; polystyrene melts, releasing huge amounts of harmful substances and at a temperature of 210 ° C; there is fire. Therefore, insulating the attic over polystyrene foam carriers is not a good idea. However, it can be used in non-combustible materials, such as when they are laid on a concrete block by casting as concrete.

flaws:

• nausea;
• Highly flammable;
• It is already deformed at 60°C;
• This is an excellent mosquito refuge.

Heated attic with expanded polystyrene foam

However, insulating wood floor slabs is not recommended.

Despite the fact that open ignition of this thermal insulation material occurs at a fairly high temperature, fire is still dangerous. Firstly, extruded polystyrene supports combustion, and secondly, it releases very corrosive and toxic substances by heating at very high temperatures. low temperatures, in most cases the cause of death is fire. Therefore, penoplex is far from a better option than insulating the attic of a house, although it is reinforced.

• High thermal insulation properties;
• Resistance to humidity;
• Resistant to decay;
• High density;
• A light weight.

flaws:

• When heated above 80°C; it begins to release toxic substances;
• Fire;
• Deforms when heated.

Heating the attic of a house using polyurethane foam

flaws:

Heated ceiling of a cool attic with sawdust

Previously, due to the lack of other materials, cold roof insulation with sawdust was widespread.

Now this method of thermal insulation is used by those who love environmental compatibility. In this case, despite popular belief, designing an attic using such a heater is not cheap at all. Sawdust is not placed “dry”, but in a special solution, the production of which requires money and a lot of time.

The structure of a sawdust solution for insulating a cold attic is as follows:

• 10 tablespoons (wood is necessary, which is formed when cutting and processing wood, furniture dust is too small for this purpose);
• 1 bucket of hydrated lime (thrusters);
• 1 bucket of cement;
• 5-10 pieces of water with antiseptic.

  for example, with boric acid, soap or copper dome (gradually pour into the feeding vessel, the final amount depends on the size of the sawdust).

The resulting mixture is placed on a substrate between the beams and wrapped. The thickness of the layer of such insulation for the attic ceiling should be at least 300 mm, but it is better to do more, because the thermal insulation properties of sawdust can vary greatly. Moving bridges are installed on top of such a heater covering the attic, which can be used as leaves particle board or thick plywood.

• Comparatively cheap;
• Environmental compatibility;
• Good thermal insulation properties.

flaws:

• Intensive independent production;
• The thickness of the attic is large;
• Complex installation;
• Differences in thermal insulation properties depending on the composition.

Thermal insulation of the lower part of the attic with expanded clay

Another relatively cheap material that can be used to insulate an attic in a private home is expanded clay.

It is made of baked clay and is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials. In addition, expanded clay has good thermal insulation properties, is stable, durable and inert to acids and alkalis.

With expanded clay you can insulate reinforced concrete and wood attic floors. But in the latter case, the calculation of the load-carrying capacity of the carriers must be carefully weighed, since expanded clay insulation weighs much more than modern insulations.

Concrete floor slabs simply carry very high loads, so they can be used without additional calculations.

A layer of expanded clay insulation covered between attic roof beams

If wooden attic The house is insulated, the bar is first made at the top of the beams, and only then the thermal insulation is poured.

Spread the clay in a layer of 250-300 mm and level it thoroughly. It is then covered with floor boards.

If you are insulating concrete attic floors, waterproofing the coating with filler or coating materials, then the expanded clay is mixed with cement and filled with a layer of 350-400 mm.

• Environmentally friendly material;
• Good thermal insulation properties;
• Fire;
• Resistant to acids and alkalis;
• Not subject to rotting;
• constant;
• Low cost.

On the materials pages: http://oprofnastile.ru

During the cold season, 25 to 40% of the heat is lost in a heated room. To avoid heating the streets in the future, at the initial stage of construction it is necessary to decide how to properly insulate the ceiling under a cold roof.

An insulated ceiling performs three important functions:

1. By its composition, the insulating material is a sound insulator.

   He's a good supporter.

2. During the cold season, insulating material keeps the room warm.
3. In summer, the heater creates a thermal insulating effect without entering hot air.

With development construction technologies, new materials, tips and methods for making ceiling insulation in the house. To choose the right material based on your budget and stacking complexity, consider several options.

If you choose an insulating material, you should consider some properties:

1. Thermal conductivity.
2. Water resistance.
3. Material security.
4. Durability of operations.

The following materials are widely used for ceiling and attic insulation:

• mineral wool;
• sawdust;
• expanded polystyrene;
• polyurethane foam.

Previously, straw or hay were used instead of these heaters.

Some craftsmen still use them, but insulation requires compliance with installation technology.

Ceiling insulation is lightweight and does not overload the roof structure.

Mineral wool insulation material

Mineral wool is the leader among all materials that insulate the ceiling.

It is used for heating inside the house and attic, according to the data, which is excellent for this.

Glass wool

This insulation is made from molten high temperature glass with fine fiber extraction.

In addition, continuous foil and roll-to-roll are formed. Glass wool has weak thermal conductivity properties, such as basalt insulation, but there is much more to casting. It is commonly used for attic insulation.

To install glass wool we only need the interior of the attic, so it is not advisable in rooms.

Polyurethane foam

This material is used by spraying, special equipment is needed for polyurethane foam insulation.

If necessary, it can be dispersed in several layers, which is why it is often used in northern regions. When sprayed, polyurethane foam fills the entire space and forms a tight, sealed lid without stitches.

After choosing the insulation material, you can continue with the main task - how to properly insulate the ceiling under a cold roof.

Also read: How to insulate an attic floor

Ceiling insulation from the inside

You can do this in two ways:

1. Gluing on ceiling tiles for thermal insulation and fixation with special terminals.
2. Making a special container made of wood or metal on the ceiling and laying insulating material between the guides.

If you want to warm up either option, you need to do some preparatory work, otherwise the insulation will not give the desired effect.

Ceiling preparation

The installation of the ceiling depends on the material from which it is made.

A wooden ceiling requires the following parts:

1. The entire surface of the ceiling must be cleaned with an antiseptic and fire-resistant material.

   Coat the wood surface with antiseptic to slowly treat each slot.

2. Then you need to fix any cracks. If there are large cracks between the plates, they can be sealed with whales, but it is better to use foam, and when the foam has hardened, the excess part is cut with a knife.

Concrete ceiling

The concrete ceiling is prepared in different ways:

1. If the ceiling has decorative elements, they should be removed and any plaster that can be cleaned should be cleaned.
2. Cracks on the surface must be widened, thoroughly cleaned of dust and prepared.
3. Small gaps can be closed with liquid cement mortar or sealant.

   We heat the attic above the wooden beams

   Large cracks should be sealed with foam. After hardening, the foam is leveled according to the level of the entire surface.

4. The ceiling is covered with an interior base designed for use on concrete surfaces.

   After complete drying, you should start installation work on insulation.

Installation with glue

To heat using this method, all materials will be made in the form of plates of different sizes. This can be basalt wool, expanded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene.

Cement-based mortar and prefabricated foam should be used as glue.

The glue on which the cement is based is prepared according to the recipe on the package.

Pay attention to the specific drying time as it affects the amount of solution required for mixing.

If you choose precast foam, apply it to the heater with a special gun.
The panel with the adhesive attached should be pressed against the ceiling and held for about a minute.

After installing several heater squares, there are holes in the ceiling designed to attach a mushroom to which a spacer nail is later launched. If there are gaps between the plates, they must be carefully filled with foam. The basalt wool heater is installed in a similar way.

This method is carried out under suspended ceilings.

Installation between rails

Thermal insulation with a container is used if plasterboard or lining will be covered by the ceiling.

First you should place marks on the ceiling to give up the lines where the container pieces will be attached.

They should be located at a distance corresponding to the width of the insulation.
The wooden frame is attached to the ceiling with screws. The metal profile is fixed with special springs, which allow the hopper to lower to the required distance from the ceiling.

Next you need to install the insulation. Wooden rods built by the enemy.

The mineral wool itself is well distributed and has, and it can also be grabbed by shelves with pendants.

The foam is installed very carefully as it can interrupt the panel with a good load.

If after installing the heater there are gaps between the box and the foam, they should be filled with pre-assembled foam.

After installing the insulation, the ceiling should be covered with vapor barrier film. It is attached to a wooden frame with staples or staplers and metal profile- using double-sided construction tape.

The stretched vapor barrier film is finally covered with sheets of drywall or backing.

The hybrid plates are attached to guide screws with an inclination of 150 mm. The seams between them are reinforced with mesh and applied to the coating layer. After drying the joints, you can fill the entire surface of the ceiling and then finish the finishing work.

Attic spaces, the frame of which is presented in the form of wooden trusses, are correctly called “cold”. These objects are not particularly durable compared to reinforced concrete structures, but they have their merits.

Basically they come down to great opportunities use of thermal insulation materials. A classic attic floor on wooden beams is equipped with insulation using ordinary carpentry tools, unlike reinforced concrete, where special equipment is required.

Insulation of the attic floor, in addition to insulation, requires the installation of proper vapor barriers and exhaust hoods that prevent the formation of mold and mildew. And if you correctly follow the technology when installing insulating material, then air exchange will be guaranteed.

The design of the attic directly depends on the parameters of the building and the purposes intended for the use of this room. The under-roof space plays the role of a kind of air gap separating warm heated rooms from the cold roof.

In this case, the floor in the attic performs two tasks:

Isolating. In the attic of a house, the air temperature is almost no different from the street temperature. In this case, the floors have an insulating function, thereby preventing the penetration of cold air into the living spaces.

Carrier. In most cases, the ceiling on wooden beams between the attic space and the upper floor of the house, like the walls, has a load-bearing function. In this regard, it must be reliable and durable, since people move along it, utensils are stored or any equipment is placed.

Therefore, to know permissible load for attic floors, it is necessary to make calculations. Then, based on their results, draw up a project that will show how to properly insulate the attic floor of a building.

Selection of material for insulation

The technique for insulating an attic is simple, since the material is laid directly on the floor, in the gap between the rafters and wooden floor beams. If you plan to use the attic space as an attic, then you also need to insulate the roof.

To insulate the floor between the beams in the attic, several types of insulation are used:

• Mineral wool.
• Styrofoam.
• Expanded polystyrene.
• Sawdust.
• Expanded clay.
• Foam.

Let's take a closer look at each insulating product.

Mineral wool insulation

In order to save heat, the material must be placed between steam and waterproofing films. Vapor barrier protects against moist air masses that form in living spaces near the ceiling, especially at the junction with the walls. The second layer protects the wool from water entering from the roof through microcracks and holes in the roof.

The attic space of a house is insulated most often from the floor rather than from the ceiling of the lower floor. For this purpose, mineral wool is a reliable, inexpensive insulating material with high compression, allowing you to cover the surface of not only the floor, but also beams different shapes. This insulation is sold in rolls or slabs of different thicknesses.

At the same time, it has the following advantages:

• Budget cost.
• Easy to install.
• Rodents do not grow in such insulation.
• High fire safety of the material.
• Ability to isolate any uneven surface.

At the same time, when working with mineral wool, it is necessary to take protective measures: wear thick clothing, work in goggles and protective gloves, and it is also advisable to use a respirator.

Styrofoam

Insulating an attic space with polystyrene foam is a good option for converting it into an attic, suitable for year-round use. This material has low thermal conductivity, as it is produced in the form of foamed air granules pressed into slabs.

During installation, the foam must be cut so that the plates fit tightly between the attic floors. Any gaps and cracks become “bridges” for the penetration of cold, and thereby significantly worsen the quality of insulation.

In this case, it is necessary to maintain a distance between the foam board and the waterproofing film of at least 2-3 cm. It is recommended to use it as insulation with a thickness of 70 mm, and in regions with a harsh climate - 100 mm.

Attention! When installing a vapor barrier film, you need to pay attention to the fact that it faces the insulation with the required layer, according to the instructions. Otherwise, the opposite effect will be produced: all the steam will be directed towards the insulating material.

Extruded polystyrene foam

When insulating the ceiling of a living space over the attic floors, for many builders this material is considered the best option. This insulation does not cause any difficulties during installation; it can be laid under any beam ceiling.

It also saves space, since you can get by with two to three times less thickness than using the same mineral wool. Extruded polystyrene foam comes in different types, as it is produced by different manufacturers. To insulate attic floors, the density of such material should be about 32-34 kg/m, and its thickness should be from 40 to 100 mm.

Manufacturers also produce shaped elements from expanded polystyrene, which are used to lay out complex fragments in the attic ceiling. It is convenient to install this insulation in two layers: the first layer is laid between the attic floors, and the second layer is applied end-to-end along the bottom row, covering the wooden beams as well.

The main disadvantage of such insulation is that it is flammable. To reduce the fire hazard, you can lay mineral wool with expanded polystyrene, or add antipyrine.

Expanded clay

Expanded clay for the attic of a house is a traditional method of thermal insulation of a technical floor. This material is poured between wooden floors with a layer thickness of at least 150 mm. This mass is universal remedy, capable of insulating floor structures, and can also be used as thermal insulation in conjunction with other bulk materials.

Attention! Expanded clay is a fairly light insulation material, but when a thick layer is applied, the load-bearing surface of the ceiling will bear a large load.

Thermal insulation is best carried out at the construction stage of the building, since it is easy to waterproof the ceilings of the rooms under the attic and provide for an exhaust hood.

To do this, cover the ceiling with a vapor barrier film to protect the expanded clay layer from getting wet. It is not recommended to pour it directly onto the floorboards for another reason: during operation and operation of the room, a lot of dust is released, which penetrates into the living rooms.

Sawdust

Sawdust is a product of lumber processing in the woodworking industry. This is the cheapest insulation for attic floors, since you can buy sawdust at any sawmill for free. Thus, sawdust is still an option as a reliable heat insulator in attic spaces.

On a note! Sawdust is of organic origin, therefore, it is completely harmless to human health. Since ancient times in Rus', sawdust mixed with clay has been used as insulation in attics.

Sawdust has the following advantages:

1. Low cost of thermal insulation. Probably, the popularity of such insulation lies precisely because of this factor: its cost is almost equal to the cost of transportation.
2. Safety for human health. Wood shavings and sawdust do not cause skin irritation, allergies, or poisoning, which cannot be said with complete confidence about modern insulation materials.
3. Low thermal conductivity coefficient. Unlike wood, chips have a porous structure, so they have low heat conductivity.
4. Easy installation. To form a heat-insulating layer in the attic floors, no special skills are required. You just need to mix sawdust with clay or lime, and then pour it into the space between the attic floors.

The only significant drawback is the fire hazard of the material, despite the mixture with other non-flammable substances.

Foam

Recently, two types of insulating materials have become popular for insulating attic floors: blown-in wool and ecowool. The latter material consists of 80% cellulose fibers made from waste paper, and 20% from additives, which are fire-fighting and antiseptic components.

This material has low thermal conductivity, is very light, and looks like regular polyurethane foam. Both types of insulation are usually sprayed onto the boards between wooden beams, but sometimes ecowool is used in granules in a crumbly state. In this case, this mixture, as an option, is simply poured between the floor beams and compacted.

Vapor barrier

The vapor barrier film protects wooden beam ceilings from moisture formed in the air of residential premises. In addition, it protects floors from the appearance of mold and mildew in the thermal insulation material.

Regardless of how the attic floor is made, the vapor barrier for the floor should form a continuous carpet that does not allow condensation to penetrate. Special attention should be applied at the joints with walls, where there is a high probability of condensation penetration. To do this, the covering film is overlapped and its edges are glued together with tape.

Insulation technology

For correct application insulation, follow the step-by-step instructions:

Step #1. Carry out an inspection and, if defects are found, eliminate them. Treat boards and timber with antiseptics and fungicides.

Step #2. Lay out vapor barrier material and seal all gaps with mounting tape.

Step #3. Lay (pour) insulation into the openings of wooden floors on the floor.

Step #4. Pay special attention to the joints between slabs of insulating material. If necessary, apply additional insulation.

Step #5. Lay with an overlap waterproofing film, fasten the joints with mounting tape.

Step #6. Separately install insulation on ventilation duct, chimney pipes in the form of basalt wool, perlite, and it is advisable to install a special corrugation on top.

Installation of wooden attic beams

The attic ceilings are designed to separate the living rooms from the under-roof space. They don't miss cold air, therefore the main task is their thermal insulation. Various equipment is also often installed in the attic.

In this regard, another important task is to create a solid foundation that can withstand this load. Thus, the safety of people, their comfortable living, and also the durability of the structure depend on the high-quality arrangement of wooden floors.

Attic flooring on wooden beams - standards, requirements

According to the requirements of SNiP 31-02, attic floors must withstand thermal, statistical, acoustic and fire conditions. In addition, they must be energy-saving, therefore, reliable thermal insulation must be installed on the floors.

When installing an attic floor on wooden beams, you must strictly adhere to all sanitary and hygienic requirements. When erecting a frame, it is necessary to construct the structure, and then insulate the attic floor. At the same time, the same temperature must be maintained between the lower part of the attic and the living room. The difference in indicators in degrees according to the standards is allowed no more than 4˚С.

For structural elements In the attic, dry, seasoned timber with a cross-section of 100×150 or 200×250 mm should be used, and the humidity in it should not exceed 20-30%. The distance between the load-bearing beams depends on the load, but usually it is taken at intervals of 3 to 6 meters. In addition to bearing load, wooden floors require a maximum safety margin.

It must be borne in mind that the indicator of the least load on such load-bearing beams is 100 kg/sq. m. And the period of trouble-free operation of wooden floors according to the standards is 60 years. It is due to the fact that the wood is susceptible to damage from fungus and insects, as well as a change in the strength of the beams under the influence of possible condensation.

Read more about regulatory requirements on attic floors, watch the video:

The joints between the rafter beams and the wall, as well as the load-bearing ceiling beams, should be especially protected with insulating material. If all these conditions are met, the house will serve you faithfully for a long time.

Living in your own cottage can be overshadowed by low indoor temperatures during the cold season and high costs. To avoid this, insulate the ceiling of a private house. Using traditional and new materials, ceiling, attic or interfloor insulation is performed.

The process of insulating the floor frame house using mineral wool

According to the laws of physics, warm air always rises to the top. If it is not heated, heat from the lower floor goes out through it. Heat loss can be up to 40%. Warm air escapes through small cracks in the concrete, pores in wooden ceilings. Properly performed thermal insulation will prevent freezing and reduce heating costs.

In all private houses with a cold ceiling, it is recommended to thermally insulate the ceiling. Such work can be performed at the construction stage or in an already constructed house. In the second case, insulation is carried out if the coatings were made a long time ago and over time have lost their heat-insulating properties.

Insulation materials

For thermal insulation, four groups of insulation are used:

In addition to the direct function of thermal insulation, they have. In summer they protect the house from high ambient temperatures. Among the main properties of heat-insulating agents that are important for:

Before making the final choice of thermal insulation product, it is also important to analyze:

1. Climatic conditions. How colder in winter outdoors, the thicker the insulation layer should be.
2. Budget. Quite often the choice depends only on the availability of money.
3. Additional work. What else needs to be done to insulate the ceiling?

Laying mineral wool into beams before covering the ceiling with clapboard

Perhaps this is the replacement of structural elements, finishing materials, the application of additional materials or treatment with fire-resistant preparations.

Sawdust

Sawdust can be used to thermally insulate the ceiling. This is due to its low price, availability, and low cost of work. The main disadvantage of sawdust is flammability and low moisture resistance. This leads to easy fire, rotting, and the appearance of fungus. Therefore, the sawdust is processed before laying.

The process of filling sawdust into the cavity between the beams under the flooring sheets

To reduce the moisture content and prevent mold, sawdust is dried in a special chamber for a year. Later them, fungicides.

Slaked lime will help reduce the risk of rodent infestation. To reduce flammability, they are mixed with fire retardants.

Thermal insulation using sawdust is carried out in two ways. Sawdust is simply poured onto the prepared surface.


This method is not in demand. Since the material begins to shrink quite quickly, which requires regular replenishment. For the second method, sawdust is mixed with cement mortar.

Styrofoam

Plate breathable material, has low price, does not accumulate moisture, does not rot. Mold, fungi, and microorganisms do not grow on polystyrene foam. It has high thermal conductivity, resistance to high temperatures, good sound insulation. Conducts moisture well. Light weight allows it to be installed on thin floors. Durable.

Installation of foam sheets to the ceiling

Main disadvantages:

1. Flammability. This is the main drawback of the material. It is not installed where there is free access to air. When used for floors, they must be treated with plaster or fire-resistant preparations.
2. Rodents. Mice love to make their nests in polystyrene foam.

To prevent the penetration of rodents, use a fine-mesh metal mesh.

Expanded clay

Bulk material is the second most popular insulation material. It has high thermal insulation properties, is always on sale, and is easy to install yourself.

It's inexpensive. Disadvantages of expanded clay:

For installation, large and small particles are mixed. This combination will fill the empty space. To protect against moisture, pour cement mortar. Its thickness should be no more than 20 mm.

Mineral wool

It is produced in the form of a roll, rolled out over the surface, and cut. The material is inexpensive, has good thermal insulation, and is quick to install. Among its disadvantages are:

The thermal barrier decreases when the cotton wool is compressed, so you should not step on it; the flooring is made immediately after installation.

Penoizol and polyurethane foam

Insulation of this type is poured or sprayed. This material cannot be laid on your own, because... its application requires special equipment, protective suits, and professional skills.

Foam products fill all the smallest cracks and cracks. They do not attract insects, do not burn, and are safe for humans. The substance contains a large number of air bubbles contributing.
Flaws:

1. High price.
2. Fragility. The material does not restore initial form after damage.
3. Shrinkage. Penoizol has slight shrinkage.

After complete hardening, it is necessary to replenish the settled material.

Insulation technologies

Depending on the structure, the ceiling, attic or interfloor ceilings are insulated.

Ceiling

This type of thermal insulation includes three main actions: preparation, interior work and work in the attic. The preparatory stage begins with cleaning the surface from debris, dirt, extra items. For insulation with mineral wool, polystyrene foam, and sawdust, load-bearing beams with a cross-section of 50 x 100 cm are prepared. They must be checked before installation.

Diagram with the names of insulation elements attic floor in the cottage

Damaged areas are removed or replaced. Mold and mildew are removed using a grinding machine or regular sandpaper. It is mandatory to treat beams with fire and bioprotection agents.
The next step is the installation of utilities.

Detailed diagram attic floor insulation

The process of insulating an attic includes preparation, laying thermal insulation outside and inside, thermal insulation of gables, and finishing. Bulk materials are not suitable for attic floors.

Insulation is carried out with slabs or roll materials. When using reinforced concrete floor slabs, the outer and inner parts of the roof are usually insulated.

First, remove the old flooring and check rafter system. If necessary, parts are replaced and repairs are carried out. If the logs are thinner than the thermal insulator, they are built up with bars of a suitable size. All wooden elements are treated with an antiseptic and fire retardant.


A vapor barrier membrane is attached to the bars with a stapler so that the smooth surface is on the thermal insulation side. The insulation material itself is spread or laid. Another layer is spread on top of the thermal insulator vapor barrier material. All seams are closed with tape. The insulation of the attic floor is completed by the production of wooden sheathing for attaching finishing materials.

Watch the video for the process of insulating an attic floor with mineral wool.

Interfloor ceiling

Insulation interfloor ceilings starts with checking the floor level. If differences are noted, it is better to eliminate them using a cement-sand screed. The beams are prepared, all traces of mold are removed, and treated with antiseptic and fireproofing agents. The space between the beams and the structure is filled with foam, and the remains are cut off. A waterproofing or vapor barrier membrane is attached to the beams.

Installed vapor barrier membrane before insulating the interfloor ceiling

They are wrapped in film so that the edges remain open. This will allow them to dry better. The next stage is to install the insulation. For interfloor ceilings it is recommended to use polystyrene foam or mineral wool. Waterproofing is installed on top of the insulating material and finishing work is carried out at the end.