Selection of material for roof insulation. Which roof insulation is best to choose? Roof insulation material

In the process of building a roof, insulation is a mandatory step. In winter, in most regions of Russia, severe cold sets in; you cannot do without a warm roof, and heating tariffs are steep. In summer, the roof surface absorbs a lot of thermal energy, and thermal insulation helps keep the attic cool. A review of the most popular materials will help you find out which insulation to choose for your roof, which brand is more durable, stronger and retains heat better.

When choosing an effective thermal insulator, it is important to consider the following criteria:

  • low thermal conductivity, so as not to lay too thick layers;
  • light weight that does not overload structural elements;
  • Fire safety;
  • environmental Safety;
  • preservation of shape and density, working properties throughout the entire service life;
  • biosustainability;
  • soundproofing;
  • possibility of ventilation;
  • moisture resistance, vapor permeability;
  • affordability or economic feasibility.

High-quality materials for insulation have a fairly high price, but during operation the costs are recouped by reducing heating costs.

  • costs a penny;
  • very light;
  • Sold in the form of slabs, easy to transport.
  • short-lived, decomposes over time releasing toxic styrene;
  • loved by rodents, birds and insects;
  • inelastic, when laying it needs to be precisely adjusted, but there are still gaps that have to be foamed with polyurethane foam;
  • burns and releases toxic substances, only non-flammable finishes are allowed.

9th place is occupied by glass wool - this is a material based on elongated glass fibers.


  • soft elastic blocks fill the entire opening between the rafters without gaps;
  • is produced in rolls, due to which it is possible quick installation;
  • affordable price;
  • thermal conductivity - 0.045 W/mS;
  • does not burn;
  • has low weight.
  • styling must be done in thick clothing with long sleeves and protective gloves and a mask, since glass microparticles cause severe skin irritation;
  • fragile structure, vibration loads are undesirable, shrinkage is possible;
  • hygroscopic, requires vapor barrier.

Sprayed ecowool

8th place is occupied by safe sprayed ecowool, which is made on the basis of cellulose from waste cardboard, newsprint, and waste paper. It comes in the form of fluffy lumps that look like cotton wool. Eat wet method thermal insulation when humidified adhesive composition the material is sprayed onto the surface, and the dry method, when cotton wool is blown into the cavities from vapor barrier membranes.


  • natural material, safe for human health;
  • blows out quickly;
  • thermal conductivity 0.043 W/mS;
  • does not burn;
  • fills all the cracks.
  • requires special installation for operation;
  • during installation you need to use by individual means dust protection.

In 7th place is sprayed polyurethane foam, outwardly it looks like polyurethane foam.


  • fills all hard-to-reach areas and lays down in a continuous layer without cold bridges;
  • has excellent adhesion to any type of base;
  • does not require fastenings;
  • withstands extreme heat;
  • quickly applied.
  • synthesis and spraying of insulation is possible only with the help of special equipment;
  • high cost of work;
  • low sound insulation;
  • does not allow steam to pass through, is short-lived.

Expanded clay

In 6th place - bulk insulation expanded clay These are porous round pebbles or clay granules, they are sold in bags for very affordable price.


  • durability - will last at least 60 years;
  • fills the entire volume of the cavity;
  • environmentally friendly;
  • does not burn;
  • frost-resistant.
  • fragile granules require careful handling;
  • mainly used in ceilings.

Penoplex

5th place - penoplex or its analogues, produced in the form of slabs with tongue-and-groove locks. They are made from polystyrene, like regular white foam, but using a completely different technology, the result is high-quality material.


penoplex
  • low thermal conductivity - 0.032 W/mS;
  • complete vapor barrier;
  • rigid shape, can serve as a continuous sheathing;
  • water resistance;
  • high density and low weight;
  • fire resistance class G3.
  • during thermal decomposition, it releases toxic substances;
  • must be adjusted to the dimensions of the insulated gap.

4th place is taken fiberboard boards, the basis of which is long wood fibers, and the binder is liquid glass or magnesite.


  • holds a rigid shape and can serve as a basis for continuous sheathing or finishing;
  • low thermal conductivity;
  • does not rot;
  • does not burn;
  • vapor permeable;
  • moisture resistant;
  • has high noise absorption;
  • service life - at least 60 years.
  • heavier than other types of insulation;
  • afraid of repeated freezing and thawing.

3rd place - mineral basalt wool, this is the most common insulation. The binder in stone wool is formaldehyde resins, but in small quantities and in a polymerized state. Thermal conductivity is 0.04 W/mS.


  • soft elastic mats with a springy edge zone are precisely fixed between the rafters;
  • does not decompose;
  • biostable;
  • has excellent vapor permeability;
  • does not burn;
  • has high sound insulation;
  • service life is 50 years.

Basalt wool has no significant disadvantages; the cost is above average.

2nd place - foil extruded polystyrene foam, which consists of two layers: foil and a panel resembling foam rubber.


Advantages:

  • high strength;
  • foil reflects 97% of radiation;
  • low thermal conductivity 0.03 W/mS;
  • biosustainability;
  • complete hydrophobicity;
  • easy to install and cut.

The only drawback: the foil becomes cloudy over time, its reflective properties decrease.

PIR plate

The leading first position is occupied by the PIR plate. This innovative material combines best qualities heat insulators and is a gas-filled rigid slab made of polyisocyanurate foam.


  • very low thermal conductivity - 0.022 W/mS;
  • tongue-and-groove connection, easy installation;
  • closed cells provide complete water resistance;
  • strength;
  • environmental Safety;
  • there are foil models;

When installing, it is important to strictly follow its technology and building regulations, then the house will be cool in summer, and in winter warm attic will become a favorite vacation spot for the whole family. Choose suitable material everyone can based on personal preferences and capabilities.

When building or operating a house, owners are puzzled by the issue of roof insulation. Someone tries to rationalize for a comfortable stay year-round use premises bordering the roof, while others seek to minimize their material costs for energy consumption spent on heating or cooling (depending on the season). Among other things, the use of insulation contributes to:

  • creating additional protection for premises from moisture and dust;
  • maintaining optimal humidity levels;
  • reducing the penetration of extraneous noise.

It would be most correct to take care of roof insulation at the stage of design and construction of the facility, but modern materials make it possible to do this in already constructed and operating buildings.

Main characteristics of insulation

Specialized stores have a wide range of insulating materials. roofing materials, therefore, when choosing them, you need to pay attention to the following:

  • Environmentally friendly and harmless;
  • Life time;
  • Fire safety;
  • Indicators of water and vapor permeability, moisture resistance;
  • Ability to resist aggressive environment and maintain their original geometric parameters during operation.

Types of thermal insulation material

The most popular types of insulation today are:

  • expanded polystyrene (foam);
  • extruded polystyrene foam;
  • mineral wool.

The market demand for the listed insulators is explained by:

  • optimal combination of reasonable price and quality;
  • the ability to independently install the insulation.

Polystyrene boards

Polystyrene foam (expanded polystyrene) is produced by treating polymer granules with dry superheated steam. Due to thermal expansion, granules placed in a special block mold adhere to each other and, when sintered, leave intergranular voids (micropores).

This insulator is produced in sheets of sizes 100×100 cm, 100×50 cm, 200×100 cm, 120×100 cm. Their thickness varies from 10 to 100 mm.

Extruded polystyrene foam does not have intergranular spaces in its structure, which significantly increases its functionality and provides a number of advantages over ordinary polystyrene foam:

  • At a higher density, its thermal conductivity is lower;
  • Indicators of moisture absorption and sound permeability are significantly lower;
  • It is 5 times stronger in bending and 30% more resistant to temperature fluctuations;
  • Has increased resistance to mechanical stress (does not crumble).

This insulation is inferior to its related competitor only in price - it is almost 2.5 times more expensive. Extruded polystyrene foam is produced in the form of standard sheets from 120 to 240 cm long, 50 to 60 cm wide, and 2.5 to 10 cm thick.

Polystyrene insulation, despite intraspecific differences, is nevertheless characterized common features, characteristic of each of them to a greater or lesser extent:

  • They have low thermal conductivity and vapor permeability;
  • Do not absorb moisture;
  • They are not affected by acids and alkalis, but are not resistant to benzene and acetone;
  • Easy to process (can be easily cut with a knife/hand saw);
  • Do not rot or be damaged by fungi and bacteria;
  • Do not weigh down the roof structure;
  • Easy to install;
  • When burned, they can melt, releasing harmful toxic substances.

Overall, these materials are good. And, despite the significant advantages of extruded polystyrene foam, in cases where roof insulation requires a material that is not subject to heavy loads during operation, you can purchase ordinary polystyrene foam.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool forms

Mineral wool is perhaps the most popular insulation for roofing. There are many varieties of this material (glass wool, slag wool, etc.), but most often when choosing cotton insulation preference is given to basalt mineral wool ( stone wool), because she:

  • has low thermal conductivity;
  • most resistant to high temperatures;
  • non-toxic;
  • not exposed to aggressive substances, rot, fungi, mold;
  • light;
  • differs in ease of processing (cut with improvised materials);
  • provides excellent sound insulation;

The vapor permeability of mineral wool is significantly higher than that of polystyrene insulation, therefore, when using it as a heat insulator, it is necessary to cover the surface in such a way that the vapor does not accumulate, but comes out.

Forms of mineral wool

For ease of transportation, storage and installation, this insulation is produced in mats, slabs or rolls X. Depending on the purpose and installation options for insulation, as well as based on economic feasibility, preference is given to one or another option. However, we must remember that no matter what form mineral wool is produced in, it is always necessary to pay attention to its main characteristics: heat capacity, moisture resistance, vapor permeability.

It is worth noting that, for example, they are more elastic compared to plates, and from the point of view of ease of installation, they are better than roll ones. Mineral wool slabs have a higher density, so they can withstand vertical loads well and do not deform. Because of this, they are more preferable to use than mats, especially when insulating pitched and mansard roofs.

Which insulation is best for a roof?

Despite all the advanced technologies and persistent efforts of manufacturers, an ideal insulation has not been invented. Unfortunately, the presented thermal insulation materials are still imperfect and competitive.

If you have to choose between polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam or mineral wool, then you need to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of each insulation and remember the problems that need to be solved when insulating.

In terms of heat resistance, weight, low cost, and resistance to deformation, extruded polystyrene foam and conventional polystyrene foam are superior to mineral wool insulation, but from the point of view fire safety and harmlessness to humans is inferior to it.

In turn, mineral wool, for all its advantages over polystyrene foam insulators, is hygroscopic, can shrink, forming cold bridges, and during installation requires additional hassle and expense for installing vapor barriers and ventilation.

Cost of insulation

Depending on the brand, density and specific type the price of the material varies:

  • Foam plastic - from 26 rubles. per sheet
  • Expanded polystyrene – 60-70 rub. per sheet.
  • Mineral wool – 75-400 rub. per m2.

Choosing for an attic roof

However, it must have a thermal conductivity coefficient of less than 0.2 W/m*K. The thickness of the roof should be minimal so that the attic space does not decrease and the frame does not experience heavy loads.

The following are most often used as attic roof insulation materials:

  • Styrofoam;
  • Extruded polystyrene foam;
  • Mineral wool;
  • Glass wool;
  • Polyurethane foam.

When the roof design must include and. better in two layers, tightly joining them to each other and avoiding the presence of holes.

A roof with an unused attic, as a rule, is not insulated - thermal insulation or the ceiling of residential premises.

Thermal insulators for pitched roofs

For warm roofs pitched character is used:

Thermal insulation pitched roof

  • Mineral basalt wool;
  • Polyurethane foam;
  • Penoizol;
  • Styrofoam;
  • Extruded polystyrene foam.

For cold roofs with insulation attic floor All of the listed insulation materials are suitable, however, you can save money and, as an option, use cheaper glass wool.

However, it is important to know that roof insulation materials based on fiberglass are not recommended for insulating roof slopes. Because due to weak elasticity, after some time they begin to move away from inclined surfaces, and this seriously worsens the level of thermal insulation.

For used different systems insulation, but in any case they contain:

  • Vapor barrier layer;
  • Insulation laid in one or two layers;
  • Waterproofing layer;
  • Counter-lattice.

Insulating a flat roof

The choice of insulation for a flat roof depends on the degree of its use. If she takes over

certain loads (snow, wind, installation, etc.), then the heat insulator is selected with high moisture resistance and a load limit of up to 250 kg per m2, while an additional concrete screed is placed on top of the heat-insulating layer.

For unused roof the load limit is determined by lower values, but the insulator must have good moisture resistance.

Most often it is insulated with polystyrene foam (ordinary polystyrene foam or extruded material), foam concrete, and expanded clay. Fibrous mineral insulation materials are used much less frequently for these purposes. As a rule, the latter are used if the installation of polymer insulation is impossible with high fire safety requirements.

Since expanded polystyrene is characterized by flammability, in order to avoid fire situations, a non-flammable sand-cement screed is applied to them.

The flat roof insulation system includes:

  • floor slab;
  • vapor barrier;
  • insulation material laid in one or two layers;
  • hydrobarrier;
  • concrete screed (if necessary);
  • waterproofing with slope.

Flat roofs can be insulated both from the outside and from the inside.

The best insulation for any roof, as many years of installation practice has shown, are lightweight, non-flammable, heat-intensive, safe and durable materials. A wide range of heat insulators that meet all these requirements makes it difficult to choose the required insulation as responsibly as possible, because from the right choice And high-quality installation silence, warmth and comfort in the house depend.

Insulation for the roof, for walls, thermal insulation of the house: price, which is better, buy cheap, choose - outside, inside

To decide how to choose roof insulation and which one is best to buy, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of insulation and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Regardless of what the roof covering will be: tiles, slate or other material, - high-quality thermal insulation allows you to reduce heating costs and reduce heat loss.

Types of insulation for roofing

There is a wide selection of materials for roof insulation. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages that must be kept in mind when choosing roof insulation. Most popular on this moment are:

  • polystyrene foam (expanded polystyrene);
  • foam glass;
  • basalt wool;
  • cellulose;
  • foam concrete.

There are other types of insulation, among them you can choose the most suitable for a particular case. It is worth considering in more detail the most popular types materials.

Properties of extruded polystyrene and expanded polystyrene

Extruded polystyrene foam – relatively new material, which is designed to insulate the roof, however, it is quite capable of competing with more traditional methods.

The advantages of this material include:

  • light weight of the material;
  • low thermal conductivity;
  • low cost of material;
  • high strength.

TO significant shortcomings refers to low vapor permeability. Excess moisture will not come out, which requires more funds to be allocated to improve the ventilation system. The flammability class is very low.

Expanded polystyrene is not well suited for insulating every type of roof; it is better to use it for insulation flat roofs or roofs with a simple configuration.

Currently, mineral wool is one of the most popular materials for roof insulation.

Mineral wool fully meets all the requirements for materials for thermal insulation:

  • low thermal conductivity;
  • vapor permeability;
  • does not absorb moisture;
  • low flammability;
  • good soundproofing qualities.

Material based mineral insulation can last quite a long time, up to 50 years, and is resistant to mechanical damage.

Properties of fiberglass and foam concrete

Fiberglass insulation has almost the same characteristics as mineral wool. These two materials have only two important differences:

  • water absorption of mineral wool is much greater than that of ordinary wool;
  • low resistance to impact high temperature.

TO positive aspects materials used include:

  • lightness of the material;
  • low sound absorption.

Foam concrete is a fairly new material, which includes a steam generator, concrete and a mixture of sand and cement. Thermal insulation is applied by spraying between the screed and the base. For installation, you will need special equipment that allows you to thoroughly process all the cracks, cracks and seams, which will help avoid the appearance of “cold bridges”.

Typically foam concrete is used in construction industrial buildings and residential high-rises. The material is lightweight, durable and fireproof. The thermal conductivity of the material is quite high, so the layer of foam concrete should be large enough, at least 50 cm.

The answer to the question of how best to insulate the roof of a house depends on the design of the roof itself. A pitched roof requires a different type of insulation than a flat roof. There are also differences for the attic roof. In addition to the special characteristics of the material, different types roofs require in various ways installation of insulation.

Choosing insulation for different types roofs

Soft roofing, intended for long-term use, has a special specificity.

By soft roof we mean various materials for roof covering: polymer membranes, tiles, roofing felt, mastic materials. This type of roofing is a waterproofing “carpet” laid on a solid base. Having laid a soft roof, you do not have to worry about waterproofing.

Insulation is installed outside or inside, in one or two layers. Most often, two-layer insulation is done in new houses, and one layer is installed during renovation or reconstruction of the building.

The requirement for insulation for soft roof, just one thing: it must be durable to eliminate the possibility of deformation. The insulation is attached to the roof using dowels or glued.

Almost any materials can be used for soft roofing:

  • bulk: slate granules, crushed polystyrene foam;
  • hard: polystyrene foam, mineral wool (slabs);
  • soft roll.

To insulate the pitched roof of a private house, you can use one of two options.

Options for insulating a pitched roof

The first is for the attic floor. Suitable for cases where the attic of the house is intended to be used as a living space. Basic requirement for attic insulation– waterproof. Basalt insulation works well. The slabs will not allow moisture to pass through. In addition, they are quite flexible and will not sag when the rafters dry.

But it is better not to use fiberglass, which is often used to insulate attic roofs: over time it will lose its shape and bend under its own weight. In addition, fiberglass is not resistant to moisture.

If the attic is not intended to be used, then which insulation to choose for installation is not so important: any insulation will do. The main thing is that the room is constantly ventilated and the insulation cake is formed correctly. Then the house will be protected from heat loss.

The choice of insulation for the flat roof of a private house largely depends on the degree of use.

An unused roof can be insulated with any material that is affordable. But if the roof is to be used, then insulation needs to be approached more responsibly.

The best choice in this case is rigid insulation. It is recommended to use any of the following materials: expanded polystyrene or mineral wool. Due to the high flammability of the material, a roof with polystyrene foam insulation must be protected with additional balls. But this material can withstand very high loads.

Mineral wool insulation should not be installed on a wooden roof.

Various types of insulation

Depending on the shape, heat insulators are either rolled or in the form of plates. Each of these types is suitable for solving a specific problem. Decide which one fits better everything is needed at the design stage.

Roll materials are used for pitched and flat roofs. The roll parameters, its length and width are determined by GOST.

The heat insulator is placed between the rafters as tightly as possible. If in your region winter is dominated by very low temperatures, you can lay the sealant in two layers.

If the roll seal is made of mineral material, it is very important to take into account the correct installation, since all defects, even small ones, will sooner or later turn into serious problems.

The fiberglass seal roll must be dry. When moisture gets in, its quality deteriorates, and in the future it will no longer retain heat in the room, which will require repairs with the involvement of specialists.

Tiled heat insulator is made of polymer or mineral materials. The established width of the slabs is 61 cm. The length can be different: from 50 cm to 10 m. The slabs must be laid in compliance with all operating rules.

For pitched roofs, as for flat roofs, there is a rule for insulation: the sheathing pitch should be no more than 60 cm. The main thing in working with tiled insulation is to fasten it efficiently and reliably, and also to protect it well from external factors(rain, dew). It is important to consider the level of humidity in the room at the design stage construction work– this will help prevent premature deformation of the material.

If the installation is done correctly, then the material of the tile insulation itself is not so important: both foam plastic and glass wool are equally suitable.

Tile insulation is more convenient to use when insulating private houses whose area is small. In this case, all work on roof insulation can be carried out independently.

Characteristics of roof insulation

You need to choose which roof insulation is best depending on the characteristics of the roof structure. Nevertheless, there are a number of criteria that can be followed to facilitate the process of choosing a material.

1. Resistant to both low and high temperatures.

2. Ability to keep its shape: this determines how the material will resist external loads.

3. Compliance with fire safety standards: the thermal insulator must have an appropriate document (certificate). In addition, in order not to ignite, the material must help stop the fire.

4. High sound insulation.

5. The service life should not be less than 10 years.

6. Elasticity - the ability of a material to resist deformation, returning to its previous shape.

7. Density. The efficiency of heat conservation depends on this parameter. If the density is insufficient, then the strength protective coating will decrease significantly and damage will quickly appear.

8. Sufficient thickness and weight. These indicators are the most important, since a seal that is too thin and light cannot guarantee the protection of the house from heat loss. Optimal thickness insulation material is calculated based on the heat transfer resistance index multiplied by the thermal conductivity coefficient. The first parameter can be found in regulatory documents, it varies depending on the region. The second parameter is indicated on the packaging of the material.

9. Vapor permeability and moisture absorption. Vapor permeability should be high enough and moisture absorption should be low so that moisture does not accumulate in the layers of insulation. If these indicators are normal, the room will have an optimal level of humidity.

10. Thermal conductivity should be low. The lower this indicator, the better insulating material copes with its task. The energy saving limit is 0.048 W/mK and less.

11. Insulation must comply with environmental standards. Manufacturers of quality products provide certificates confirming that they have been tested for compliance with all safety requirements.

The most important mistake is to select a material for roof insulation based on only one indicator, for example, only thickness or vapor permeability.

Criteria for choosing material for insulation

When choosing how to insulate the roof of a house, you need to pay attention to the type of insulation, mechanical and thermal insulation characteristics.

But it often happens that some materials answer them only partially, and on some points have serious shortcomings. In this case, you should focus on design features roofs and decide whether these shortcomings are critical.

To what has been said, it is worth adding that one of the most important qualities thermal insulator - this is its price. A few years ago, mineral insulation was the cheapest. But the market is quickly replenished with more and more new modern materials, the high quality of which is combined with an acceptable cost.

The most popular types of roof insulation are considered, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the main criteria that must be met perfect material for thermal insulation. When choosing insulation, it is important to consider the following points: resistance to influences (biological, mechanical, physical), low water absorption and thermal conductivity, quality, strength of the roof structure. Since the service life of roof insulation material is quite long (10 years or more), it is important to consider its safety.

It is up to the developer to decide which insulation is best for insulating the roof. But first you need to answer the question of why attic insulation is required. Please contact design features roof coverings with a slope. The coating is a system that includes many layers.

The structure consists of a number of layers:

  • insulating;
  • insulating;
  • ventilation;
  • waterproofing;
  • external

Some developers, trying to save on material, reduce one layer, which is a serious mistake. The fact is that heat always flows upward, and if the roof insulation is poor, the warm flow will flow beyond its boundaries. For this reason, the consumption of electricity or gas for heating will become uneconomical. Roof insulation (which is better and the price of the product) is the topic of this article.

Basic criteria for heat-insulating substances

How to ensure high-quality thermal insulation? Which insulation is best for a roof? Any roof insulation material must perform its function for many years and be safe for health.

The main properties of insulation include:

  • low level thermal conductivity;
  • high water resistance;
  • biological resistance;
  • environmental cleanliness;
  • lack of flammability.

How to identify a poorly insulated attic?

Determination of a poorly insulated attic in winter time is not difficult. If at sub-zero temperature the snow on the roof begins to melt, this means that the thermal insulation was carried out poorly. Hot air contributed to the melting of snow.

It should be noted that inadequate insulation of the attic will have a negative impact not only in winter, but also in summer. The burning sun heats the roof covering to a high temperature, and heat begins to penetrate into the room.

Features of materials for roof insulation

When talking about which insulation is best for a roof, pay attention to the level of thermal conductivity. This main indicator substance used for roofing. The lower its coefficient, the more high quality possesses material. Most of thermal insulation materials used for modern construction, has an indicator below 0.04 W/(m °C).

Each insulating substance has a certain thickness coefficient, the level of which is used by the developer when choosing a material. Climatic features must be taken into account.

  • An important condition is the hardness of the substance. Thanks to this indicator, the material will adhere firmly to the pitched roof and provide a good fit to the rafters. If this rule is not followed, the roof turns frosty and becomes covered with icicles. This occurs due to the formation of “cold bridges”.

But the indicator also has a negative side. The stiffer the material, the lower its level of thermal conductivity. When choosing a roofing material, you should find a middle ground. The durability of the structure depends on the level of quality of the insulating substance, as well as compliance with the basic rules for covering a house with a roof.

  • Water absorption is another very significant indicator. Moisture that accumulates in the substance has a negative effect on the ability to retain heat. For materials with high level absorption of water requires the installation of a waterproofing layer.
  • Vapor permeability. At a high rate, steam will be deposited on the material, which will also reduce the level of thermal insulation. In this case, a steam bed must be installed. At a low value, such a layer will not be needed.
  • An indicator of the volumetric weight of insulation. Cubic meter substances can weigh from 11 to 350 kg. The heavy substance makes the roof structure bulky. This roof is installed on the rafters and has increased rigidity. Lightweight materials are mounted into the frame and form a layer between the rafters and the sheathing.
  • What insulation is best for the roof of a house? Of course, one that does not ignite or goes out on its own when ignited. This characteristic is not a leading one when choosing a material, since a large-scale fire can destroy everything. Not only flammable substances are susceptible to it, but even brickwork and structures made of reinforced concrete or metal.
  • Sound isolation. Wool-based materials have a high sound insulation value. Foam products have a lower coefficient, but in combination these two substances give excellent result. The noise of rain and wind will not reach households.
  • What is the best insulation for an attic roof? When making a choice, you should pay attention to one more important quality, which is not indicated in any technical specifications to the product. This is the degree to which its shape is retained. During the operation of the material, the geometric proportions must remain unchanged. Due to curvature heat-insulating material cracks form at its joints. This is how about half of the total heat volume is lost. Therefore, stability of shape plays a huge role when purchasing.

The best substances for the roof: fiberglass and basalt wool

Insulation is often required for a pitched roof. Which better material in this case choose? The most popular are fiberglass and basalt-based wool in the form of slabs.

The basis of fiberglass is molten glass, and the wool is basalt (molten stone). As a rule, phenol-formaldehyde resin is used to bind the fibers together.

Basalt wool is produced in the form of slabs, mats and rolls. Thanks to the fibrous base, these insulators contain air, which prevents the penetration of heat or cold. The price per meter of glass mat is 220 rubles.

Which roof insulation is best? Reviews indicate that the advantage of basalt wool is its rigidity. With the same stiffness index, the density of the substance is significantly higher than that of fiberglass. The material is also distinguished by a high level of non-flammability, the limit of which reaches 1000 ° C and above. For glass wool, this characteristic is approximately half as good. Its indicator is 650 °C.

Unlike installing fiberglass, installing mineral wool does not require the use of special gloves and a respirator. The only drawback of basalt products is its high cost. The price of basalt wool, depending on the manufacturer, ranges from 375 to 1007 rubles. per package. It includes 8-10 layers. Layers from different companies are marked by size.

Important information

A layer of heat-insulating material based on basalt or fiberglass wool should be up to 200 mm thick. Standard slabs have a thickness of 50-100 mm. Therefore, in order to overlap the seams, it is recommended to overlap them. This will ensure the solidity of the contour in the area where the roof and gables meet, as well as in the area of ​​the mauerlats.

Pros and cons of expanded polystyrene

The heat-protective level of this substance exceeds that of wool-based insulation. Therefore, the layer of material based on polystyrene foam will be thin. The advantages of the substance include zero water absorption and a high level of hardness and strength.

Special inclusions provide the substance with resistance to fire, but when ignited, the material releases toxic substances that pose a threat to health.

Thermal insulators based on polystyrene foam are not as popular as the substances described above. And there are reasons for this. Some advantages of the material, for example its rigidity, can play a negative role under certain conditions.

Expanded polystyrene in the form of a solid carpet of slabs connected by grooves has a high degree of efficiency in insulation. This coating method is optimal when used on simple, gable and flat design. Expanded polystyrene does not absorb moisture and can serve as insulation and waterproofing. This material is not suitable for roofs with complex shapes.

The disadvantage of the product is its attractiveness to mice and rats. The price of the material ranges from 150 to 800 rubles. per square meter.

Advantages of extruded polystyrene foam

Which insulation is better for the roof, polystyrene foam or its extruded analogue? The latter type has high quality characteristics. This is an innovative roof covering with a uniform structure. It consists of sealed cells, the size of which is 0.1-0.2 mm. In order to produce it, polystyrene granules are exposed to high pressure are mixed with a foaming agent (a mixture of freon and carbon dioxide), after which the contents are squeezed out of the extruder. The material has a low level of thermal conductivity.

It is characterized by:

  • resistance to chemicals;
  • lack of moisture absorption;
  • high level of waterproofing strength, which prevents the growth of mold fungi.

When water gets in, only the cells are filled. The water does not penetrate deeper.

Extruded polystyrene foam is environmentally friendly pure substances. Tests have shown that the material retains its technical specifications even after repeated freezing and thawing, which indicates its high degree of resistance to temperature changes. According to many experts, such a design can last at least half a century.

The material easily withstands the effects of alkalis, acids, chlorine, alcohol, alcohol-based dyes, cement, propane, butane, hydrocarbons, ammonia, and saline solutions.

The cost of extruded material depends on its characteristics. On average it ranges from 1106 to 1380 rubles. The package contains from 7 to 18 slabs.

Environmentally friendly materials

What roof insulation is best to use? Of course, on an environmentally friendly basis. Following extruded polystyrene foam, the line of health-safe materials continues with environmental wool, which consists of more than one third of waste paper and wood. In addition to paper, the composition includes straw and cork. Fire retardants are added to wood pulp. Therefore, when installing the roof covering, you should use a respirator. Ecological wool is optimal material for insulating roofs with slopes.

Its advantages include:

  • low level of heat conductivity (from 0.036-0.045 W/mK);
  • dense filling of the space between the rafters (no gaps remain);
  • absorption of condensate by cellulose fiber;
  • acceptable cost.

The price of the material ranges from 38 to 50 rubles. per kilogram.

Cotton insulation

Cotton-based roofing is environmentally friendly. It is made in a factory from recycled denim material. You can lay slabs and mats yourself without using protective equipment. This substance has a high degree of noise insulation, so it is often used in home theater equipment.

The disadvantage of the material is that it high degree flammability. For this reason, fire retardants are added to cotton during production. Cotton slabs are difficult to cut during installation, so installation takes a lot of time.

The price per package ranges from 385 to 1405 rubles. The package includes from 6 to 18 slabs.

Linen covering

It is also an environmentally friendly insulation that does not contain toxic substances. The material does not pose a health hazard and can be used in the construction of roofs in kindergartens, hospitals, clinics and schools.

The service life of the product is approximately 60 years. The product perfectly retains its characteristics and is not susceptible to mold and insects. The insulation is non-flammable and does not emit toxic substances.

The price of the product ranges from 1200 to 1830 rubles. per package.

To decide how to choose roof insulation and which one is best to buy, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of insulation and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Regardless of what the roof covering will be: tiles, slate or other material, high-quality thermal insulation can reduce heating costs and reduce heat loss.

High-quality thermal insulation allows you to reduce heating costs and reduce heat loss.

Types of insulation for roofing

There is a wide selection of materials for roof insulation. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages that must be kept in mind when choosing roof insulation. The most popular at the moment are:

  • polystyrene foam (expanded polystyrene);
  • foam glass;
  • basalt wool;
  • cellulose;
  • foam concrete.

There are other types of insulation, among them you can choose the most suitable for a particular case. It is worth considering in more detail the most popular types of materials.

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Properties of extruded polystyrene and expanded polystyrene

Extruded polystyrene foam is a relatively new material that is designed to insulate the roof, however, it is quite capable of competing with more traditional methods.

The advantages of this material include:

  • light weight of the material;
  • low thermal conductivity;
  • low cost of material;
  • high strength.

Significant disadvantages include low vapor permeability. Excess moisture will not come out, which requires more funds to be allocated to improve the ventilation system. The flammability class is very low.

Expanded polystyrene is not well suited for insulating every type of roof; it is better to use it for insulating flat roofs or roofs with a simple configuration.

Currently, mineral wool is one of the most popular materials for roof insulation.

Mineral wool fully meets all the requirements for materials for thermal insulation:

  • low thermal conductivity;
  • vapor permeability;
  • does not absorb moisture;
  • low flammability;
  • good soundproofing qualities.

Material based on mineral insulation can last quite a long time, up to 50 years, and is resistant to mechanical damage.

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Properties of fiberglass and foam concrete

Fiberglass insulation has almost the same characteristics as mineral wool. These two materials have only two important differences:

  • water absorption of mineral wool is much greater than that of ordinary wool;
  • low resistance to high temperatures.

The positive aspects of using materials include:

  • lightness of the material;
  • low sound absorption.

Foam concrete is a fairly new material, which includes a steam generator, concrete and a mixture of sand and cement. Thermal insulation is applied by spraying between the screed and the base. For installation, you will need special equipment that allows you to thoroughly process all the cracks, cracks and seams, which will help avoid the appearance of “cold bridges”.

Typically, foam concrete is used in the construction of industrial buildings and residential high-rises. The material is lightweight, durable and fireproof. The thermal conductivity of the material is quite high, so the layer of foam concrete should be large enough, at least 50 cm.

The answer to the question of how best to insulate the roof of a house depends on the design of the roof itself. A pitched roof requires a different type of insulation than a flat roof. There are also differences for the attic roof. In addition to the special characteristics of the material, different types of roofing require different methods of installing insulation.

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Choosing insulation for different types of roofing

Soft roofing, intended for long-term use, has a special specificity.

Mineral wool is 100% environmentally friendly and easy to work with.

Soft roofing refers to various roof covering materials: polymer membranes, tiles, roofing felt, mastic materials. This type of roofing is a waterproofing “carpet” laid on a solid base. Having laid a soft roof, you do not have to worry about waterproofing.

Insulation is installed outside or inside, in one or two layers. Most often, two-layer insulation is done in new houses, and one layer is installed during renovation or reconstruction of the building.

There is only one requirement for insulation for a soft roof: it must be durable to eliminate the possibility of deformation. The insulation is attached to the roof using dowels or glued.

Almost any materials can be used for soft roofing:

  • bulk: slate granules, crushed polystyrene foam;
  • hard: polystyrene foam, mineral wool (slabs);
  • soft roll.

To insulate the pitched roof of a private house, you can use one of two options.

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Options for insulating a pitched roof

The first one is for the attic floor. Suitable for cases where the attic of the house is intended to be used as a living space. The main requirement for attic insulation is water resistance. Basalt insulation works well. The slabs will not allow moisture to pass through. In addition, they are quite flexible and will not sag when the rafters dry.

But it is better not to use fiberglass, which is often used to insulate attic roofs: over time it will lose its shape and bend under its own weight. In addition, fiberglass is not resistant to moisture.

If the attic is not intended to be used, then which insulation to choose for installation is not so important: any insulation will do. The main thing is that the room is constantly ventilated and the insulation cake is formed correctly. Then the house will be protected from heat loss.

The choice of insulation for the flat roof of a private house largely depends on the degree of use.

An unused roof can be insulated with any material that is affordable. But if the roof is to be used, then insulation needs to be approached more responsibly.

The best choice in this case is rigid insulation. It is recommended to use any of the following materials: polystyrene foam or mineral wool. Due to the high flammability of the material, a roof with polystyrene foam insulation must be protected with additional balls. But this material can withstand very high loads.

Mineral wool insulation should not be installed on a wooden roof.

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Various types of insulation

Depending on the shape, heat insulators are either rolled or in the form of plates. Each of these types is suitable for solving a specific problem. You need to decide which one is best at the design stage.

Roll materials are used for pitched and flat roofs. The roll parameters, its length and width are determined by GOST.

The heat insulator is placed between the rafters as tightly as possible. If very low temperatures prevail in your region in winter, you can lay the seal in two layers.

If the roll seal is made of mineral material, it is very important to take into account the correct installation, since all defects, even small ones, will sooner or later turn into serious problems.

The fiberglass seal roll must be dry. When moisture gets in, its quality deteriorates, and in the future it will no longer retain heat in the room, which will require repairs with the involvement of specialists.

Tiled heat insulator is made of polymer or mineral materials. The established width of the slabs is 61 cm. The length can be different: from 50 cm to 10 m. The slabs must be laid in compliance with all operating rules.

For pitched roofs, as for flat roofs, there is an insulation rule: the sheathing pitch should be no more than 60 cm. The main thing in working with tile insulation is to fasten it efficiently and reliably, and also to protect it well from external factors (rain, dew). It is important to take into account the level of humidity in the room at the design stage of construction work - this will help prevent premature deformation of the material.

If the installation is done correctly, then the material of the tile insulation itself is not so important: both foam plastic and glass wool are equally suitable.

Tile insulation is more convenient to use when insulating private houses whose area is small. In this case, all work on roof insulation can be carried out independently.